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La Follette Court Assisted Living

By Charlotte Underwood

Nearly three weeks have passed since 46 La Follette Court Assisted Living residents were evacuated due to the sprinkler main freezing and bursting during the initial severe cold snap on Jan. 8th.  No one was injured and all residents were placed within three hours and back at the residence by 11 a.m. on the 10th. For Residential Care Facility Administrator Rhonda Graves, it was proof of a caring and efficient staff and community coming together.

Graves said things could not have gone smoother due to the outpouring of support from both her staff and the community, especially the city.

“When the sprinklers went off about 4:30 p.m., it set our alarm off, which called the fire department.  When they got here, water was flowing out the front door. We explained to the residents what was going on and they all understood,” Graves said.

La Follette Court Assisted Living is conveniently located at 139 N. Massachusetts Ave next to the hospital, ambulance and helipad services.

The fire department commended the facility on how quickly it was evacuated, saying it was a record, according to Graves, who said she wanted to thank her employees for their speedy response as well.  “Out of 30 employees, 26 were on site and assisting within the hour.  They are what make LaFollette Court so great,” Graves said.  The LaFollette Police Department responded and helped with assisting residents onto busses as well.

“Mayor Mike Stanfield came and got on the phone and just bang bang bang, he got it done,” La Follette Court Marketing and Activities Director Robin Baird said.

“Fire Chief Gary Byrd and Mike both stayed here until all of the residents were loaded,” Graves said, adding that she wanted to thank electrician Danny Graves and his staff for coming shortly after the pipes burst to begin repairs and inspection.  Servpro was also on site and had it dried out with large fans within two hours.

“Everyone’s response and cooperation was wonderful,” Graves said.

“I was so proud of our employees in the way they helped evacuate La Follette Court; they really showed they cared,” Stanfield said.

With a large front porch sitting area and plenty of rocking chairs, La Follette Court Assisted Living has a relaxing atmosphere in the foothills of the mountains.

Residents were quickly placed locally for two days while repairs were made and the residential facility was dried and checked thoroughly by an electrician.  Some residents went home with families; others went to Cumberland Village and Tennova Hospital Rehabilitation.  Graves said she wanted to thank everyone who helped with the placement of the residents while La Follette Court was dried and inspected.

The experience taught Baird just how much the residents care about and missed one another.

“Come Friday, they were all happy to be home. They missed each other like family.  When they were on the bus coming up the hill and saw the home, you could just hear how happy they were and checking on one another to make sure they were all right; the whole experience was heart warming,” Baird said.

“The community really came together.  I never imagined I would come into this building and see so many people working together.” Graves said.

She wanted to send out a personal thank you to “Jim Williams and staff with Servpro, Danny Graves Electric, Mike Stanfield, Johnny Byrge, Gary Byrd, the police and fire department and the city of La Follette, as well as the management and staff of Tennova Hospital and Rehab, the management and staff of Cumberland Village, along with Jay Muncy, director of the Campbell County Emergency Management and all the others who stepped up and helped in our time of need.  I appreciate it so much.”

La Folllette Court is located at 139 N. Massachusetts Ave.  A family owned and operated business, the residence was purchased by Graves’ father Ronald Lock in 2000.  Lock has another assisted living residence in Mississippi, where he is from.  When he first purchased the business, it was an independent living home, but according to Graves, he saw the need to establish a privately owned assisted living residence in the area.  At the time of the purchase in 2000, there were only eight people living in the residence, which is able to accommodate 55.  According to Graves, La Follette Court is a more “personal” residence than perhaps others with larger numbers.

Other amenities at LaFollette Court include beautiful landscaping and an on-site beauty salon.

“It’s not just a job to us, it’s a life to us, and so we want to make it a home to our residents.  It’s their home and our staff feels the same way,” Graves said, adding that the job isn’t for everyone.

“Our employees have to be kind, compassionate and caring or they don’t work here; it takes a special kind of people to care for my residents,” Graves said, adding that “at La Follette Court, we treat you like family because we care.”

La Follette Court offers a variety of standard features such as electric and cable, three delicious meals served daily, seven days a week in an elegant dining room, scheduled transportation to the mall, doctors, and other shopping activities in the La Follette area, beautiful landscaped grounds, bath and bedroom cleaning, flat linens are provided, laundry service provided for flat linens and personal items, social and recreational activities, television lounge with fireplace, sitting lounge, beauty salon, chapel and a nurse call system in rooms.  Safety features include: staff on duty 24-hours a day, a 24-hour security door system, located next to Tennova Hospital across from ambulance and helipad services, sprinkler system, smoke and fire detection system, emergency call system in each room, live-in staff and a nurse on staff.

The residence also offers support services, furniture rental if needed and guest units for out-of-town guests.  VA assistance is available for those who qualify.

At La Follette Court, we’re dedicated to providing you with the very best in care-free retirement living…we offer a first-class facility and services that cater to your every need,” Graves said.

For more information, rates, or to set up an appointment for a tour, call 423-562-6730. (01/30/2014 – 6:00 AM)

Stanfield clarifies statement from Monday night’s meeting

     Mayor Mike Stanfield came to the WLAF studio this afternoon (01/29/2014) to clarify a statement he made at Monday night’s La Follette City Workshop.  In Charlotte Underwood’s January 28th story entitled Street damages discussed by city, Stanfield was quoted as saying “That’s not true.  Mr. Arnold is a damn liar,” Stanfield said, adding again that the problem has started when dirt had been hauled out of there last year for the county jail.  Stanfield tells WLAF that he did say that, however, he says that he misspoke and meant to say “Mr. Hatmaker” rather than “Mr. Arnold.”  The mayor goes on to say that he values his friendship with Mr. Arnold and his family and hopes his misspeaking did not damage that friendship.  He goes on to say that, personally or professionally, the Arnolds have always been there for him and the city whether it be loaning a backhoe or hauling dirt to a city ball field, always at not charge.  Stanfield closes by saying that if he misspoke elsewhere, he sincerely apologizes.  (01/29/2014 – 2:20 PM)

Sheriff and police reports

By Charlotte Underwood

La Follette man arrested for vehicular assault after striking a police officer

After striking a mailbox and passing out in a field with his car still running, then waking up and striking the deputy who was attempting to help him, a LaFollette man was arrested on multiple charges, according to a Campbell County Sheriff’s report.

David Allen Elkins, 22, was arrested on Sat. Jan. 25th, after deputies received a report of a possible accident on Gladefield Drive. After arriving, officers noticed a blue Dodge Caliber with its lights on down in field. It also appeared the vehicle had struck a mailbox and several bushes in the area, according to the report. Deputies observed Elkins was passed out in the vehicle, which was running and in the reverse gear. As Deputy David Wormsley leaned in to wake Elkins, he noticed a handgun lying in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Deputy Josh Jeffers went around to secure the handgun, at which point, Elkins woke up on his own. Deputies advised Elkins who they were and that they needed to put the vehicle in park, but Elkins resisted and pushed the gas pedal, causing the vehicle to proceed backwards into the field. He hit Deputy Jeffers, knocking him 15-feet into the field, according to the report. The vehicle also struck Wormsley and narrowly missed Sgt. Mike Owens as he dove out of the way.  The vehicle then came to a stop after striking and getting “hung” on a tree. Elkins continued to fight and struggle with deputies who were attempting to remove him from the car. Elkins had an extreme odor of an alcoholic beverage and slurred speech. Without being questioned by deputies, Elkins stated he was “extremely intoxicated and did not know where he was,” the arrest report said. A fully-loaded .44 Magnum handgun was recovered, for which Elkins did not have a carry permit. Elkins consented to a blood alcohol test and continuously apologized, saying he was just “drunk.”

He was arrested and charged with vehicular assault, resisting arrest, assault, driver to exercise due care, resist frisk and halt search, illegal possession of a handgun and vandalism. Elkins has a Feb. 4 court date.

Maynardville man arrested for weapon possession

A Maynardville man arrested for unlawfully carrying a weapon, after his car was stopped on Jan. 19 because his passenger was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Nicolas Chase Holt, 19, was driving on Titus Hollow Road, when he was stopped by a sheriff’s deputy. Deputies immediately smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle, which the passenger admitted to. Holt told officers he had a concealed weapon under the seat. Officers recovered a loaded .22 caliber pistol and arrested Holt for not having a carry permit.

La Follette man arrested for aggravated burglary

A La Follette man was arrested for theft and aggravated burglary charges on Jan. 23 after an investigation by sheriff’s deputies. David Paul Orick, 27, was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property $1,000 to $9,999 and violation of probation after he allegedly broke into a victim’s home on Mynatt Lane on or around Jan. 1. According to the sheriff’s report, Orick “busted the door to the residence” and stole $1,500 worth of property. Orick has a court date set for Feb. 4.

La Follette Police make multiple drug paraphernalia arrests

The LaFollette Police Department made several unrelated drug paraphernalia arrests over the week, according to police reports. Gary Lynn Miracle, 60, was arrested on Jan. 27th after officers stopped him for not wearing a seatbelt and found he did not have proof of insurance. After Miracle gave officers consent to search his vehicle, they recovered a burned spoon with burn marks on the top and bottom and a bent handle which is commonly used to shoot up drugs, according to the police report. Miracle was arrested and transported to the county jail.

In an unrelated drug paraphernalia arrest, Joey William Bullock, 34, was found in the parking lot of a local LaFollette gift shop on Jan. 24, where he consented to a pat down, according to the arrest report. Officers found a white sock in the front pocket of Bullock’s hoodie which contained four syringes, and one silver spoon with black residue and one white cloth with blood on it, according to the report. Bullock was arrested and transported to jail.

Amber Rose Roske, 22, was arrested for drug paraphernalia on Jan. 21, after officers performed a traffic stop on a vehicle she was a passenger in and found a syringe in the passenger seat. When asked if the syringe belonged to her, she said no, but officers noted syringe tracks on both arms and a fresh one swollen on her hand and she admitted it was from IV drug use. She was arrested and transported to jail.

Crystal L. French, 33, was also a passenger in the vehicle and was arrested for drug paraphernalia and criminal impersonation after she gave officers a false name due to having two bench warrants issued for her arrest. Both women were transported to the county jail. (01/29/2014 – 2:30 PM)

Cash for info on those who trash(ed) the CCHS field house

     This afternoon, Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that he is offering a cash reward for the “field house vandals.”  The Campbell Cougar field house was vandalized on the weekend of January 10, and the sheriff has put up a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for the vandalism.  If you have any information, you are encouraged to call Detective Josh Carroll at 423.562.7446. (01/29/2014 – 1:00 PM)

Zecchini will always be remembered as the "Voice of WJJT"

     His was a voice, and personality, that brought a smile to your face.  Anytime I traveled back home from a 1970s radio gig in Louisville, I generally tuned-in 1540 WJJT once I hit Whitley County, Kentucky.  Hearing the voice of Tim Zecchini, let me know I was almost home.  Well, after a battle with cancer, my ole radio friend left us on Monday.  As soon as I heard the news, I thought of that voice.  The voice of Tim Zecchini was synonymous with WJJT, Jellico’s radio station that first signed on the air in 1972*.  It’s been a few months since I last saw Tim.  It was at Jellico High School, where he last worked.  As I walked to the gym door, a voice yelled “Freeman.”  I knew instantly it was Tim.  The baseball cap and 61-year old face otherwise gave me no clues.  But Tim’s voice was the only clue I needed.  Thinking about Tim just now and his voice still brings a smile to my face.  (01/29/2014 – 12:55 PM - *Thanks to Gene Shears for helping us with the correct date, February 1, 1972.)

LUB accepts bid for steel poles

By Charlotte Underwood 

It was a brief La Follette Utility meeting on Monday evening, with the acceptance of a bid for steel poles being the only action item on the agenda, according to manager Kenny Baird.

 The board accepted the $57,986.37 bid from HD Supply for steel poles that will be used in the White Oak to Clairefield Distribution Line Extension project. In its third phase, the project has been ongoing for the past five years and is a four-phase project.

“It will probably take till spring to get the poles in and this time next year before the final phase of the project is complete,” Baird said, explaining that once complete, the line distribution would “eliminate the need for the Pruden line, which is one of our worst located lines,” Baird said.   (01/29/2014 - 6:30 AM)

WARNING:  This is a scam-Call: (786)272-9496 (Wells Fargo Account Frozen)

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins warns you of an ongoing texting scam.  The sheriff explains that a text will come in to your cell phone with a long distance number in the name of Wells Fargo Bank.  The text reads that your account is having “issues” or that your account is “frozen.”  Goins emphasizes not to call that phone number.  He goes on to say that when people call the number on the text they are asked to give their social security number and debit or credit card number.  As a result, people are seeing their banking/credit accounts being assessed unwarranted fees, even into overdraft.  He sadly adds that folks have fallen victim to this scam.  It is imperative that you do not respond by calling that number.  Sheriff Goins stresses to please do not give your personal information in any form related to the Wells Fargo text scam on your cell phone.  If you have questions or concerns, you should call the sheriff at 423.562.7446.(01/28/2014 – 6:00 AM)

Farmer’s market, grants, street damage and more discussed at workshop

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Farmer’s market may come to fruition in LaFollette

A farmer’s market may come to fruition in Freeman Park. That’s the word after John Branam with Campbell County’s Small Business Incubator spoke to the LaFollette Council during Monday evening’s workshop at the invitation of the mayor.

John Branam, with Campbell County Small Business Incubator, spoke to the LaFollette City Council on Monday evening about the possibility of establishing a farmer’s market in downtown LaFollette at Freeman’s Park.

Branam spoke on the positives of establishing a “true” farmer’s market for Campbell County. According to Branam, there have been efforts in the past to start a farmer’s market, but those efforts “have never taken hold.”

“Celeste Sharp with the Downtown Merchant’s Association contacted me and suggested Freeman Park as a possible location,” Branam said, explaining to the council that he was also open to other suggestions from them.

“Wherever it is located, the success would come from the consistency of its location and operating hours,” Branam said. He suggested it being open during the planting, growing and harvesting season on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon, with possible Wednesday evening hours being added after it grew. He explained the traffic that passed in front of Freeman Park made it a prime location. Park and Recreation Director Johnny Byrge agreed.

Branam said his reasons for speaking with the council was also to begin the process of gathering public support for the farmer’s market, because it would not happen without the “community support of every body.”

Branam was also quick to point out that it would not hurt any local vendors as they would hopefully set up and sell their fruits, veggies, plants and jams and jellies at the established farmer’s market.

“It would truly benefit everyone,” Branam said. The item was placed on the agenda for next week’s meeting.

“It’s a start,” said Mayor Mike Stanfield.

“There’s more to come from it,” Branam said.

Street damages discussed by city

Damages done to several city streets by dump trucks hauling fill dirt from LaFollette to the Bojangles’ building site and what to do about them was discussed in length during the council’s monthly workshop.

Street Department Head Jim Mullins spoke to the council about the problem that was brought to both his and code enforcer Stan Foust’s attention on Tuesday morning of last week.

LaFollette Street Department Head Jim Mullins describes the damage done to several LaFollette roads by dump trucks hauling fill dirt to the Bojangles’ construction site.

“I got a call from a man driving a garbage truck who told me to go look at 11th Street,” Mullins told the council, adding that before he made it down there, he got a call from Foust asking if he would ride down there with him to look at the road.

“When we got there, the street was in bad shape,” Mullins said, describing ruts and trenches caused by trucks hauling fill dirt. Roads damaged included 11th Street, Forest Street and Iron Street.

“We went down to the Bojangles’ construction site to speak with Mr. Arnold. I told him what the road looked like and he asked me what I wanted him to do about it,” Mullins said, adding that Mr. Arnold said he was “hauling legally.”

“I told him, ‘I don’t know about that, but I do know you are tearing the street up. It was in good shape before you started hauling dirt and now it is tore to pieces,’” Mullins said.

Mullins said he and Foust looked at a map of the property where the dirt was being removed from that was supposed to be owned by Tony Lamar, one of Arnold’s workers. According to the digital map, Lamar only owned part of what he told Arnold he owned and part of the fill dirt had been removed from land that may be owned by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.

“We took the map and showed it to Mr. Arnold, who said Lamar had told him he had owned it all,” Mullins said.

“This whole problem started when they began hauling dirt out of there down to the jail last year,” said LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield.

Mullins told the council that Arnold said he would get the area cleaned up and would not remove any more dirt until the issue with whether or not TWRA owned the property was cleared up.

“Now this is hearsay, but I have heard he has continued to get fill dirt out of there several more times,” Mullins said, adding that he had asked Arnold to have gravel taken to the damaged roads and spread out.

“He contacted me and asked if we could spread it. We also took more gravel up there ourselves and leveled the roads out so people could get in and out, but that is just a temporary fix,” Mullins said, asking the council what they wanted to do about the problem.

“It’s the council’s decision to make about how the road should be fixed and who is responsible,” Mullins said. City Attorney Reid Troutman asked if any pictures had been taken before temporary repairs had been made. Foust said yes he had taken photos.

“Who gave them permission to be hauling dirt on the roads anyway,” asked Councilman Hansford Hatmaker.

“Mr. Arnold told me that he ran into Jimmy Jeffries, Cade (Sexton) and Mike (Stanfield) up there riding around one day and one of them told him it was okay; he didn’t say who,” Mullins said.

“That’s not true. Mr. Arnold is a damn liar,” Stanfield said, adding again that the problem has started when dirt had been hauled out of there last year for the county jail.

“Maybe it was William Baird, the county mayor who gave him permission, because it wasn’t me,” Stanfield said. Councilman Joe Bolinger asked that the item be added to the agenda.

City employees may lose Friday’s off

The issue of some city workers having Fridays off and “abusing” it came up for discussion during Monday’s city council workshop.

Councilman Hansford Hatmaker said it was not fair that just because one or two departments had problems with it, that the rest of the employees that have Friday’s off should suffer and no longer have it as an option. Not all employees have Friday’s off, according to Mayor Mike Stanfield, who said he felt it was being “abused.” Police and Fire Departments do not have Friday’s off. Employees, who do have Friday’s off, still work a 40 hour week by working 9 hour days and 8 hours one Friday a month.

Vice Mayor Joe Bolinger said he was against it as well because he felt there were times that there wasn’t enough street department employees and front office employees on Fridays. Councilwoman Stephanie Grimm said she was in support of the employees being able to have flex time and take Friday’s off since it was a benefit the city could provide to its employees at no cost to it.

“That’s something we can give out without straining our budget,” Grimm said.

“If you remember, when we started this Friday’s off thing, we said if there were any problems, we would deal with the department that had the problems; to my understanding, most of the departments aren’t having any problems with it. Don’t make everybody pay the penalty,” Hatmaker said.

The issue will be discussed and possibly voted on at the next council meeting.

City discusses grant applications

The application for several grants was discussed at the Monday evening LaFollette City Council workshop. Treasurer Terry Sweat spoke to council members about applying for both a Home Grant, which would be for the rehab of houses, and a recreation grant that could be used in various ways.

“The Home Grant is a 100-percent grant and we have got it in the past,” Sweat said, adding that he felt the council should definitely apply for the grant since it required no matching portion.

The other grant discusses was a recreation grant, that if received would be a 50/50 matching grant. The city could apply for up to $250,000, but would have to match what ever it applies for.

Councilman Hansford Hatmaker said he was only in support, if the city had the funds to match the grant.

“Well, it depends on how much the city applied for; we would just have to get together, decide what project to use it for and how much we would need,” Sweat said, adding that the matching portion of the grant could also be provided by in-kind service, such as using the street department or the recreation department to do the labor for the project.

“These grants don’t come up very often,” Sweat said, suggesting the city apply for them. The application for both grants was added to next week’s agenda. Also added, was the application for a CDBG grant, that if received would be used for sewer line work.

Items not discussed but added to the agenda for next week included the suspension and termination of a firefighter, as well as the use and misuse of city credit cards.

City credit card usage was not discussed because Councilman Bob Fannon was not present, but it, along with the firefighter personnel issue was both added to the agenda.

The mayor also announced that the city was participating in the county’s homeless count, which is taking place on Jan. 28. WLAF will have coverage and results from that count when numbers come in.  (01/28/2014 – 6:00 AM)

School Board Q & A with Donnie Poston 01/25/2014

Bartley evidence not lost

     You may have read the front page story in Saturday’s (01/25/2014) Knoxville News Sentinel concerning the Kenneth Bartley case.  The story outlines how the once convicted school shooter’s attorney Gregory P. Isaacs filed a motion to dismiss charges against Bartley.  The motion was filed after Isaacs learned that the state might have lost the statements of the two surviving victims; the only eyewitnesses, Principals Gary Seale and Jim Pierce.  A source close to the case tells WLAF that the recorded statements were never lost, but that they are in the case files of a TBI Agent who has since retired.  On November 8, 2005, the then 14-year old Bartley, a freshman at Campbell County High School, was charged with shooting Principals Seale, Pierce, and Ken Bruce.  Bruce died in the principal’s office where Bartley was summoned after it was learned Bartley had brought a gun to school that day.  Bartley pleaded guilty in April 2007 and since has been in prison.  In 2011, Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood tossed out Bartley’s conviction.  Bartley is scheduled to be tried at the Jacksboro Courthouse on Monday, February 24.  An out-of-town jury will be selected.  (01/27/2014 – 6:00 AM)

Poston’s public Q & A positive

     Late morning snow left around an inch of the white stuff on the roads and likely kept attendance down somewhat at Saturday's special school board session.  However, 51 people showed up for the event where the board, public, and Director of Schools Donnie Poston shared thoughts and addressed concerns about the state of Campbell County Schools and its direction.  School Board Chairman Rector Miller served as moderator and started by opening the floor to the public for any comments.  No one said a word.  Miller then told the nine school board members present (due to illness, Homer Rutherford was not able to attend) that they each had ten minutes to ask Poston questions and offer comments.  Poston stepped to the podium and with a grin announced "there's no school today."  That quickly broke the ice, and the questions began with Danny Wilson(1st district school board member) asking Poston about accountability.  Poston said we have an obligation to our children and that holding people accountable is happening even though some uncomfortable decisions have had to be made.  Poston adds that doesn't believe in "flash in the pan" decisions and takes time to research and learn about a situation before making a move.  Third district school board member Johnny Byrge asked Poston what was his biggest challenge.  Poston pointed to the budget as being the hardest element adding that it would be good to have the funding to take the step to the next level.  Johnny Creekmore (5th district) asked about an JROTC program for Jellico High School.  A complicated process is how Poston described it, but said he would like to see JHS have JROTC.  Creekmore stated that he and Poston don't always see eye-to-eye, but that Poston has not brought any shame to our county, and that he has the kids' best interest.  More AP (advance placement) classes were asked about by 2nd district representative Josh Parker.  Poston called on Larry Nidiffer, Secondary Education Supervisor / CTE / Transportation, for input, and Nidiffer explained that Principal Jamie Wheeler is adding AP classes each school year at Campbell County High School.  Mike Orick (4th district) touched on partnering with County Mayor William Baird where education works with the county as it develops a Megasite for industry while Scott Hill (3rd district) offered several comments.  Hill said that he feels Poston needs to be supported, and that he inherited a mess in 2010.  He went on to say that "we ten," meaning the school board, have great responsibility.  He asked Poston what can we as a board do?  Poston noted that encouraging words are as important as anything.  Hill was the most vocal of the board members in expressing his support of Poston.  Sarge Collins (5th district) asked would he go to the county commission and ask for more money?  Poston's answer was yes.  Fourth District School Board Member Eugene Lawson, who calls himself the board's "lightning rod," wanted to know "when will we get caught up?"  Lawson, who took his ten-minutes, and then some, exclaimed "52-years!"  He said I've been doing this (education) for 52-years, and Campbell County has been trying to catch up the whole time.  Lawson described progress as "awful slow" saying that our seniors are our finished product.  Poston allowed that our schools are seeing the most improvement across the board in five-years.  Lawson asked if Poston and Miller will ask for more money for the schools, and Poston said the process is underway.  The final member of the school board to speak, the chairman, Rector Miller, was optimistic and began by saying that he has no problem with Donnie Poston integrity-wise.  He also said that our schools are heading back up.  Miller asked Director Poston to identify our weaknesses.  Poston pointed out that 52% of the children are being raised by their grandparents, and that teachers have become mommy and daddy, grandma and grandpa.  He says that it's not unique here (Campbell County).  After the 90-minute meeting, Poston told WLAF that he has peace through the contract extension process, and that he welcomes concerns, criticisms, and comments.  He asks how can we go up if we don't know what people are thinking?  Chairman Miller explained to WLAF that a lot of good things came out of the meeting.  He says that the board is in unison in that this education system needs more funding, and that that will have to be addressed eventually.  Miller adds that two of the strengths this school system has are its principals and its overall commitment of our teachers.  On February 11, the school board hosts its regular session meeting with the item of extending the director of schools contract for action on the agenda.  That will be at the courthouse at 6:00 p.m.  At the end of Saturday's meeting, one school board member told WLAF News that he feels like the board will extend Poston's contract. (01/27/2014 – 6:00 AM)

 

LUB & TVA meet winter peak demand record

“We had no problems of any significance…thankfully.”  That’s what La Follette Utilities’ General Manager Kenny Baird tells WLAF.  Temperatures hovered around zero all over the LUB service area this morning at daybreak proving to be the coldest day in some 20-years.  Earlier this year, it was only a couple of degrees above zero for a low reading on January 7.

The Tennessee Valley Authority met a record-breaking winter demand for electricity Friday morning with an estimated 33,345 megawatts when the average temperature across the region hovered at 7 degrees. 

This would be TVA’s highest demand for electricity since the summer of 2007 and third - highest in TVA history. The previous winter record was 32,572 megawatts set on Jan. 16, 2009. 

Meeting the record demand required the combined efforts of TVA’s employees and generating facilities, coordination with the Valley’s 155 local power companies and large industrial customers, and the cooperation of businesses and households to conserve. 

Relying on its diversified electric generating sources, TVA received 29 percent of its power from coal - fired plants,

21 percent from nuclear plants, 24 percent from natural gas plants, 12 percent from hydroelectric dams, 2 percent from wind farms and 12 percent from power market purchases.

"For the second time this month, TVA sincerely thanks everyone across the seven state TVA service area for conserving energy and helping us provide a safe, reliable flow of electricity during this latest cold wave," said Tim Ponseti, vice president of TVA Transmission Operations and Power Supply. "The effort made by our employees and customers during this round of bitterly cold weather exemplifies the teamwork and skill required to provide low - cost, reliable power.” 

Ponseti added, “Meeting back-to-back peak loads and ensuring uninterrupted power under extreme conditions takes a network of experienced, well-trained people and a community willing to turn down their thermostat a few degrees.”

Public appeals to conserve energy are now lifted, though consumers can always find benefits from energy-saving information on TVA's EnergyRight Solutions website at http://www.energyright.com and from local power companies.

With more cold weather on the way next week, TVA is continuing its internal Conservative Operations Alert, delaying non-emergency maintenance activities at its generation and transmission facilities to minimize risks to the power supply.

TVA’s all-time peak demand record remains 33,482 megawatts, set on Aug. 16, 2007, when temperatures averaged 102 degrees.  (01/24/2014 – 1:45 PM)

Zumba with Ali is Monday & Thursday at 6:00 p.m., Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.

Listen to the Neutral Zone with Clone below


Lady Cougars 59 at Gibbs 33

Cougars 69 at Gibbs 77  

Poston poll is one-sided…again

     The results of the second annual Donnie Poston poll are similar to the 2013 poll numbers.  When the poll closed this morning at 1:00 a.m., 1,579 of you had cast ballots along with 61 telephone ballots.  Of the 1,640 votes, 94% were cast in favor of Poston as director of schools.  The 2013 poll favored Poston with 96% of the vote.  The Campbell County Board of Education will hold an open Public Forum to meet with school board members and the Director of Schools to discuss the extension of the Director of Schools Contract.  That’s this Saturday, January 25, 2014, at Noon, in the Jacksboro Middle School library.  This opportunity is for public input to share its ideas or concerns in regards to the future of education in the Campbell County Schools.  Then on February 11, the school board hosts its regular session meeting with the item of extending the Director of Schools contract for action on the agenda.  That will be at the courthouse at 6:00 p.m.  (01/24/2014 – 6:00 AM)

Coldest morning in 20+ years challenges all of us

This morning’s low hovers around zero and is taxing heating systems and challenging local utility providers.  La Follette Utilities has answered the bell in the two latest rounds of extremely cold weather.  Officials with LUB tell WLAF that power outages have been few and far between. 

The extreme winter weather conditions being experienced in the Tennessee Valley in January have resulted in record energy usage that will ultimately impact end-use power consumers through higher — perhaps significantly higher — power bills in February and March.  

Earlier this month, an arctic weather system — recognized as a polar vortex by the National Weather Service — passed through the region, causing record-setting cold temperatures that resulted in an average of 4.2 degrees across the Valley on Tuesday, January 7.  On that day, energy usage on TVA’s system set an all-time record over a 24-hour period with 703 million kilowatt-hours used.  We are pleased to report that despite these extreme weather conditions, thousands of local power company and TVA employees working together met this record demand with no major power outages or issues to the electric system.

With colder temperatures expected to continue in the weeks ahead, there are a number of steps power consumers can take to keep energy usage and costs down:

1.       Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you’ll save up to 5 percent on heating costs.

2.       Set the thermostat back to 55 degrees when leaving home for an extended time. Please note that heat pumps should only be set back 2 degrees to prevent unneeded use of backup strip heating, which carries higher costs.

3.       Check air filters. Dirty air filters increase your energy usage and can also damage your heating. Be sure to use filters approved for your specific system.

4.       Caulk around windows and replace old weather stripping around doors to keep the cold air out.

5.       Reduce cold-air drafts around windows — typically seen in older homes — by using heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets or tape clear plastic film inside your windows. Ensure the plastic is sealed tightly to reduce cold-air drafts.

6.       Close your fireplace damper when not in use.

7.       Schedule service for your heating system, and ask what maintenance is required to keep it running optimally. Keep up with maintenance milestones.

8.       Open curtains on your south-facing windows on sunny days to naturally heat your home with sunlight. Close the curtains at night to reduce any chill or drafts.

You can find additional energy-saving suggestions by visiting TVA’s Energy Right Solutions website at http://www.energyright.com   (01/24/2014 – 6:00 AM)

Preliminary approval given for subdivision near College Hill

Story & pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Thursday evening’s planning commission meeting in La Follette was short, with the only agenda item being the preliminary approval of a subdivision in the College Hill area.

Surveyor Tony Crutchfield spoke to the La Follette Planning Commission on Thursday evening regarding the preliminary approval of a subdivision in the College Hill area.

Surveyor Tony Crutchfield spoke to the planning commission briefly regarding the proposed subdivision which would consist of 8 tracks of land, each over 1 acre and some as much as three acres. According to Codes Officer Stan Foust, four of the tracks of land would be within the city limits, while the other four would be within the city’s urban growth area. The commission voted to give its preliminary approval based on Foust’s recommendation as long as the 30-foot right of way designations along College Hill Road and West Hill Street were increased to 50 foot. Crutchfield said he saw that as “no problem” and that he would be back in March with an adjusted plat map that would reflect those changes.

Peter Daleo from New Jersey approached the board of zoning appeals on Thursday evening to seek a license to run a mobile food truck in La Follette along the four-lane.

After the planning commission met, there was a brief board of zone appeals meeting in which the board heard from Peter Daleo, who approached the board about changing the ordinance to allow him to have a mobile lunch truck along the four-lane in LaFollette. Daleo is originally from New Jersey, but has been living in the area for the past eight years. Foust told the board that he could not recommend it since the city had an ordinance against mobile food vehicles and temporary shelters. Daleo said he understood that, but asked the board to reconsider and allow him a year by which time he would have the old McGhee bar renovated and turned into an Italian restaurant. La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield made a motion to allow Daleo the year he needed, but the motion died for lack of a second. Board member Ed Wheeler explained why the ordinance had been passed in the first place due to there being a problem with temporary structures along the four-lane in the past.

“I want to enhance the area, not detract from it,” Daleo told the board, suggesting the city could regulate how many licenses it issued for mobile food trucks and could therefore make some money on the licenses themselves.

Foust explained to the board that they could not issue a license for a year; once the license was issued, it was there and only the state could revoke it.

 Board member Joe Bolinger said that the board of zone appeals could not make a decision to amend the codes and that it would have to be taken before the city council.

“We are business oriented and not here to hinder business. We would love to have you in one of our empty downtown buildings,” Bolinger said, adding that some of them were empty and would be a good location for a future restaurant.

“The ordinances are in place and that’s what we are dealing with now; I think it should be a city decision,” Wheeler said, making a motion to take it before the council.

“Maybe they can do what we can’t,” said board member Winona Miller.(01/24/2014 – 6:00 AM)

Poston: ‘Schools not where I want them, but headed in right direction’

By Charles “Boomer” Winfrey

The future of Campbell County schools will be the subject of a public meeting Saturday at Jacksboro Middle School, as the Board of Education will discuss whether to renew the contract of Director of Schools Donnie Poston.

On Thursday, WLAF/Channel 12 interviewed Poston in his office about his three and a half years on the job and his goals for the future. Following are excerpts from that interview:

Looking back over the past two and a half years as Director of Schools, what do you take the most pride in having accomplished?

“The increased morale of our school employees. When I came here, the instability in leadership had left teachers and other employees with low morale and the entire system was in upheaval.

The employees had no pride in the schools and lacked confidence in their leaders. I feel we have changed that around. Even though new (state) policies have frozen salaries, I haven’t heard any complaints from staff here in the central office. Teachers are working with a new sense of pride in the direction we’re going. We’ve steadied the ship.”

Are we where you want to be on meeting testing standards and improving academics?

“Of course not. I want to see perfection and you’ll never get perfection. But we’re moving in the right direction.

Like most educators I hate to see so much reliance on testing, but there’s no other way to mark progress. We are still short of our goals but we continue to improve in most areas and most schools.

During the past year, we probably placed too much emphasis on improving math scores and it shows as reading and language arts lagged in some schools and grades. We have to find a balance that works.”

What other major challenges do feel you need to address?

“I want to add to our curriculum, to offer a greater range of subject areas, but that takes more personnel and more money.

One state official told me, ‘You’re doing miracles with the minimum.’ That’s it in a nutshell. Campbell County continues to fall in the lower one-third of systems in the state when it comes to local funding.

I would like to expand VocTech, have more college prep offerings, after school programs in every school. We just added a cosmetology program at Jellico. I’d like to see Jr. ROTC reinstated in Jellico and their band program back, but it takes money and it takes participation from the community.

That is one place where I have high hopes that all the problems with online instruction can get worked out. You can’t afford to fund a position for a Latin instructor, but you can offer Latin through a virtual academy, or any number of other subject areas that simply aren’t feasible for a school system like ours any other way.

Whether school systems create their own online academies or rely on private contractors, virtual instruction is the wave of the future.”

Test results are for the most part showing improvement but what about other benchmarks, like the graduation rate?

“When you compare graduation rates with those just a few years back, we’re vastly improved, but we fell short of our goal this year. Our target for 2013 at Campbell County High School was a 83.9% graduation rate. We ended up with 80.6%. Jellico’s rate was better, 90.4%, but still a little short of the goal.

Continued improvement of our alternative school program should help. We are nearly ready to offer alternative school in Jellico, while Sandy Wilson, who supervises the East LaFollette Learning Academy, loves her job and the challenge.

Our goal is to have an alternative school program that is not simply a holding pen for troubled students, but will prepare them to re-enter the general school population and graduate. We want to get those kids on the right path.”

What other personal goals do you have if you continue as Director of Schools during the next year?

“In addition to those things we’ve already discussed, a big challenge is going to involve a smooth transition to the new teachers’ salary structure implemented by the state, what’s it called - ‘strategic compensation.’ That is going to be more results oriented and replace the old step program.

I also want to see Campbell County partner with other systems when it comes to planning and seeking grant funding. We used to be part of the Clinch Powell Educational Cooperative, along with Claiborne, Union, Scott, Grainger and Hancock counties.

For some reason when Doctor Blevins was Director, we pulled out, but I believe it can be a positive thing and want to renew our participation.

I feel that we are on the right track in Campbell County, but we’re just beginning to approach where we want to be. We have dedicated, hard working teachers, principals and supervisors who can get us there if they remain motivated. I want to help provide that motivation.”   (01/24/2014 – 6:00 AM)

Caryville native just keeps on winning

     He was a Caryville Cardinal.  Now days, he’s a Fulton Falcon.  Tonight Jody Wright brings his Fulton High basketball team to John R.W. Brown Gymnasium to take on the (game is cancelled)Campbell Cougars.  And there are a lot of connections.  His coach at CES was Len Pierce.  Pierce was the head basketball coach two different times at Campbell County High School.  Wright’s late father, Gene, was a standout basketball player and later head basketball coach at Jacksboro High School.  The elder Wright was offered the job to replace Coach John R.W. Brown at La Follette High School when Brown went into the insurance business, but he declined. 

Jody Wright has won more basketball games (500+) than any coach in the history of Knox County basketball.  He’s also the only Knox County coach to have won two state basketball titles.  Back in the late 1980s, Wright won just two games his first year as Fulton’s head coach.(01/23/2014-6:00AM)

Launa’s Iron Skillet opens for business

Pictures & story by Charlotte Underwood

There’s a new place to eat in Jacksboro called Launa’s Iron Skillet. Owned by Jerry Hicks, the eatery is located by the old Spur station and held its grand opening on Jan. 16. Specializing in Cajun food, the venue has lots to offer in the way of home-made fare. And as Hicks says, “it’s not your typical food from this area.”

Chef Jerry Hicks hand-cuts his French fries and serves up a variety of sliders and tacos.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hicks is originally from North Carolina. He has been a chef for the past 22 years and has literally “cooked” his way around the country picking up styles and recipes along the way.  From New York to New Orleans, Cape Cod to L.A., Hicks has cooked from coast to coast and lots of places in between.

Hicks bakes fresh bread daily.

Before moving to Campbell County with his wife Lorraine and daughter Launa - which the business is named after - he was the chef at a salmon fishing lodge in northern Alaska. Among the reasons for the family’s move to the area was the school system.

“We moved down here for the schools, the family and the people. In Alaska, most of the schools are a dormitory-type setting where the kids go and stay for six months at a time,” Hicks said, adding that the family still planned to visit Alaska in the summers.

Hicks said of all the cooking styles he has picked up along the past two-plus decades, he enjoys French cooking the most, but he certainly misses the fresh seafood that he had access to in Alaska.

“There’s nothing like catching and cooking a 35 pound salmon, it kind of ruins you,” Hicks said with a laugh.

Launa’s Iron Skillet is owned and operated by Chef Jerry Hicks. The eatery specializes in Cajun-style food.

Speaking of salmon, he serves up an amazing Alaskan Salmon fish taco, but if fish isn’t your thing, he has chicken and beef, as well as fresh BBQ, braised pork, and sliders. He bakes all of his own bread and hand-cuts the French fries.

Launa’s Iron Skillet held its grand opening on Jan. 16th. It is located on Main Street in Jacksboro across from Wal-Mart.

“Stop by and try it; it’s not your typical food fare for this area,” Hicks said, inviting the public to come try some of his cooking.

Launa’s Iron Skillet is located on Main Street in Jacksboro, across from Wal-Mart.  Currently, the business is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 – 5, with some possible Sunday hours.  (01/23/2014-6:00AM)

Vote on director of schools is set for February 11

     The Campbell County Board of Education, February 11, 2014, regular session meeting will place the item of extending the Director of Schools contract for action on the agenda  That will be at the courthouse at 6:00 p.m.(01/20/2014/5:00PM)

County Commission Meeting 01-21-14

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Justice center again a hot topic at brief commission meeting

The Campbell County Commission held a brief regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, postponed from Monday due to the MLK holiday. The commissioners approved notaries, reports and committee minutes, but left any items needing discussion or debate until another night due to the inclement weather.

One motion that did not gain unanimous support was approval of budget amendments, including one that committed the county to pick up half the cost of a $240,000 overrun on the new justice center.

Sue Nance, Beverly Hall and Bob Walden all voted against the motion while Thomas Hatmaker, the only member to vote against it last week in the budget committee session, changed his vote to “yes.”

Hatmaker later said the expenditure was inevitable and if not approved, would delay completion of the justice center, but he added that he had spoken with unidentified state officials who told him the architect should have been responsible for all the costs of the overrun.

He then offered a motion to remove the Finance Director as manager of the capital projects fund and appoint County Mayor William Baird to oversee future spending on construction projects.

Baird pointed out that the motion was not on the agenda and could not be voted upon unless the commission suspended the rules. Rusty Orick then suggested that such a major change in policy needed more discussion by the jail committee before being debated by the full commission and Hatmaker agreed to defer his motion to the committee.

A jail committee meeting was then scheduled for February 10 at 5:30 p.m. before the next workshop.

Before Hatmaker could continue with the “two or three” items that he wanted to discuss, Jellico commissioner Alvin Evans made a motion to adjourn, obviously eager to get back over Pine Mountain before the roads became slippery. The other commissioners quickly approved that motion and headed for the door. (01/22/2014-6:00AM)

Response to the “one man’s opinion” stories

By Lewis Clemens
            According to Mr. Freeman of WLAF,
Campbell County deserves the
best possible. While I don’t disagree with his premise, I must disagree
that Mr. Poston is the best out there—or at least I sincerely hope not. I
recently pondered a run for the school board which led me to research and
find much of the information that I will share. I have decided, due to
personal illness, I will be unable to run, so I share my findings as a
simple note of public interest.
           I am not about to herald the wisdom of the board for wanting to
fire Mr. Poston a year ago. In fact, I believe it was largely for selfish
and politically motivated reasons that they wanted to remove him—although
if they were actually looking closely at the system as they should, they
could find many real reasons. In fact, if the board is as politically
motivated as I believe they are, they would be foolish to not extend Mr.
Poston’s contract. Mr. Poston has been quick to follow the orders of this
board, especially compared to his predecessors. Why would they remove
someone who they can so easily control? Look at his biggest critics, which
happen to be board members from Districts 1, 4, and 5 who are up for
re-election this year. One need only look at those most recently promoted
to the Central Office or as head principals and trace their connections to
these specific board members. Even on “the other side” of the mountain,
look at the moves that seemed to appease the family members of the board
member from there. Poston is the ideal director for this board, as he will
always cater to their needs, especially in an election year.
            Now aside from Poston making politically savvy moves—while
stomach churning, they are necessary for him to keep his job—let’s note the
general mismanagement of a system that has seen significant growth in the
area of management. Since Mr. Poston has taken office, numerous positions
have been added to the central office, seemingly with no purpose. There is
a Special Projects Coordinator (who failed to bring in a virtual school
program that would likely result in ruining the county’s test scores). This
individual supervises a Preschool Coordinator—which is now a full position,
as opposed to an extra $3,000 or so added onto a preschool teacher’s salary
as it used to be. There is now an attendance coordinator that writes and
implements attendance policies (however, the school board is charged with
writing and passing policies, so much of this individual’s duties are
inappropriate). There is an additional receptionist to answer the phones.
Of course, let’s not overlook the most obvious needless addition: a full
time director of safety and athletics. Even the school board could not
justify this position, so it was eliminated after two years. Of course, it
would be a poor political move for the individual holding that position to
no longer have an administrative job, so he was moved to be the Health
Coordinator. Digressing, the former Health Coordinator was removed in the
midst of a lawsuit that implied she was probably going to be fired for
political reasons. Since this move essentially proves her claim, it is
likely that the system will be paying out a nice sum in that suit. The
Health Coordinator’s salary has long been paid by a grant. However, despite
adding so many positions to central office administration, the illustrious
group missed the deadline for filing the grant, so the school system is now
paying for that salary. In addition, a former principal who retired after
the state comptroller found misconduct in his school’s finances has been
hired as an assistant to the Health Coordinator. This is in addition to
many other retired individuals who have been brought on to assist in
various ways.
            With so many unnecessary positions added, it would be unfair if
I did not note that Mr. Poston did eliminate two salaried positions: a
maintenance supervisor (just ask any principal or teacher how quickly
requests for repairs are processed now) and the Career and Technical
Education Supervisor. The latter is the most disturbing cut. The CTE
program was perhaps the most effective program in the school system and was
frequently recognized nationally. Now, the CTE teachers do not feel they
have the support they once had. More importantly, this is not a county that
has tons of jobs that require college degrees. Most employers are looking
for individuals with a specific skill, which is what the CTE program was
accomplishing. This will actually result in an employee pool in this county
that is even less prepared to work than it already way—if that’s even
imaginable.
            Of course, this goes far and beyond employment and personnel
decisions. If you talk to teachers and administrators off the record, they
will tell you about how communication from central office to the schools is
incredibly weak. Meetings and trainings are often scheduled, with those
required to attend the training given less than 24 hours notice. Despite
the large administration team, you will hardly ever see any of them going
to actually visit the schools, as was common with previous directors. This
type of mismanagement is a direct result of a leader who is either in over
his head or is largely apathetic of his day to day responsibilities. If you
were to go to his office to speak with him, he would likely spend an hour
or more telling stories from his many years of experience, but it is
unlikely you will notice him actually applying this experience into
actually doing his job, which he seems to have largely delegated to his
elementary and secondary supervisors.
            The truth of the matter is, Mr. Freeman’s crusade will be a
waste of effort. This board will no doubt renew the contract of a man who
is so quick to hire their relations and friends. He will avoid the
controversy of closing
Elk Valley, which is inevitable due to its dwindling
size, during an election year. He’s good for votes, and he’s good to do the
board’s will.
            In truth, I do not completely disagree with Mr. Freeman. I do
find it suspect that WLAF seems to present so many controversial stories
from snake handling to solar panels in such an unbiased manner—with the
exception of Boomer Winfrey’s often entertaining editorials—yet seems to
shamelessly promote Mr. Poston even within news stories outside of the
editorial realm. Mr. Freeman seems to be exaggerating the circumstances.
Due to rules of procedure, the school board cannot immediately take action
to extend Poston’s contract. Indeed, it’s almost admirable that they are
hosting a forum for public input (something they should have done before
extending Martin’s contract). Sometimes, the devil you know is better than
the devil you don’t. For now, I’m not opposed to extending Mr. Poston’s
contract for a year. In looking at relatives or political allies of the
current board members, I cannot recall one that I think would be a good
director. The reality is, Mr. Freeman, that ten men are in charge of our
school system. We democratically elect a school board to enact policies and
hire a director. I think the most appropriate form of action is to elect
new board members this fall who will either appropriately select a new
director to succeed Mr. Poston on merits, or at least those who have family
members who would actually do well in the job.
(01/22/2014- - 12:25PM)

Sheriff and police reports

By Charlotte Underwood

Law enforcement make two arrests in unrelated purse thefts

A Valley View School teacher had her purse stolen out of her classroom, which led to the arrest of a La Follette woman, according to a sheriff’s report.

Carrie Lynn Green, 25, was arrested by sheriff’s deputy Josh Carroll on Jan. 17 after he investigated the classroom theft. The victim stated that when she returned to her classroom, she noted her purse, valued at $110, was missing. The victim also told Carroll she had received word from her credit card company that someone had used her card to purchase $379.95 at Food Lion. During Carroll’s interview with Green, she told him she did take the purse and use the credit card without the victim’s consent, according to the arrest report. Green was charged with theft under $500 and fraudulent use of a credit card. She was transported to the county jail and has a court date set for Jan. 31 at 9 a.m.

In an unrelated purse theft case, Shala Denise Sanchez, 26, was arrested on Jan. 20 by LaFollette Police Officer Noah Riggs after she stole a purse out of a vehicle parked in front of a downtown LaFollette business, according to an arrest report. Witnesses saw Sanchez steal the purse, dump part of its contents out and hand them to someone else before fleeing in a white car. Sanchez was charged with theft over $500 as the contents of the purse and the purse itself was valued at approximately $600.

Man arrested for public intoxication and indecent exposure

A La Follette man was arrested on Jan. 14 for public intoxication and indecent exposure after he stepped out of a vehicle that had been pulled over for a traffic stop and began urinating on the side of the road, according to a Campbell County Sheriff’s report.

Oscar Bernabe Espana, 33, was a passenger in a vehicle that had been pulled over for nearly striking another vehicle. When Deputy James McCall pulled the vehicle over, Espana got out of the vehicle of his own accord and seemed very unsteady on his feet. He also smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage.

After Espana urinated on the side of the road, he was arrested for his safety and the safety of others and was transported to the county jail, according to the arrest report. The driver, Lazaro Avila Vasquez, 24, of Speedwell, was also arrested for no driver’s license and failure to exercise due care.

La Follette police make drug arrests

The LaFollette Police Department made two drug arrests on Jan. 16, according to arrest reports. Jeffery Layne Kindred, 22, of Pleasant Ridge, was arrested on E. Beech Street after officers saw him getting mail out of a mail box on South Cumberland and then begin walking. When officers came in contact with him, Kindred told them it was his grandmother’s residence. Officers received consent to search him and found one white paper rolled up with a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in the front pocket of his sweatshirt. Kindred was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. The hand-rolled cigarette was sent to the lab for identification.

Police also arrested Mark David Franklin, 34, of LaFollette for possession of a schedule III controlled substance after they found him going through the LaFollette Housing Authority property yards.

According to the report, Franklin was avoiding eye contact with the officers, which aroused their suspicions. When officers asked him if he was visiting anyone in the area he said no. They then asked him for identification. As Franklin pulled his wallet out of his pocket, a piece of aluminum foil containing half of a Suboxone strip also fell out, according to the arrest report. Franklin admitted to officers that it was Suboxone and was arrested.(01/22/2014-6:00AM)

You have the right to vote for a director of schools right here

     Since the state took away your right to vote for a director of schools, and the vote is now left up to the 10 men on the school board, WLAF would like to know, if you did have the right to vote, how would you vote?  Select “yes” to vote for Donnie Poston.  Select “no” to vote against Donnie Poston.  The school board is putting you, our students, teachers, staff, and director of schools in the same position we were in this time almost one-year ago.  Please take a moment, vote, and send the message you want sent to your school board members.  The “WLAF Poston Poll 2” closes at 12:01 a.m. on Friday (01/24/2014).  Thank you!

 

The hesitation got 'em         

"One man's opinion"

By Jim Freeman

     In my days as a sports broadcaster, I became friends with a fellow named Larry Conley.  Larry was an Ashland (Kentucky) High School Tomcat back in the 1960s.  Seems like he was even on the varsity basketball team in 8th grade.  Regardless.  Larry's high school team won like 90-something games, maybe even a hundred.  Anyway, he went on to become one of Rupp's Runts at the University of Kentucky with Pat Riley and that bunch.  In his freshman season, Coach Rupp called out to him after practice one day and asked, "Conley, who's a better coach; your high school coach or me?"  Larry said he had the right answer, but it was the hesitation that got 'em.  I'm the biggest Tennessee fan ever born, but my hat is always off to Kentucky.  Those folks know how to find the best basketball coaches, and in many cases, they know how to keep them as long they can.  If Donnie Poston happened to be the basketball coach at UK, they'd be holding on to 'em.  Here in Campbell County, we have a school board that was totally snookered by one Dr. Michael Martin here a few years ago when it had the chance to hire Donnie Poston.  Well.  After lots and lots of embarrassing local, state, and national news headlines about Martin's shenanigans, he was fired (correction;  Martin resigned).  Many of those on the board who hired Martin are still on the school board.  In retrospect, I don't think the board did much "thinking about it" when it hired Martin.  However, you are telling me that this school board has to "think about" keeping Donnie Poston on as director of schools?  If you want to keep Donnie Poston as your DOS or you want to see him go, then show up at Jacksboro Middle School at Noon on Saturday, January 25 and then again at the courthouse on Tuesday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m.  Who is in charge of this school system?  Ten men on the school board?  Or you?  Opposing view points are welcome at wlaf@1450wlaf.com and will be considered for publication on www.1450wlaf.com. (01/22/2014-6:00AM)

Why can't we have the best? 

"One man's opinion"

By Jim Freeman

     Campbell County has the most beautiful valley, mountains, and lake in the northern hemisphere.  Why just ask anyone who chose to move here.  I wasn't born here, but I got here as fast as I could.  My dad wanted to practice dentistry in a small mountain town.  So, when I was just a pup, we packed up and moved from Washington, D.C. to La Follette, Tennessee.  For me, no place else has been home except here.  When dad died back in 1989, we counted more than a thousand people who came that night during calling hours.  Jim Reynolds was last in line, and Lansden Hill even wore a coat and tie (some things you never forget).  Dad's best friend from dental school was here all weekend.  Before he left, he asked me why on earth did your dad, who graduated tops in his class and had the best hands in school, ever want to come to a place like this?  The answer came quickly.  Pete, folks here deserve the best just as much as they do at your dental practice over in Farragut.  He had no come back.  Folks, I ask you this.  Doesn't Campbell County deserve to have the best director of schools?  Why do our school board members act as if they have to "think about it" when it comes to keeping Donnie Poston in place?  Call your school board member right now and ask him.  If you want to keep Donnie Poston as your DOS or you want to see him go, then show up at Jacksboro Middle School at Noon on Saturday, January 25 and then again at the courthouse on Tuesday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m.  Who is in charge of this school system?  Ten men on the school board?  Or you?  Opposing view points are welcome at wlaf@1450wlaf.com and will be considered for publication on www.1450wlaf.com.(01/21/2014/6:00AM)

Multiple election petitions picked up

By Charlotte Underwood

Two-weeks after petitions became available, a “whole slew” has been picked up and some have even been filed already, according to Election Administrator Ann Ayers-Colvin.

“It has been a busy two-weeks,” Ayers-Colvin said, adding that of the nearly 60 petitions that were picked up, eight have been returned and filed.

The county commissioner’s race has had the most petitions picked up. For the first district, incumbent David Adkins, Anthony Dossett, Whit Goins, Robert L. Higginbotham, Paul E. Harrell, Marvin T. Rutherford and incumbent N. Marie Ayers. For the second district, Scott Kitts is the only one who has picked up a petition as of Jan. 17.  In the third district, incumbent Lawrence (Rusty) Orick, incumbent Wendell Bailey and John Scott Stanfield have each picked up a petition. For the fourth district, incumbent Johnny (Coach) Bruce, incumbent Marilyn Sue Nance, Charles Thomas Byrge, incumbent Charles (Goat) Baird, Alvin England and Ralph Grant. As far as the fifth district goes, incumbent Alvin Evans, incumbent J.L. Davis, Ronald Hutson and Forrester Baird have all picked petitions up.

As of Friday, two people had picked up petitions to run in the county mayor’s race including incumbent Mayor William A. Baird and Marvin Rutherford.

Four men have picked up petitions to run for sheriff, including incumbent Sheriff Robbie Goins, former officer holder Gary Perkins, Randy Baird and A.O. Pete Hatfield.

A total of eight individuals picked up petitions to run for the school board election. First district petitions were picked up by Marvin Rutherford, Corey Poston and incumbent Rector Miller.  Incumbent Josh Parker picked up a petition to run for the second district school board member while Virgil Kidwell is the only person who has so far picked up to run in the third district school board. Both incumbent Eugene Lawson and Clint Bane picked up petitions for the fourth district, while incumbent Johnny Creekmore has picked up for the fifth district school board member.

Three people have picked up petitions for register of deeds. These include incumbent Register of Deeds Dormas Miller and 2nd District County Commissioner Beverly Stanfield Hall.  District 1 School Board Member Danny Wilson has also picked up a petition for register of deeds.  Incumbent Joe Coker is the only person who has picked up a petition for the county attorney’s office. Incumbent Trustee Everett (Monty) Bullock is the only one who has gotten a petition to be trustee and incumbent Circuit Court Clerk Bobby Vann picked up a petition to once again be circuit court clerk. Both incumbent County Clerk Debbie Wilson and Alene Baird have picked up petitions for county clerk.

A total of 12 people have picked up petitions to be constables. Sam Ivey, incumbent James McCulley and Maynard L. Sweat picked up for the first district, while Larry R. Ford, Jimmy Mynatt and Michael W. Hembree picked up petitions for the second district. For third district constable, incumbent Bill A. Rutherford is the only one who has picked up paperwork. In the fourth district, Dewey Madison, James Edward Wilson and Samuel Phillips have all picked up petitions, while Joseph Draughn and incumbent Paul Webb each picked up papers for fifth district constable.

For 36th district state representative, incumbent Republican Dennis Powers and Democrat Virgil Kidwell each picked up petitions.

As far as judge elections go, John McAfee of Claiborne County has filed a petition for circuit court judge. Judge Shayne Sexton picked up a petition for criminal court judge and incumbent district attorney Lori Phillips-Jones of Scott County has also filed her petition for D.A. Mark Eric Blakely has filed a petition to be public defender. Elizabeth Asbury picked up a petition for Chancellor and Andy Tillman of Scott County has mailed in his petition for chancellor.  All but Asbury are currently in office.

For state committee woman in the State Senate 12th District, Liz Holiway, from Roane County has mailed her petition into the election commission office. There will be a man and woman for each party elected to the office. As of Jan. 17, no-one from within the county has picked up a petition to run for this position, according to Ayers-Colvin.

Just because someone has picked up a petition, does not mean they will run for office. Those who have picked up a petition must return it by the qualifying deadline of noon on April 3. The deadline to withdraw is one week later on April 10 by noon, according to election commission officials.

 For more information, contact the election commission office at 423-562-9777.

WLAF will continue to update the list of those who have picked up and/or filed petitions as the qualifying deadline draws closer.  (01/21/2014/4:30PM)


						

						

						

The last of Hambin’s confiscated snakes is gone

     Reports coming in to WLAF are that the last of the snakes confiscated from a La Follette church last November have been euthanized.  Back on November 7th, 53 snakes were taken in a raid by Tennessee Wildlife Resource Officers at the church where Reverend Andrew Hamblin is pastor, the Tabernacle Church of God.  In a January 8th story by WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood, she reported that out of the 53 snakes that were brought to Knoxville Zoo by TWRA, 32 had died due to poor body condition caused by anorexia that was a result of severe parasite infestation and overall stress caused by being housed in quarters that were too small.  That’s according to Michael Ogle, Knoxville Zoo Curator of Herpetology.  Today’s report is that the last of the 14 snakes have been euthanized.  Hamblin was cited for possession of Class 1 Wildlife, but earlier this month, a grand jury declined to indict him on any charges.  Hamblin said he was fighting for his freedom of religion.  (01/20/2014/1:30PM)

Listen to Tennessee Saturday Night with Tony Basilio on player below


 Lady Cougars 63 - Lady Central 32

Cougars 72 - Central 71

Egle Boniglia is Homecoming Queen

Mr. Spirit is Shayne White

Lawsuit “likely” after city terminates administrator

 "Mayor addresses accusations against police chief"

By Charlotte Underwood

According to former LaFollette City Administrator Billie Russell’s attorney Dave Dunaway, future litigation is “likely” after the city council voted to terminate Russell during a Jan. 15 special-called meeting.

On Friday, Jan. 17, Dunaway issued a statement saying the reasons the council had terminated Russell were “pretextual” in nature.

“I have considered the comments that were made by certain council members.  It appears that the reasons given were actually pretextual,” Dunaway said, adding that when Russell brought to the attention of the mayor and city council that “certain illegal and improper activities were going on in the City of LaFollette, she was berated, ostracized, and unexpected conduct was occasioned by the City of LaFollette including the filing of unwarranted grievances against Ms. Russell when it was clear that the City's grievance policy by Charter and by decision of the Tennessee Court of Appeals did not apply to Ms. Russell.”

Though a lawsuit has not been filed yet, Dunaway said there is an ample time window to do so. 

“She has one year from the date of the termination to file a wrongful termination case,” Dunaway said, adding that “in all likelihood, it will be filed.”

During the special-called meeting on Wednesday, Councilman Hansford Hatmaker agreed with Russell’s lawyer, saying the grievances filed against Russell were “illegal” because they should have been made “against the council and the city’s policies, not against Russell.” Hatmaker also made allegations that LaFollette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries had “forced” some of his officers to sign the grievance against Russell or their “pay raises” would be affected. In total, 16 officers signed, according to Hatmaker. When WLAF contacted Jeffries on Friday, he said he “had no comment at this time.”  Due to a departmental policy, LPD officers could not be contacted and asked whether these allegations are true, because officers are not allowed to give official statements to media representatives and all questions have to go through the public information officer, which is Jeffries. Jeffries, however, does not have direct control over pay raises, according to city’s charter and policy.

“He can recommend somebody for promotion and a raise, but in the end, it is up to the council to vote on,” said LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield, adding that he felt the statement Hatmaker made about Jeffries was a “lie.”

“We’ve got good employees down here and Jimmy Jeffries is an excellent police chief. I can’t see him or any other department head forcing anybody to do anything against their will,” Stanfield said on Friday evening.

Dunaway said the City “has been made fully aware of Ms. Russell's inability to return to work in the work environment that was created by these events.  It is unfortunate that the City of LaFollette would terminate Ms. Russell during her time of convalescence, and before she could recover from the handicaps and disabilities she is suffering as a result of these unfortunate events.”

Also according to Dunaway, Russell was awarded a short-term disability claim last week that would convert to long-term if it extended for more than six months. Russell also has a workman’s compensation claim which is scheduled for a hearing with the Tennessee Department of Labor next week, according to Dunaway.

Russell was contacted to tell her side of the story as well, but also had “no comment yet” other than the official one made by her attorney.

Dunaway closed his statement by saying that “before working with the City of LaFollette, Ms. Russell was known as a problem solver and a proponent of positive change working on behalf of what was best for this community.  The City of LaFollette has lost a good employee.”

Mayor Stanfield said he wasn’t overly concerned with the possibility of a lawsuit regarding the termination.

“I don’t think it will go anywhere. This is a right to work state and they work at the will of the council,” Stanfield said, adding that he had yet to receive any legal paperwork from Dunaway. (01/20/2014/6:00AM)

One church 100-years, one man 40-years

     There were just three empty parking spaces and a full house on Sunday morning at Cumberland View Baptist Church (CVBC) as a milestone was celebrated.  Reverend Bobby Ray Wilson was honored Sunday for his 40-years as church pastor. 

The Sunday morning service on January 19, 2014.

It just so happens that 2014 also marks the 100th year of CVBC.  Church member Randy Daughtery quickly sums up Rev. Wilson saying that “Bobby Ray’s always there for you.”  Wilson is the only pastor the 40-year old redhead’s he’s ever known saying Wilson baptized him when he was seven-years old as Daugherty pointed toward where the baptistery used to be in the old church. 

This is the church that was re-built after the original CVBC burned.  It’s now used as a fellowship hall.

Opal Lovely, as she was listening to WLAF on her car radio while waiting for others to arrive, says she’s been attending Cumberland View Baptist Church since the 1960s.  Reverend Cillis Russell was church pastor in the late 60’s until Wilson came in 1974, and that’s when Delane Williams remembers when he first started attending CVBC. 

From the porch of the old church, the view of the Cumberland Mountains is beautiful.

Pastor Bobby Ray Wilson

His once brown hair is now all gray as Pastor Wilson tells WLAF that words cannot express what it means to him and how the Lord has blessed through these 40-years.  He goes on to say that he’s been privileged to pastor a great group of people that he feels love the Lord and desire to do what the Lord would have us to do. 

The new church, just a few years old, sits along Pinecrest Road.

As Wilson closed yesterday morning’s worship service he asked the audience to remember take at least one time a day to pray for their church.  No doubt Wilson will likely see those other three parking spaces filled. (01/20/2014/6:00AM)

Cain is king on homecoming night

     Egle Boniglia was crowned the 2014 Campbell High Homecoming Queen on Friday night at John Brown Gym.  But it was also Tucker Cain’s crowning moment on the court in a game when every point had to count.  Number 10 in the Orange-n-Blue nailed a long three-pointer from the Jacksboro corner of the gym across from the Cougar bench with three-seconds to go.  By the time clock operator Bob Holder hit the stop button, 1.2 seconds remained, and visiting Central was now in need of a miracle worker.  But none was found. 

Homecoming Queen Egle Boniglia is escorted by Roston Letner

Cain’s three-ball stood, and the Cougars nipped the Central Bobcats after 19-lead changes and 10-ties en-route to a 72-71 win.  The night capped a big week for Cain who signed to play college baseball with the Bryan Lions on Wednesday.  The Lady Cougars ran off 20-straight points in the first–half after holding the Lady Bobcats of Central to four first quarter points and coasted to a 63 to 32 victory. 

Shayne White stole hearts and ran away with the Mr. Spirit award

Campbell visits the Gibbs Eagles on Tuesday at Corryton.  WLAF has Josh Parker’s call beginning at 6:00 p.m. (01/18/2014/5:00PM – DAVID GRAHAM PIX) 

2014 Campbell High Homecoming Festivities

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La Follette Special-Called City Council Meeting 01-15-14

 

School Board meeting from 01/14/2014

 

Caryville pill pusher fesses up

     The execution of an early morning search warrant leads to a confession.  On Thursday, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins told WLAF that his Criminal and Drug Investigation Team, along with his S.W.A.T Team executed a search warrant at the home of Walter L. Adkins.  The 53-year old Adkins has been the target of an undercover drug investigation for selling Schedule II prescription narcotics.  At Adkins’ home at 619 Meredith Road in Caryville, he gave a lengthy statement and confirmed to investigators that he did in fact purchase several items using proceeds accrued from the sale of the narcotics.  Goins adds that investigators seized thousands of dollars worth of gold, silver, and various handguns.  Also seized were rifles, $476.00 in cash, and two vehicles. The evidence collected will be presented to a Campbell County Grand Jury for Adkins’ indictment.  (01/17/2014/6:00AM) 

La Follette mailman retires after 36 years

By Charlotte Underwood

Pictures courtesy of Emma McCarty

After 36 years of faithful service through rain, snow, sleet or shine, mailman Siler A. McCarty is retiring, effective January 31.  His actual last day was on Jan. 10.  McCarty has been a carrier on rural route 1 for the past ten years.  The route covered 650 deliveries and spanned 72 miles. He began his Postal career in 1979 as the substitute carrier on rural route 3 when the post office was located on South Tennessee Avenue.

“I have enjoyed the vast majority of my job and patrons” McCarty said, adding that over the years, many his patrons became friends.

During his career, Siler has gone beyond the call of duty to accommodate and assist his customers, fellow workers, union members and has served in many capacities throughout his three-plus decades as a postal employee.  He was selected as Tennessee’s "Rural Letter Carrier of the Year" in 1997 and was awarded the prestigious "Million Mile Award" in 2008 for one million miles of safe driving on his mail route without an accident.  McCarty attributed his safe driving over the years to always paying attention to other vehicles, children and other obstacles on his route.

“Mail carriers have to be defensive drivers”, McCarty said.  He has always enjoyed his job and his customers, many of whom he has seen grown from infants into adults with children of their own.

“That has been one of the more interesting aspects of my job, watching the kids grow up and then start families of their own,” McCarty said. Another favorite part of his job as a rural mail carrier was the vast amount of wildlife he has seen over the years.

“I have seen lots of wildlife and animals over the years, including deer, turkeys, foxes, geese and even an elk one time,” McCarty said.  Like other mailmen, he has seen his fair share of dogs and even been bit by a few as well.

“I’ve been bit three or four times, not as much as some of the city carriers though,” McCarty said, adding that it was “the small dogs” that he really had to watch out for.

“The little ones have sharper teeth and they like your ankles,” McCarty with a laugh. Once, he had his thumb bit so severely by a small dog that he ended up losing one of the arteries in it.

“It’s just part of the job,” McCarty said. That’s his opinion on the rain, sleet, snow or shine policy as well.

“It’s just something you do; it’s part of the job,” McCarty said, adding that he only remembered a couple of times during his career when he was unable to deliver the mail.

“One was during the blizzard of 1993 and another was during a tremendous ice storm several years ago when the mail truck couldn’t even make it on the interstate from Knoxville,” McCarty said.

During his career with the postal service, he also served the state union, Tennessee Rural Letter Carriers' Association as a state officer from 1994-98, as the state Secretary-Treasurer.  He has been active locally, regionally, state-wide and on the national level, serving as a delegate for over two decades, and on many committees at past NRLCA National Rural Letter Carrier Conventions. 

An interesting fact about McCarty is that he also served previously as a law enforcement officer with both the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and La Follette Police Department for 13 years before becoming a Postal employee.  He also proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict from 1966-1968 as a member of a Psychological Operations unit (PSYOPS) and was awarded the soldier's medal for pulling a fellow serviceman from a burning vehicle and saving his life.

McCarty said that while he didn’t have any “immediate retirement plans” he would soon get around to doing some fishing, gardening, hunting, hiking and traveling.  When asked how his wife Emma felt about him finally retiring, McCarty said he thought she “was more anxious” about it than him.

“I haven’t started cooking and cleaning the house yet, but I’ve been given my list and started gathering some cleaning materials,” McCarty said, adding that he was “just going to take it easy and see what falls into place.”   (01/17/2014/6:00AM) 

   Council terminates Russell as city administrator

By Charlotte Underwood

The La Follette City Council voted to terminate city administrator Billie Russell during a 10-minute special-called meeting on Wednesday evening.  Russell, who was the first female city administrator for La Follette, has been on sick leave since October of last year after multiple grievances were filed against her, mostly by the Lafollette Police Department.

The LaFollette City Council held a special-called meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss what to do about city administrator Billie Russell still being out on sick leave.

As the meeting got underway, Councilwoman Stephanie Grimm made the motion to “relieve” Russell “of her duties”, and quickly got a second from Joe Bolinger.  Councilman Hansford Hatmaker interrupted the vote when he asked about the lack of discussion on the issue.

“Isn’t there supposed to be discussion on this,” Hansford said, before asking the mayor for the floor to speak.

“Go ahead Mr. Hatmaker,” Mayor Mike Stanfield said.

“This is too easy to destroy somebody’s life by making a motion.  Do we want to back up and look at this thing and why you are doing what you are doing?”  Hansford said, adding that it was a “public meeting” and that the council needed to “have the public involved.”

“You need to let the public know why you people are doing what you are doing,” Hansford said.  He pointed out that the grievances were in fact not against Russell, but the city’s charters and policies, making the grievances filed against her as he termed it “illegal.”

“The council is in charge of policies and procedures.  It says right in the police department’s policies that the chief of police shall report to the city administrator and the council,” Hatmaker said, adding that if Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries had an issue with reporting to the city administrator, he should have filed a grievance against the council, not Russell. Hatmaker made accusations Jeffries had “forced” some of his officers into signing grievances as well.

La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield had no official statement on former city administrator Billie Russell’s termination, but did say finding a replacement for her could possibly come up as soon as the next workshop or meeting.

“He told them if they did not sign, then it would have an affect on their pay raises,” Hatmaker told WLAF after the meeting was over, though he could not say which officers were allegedly forced to sign.  In all, 16 officers signed the grievance against Russell, according to Hatmaker, who said the grievance filed against Russell by Joy Ellison should have been filed against the city’s policies as well.

“So we’ve got grievances filed against the city administrator that are illegal and the tax payers are the ones who are going to pay, down the road you will pay,” Hatmaker said looking out at the audience.

Stanfield asked Hatmaker if he had voted for Russell as city administrator to begin with.

“No; my son was involved for the position, so I voted for him,” Hatmaker replied.

 The issue was put to a vote and Russell was terminated. Grimm, Bolinger and Stanfield voted yes.  Hatmaker voted “absolutely no and let the record show no,” while Councilman Bob Fannon was absent.

Hatmaker said in his opinion, the city would end up in court over the termination.

“I called John Roach in Knoxville at TML and he said to not terminate her with her on sick leave,” Hatmaker said after the meeting’s close.

Stanfield said there was no official plan on replacing Russell yet, but the topic would possibly come up at the next workshop.  (01/16/2014/6:00AM)

New State Farm agent in Brown’s old office

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Tabatha Smith is the new State Farm Insurance Agent in town.  She recently moved into John R. W. Brown’s old office in the Fleet Building on North Fifth Street to continue the same tradition of customer service that Brown was always known for.  For the past two years, since Brown’s death, the Fifth Street office has merely been maintaining existing accounts, but that is all about to change as of Feb. 1, when Smith will officially begin taking on new customers and accounts.

Tabatha Smith is the new State Farm agent in town. She is taking over the office that was formerly John R. W. Brown’s. Smith brings over seven years of State Farm experience to the table.

“I am very excited to carry on the tradition of personal customer service that John was obviously so well known and loved for,” Smith said as she watched John’s sign taken down and her new one set in place last week.  As of the beginning of next month, the office will once again be able to sell insurance policies, assist customers with auto, life, health and bank products.

“State Farm’s passion is life insurance and making sure people are taken care of and that their families are taken care of if anything happens,” Smith said, explaining that her business was not merely about State Farm Insurance products, but rather “people.”

Smith, who comes from the historic Tennessee town of Jonesborough, has purchased some property in Jacksboro with her husband Tyler.  They plan on building a house as soon as possible and becoming permanent residents of the county.  She said moving to a “home town” area like Campbell County and opening an office has always been a dream of hers.

“It has always been my dream to have an office in a good area with good people; it’s what I have literally been working towards my entire career,” Smith said.  She previously worked at a State Farm office in Knoxville for the past seven and a half years.  She said she knew she wanted to go into insurance after landing her first insurance job while attending college at the University of Tennessee.

“I was working at a restaurant and one of the customers asked if I wanted to work in his State Farm office.  I fell in love with the work and knew it was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” Smith said.

The ladies down at State Farm have nearly 80 years of combined insurance expertise. New State Farm agent Tabatha Smith invites the public to stop in and say hello.

The familiar faces of Carolyn Wilson, Anya Wright and Angie Smolinsky are still at the office. Long-time employee Frankie Bacon said she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon either. Combined with Smith’s expertise, the group brings over 80 years of insurance experience to the table.  Bacon alone has worked at Brown’s State Farm office for nearly 50 years, 47 of which were with John.

“When something works, don’t fix it,” Bacon said with a laugh.  She said she is so happy and excited to have another agent in the office to begin accepting new customers.

“I’m tickled to death we have a new agent.  I look forward to a long, happy and successful relationship with her, maybe not as long as I had with John,” Bacon said with a smile.

“I love it here; this place is everything I have ever wanted.  The county is beautiful, the people are so friendly and you just can’t beat that,” Smith said.

New State Farm agent Tabatha Smith, right, stands beside long-time State Farm employee Frankie Bacon, who will celebrate 50 years with the company in May.

To welcome new and old clients, there will be an open house planned at the office on Feb. 1. Smith invites the public to come by, say hi and enjoy some snacks and light refreshments throughout the day.

“Feel free to stop by any time. Come by and see Frankie, Carolyn, Anya, Angie and myself.

The office is located at 102 North Fifth Street in the Fleet Building in LaFollette.  For more information, call 423-562-3126. (01/16/2014/6:00AM)

Cougar Cain is Bryan-bound

Cougar Basketball & Baseball player Tucker Cain (orange tie) signed to play college baseball today.  Tuck signed to play for the Bryan College Lions of Dayton, Tennessee.

Back row:  L-R Sarah Cain, John Cain, parents – Mark & Melissa Cain, Anna Cain, CCHS Assistant Baseball Coach Brian Miracle.

Front row:  L-R Bryan College Associate Head Coach Clint McAuley, Tucker Cain, Bryan College Assistant Coach Jordan Day, and CCHS Head Baseball Coach Ryan Browning

(PIX COURTESY LAFOLLETTE PRESS 01/15/2014) 

1st Baptist Church of La Follette 01-12-14

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Here are pictures of what the vandals did at the Cougar Field House

(01/15/2014/10:30AM)

Poston changes retirement plans, asks school board for contract extension

The current school year may not be Donnie Poston’s last as Director of Schools after all, as Poston announced Tuesday night that he has reconsidered his decision to retire in May.

“After much encouragement from supporters, both teachers and parents, I have decided that if the board desires, I am willing to stay longer,” Poston said at the meeting. “We’re making progress in education in Campbell County and whether as an employee or a private citizen, I will continue to be involved in continuing that progress.”

Board chairman Rector Miller announced that no vote would be held that night, either on extending Poston’s contract or seeking a replacement.

“We’ll have a discussion tonight if the board wishes, and meet again with Mr. Poston before a decision on his contract is made in February. If the board votes not to extend the contract, we will develop a process for a search committee at that time,” Miller explained.

J. L. “Sarge” Collins, representing Jellico, suggested that since this is an election year, he would prefer extending Poston’s contract for only two months until after the election. “We should let the new board make that decision,” Collins suggested.

Other board members who spoke were all strongly in favor of renewing Poston’s contract for the requested year. Mike Orick, Scott Hill, Josh Parker and Homer Rutherford all declared their 100 percent support for Poston continuing as Director.

Miller stated that as chairman he would let the board make the decision, but added that a partial extension until after elections would take the school department into another school year without a clear-cut leader and he was opposed to that approach.

Other board members, including Eugene Lawson who favored replacing Poston last year, remained silent on their preferences. It was then agreed that the board will hold a meeting with Poston, open to the public, at Jacksboro Middle School at Noon on January 25.

“We will welcome public input on this matter, but the proceedings will be orderly,” Miller declared, an obvious reference to the strong but at times demonstrative support that Poston received from teachers and the public during the debate last year.

Collins then asked if the board could meet privately with Poston before a public meeting is held, but was rebuffed by board attorney Dail Cantrell.

“That would be a violation of the state open meetings law,” Cantrell pointed out.”

“Can’t we go into an executive session?” Collins asked.

“The law only allows executive sessions to discuss current or pending litigation requiring attorney-client privilege,” Cantrell explained. “This meeting will have to be public.”

While Poston’s decision was good news for at least some board members, financial news from Jeff Marlow was more sobering.

In response to questions from Lawson, Marlow explained that the downturn in enrollment among all county schools has left a $700,000 shortfall in state BEP funds. It appears that enrollment has increased since the beginning of the school year that will enable the county to make up some if not most of that shortfall, but problems remain.

“We were counting on recovering over $120,000 in coal severance tax money that the state inadvertently sent to Anderson County,” Marlow explained. “When we failed to receive the expected payments in the first two quarters, we discovered that Karen Blackburn, the state official who was supervising severance tax payments and devised the repayment plan, has retired. Her replacement had no knowledge of the money owed to Campbell County and has failed to withhold the necessary funds.”

Marlow also explained that tax revenue growth remains flat this year and any shortfall will have to be made up from the school fund balance.

“This is paying recurring costs from a non-recurring source. If that continues, you will exhaust your fund balance,” Marlow cautioned.

Gabe Keen, the coach for the Campbell County High fishing team and the CCHS golf team, urged the board to find ways to lend financial support to those sports. Instead he found himself challenged by Eugene Lawson.

“How much experience have you had with golf? Lawson asked.

When Keen replied that this is his first year as golf coach, Lawson added, “Maybe I should play you and see how good you are.”

Lawson voiced skepticism for financing a fishing team when there is still much work to be done academically. We’ve got ACT scores so far below standards that only six Campbell County students qualified to attend the University of Tennessee,” Lawson insisted. “We need to be focused on that.”      (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

Cold weather causes thousands of broken water pipes and leaks

By Charlotte Underwood

Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water leaked in the county last week during the coldest snap the area has experienced in over 20 years, according to LaFollette Utilities Manager Kenny Baird.

Frozen meters and burst water pipes plagued various areas across the entire county, but in LUB’s water district, the hardest hit areas were up the valley and in the Pinecrest area.

“We are still actually making progress today getting back to normal as far as the filling of tanks and replacement of meters,” Baird said, adding that it had been the worst case of burst pipes and frozen meters in his 20-plus years at the utility company. He attributed to large number of burst pipes to the combination of the arctic temperatures and high winds.

“The wind circulating around the pipes really hurt and caused things to freeze that otherwise may not have,” Baird said. Like the majority of the rest of the county, he also suffered a burst water pipe at his house in Jacksboro. The high school and Sun Bridge Nursing Home suffered water problems during the freeze.

Most of the frozen water lines were on the customer side, according to Baird who said utility workers stayed busy dealing with frozen meters and keeping tanks full due to leaks. On the upside, while making all the rounds to check on tanks and meters, some routine maintenance needs were taken care of such as the replacement of valves on some systems.

“Those guys worked all hours in freezing conditions, often getting soaking wet so we really appreciate them and all they do,” Baird said.

As far as main lines freezing, there were very little problems, according to Baird, who said the utility had been addressing and eliminating problem areas over the past couple of years and it had “really paid off during the recent peak weather” the area experienced. Possible future projects that will help in such situations is a water boost system up the valley, which would help with water supply issues.

As far as the electrical side of the utility, there were no wide-spread power outages, according to Baird, who said there were maybe 40 or 50 houses that were without power for about an hour until workers got it temporarily restored and then fixed.

“The money we have invested in electrical projects has definitely paid off on the electrical side as well,” Baird said.

He offered up some tips to prevent pipes and meters from freezing and bursting in the future.

“Make sure the lid is on the water meter, make sure any pipes that are exposed to an exterior wall are insulated and keep the water dripping on the really cold nights,” Baird said. For many, however, the damage is already done. To help with these unforeseen circumstances, utility customers are allowed one water adjustment a year, according to Baird. To see if you are eligible for an adjustment on your utility water bill due to a severe leak, contact LaFollette Utilities at 563-3316. The leak must first be fixed and the utility company must verify the leak has been fixed before an adjustment can be made.  (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

Sheriff and police reports

By Charlotte Underwood

Deputies follow footprints back to burglar

A Jacksboro man was arrested on theft charges after deputies followed his footprints from the home he burglarized back to his partner in crime’s home a short distance away, according to a sheriff’s report.

Steven Taylor Shoupes, 18, was arrested on Jan. 8 after a witness called the police after seeing him exit the window of the victim’s residence and go into the woods carrying what appeared to be a “VCR.”

After Sgt. Freddie White arrived at the victim’s house, he saw a piece of sheet metal covering a window, with a cinder block underneath it. White and Deputy Travis Bostic followed foot prints from the cinder block into the woods, onto a road bed and then back up through the woods before exiting in front of a residence on Suddeney Road. Deputies then spoke to another witness who had seen Shoupes and someone else exit the wooded area and carry what appeared to be a VCR into the home. According to the arrest report, Shoupes made a statement to deputies, admitting to stealing a DVD player, a Zippo lighter, lighter fluid and a large knife. He was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property under $500 and contributing to a minor and transported to the county jail. (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

Pioneer man arrested on drug charges

A Pioneer man was arrested on several drug charges near Highway 297 on Monday, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

Chase Alexander McDaniel, 18, was arrested and charged with possession of schedule III, schedule IV and schedule VI controlled substances after a sheriff’s deputy found him hiding over an embankment near his parked truck on Terry Creek Road. According to the sheriff’s report, Deputy Gary Jeffers was on patrol looking for a vehicle involved in a hit and run, when he noticed a truck with its headlights on. After he turned his vehicle around, the truck turned its headlights off, arousing his suspicion. When Jeffers reached the truck, he found it empty, but noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and saw in plain sight a bag containing a leafy green substance and a glass pipe that appeared to have marijuana in it. A short while later, deputies found McDaniel hiding over the embankment. Deputies also located a pill bottle containing 28 and a half pills believed to be Hydrocodone. A blue dental container with two pills believed to be schedule IV and a grinder was also found. McDaniel was advised of his rights and transported to the county jail. He also garnered resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia charges. (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

LaFollette woman arrested on drug charges

Riding with a wanted person and carrying her drugs and identification in the same case led to the arrest of a LaFollette woman on Jan. 9, according to the sheriff’s arrest reports.

Brooklyn Taylor Norman, 18, was arrested after sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle she was a passenger in and found the driver to have an active arrest warrant. The driver gave deputies permission to search the vehicle for drugs and weapons. Sgt. Darrell Mongar located two spoons with residue on them, a burnt piece of straw, a piece of foil containing a white powdery substance and four hypodermic needles in a case that also contained Norman’s identification, according to the report. She was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver was arrested on unrelated charges. Both were transported to jail. (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

Two arrested in copper theft from Jones Trailer Park

Two LaFollette men were arrested on Jan. 9 for stealing about $3,000 worth of copper from a mobile home in Jones Trailer Park, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Beryl Teague, 24, and Raymond Mathew Teague, 29, were arrested after sheriff’s deputies conducted an investigation into the aggravated burglary, theft and vandalism to one of the residences within the trailer park which occurred around Nov. 27, 2013, according to the arrest report. When the victim had returned home to his residence, he noticed someone had stripped $3,000 worth of copper from the home, doing about $7,500 in damages to the home in order to get the copper. During the investigation, Detective Sgt. Freddie White and Detective Joshua Carroll learned that Beryl Teague, along with Raymond Teague went into the victim’s residence and stripped the copper without the owner’s consent. Both men were transported to jail and charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property $1,000 to $10,000 and vandalism over $1,000. Beryl Teague garnered an additional violation of parole charge.  (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

Domestic dispute leads to drug arrest

A domestic dispute led to the drug arrest of a Lafollette man on Jan. 7 after officers arrived at the home and found drugs laying in plain view, according to the arrest report.

Willis York, 55, was arrested after officers arrived at his apartment on the report of a domestic call. After talking to York at the door, officers went inside the residence to get out of the weather and noticed in plain sight a small plastic bag containing a large amount of round white pills on the coffee table. According to the police report, as York passed the coffee table, he attempted to hide the pills in his pocket. When asked about them, he allegedly told officers they were his Somas, but could not provide a correct container or state where he had been prescribed the medication. York was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule IV controlled substance. (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

LaFollette man arrested after stealing his boss’s truck

A LaFollette man was arrested after stealing his employer’s box truck with a load of tires and hitting another vehicle parked at Crown Point Apartments on Jan. 9, according to the LaFollette Police Department.

Johnathan B. Sexton, 24, was arrested by Lafollette Police Officer Robert Foxx after he stole a box truck from his employer, J.R. Kitts and hit a parked vehicle, the arrest report said. Foxx responded to the hit and run call and was told by witnesses that a large yellow box truck with J.R. Kitts written on the side of the door, had struck the rear of their vehicle, causing about $400 in damages. When the witnesses attempted to get the attention of the driver of the truck, he “nearly ran them over” the arrest report said. When the officer contacted Kitts, he said he was on his way to the police station to report the theft and had only just learned of it from another employee. Kitts said the value of the missing vehicle was around $20,000 and the load of tires it was carrying was worth around $3,940. Kitts said Sexton worked for him, but did not have permission to have the vehicle. An anonymous tip led officers to Sexton, who was located at a residence on Towe String Road. According to the report, he told officers he had been home all evening and that he had permission to have the vehicle. He was arrested and transported to the county jail after being charged with theft over $1,000, theft over $10,000 and aggravated assault for nearly running over the gentleman whose car he had hit. (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

Kentucky man arrested on drug and weapon charges

A Kentucky man was arrested on drug and weapon charges after he was pulled over for having a headlight out while traveling through LaFollette, according to the police report. Johnny P. Fields, of Arjay, Ky., was stopped by Officer Cody Douglas on Jan. 10th, when Douglas noticed Field’s vehicle had a headlight out and the registration had expired. In his report, Douglas noted that Fields acted “very nervous and shifty and was unable to provide any registration” for the car. Fields gave Douglas permission to search the vehicle and continued to look down at his trunk. When asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, Fields said no. When the car was searched, Douglas found a loaded model 35- 40 caliber Glock handgun in a black duffel bag in the trunk, along with a small blue metal pipe with a white powdery substance and a cellophane wrapper containing a white powdery substance. A green pill bottle containing 11 oval pills believed to be schedule III was also found in the vehicle, according to the arrest report. Fields did not possess a handgun permit. He told officers his boss had given him the gun for protection. He was arrested and transported to the county jail.

The passenger in his vehicle, Patricia Pridemore, also of Kentucky, was arrested as well after officers found a prescription bottle with no information on it in her clothing bag. The bottle contained Gabapentin. Pridemore was charged with possession of a medication without a prescription. (01/15/2014/6:00AM)

Just Sports 12/26/13

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Vandals paint-up Cougar football jerseys

     Everybody loves a doormat.  A winner is a different story.  During the doormat days of Campbell County High School Cougar Football, there were always pats on the backs, warm handshakes, kind words exchanged after a good drubbing.  When you win, it’s all different.  Cougar Football players, fans, and coaches are quickly learning that.  Police think that either Friday night or Saturday night someone broke into the Cougar football field house through the basement.  Luckily, all the helmets and shoulder pads are away being reconditioned.  Not so lucky though when it comes to the sharp looking CCHS custom made jerseys; that are pretty expensive.  Coach Justin Price tells WLAF that they’re hoping to save as many jerseys as they can after discovering the spray paint and field paint stored in the facility was thrown all over the building and the jerseys.  He says it takes up to a half-year to have custom jerseys created.  Given that.  The clock is already ticking.  The jersey company is working with Price through this unfortunate situation.  Investigators are already hearing rumblings of those responsible having bragged about what they did at the Cougar field house. (01/14/2014/4:45PM)

Poston has change of heart; Miller absolutely enthused

     Since October, it appeared that Campbell County Director of Schools Donnie Poston was on course to retire when his contract expires on June 30, 2014.  However, on Monday morning, Poston shared with his staff and Campbell County School Board Chairman Rector Miller his willingness to serve longer.  For how long remains unknown.  Poston could stay for a year or possibly longer.  After the goings on of a year ago when Poston wanted one more year, and the board was ready to vote him out, then had a dramatic change of heart and kept him for another year, a popular comment circulating was to give Poston an open ended contract, and let him stay as long as he wants.  In an interview with WLAF, Chairman Miller says that this is the first indication since October that Poston, a life-long friend, was going to do anything other than retire.  He adds that he wanted Poston to stay back in October saying he is absolutely enthused and happy about Poston’s decision to continue as DOS for Campbell County Schools.  Miller hammers home the integrity of Poston explaining that it’s easier for a community to invest in its schools when it has a leader with the level of integrity Poston has.  Former C.C. School Board Chairman Mike Orick describes his reaction to the news as “ecstatic.”  Orick notes that with Poston remaining the director there won’t be a lot of changes especially during an election year considering the positive momentum both Orick and Miller credit Poston with generating.  Miller pointed to the improved test scores from last school year as another reason for Poston to continue leading the school system.  Chairman Miller says that Director Poston will express his change of heart comments to the school board at tonight’s regular monthly meeting which begins at 6:00 p.m. at the courthouse.  WLAF has the story for you first thing in the morning right here.(01/14/2014/6:00AM)

Justice Center costs up again, as cell space deemed inadequate  

The Campbell County Commission voted 13-1 during a budget committee session Monday evening to approve an additional $240,000 expenditure for the uncompleted justice center, bringing the total cost of the jail, courtroom and law enforcement/judicial office complex to $12.1 million.

The latest addition to the complex will only cost taxpayers half of the amount, with the justice center architects picking up the other half, Finance Director Jeff Marlow told commissioners.

Marlow explained that state regulations were changed in 2009 to require that maximum security inmates held for over ten hours must be allotted a minimum of 35 square feet of cell space, as opposed to earlier requirements of only 25 square feet.

“Following this newer space requirement, the cells that were designed to hold two inmates can only hold one. That will leave us facing overcrowding issues again unless changes are made,” Marlow said.

Thomas Hatmaker objected to any county funds being used to correct the problem, asking, “Shouldn’t that be the responsibility of the architects?  They designed it.”

Marlow replied that after negotiations, the architectural firm has agreed to bear half of the costs, $120,000, while the county will cover the other half.

“We can’t really pinpoint whether the fault rests with the county or the architects.  Half is all we can get out of them without going to litigation and a judge is unlikely to hold them accountable for over half the costs,” Marlow explained.

He added that the county can use $90,000 that remains unspent from funds already budgeted for a railroad spur at Oswego Industrial Park, while the balance can be covered from contingency funds already in the justice center budget.

The Oswego spur is on indefinite hold, as the company wanting the spur built to service an oil recycling center has changed its plans for the immediate future.

Hatmaker failed to persuade other commissioners to vote separately on the budget amendment for the jail, and cast the only “no” vote on the package of four amendments.

Later, during the commission workshop, James Slusher criticized the commission’s decision, asking if any commissioners had ever seen a detailed construction plan for the justice complex.

Several commissioners said they had seen the blueprints, but no written set of agreements. Mayor William Baird added that the plans had resulted from numerous meetings with the sheriff, judges and district attorney’s office about what was needed to meet legal and safety requirements.    (01/14/2014/6:00AM)

Caryville establishes rainy day fund

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Caryville voted on Monday evening to establish a rainy day fund which could only be accessed by a super majority vote.  The issue was broached during a meeting several months ago by board member Vickie Heatherly who said she wanted to make sure money was there in case of emergency.  At that time, the board had agreed to revisit the issue during the January meeting.  During the meeting, board members voted to start the fund with $10,000 after a near two-year hiatus from having any form of emergency fund.  It was also approved to pay off the city’s second oldest loan payment, which is on the city hall building.  Board member Glenn Smith made the suggestion the fund could only be accessed by a super majority vote of all six council members.

“We need to build this back up and it needs to only be able to be accessed by a super majority,” Glenn Smith said.

The rainy day fund and payment of the remaining $11,063 in debt owed on the building was approved by all board members except for Heatherly and Allen Smith, who both felt there should be more money placed in the fund while the town had it in the fund.  The general fund balance is currently over $368,000, according to financials announced during the meeting.

“While we have that much money in the general fund, we should put some of it aside in case something happens,” Heatherly said.  She told WLAF after the meeting she had wanted to see at least $50,000 placed in the fund because $10,000 would not go very far in an emergency.

Members of the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to establish a rainy day fund and pay off the remaining debt on city hall during the Monday evening meeting.

Board member Lloyd Lawson agreed with establishing the rainy day fund, but said he also agreed with Mark Stanley who had suggested paying off city hall.  The town has been paying on the building for the past 40 years.

Board member Allen Smith said he didn’t see why they couldn’t pay off the building and place $15,000 into the emergency fund.  Board member Lisa Crawford also agreed with the $15,000 amount and paying off the building.  Board member Mark Stanley said he didn’t see the difference whether the money was in the general fund or in a rainy day fund because it got spent regardless.  He made the motion the building be paid off and $10,000 be placed to start the rainy day fund.

Mayor Chris Stanley said he felt it was a “good start” and that the rainy day fund could be “re-evaluated” come budget time in July.

“I understand both sides, but we didn’t budget a rainy day fund into the budget and we passed that budget. I think $10,000 is a good starting point,” Chris Stanley said.

“This is something we have tried to start for the past two years and now that we have a start, we can continue building on that,” Glenn Smith said.

Other business concluded during the meeting included the acceptance of the low bid of $6,824 from Meredith Fence Company to replace a 550 foot section of fence and gates at Asbury Park.  The high bid came in at $7,475.

It was also approved for Elkins Road to go out for paving bid.

“I have been working on getting money for this from the county and would like to put the project out to bid in order to get the bids locked in for a year so prices can’t go up on us,” Lawson said, explaining that the money was not in place yet, but that he felt like the town would get it.

Board member Glenn Smith announced that Caryville will soon be searching for a new building inspector after Nelson Kidd retired in December. Those interested in applying for the position must meet state requirements.

“The commissioners got money to do paving with and are breaking it up into each district,” Lawson explained.  The portion of road paved would start at the bridge and go to Butter and Egg Road, which would be a little over a mile that would get paved, widened and striped.

The council gave Gwen Brown, with Brown, Pearman and Russell approval to once again seek a Home Grant for Caryville, as well as a Community Development Block Grant.

“You have helped us with those in the past and it has done a lot of good work with building houses here,” Chris Stanley said. Glenn Smith said both grants would be a big help and needed application approval as quickly as possible since the deadline was approaching on both.

Council declared a fire truck as surplus and asked a fire department representative to check with local volunteer fire departments who may need the vehicle.  If no volunteer departments need it, the vehicle will be given to the sheriff’s department.

Glenn Smith announced that Caryville will soon be seeking a new building inspector since Nelson Kidd retired as of Dec. 31st.  Those interested in applying must meet state requirements.

Caryville board meeting times have been changed from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting in February.  (01/14/2014/6:00AM)

Caryville City Council 01/13/14

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CCYBA teams honor, remember Coach Greg Brackett

     Coach Dean Wedbee tells WLAF that it was the hardest game he’s ever coached.  Saturday marked the return to action for CCYBA Basketball at the East La Follette Community Center.  The January 4 games were cancelled in memory of Coach and WLAF sports announcer Greg Brackett who passed away on New Year’s Eve. 

Wedbee’s team played the team once coached by Greg Brackett on Saturday, and in his absence Greg’s daughter, Shelby Brackett, (pictured above) coached the team and won the game. 

Carrying out Coach Wedbee’s idea, every player on the ten teams comprised of nine and ten year old youngsters wore a patch in memory of Coach Brackett. 

Brackett’s fiancée, Stacy Willoughby, and her sons, Justin and Cody, (pictured above) were also in attendance Saturday.  See David Graham’s story about his friend & broadcast partner, Coach Greg Brackett, right here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfcvG-DV60E
(PIX COURTESY OF DAVID GRAHAM 01/13/2014/6:00AM)

Would-be jumper is wrestled from bridge railing

     Stopping a man wanting to jump off the south Caryville I-75 Bridge took less than half-an-hour this morning.  Around 10:00 a.m., traffic flow on America’s most traveled interstate was slowed in Campbell County as north and southbound traffic was diverted around the Exit 134 Bridge where 27-year old Michael Savage of Caryville was threatening to jump.  Jacksboro Police Officer Joe “Buster” Marlow was the first policeman on the scene.  It was Marlow who eventually gained Savage’s confidence enough to allow Marlow to get close to him.  Officer Marlow then manhandled Savage off the railing with help from Campbell County Sheriff Department Deputy Josh Vann and CCSD Crisis Negotiator Darryl Chapman.  Savage was then taken to the La Follette Medical Center for evaluation.  Caryville Police Sergeant Albert Kidwell, who was assisting in traffic control, issued a warrant on Savage.(01/12/2014/7:00PM)

See how the jumper’s threat was resolved

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We knew, sadly, this day would come

     Today is a sad day here along North 5th Street.  They’re taking down our neighbor’s sign.  Every morning on my way to breakfast, I’d always look-in on John Brown.  Yep, he’d be there like clockwork at 6:30 a.m. or so at his desk at the John R.W. Brown State Farm Insurance Office here on  5th Street

Long-time State Farm employee Frankie Bacon has worked at the John R. W. Brown Insurance office for 50 years. While it was a sad day to see the sign come down, the tradition of caring customer service will continue with new State Farm Agent Tabatha Smith. See next week’s business feature on Smith right here on WLAF’s website.

On the morning his truck was there and the light was not on, I knew something was up.  The old coach who took La Follette High to the state high school basketball championship game and went on to sell insurance for nearly 60-years died a couple of days later.  And I thought then it’ll also be a sad day when they haul away his State Farm sign. 

It was a sad day on Friday when the John Brown Insurance sign came down. The long-time businessman had served the county for 60 years. That tradition of State Farm service will continue with new agent Tabatha Smith who will be featured next week’s business profile at WLAF.

Well.  Today is that day. The day they came to get the sign.  Aged by the weather, rust stained from the dripping air conditioner above it, the sign was as much a landmark as John Brown was a legend around here. Today is not as sad as the day John died back on October 21, 2011, but it’s the next closest thing. (01/10/2014/1:45PM)

HUD fails to renew security grant in Jacksboro

By Charlotte Underwood

For the first time in years, the housing authority failed to renew a security patrol grant in Jacksboro, according to Mayor Jack Cannon, who reported the news to the board of aldermen during the Thursday evening meeting.

The grant covered the cost of eight hours of security patrol a month in the housing authority subdivision located above the Baptist Church in Jacksboro. Officers doing the patrol were paid $15 an hour for doing walking patrols through the subdivision. The town has been getting the grant for over a decade.

According to the letter sent to Cannon by LaFollette Housing Authority Executive Director John Snodderly, the grant was not renewed because the extra security patrol is “no longer an eligible expense.”

Jacksboro Mayor Jack Cannon reported to the board of mayor and aldermen that Housing Urban Development was not renewing a yearly security grant which the town has been receiving for years.

Cannon said police never had any issues in the subdivision in the first place and the loss of the extra patrol “should not cause any problems.”

“Officers still do all the car patrols, they are just no longer doing the foot patrols through there,” Cannon explained.

Members of the Jacksboro council review financials and expenses during the Thursday evening meeting.

Other business approved during the meeting included paying $268 to repair a truck door handle on one of the street department vehicles and hiring James Boshears full-time at the street department. Boshears had been filling in for Dan Green who had been out with health issues and will not be returning.

Final business concluded was the second reading of the municipal flood plain ordinance which, according to Cannon, was merely housekeeping on the state mandated ordinance. Several terms and references were added or redefined, but the ordinance for all intents and purposes remains the same. (01/10/2014/6:00AM)

Grand jury hands down indictments

By Charlotte Underwood

LaFollette woman indicted on animal cruelty charges

LaFollette woman was indicted on 18 counts of animal cruelty charges after police found multiple dead puppies and malnourished animals in a downtown La Follette residence she had been renting.

According to court documents, Dawn M. Presley, 33, was indicted on Jan. 8, after a Campbell County Grand Jury heard evidence against her regarding a November 2013 incident. On Nov. 23 of last year, police were dispatched to a W. Walden Street residence in regards to legal advice pertaining to Presley abandoning the rental property with animals inside. After arriving at the home, officers could see several dead puppies inside a room of the home, along with other dogs and puppies that appeared to be alive. Animal control was contacted and in total two female pit bulls, a Chihuahua, a cat and six small puppies were found alive in the home, but were so “severely malnourished” some of them could “barely walk”, according to the arrest report. Seven dead puppies were also recovered and another medium-sized dog was found tied up behind the house. According to court documents, none of the animals had food or water and the house was full of “garbage, urine and feces.” All animals were transported to the Campbell County Animal Shelter. The rental home also had over $1,000 worth of damage to the flooring, walls, appliances and base boards, according to the arrest report. Due to this, Presley was also indicted on vandalism charges as well. She has an arraignment set in Campbell County court on Jan. 13 at 8:30 a.m.(01/10/2014/6:00AM)

LaFollette man indicted for assault

A La Follette man was indicted on Wednesday for assault after he walked up to another man at the flea market behind the LaFollette Police station and “punched him in the nose,” according to court documents. Cleo M. Miller, 73, allegedly walked up to the victim, punched him in the nose and said “you gonna keep swearing lies on people,” before walking away, according to witness reports to the police. Miller has an arraignment set for Jan. 13, at 8:30.

Indiana man arrested for not registering as a sex offender

By Charlotte Underwood

An Indiana man was arrested just before Christmas after moving to the area and failing to register on the state’s sex offender registry, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

Matthew David Hall

Matthew David Hall, 44, Jacksboro, was arrested on Dec. 22 by sheriff’s deputy Josh Jeffers on an outstanding warrant taken by Detective Sgt. Ricky Jeffers.

Hall was convicted in Aug. of 2001 on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Indiana. Before moving here, Hall’s last known address was Highland, Indiana. (01/10/2014/6:00AM)

Footage of Big O's Robbery with sound

 

Megasite within sight

     The community with the best schools wins!  That was the battle cry from preacher, attorney, and USA Today columnist Buzz Thomas. 

Buzz Thomas

Tuesday night was "rollout night" for Campbell County Mayor William Baird's megasite project.  Baird gathered a room full of the county's business leaders along with members of the county commission and school board at the Cove Lake Park Pavilion to explain the plan.  Thomas, who also serves as executive director of Knox County's Great Schools Project and is on the state's SCORE steering committee, was one of three or four featured speakers to address the group.  Thomas hammered home the idea that better schools bring better jobs.  His comments were echoed by Mark Cain, CEO of the La Follette Medical Center, as well as Campbell County School Board Chairman Rector Miller.  Miller also sang the praises of Director of Schools Donnie Poston and the momentum Poston has generated throughout the school system.  Baird tells WLAF that the main objective Tuesday night was to inform the county commission and school board of the plan; not to ask them for more money but to get them onboard, buy-in to the idea, and get the community involved.  Baird says the development of learning academies will not add to the full plate teachers already have, but instead will involve members of the community in the learning academies (community schools).  Thomas points out that the seven community schools in Knox County have helped improve overall achievement by 30-percent.  Developing partnerships outside the county to invest in what is trying to be done here is also part of the big picture.  East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knox County’s Great Schools, the East Tennessee Foundation, and Tech 20/20 are a few of the partnerships that have been formed.  Schools will not be improved overnight.  Industry is not coming to Campbell County this afternoon. 

Campbell County Mayor William Baird

However, Baird thinks that by having a megasite in place and a working game plan to bring Campbell County Schools out of the bottom third of schools in the state will make Campbell County very attractive to potential employers.  The megasite sits on nearly 2,000 acres of privately owned land at Exit 141 along Interstate 75 at Caryville.  Baird says it has all the ingredients to become a premier advanced manufacturing site.  He notes that all utilities are in place, the megasite is next to I-75 (automakers alley), is within a day's drive of three-fourth's of the nation's population, and it will soon have a rail spur.  Baird expects TVA to approve the Campbell County Megasite within the next six months.  (01/09/2014/6:00AM)

Hamblin addresses the media

(special thanks to Jerry Chadwell for alerting WLAF to Hamblin’s visit with the media)

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Radio Shack offers electronics and more

By Charlotte Underwood

Locally owned and operated, Radio Shack is the place to go for all your electronic needs, according to owner Eddie Wiggins. Wiggins, who “loves everything electronic” has been in the business for 29 years and has been at the current store for the past decade. He had been in partnership with Vernon Wright for the past 10 years, but recently purchased Wright’s portion of the business and is now the owner, along with his wife Melissa.

Need a wire or cable or basically any electronic connector or part?  Check with locally owned and operated Radio Shack.

“When I went into business with Vernon 10 years ago, that was the deal; after I had ran it for 10 years I would purchase it,” Wiggins said, explaining he had always planned to own a business.

After attending college at the University of Tennessee and earning a degree in business and economics, he went to work for a Radio Shack store and loved it.

Located at 310 Main Street in Jacksboro, Radio Shack is the place to go for electronics and more.

“I love electronics and new gadgets. I love playing with the newest technology,” Wiggins said, adding that when he first started he was “green as grass and didn’t even know how to keep the 12:00 from flashing on the VCR.”

Over the past three decades, he said he has seen technology change and grow at an amazing rate. One of the best examples he could give of changing technology was cell phones. He recalled the first cell phone he ever sold anyone.

“It was to Dr. Curtis Sexton in Lake City. It cost $1,500 and was as big as a lunch pail,” Wiggins said with a laugh, explaining technology had come so far that cell phones are much more compact, available to the average Joe and even free after signing a service contract. 

Fuses, batteries, cell phone and computer accessories, radios, metal detectors and lots more are all at Radio Shack.

“Everything is always changing in this industry,” Wiggins said, adding that was part of his favorite thing about the job. However, he said what he likes best is the problem solving aspect to it.

“I love to solve problems that customers come in with; we pride ourselves on being the solution for people who have an electronic problem,” Wiggins said, adding that wasn’t something customers could get just anywhere. Wiggins said one of the most common problems people came in with was learning how to use the new electronics they had received as a gift.

“A lot of people just need to ask a few questions and see how it works,” Wiggins said, adding that Radio Shack was also unique in that the store often carried or could order those hard to find electronic parts and items.

Wiggins also announced the local Radio Shack was about to unveil and promote its very own “geek squad” computer repair and home security installation service.

With a full line of home security systems, Radio Shack will also do installation services as well.

“It’s something we have done over the years, but never promoted it,” Wiggins said, adding that the business would also be offering car stereo installations.

“Between me and my employees, we have over 45 years of Radio Shack experience,” Wiggins said, adding he wanted to encourage customers to “keep their locally owned businesses in mind.”

The store carries a variety of electronics such as scanners, home security systems, CB radios, stereo systems, speakers, emergency radios, telephones, cell phones, metal detectors, radio controlled cars, lap tops, video gaming systems, and multiple accessories that go along with all this stuff just to name a few items. Also available in store is electrical connectors, cables, TV remotes, batteries, amps, mixers, microphones, GPSs, office supplies, MP3 players, cameras, camcorders and the list goes on and on.

Owner Eddie Wiggins is doing what he loves best; providing excellent customer service and solutions.

Current sales going on at Radio Shack include free installation of Dish Network when customers sign up for service. Dish also offers high-speed satellite internet for those who live in rural areas at a price of $59.99 a month with a two-year contract requirement. Another promo going on is a free Samsung Galaxy III when customers sign a service contract with Sprint. The business is also a carrier of Memphis Car Audio products and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Rechargeable batteries and cell phones can be recycled at the store as well.

Radio Shack is located at 310 Main Street in Jacksboro and can be reached at 423-562-9652.(01/09/2014/6:00AM)

Hamblin not indicted

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

After two months of praying, snake-handling pastor Andrew Hamblin had those prayers answered when a Campbell County Grand Jury chose not to indict him on class I wildlife possession charges on Wednesday. 

“It’s a weight off. I feel overjoyed; I am so blessed and have no doubt God did move in that courtroom today and all along,” Hamblin said.

The charges were levied against the 22-year-old Tabernacle Church of God preacher on Nov. 7 when the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency seized 53 venomous snakes from his church. Hamblin entered a not guilty plea on Nov. 15 and the case was sent on to the grand jury in December.

Hamblin said after the TWRA agent testified to the grand jury for about 20 minutes, it was his turn to speak to the 12 jurors.

“I guess I was in there for about 32 minutes, but I didn’t have any doubts,” Hamblin said. After it was over, Hamblin said he returned home and got the call shortly after 2 p.m. that he “was not guilty.”

During the past two months of the legal process, LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God Pastor Andrew Hamblin has been surrounded by his supporters and church members during each legal appearance at the Campbell County courthouse.

“Basically they found no reason to indict me,” Hamblin said, adding now that the whole legal mess was over, he and the rest of his church plan on things going “back to normal.”

“Things are gonna resume just the way it was before, but without the fear and worry. The snakes belong to the church and that’s how it remains,” Hamblin said.

He said he wanted to thank everyone, even those who were just doing their jobs.

“I thank God for our D.A. She done her job and she done a fabulous job and the jurors did a good job and even if they had indicted me, they would have still just been doing their job,” Hamblin said.

As far as doing their jobs, both the TWRA and the district attorney say they will continue to do just that.

TWRA Law Enforcement Major Brian Ripley says that the Agency will continue to work with the Campbell Co. District Attorney's office and that “both he and Lori Phillips-Jones agree that our officers are properly enforcing the law and will continue to do so.”

According to TWRA spokesperson Matt Cameron, the agency is awaiting the results of two separate veterinarian evaluations before determining the snakes' fate. 

“They are still considered contraband and cannot be returned to Mr. Hamblin,” Cameron said.

Hamblin said he thanked God to be a citizen of Campbell County and that the grand jury outcome was a “sign” to the rest of the country.

“It is a sign to this state, this nation that Campbell County is still a God fearing county,” Hamblin said. He stated that the grand jury returning a no-true bill on his case was one of the biggest wins for his specific denomination since 1963 when in West Virginia the House of Delegates passed a law making snake handling a misdemeanor punishable by fines, but the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee refused to act on the bill after overwhelming support for the churches from the public.

“To some, this may not have been a big step, but to us, it’s a great leap; it’s a battle won. There might be another one tomorrow, but for now there is peace and I am thankful to God for that.”

For those that still may disagree with the way he worships, Hamblin said they would “just have to agree to disagree.”

But what of the 53 snakes that was seized by TWRA and sent to the Knoxville Zoo to be housed? Michael Ogle, Knoxville Zoo Curator of Herpetology gave an official statement on the most recent condition of the snakes.

“Out of the 53 snakes that were brought to Knoxville Zoo by TWRA, 32 have died due to poor body condition caused by anorexia that was a result of severe parasite infestation and overall stress caused by being housed in quarters that were too small. 

The majority of the surviving 21 snakes are in fair to good condition, but have also been exposed to the same pathogens and are at high risk of being infected due to the unnaturally overcrowded environment they were being kept in prior to their arrival at Knoxville Zoo. 

Unfortunately, there is no successful treatment for these pathogens, which could be fatal for any other snakes, captive or wild, that were exposed to them.  Due to the risk these snakes pose, there is no way they could safely become part of a captive conservation program or be released elsewhere.  We are currently assessing the options available to us with our veterinarians.”

Hamblin said he had “no comment” regarding the number of snakes that had died.(01/08/2014/5:45PM)

                          

Hamblin's case to be heard by grand jury
By Charlotte Underwood
A Campbell County Grand Jury is set to hear snake-handling pastor Andrew Hamblin's case today. Hamblin was cited into court on a class I wildlife possession charge after the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) seized 53 venomous snakes from his church on Nov. 7.  During the preliminary hearing on Dec. 17, Judge Joe Ayers heard TWRA agent Joe Durnin testify that he had met Hamblin in the spring of 2013 while working on a separate wildlife possession case.
"At that time, he asked if I would come and take his snakes away during a church service," Durnin said. After the hearing, Ayers ruled the case be heard by a grand jury on Jan. 8. If indicted, Hamblin could face up to $2,500 in fines and 11 months and 29 days in jail.
Hamblin maintains his religious freedoms are being violated while the TWRA's official statement is that the agency was just doing its job and not to the fullest extent it could have.
"He could have been charged with 53 counts of possession, one for each snake," said TWRA spokesperson Matt Cameron. Hamblin was charged under Title 70 of Tennessee state law, which he says should exempt religious handlers from fines and jail for possession of snakes. Cameron said Hamblin "did not possess the criteria and training" to own the dangerous reptiles. Hamblin continues to ask his supporters to attend court proceedings wearing red.

La Follette City Council tables misuse of credit card issue

By Charlotte Underwood

The La Follette City Council avoided a possible fireworks show on Tuesday evening when it tabled the issue of misuse and abuse of city credit cards till next month.

Councilman Bob Fannon suggested tabling the topic until next month in order to give “council members, department heads and the city administrator” time to look at the credit card invoices from the past two years and to pay back anything that was not “sanctioned by the city.”

“I want to clarify for the press’s sake that it’s not a whole lot of money, but we need to get this cleaned up because of bad image,” Fannon said, adding that if not all the monies were paid back, then the council could make the decision to “take it.”

Councilmember Stephanie Grimm asked if those that owed money knew who they were.

“They ought to,” Fannon said.

Council members asked City Attorney Reid Troutman his opinion on the issue and Troutman said he thought the first step would be for the city to establish a “detailed policy” on what was acceptable for city credit card usage. Troutman added that he had not attended the workshop and was “playing catch-up” as far as the topic went.

“I agree Mr. Troutman, but if you have current charges on the city credit card that have nothing to do with the city, then it needs addressed now,” said Vice-Mayor Joe Bolinger.

“So we need to collect the debt and then put a policy in place?” Grimm asked.

Fannon made a motion that the issue be tabled and if the credit debts were not paid by the next meeting then the council would “take it.”

Councilman Bob Fannon, left, made a motion to table the misuse of city credit cards for a month to allow debts to be paid back to the city before the city made the official decision to “take” the money back. Councilman Hansford Hatmaker, right, said if city credit cards were “used correctly, there were no problems.”

"We don’t want this to grow into something bigger,” Fannon said.

“If credit cards are used correctly, there’s no problem with it; the only two people got city credit cards is Terry and the city administrator. Are we saying these two people are not using them right?” asked Councilman Hansford Hatmaker.

“No; I am saying credit cards have been abused in the past Mr. Hatmaker,” Mayor Mike Stanfield replied coolly. City credit card expenses were unanimously tabled till next month.

Stanfield originally brought the issue up shortly before the last workshop’s close when he handed out a report to council members listing purchases made on the city’s credit card. He also showed them a clipping from a November 2012 issue of the LaFollette Press showing a picture of former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Hatmaker receiving an award while on a trip to Gatlinburg in 2012.

A copy of the report revealed handwritten notes marking certain items as money spent by Sexton and Hatmaker while attending a coal mining conference on Oct. 28 and 29 of last year.  During that workshop, Fannon asked if the visit was authorized by the city.

“If Cade signed it, then he authorized it; he was the city administrator at the time,” Hatmaker said.

The purchases made that had handwritten notations implying it was spent by Sexton and Hatmaker included $282.10 to Doubletree Park Vista in Gatlinburg for hotel rooms and $105.82 in restaurant food purchases, according to the copy of credit card purchases provided by Stanfield.

Stanfield said he was disappointed the issue had not been resolved immediately and that it would go for another month.

“It’s whatever the council wants, but I feel if it’s being abused, then the money ought to be paid back,” Stanfield said.

La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield said he was disappointed the issue of misuse and abuse of city credit cards had not yet been resolved and would be tabled till next month’s meeting.

Another agenda topic tabled till next month was Friday working schedules.

Other business approved during the meeting was the appropriation of $2,000 to install fans in the library and recreation center restrooms to cut down on the smell. Jordan Reid was approved to be hired from a part-time to a full-time police officer on a starting salary of $26,520 and council gave the city attorney approval to file probate on two dilapidated houses in the city whose owners are deceased.

The fire department received approval to begin the bid process on extrication equipment as well. Fire Chief Gary Byrd also spoke to the council about approving new standard operating standards to include extrication and first responder to the job description. Fannon asked that Byrd write up the new standard operating procedures and bring to the council to read at the next workshop.

Sheriff’s reports

By Charlotte Underwood

Jacksboro woman arrested for theft

A Jacksboro was arrested on outstanding theft warrants after Anderson County deputies located her at the Blue Haven Motel in Lake City, according to the Campbell County sheriff’s Department.

Rachel Diane Abbott, 31, was arrested on Jan. 6, and held by Anderson County deputies until Campbell County deputies picked her up and transported her to the county jail. Abbott was charged on warrants for theft of property $1,000 to $9,999, theft of property under $500 and pawning or conveying rental property.

Jacksboro woman arrested for DUI

A Jacksboro woman was arrested on DUI charges after she was observed by a sheriff’s deputy traveling east in the west bound lane on West Chestnut Street.

Tarien Martha Wilder, 28, was arrested on Jan. 1 by deputy Franklin Ayers, after he saw her cross both lanes of travel and drive the wrong way in the west bound lane. After making contact with Wilder, the deputy observed she had a strong odor of alcohol and glassy blood shot eyes, according to the arrest report. Ayers administered standard field sobriety tests before arresting Wilder and transporting her to the county jail.

La Follette City Council Meeting for Tuesday, January 7, 2014

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La Follette Sing Praise 

Special thanks to Gary Carter for making this production possible

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TVA system passes peak electricity demand period today

 

Knoxville, Tennessee – The Tennessee Valley Authority power system passed a critical demand period early today (Tuesday) from the bitter cold wave and electricity use is coming down.

We appreciate all the efforts by our local power companies to reduce voltage, along with any appeals for power conservation locally during the heaviest demand period this morning.

TVA’s power system reached a preliminary peak power demand of 32,460 megawatts at 9 a.m. EST with the Valley’s average temperature at 4 degrees. This is the second highest winter peak in TVA history.

TVA’s record winter demand is 32,572 megawatts set on Jan. 16, 2009 when temperatures averaged 9 degrees, and TVA’s all-time record is 33,482 megawatts set on Aug. 16, 2007 when temperatures average 102 degrees.

TVA expects the cold weather to continue through Wednesday and electricity use to remain high. TVA is continuing an in-house conservation effort to reduce electricity use in TVA facilities.

Consumers can help reduce their power bills by using energy-saving tips available on TVA’s EnergyRight Solutions website at http://www.energyright.com and through their local power companies. (01/07/2014/4:00PM)

 

Frigid start to Tuesday

     Is it zero?  One above?  Three below?  Regardless.  It’s cold and too cold to quibble about a degree or two. 

Dispatchers at the 9-1-1 Center will not say the word “quiet” for fear of jinxing the situation.  Although it has been a quiet, but cold, overnight around the county.  Electric and water crews from La Follette Utilities worked spotty power outages and frozen water calls. 

 

Given the demand for electricity placed on LUB, it was, all-in-all, a good night as outages ranged from Deerfield to the Flat Hollow area near the dock with some frozen water concerns in La Follette. 

After a few morning flurries, a high of 14 under a mostly sunny sky is ahead today.  Nine above is the expected low for tonight.  A warming trend of 40s on Thursday and 50s Friday through the weekend will bring a balmy feel compared to the first half of the week. (01/07/2014/6:00AM-RAYMOND McGHEE PIX))

 

 

Cora E. Douglas (COURTESY CHARLIE HUTSON)

 

La Follette celebrates Douglas’s 100th

     Monday marked a milestone for Cora Douglas.  As Cora celebrated her 100th birthday, the City of La Follette celebrated her.  Mayor Mike Stanfield along with the La Follette City Council proclaimed Monday, January 6, 2014, as Cora Evelyn Douglas Day in La Follette. (01/07/2014/6:00AM)

Cold snap places demands on LUB

 

     It was a pretty good day.  That’s what La Follette Utility General Manager Kenny Baird tells WLAF on how this cold Monday went.  Baird goes on to say that he hopes it stays that way.  Just before 6:00 p.m., about 50 LUB customers in the Glade Springs area lost power, however, the power is expected to be back on in less than an hour.  Baird says they’re having a few weak spots cropping up, and he expects this type pattern to continue all night and into the morning.  A record-setting cold night of minus one presents a frigid night of challenges for Baird and his staff.  All-in-all, LUB along with TVA are expecting high demands over the next 48-hours.  (01/06/2014/6:00PM)

“Volunteers” ready to go

     Tonight at 8:00 p.m., it was five-degrees above with a wind chill of 10-below.  The volunteers at Campbell County Rural Fire Service and The La Follette Rescue Squad are ready to respond. The key word is VOLUNTEER.  Stay warm....

Photos courtesy of Charlie Hutson

David Graham's Sports Report for Monday, January 6, 2014

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TVA expects high electricity demand during cold wave

  

Knoxville, Tennessee ― The Tennessee Valley Authority expects plunging temperatures from an arctic cold wave moving across the region will produce high demand for electricity.

TVA’s bulk electric system remains secure and stable at this time.

“TVA has been monitoring and carefully preparing for this blast of potentially record-cold weather since last week,” TVA Chief Operating Officer Chip Pardee said. “We have taken proactive measures so the system remains robust and reliable for our customers and power users across the Valley.”

TVA issued an internal “Conservative Operations Alert” on Friday, indefinitely suspending all non-essential maintenance activities to minimize risk of power interruptions on TVA’s transmission system and generation facilities.

Late Sunday, TVA also initiated a “Power Supply Alert,” a precautionary declaration that an unexpected shutdown of a large generating unit or transmission system interchange could reduce TVA’s power supply reserves.

TVA is working with the region’s 155 local power companies and TVA’s directly served industrial customers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity to the 9 million residents of the Valley. Electric demand is expected to be high on Monday and Tuesday, but below record levels.

Consumers can find immediate and long-term suggestions on how to reduce their energy usage and lower their power bills at TVA’s EnergyRight Solutions website and programs offered in collaboration with local power companies.

With regional temperatures forecast to be among the coldest in 20 years, TVA electricity demand is expected to exceed 31,000 megawatts on Monday evening and reach nearly 32,000 megawatts on Tuesday evening.

TVA’s all-time record winter demand was set on Jan. 16, 2009, at 32,572 megawatts when temperatures across the Tennessee Valley averaged 9 degrees. The all-time record demand on the TVA power system was 33,482 megawatts on Aug. 16, 2007, when temperatures averaged 102 degrees.   (01/06/2014/6:00PM) 

1:00 a.m. on Pleasant Ridge (COURTESY OF EMMA McCARTY)

Pleasant Ridge at daybreak (COURTESY OF EMMA McCARTY)

North 5th Street at 8:00 a.m.

V.A. clinic opening pushed back till spring

By Charlotte Underwood

Half a decade after it was promised, a VA outpatient clinic for Campbell County is finally becoming a reality. However, veterans will have to wait just a bit longer as the installation of an elevator has pushed the project’s completion date back by a couple months, according to Director Kevin Walden of Campbell County Veterans Affairs. The previous target opening date had been in late January or early February, but that has been pushed back to March or possibly even April, according to Walden.

“When that facility was constructed, they built it with the anticipation of utilizing the second and third floor so it does have an elevator shaft, but no elevator in it yet,” Walden said, adding that the project shouldn’t be delayed too much longer.

Once the clinic opens its doors, the 1,500 veterans of the county registered with VA healthcare will be able to receive primary care a lot closer to home.

“This is going to save the VA and lots of veterans a lot of money and most importantly fulfill a promise that was made,” Walden said.

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Campbell County met the need and number criteria for a clinic five years ago, but a clerical issue caused the project to be delayed.

According to Walden, the Department of Veterans Affairs said a processing error had been made.

The delay was traced to a clerical issue of Campbell County, Ky. versus Campbell County, Tenn. on the solicitation on the website to bid for the clinic, according to Walden, who explained that because no bids were made, no clinic was built.

After the delay was identified, the VA finally got the project rolling, which is now in final stages of completion.

The clinic is being built on the third floor of the Community Health of East Tennessee building, located behind CVS Pharmacy in LaFollette.

Walden said he was glad that the need for a VA clinic in the county was finally being met.

"It was a promise to Campbell County veterans that the VA made and we need to make sure this government that promised to take care of its veterans sticks to its word, because every one of the men and women who wore a uniform made a promise to take care of this country and they have kept their promises.”

For more information on how to register for VA health care, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website or call Campbell County Veterans Affairs at (423) 562-3531.(01/06/2014/5:30AM)

Powell 59 Cougars 57

Powell 38 Lady Cougars 24

Lady Blue Devils 55 Kings Academy 33

McCreary County 55 - Lady Cougars 53

Footage from Big O's Armed Robbery

 

If you have any information regarding this robbery please call the Campbell County Sheriff's Department at: (423)-562-7446 (updated 01/03/2014 7:30PM)

Big O’s market robbed at gunpoint

     As most folks were trying to get in out of the snow and sub-freezing temperatures on Thursday night, one man had other ideas.  Soon after 10:00 p.m. last night, east of La Follette, a white male entered Big O’s Gas Station and Convenient Store wearing a mask.  While brandishing a firearm, the masked man ordered the cashier to release money from the cash drawer to him.  The suspect took the money and left the store on-foot walking east toward the neighboring Clear Coal Company office.  It’s believed the robber was a passenger in a 2000 model white Ford Explorer that left from near the coal company heading back toward La Follette on the General Carl Wade Stiner Highway (SR 63).  Investigators are on the scene at this hour looking for more clues in the ongoing investigation.  Sheriff Robbie Goins asks that if you have any information regarding the robbery, he encourages you to call him at 423.562.7446.  (01/03/2014/NOON)

LUB accepts bids for upcoming projects; banking services

By Charlotte Underwood

Tree trimming, water line, and banking service bids topped the agenda during the Monday evening LaFollette Utility Board meeting.

According to utilities manager Kenny Baird, the utility board discussed and accepted three bids during its meeting, each of them pertaining to a different project or service. The first bid accepted was for the utility’s banking services. First Volunteer Bank was the only bank which turned in a bid. First Volunteer has been the utility’s primary banking service provider for several years, according to Baird.

The second bid accepted by the board regarded tree trimming for the utility’s primary circuit no. 224, which is the Davis Chapel and Carr Wynn Road area of the utility’s system.

“It’s about 31.4 miles that gets trimmed,” Baird said, adding that the utility had received four bids for the project, which is expected to start in around a month. The utility board accepted the lowest bid.

The highest bidder for the tree trimming was Wolf Tree Trimming with a bid over $316,000. Baird Tree Trimming had the next bid at $291,000 and Asplundh turned in a bid of $243,470.80. The lowest bid came from W.A. Kendall & Co., at $91,000. Baird said the area was a complicated section to have trimmed with a lot of back yards and septic systems to watch out for, which is why most of the bids were so high.

The final bid accepted regarded a rural development project the utility has been working on for the past year or so. The project calls for a water line to be run from Pizza Hut to where the new Bojangles’ restaurant will be. The board accepted the low bid for the project at $29,898.16 from Osborne Excavating out of Speedwell. The high bid for the project came in at $45,070. This project is expected to start in about a month as well.

The next utility meeting will be on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. (01/03/2014/5:30AM)

Cove Lake Park opens 2014 on the move

     The 5-K Kick-Off New Year Walk began Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Cove Lake State Park

Tim Zupancic of Absolute Fitness led a large crowd of walkers on a 3.1 mile walk-n-park. 

Also joining in was Park Ranger Casey Hatmaker along with Friends of Cove Lake members Doug Foster, Clarence Lowe, and many others. 

Hot chocolate and coffee awaited walkers at the park’s recreation building.(01/03/2014/6:00AM)

Sheriff and police reports

By Charlotte Underwood

Jellico woman arrested on assault charges

A Jellico woman was arrested on aggravated assault charges on Dec. 23, after she allegedly pulled a handgun and cursed at three individuals, including a juvenile, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

Campbell County Deputy Joshua Jeffers was dispatched to Low Wood Lane around 10:27 p.m. on the 23rd on the report that Lisa Regina Dople-Rookard, 50, had allegedly tail-gated her husband while he was traveling west on Highway 297. The arrest report goes on to state that Dople-Rookard followed him to his driveway and then pulled a gun on him and two other individuals with him, including a juvenile. Witnesses stated after she cursed them and pointed the gun at them, she pulled out and headed east on Highway 297. When deputies spoke with Dople-Rookard, she admitted to traveling on Highway 297 and stated she had been going to visit her mother, but denied pulling a gun. She was arrested, according to the report, “based on witness and victim statements.”

La Follette man arrested for scrapping borrowed boat

A LaFollette man was arrested on theft charges after he sold an aluminum boat for scrap while borrowing it from someone else. According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department arrest report, Ryan Travis Gulley, 22, was arrested on Dec. 27 for theft under $500 after he sold a 12-foot aluminum boat for scrap to Jacksboro Metals. Sheriff’s deputy Nathanial Bostic spoke to the victim and learned Gulley had permission to borrow the boat, but not to scrap it. Jacksboro Metals provided a copy of the sale invoice that had a copy of Gulley’s driver license on it. According to the report, when deputies went to his LaFollette address and advised him of his constitutional rights, he admitted to selling the boat to the scrap yard for $30.40.

Noise complaint leads to drug paraphernalia arrest

A LaFollette woman was arrested on drug paraphernalia charges after a noise compliant brought the police to her door on W. Fir Street, according to the LaFollette Police Department.

LaFollette police officers were dispatched to the residence on Dec. 28th around 10:20 p.m. on the report loud music was being played. After arriving, officers spoke with Margo Marie Paul, 54, who admitted to having the music turned up loud to “reminisce” some good times with her friend, the police report said. Officers asked her if they could step inside out of the rain and Paul agreed. After stepping inside, officers located two pipes with burnt residue in plain sight. When asked if there was any marijuana in the house, Paul said no and gave officers permission to search. After searching, deputies found a drinking straw cut in half with white powder residue inside of it as well as a bullet cartridge containing a pair of tweezers with burnt black residue stuck inside. Paul then allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day and that the straw was used to snort pills, according to the arrest report.

La Follette police make public intox arrests

The LaFollette Police Department made two public intoxication arrests right after the holiday.  LaFollette Police Officer Charles Duff responded to the S. Point area on Dec. 27 on the report that an intoxicated man was staggering near the roadway. After arriving, Duff located Jerry Lynn Lumpkins, 51. Lumpkins was mumbling, had a strong odor of alcohol and admitted to having six beers and “trying to get home”, according to the report. In his report, Duff stated Lumpkins was so intoxicated, he had him sit down so he wouldn’t fall down, before arresting him for fear he would continue to be a safety hazard in the roadway. Lumpkins was charged with public intoxication and taken to jail. 

Anthony Joseph Selover, 48, was arrested for public intoxication on Dec. 28 after he nearly “staggered” out in front of a police officer’s car in front of Rainbow Ford, according to the police report. Officer Brian Tiller was on patrol when he observed Selover on the side of the roadway in front of the car dealership, shortly before Selover nearly stepped out in front of his car. Tiller turned around and made contact with Selover, who according to the report had “slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.” Selover was arrested and transported to the county jail.

The march through 2014's big election year begins Friday

By Charlotte Underwood

With multiple political races coming up in 2014, it should be an exciting election year, according to Election Administrator Ann Ayers-Colvin.  For those who are interested in running politically, election petitions can be picked up at the election commission office beginning on Jan. 3. The qualifying deadline to run for office is noon on April 3rd, and all qualifying paperwork and signatures to run must be turned in by that time. The withdrawal deadline is noon on April 10th.

On the county level, August could usher in various new political officials. Political races in the Eighth Judicial District include circuit court judge, chancellor, district attorney general and public defender. Other political offices on the ballot include county mayor, county attorney, general sessions judge and five county commission districts. August will also see constable as well as school board elections in all five districts.  Other political offices up for grabs in 2014 include criminal court judge, circuit court clerk, county trustee, county clerk, register of deeds and sheriff.  According to election deputy Carol Jo Nelson, sheriff candidates need to come by the election office to pick up their packet to file with Post.

“They have to show they have so many years experience in police work and that they have had a psych evaluation,” Nelson said. The deadline for sheriff candidates to file with Post is March 20th.

On the state level, 2014 means it is time to pick a new governor.  It is not certain yet who will be running against Bill Haslam, who has already started his fundraising and campaigning efforts, both locally and in other parts of the state.

Also in state elections, there is one Unites States Senate race, as well as a U.S. House of representatives’ race, with the second and third district both included. The second district, which is Jimmy Duncan’s district, includes Jellico, White Oak, Newcomb and Wells Springs, while everything else falls in the third district, which is Chuck Fleishmann’s district, according to Ayers-Colvin.  Citizens will also get the chance to vote for a state committee executive male and female for both parties in the fall. It is also the year to vote on whether or not to retain Tennessee’s Supreme Court judges.

“Those will be the retention questions at the end of the ballot; it will simply say ‘shall such and such be retained as judge’,” Ayers-Colvin explained.

The election of a state representative will finish up the state elections.

For more information, contact the election commission office at 423-562-9777.(01/02/2014/6:00AM)

Local pizzeria serving slices for nearly 38 years

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Coming up on its 38th anniversary in the spring, Charley’s Pizza in Jacksboro is still going strong, serving up slice after slice of that pizza pie. But pizza isn’t all the Campbell County dining fixture has to offer and actually serves up “just about everything,” according to owner and operator Jerry Partin.

After nearly 40 years in the pizza business, Charley’s is a Campbell County dining fixture.

Started by Charley Baird nearly 40 years ago, Charley’s was purchased from Baird by Partin in 2008. A long-time employee, Partin has worked at Charley’s for about 33 years.

“The pizza business is something I know because Charley has taught me a lot,” Partin said of his long-time friend and mentor.

Charley’s not only has the good food that its customers have come to depend on and know, but also a family atmosphere that is hard to beat.

Charley’s Pizza Parlor opened in 1976. The business will celebrate 38 years in the spring.

“We believe in serving people like they are family, because after we’ve been here all these years, that’s what our customers are to us,” Partin said.

Charley’s Pizza opened for business in 1976.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of selections of pizza and other Italian cuisine, including a full pizza and salad buffet. Hotdogs, hamburgers and fries are another staple at Charley’s, but among the most popular item is the Philly cheese steak sandwiches, which are also available in chicken.

Whether it’s pepperoni, sausage, bacon, or a veggie pizza, Charley’s buffet has all that and more to offer.

“If you’re not in the mood for pizza or burgers and fries, we also do soups and salads,” Partin said.

Having started in the pizza business when he was 19, Partin said he “knows pizza” and he “knows people.”

Owner and operator Jerry Partin places a pizza pie in the oven at Charley’s Pizza located at 103 E. Cumberland Lane in Jacksboro.

“Anytime you can go somewhere and they know you by name, well then you know you are doing something right,” Partin said, adding that people “were his life.”

“They keep coming back to eat and that’s what keeps me going; the customers.”

Business hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Charley’s is located at 103 Cumberland Lane in Jacksboro. For more information call 562-0116.   (01/02/2014/6:00AM)

Bailey, Evans, Jeffers named All-State

     Three first-team football all-staters from Campbell County High School?  The 2013 season keeps on giving.  If a 10 & 2 season wasn’t enough, three Cougars claim all-state honors.  The Tennessee Sports Writers Association 5-A All-State High School Football honors Junior Quarterback Ethan Jeffers, Senior Linebacker Nick Bailey, and Junior Defensive Back Joseph Elkins.  (01/01/2014/6:00PM)

Carmike Movies 2 behind Woodson Shell

2140 Jacksboro Highway - La Follette - 423.562.0979

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug(PG-13)

   
   
Fri Jan 3:
7:00pm  
Sat Jan 4:
7:00pm  
Sun Jan 5:
6:15pm  
Mon Jan 6:
7:00pm  
Tue Jan 7:  

Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas  (PG-13)

   
   
Fri Jan 3:
1:45pm  4:20pm  7:00pm  9:35pm  
Sat Jan 4:
1:45pm  4:20pm  7:00pm  9:35pm  
Sun Jan 5:
1:45pm  4:20pm  7:00pm  
Mon Jan 6:
4:45pm  7:20pm  
Tue Jan 7:  

Walking With Dinosaurs  (PG)

   
   
Fri Jan 3:
2:20pm  4:30pm  
Sat Jan 4:
2:20pm  4:30pm  
Sun Jan 5:
1:45pm  4:00pm  
Mon Jan 6:
4:30pm  
Tue Jan 7:  

Men’s winter retreat planned at GBC

     Galilee Bible Camp hosts a “men’s retreat” on Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18.  Start times are 7:00 p.m. Friday, 3:00 p.m. Saturday.  Cost is $25 for commuters or $40 for overnighters.  Guest speaker is John Davis.  Space is limited.  Call now 423.562.4910.  See the poster and complete the registration form at www.GalileeBibleCamp.org 

Brackett’s arrangements set

     Arrangements are complete for WLAF sports announcer Greg Brackett.  Fraker Funeral Home at Kingston is handling the receiving of friends on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

Interment is Saturday at Clavary/Hazelwood Cemetery at Kingston

The 51-year old Brackett, a native of Kingston but made his home in Campbell County, died suddenly Tuesday morning in La Follette. 

Click here http://www.frakerfuneralhome.net/book-of-memories/1761274/Brackett-Gregory/service-details.php for more details and directions.(01/01/2014/7:30AM - DAVID GRAHAM PIX)

Highlights of 2013

By Charlotte Underwood

January

It was a tragic start to the 2013 New Year on Jan. 2, when a man died in the Caryville Industrial Park. WLAF received reports that an out-of-town worker fell to his death while working at Fabrite. 1-02-13

Wynn School was briefly closed on Jan. 7, after an early morning fire damaged two class rooms the week before.  1-07-13

Nearly a month after fire destroyed their sanctuary, members of the Fincastle Church of God returned to hold a worship service on Jan. 8th. The fire was determined to be a case of arson. 1-08-2013

LaFollette City Council voted to bid out replacement of a section of leaky roof over the part of city hall which house the police department and communications equipment.  1-09-13

A Channel 6 WATE TV crew found out and reported that while former LaFollette City Administrator Cade Sexton and Vice Mayor Hansford Hatmaker were on their way back from Memphis in Sexton’s city issued vehicle, the pair were involved in a non-injury wreck on Interstate 40. Hansford, who was driving was cited for violation of the move over law after he allegedly hit a Nissan SUV that had been pulled over by a Tennessee State Trooper. The pair had apparently attended an inmate graduation ceremony at the Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center. Sexton and Hatmaker claimed they were looking into the possibility in starting a female inmate rehabilitation program in LaFollette.  1-10-13

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department unveiled a new mission statement to kick off the 2013 year. “It is the mission of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence of fear of crime and to enhance public safety, while working with every community to improve their quality of life. Our mandate is to do so with professionalism and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standars, to renew and maintain public confidence. Our values will evolve around Leadership, Service, Performance and Discipline.”  1-11-13

Several boats were destroyed by fire, while two other boats sank at Whitman Hollow on in mid January, according to a WLAF report. Campbell County Rural Fire Assistant Chief Daniel Lawson a 75 foot stretch of boat slip was also destroyed during the blaze. It was the second fire at a Campbell County marina in a six month period of time. 1-21-13

Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton handed a letter of resignation in to LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield in January. The letter state his resignation was effective immediately. The resignation followed questions regarding a wreck Sexton was involved with while traveling back from Memphis with Vice Mayor Hansford Hatmaker.  1-21-13

Campbell County conducted a Point-In-Time Count of the homeless in the county on Jan. 24. It was coordinated by the Tennessee Valley Coalition to End Homelessness.  1-24-13

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department graduated 225 D.A.R.E. students in local schools around the county.  1-31-13

February

Hundreds of people packed the courthouse to give members of the board of education an earful when they failed to renew Donnie Poston’s contract as Director of Schools. Parents, teachers and students overflowed the courtroom.  2-01-13

A proposed bill would require post-secondary education for school board members, according to State Representative Dennis Powers, who sponsored the bill in the Tennessee House of Representatives.  2-05-13

The LaFollette City Council approved Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries to act as city administrator while the position was advertised and could be filled. Hansford Hatmaker was the only no vote. 2-06-13

The Campbell SWAT team resumed its manhunt on Feb. 7th for an individual who invaded a home on Tussey Cut Road between Duff and Morley. After getting into a shoot-out with the homeowner, the suspect left in a van. A patrol officer made contact with the van on 25W, at which point the suspect fled on foot. The manhunt forced Wynn Elementary into lockdown for one afternoon. Randy Monday was arrested the next night and charged with multiple home burglaries, according to the sheriff’s department.  2-07-13

Text-a-Tip debuted in February at the high schools. By the end of the day, more than 20 tips were sent via text involving drugs, abuse and the like, according to the county mayor. The program is available to students at Jellico and Campbell County High Schools.

The oldest living graduate of LaFollette High School, Jeanette Smith Carr passed away early Saturday morning. Many baby boomers remember her as their teacher at Ivydale or Valley View School. She was 100 years old.  2-18-13

The Point-In-Time Homeless count results came in at 604, which is about average. However, the number of unsheltered individuals, around 62, is disturbingly high, according to coordinator Deb Mikesell. The unsheltered count usually runs in the 40s.  2-19-13

Jason Fox, dubbed “the Bad Hair Bandit” was arraigned in federal court in London, KY., in late February. He robbed six banks and his total take was less than $100,000. Fox, wearing a blond wig as part of his disguise robbed banks in Campbell County and Kentucky. His wife, Tasha Fox, was also charged as the get-away driver.  2-28-13

March

The Campbell County School Board voted to extend the contract of Director of Schools Donnie Poston through June 30, 2014 during a special-called meeting. The decision capped two months of turmoil during which time Poston had received an outpouring of support from the entire county.  3-01-13

State Representative Dennis Powers was appointed to the House Republican Caucus Task Force on Energy because of his “passion of working towards 21st Century solutions,” according to House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick.  3-05-13

LaFollette Utilities won the 2013 award for Clean Water, which is given by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. Out of eight utilities tested in the east Tennessee region, LaFollette’s won for best water. The water is tested on the look of cleanness, the smell and the taste.  3-08-13

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals made public a decision backing up the awarding of a new trial to school shooter Kenneth Bartley Jr. Bartley was charged in the 2005 shooting death of Assistant Principal Ken Bruce. He agreed to a plea deal in 2007.  3-12-13

It was a cold, but sunny first day of spring with brisk chilly temperatures in the 30s and winds 10 to 15 miles per hour.  3-21-13

A total of 21 candidates threw their hat in the ring to be the next LaFollette City Administrator. The list of candidates included several local people.  3-21-13

State Representative Dennis Powers announced in March that a bill was passed to name a section of Highway 25W in memory of fallen Campbell County High School Assistant Principal Ken Bruce. The school zone section of the road in front of the high school bears Bruce’s name.  3-22-13

A year-long drug investigation yielded 63 grand jury indictments and probation violations of Campbell County’s worst drug offenders, with a total bond amount of $6,312,500. It was the largest drug roundup in a decade, according to sheriff Robbie Goins. 3-25-13

The rotary roasted Colonel Tom Stiner, a living LaFollette legend at the Church of God. 3-28-13

April

Campbell County became part of the Knoxville Metro, making nine counties total for Knoxville’s MSA. With the additions, Knoxville’s metro population jumped from 700,000 to 840,000.  4-01-13

Tennessee doctors prescribing painkillers and other controlled substances will be required to check their patients’ prescription history to prevent abuse and doctor shopping. The new requirement was signed into law last year.  4-01-13

Members of the Campbell County Honor Guard were honored collectively at the 6th annual Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner held at the Ball Farm and Event Center. Third District Congressman Chuck Fleishmann was the special guest speaker.  4-04-13

It was a record night for the Campbell County Cancer Association’s annual telethon on WLAF-TV raising more than $32,500, topping last year’s $27,000.  4-08-13

State investigators were brought in to inspect the Campbell County Animal Shelter on Towe String Road regarding complaints from employees and others about the working environment at the shelter. County Mayor William Baird made the decision to close the shelter until the investigation was completed by the state.  4-12-13

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced the appointment of Andrew Tillman as the chancellor of the Eighth Judicial District Chancery Court. Tillman replaced Billy Joe White who passed away in Nov. 2012 after serving on the bench for 35 years.  4-17-13

The LaFollette Press hired a new editor Brent Schanding out of Kentucky. The newspaper also unveiled a new more modern look. Former press editor Susan Sharp sued parent company Landmark Community Newspapers for her job. The issue was eventually settled out of court.  4-17-13

According to a report issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee is now number one in the country for meth use. The state has ranked among the top three since 2007 and passed Missouri for the number one spot in April. Meth cleanup costs taxpayers an estimated $1 billion a year.  4-24-13

May

Campbell County High School held its scholarship and awards ceremony, with numerous students receiving thousands of dollars worth of scholarship monies. In fact, 66 students received a full scholarship to Roane State, Walter State or Pellissippi Community Colleges. The award ceremony also marked the first year the state recognized students as “Graduating with honors” and “Graduating with distinction.”  3-03-13

After a candidate list of around 21 was narrowed down to 12, the LaFollette City Council finally cast its vote for Billie Russell as the city administrator. She is the first woman to serve as city administrator for LaFollette.  5-08-13

WLAF celebrated its 60th anniversary on the air in May. A celebration was held in the former Regions Bank in downtown LaFollette. WLAF signed on the air on Sunday, May 17 of 1953.  5-15-03

Governor Bill Haslam stopped in Caryville to sign Lynn’s Law into action. The law was written after Lynn Cameron, a 19-year-old disabled woman was abandoned at a bar in Caryville. The case sparked national debate and outrage; however, there were no laws that would allow Tennessee District Attorneys to prosecute Lynn’s mother or others like her. Soon after, State Representative Dennis Powers, in conjunction with District Attorney Lori Phillips-Jones and Senator Ken Yager began drafting Lynn’s Law.  3-16-13

254 young men and women received their high school diplomas on a Saturday in May. It was the 38th graduation for Campbell County High School and the second in a row held at the Tex Turner Arena on LMU Campus in Harrogate.  5-20-13

According to numbers, Relay for Life’s dollars were down in 2013, with the event raising only about half of what it did last year. Organizers said they felt the threat of rain and other events going on at the same time could be attributed to the lower donations. Still, $41,000 was raised and other donations continued to trickle in through August.  5-23-13

June

The Campbell County Board of Education voted Tuesday night to approve a one year contract with K12 Inc., as a partner in a virtual schools program, in which students will receive instruction online without ever having to step into a classroom. The county’s school system will act as a host district receiving state BEP dollars for each student enrolled.  6-12-23

Senator Ken Yager was co-sponsor of a bill that changed the name of all the state’s technology centers. Beginning in July, the local school will be called Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Jacksboro. The name change is to reflect the role of the centers in professional development as well as to promote their value in the higher education process.6-18-13

A full house was on hand as the 11-member Campbell County Animal Control Advisory Board met at LaFollette City Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a basic framework of operating standards for the county animal shelter as well as for adoptions and rescues. The shelter has been closed since mid-April due to a state investigation of complaints that it wasn’t being operated properly.  6-19-13

On June 4, Governor Bill Haslam signed Senate Bill 745 known as the Breast Cancer Prevention Act into law in Nashville.  Present at the signing was bill sponsors Senator Becky Massey, State Representative Dennis Powers, and Dr Aaron Margulies, Dr. Kamilia Kozlowski, and LaFollette breast cancer survivor, Shelia Falls, among other who were involved in the bill.  6-20-13

There were four principal changes and one change in the central office for the 2013-2014 school year in Campbell County.  6-24-13

Storms knocked out power and downed trees all over the county in late June. Just before 1 a.m., is when calls began pouring into the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center and the LaFollette Utilities Department. Clairfield was the first and possibly worst hit area. Roses Creek, Deerfield, Powder Springs, Stinking Creek and Speedwell were other areas that received extensive damage as well.  6-27-13

July

Several new laws went into affect in Tennessee as of July 1. Guns in Parking Lots allows people with handgun carry permits to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked. School Security allows school districts to let people with police training to be armed in schools. Food Tax lowers the ales tax on groceries from 5.25 to 5. DUI-Interlock applies to Tennessee’s ignition interlock law to more drunk drivers. And the Tennessee Technology Center had its name changed.  7-01-13

LaFollette got a new Fazolis Restaurant in mid-July. The restaurant will also feature frozen yogurt.  7-03-13

The Campbell County Board of Education finally passed a budget that county commissioners would accept after several attempts. The final approved budget eliminated the $275,000 request that would have required a five-cent property tax increase.  7-22-13

Judge John Kerry Blackwood began the process of deciding whether or not school shooter Kenneth Bartley Jr., should have his new trial moved from Campbell County. It has been almost eight years since Bartley shot and killed assistant principal Ken Bruce. Blackwood eventually announced the trial would be in Feb. of 2014 in Jacksboro, but with an out of town jury.  7-26-13

August

After 41 years of providing primary and preventative care to the people of Stinking Creek and surrounding areas, the Wynn-Habersham Community Rural Health Clinic closed its doors permanently on July 29.  8-01-13

Eight months after the Fincastle Church of God was destroyed by fire, members of the congregation gathered together to dedicate the new building. The new church is bigger than the previous one.  8-02-13

The Campbell County Animal Shelter was scheduled to reopen on Aug. 5th after being closed for several months while being investigated by the TBI for being operated improperly. The investigation was still not complete. The shelter’s supervisor Betty Crumley resigned her post. Michael Aiken took over the post. The remainder of the staff with the exception of Animal Control Officer Otis Poore, will be replaced. The shelter closed on April 11.  8-02-13

County commissioners were less than enthusiastic when the president of an environmental consulting firm announced plans by Ketchen Land Company to develop a landfill in what was once the coal mining camp of Westboune. At this point in August, the issue was still being studied. County commissioners later gave a thumbs down to the project. Ten of the commissioners voted in non-support of the landfill during their meeting.  8-13-13

The virtual Cyber School project was on hold despite the start of the school year. The state said the company running the program still had not provided all the necessary documents and paperwork and urged students to enroll in their regular district school until the state made a decision.  8-14-13

Speaker of the House of Representatives Beth Harwell was the guest speaker at a luncheon hosted by State Representative Dennis Powers at the Stables. It was Powers kickoff fundraiser.  8-15-13

LaFollette began its downtown cleanup initiative in August. Then LaFollette City Administrator Billie Russell said the city wanted to send a message to residents and businesses about codes and zoning enforcement.   8-28-13

September

After a bit of public outcry, members of the LaFollette City Council voted against removing the 500-feet distance requirement between retail stores selling beer and schools and churches. Mayor Mike Stanfield cast the deciding vote, breaking the 2-2 tie.  9-04-13

It was also announced in early September that a Bojangles restaurant is coming to LaFollette and will be located near the Pizza Hut and movie Theatre. An estimated 80 employees will be hired to start out.  9-04-13

The Ken Bruce Memorial Highway in front of the high school was dedicated. Members of the Bruce family joined State Representative Dennis Powers and Sate Senator Ken Yager as well as members of the community for the dedication.  9-04-13

A grand jury heard evidence in the TBI’s probe regarding the Campbell County Animal Shelter and issued recommendations on how the shelter should be run, but did not hand down any indictments in the case. The grand jury issued findings they felt needed looked at and addressed at the shelter, according to District Attorney General Lori Phillips-Jones.  9-05-13

The Ketchen Land Company held a second public information meeting regarding the proposed coal ash landfill in Westbourne. Over 200 people packed the White Oak gym, nearly all of them vocally opposed to the landfill.  9-25-13

October

A partial government shutdown began on Oct. 1. Essential services continued, but in other branches, hundreds of thousands of workers were furloughed as other government functions were disrupted. There have been 17 government shutdowns in the past with the most recent being in 1996.  10-01-13

An official grievance was filed against then city administrator Billie Russell by several employees at LaFollette. Russell had been the city’s administrator for four months. LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield indicated he would have a special-called meeting to orally reprimand Russell. Russell has taken a medical leave of absence from work and obtained the services of attorney Dave Dunaway.  10-02-13

After 40 years in law enforcement, retired Caryville Police Chief Bill Widener passed away at the age of 65. Before working in Caryville, Widener was a sheriff’s deputy for 14 years.  10-03-13

The cougars jumped two spots in state rankings of the best football teams. Campbell hit the number seven spot, while Oak Ridge fell to 10 after the Cougars defeated them 27 to 14. It is the first time in the Cougars 39 year history that Campbell County has entered the poll.  10-08-13

Campbell County closed the door on the virtual school program in October, voting unanimously to notify K12, Inc., that the county intends to cancel its contract. The board had hoped the online school would bring in much needed revenue, but the application was rejected by state officials.  10-09-13

It was announced in October that Caryville will be getting a new factor in its industrial park, providing about 250 or more jobs to the area. The body armor manufacturer from Indiana is expected to open up in the old PACA building.  10-15-13

If the county had any lingering doubts about how residents of the fifth district felt about the possibility of a coal ash landfill, those doubts were laid to rest when over 125 people attended the commissioner’s workshop in October and expressed their fears about the landfill. Commissioners voted 15-0 in approval of adopting Jackson’s Law, which gives the county government a voice in whether or not to allow a landfill in its jurisdiction.  10-22-13

November

The LaFollette City Council voted to hold off on appointing an interim city administrator and to rather allow department heads to handle situations should they arise by polling the council and mayor. City Administrator Billie Russell remains on medical leave.  “We have been instructed to communicate through her attorney,” LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said.  11-06-13

The LaFollette City Council voted to purchase the old LaFollette Post Office for $150,000. Though there are no immediate plans for the building, the mayor and members of the council said they were happy with the purchase and that the building was owned by the city.  11-06-13

LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God Andrew Hamblin had over 50 venomous snakes seized from a room in his church by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Hamblin was cited into court on possession of class I wildlife charges. Copperheads, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and several other breeds of poisonous snakes were removed and are being housed at the Knoxville Zoo where some of them are being nursed back to health. Of the 53 snakes, around 5 died due to their poor condition, according to a Knoxville Zoo spokesperson. Hamblin hired attorney Mike Hatmaker to represent him in court.  11-07-13

The Lake City Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to change the name of the town to Rocky Top, despite receiving a letter from Bryant Marketing in Gatlinburg informing the council that the company holds numerous copyrights to the name “Rocky Top.”  11-08-13

If approved by stockholders, Tennova Healthcare’s parent company Health Management Associates will be sold to Community Health Systems. The sale has been in the works for months and once completed, the $7.6 billion sale will make CHS the largest hospital organization in the country.  11-20-13

December

The possibility of housing a permanent LIFESTAR helicopter and landing zone was brought before the city council by a LIFESTAR representative. The proposal is to locate the helicopter next to the east side fire station which is located off Central Ave., near the DeRoyal factor. Before more discussion on the issue, it has to be taken before the planning commission, according to Mayor Mike Stanfield.  12-05-13

A faculty and staff reunion for former East LaFollette teachers was held on Dec. 8th at the old school. Organized by several former teachers, the event provided an opportunity for fellowship and enjoying old times.  12-08-13

County commissioners voted to transfer $500,000 that was saved through refinancing of county debt into a fund for paving roads. Each district will get $85,000 for road paving projects.  12-10-13

Parents, grandparents and guardians lined up in downtown LaFollette to participate in the annual Toys for Tots program, which served 750 children this year, helping them to have a better Christmas season. The event would not be possible without the county-wide efforts of volunteers, according to organizers.  12-13-13

Snake handling pastor Andrew Hamblin’s case has been bound over to the grand jury.  Hamblin appeared in Campbell County Court in December, regarding the Nov. 7th seizure of over 50 snakes from his LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God. Hamblin was charged with one count of possession of class I wildlife. After a two-hour preliminary hearing, Judge Joe Ayers heard enough testimony to decide the issue should go before a grand jury, which meets on Jan. 6th.   12-18-13

After several citizens said they were against it, the possibility of a LIFESTAR helicopter being housed in LaFollette has been nixed, according to Mayor Mike Stanfield. The helicopter would have been located near the east side fire station, but several residents that live in that area indicated they were against it. Locating the helicopter there would have also required an ordinance change in the city allowing above ground fuel tanks. According to Stanfield, LIFESTAR had also decided to pursue a location closer to the interstate, perhaps in the town of Jacksboro.  12-20-13

Jellico finishes 4th in Florida tourney

     At Sandestin, Florida, Jellico finished in fourth place at the Hilton-Sandestin Beach Basketball Blowout.  Coach Mike Reynolds’ Blue Devils fell to the Cookeville (Tennessee) Cavaliers this afternoon by a final of 63 to 45.  JHS has wins over Freeport Bulldogs (Florida), the Fort Dale Academy (Greenville, Alabama) Eagles, and a 64 to 47semi-final loss on Monday night to the Paxton Bobcats (Florida).  (UPDATED 12/31/2013/4:30PM) 

Fractured forecasts for 2014: Confusion reigns and Mayor Kidwell takes office

By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey 

It’s that same ol’ sad time of the year again, when every newspaper from the Bledsonian-Banner (“The only newspaper that gives a damn about Bledsoe County”) to the New York Times runs those “Year in Review” pieces.  We can now read all about the news that enraged us, terrified us or disgusted us during the past year – all over again!

The TV stations also do it, and they never seem to get the message that “nobody cares.” Well, they do get the message, but those of us in the news bizz want some time off during the holidays too – why should teachers have all the fun?  The best way to do that is by filling the airwaves and news pages with dribble that you can write back in October, such as “In August the world was shocked to learn that the Syrian regime had used chemical weapons on rebel-held villages.  Helicopters sprayed nitrous oxide gas on the towns and the residents literally died laughing.”

I’ve never been much for rehashing old news.  Instead I prefer to get a real scoop on the competition by giving you the news that hasn’t happened yet.  So without further ado, let us look at Boomer’s Fractured Forecasts for 2014:

January - The Campbell County Commission meets as a road committee to prioritize the use of money saved from re-financing old bonds, with each of the county’s five districts getting $85,000 to spend on road projects.

Things get complicated when Road Superintendent Dennis Potter informs commissioners that the cost of asphalt has gone up again and each district can afford to pave only 200 feet of highway. Agreeing that 200 feet won’t get them very far in an election year, the squires vote to invest the money in Powerball tickets instead.

February - The Town of Lake City’s effort to re-name themselves “Rocky Top” hits a snag in the state legislature when Representatives Dennis Powers and John Ragan introduce a bill to authorize the change.

A legislator from Sevier County amends the bill to re-name Lake City as “Muddy Bottom.”  A fierce debate ensues in which legislators suggest a number of other alternatives including “Rocky Topless,” “Pigeon Roost” and “Dog Patch.”  The House finally agrees on a new name for Lake City and the Town of “Confusion, Tennessee” is born.

March - Equally confused are the members of the Campbell County School Board when they begin the search for a new Director of Schools to replace the retiring Donnie Poston.  A total of 26 people apply for the job, including 21 who are related to various members of the Board of Education.

In the end it is determined that all ten board members must disqualify themselves from voting due to conflicts of interest, leaving the decision up to the only person in the school district without a relative among the candidates – a cook at Jacksboro Middle School.

April - This being election year, the Tennessee General Assembly concludes its business and adjourns early to campaign for re-election.  The only bills that are passed into law during the short session include a law that allows gun permit holders to carry their firearms into houses of worship, work places and schools.

“The best way to protect our kids from school shootings is when the kids can shoot back,” Representative J. A. Smoot (R- Turtletown) points out.  The only other bill to pass the legislature legalizes the use of poisonous snakes in religious services.

May - Campbell County and the State of Tennessee enter into negotiations to cede the City of Jellico to Kentucky.  The talks fail, however, when Kentucky agrees to accept Jellico only if Tennessee throws in its share of Cumberland Gap and Big South Fork National Parks, along with an undisclosed amount of cash.

June - Reverend Andrew Hamblin, at the first service in which he is legally authorized to handle poisonous reptiles, is promptly bitten by a Rattlesnake.  The snake dies, and Hamblin is arrested on charges of animal cruelty.

July - The county commission again passes a no-tax increase budget and again rejects Road Superintendent Dennis Potter’s request for paving funds.  The school board offers to loan the commission $1.5 million for paving projects, the School Department’s share of profits from selling solar power to TVA.

“You can pay us back with the money you make from placing solar panels on other county buildings.  Oh, we forgot.  You decided it was too risky and voted not to place solar panels on other county buildings,” school board members gloated in an open letter to the commission.

August - At long last Campbell County’s new justice center is completed and ready for occupancy.  The Tennessee Department of Corrections, however, conducts an updated prisoner survey and determines that the county’s jail cell occupancy rate has increased dramatically, leaving the new jail in need of space to house another 65 prisoners beyond the new jail’s capacity.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow’s suggestion to convert judges’ office space into jail cells is rebuffed, as is his proposal that the Sheriff arrest fewer people.  Marlow is last seen wandering into a wooded area near LaFollette, muttering something about “going to join the Skunk Ape.”

September - State and county officials again have hope for a resolution to the Jellico problem when the State of Georgia agrees to take responsibility for Jellico, if the state will throw in access to the water of the Tennessee River.

Tennessee rejects Georgia’s offer but Jellico officials finally announce they have found their own solution to the town’s financial troubles.  “We have seized 125 residential lots in the former Rarity Mountain development for unpaid taxes,” Mayor Les Stiers announces.  “We are negotiating with Ketchen Land Company to lease the land to them for a fly ash landfill.”

October – Local elections are over with most incumbents being returned to office.  One notable exception is the City of LaFollette, where voters elect eternal candidate Virgil Kidwell as Mayor by a landslide vote.  Mayor Kidwell immediately stirs up controversy by suggesting that city council hire a new city administrator, “My mentor, former Mayor Cliff Jennings.”

Councilman Hansford Hatmaker is arrested after his hands are pried away from the mayor’s neck.

November – City officials celebrate a happy ending to efforts by the town of Confusion (formerly Lake City) to land a theme park when it turns out that the unidentified “investors” who wanted to change the town’s name are all Chinese.

When informed that instead of “Rocky Top,” the town was now called “Confusion,” the investors doubled their contributions, mistakenly assuming the new name honored the Chinese philosopher Confucius.  Construction is scheduled to begin in March on the park’s first attractions, the Great Wall Water Slide and the Chairman Mao Dinner Theater.

December – The Campbell County Cougars football team, having just completed an undefeated season, wins the playoff to claim a state championship.  TSSAA immediately announces that the program is under investigation.

“We have no evidence of wrongdoing but this is Campbell County and they went undefeated. Something has to be wrong somewhere,” an attorney leading the investigation told reporters.

So there you have it, dear readers.  All of the news that may or may not happen, but many of us would like to see, if for no other reason than the sheer entertainment value.  Have a happy New Year and a prosperous 2014!   (UPDATED 12/31/2013/1:00PM)             

WLAF loses member of its sports crew

     For years, Greg Brackett of Jacksboro was a fixture on the WLAF Sports Crew.  This morning, we’re sad to report that the friendly sports announcer, coach, and fan has died.  His sidekick, Les Martin, says Brackett, as he always called him, died suddenly overnight from complications of a blood clot.  Brackett was a part of football, baseball, and sports talk coverage for WLAF over the years and also coached middle school baseball. 

Greg Brackett

Martin calls him a really good friend, and says that if there was a right way to do something, then that’s the way Brackett wanted to go.  The Kingston native’s fulltime career was in the banking industry, and he currently worked at a north Knoxville bank. 

He leaves behind a son, daughter, and fiance`.  Greg Brackett was 50-years old.(UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM)

Misuse of city credit cards discussed at workshop

By Charlotte Underwood

Sparks flew at the end of a lengthy LaFollette City Council workshop on Monday night when Mayor Mike Stanfield brought up misuse of city credit cards.

LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield holds a newspaper clipping from a November 2012 issue of the LaFollette Press. The clipping is of a picture of former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award while on a trip to Gatlinburg in October 2012. Stanfield alleges the trip was a misuse of the city’s credit card and taxpayer’s money.

Shortly before the workshop’s close, Stanfield handed out a report to council members listing purchases made on the city’s credit card. He also held a newspaper clipping from a November 2012 issue of the LaFollette Press. The clipping is of a picture of former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award while on a trip to Gatlinburg in 2012.

A copy of the report revealed handwritten notes marking certain items as money spent by Sexton Hatmaker while attending a coal mining conference on Oct. 28 and 29 of last year. 

“Do you remember what that was about Hansford?” Councilman Joe Bollinger asked.

Hatmaker said he did and that it was the “coal mining thing” the city participates in each year.

Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker reacts to Mayor Mike Stanfield’s accusation that his use of the city’s credit card was inappropriate.

“We don’t’ participate in that. I didn’t go to Gatlinburg; I wasn’t invited,” Stanfield said, and then continued on and asked Hatmaker why he and Sexton spent the night at a hotel.

“That’s where the conference was held,” Hatmaker replied.

“Was it authorized by the city?” Bob Fannon asked.

“If Cade signed it, then he authorized it; he was the city administrator at the time,” Hatmaker said.

This clipping shows former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award on behalf of Triple H Coal while attending a coal mining conference in Gatlinburg in 2012.

“You look good holding that plaque that says H Group; you accepted a plaque for your brother’s company on tax payer’s money; this here is wrong Hansford Hatmaker. It’s like that trip to Memphis you and Cade took,” Stanfield said, adding that “the only person you are fooling is the fool sitting there.”

This clipping shows former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award on behalf of Triple H Coal while attending a coal mining conference in Gatlinburg in 2012.

“You’re fighting a losing battle Mike. We’ll find out some stuff; I’ve got the big boys coming in to check on some stuff,” Hatmaker said elusively.

Bob Fannon asked that the issue be placed on the agenda to be discussed at next week’s meeting.

The purchases made that had handwritten notations implying it was spent by Sexton and Hatmaker included $282.10 to Doubletree Park Vista in Gatlinburg for hotel rooms. There were also notations made regarding purchases made at several restaurants in Sevierville and Knoxville during the period of time the trip was conducted. These totaled $105.82, according to the copy of credit card purchases provided by Stanfield.

Members of the council also listened to the city’s audit report as representatives from Pugh & Company; P.C. out of Knoxville told the board that the city had received a “clean audit report with no significant deficiencies or findings.”

Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker takes a moment to speak with part-time officer Jordan Reid who will soon be moved up to full-time.

Also discussed and added to the upcoming meeting agenda was the hiring of Jordan Reid from a part-time to a full-time police officer.

“He has been working with us part-time since September and he has been out on his own for the past month and we would like to go ahead and make him full-time,” Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries said.

Other items added to next week’s agenda included appropriating $2,000 for exhaust fans in the recreation center and library restrooms as well as the need to demolish two.(UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM)

Beech Street Bridge project gets go ahead

By Charlotte Underwood

Construction on replacing the Beech Street Bridge in downtown LaFollette could begin as soon as summer, after the city received a federal grant to pay for 80-percent of the $1.4 million project.

The LaFollette City Council held a special-called meeting on Monday evening before holding the regularly scheduled workshop. The purpose of the meeting was to approve and accept a matching grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) that will provide 80-percent of the funds needed for the bridge replacement. The city will be responsible for 20-percent of the project’s cost, which according to street department head Jim Mullins, will be around $302,938.

“It could be a little less, it could be a little more, we won’t know until the bids come in,” Mullins said. The cost of the project includes tearing down the old bridge and completely replacing it. The old bridge, which was built in the 1930s or 1940s, according to Mullins needs replaced and has received a “very poor rating” by TDOT in the past.

Street Department Head Jim Mullins reads a letter to the LaFollette City Council stating the city was approved for a matching grant to replace the Beech Street Bridge. The city will be responsible for around $302,000 of the $1.4 million project.

“The old bridge doesn’t align with the road, it’s too narrow and there is the safety hazard of having pedestrians walking beside the track,” Mullins said, adding the new bridge would be aligned with the street and would also be wider, have shoulders and sidewalks on either side that would tie-in with the walking trail.

The council voted unanimously to accept the grant and enter into a contract with TDOT to begin the project.

“I hope to have it bid, if not let by June and then there would be about six months of construction to complete the new bridge,” Mullins said.

“That bridge was dangerous when we were little boys and now that we’re old men, it’s still dangerous,” said Mayor Mike Stanfield.(UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM)

Downtown insurance fixture closing

By Charlotte Underwood

     It’s the end of an era for members of the Ben Rogers Coffee Drinkers Club with the long-time insurance provider closing its doors as of 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Rogers passed away in February of last year at the age of 89 after working right up until just a few days before he died, according to his son Jim Rogers. Jim, along with his brother Mike are retiring and selling the insurance portion of the business to E.E. Hill and Son Insurance. They will be retaining the building for a short period of time while wrapping up business details.

Kathy and Jim Rogers

The insurance business was started by their father Ben in the back of the H & K Jewelry shop on North Tennessee Avenue. What began as a small side insurance business eventually grew to be a downtown business fixture in La Follette.

“Dad was a school teacher and only started the insurance business to bring in extra income,” Rogers said, adding that his father had enjoyed it so much that he quit teaching and began selling insurance full-time.

Mike Rogers

The business moved to its current location on West Central Ave., in the early 1960s.

For years, coffee drinkers and friends of Ben Rogers have gathered at the insurance building every Saturday morning to drink coffee and talk; with the business closing, Jim Rogers said he is sad to see that coffee drinking tradition come to an end.

Gary Rogers (above), Loris Johnson (below)

“They would come in and drink coffee and then round about noon we would throw them out. I didn’t want to see it come to an end, but things change,” Jim Rogers said, adding that he and his brother had given several special individuals a “life time certificate” to the Ben Rogers Coffee Drinkers Club. Those special inductees include Jack Reynolds, Ed Balloff, Conrad Troutman and Kent Younce.

“After daddy died, they just kept coming and drinking coffee,” Jim Rogers said. He and his brother have both been in the family business for over 45 years.

“It’s going to be a real hard change,” Rogers said. (UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM PIX BY CHARLIE HUTSON)

Listen to Tennessee Saturday Night with Tony Basilio using the player below


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Sheriff’s and police reports

By Charlotte Underwood

Sheriff’s deputies make multiple public intoxication arrests; woman arrested at elementary school

A LaFollette woman was arrested on Dec. 18th for public intoxication after she attempted to pick her children up from a local elementary school, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

When the deputy arrived at the school, he found Sonya Goins, 28, had slurred speech and was unstable on her feet. Goins was given a sobriety test, which she failed, according to the arrest report. She was arrested and transported to the county jail on charges of public intoxication. She has a court date set for Jan. 3.

In an unrelated public intoxication case, another LaFollette woman was arrested on public intoxication charges after sheriff’s deputies responded to the complaint of a woman trying to push a car over an embankment on Dec. 21. When deputies responded to the location on Cave Springs Road, they found Danielle Desha Mason, 23, who told them she was under the influence of a controlled substance. According to the arrest report, Mason also told deputies she had been calling 9-1-1 for reporting accidents and trying to call ambulances and that she had been told to leave the residence she had been at.

“The defendant was outside and was self-apparent to the average prudent person that she was under the influence of drugs,” the arrest report narrative read.

Mason has a court date set for Jan. 3.(12/30/2013/6:00AM)

Jacksboro man arrested for stealing over $6,000 worth of property

Jarred Asbury, 26, was arrested on Dec. 19th and charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property $1,000-$9,999, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Asbury allegedly stole $1,550 worth of property from one residence in Jacksboro before selling it to a pawnshop in Caryville. The arrest report also states he stole $4,500 worth of property from another residence on Towe String Road and sold that property to U.S. Standard Gold Buyers. (12/30/2013/6:00AM)

Glade Springs man garners his 34th charge

A Glade Springs man garnered his 34th charge in nine years, according to a Campbell County Sheriff’s Department arrest report.

Mark A. Winterberg, 28, LaFollette, was arrested on Dec. 19th by sheriff’s deputies on burglary and theft charges after he broke into several vehicles. He had allegedly admitted to deputies that he had broke into a car parked on Haven Lane and stole $150 worth of personal property which he later sold to Big Orange Pawn in Knoxville, according to the sheriff’s report. Winterberg also broke into another vehicle parked on Medford Lane around Dec. 13 as well as another vehicle on Minton Road. According to the report, he admitted to stealing $225 worth of property from one vehicle and $120 worth of property from another vehicle, before selling it to the pawn shop as well. According to Winterberg’s arrest record dating back to Jan. 2004, these marked his 33rd and 34th charges.

Other charges in the past included theft, vandalism, driving while suspended, violation of probation, resisting and evading arrest, assault on a police officer, giving false info to a police officer, reckless endangerment, especially aggravated kidnapping, failure to pay fines, driving while suspended, forgery  and violation of the Tennessee Financial Law, just to name a few.(12/30/2013/6:00AM)

Hit and run accident leads to arrest in LaFollette

A hit and run accident in front of the high school led to the arrest of a LaFollette man on Dec. 18th, according to a LaFollette Police Department arrest report.

Donnie Carroll, 58, was arrested after he allegedly left the scene of an accident. According to the report, Carroll allegedly “attempted to run” the victim off the road, striking the victim’s 2014 Ford Mustang on the passenger side causing possible injuries to a passenger who was transported to the hospital by E.M.S. After gaining consent to search, police found Carroll had a cell phone on his person with enough battery to report the accident. Officers also found Carroll to be in possession of a green bottle containing Gabapentin in someone else’s name. He also failed to show proof of registration and insurance. Carroll was arrested and transported to the county jail.

Saturday's final scores:

Sevier County 61 - Cougars 57    2OT

Fulton 42 - Lady Cougars 36

Jellico 63 - Ft. Dale Academy (Alabama) 38

Friday's final scores:

Seymour 47 - Lady Cougars 39

Cougars 64 - McMinn County 53

Thursday's final scores:

Lady Cougars defeat Unicoi County

Maryville wins over the Cougars

Jellico is a winner over Freeport (Florida)

Sheriff calls loss of deputy “devastating”

     A law enforcement and U.S. Army veteran has died.  Campbell County Deputy Bill Tackett passed away on Christmas Eve.  Sheriff Robbie Goins calls Tackett’s death a sorrowful and devastating loss for not only the sheriff’s office and county, but a tragic loss for our great country, Christians, and mankind in general. 

Reverend Billy Rich Tackett

Goins describes Tackett as a rare public servant who possessed more than a quality of dedicated, ethical, and unselfish public service to his country and its people.  Aside from a more than 20-year career in the Army, the Viet-Nam War veteran was a Tennessee State Trooper, and most recently a county deputy, Tackett was also the assistant pastor at the Guiding Star Baptist Church.  Billy Rich Tackett was 65-years old.(12/27/2013/6:00AM)

 Founder of Opens Arms Ministry dies

     Reverend Robert Adkins was a church pastor, a U.S. Navy veteran, a father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  However, he may best be known for what he did in the fight against hunger in Campbell County.  Adkins founded the Open Arms Ministry.  Through its food distribution program, Open Arms Ministry literally feeds thousands and thousands of people every year.  Robert Adkins, who died on Christmas Eve, was 77-years old.(12/27/2013/6:00AM)

CCHS JROTC holds fall awards ceremony 

By: C/MAJ Chris Bolton

 

            On Thursday, December 12, 2013 the Campbell County High School (CCHS) JROTC program held its fall awards ceremony.  Cadets received awards for work in the first semester of this year. All class periods attended the ceremony. Special guests included Ms. Jamie Wheeler, and Mrs. Carolyn Cox (former assistant principal of CCHS).

Cadet Jessica Baird recites the Cadet Creed.

           

     The ceremony began with a phenomenal entrance by cadets that featured   a fog machine and music. The color guard posted the colors, and select cadets recited the pledge of allegiance, the cadet creed, and the JROTC core values.  Battalion Commander Chris Bolton gave opening remarks about the program’s fall semester.  LTC Salveson recognized special guests and provided humorous comments on semester activities. One of these included the story of he, Mr. Ward, and MSG Tierney moving a “portable toilet” across Cove Lake Park with an old Blue Blazer as the tow vehicle ... (talk about old folks ready for emergencies ???). Then it was time for the awards.

Cadets wait patiently to get in line for their awards.

    

     Awards ranged from academics to athletic ribbons. The CCHS JROTC program also received a special award itself. CCHS’ Battalion received the Army’s Honor Unit with Distinction Certificate (HUD).  The HUD award is the highest unit award a JROTC program can earn. CCHS has been eligible for this award for the last 19 years (of its 21 year existence). This year is the nineteenth time CCHS has earned the award.

     Twelve cadets received the National Physical Fitness Award for scoring above fifty percent in all events of their physical test. Robert Kennedy was also awarded the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for scoring above eighty-five percent. He is the first cadet to win this award in several years.

Superior Cadet Recipients Hannah Yodice, Abbigale Kitts, Christian Ward, and John Byrge (from left to right).

Last awards to be presented were the Superior Cadet decorations.  Ms Wheeler, and Mrs. Cox presented these to Hannah Yodice for LET-1, Abbigale Kitts for LET-2, Christian Ward for LET-3, and John Byrge for LET-4.

After presentation of all awards, the ceremony ended with a closing Poem.  The poem was a story of how children feel when their parents in the service are deployed. All they want is their parents to be home. It was a touching eye opener for the ceremony’s closing.(12/27/2013/6:00AM)

Goins is proud winner of stocking

     Effie Goins picked up her giant Christmas stocking on Christmas Eve.  Goins is the winner in the annual WLAF stocking give-a-way.  Special thanks to local businesses, Designer Choice Consignment, Bowman`s Jewelers, Radio Shack, Neighborhood Urgent Care and Gifts from Above along with the hundreds of you who took time to register for a chance at winning.  Effie registered on a recent visit to Gifts from Above.

Edward Jones is business of the week

     Thursday means Charlotte Underwood is featuring a local business.  Today’s it’s Zach Sheets with the La Follette Edward Jones office.  Read Charlotte’s story and see her pictures further down this page.  (12/26/2013/6:00AM)

Planning for the future; Edward Jones can help

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

It’s never too early or too late to start planning for the financial future, according to Edward Jones Investments Financial Planner Zach Sheets.

“The great thing about financial planning is it’s never too late to start investing in you,” Sheets said, adding that the “sooner the better.”

Always a “numbers guy”, Sheets spent years in the corporate management sector in the entertainment industry for Regal Cinema. Around three years ago, he decided he wanted to switch to a different profession where he could use his expertise in finances and managing in order to help people while still making a living for himself and his family.

According to Edward Jones Investments Financial Advisor Zach Sheets, it’s never too early or too late to start planning for the financial future.

“This profession is nice because you are successful if your clients do well. The best path to success here is doing a good job for the clients,” Sheet said, explaining the world of finance was based on trust and results.

After relocating his office from West Knoxville to LaFollette in May, Sheets said he loves the change to a “hometown atmosphere.”

“I wanted to move to a town where you could know the people and not be just another face in the crowd,” Sheets said.

Over the past six months, Sheets has invested himself in the community by becoming a member of the rotary, the Lions Club and the local chamber of commerce, all of which keep him busy.

“I love to participate in things going on in the community; people here will at least listen to you,” Sheets said, adding that the best part of his business was “getting to know the people across the desk, getting to be their friends and ultimately helping them towards their goals.”

Helping people realize and obtain their financial goals is what Edward Jones Investments is all about, but it doesn’t take loads of money to get started, according to Sheets, who said he wanted to dispel that financial investment myth.

“In reality you can get started in systematic investments with as little as $25 and it doesn’t cost anything to come in, ask questions and see what’s up as far as financial planning possibilities,” Sheets said, adding that planning for the financial future was important for people of all ages. Setting up an account doesn’t cost anything either. Sheets is also available to talk to people about life insurance, long-term care insurance and other important issues. Due to his profession, he is adept at finding the best plans out there for the money.

Edward Jones Investments is located at 102 N. Massachusetts Ave., Suite 10 in LaFollette, across from the Y-12 bank. For more information or to schedule a financial planning appointment, call 423-566-4010.

He offered a little bit of holiday financial advice to the readers and listeners, saying “if you receive money as a gift this holiday season, put some of that aside and if you’ve run up the credit card debt, pay that down first. And instead of buying a toy for the kids that will break in six months, start a college fund.” But the best advice he said he could offer was to “make sure you have a financial plan; just don’t wing it.”

“If you need legal advice, you go to a lawyer, if you need medical help, you go to a doctor and if you need help with your taxes, you go to an accountant so it only makes sense if you need financial advice and help, then come see me at Edward Jones Investments,” Sheets said.

Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, all of this and more is available through Edward Jones Investments, which is located at 102 N. Massachusetts Ave., in LaFollette, across from the Y-12 bank. For more information or to schedule a financial planning appointment, call 423-566-4010.  (12/26/2013/6:00AM)

2013 Christmas Parade

 

Sheriff and police reports

By Charlotte Underwood

Jellico woman arrested on assault charges

A Jellico woman was arrested on aggravated assault charges on Dec. 23, after she allegedly pulled a handgun and cursed at three individuals, including a juvenile, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

Campbell County Deputy Joshua Jeffers was dispatched to Low Wood Lane around 10:27 p.m. on the 23rd on the report that Lisa Regina Dople-Rookard, 50, had allegedly tail-gated her husband while he was traveling west on Highway 297. The arrest report goes on to state that Dople-Rookard followed him to his driveway and then pulled a gun on him and two other individuals with him, including a juvenile. Witnesses stated after she cursed them and pointed the gun at them, she pulled out and headed east on Highway 297. When deputies spoke with Dople-Rookard, she admitted to traveling on Highway 297 and stated she had been going to visit her mother, but denied pulling a gun. She was arrested, according to the report, “based on witness and victim statements.”

La Follette man arrested for scrapping borrowed boat

A LaFollette man was arrested on theft charges after he sold an aluminum boat for scrap while borrowing it from someone else. According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department arrest report, Ryan Travis Gulley, 22, was arrested on Dec. 27 for theft under $500 after he sold a 12-foot aluminum boat for scrap to Jacksboro Metals. Sheriff’s deputy Nathanial Bostic spoke to the victim and learned Gulley had permission to borrow the boat, but not to scrap it. Jacksboro Metals provided a copy of the sale invoice that had a copy of Gulley’s driver license on it. According to the report, when deputies went to his LaFollette address and advised him of his constitutional rights, he admitted to selling the boat to the scrap yard for $30.40.

Noise complaint leads to drug paraphernalia arrest

A LaFollette woman was arrested on drug paraphernalia charges after a noise compliant brought the police to her door on W. Fir Street, according to the LaFollette Police Department.

LaFollette police officers were dispatched to the residence on Dec. 28th around 10:20 p.m. on the report loud music was being played. After arriving, officers spoke with Margo Marie Paul, 54, who admitted to having the music turned up loud to “reminisce” some good times with her friend, the police report said. Officers asked her if they could step inside out of the rain and Paul agreed. After stepping inside, officers located two pipes with burnt residue in plain sight. When asked if there was any marijuana in the house, Paul said no and gave officers permission to search. After searching, deputies found a drinking straw cut in half with white powder residue inside of it as well as a bullet cartridge containing a pair of tweezers with burnt black residue stuck inside. Paul then allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day and that the straw was used to snort pills, according to the arrest report.

La Follette police make public intox arrests

The LaFollette Police Department made two public intoxication arrests right after the holiday.  LaFollette Police Officer Charles Duff responded to the S. Point area on Dec. 27 on the report that an intoxicated man was staggering near the roadway. After arriving, Duff located Jerry Lynn Lumpkins, 51. Lumpkins was mumbling, had a strong odor of alcohol and admitted to having six beers and “trying to get home”, according to the report. In his report, Duff stated Lumpkins was so intoxicated, he had him sit down so he wouldn’t fall down, before arresting him for fear he would continue to be a safety hazard in the roadway. Lumpkins was charged with public intoxication and taken to jail. 

Anthony Joseph Selover, 48, was arrested for public intoxication on Dec. 28 after he nearly “staggered” out in front of a police officer’s car in front of Rainbow Ford, according to the police report. Officer Brian Tiller was on patrol when he observed Selover on the side of the roadway in front of the car dealership, shortly before Selover nearly stepped out in front of his car. Tiller turned around and made contact with Selover, who according to the report had “slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.” Selover was arrested and transported to the county jail.

The march through 2014's big election year begins Friday

By Charlotte Underwood

With multiple political races coming up in 2014, it should be an exciting election year, according to Election Administrator Ann Ayers-Colvin.  For those who are interested in running politically, election petitions can be picked up at the election commission office beginning on Jan. 3. The qualifying deadline to run for office is noon on April 3rd, and all qualifying paperwork and signatures to run must be turned in by that time. The withdrawal deadline is noon on April 10th.

On the county level, August could usher in various new political officials. Political races in the Eighth Judicial District include circuit court judge, chancellor, district attorney general and public defender. Other political offices on the ballot include county mayor, county attorney, general sessions judge and five county commission districts. August will also see constable as well as school board elections in all five districts.  Other political offices up for grabs in 2014 include criminal court judge, circuit court clerk, county trustee, county clerk, register of deeds and sheriff.  According to election deputy Carol Jo Nelson, sheriff candidates need to come by the election office to pick up their packet to file with Post.

“They have to show they have so many years experience in police work and that they have had a psych evaluation,” Nelson said. The deadline for sheriff candidates to file with Post is March 20th.

On the state level, 2014 means it is time to pick a new governor.  It is not certain yet who will be running against Bill Haslam, who has already started his fundraising and campaigning efforts, both locally and in other parts of the state.

Also in state elections, there is one Unites States Senate race, as well as a U.S. House of representatives’ race, with the second and third district both included. The second district, which is Jimmy Duncan’s district, includes Jellico, White Oak, Newcomb and Wells Springs, while everything else falls in the third district, which is Chuck Fleishmann’s district, according to Ayers-Colvin.  Citizens will also get the chance to vote for a state committee executive male and female for both parties in the fall. It is also the year to vote on whether or not to retain Tennessee’s Supreme Court judges.

“Those will be the retention questions at the end of the ballot; it will simply say ‘shall such and such be retained as judge’,” Ayers-Colvin explained.

The election of a state representative will finish up the state elections.

For more information, contact the election commission office at 423-562-9777.(01/02/2014/6:00AM)

Local pizzeria serving slices for nearly 38 years

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Coming up on its 38th anniversary in the spring, Charley’s Pizza in Jacksboro is still going strong, serving up slice after slice of that pizza pie. But pizza isn’t all the Campbell County dining fixture has to offer and actually serves up “just about everything,” according to owner and operator Jerry Partin.

After nearly 40 years in the pizza business, Charley’s is a Campbell County dining fixture.

Started by Charley Baird nearly 40 years ago, Charley’s was purchased from Baird by Partin in 2008. A long-time employee, Partin has worked at Charley’s for about 33 years.

“The pizza business is something I know because Charley has taught me a lot,” Partin said of his long-time friend and mentor.

Charley’s not only has the good food that its customers have come to depend on and know, but also a family atmosphere that is hard to beat.

Charley’s Pizza Parlor opened in 1976. The business will celebrate 38 years in the spring.

“We believe in serving people like they are family, because after we’ve been here all these years, that’s what our customers are to us,” Partin said.

Charley’s Pizza opened for business in 1976.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of selections of pizza and other Italian cuisine, including a full pizza and salad buffet. Hotdogs, hamburgers and fries are another staple at Charley’s, but among the most popular item is the Philly cheese steak sandwiches, which are also available in chicken.

Whether it’s pepperoni, sausage, bacon, or a veggie pizza, Charley’s buffet has all that and more to offer.

“If you’re not in the mood for pizza or burgers and fries, we also do soups and salads,” Partin said.

Having started in the pizza business when he was 19, Partin said he “knows pizza” and he “knows people.”

Owner and operator Jerry Partin places a pizza pie in the oven at Charley’s Pizza located at 103 E. Cumberland Lane in Jacksboro.

“Anytime you can go somewhere and they know you by name, well then you know you are doing something right,” Partin said, adding that people “were his life.”

“They keep coming back to eat and that’s what keeps me going; the customers.”

Business hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Charley’s is located at 103 Cumberland Lane in Jacksboro. For more information call 562-0116.   (01/02/2014/6:00AM)

Bailey, Evans, Jeffers named All-State

     Three first-team football all-staters from Campbell County High School?  The 2013 season keeps on giving.  If a 10 & 2 season wasn’t enough, three Cougars claim all-state honors.  The Tennessee Sports Writers Association 5-A All-State High School Football honors Junior Quarterback Ethan Jeffers, Senior Linebacker Nick Bailey, and Junior Defensive Back Joseph Elkins.  (01/01/2014/6:00PM)

Carmike Movies 2 behind Woodson Shell

2140 Jacksboro Highway - La Follette - 423.562.0979

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug(PG-13)

   
   
Fri Jan 3:
7:00pm  
Sat Jan 4:
7:00pm  
Sun Jan 5:
6:15pm  
Mon Jan 6:
7:00pm  
Tue Jan 7:  

Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas  (PG-13)

   
   
Fri Jan 3:
1:45pm  4:20pm  7:00pm  9:35pm  
Sat Jan 4:
1:45pm  4:20pm  7:00pm  9:35pm  
Sun Jan 5:
1:45pm  4:20pm  7:00pm  
Mon Jan 6:
4:45pm  7:20pm  
Tue Jan 7:  

Walking With Dinosaurs  (PG)

   
   
Fri Jan 3:
2:20pm  4:30pm  
Sat Jan 4:
2:20pm  4:30pm  
Sun Jan 5:
1:45pm  4:00pm  
Mon Jan 6:
4:30pm  
Tue Jan 7:  

Men’s winter retreat planned at GBC

     Galilee Bible Camp hosts a “men’s retreat” on Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18.  Start times are 7:00 p.m. Friday, 3:00 p.m. Saturday.  Cost is $25 for commuters or $40 for overnighters.  Guest speaker is John Davis.  Space is limited.  Call now 423.562.4910.  See the poster and complete the registration form at www.GalileeBibleCamp.org 

Brackett’s arrangements set

     Arrangements are complete for WLAF sports announcer Greg Brackett.  Fraker Funeral Home at Kingston is handling the receiving of friends on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

Interment is Saturday at Clavary/Hazelwood Cemetery at Kingston

The 51-year old Brackett, a native of Kingston but made his home in Campbell County, died suddenly Tuesday morning in La Follette. 

Click here http://www.frakerfuneralhome.net/book-of-memories/1761274/Brackett-Gregory/service-details.php for more details and directions.(01/01/2014/7:30AM - DAVID GRAHAM PIX)

Highlights of 2013

By Charlotte Underwood

January

It was a tragic start to the 2013 New Year on Jan. 2, when a man died in the Caryville Industrial Park. WLAF received reports that an out-of-town worker fell to his death while working at Fabrite. 1-02-13

Wynn School was briefly closed on Jan. 7, after an early morning fire damaged two class rooms the week before.  1-07-13

Nearly a month after fire destroyed their sanctuary, members of the Fincastle Church of God returned to hold a worship service on Jan. 8th. The fire was determined to be a case of arson. 1-08-2013

LaFollette City Council voted to bid out replacement of a section of leaky roof over the part of city hall which house the police department and communications equipment.  1-09-13

A Channel 6 WATE TV crew found out and reported that while former LaFollette City Administrator Cade Sexton and Vice Mayor Hansford Hatmaker were on their way back from Memphis in Sexton’s city issued vehicle, the pair were involved in a non-injury wreck on Interstate 40. Hansford, who was driving was cited for violation of the move over law after he allegedly hit a Nissan SUV that had been pulled over by a Tennessee State Trooper. The pair had apparently attended an inmate graduation ceremony at the Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center. Sexton and Hatmaker claimed they were looking into the possibility in starting a female inmate rehabilitation program in LaFollette.  1-10-13

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department unveiled a new mission statement to kick off the 2013 year. “It is the mission of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence of fear of crime and to enhance public safety, while working with every community to improve their quality of life. Our mandate is to do so with professionalism and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standars, to renew and maintain public confidence. Our values will evolve around Leadership, Service, Performance and Discipline.”  1-11-13

Several boats were destroyed by fire, while two other boats sank at Whitman Hollow on in mid January, according to a WLAF report. Campbell County Rural Fire Assistant Chief Daniel Lawson a 75 foot stretch of boat slip was also destroyed during the blaze. It was the second fire at a Campbell County marina in a six month period of time. 1-21-13

Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton handed a letter of resignation in to LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield in January. The letter state his resignation was effective immediately. The resignation followed questions regarding a wreck Sexton was involved with while traveling back from Memphis with Vice Mayor Hansford Hatmaker.  1-21-13

Campbell County conducted a Point-In-Time Count of the homeless in the county on Jan. 24. It was coordinated by the Tennessee Valley Coalition to End Homelessness.  1-24-13

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department graduated 225 D.A.R.E. students in local schools around the county.  1-31-13

February

Hundreds of people packed the courthouse to give members of the board of education an earful when they failed to renew Donnie Poston’s contract as Director of Schools. Parents, teachers and students overflowed the courtroom.  2-01-13

A proposed bill would require post-secondary education for school board members, according to State Representative Dennis Powers, who sponsored the bill in the Tennessee House of Representatives.  2-05-13

The LaFollette City Council approved Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries to act as city administrator while the position was advertised and could be filled. Hansford Hatmaker was the only no vote. 2-06-13

The Campbell SWAT team resumed its manhunt on Feb. 7th for an individual who invaded a home on Tussey Cut Road between Duff and Morley. After getting into a shoot-out with the homeowner, the suspect left in a van. A patrol officer made contact with the van on 25W, at which point the suspect fled on foot. The manhunt forced Wynn Elementary into lockdown for one afternoon. Randy Monday was arrested the next night and charged with multiple home burglaries, according to the sheriff’s department.  2-07-13

Text-a-Tip debuted in February at the high schools. By the end of the day, more than 20 tips were sent via text involving drugs, abuse and the like, according to the county mayor. The program is available to students at Jellico and Campbell County High Schools.

The oldest living graduate of LaFollette High School, Jeanette Smith Carr passed away early Saturday morning. Many baby boomers remember her as their teacher at Ivydale or Valley View School. She was 100 years old.  2-18-13

The Point-In-Time Homeless count results came in at 604, which is about average. However, the number of unsheltered individuals, around 62, is disturbingly high, according to coordinator Deb Mikesell. The unsheltered count usually runs in the 40s.  2-19-13

Jason Fox, dubbed “the Bad Hair Bandit” was arraigned in federal court in London, KY., in late February. He robbed six banks and his total take was less than $100,000. Fox, wearing a blond wig as part of his disguise robbed banks in Campbell County and Kentucky. His wife, Tasha Fox, was also charged as the get-away driver.  2-28-13

March

The Campbell County School Board voted to extend the contract of Director of Schools Donnie Poston through June 30, 2014 during a special-called meeting. The decision capped two months of turmoil during which time Poston had received an outpouring of support from the entire county.  3-01-13

State Representative Dennis Powers was appointed to the House Republican Caucus Task Force on Energy because of his “passion of working towards 21st Century solutions,” according to House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick.  3-05-13

LaFollette Utilities won the 2013 award for Clean Water, which is given by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. Out of eight utilities tested in the east Tennessee region, LaFollette’s won for best water. The water is tested on the look of cleanness, the smell and the taste.  3-08-13

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals made public a decision backing up the awarding of a new trial to school shooter Kenneth Bartley Jr. Bartley was charged in the 2005 shooting death of Assistant Principal Ken Bruce. He agreed to a plea deal in 2007.  3-12-13

It was a cold, but sunny first day of spring with brisk chilly temperatures in the 30s and winds 10 to 15 miles per hour.  3-21-13

A total of 21 candidates threw their hat in the ring to be the next LaFollette City Administrator. The list of candidates included several local people.  3-21-13

State Representative Dennis Powers announced in March that a bill was passed to name a section of Highway 25W in memory of fallen Campbell County High School Assistant Principal Ken Bruce. The school zone section of the road in front of the high school bears Bruce’s name.  3-22-13

A year-long drug investigation yielded 63 grand jury indictments and probation violations of Campbell County’s worst drug offenders, with a total bond amount of $6,312,500. It was the largest drug roundup in a decade, according to sheriff Robbie Goins. 3-25-13

The rotary roasted Colonel Tom Stiner, a living LaFollette legend at the Church of God. 3-28-13

April

Campbell County became part of the Knoxville Metro, making nine counties total for Knoxville’s MSA. With the additions, Knoxville’s metro population jumped from 700,000 to 840,000.  4-01-13

Tennessee doctors prescribing painkillers and other controlled substances will be required to check their patients’ prescription history to prevent abuse and doctor shopping. The new requirement was signed into law last year.  4-01-13

Members of the Campbell County Honor Guard were honored collectively at the 6th annual Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner held at the Ball Farm and Event Center. Third District Congressman Chuck Fleishmann was the special guest speaker.  4-04-13

It was a record night for the Campbell County Cancer Association’s annual telethon on WLAF-TV raising more than $32,500, topping last year’s $27,000.  4-08-13

State investigators were brought in to inspect the Campbell County Animal Shelter on Towe String Road regarding complaints from employees and others about the working environment at the shelter. County Mayor William Baird made the decision to close the shelter until the investigation was completed by the state.  4-12-13

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced the appointment of Andrew Tillman as the chancellor of the Eighth Judicial District Chancery Court. Tillman replaced Billy Joe White who passed away in Nov. 2012 after serving on the bench for 35 years.  4-17-13

The LaFollette Press hired a new editor Brent Schanding out of Kentucky. The newspaper also unveiled a new more modern look. Former press editor Susan Sharp sued parent company Landmark Community Newspapers for her job. The issue was eventually settled out of court.  4-17-13

According to a report issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee is now number one in the country for meth use. The state has ranked among the top three since 2007 and passed Missouri for the number one spot in April. Meth cleanup costs taxpayers an estimated $1 billion a year.  4-24-13

May

Campbell County High School held its scholarship and awards ceremony, with numerous students receiving thousands of dollars worth of scholarship monies. In fact, 66 students received a full scholarship to Roane State, Walter State or Pellissippi Community Colleges. The award ceremony also marked the first year the state recognized students as “Graduating with honors” and “Graduating with distinction.”  3-03-13

After a candidate list of around 21 was narrowed down to 12, the LaFollette City Council finally cast its vote for Billie Russell as the city administrator. She is the first woman to serve as city administrator for LaFollette.  5-08-13

WLAF celebrated its 60th anniversary on the air in May. A celebration was held in the former Regions Bank in downtown LaFollette. WLAF signed on the air on Sunday, May 17 of 1953.  5-15-03

Governor Bill Haslam stopped in Caryville to sign Lynn’s Law into action. The law was written after Lynn Cameron, a 19-year-old disabled woman was abandoned at a bar in Caryville. The case sparked national debate and outrage; however, there were no laws that would allow Tennessee District Attorneys to prosecute Lynn’s mother or others like her. Soon after, State Representative Dennis Powers, in conjunction with District Attorney Lori Phillips-Jones and Senator Ken Yager began drafting Lynn’s Law.  3-16-13

254 young men and women received their high school diplomas on a Saturday in May. It was the 38th graduation for Campbell County High School and the second in a row held at the Tex Turner Arena on LMU Campus in Harrogate.  5-20-13

According to numbers, Relay for Life’s dollars were down in 2013, with the event raising only about half of what it did last year. Organizers said they felt the threat of rain and other events going on at the same time could be attributed to the lower donations. Still, $41,000 was raised and other donations continued to trickle in through August.  5-23-13

June

The Campbell County Board of Education voted Tuesday night to approve a one year contract with K12 Inc., as a partner in a virtual schools program, in which students will receive instruction online without ever having to step into a classroom. The county’s school system will act as a host district receiving state BEP dollars for each student enrolled.  6-12-23

Senator Ken Yager was co-sponsor of a bill that changed the name of all the state’s technology centers. Beginning in July, the local school will be called Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Jacksboro. The name change is to reflect the role of the centers in professional development as well as to promote their value in the higher education process.6-18-13

A full house was on hand as the 11-member Campbell County Animal Control Advisory Board met at LaFollette City Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a basic framework of operating standards for the county animal shelter as well as for adoptions and rescues. The shelter has been closed since mid-April due to a state investigation of complaints that it wasn’t being operated properly.  6-19-13

On June 4, Governor Bill Haslam signed Senate Bill 745 known as the Breast Cancer Prevention Act into law in Nashville.  Present at the signing was bill sponsors Senator Becky Massey, State Representative Dennis Powers, and Dr Aaron Margulies, Dr. Kamilia Kozlowski, and LaFollette breast cancer survivor, Shelia Falls, among other who were involved in the bill.  6-20-13

There were four principal changes and one change in the central office for the 2013-2014 school year in Campbell County.  6-24-13

Storms knocked out power and downed trees all over the county in late June. Just before 1 a.m., is when calls began pouring into the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center and the LaFollette Utilities Department. Clairfield was the first and possibly worst hit area. Roses Creek, Deerfield, Powder Springs, Stinking Creek and Speedwell were other areas that received extensive damage as well.  6-27-13

July

Several new laws went into affect in Tennessee as of July 1. Guns in Parking Lots allows people with handgun carry permits to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked. School Security allows school districts to let people with police training to be armed in schools. Food Tax lowers the ales tax on groceries from 5.25 to 5. DUI-Interlock applies to Tennessee’s ignition interlock law to more drunk drivers. And the Tennessee Technology Center had its name changed.  7-01-13

LaFollette got a new Fazolis Restaurant in mid-July. The restaurant will also feature frozen yogurt.  7-03-13

The Campbell County Board of Education finally passed a budget that county commissioners would accept after several attempts. The final approved budget eliminated the $275,000 request that would have required a five-cent property tax increase.  7-22-13

Judge John Kerry Blackwood began the process of deciding whether or not school shooter Kenneth Bartley Jr., should have his new trial moved from Campbell County. It has been almost eight years since Bartley shot and killed assistant principal Ken Bruce. Blackwood eventually announced the trial would be in Feb. of 2014 in Jacksboro, but with an out of town jury.  7-26-13

August

After 41 years of providing primary and preventative care to the people of Stinking Creek and surrounding areas, the Wynn-Habersham Community Rural Health Clinic closed its doors permanently on July 29.  8-01-13

Eight months after the Fincastle Church of God was destroyed by fire, members of the congregation gathered together to dedicate the new building. The new church is bigger than the previous one.  8-02-13

The Campbell County Animal Shelter was scheduled to reopen on Aug. 5th after being closed for several months while being investigated by the TBI for being operated improperly. The investigation was still not complete. The shelter’s supervisor Betty Crumley resigned her post. Michael Aiken took over the post. The remainder of the staff with the exception of Animal Control Officer Otis Poore, will be replaced. The shelter closed on April 11.  8-02-13

County commissioners were less than enthusiastic when the president of an environmental consulting firm announced plans by Ketchen Land Company to develop a landfill in what was once the coal mining camp of Westboune. At this point in August, the issue was still being studied. County commissioners later gave a thumbs down to the project. Ten of the commissioners voted in non-support of the landfill during their meeting.  8-13-13

The virtual Cyber School project was on hold despite the start of the school year. The state said the company running the program still had not provided all the necessary documents and paperwork and urged students to enroll in their regular district school until the state made a decision.  8-14-13

Speaker of the House of Representatives Beth Harwell was the guest speaker at a luncheon hosted by State Representative Dennis Powers at the Stables. It was Powers kickoff fundraiser.  8-15-13

LaFollette began its downtown cleanup initiative in August. Then LaFollette City Administrator Billie Russell said the city wanted to send a message to residents and businesses about codes and zoning enforcement.   8-28-13

September

After a bit of public outcry, members of the LaFollette City Council voted against removing the 500-feet distance requirement between retail stores selling beer and schools and churches. Mayor Mike Stanfield cast the deciding vote, breaking the 2-2 tie.  9-04-13

It was also announced in early September that a Bojangles restaurant is coming to LaFollette and will be located near the Pizza Hut and movie Theatre. An estimated 80 employees will be hired to start out.  9-04-13

The Ken Bruce Memorial Highway in front of the high school was dedicated. Members of the Bruce family joined State Representative Dennis Powers and Sate Senator Ken Yager as well as members of the community for the dedication.  9-04-13

A grand jury heard evidence in the TBI’s probe regarding the Campbell County Animal Shelter and issued recommendations on how the shelter should be run, but did not hand down any indictments in the case. The grand jury issued findings they felt needed looked at and addressed at the shelter, according to District Attorney General Lori Phillips-Jones.  9-05-13

The Ketchen Land Company held a second public information meeting regarding the proposed coal ash landfill in Westbourne. Over 200 people packed the White Oak gym, nearly all of them vocally opposed to the landfill.  9-25-13

October

A partial government shutdown began on Oct. 1. Essential services continued, but in other branches, hundreds of thousands of workers were furloughed as other government functions were disrupted. There have been 17 government shutdowns in the past with the most recent being in 1996.  10-01-13

An official grievance was filed against then city administrator Billie Russell by several employees at LaFollette. Russell had been the city’s administrator for four months. LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield indicated he would have a special-called meeting to orally reprimand Russell. Russell has taken a medical leave of absence from work and obtained the services of attorney Dave Dunaway.  10-02-13

After 40 years in law enforcement, retired Caryville Police Chief Bill Widener passed away at the age of 65. Before working in Caryville, Widener was a sheriff’s deputy for 14 years.  10-03-13

The cougars jumped two spots in state rankings of the best football teams. Campbell hit the number seven spot, while Oak Ridge fell to 10 after the Cougars defeated them 27 to 14. It is the first time in the Cougars 39 year history that Campbell County has entered the poll.  10-08-13

Campbell County closed the door on the virtual school program in October, voting unanimously to notify K12, Inc., that the county intends to cancel its contract. The board had hoped the online school would bring in much needed revenue, but the application was rejected by state officials.  10-09-13

It was announced in October that Caryville will be getting a new factor in its industrial park, providing about 250 or more jobs to the area. The body armor manufacturer from Indiana is expected to open up in the old PACA building.  10-15-13

If the county had any lingering doubts about how residents of the fifth district felt about the possibility of a coal ash landfill, those doubts were laid to rest when over 125 people attended the commissioner’s workshop in October and expressed their fears about the landfill. Commissioners voted 15-0 in approval of adopting Jackson’s Law, which gives the county government a voice in whether or not to allow a landfill in its jurisdiction.  10-22-13

November

The LaFollette City Council voted to hold off on appointing an interim city administrator and to rather allow department heads to handle situations should they arise by polling the council and mayor. City Administrator Billie Russell remains on medical leave.  “We have been instructed to communicate through her attorney,” LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said.  11-06-13

The LaFollette City Council voted to purchase the old LaFollette Post Office for $150,000. Though there are no immediate plans for the building, the mayor and members of the council said they were happy with the purchase and that the building was owned by the city.  11-06-13

LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God Andrew Hamblin had over 50 venomous snakes seized from a room in his church by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Hamblin was cited into court on possession of class I wildlife charges. Copperheads, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and several other breeds of poisonous snakes were removed and are being housed at the Knoxville Zoo where some of them are being nursed back to health. Of the 53 snakes, around 5 died due to their poor condition, according to a Knoxville Zoo spokesperson. Hamblin hired attorney Mike Hatmaker to represent him in court.  11-07-13

The Lake City Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to change the name of the town to Rocky Top, despite receiving a letter from Bryant Marketing in Gatlinburg informing the council that the company holds numerous copyrights to the name “Rocky Top.”  11-08-13

If approved by stockholders, Tennova Healthcare’s parent company Health Management Associates will be sold to Community Health Systems. The sale has been in the works for months and once completed, the $7.6 billion sale will make CHS the largest hospital organization in the country.  11-20-13

December

The possibility of housing a permanent LIFESTAR helicopter and landing zone was brought before the city council by a LIFESTAR representative. The proposal is to locate the helicopter next to the east side fire station which is located off Central Ave., near the DeRoyal factor. Before more discussion on the issue, it has to be taken before the planning commission, according to Mayor Mike Stanfield.  12-05-13

A faculty and staff reunion for former East LaFollette teachers was held on Dec. 8th at the old school. Organized by several former teachers, the event provided an opportunity for fellowship and enjoying old times.  12-08-13

County commissioners voted to transfer $500,000 that was saved through refinancing of county debt into a fund for paving roads. Each district will get $85,000 for road paving projects.  12-10-13

Parents, grandparents and guardians lined up in downtown LaFollette to participate in the annual Toys for Tots program, which served 750 children this year, helping them to have a better Christmas season. The event would not be possible without the county-wide efforts of volunteers, according to organizers.  12-13-13

Snake handling pastor Andrew Hamblin’s case has been bound over to the grand jury.  Hamblin appeared in Campbell County Court in December, regarding the Nov. 7th seizure of over 50 snakes from his LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God. Hamblin was charged with one count of possession of class I wildlife. After a two-hour preliminary hearing, Judge Joe Ayers heard enough testimony to decide the issue should go before a grand jury, which meets on Jan. 6th.   12-18-13

After several citizens said they were against it, the possibility of a LIFESTAR helicopter being housed in LaFollette has been nixed, according to Mayor Mike Stanfield. The helicopter would have been located near the east side fire station, but several residents that live in that area indicated they were against it. Locating the helicopter there would have also required an ordinance change in the city allowing above ground fuel tanks. According to Stanfield, LIFESTAR had also decided to pursue a location closer to the interstate, perhaps in the town of Jacksboro.  12-20-13

Jellico finishes 4th in Florida tourney

     At Sandestin, Florida, Jellico finished in fourth place at the Hilton-Sandestin Beach Basketball Blowout.  Coach Mike Reynolds’ Blue Devils fell to the Cookeville (Tennessee) Cavaliers this afternoon by a final of 63 to 45.  JHS has wins over Freeport Bulldogs (Florida), the Fort Dale Academy (Greenville, Alabama) Eagles, and a 64 to 47semi-final loss on Monday night to the Paxton Bobcats (Florida).  (UPDATED 12/31/2013/4:30PM) 

Fractured forecasts for 2014: Confusion reigns and Mayor Kidwell takes office

By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey 

It’s that same ol’ sad time of the year again, when every newspaper from the Bledsonian-Banner (“The only newspaper that gives a damn about Bledsoe County”) to the New York Times runs those “Year in Review” pieces.  We can now read all about the news that enraged us, terrified us or disgusted us during the past year – all over again!

The TV stations also do it, and they never seem to get the message that “nobody cares.” Well, they do get the message, but those of us in the news bizz want some time off during the holidays too – why should teachers have all the fun?  The best way to do that is by filling the airwaves and news pages with dribble that you can write back in October, such as “In August the world was shocked to learn that the Syrian regime had used chemical weapons on rebel-held villages.  Helicopters sprayed nitrous oxide gas on the towns and the residents literally died laughing.”

I’ve never been much for rehashing old news.  Instead I prefer to get a real scoop on the competition by giving you the news that hasn’t happened yet.  So without further ado, let us look at Boomer’s Fractured Forecasts for 2014:

January - The Campbell County Commission meets as a road committee to prioritize the use of money saved from re-financing old bonds, with each of the county’s five districts getting $85,000 to spend on road projects.

Things get complicated when Road Superintendent Dennis Potter informs commissioners that the cost of asphalt has gone up again and each district can afford to pave only 200 feet of highway. Agreeing that 200 feet won’t get them very far in an election year, the squires vote to invest the money in Powerball tickets instead.

February - The Town of Lake City’s effort to re-name themselves “Rocky Top” hits a snag in the state legislature when Representatives Dennis Powers and John Ragan introduce a bill to authorize the change.

A legislator from Sevier County amends the bill to re-name Lake City as “Muddy Bottom.”  A fierce debate ensues in which legislators suggest a number of other alternatives including “Rocky Topless,” “Pigeon Roost” and “Dog Patch.”  The House finally agrees on a new name for Lake City and the Town of “Confusion, Tennessee” is born.

March - Equally confused are the members of the Campbell County School Board when they begin the search for a new Director of Schools to replace the retiring Donnie Poston.  A total of 26 people apply for the job, including 21 who are related to various members of the Board of Education.

In the end it is determined that all ten board members must disqualify themselves from voting due to conflicts of interest, leaving the decision up to the only person in the school district without a relative among the candidates – a cook at Jacksboro Middle School.

April - This being election year, the Tennessee General Assembly concludes its business and adjourns early to campaign for re-election.  The only bills that are passed into law during the short session include a law that allows gun permit holders to carry their firearms into houses of worship, work places and schools.

“The best way to protect our kids from school shootings is when the kids can shoot back,” Representative J. A. Smoot (R- Turtletown) points out.  The only other bill to pass the legislature legalizes the use of poisonous snakes in religious services.

May - Campbell County and the State of Tennessee enter into negotiations to cede the City of Jellico to Kentucky.  The talks fail, however, when Kentucky agrees to accept Jellico only if Tennessee throws in its share of Cumberland Gap and Big South Fork National Parks, along with an undisclosed amount of cash.

June - Reverend Andrew Hamblin, at the first service in which he is legally authorized to handle poisonous reptiles, is promptly bitten by a Rattlesnake.  The snake dies, and Hamblin is arrested on charges of animal cruelty.

July - The county commission again passes a no-tax increase budget and again rejects Road Superintendent Dennis Potter’s request for paving funds.  The school board offers to loan the commission $1.5 million for paving projects, the School Department’s share of profits from selling solar power to TVA.

“You can pay us back with the money you make from placing solar panels on other county buildings.  Oh, we forgot.  You decided it was too risky and voted not to place solar panels on other county buildings,” school board members gloated in an open letter to the commission.

August - At long last Campbell County’s new justice center is completed and ready for occupancy.  The Tennessee Department of Corrections, however, conducts an updated prisoner survey and determines that the county’s jail cell occupancy rate has increased dramatically, leaving the new jail in need of space to house another 65 prisoners beyond the new jail’s capacity.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow’s suggestion to convert judges’ office space into jail cells is rebuffed, as is his proposal that the Sheriff arrest fewer people.  Marlow is last seen wandering into a wooded area near LaFollette, muttering something about “going to join the Skunk Ape.”

September - State and county officials again have hope for a resolution to the Jellico problem when the State of Georgia agrees to take responsibility for Jellico, if the state will throw in access to the water of the Tennessee River.

Tennessee rejects Georgia’s offer but Jellico officials finally announce they have found their own solution to the town’s financial troubles.  “We have seized 125 residential lots in the former Rarity Mountain development for unpaid taxes,” Mayor Les Stiers announces.  “We are negotiating with Ketchen Land Company to lease the land to them for a fly ash landfill.”

October – Local elections are over with most incumbents being returned to office.  One notable exception is the City of LaFollette, where voters elect eternal candidate Virgil Kidwell as Mayor by a landslide vote.  Mayor Kidwell immediately stirs up controversy by suggesting that city council hire a new city administrator, “My mentor, former Mayor Cliff Jennings.”

Councilman Hansford Hatmaker is arrested after his hands are pried away from the mayor’s neck.

November – City officials celebrate a happy ending to efforts by the town of Confusion (formerly Lake City) to land a theme park when it turns out that the unidentified “investors” who wanted to change the town’s name are all Chinese.

When informed that instead of “Rocky Top,” the town was now called “Confusion,” the investors doubled their contributions, mistakenly assuming the new name honored the Chinese philosopher Confucius.  Construction is scheduled to begin in March on the park’s first attractions, the Great Wall Water Slide and the Chairman Mao Dinner Theater.

December – The Campbell County Cougars football team, having just completed an undefeated season, wins the playoff to claim a state championship.  TSSAA immediately announces that the program is under investigation.

“We have no evidence of wrongdoing but this is Campbell County and they went undefeated. Something has to be wrong somewhere,” an attorney leading the investigation told reporters.

So there you have it, dear readers.  All of the news that may or may not happen, but many of us would like to see, if for no other reason than the sheer entertainment value.  Have a happy New Year and a prosperous 2014!   (UPDATED 12/31/2013/1:00PM)             

WLAF loses member of its sports crew

     For years, Greg Brackett of Jacksboro was a fixture on the WLAF Sports Crew.  This morning, we’re sad to report that the friendly sports announcer, coach, and fan has died.  His sidekick, Les Martin, says Brackett, as he always called him, died suddenly overnight from complications of a blood clot.  Brackett was a part of football, baseball, and sports talk coverage for WLAF over the years and also coached middle school baseball. 

Greg Brackett

Martin calls him a really good friend, and says that if there was a right way to do something, then that’s the way Brackett wanted to go.  The Kingston native’s fulltime career was in the banking industry, and he currently worked at a north Knoxville bank. 

He leaves behind a son, daughter, and fiance`.  Greg Brackett was 50-years old.(UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM)

Misuse of city credit cards discussed at workshop

By Charlotte Underwood

Sparks flew at the end of a lengthy LaFollette City Council workshop on Monday night when Mayor Mike Stanfield brought up misuse of city credit cards.

LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield holds a newspaper clipping from a November 2012 issue of the LaFollette Press. The clipping is of a picture of former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award while on a trip to Gatlinburg in October 2012. Stanfield alleges the trip was a misuse of the city’s credit card and taxpayer’s money.

Shortly before the workshop’s close, Stanfield handed out a report to council members listing purchases made on the city’s credit card. He also held a newspaper clipping from a November 2012 issue of the LaFollette Press. The clipping is of a picture of former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award while on a trip to Gatlinburg in 2012.

A copy of the report revealed handwritten notes marking certain items as money spent by Sexton Hatmaker while attending a coal mining conference on Oct. 28 and 29 of last year. 

“Do you remember what that was about Hansford?” Councilman Joe Bollinger asked.

Hatmaker said he did and that it was the “coal mining thing” the city participates in each year.

Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker reacts to Mayor Mike Stanfield’s accusation that his use of the city’s credit card was inappropriate.

“We don’t’ participate in that. I didn’t go to Gatlinburg; I wasn’t invited,” Stanfield said, and then continued on and asked Hatmaker why he and Sexton spent the night at a hotel.

“That’s where the conference was held,” Hatmaker replied.

“Was it authorized by the city?” Bob Fannon asked.

“If Cade signed it, then he authorized it; he was the city administrator at the time,” Hatmaker said.

This clipping shows former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award on behalf of Triple H Coal while attending a coal mining conference in Gatlinburg in 2012.

“You look good holding that plaque that says H Group; you accepted a plaque for your brother’s company on tax payer’s money; this here is wrong Hansford Hatmaker. It’s like that trip to Memphis you and Cade took,” Stanfield said, adding that “the only person you are fooling is the fool sitting there.”

This clipping shows former interim city administrator Cade Sexton and Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker receiving an award on behalf of Triple H Coal while attending a coal mining conference in Gatlinburg in 2012.

“You’re fighting a losing battle Mike. We’ll find out some stuff; I’ve got the big boys coming in to check on some stuff,” Hatmaker said elusively.

Bob Fannon asked that the issue be placed on the agenda to be discussed at next week’s meeting.

The purchases made that had handwritten notations implying it was spent by Sexton and Hatmaker included $282.10 to Doubletree Park Vista in Gatlinburg for hotel rooms. There were also notations made regarding purchases made at several restaurants in Sevierville and Knoxville during the period of time the trip was conducted. These totaled $105.82, according to the copy of credit card purchases provided by Stanfield.

Members of the council also listened to the city’s audit report as representatives from Pugh & Company; P.C. out of Knoxville told the board that the city had received a “clean audit report with no significant deficiencies or findings.”

Vice-Mayor Hansford Hatmaker takes a moment to speak with part-time officer Jordan Reid who will soon be moved up to full-time.

Also discussed and added to the upcoming meeting agenda was the hiring of Jordan Reid from a part-time to a full-time police officer.

“He has been working with us part-time since September and he has been out on his own for the past month and we would like to go ahead and make him full-time,” Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries said.

Other items added to next week’s agenda included appropriating $2,000 for exhaust fans in the recreation center and library restrooms as well as the need to demolish two.(UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM)

Beech Street Bridge project gets go ahead

By Charlotte Underwood

Construction on replacing the Beech Street Bridge in downtown LaFollette could begin as soon as summer, after the city received a federal grant to pay for 80-percent of the $1.4 million project.

The LaFollette City Council held a special-called meeting on Monday evening before holding the regularly scheduled workshop. The purpose of the meeting was to approve and accept a matching grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) that will provide 80-percent of the funds needed for the bridge replacement. The city will be responsible for 20-percent of the project’s cost, which according to street department head Jim Mullins, will be around $302,938.

“It could be a little less, it could be a little more, we won’t know until the bids come in,” Mullins said. The cost of the project includes tearing down the old bridge and completely replacing it. The old bridge, which was built in the 1930s or 1940s, according to Mullins needs replaced and has received a “very poor rating” by TDOT in the past.

Street Department Head Jim Mullins reads a letter to the LaFollette City Council stating the city was approved for a matching grant to replace the Beech Street Bridge. The city will be responsible for around $302,000 of the $1.4 million project.

“The old bridge doesn’t align with the road, it’s too narrow and there is the safety hazard of having pedestrians walking beside the track,” Mullins said, adding the new bridge would be aligned with the street and would also be wider, have shoulders and sidewalks on either side that would tie-in with the walking trail.

The council voted unanimously to accept the grant and enter into a contract with TDOT to begin the project.

“I hope to have it bid, if not let by June and then there would be about six months of construction to complete the new bridge,” Mullins said.

“That bridge was dangerous when we were little boys and now that we’re old men, it’s still dangerous,” said Mayor Mike Stanfield.(UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM)

Downtown insurance fixture closing

By Charlotte Underwood

     It’s the end of an era for members of the Ben Rogers Coffee Drinkers Club with the long-time insurance provider closing its doors as of 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Rogers passed away in February of last year at the age of 89 after working right up until just a few days before he died, according to his son Jim Rogers. Jim, along with his brother Mike are retiring and selling the insurance portion of the business to E.E. Hill and Son Insurance. They will be retaining the building for a short period of time while wrapping up business details.

Kathy and Jim Rogers

The insurance business was started by their father Ben in the back of the H & K Jewelry shop on North Tennessee Avenue. What began as a small side insurance business eventually grew to be a downtown business fixture in La Follette.

“Dad was a school teacher and only started the insurance business to bring in extra income,” Rogers said, adding that his father had enjoyed it so much that he quit teaching and began selling insurance full-time.

Mike Rogers

The business moved to its current location on West Central Ave., in the early 1960s.

For years, coffee drinkers and friends of Ben Rogers have gathered at the insurance building every Saturday morning to drink coffee and talk; with the business closing, Jim Rogers said he is sad to see that coffee drinking tradition come to an end.

Gary Rogers (above), Loris Johnson (below)

“They would come in and drink coffee and then round about noon we would throw them out. I didn’t want to see it come to an end, but things change,” Jim Rogers said, adding that he and his brother had given several special individuals a “life time certificate” to the Ben Rogers Coffee Drinkers Club. Those special inductees include Jack Reynolds, Ed Balloff, Conrad Troutman and Kent Younce.

“After daddy died, they just kept coming and drinking coffee,” Jim Rogers said. He and his brother have both been in the family business for over 45 years.

“It’s going to be a real hard change,” Rogers said. (UPDATED 12/31/2013/6:30AM PIX BY CHARLIE HUTSON)

Listen to Tennessee Saturday Night with Tony Basilio using the player below


Check this out on Chirbit 

Sheriff’s and police reports

By Charlotte Underwood

Sheriff’s deputies make multiple public intoxication arrests; woman arrested at elementary school

A LaFollette woman was arrested on Dec. 18th for public intoxication after she attempted to pick her children up from a local elementary school, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

When the deputy arrived at the school, he found Sonya Goins, 28, had slurred speech and was unstable on her feet. Goins was given a sobriety test, which she failed, according to the arrest report. She was arrested and transported to the county jail on charges of public intoxication. She has a court date set for Jan. 3.

In an unrelated public intoxication case, another LaFollette woman was arrested on public intoxication charges after sheriff’s deputies responded to the complaint of a woman trying to push a car over an embankment on Dec. 21. When deputies responded to the location on Cave Springs Road, they found Danielle Desha Mason, 23, who told them she was under the influence of a controlled substance. According to the arrest report, Mason also told deputies she had been calling 9-1-1 for reporting accidents and trying to call ambulances and that she had been told to leave the residence she had been at.

“The defendant was outside and was self-apparent to the average prudent person that she was under the influence of drugs,” the arrest report narrative read.

Mason has a court date set for Jan. 3.(12/30/2013/6:00AM)

Jacksboro man arrested for stealing over $6,000 worth of property

Jarred Asbury, 26, was arrested on Dec. 19th and charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property $1,000-$9,999, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Asbury allegedly stole $1,550 worth of property from one residence in Jacksboro before selling it to a pawnshop in Caryville. The arrest report also states he stole $4,500 worth of property from another residence on Towe String Road and sold that property to U.S. Standard Gold Buyers. (12/30/2013/6:00AM)

Glade Springs man garners his 34th charge

A Glade Springs man garnered his 34th charge in nine years, according to a Campbell County Sheriff’s Department arrest report.

Mark A. Winterberg, 28, LaFollette, was arrested on Dec. 19th by sheriff’s deputies on burglary and theft charges after he broke into several vehicles. He had allegedly admitted to deputies that he had broke into a car parked on Haven Lane and stole $150 worth of personal property which he later sold to Big Orange Pawn in Knoxville, according to the sheriff’s report. Winterberg also broke into another vehicle parked on Medford Lane around Dec. 13 as well as another vehicle on Minton Road. According to the report, he admitted to stealing $225 worth of property from one vehicle and $120 worth of property from another vehicle, before selling it to the pawn shop as well. According to Winterberg’s arrest record dating back to Jan. 2004, these marked his 33rd and 34th charges.

Other charges in the past included theft, vandalism, driving while suspended, violation of probation, resisting and evading arrest, assault on a police officer, giving false info to a police officer, reckless endangerment, especially aggravated kidnapping, failure to pay fines, driving while suspended, forgery  and violation of the Tennessee Financial Law, just to name a few.(12/30/2013/6:00AM)

Hit and run accident leads to arrest in LaFollette

A hit and run accident in front of the high school led to the arrest of a LaFollette man on Dec. 18th, according to a LaFollette Police Department arrest report.

Donnie Carroll, 58, was arrested after he allegedly left the scene of an accident. According to the report, Carroll allegedly “attempted to run” the victim off the road, striking the victim’s 2014 Ford Mustang on the passenger side causing possible injuries to a passenger who was transported to the hospital by E.M.S. After gaining consent to search, police found Carroll had a cell phone on his person with enough battery to report the accident. Officers also found Carroll to be in possession of a green bottle containing Gabapentin in someone else’s name. He also failed to show proof of registration and insurance. Carroll was arrested and transported to the county jail.

Saturday's final scores:

Sevier County 61 - Cougars 57    2OT

Fulton 42 - Lady Cougars 36

Jellico 63 - Ft. Dale Academy (Alabama) 38

Friday's final scores:

Seymour 47 - Lady Cougars 39

Cougars 64 - McMinn County 53

Thursday's final scores:

Lady Cougars defeat Unicoi County

Maryville wins over the Cougars

Jellico is a winner over Freeport (Florida)

Sheriff calls loss of deputy “devastating”

     A law enforcement and U.S. Army veteran has died.  Campbell County Deputy Bill Tackett passed away on Christmas Eve.  Sheriff Robbie Goins calls Tackett’s death a sorrowful and devastating loss for not only the sheriff’s office and county, but a tragic loss for our great country, Christians, and mankind in general. 

Reverend Billy Rich Tackett

Goins describes Tackett as a rare public servant who possessed more than a quality of dedicated, ethical, and unselfish public service to his country and its people.  Aside from a more than 20-year career in the Army, the Viet-Nam War veteran was a Tennessee State Trooper, and most recently a county deputy, Tackett was also the assistant pastor at the Guiding Star Baptist Church.  Billy Rich Tackett was 65-years old.(12/27/2013/6:00AM)

 Founder of Opens Arms Ministry dies

     Reverend Robert Adkins was a church pastor, a U.S. Navy veteran, a father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  However, he may best be known for what he did in the fight against hunger in Campbell County.  Adkins founded the Open Arms Ministry.  Through its food distribution program, Open Arms Ministry literally feeds thousands and thousands of people every year.  Robert Adkins, who died on Christmas Eve, was 77-years old.(12/27/2013/6:00AM)

CCHS JROTC holds fall awards ceremony 

By: C/MAJ Chris Bolton

 

            On Thursday, December 12, 2013 the Campbell County High School (CCHS) JROTC program held its fall awards ceremony.  Cadets received awards for work in the first semester of this year. All class periods attended the ceremony. Special guests included Ms. Jamie Wheeler, and Mrs. Carolyn Cox (former assistant principal of CCHS).

Cadet Jessica Baird recites the Cadet Creed.

           

     The ceremony began with a phenomenal entrance by cadets that featured   a fog machine and music. The color guard posted the colors, and select cadets recited the pledge of allegiance, the cadet creed, and the JROTC core values.  Battalion Commander Chris Bolton gave opening remarks about the program’s fall semester.  LTC Salveson recognized special guests and provided humorous comments on semester activities. One of these included the story of he, Mr. Ward, and MSG Tierney moving a “portable toilet” across Cove Lake Park with an old Blue Blazer as the tow vehicle ... (talk about old folks ready for emergencies ???). Then it was time for the awards.

Cadets wait patiently to get in line for their awards.

    

     Awards ranged from academics to athletic ribbons. The CCHS JROTC program also received a special award itself. CCHS’ Battalion received the Army’s Honor Unit with Distinction Certificate (HUD).  The HUD award is the highest unit award a JROTC program can earn. CCHS has been eligible for this award for the last 19 years (of its 21 year existence). This year is the nineteenth time CCHS has earned the award.

     Twelve cadets received the National Physical Fitness Award for scoring above fifty percent in all events of their physical test. Robert Kennedy was also awarded the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for scoring above eighty-five percent. He is the first cadet to win this award in several years.

Superior Cadet Recipients Hannah Yodice, Abbigale Kitts, Christian Ward, and John Byrge (from left to right).

Last awards to be presented were the Superior Cadet decorations.  Ms Wheeler, and Mrs. Cox presented these to Hannah Yodice for LET-1, Abbigale Kitts for LET-2, Christian Ward for LET-3, and John Byrge for LET-4.

After presentation of all awards, the ceremony ended with a closing Poem.  The poem was a story of how children feel when their parents in the service are deployed. All they want is their parents to be home. It was a touching eye opener for the ceremony’s closing.(12/27/2013/6:00AM)

Goins is proud winner of stocking

     Effie Goins picked up her giant Christmas stocking on Christmas Eve.  Goins is the winner in the annual WLAF stocking give-a-way.  Special thanks to local businesses, Designer Choice Consignment, Bowman`s Jewelers, Radio Shack, Neighborhood Urgent Care and Gifts from Above along with the hundreds of you who took time to register for a chance at winning.  Effie registered on a recent visit to Gifts from Above.

Edward Jones is business of the week

     Thursday means Charlotte Underwood is featuring a local business.  Today’s it’s Zach Sheets with the La Follette Edward Jones office.  Read Charlotte’s story and see her pictures further down this page.  (12/26/2013/6:00AM)

Planning for the future; Edward Jones can help

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

It’s never too early or too late to start planning for the financial future, according to Edward Jones Investments Financial Planner Zach Sheets.

“The great thing about financial planning is it’s never too late to start investing in you,” Sheets said, adding that the “sooner the better.”

Always a “numbers guy”, Sheets spent years in the corporate management sector in the entertainment industry for Regal Cinema. Around three years ago, he decided he wanted to switch to a different profession where he could use his expertise in finances and managing in order to help people while still making a living for himself and his family.

According to Edward Jones Investments Financial Advisor Zach Sheets, it’s never too early or too late to start planning for the financial future.

“This profession is nice because you are successful if your clients do well. The best path to success here is doing a good job for the clients,” Sheet said, explaining the world of finance was based on trust and results.

After relocating his office from West Knoxville to LaFollette in May, Sheets said he loves the change to a “hometown atmosphere.”

“I wanted to move to a town where you could know the people and not be just another face in the crowd,” Sheets said.

Over the past six months, Sheets has invested himself in the community by becoming a member of the rotary, the Lions Club and the local chamber of commerce, all of which keep him busy.

“I love to participate in things going on in the community; people here will at least listen to you,” Sheets said, adding that the best part of his business was “getting to know the people across the desk, getting to be their friends and ultimately helping them towards their goals.”

Helping people realize and obtain their financial goals is what Edward Jones Investments is all about, but it doesn’t take loads of money to get started, according to Sheets, who said he wanted to dispel that financial investment myth.

“In reality you can get started in systematic investments with as little as $25 and it doesn’t cost anything to come in, ask questions and see what’s up as far as financial planning possibilities,” Sheets said, adding that planning for the financial future was important for people of all ages. Setting up an account doesn’t cost anything either. Sheets is also available to talk to people about life insurance, long-term care insurance and other important issues. Due to his profession, he is adept at finding the best plans out there for the money.

Edward Jones Investments is located at 102 N. Massachusetts Ave., Suite 10 in LaFollette, across from the Y-12 bank. For more information or to schedule a financial planning appointment, call 423-566-4010.

He offered a little bit of holiday financial advice to the readers and listeners, saying “if you receive money as a gift this holiday season, put some of that aside and if you’ve run up the credit card debt, pay that down first. And instead of buying a toy for the kids that will break in six months, start a college fund.” But the best advice he said he could offer was to “make sure you have a financial plan; just don’t wing it.”

“If you need legal advice, you go to a lawyer, if you need medical help, you go to a doctor and if you need help with your taxes, you go to an accountant so it only makes sense if you need financial advice and help, then come see me at Edward Jones Investments,” Sheets said.

Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, all of this and more is available through Edward Jones Investments, which is located at 102 N. Massachusetts Ave., in LaFollette, across from the Y-12 bank. For more information or to schedule a financial planning appointment, call 423-566-4010.  (12/26/2013/6:00AM)

 

Numbers of needy in the county on the rise

By Charlotte Underwood (story & pictures)

As 2013 comes to a close, more families in Campbell County are struggling against hunger than ever before, according to Food Life Services of Campbell County organization president Alan Bowman.

Bags of food like the ones shown here are distributed weekly to help those who are hungry in Campbell County. According to Food Life Services representatives, the need in the county is on the increase.

“Our goal is to help the hungry,” Bowman said, adding the organization had been around for 20 years and was now serving “the highest number of people we have ever seen.”
 Food Life Services of Campbell County currently has over 1100 families on its roles that they buy and distribute food to every week. That’s 4,000 pounds of food going out to county residents in need.

 Volunteers spent a busy Friday on Dec. 20th doling out bags of food and even canned hams to families.

Jan Vaughan bags groceries to help the hungry on Friday, Dec. 20th at Food Life Services.

“We were able to give them extra meat for the holidays thanks to an Extra Nutrition Grant from the LaFollette Medical Foundation,” Alan Bowman said.

Jerry Wells is just one of many volunteers who help Food Life Services quickly bag and hand out food to county residents in need this holiday season.

He added that “although the national economy seems to be turning the corner, many of the needy have yet to see any improvement in their situation.” The cut to food stamps resulted in a 30-percent increase in families needing assistance in November and December.

“We are seeing record numbers of people requesting emergency food,” Alan Bowman said.

The organization serves Campbell County residents and is open two days a week for four and a half hours each day. Before November, Food Life Services was serving about 220 to 230 families each of those days, but those numbers have now increased to 350 families each day it is open.

Because hunger knows no bounds or age limit, a variety of families are served by Food Life Services of Campbell County.

“We are a very needy county,” said Carolyn Bowman, manager of the organization’s pantry. She said she believes the need is increasing in the county partially due to the drug epidemic and more grandparents having to raise their grandchildren.

“Some of the parents are either on drugs or in jail and so it is falling to the grandparents who are often on a fixed income and are finding it difficult to make ends meet,” Carolyn Bowman said.

Alan Bowman also cites the increase in the cost of food due to “droughts in the west,” as a reason that more people are seeking aid right now. He said the increase not only hampers the ability of the organization’s food recipients to “get by”, but hinders the organization as well.

“We buy much of our food from Second Harvest Food Bank in Knoxville, which has experienced fewer donations causing their cost to double in the past year, along with reduced availability,” Alan Bowman said.

But “despite the increase in costs and the decrease in food stamp availability, Food Life Services of Campbell County is determined to find ways to increase both the quality and quantity of food available to the hungry in Campbell County,” Alan Bowman said.

“We have the best volunteers; they are great to work with and always make it fun,” Alan and Carolyn Bowman said.

“We would not be able to do what we do without all the help from the volunteers and groups, organizations, schools, churches and others that hold food drives,” Alan Bowman said.

The organization could always use volunteers who want to come and help package and hand out food.

Volunteers with Food Life Services of Campbell County spent a busy Friday bagging and boxing food to give away to those who needed it. The organization distributes around 4,000 pounds of food to 1100 families each week. Volunteers are always needed. See the end of the article for information on how to volunteer.

And while Food Life Services definitely accepts and always needs donations of food, monetary donations often go further and are the “best gift”, according to Bowman, because the organization can purchase food in bulk and tax free, therefore stretching every dollar to its max.

“And since much of our food is purchased form Second Harvest Food Bank it is at a greatly reduced price,” Alan Bowman said, explaining that $1 would go further spent by Food Life Services than by an average consumer.

“When you buy food by the pallet as opposed to the can, it is quite a bit cheaper and when you consider what we save on taxes, we are simply able to buy food more economically than you could give us food for,” Alan Bowman said.

Jim Holtslag stays busy bagging meat for families who often depend on Food Life Services of Campbell County for their next meal. Canned hams were given to families thanks to an Extra Nutrition Grant provided by the LaFollette Medical Foundation.

Extra food is always given to families at Christmas time to help get them through the holiday season when Food Life Services is closed. Often when families come back after the New Year, the organization’s pantry is depleted, so first of the year donations are very important, according to Alan Bowman.

“If you sit here for 20 minutes and watch the people that come in, you would realize the need in the county; there is a lot of need in our county,” Alan Bowman said.

Food Life Services of Campbell County will be closed through the holidays and will reopen on Jan. 3rd. It is located at 800 E. Elm Street, in LaFollette and can be reached at 423-907-8159 for more information regarding donations. Monetary donations should be sent to Food Life Services of Campbell County at P.O. Box 802, LaFollette, Tn. 37766.  (12/24/2013/6:00AM)

TDEC Announces $2.3 Million in Recycling Equipment and Hub Grants
Grants Will Help Communities Meet Waste Reduction Goals

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau today awarded approximately $2.3 million in Recycling Equipment and Hub / Spoke Grants for FY 2014 projects to help reduce landfill waste in Tennessee.
"We are pleased to fund these projects through the state's Solid Waste Management Fund," Martineau said. "These grants promote and increase recycling across the state and engage partnerships among counties and municipalities."
Campbell County has been approved for a Recycling Equipment Grant. Recycling Equipment Grants may be used to purchase equipment for new recycling programs, improve and expand the operation of an existing site or prepare recyclable materials for transport and marketing. Campbell County received grant money in total of $19,994.
The cities of LaFollette, Jacksboro and Caryville also received a Recycling Hub and Spoke Grant totaling $42,289.
Said Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro) "I am delighted at this news for our County and what it will mean to the future of our recycling and conservation programs here. These grants will go a long way in helping to preserve the natural beauty of our home here in
Campbell County."
  (12/24/2013/6:00AM

Sheriff and staff cracking down on drunk & drugged drivers

     The holiday season is in full swing.  The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department officers are out in force cracking down on drunk drivers throughout the region with aggressive Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement.  Through January 1, 2014, state and local law enforcement are watching for drunk drivers to help keep roads safe for holiday travelers.  The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is giving fair warning to all partygoers.  Sheriff Goins tells WLAF News that you’ll see us making lots of stops during this highly visible enforcement period, and if we suspect anyone is driving while intoxicated, officers will show zero tolerance for drunk driving.  Going goes on to say that unfortunately, the excitement and celebrations of the holiday season can lead to terrible decisions-- and serious legal consequences.  Data shows that the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of drunk drivers on the roads, and members of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office are prepared to stop and arrest any drunk driver they see to keep roads safe.  Nationally, in the Decembers from 2007 to 2011, there were  4,169 people killed in crashes that involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,367 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes across the nation in 2011, and 31 percent (9,878) of those fatalities occurred in drunk-driving-related crashes. The sheriff warns that this holiday, we will show zero tolerance for drunk drivers on the road, and if you choose to drive drunk, we will see you, we will stop you, and you will be arrested.  Drunk drivers often face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, to lost wages due to time off from work.   Goins concludes that even worse, a drunk driver can cause a traffic crash that claims someone’s life, or their own.

Please follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and happy:

•           Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk—or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving.

•           If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving.  Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.

•           If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation or [insert your local sober ride program specifics here].

•           Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

•           If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.  (12/23/2013/6:00AM)                                          2013 Christmas Parade

 

JHS honors 2011 champs

     The memories are still fairly fresh.  The faces look much the same.  The fans are still very appreciative.  Friday night at Lindsay Gym wasn’t as magical as it was almost three years ago when Jellico was marching toward its first-ever Region 2-A Championship, but it was close.  A large crowd wedged itself inside the Devil’s Den to pay homage to one of the greatest teams in the history of Jellico as well as Campbell County basketball. 

You’re invited to take a trip down memory lane and re-live Jellico’s victory over Harriman on Harriman’s home floor as the Blue Devils claimed the region title.  The complete game is found below this story.  (UPDATED 12/21/2013/NOON)

Click on the box below & watch the Jellico-Harriman 2011 region title game

Jacksboro Middle School News

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No LIFESTAR in La Follette

By Charlotte Underwood

The idea of permanently housing an emergency response helicopter in LaFollette has been nixed, according to La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield who said the item had been pulled from the planning commission’s Thursday evening agenda by a representative from LIFESTAR.

The possibility of a permanent lading pad and helicopter being located next to the east side fire station and rescue squad had been broached at last month’s city council meeting by a representative from LIFESTAR. The council said the project had to first be brought before the planning commission in order to tackle the issue of an ordinance that restricted above-ground fuel tanks from within city limits. Literature describing the project and a map showing the location was circulated among homeowners in the area the landing pad would have been located. However, before the issue could even be discussed at the planning commission meeting, Stanfield said he heard from four of the six people who live in the subdivision next to where the landing pad had been proposed.

“The four I talked to were against it and said the other two were against it as well,” Stanfield said, adding that those he spoke with indicated they were opposed for a combination of reasons.

“Part of it was concern for the above ground fuel tank that would contain jet fuel and the other issue was the noise that it would create landing and taking off at all hours,” Stanfield said, adding that he “thought it was a good idea, but had to listen to what the people wanted.”

Stanfield said an official from LIFESTAR told him the organization planned to pursue a location in Jacksboro in order to be located closer to the interstate.(12/20/2013/6:00AM)

 Planning commission discusses possible incoming businesses; approves billboard

Story & pictures by Charlotte Underwood

La Follette could get a Weigel’s gas station, according to a report from La Follette Codes Officer Stan Foust who briefly discussed the issue during the La Follette Planning Commission meeting on Thursday evening.

It was announced during Thursday’s planning commission meeting in La Follette that a Weigel’s gas station may be coming to town. The possibility of a McDonald’s restaurant was also discussed.

The proposed Weigel’s would be located at the old Sharp’s Motel in La Follette, according to Mayor Mike Stanfield who said he had written the gas station chain over a year ago with the proposal of a La Follette location.

“I never got any response back from them so it kind of surprised me when we heard from them last week,” Stanfield said.

“I had a two-hour meeting with them recently and we should have a site-plan from them in two weeks,” Foust said.

La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield takes a moment to review the proposal of a billboard for Peoples Bank of the South during the Thursday evening planning commission meeting.

“I think it’s great and I hope we get more businesses moving into La Follette over the next couple of years,” Stanfield said.

Foust also said he had heard from the McDonald’s representative, who told him the corporation planned to make offers to purchase seven properties located in La Follette at red light no. 10 to build the restaurant and parking area.

“I have been told they plan to make offers on the properties after the first of the year,” Foust said, adding that he thought it would be a good location.

Surveyor Tony Crutchfield discussed the proposal of a bank billboard in La Follette with members of the planning commission on Thursday evening.

The commission also discussed and approved a site plan for a 10x20 billboard for Peoples Bank of the South. The bill board will be located at 2300 Jacksboro Pike in a C-2 Highway Business district located within the city.

Bank representative David Reynolds was on hand at the meeting to assure commission members that the billboard would feature only bank information and would not be rented out to anyone else.

“It is a one-sided billboard too,” Reynolds told the board. Surveyor Tony Crutchfield told the commission that the billboard would be in compliance with the C-2 zoning district. (12/20/2013/6:00AM)

     

 

La Follette man arrested for DUI

By Charlotte Underwood

A LaFollette man was arrested for DUI and other charges after he allegedly ran a red light and hit another vehicle last week, according to the Lafollette Police Department.

Benjamin A. Watkins, 24, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, failure to yield and failure to obey a traffic device on Dec. 11th after he hit another vehicle head on while driving on Jacksboro Pike in Lafollette. LaFollette Police Officer J. Farmer responded to the accident and after speaking to witnesses confirmed Watkins had ran the red-light. After speaking with Watkins, Farmer said he noticed Watkins to have “very slurred speech,” which prompted him to ask if he had taken any medication.

According to the arrest report, Watkins “stated he had taken some Suboxone prior to the incident.” Farmer had Watkins perform several sobriety tests, which he had difficulty with. Watkins was then arrested and transported to the Campbell County Jail.(12/19/2013/6:00AM)

Repair business seeks to bring back traditional service station

By Charlotte Underwood

East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair is bringing back the tradition of an old-time service station. Locally owned and operated by Josh Goins and Janell Everett, the repair business recently moved into the old Wayne’s Gulf Station at 195 North Tennessee Avenue about three months ago.

“If your car, truck, boat, tractor is broke down, give us a call and we will come to you and pick up your vehicle for repairs,” Goins said.

East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair mechanic and owner Josh Goins works on a tractor. The repair shop can fix just about anything big or small.

The repair station does all minor and major engine repair and can handle a number of jobs including, boat, vehicle, tractor and diesel repair, as well as transport of vehicles and boats. Goins also does small engine repair on generators, weed eaters, chainsaws, lawnmowers and more. He also can fix motorcycles, scooters and really just about anything, according to Everett. With around 15 years in the business, Goins said he likes to help people and provide a service.

“We want to bring back the tradition of an old-time service station,” Goins said, adding that his business wasn’t like a dealership’s service station.

“We provide quick service at an affordable price; our goal is to get you back in your vehicle and on your way,” Goins said. He charges $40 an hour for his mechanic service.

Owners and operators Josh Goins and Janell Everett have moved their East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair business to the old Wayne’s Gulf Station at 195 North Tennessee Avenue in LaFollette. The repair business also specializes in boat and vehicle washing and detailing.   (PIX COURTESY OF JANELL EVERETT)

Goins graduated from Nashville-Auto Diesel College and is both auto and diesel certified. He said repair work is something he has always enjoyed doing since he started at the age of 15.

“It is a family-owned business and we want to treat our customers like family too,” Everett added.

The business also offers auto and boat washing and detailing starting at $8 for a basic wash and vacuum and maxing out at $70 for the full detail package.

“We offer a full package wash and detail for $70 that other competitors get $120 for,” Everett said, adding that a vehicle detail would make for an excellent Christmas present for a friend or loved one.

East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair also sells after-market parts and can find “just about any part that you need,” according to Goins.

The business is also offering a holiday special of 10-percent off any repair or detail over $40 from now until New Years.

Mechanic Josh Goins works on a generator at East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair. Goins can work on small engines such as weed eaters, lawnmowers and chainsaws as well as tractors, diesels, trucks, cars and boats. According to Goins, “nothing is too bit or too small.” (PIX COURTESY OF JANELL EVERETT)

East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call to confirm or make an appointment for Saturday hours and emergency repairs as well.

For more information or with questions regarding repairs, call Goins at 423-592-0343 or Everett at 423-871-3349, or visit them on the web at www.easttnboatandtruckrepair.weebly.com (12/19/2013/6:00AM)

Andrew Hamblin speaks at the Campbell County Courthouse 11-17-13

 

Snake-handling pastor’s case bound over to grand jury

Pictures & story by Charlotte Underwood 

After a two-hour preliminary hearing, snake-handling Pastor Andrew Hamblin had his case bound over to the grand jury. Hamblin, who is pastor of the Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette, appeared in court Tuesday afternoon, where Judge Joe Ayers heard testimony to determine if there was sufficient evidence to send the case to the grand jury. Hamblin is charged with possession of Class I wildlife. Once again church members and other supporters flooded the courtroom in red clothes to show support for Hamblin.  During his court appearance, both the state and defense heard testimony from Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) Sgt. Joe Durnin who cited Hamblin on Nov. 7th for possession of 53 venomous snakes. Durnin, who has worked for TWRA for 31 years, answered questions directed at him by District Attorney Lori Phillips and Hamblin’s lawyer, Mike Hatmaker for about 90 minutes.

LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God Pastor Andrew Hamblin, right-hand forefront, sits in court on Tuesday afternoon with his church members and supporters spread out behind him filling the court room pews. Hamblin faces charges of class I wildlife possession. The case has been bound over to the grand jury, which meets in January.

Hatmaker asked him to go over what happened the day he seized the snakes from Hamblin’s church."I went over to the residence of Andrew Hamblin and asked him about his possession of his class one reptiles," Durnin said.

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency Sgt. Joe Durnin testified for about 90 minutes during Hamblin’s preliminary hearing on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Durnin said he asked Hamblin if he was still involved with snakes. Durnin said Hamblin told him yes.

"I asked if he could show us those snakes that he possessed, and he agreed to let us follow him down to the church," he said.

Durnin also reported Hamblin unlocked the church and another room where the snakes were held at which point he discovered 53 venomous snakes. He then cited him and seized the snakes.

Andrew Hamblin briefly confers with one of his attorneys Brent Gray during the Tuesday afternoon preliminary hearing in Judge Joe Ayer’s court room.

Hatmaker asked if Durnin had in fact asked Hamblin if he was “in possession” of the snakes or if he used another word.

Durnin said he could not remember verbatim, but revealed that he had recorded the entire encounter with Hamblin and the recording could be played.

The court took a brief recess while a laptop computer was set up and connected with speakers so the recording could be played.

District Attorney Lori Phillips, and Hamblin’s attorney Mike Hatmaker stand and watch while a laptop computer was hooked up during court recess so a recording of the day the snakes were seized could be heard and viewed by the judge.

Hatmaker questioned why Durnin went over to Hamblin's residence, asking if the TWRA had prior evidence. Durnin said he had met Hamblin in the spring while he was working on another case involving snakes in Knox County.

“He made me aware that he had snakes then. Andrew asked me ‘when you come to my church are you going to come in to get the snakes during the church service?’” Durnin said, adding that the reason he finally went to Hamblin’s home was because his captain sent him.

Hatmaker asked why there had been such a time lapse between the time that Hamblin allegedly made Durnin aware that he had snakes and the Nov. 7th seizure date.

“I went when I was told to go,” Durnin replied.

After listening to the recording, the defense asked Durnin why he had recorded Hamblin without his knowledge. Durnin replied that he thought it was obvious he was recording because of the size of the audio and video recorder that he was wearing on his shirt.

Phillips asked Durnin to describe the recording device and whether or not it had an indicator light that lit up when it was running.

“It’s about three inches in length, two inches wide and about an inch and a half thick and it lights up green when it is recording … it’s not subtle,” Durnin said.

Hamblin said after court was over that he had no knowledge that he was being recorded due to all that was going on at the time.

Hatmaker asked Durnin if he had any other evidence other than Hamblin’s own admission, that he had snakes.

“Well I asked him if he still had snakes and he said yes. He took us to them and he was the only one with keys to unlock the doors at the church to go get them,” Durnin said.

Hatmaker made a motion to have the case dismissed, saying that the state had failed to show evidence that Hamblin was the one in possession of the snakes, other than his own admission.

“The law in this state says in order to be convicted of a crime, the state must show evidence other than his own confession,” Hatmaker said.

The district attorney argued the point, saying “as far as possession goes, the defendant was the only one with keys to the room the snakes were locked in,” Phillips said.

“You all have a difference of opinion,” Judge Ayers said, adding that he over-ruled the motion and the case would be bound over to the grand jury, which convenes on Jan. 6th at 9 a.m.

Hamblin has been taking up serpents as part of his faith for five years and said having the snakes taken away by authorities violated his freedom of religion. He said he looks forward to the case being over and that Tuesday’s court proceedings were “just one more stop in the proceedings of all this going away.”

Defendant Andrew Hamblin and his attorney Mike Hatmaker stop for a brief photo after Hamblin’s preliminary hearing on Tuesday afternoon.  Both Hatmaker and Hamblin said they felt good about how court went despite the case being bound over to the grand jury.

He said his ultimate hope was that the charges will be dropped and the state will change the law so snakes could be handled in church. He once again asked his supporters to come to the courthouse wearing red for the grand jury hearing.

If he's found guilty, Hamblin could face up to 11 months and 29 days behind bars, as well as a $2,500 fine.  (updated 12-17-2013 8:10PM)

Sheriff’s reports

By Charlotte Underwood

 Traffic stop leads to arrest of Jellico woman

A traffic stop led to the arrest of a Jellico woman when she accidentally pulled a bag of meth out of her pocket in front of police on Monday, according to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

 Mercedes Ann Taylor, 19, was the passenger in a vehicle stopped on Island Road. Sheriff’s Deputy David Wormsley instructed Taylor to call someone to give her a ride and when she reached into her pocket to get her cell phone, a small baggy containing a white powdery substance believed to be meth fell out, according to the sheriff’s report. Taylor was then arrested, charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance and transported to jail. (12/18/2013/6:00AM)

Domestic dispute involving machete leads to double arrest

A domestic dispute ended in both a father and son being arrested over the weekend after the son threatened a female victim with a machete. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the dispute at a residence on Old Long Hollow Road on Saturday night where they learned that a female victim had gone to the residence to retrieve her personal belongings, according to the sheriff’s report. While the victim was retrieving her belongings, Ricky Nugene Green, Jr., allegedly approached her in an aggressive manner brandishing a machete. Green Jr., was arrested for domestic assault and transported to the county jail.

Deputies later recovered the machete from a nearby creek where Green Jr., had allegedly thrown it.

When officers arrived at the scene to question witnesses regarding the dispute, Ricky Nugene Greene Sr., began threatening and cursing at the deputies who advised him to “return to the house.” At this point, Green Sr., cursed at the deputies again, who said they could smell a strong alcoholic odor coming from him. He also allegedly told the deputies to take him to jail and continued cursing, at which point he was arrested for disorderly conduct and transported to jail as well.  (12/18/2013/6:00AM)

Jellico ambulance service once again in commission’s crosshairs  

The Campbell County Commission is again debating whether to continue the county’s ambulance contract with North regional EMS in Jellico or to hand Jellico operations over to the Campbell County EMS based in LaFollette.

Campbell County EMS director Danny Sheckles approached the commission’s EMS Committee Monday night with a proposal that the county earmark its $75,000 annual supplement to Jellico only for the purchase of new or refitted ambulance vehicles.

Sheckles told commissioners that the Jellico EMS fleet is aging and needs a replacement plan, while North Regional continues to drag its feet in reporting to commissioners how that $75,000 is being spent.

“This will provide accountability of tax dollars,” Sheckles argued. He also pointed out that he believes in the long term the county will be better off by ending the contract with the Jellico service and allowing his EMS to operate a station in the north end of the county.

“Based on the revenue reported from NREMS, I believe we could eventually operate stations in Jellico, Stinking Creek and Elk Valley, providing better service,” he added.

Rusty Orick made a motion in committee to immediately earmark the $75,000 supplement for ambulance purchases, but Jellico commissioner Alvin Evans countered that officials with the Jellico-based service should at least be allowed to appear before the commission and present their position before a plan restricting their use of funds is approved.

After further discussion, Orick reluctantly withdrew his motion, postponing further action until the January workshop.

Two other committees met for the first time since being appointed, the beer board electing Sue Nance as chair while Johnny Bruce was elected to chair the Recreation Committee.

During the brief regular meeting that followed, the commission passed a resolution similar to that passed by the school board last week, congratulating the Campbell County Cougars and their coaching staff on their 10-win season.

The commission also voted unanimously to earmark $500,000 saved from refinancing part of the county’s debt to paving roads, and approved a motion setting up a Road Committee to determine priorities for spending the money, which will be distributed equally to the five districts. (12/17/2013/6:00AM)

County Commission Meeting 12/16/13

 

Zoo continues to care for snakes; Hamblin set for court on Tuesday

By Charlotte Underwood

While LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God preacher Andrew Hamblin continues to handle serpents and wait for his day in court, the venomous snakes seized from his church by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) are having hibernation induced at the Knoxville Zoo where they are being housed and some of them nursed back to health.  When the 53 snakes were seized by the TWRA and taken to the zoo, they were classified into three groups of health: good, fair and poor, according to Knoxville Zoo Director of Animal Collections Phil Colclough, who said while most of the snakes could be categorized in “good health” several were “skinny and in poor body condition and died as a result of that.”

“Most of the five snakes that died were juvenile copperheads,” Colclough said, adding that the TWRA had seized a variety of snakes from Hamblin’s church.  Many of the snakes were native copperheads and rattlesnakes, but there were several non-native subspecies of copperheads including a southern copperhead native to the coastal plane area, a broadband copperhead and an Osage copperhead, both of which are native to Texas.  Several cottonmouths were confiscated, along with several non-native rattlesnakes.  A mangrove snake from Southeast Asia and a Neotropical rattle snake from Central America were also seized.  According to Colclough, other than the few non-native species, the majority of snakes seized from Hamblin’s church “appeared to be wild-caught native snakes.”  The reptiles that were in good condition and would normally hibernate this time of year have all been successfully hibernated, according to Colclough.  The snakes that were in fair condition when they were seized are currently being “nursed back to health enough to have hibernation induced,” Colclough said, adding that yearly hibernation in the winter months was “very important health-wise” to snakes native to this area.

Churches that handle snakes for religious purposes handle them year round during church services. They do not induce hibernation for their snakes because when a snake is in hibernation, it has to be left alone in a cool, dark place for the duration of the winter season. During this time, the snakes do not even eat, but stay still to conserve energy until spring comes. According to Colclough, if a snake that normally hibernates each winter does not go into its natural hibernation, it greatly reduces the snake’s lifespan and is therefore detrimental to the snake’s health.

“This is an animal that is supposed to spend half of its life asleep; if it’s not allowed to go into hibernation, then it would definitely affect the snake’s lifespan,” Colclough said giving an example that a snake in captivity that had hibernation induced yearly could live anywhere from 28 to 35 years, while a snake that did not have hibernation induced would only live 15 to 20 years tops.

Hamblin said as far as care for the snakes he kept them “cool in the summer and warm in the winter.”

University of Tennessee Religious Psychology Professor Ralph Hood said he does not believe the religion is detrimental or harmful to the snakes.

“These people care about the snakes; they use them and need them so they want them to be around for future generations of worshippers,” Hood said, adding that while it may be different than most, it was a “legitimate and possibly one of the most interesting religions in America.”

“They don’t defang or alter the snakes in anyway,” Hood said, explaining that he had even brought herpetologists to snake handling services to try and understand why it is that handlers can pick up reptiles and even walk on them barefoot, and yet receive so few snake bites.  Hood also said as far as public safety was concerned, he felt it was a non-issue.

In his 25 years of study on the religion, Hood said he had documented 98 deaths related to religious snake handling, but was quick to add that there had “never been a case of a non-serpent handler being bitten at a serpent handling church.”

Hood holds a joint doctorate in Sociology and Psychology, with his major interest being in the psychology of religion.  He has been one of the foremost researchers of the snake handling religion, which is usually attributed to have begun around 1909 by George or John Hensley in the hills of Tennessee.  Hood’s interest in the fringe religion began because he wanted to “document the tradition and present it to the public in a more objective fashion.” 

“It is a legitimate expression of religion,” Hood said.

Hamblin feels the same way and maintains that his religious freedom is being attacked; TWRA spokesperson Matt Cameron said that couldn’t be farther from the truth and it’s simply a matter of legality and even safety.

“If we really wanted to attack Mr. Hamblin’s faith and shut him down, we would have charged him with 53 counts of possession of Class I Wildlife, not the one count that he has been charged with,” Cameron said, explaining that if TWRA had charged him with all that the agency could have, Hamblin could have faced very large fines and lengthy jail time.

“We just wrote him one ticket.  He could have been arrested and had to post bond and it could have been 53 misdemeanors instead of the one that he has been charged with.  It could have been thousands of dollars in fines, but that is how much we wanted to show that it wasn’t about an attack on his religion; we just did our job as we are required by law to do and not even to the fullest extent that we could have,” Cameron said, explaining the state could have charged him under another title of law, Title 39, which would have garnered him additional charges for public endangerment.  And while he did not know if the snake handling religion was harmful to the snakes, Cameron did say that “anytime you take something out of nature and keep it in captivity, it is stressful for the animal.”

Hood said he felt Tennessee should write a religious exemption into the law that would allow Hamblin and others like him to possess and handle snakes for religious purposes.

Cameron disagreed, saying Hamblin was not trained in handling that class of wildlife.

“He simply does not meet the qualifications and criteria to handle that sort of wildlife.  Zoos have the permits, licenses and training needed, not to mention the anti-venom on hand should someone get bitten,” Cameron said.

Cameron also said he felt the snakes were “the property of the people of the state of Tennessee and belong in the wild, not to Mr. Hamblin to use exclusively.”

“Whenever you take something out of its natural environment and keep it in captivity, it’s not healthy for the animal,” Cameron said.

Colclough said there wasn’t a snake out there that liked to be touched or handled and regardless of how you looked at it, being repeatedly handled had to be stressful on the reptiles.

Pastor Andrew Hamblin holds up a serpent during his Friday night church service at the Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette. Hamblin is slated to appear in Campbell County Court on Dec. 17th at 3 p.m. He faces charges of possession of class I wildlife.

Despite facing misdemeanor charges for possession of class I wildlife, Hamblin continued to handle a serpent during his Dec. 13th church service only days before his court appearance. During that service, which was attended by several curious out-of-town visitors, he promised his congregation, that if he went to jail, he would “preach to the sinners there.”  He also asked for prayer and for his supporters to once again come to the courthouse wearing red. Hamblin pleaded not guilty during his Nov. 15th initial appearance in court.  He is represented by attorney Mike Hatmaker and is slated to appear in court again on Dec. 17th at 3 p.m. (12/16/2013/6:00AM)

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Want local help to apply for Obama care?

     Many of you know all too well how difficult it’s been to sign-up for the Affordable Healthcare Act also known as Obama Care.  Now there’s local help available to assist applicants.  Community Health of East Tennessee, nicknamed CHET, has two application counselors on staff to help you work your way through the healthcare application process.  Don’t worry about getting or trying to get online or even calling an 800 number.  A CHET counselor will help you fill out and file your Affordable Healthcare Act application right here in La Follette.  Jada Stanley, CHET’s Chief Operating Officer, explains to WLAF that you may either schedule an appointment or just walk-in the offices on Independence Lane behind the CVS.  She says the application process generally takes about an hour.  Stanley says a grant CHET received makes this “free” service possible, and that the application assistance service continues for a full-year.  CHET’s hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 8:00, and the number to call is 423.562.1705.   (12/12/2013/6:00AM)

Sears offers Christmas specials

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift this season? Sears in LaFollette has plenty to choose from, according to owner and operator Robert Coble. From lawnmowers and grills to beds, chainsaws, tools and a whole slew of appliances, Sears has lots to choose from and if it isn’t at the store, then most likely it can be ordered and even shipped to your home. As the holiday season draws near, there will be various Christmas sales going on throughout the store.

Sears of LaFollette will be having a 12 Days of Christmas Sale going on with different items on sale each day. The sale begins on Dec. 13th with a $1,000 discount on a refrigerator.

Formerly an airline pilot with Comair for 16 years, Coble has been in the Sears retail business for around four years. He previously owned and operated a Sears store in northern Kentucky, but sold it to move back “home” to Campbell County where his family roots are.

“It was a momentary bout of insanity, but I am enjoying it,” Coble said of going into the Sears business.

He purchased the LaFollette Sears from Linda Morris a little over two years ago.

Sears has been located in the mall since the 1980s when the catalog store went out of business and Sears came up with the “Hometown concept” to continue providing merchandise to smaller towns, according to Coble.

“If we don’t carry it in stock, we can order it and if it’s less than 125 pounds, have it shipped to your home,” Coble said, adding that anyone who ordered Sears products online could have them shipped to the LaFollette location to save on shipping costs.

An upcoming 12 Days of Christmas Sale will begin on Friday, Dec. 13th. The first day of the sale features $1,000 off a refrigerator, with different items on sale each day.

Coble said he wanted to encourage people to come down to Sears to support the local economy and see what the store has to offer.

Craftsman lawnmowers are always a popular item at Sears.

“We can match prices on just about anything and on a lot of stuff we can beat the price of the other guys,” Coble said, adding that sale items would be everything from washing machines, tool boxes, grills and even soap.

Sears offers a variety of home appliances, Craftsman and Diehard tools and tool chests, lawnmowers and various lawn and garden merchandise, chain saws, air compressors, vacuums, exercise equipment and gaming tables just to name a few. Sears also can order replacement parts for Sears merchandise.

Sears carries a full line of Craftsman tool chests and plenty of tools to fill it for the special mechanic in your life this holiday season.

“Come help the local economy; there’s no sense in going to Knoxville if it’s something from Sears you want; we can get it for you here,” Coble said.

Sears is located at 2221 Jacksboro Pike in Woodson’s Mall next to Food City. For more information contact Sears at 423-562-7700.(12/12/2013/6:00AM)

School Board Meeting 12/10/13

 

Caryville City Council Meeting 12/09/13

 

Campbell County trio caught with 678 pounds of copper worth more than $2K

     The trio of 43-year old Gary Wayne Bunch, 36-year old Gary Wayne Burriss, and 24-years old Dennis Ray Burris, Junior had quite a haul until deputies found them out.  This evening, Bunch of Caryville, Burriss from Lake City, and Caryville resident Burris face multiple charges including theft of property ranging from $1,000 to $9,999. 

 

Bunch

Gary Wayne Burriss

Dennis Ray Burris, Jr.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to call from Albert Bunch saying men stole copper from Bunch’s Scrap Yard at Caryville and left in a gold Mazda car.  They were soon pulled over and learned from Dennis Ray Burris that he and Gary Wayne Bunch stole the copper, 678 pounds of it, from a building at Bunch’s Scrap Yard.  Burris then called Gary Wayne Burriss to give them a ride with the stolen property.  Gary Wayne Burriss is out on bail while Burris and Bunch remain in the county jail tonight.  The three men have been booked through the Campbell County Jail a combined total of 40 times.(12/11/2013/6:00PM)

Caryville passes distillery/microbrewery ordinance; updates safety plan

By Charlotte Underwood

The second reading of an ordinance establishing standards for distilleries, micro-breweries and wineries as mandated by the state was passed during Monday evening’s mayor and aldermen meeting in Caryville.

Board member Glenn Smith reiterated once again that the town had no choice in the matter other than to control where the distilleries could be located.

The Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an ordinance on Monday evening establishing and setting standards for micro-breweries and distilleries.

"We can’t vote no or anything, this is state mandated. All we have control over is where they can be put,” Smith said, adding the only place distilleries would be allowed was in the industrial area.

Other action items on the agenda included the approval of a resolution updating the Occupational Safety and Health Program Plan. The resolution included renaming David Muse as the Safety Director for Caryville. Muse has held the title for the past seven years.

During the citizen’s input portion of the meeting, Edgar Ivey spoke to the board, thanking the citizens of Caryville who had shown support for his former daughter-in-law Cheryl Ivey. Cheryl Ivey, the city’s former city recorder, was recently awarded a $48,000 settlement from the city after she was fired earlier in the year. The city’s insurance covered all but $10,500 of the settlement, with the city covering the rest.

“There are really no changes, this is just something that has to be done every so often,” said Mayor Chris Stanley.

 The mayor also reported to board members that he had received information regarding the paving and repair of the access road to the industrial park.

Caryville had received approximately $4 million in state aid in order to fix the road.

“That’s a big deal,” Chris Stanley said, adding that he didn’t think the town would have been able to come up with those funds on their own.

“That will be a good thing for all those working and traveling that road,” Chris Stanley said. Construction on the road is expected to start in the spring.

Board member Mark Stanley said he hoped the town would be collecting bids by the end of the month regarding the fencing repair project at Asbury Park. Board members had voted previously to replace the entire front section of fence at the park, which is around 500 feet.

“We are getting together the specifications of exactly what we want and anyone wanting to place bids on the project can get those specs from Pat down here at city hall,” Mark Stanley said.

Before the meetings close, board member Vickie Heatherly spoke up about her concern that the police department was understaffed due to sickness and the chief being called out on a family emergency.

Board member Vickie Heatherly spoke to the board about hiring another part-time police officer to lighten the over-time load the department is currently experiencing.

“It’s a busy time of the year with the holidays approaching, I would like to suggest we get another part-time officer to fill in until Johnny comes back on duty,” Heatherly said.

“I spoke with Stephanie and she told me if that need arose, she would let me know,” Chris Stanley said.

Heatherly said she had spoken with the chief shortly before the meeting and that a need for an extra officer had been indicated to her.

Mayor Chris Stanley reported to the board that construction to repair and repave the Industrial Park access road should begin by spring thanks to a $4 million grant from the state.

“Nice try; it’s always something with you Vickie,” the mayor said.  At this, a police officer in the back of the room interjected, saying that the officers were really “working themselves to death” and that most of the officers on duty would have 12 to 16 hours of overtime by the week’s end.

The mayor said he would speak to the police chief about the issue and see what needed to be done. (12/11/2013/10:30AM)

WLAF Stocking Giveaway- Stop in and Sign up

 

School board honors Price twins, soon to begin “discussion” on Director post

 The Campbell County School Board meeting on Tuesday night turned into a celebration for the success of the 10-2 Campbell County Cougar football team, as the board presented both head coach Justin Price and his brother, defensive coordinator Matt Price with plaques of appreciation for their record-breaking successful season.

The board then backed their words up with something more substantial, voting unanimously to pay Justin Price a $6,000 one-time bonus for “accomplishments of the 2013-14 season with a season winning record of 10-2 and a share of the District Championship.”

Breaking into the jovial mood was a complaint from one parent, Renee Marlow, about inadequate disabilities access at Elk Valley Elementary School. Marlow reported that in attending a ball game at Elk Valley with her wheelchair-bound daughter, she was forced to push the child over a rough sidewalk where the wheelchair got stuck in cracks and the child was dumped out.

“you need to do something about that immediately,” Marlow told the board and attorney Dail Cantrell agreed, reminding the board that all schools are required by federal law to have easily accessible wheelchair entrances.

Cantrell also reminded the board that beginning January 1, the state will begin collecting sales tax revenue from internet sales on Amazon.com.

“Estimates are that $8 million in tax revenue will be available to local school systems across the state, so you can expect a share of that to be available for Campbell County,” Cantrell pointed out.

Before adjourning, the board also voted unanimously to approve an athletic concussion policy recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association.

Chairman Rector Miller announced that at the board’s January meeting, they will begin discussions on the Director of Schools position. Director Donnie Poston has indicated that he plans to retire at the end of his current contract.

“My decision has nothing to do with the controversy last year. After 42 years in education, all but two in administration, I just feel its time to do something else,” Poston said last week.(12/11/2013/6:00AM)

CCSD's Daugherty and McCall honored as "Officers of the Year"

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announces that two deputies are honored as “Officer of the Year.”  For only for only the third time in the history of the sheriff’s department, all during the Goins’ era, two deputy sheriffs were honored with "Officer of the Year" awards by the Governor's Highway Safety Office, in the Sheriff's Office category, at its annual Christmas awards banquet.  The awards for “DUI enforcement Officer of the Year” and overall “Officer of the Year” were presented before a packed event room at the Cedar Bluff Holiday Inn in West Knoxville on Monday morning by the Governor's Highway Safety Office Law Enforcement Liaison Steve Dillard.  Campbell County Deputy Ty Daugherty was presented the “DUI Officer of the Year Award” for his outstanding enforcement and diligence in removing drunk and drugged drivers from Campbell County roadways.  Deputy James McCall was presented the overall “Officer of the Year Award” for his enforcement, work ethic and dedication to duty and his commitment to provide safety to the citizens of Campbell County.  Sheriff Robbie K. Goins tells WLAF News that, "We are honored and thoroughly pleased and thankful that our dedicated public servants can be honored again for their hard work and dedication to duty. The Governor's Highway Safety Office could not be a better partner and we are indebted to them for the recognition of our people. Ty and James are definitely valuable assets to our office and to the citizens of Campbell County that they serve.”  (12/10/2013/6:00 AM)

Commission votes to spend saved $500,000 on road paving projects 

Campbell County Road Superintendent Dennis Potter received an early Christmas present Monday night when county commissioners voted unanimously to transfer $500,000 that was saved through the re-financing of county debt into a fund for paving roads.

Potter has consistently asked commissioners for an appropriation at budget time to help his department pave more county roads, only to be left short by a county commission hesitant to raise property taxes.

The Budget & Finance Committee voted unanimously to approve a plan through which each district will get a pot of $85,000 to be used on road projects in that district. The remaining $75,000 will be used to repair the damage to Valley Street in Jacksboro caused by the construction of the county’s new jail and justice center behind the courthouse.

The money comes from $550,000 in interest payments that was saved when the commission voted last month to re-finance some older county bonds at a much lower interest rate.

The commission will also discuss a proposal at the regular monthly meeting next week to form an ad hoc road committee that will review paving needs in the county and prioritize where the paving dollars need to be spent.

At the workshop following the budget meeting, commissioners received an earful from one resident about one road that appears to need immediate attention. Mary Young told commissioners that the road she lives on, Baird Creek Lane, becomes impassible after heavy rains due to inadequate culverts to carry water from a small stream under the road.

Young reminded the commission that the county had approved money to build a bridge over the creek a couple of years ago, but the landowner had refused to grant the county a right-of-way necessary to construct a bridge. She said that a new landowner has now indicated he will grant the necessary right-of-way if the county will renew the bridge project.

In addition to her home, Young told commissioners that one other family lives on the far side of the flooded crossing, along with one weekend resident and her business, Baird Creek Tavern. Mayor Baird said that her request “is something the road committee will need to look into.”

State Representative Dennis Powers attended the meeting to present a resolution naming a new TWRA boat ramp off Queener Road on Norris Lake in honor of late commissioner Ray Wilson of Caryville. Wilson was a longtime leader and co-founder of the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA), which was instrumental in acquiring much of the former Koppers Company land that was transferred to TWRA to expand the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area.

Powers invited commissioners to share their concerns or requests on any legislative business, and may have regretted that invitation, as several commissioners bombarded him with concerns on everything from the decrease in state funding for education to problems with licensing of ATV vehicles to the local drivers’ license testing office that was closed by THP.

Next week commissioners will also discuss a resolution from the E-911 Board, asking that the county require all road signs to meet state-mandated requirements. The resolution apparently refers to some private roads and driveways that ambulance drivers have a hard time locating because the signs are inadequate.

One or two commissioners pointed out that although owners of private roads can request an E-911 name designation, the county may be exceeding it’s authority to dictate signs on roads not in the county system.      (12/10/2013/6:00 AM)  

Caryville City Council Meeting 12/09/13

 
Smith calls support “breathtaking”

     Reverend Mike Smith of the Fincastle Church of God sizes up the past year as a “rough one, a hard fight,” but that the church has emerged victorious, and the Lord has blessed.

It was in the wee-hours of Sunday morning, December 9, exactly one-year ago, when Smith received the phone call that his church was on fire.  Smith, who appeared live this morning on WLAF Radio thanking and updating the community on the past year, sums the support up as “breathtaking.” 

He goes on to say that attendance is consistently up compared to the pre-fire numbers.  Fincastle Church of God officially reopened with its first service in the new building back on August 3. 

Investigators spent December 10, 2012, sifting through the remnants of the church, and released the results the next day that the church was set on fire. 

Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF News that the investigation remains open with an active reward of $1,500.00.  (12/09/2013/2:30 PM-FILE PHOTOS)

                                 Jacksboro updates flood plain zoning ordinance
By Charlotte Underwood

It was a short mayor and alderman meeting in Jacksboro on Thursday evening with the first reading of a flood plain ordinance topping the agenda. The board approved the first reading, which simply updates the existing flood plain ordinance, according to city recorder Emma Caldwell.

Other business approved was $1,200 to pay for parts and repairs to a police department vehicle, as well as the approval for two police officers to update their meth lab cleanup training. (12/09/2013/6:00 AM)

 

Big weekend at Food City Center - Woodson Mall


Scenes from inside the mall over the weekend.

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Leach is JMS Queen

     Jacksboro crowned its basketball homecoming queen Thursday night.  She is 8th grader Presley Leach.  Presley is the daughter of Greg and Amy Leach. 

Hembree and Leach

Her escort was Jordan Hembree.  As part of her homecoming project, Presley volunteered with the special education department at La Follette Elementary School.  A few of the members of the 1954 Jacksboro High School Homecoming Court also took part in Thursday night’s festivities.  The Freshman attendant in 1954 was Peggy Powers Blankenship who was escorted on Thursday by Caleb Williams.

1954 Sophomore attendant Pat Hatmaker Ford and escort Nolan Lees

1954 Junior attendant Tomi Housley-Ayers was escorted Feliz Gonzalez

1954 Homecoming Queen Pat Sharp Brown, Noah Smith, and 2012 JMS Queen Sydney Fields (DAVID GRAHAM PIX 12/06/2013/6:00 AM)

Capps release second CD

     Mason T. and Carl Capps have a new compact disc.  It’s called “La Follette Blues.”  Carl calls the title track the best song on the CD but says his testimonial song “I Know I’m Saved” is his favorite.  Mason T. and Carl wrote several of the songs on the new CD that contains both bluegrass and gospel songs.  Mason T. says his La Follette Blues composition was inspired by his hometown and its rich musical heritage.  WLAF was the first radio station to play tracks from the latest work of the Capps, and they air each day on 1450.  For your copy of “La Follette Blues,” just call Carl or Mason T. at 423.562.4694 or by email at masontandcarl.com.  (12/06/2013/7:00 AM)

 CACC sits as the top seed for county tourney

     From door mat to dominate, the Christian Academy Warriors transitioned from a one-win team to a one-loss team in the course of a year.  Coach Vic King’s Warriors won Thursday night at Middlesboro to improve to 14 & 1 on the year heading into the county tournament.  CACC outscored Gateway Academy 29 to 15 behind double-figure scorers Will Paul (11) and Joseph Howard (10).  Parker Troutman and John Allen Arnold each chipped in four-points.  The Warriors play next Thursday in the county tournament at Valley View against the winner of the Jellico-Elk Valley game. (12/06/2013/6:00 AM)

Santa, scammers, and Rudolph; the holidays are here

     The latest scam is making the rounds via the mail this holiday season.  Josh Parker with the La Follette Utility Board tells WLAF that some LUB customers have received scam information in the mail.  The letter asks customers to purchase water service line insurance.  Parker adds that LUB does not endorse and is not affiliated with Home Serve USA Repair.  LUB has not provided anyone with customer addresses or other personal information.  Parker notes that if you have questions or concerns, you should call LUB at 423.562.3316 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  (12/05/2013/2:00 PM)

La Follette Machine & Tool is featured this week

     It’s Thursday.  It’s our business feature of the week day.  Today, WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood visit the folks at La Follette Machine and Tool.

LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc. now in its 3rd generation

By Charlotte Underwood

     For three generations, LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc., has been shaping the world one piece of metal at a time.
     The business came from humble beginnings, according to Quality Control Manager Celeste Sharp. Established in 1936 by J. Minton Sharp, the business was originally called the Motor Grinding Co., and primarily repaired heavy equipment for the coal industry and manufactured mine fans.

J. Minton Sharp began the company in 1936 as the Motor Grinding Co.


    
LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc., is now in its third generation of owners; Jarrett and Jason Sharp stand next to their father Jerry, who began working at the business in 1962. His father began the business in 1936.

     By the early 1950’s the name was changed to LaFollette Machine & Tool Company.

     In 1962, J. Minton's son Gerald “Jerry” Sharp joined the company and began manufacturing tipples for the mining industry and repair blocks for Caterpillar®. He remembered much of the business's early work was in rewinding motors. He also recalled there were 348 mines still operating in the area in 1962 when he first came back.
     "Now there are less than 10," Jerry Sharp said, adding that due to the coal industry's decline, the business had evolved and reshaped itself over the years.
When J. Minton Sharp retired in 1977, the company began focusing on warranty work for dozers and high-lifts. As times continued to change, it was the third generation which ushered in a new era for the company.


This metal cutting machine from 1936 still works and is occasionally used for projects.

     Jerry's son Jarrett Sharp entered the family business in 1987 and two years later, in 1989, LaFollette Machine and Tool Company was one the first in Tennessee to install a CO2 laser. Soon, the emphasis shifted to precision laser cutting and metal forming.
     "Jarrett knew something new would have to be done since the coal industry was going out," Celeste Sharp said. Still owned and operated by the Sharp family, LaFollette Machine and Tool brings to the industry a long history of experience, integrity, and ingenuity.


    

These images show what the warehouses looked liked during the early years of business.

     "It's been a great ride," Jerry Sharp said, adding that he had never had any intention of taking over the business from his father.
     "I was going to be a hospital administrator until I came back," Jerry Sharp said with a laugh.
LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc., is located at 219 N. First St.in LaFollette and can be reached at 423-562-5854.


LaFollette Machine and Tool employee Johnny York has worked at the company for over 40 years.    

     The company utilizes a diverse range of CO2 laser technology to process customer designs from the simple to the most challenging. Along with metal forming, LaFollette Machine and Tool Company delivers production and prototypes laser cut from materials as diverse as its customer base, according to Celeste Sharp. Common materials cut and formed by the company include Carbon Steel, Stainless, Aluminum, Titanium, Copper, Brass, Monel, Inconel, Acrylic, Composites and more.


LaFollette Machine and Tool specializes in precision laser cutting.

     The company is also a Certified Contractor by the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office to receive military critical technical data.
     With a reputation as a leader offering both quality and technical support, LaFollette Machine and Tool Company uses three Mitsubishi CO2 lasers and two Amada CNC press brakes to satisfy even the most high-performance users of precision laser cut components.  (PIX COURTESY OF LAFOLLETTE MACHINE & TOOL - 12/05/2013/6:00 AM)

LaFollette city continues to negotiate insurance plan; hires new police officer

By Charlotte Underwood

The city is continuing to negotiate its insurance coverage plan, according to Mayor Mike Stanfield, who said the current plan the city is covered under is set to increase by about $133,000 a year.

"We are currently looking at taking a lesser plan in order to save that money and prevent the increase," Stanfield said, adding that if employees wanted a better plan then they would most likely have to pay it out of pocket.

The city is insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield through a local provider.

Other business at the meeting included the addition of a new police officer to the city's force. The council approved the hiring of Noah Riggs on the police chief's recommendation. Fire Chief Gary Byrd also sought approval to hire two auxiliary firefighters in the upcoming weeks. He has a list of five and plans to hire the two most experienced, according to Stanfield. The hiring of the auxiliary firefighters should cut down on overtime hours and save the city money, according to Stanfield.

Three ordinances were also approved regarding a Community Block Development Grant which will be used on the continuing water and sewer rehabilitation projects within the city. The ordinances approved were state and federal requirements pertaining to the grant.

The council also agreed to lease the old post office parking lot to the LaFollette Housing Authority for Russell Towers residents. The lease is for six month increments at $500 a month.

"At least it is bringing some money in, which is better than nothing," Stanfield said.

The mayor said the issue of UT LIFESTAR permanently locating a helicopter in the city did not come up at the meeting and will most likely be taken to the planning commission before it is brought back to the city council next month. The council had been approached by UT LIFESTAR Flight Attendant Keith Goins during the last workshop regarding the location of a permanent helicopter in the area. If eventually approved, the helicopter could possibly housed next to the LaFollette Rescue Station near the DeRoyal factory and east end fire station.

The one catch to the relocation is a city ordinance that bans above ground fuel tanks, which would be required for the LIFESTAR helicopter, which runs on jet fuel, according to Stanfield, who explained the tank would be necessary since the helicopters could only go about two miles per gallon of fuel.

Stanfield said he had recently been approached by Jimmy Arnold who already has a helicopter landing pad located near the state garage on Highway 63.

"I don't know if he would want to lease it to LIFESTAR or how that would work, but if it was located there, it would do away with the problem of an above ground fuel tank in the city since that is located in the county and they have no ordinance against it," Stanfield said, adding that he had asked codes enforcement officer Stan Foust to contact Goins and put him in touch with Arnold.

"I still think it would be a good thing if it will help saves lives," Stanfield said.(12/04/2013)

LaFollette City Council Meeting for Tuesday, December 3, 2013

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Terry’s Pharmacy holds local food drive; donations sought for Christmas

Story and pictures by Charlotte Underwood

Terry’s Pharmacy held its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, matching the 2,000 cans donated by customers for a total of over 4,000 cans of food, which will help feed local people this holiday season. Food will be picked up and distributed locally by Food Life Services. The food drive is in its fifth year and continues to grow thanks to the caring employees at Terry’s Pharmacy.

Family owned and operated, Terry’s Pharmacy has been serving the community since 1976 when it was first established by Terry and Mary Lynn Ratcliff. Current owner Rissa Pryse came on board the business in 1980 when she first began working at the pharmacy after returning home to LaFollette from attending pharmacy school at Mercer in Atlanta, Ga. Pryse said when she came to work at the pharmacy she knew right away that it was her goal to own it at some point.

Rissa Pryse, right, Raewyn Snodderly, middle, and Emily Tamer, left, stand in front of food collected during the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive held by Terry’s Pharmacy. Over 4,000 cans of food will go to help feed locals during the holiday season.

“I really owe it all to Terry Ratcliff; he pretty much raised me in the business, starting me here at 23,” Pryse said, adding that the Ratcliff’s business philosophy was what attracted her to becoming a pharmacy owner. She purchased the business from the Ratcliffs in 1997.

“Terry’s philosophy was to give to the community; he was a real humanitarian,” Pryse said, adding that with her four daughters growing up in pharmacy, she had based their lives and upbringing on that same philosophy.

“I raised my four girls here,” Pryse said. One of her younger daughters, Emily Tamer, is currently enrolled in physician’s assistant school and will follow in the family’s medical tradition as well.

Her older daughter, Raewyn Snodderly, is carrying on the family tradition right now and loving it. Having attended pharmacy school in Alabama and graduating in 2008, Snodderly is now the pharmacist in charge at Terry’s. Snodderly said she always knew she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps.

“I love interacting with the people; I love getting to know my patients, I love that side of the business,” Snodderly said.

Raewyn brought a lot of new ideas to the table when she came, such as the annual food drive,” Pryse said, adding that the drive was growing exponentially, with more cans being collected each year.

“I attribute it to our wonderful employees here, especially Sue Standridge and Gwen Patterson who have been working on the drive since September,” Snodderly said, adding that there was a huge need for the drive within the community.

“It’s a very humbling experience to see the many people that bring in food and the gratitude they have shown,” Pryse said, explaining that many of their donors had voiced they had been in the food receiving line before.

Pryse said several Food City employees had also been very giving by volunteering their own time and vehicles to deliver the food to the pharmacy.

Terry’s Pharmacy is located at 310 E. Central Ave., in LaFollette and 3088 Veteran’s Memorial Highway in Jacksboro.

“It’s really that pay-it forward attitude,” Snodderly said, adding that a John Wesley quote summed up the ministry of Terry’s Pharmacy perfectly.

‘Do all the good you can, at all the times you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can..’

“Our minister at LaFollette United Methodist Church says that quote and that is the legacy that Terry and Mary Lynn passed on. I feel that is why God put mom and me here,” Snodderly said, explaining that Terry’s was much more than just a pharmacy, but rather a part of the community.

“We are not just a pharmacy cranking out prescriptions; we are a ministry to people who come in and talk about our lives and sorrows. We all celebrate together and we all grieve together; that’s what we learned from Terry and Mary Lynn,” Snodderly said proudly.

Pryse now has two grandchildren growing up at the pharmacy, who she hopes will also take an interest in the family business some day.

“It’s about family and community,” Pryse said.

The pharmacy will continue to collect donations of canned food through November and December to be given out for the Christmas season. Terry’s will match donations can for can and dollar for dollar to purchase food. All food donated stays within the county.

Honk if you see “Terry’s Pill Mobile” out and about in Campbell County.

Terry’s Pharmacy has two branches, with the downtown LaFollette branch located at 310 E. Central Ave., and the Jacksboro branch located at 3088 Appalachian Highway. The pharmacy can be reached at 562-4298. And if you see “Terry’s Pill Mobile” out and about, give a honk and a wave. Terry’s is considering holding a “Name the Car Contest” after the first of the year.

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LIFESTAR could find permanent home in LaFollette; other business discussed at workshop

By Charlotte Underwood

The LaFollette City Council discussed the possibility of a LIFESTAR helicopter and response unit having a permanent home in LaFollette during the Monday evening workshop. LifeStar flight attendant Keith Goins approached the council with the possibility, saying LIFESTAR had been looking to relocate and house a permanent helicopter in the area.

If approved, the helicopter would be housed next to the LaFollette Rescue Station near the DeRoyal factory and east end fire station. However, before it can be brought to the city council for a vote, the planning commission would first have to meet and discuss the issue, according to LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield.

The one catch to the relocation is a city ordinance that bans above ground fuel tanks, which would be required for the LIFESTAR helicopter, which runs on jet fuel, according to Stanfield, who explained the tank would be necessary since the helicopters could only go about two miles per gallon of fuel.

"The nearest places they can fuel up is Knoxville and Scott County so they would need that tank located here. I am for it since it could save lives, but that would be the only exception to that ordinance banning above ground tanks and of course it is up to the pleasure of the council," Stanfield said, adding that the planning commission would meet on Dec. 21.

"They will either recommend we approve or don't approve it, either way, the soonest the council would vote on the issue would be in January," Stanfield said.

The location near the rescue squad would most likely be a temporary location, with a permanent helicopter pad being built eventually by LIFESTAR, according to Stanfield.

Part of the University of Tennessee's Medical Center, LIFESTAR currently serves a 150 mile radius of Knoxville utilizing two American Eurocopter EC-135 helicopters and two Bell 407 helicopters. The aircraft are strategically located, delivering  emergency care, to East Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina, according to UT's website.

Other business discussed during the workshop included a price increase to the city's insurance. According to the mayor, the insurance cost to the city will increase by $66,000 for six months. Currently the city pays about $83,000 a month for insurance so the yearly increase will be around $137,000.

"We are looking at ways to trim it back and save money; we will continue to offer the insurance we always have, but if employees want something better, they will have to pay part of it," Stanfield said, adding that no decisions had to be made on the insurance for several months. The city is insured through Blue Cross Blue Shield through a local provider. Council also discussed leasing the parking in front of the old post office it just purchased to the LaFollette Housing Authority for residents at Russell Towers.

"It would provide the city with some income until we find someone who may want to lease that building," Stanfield said.

There will most likely be more discussion on the issue at the next meeting. Another issue that will be discussed at the next meeting is the relocation of the skate park. During the workshop, Councilman Joe Bolinger brought up the need to get LaFollette's Skate Park up and running once again. One suggestion of a new location discussed was near the West LaFollette Community Center down in the bottom near 9th Street, according to Stanfield.

The next council meeting will be on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.  (11/27/2013/6:00 AM)

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Co-district champion Cougars make awards haul

     Coach of the Year.  Offensive Player of the Year.  Defensive Player of the Year.  All wear Orange and Blue.  Yes, your co-district champs, the Campbell Cougars claimed all three honors.  Coach Justin Price is the District 3 Coach of the Year while Ethan Jeffers claims the Offensive Player of the Year with Nick Bailey a run-away for Defensive Player of the Year.  And that’s not all.  All-District performers for CCHS this season are Andrew Evans, Corey Phillips, Paul Courdle, Trey Torres, Joseph Elkins, Patrick Wright, Preston Miller, Christian Monday, Isaac Ford, and Gustavo Rosas.  Academic All-District goes to the Cougars’ Colton Irwin.  Honorable Mention All-District Cougars include Austin Raines, Anthony Manning, and Spencer Roberts. (11/25/2013/NOON)

 

CACC goes from worst to first

     Just call ‘em “champs.”  The Campbell County Christian Academy elementary boys basketball team came from behind to defeat Wynn 45-39 and in doing so, wins the regular season Campbell County Championship. CACC is 7-0 in the small school division with one game remaining.  The victory improves Coach Vic King's Warriors to 11 & 1 in all games and secures a first place seed for the county tournament which will be played in early December.  CACC won only one game last season.

     Will Paul led the way with 14 points followed closely by Parker Troutman’s 10 and Justin Polland, playing his best game of the season, also scored 10.  Joseph Howard added 5 while John Allen Arnold had 4 and Zach Mysliwiec chipped in 2.   (11/22/2013/6:00 AM)

Local historian has ties to JFK assassination investigation

By Charlotte Underwood

Fifty years after the tragedy of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the world is still fascinated with details of both his life and his death. Not many people get the chance to not only witness history, but to also play an active role in it as Local historian and LaFollette Museum Curator Jerry Sharp has.

A lab technician at Oak Ridge National Laboratories during the time of the president’s assassination, Sharp recalls the day the two scientists he worked with called him into the office and informed him they were going to halt the experiments they had been conducting in order to work on something much more important - the examination of the rifle, shell casings and the paraffin wax face imprints that had been taken from Lee Harvey Oswald, the president’s alleged assassin.

Jerry Sharp

Only 31-years old at the time, Sharp had been working as a lab tech for Union Carbide for about seven years at the time of the president’s death. He said he still remembers that shocking day when the sad news came over the PA system at the lab.

“The exact day that he got killed, I was analyzing hair at the lab,” Sharp said, explaining that he had been testing “volunteer” hair that had been donated for the experiments.

“We had been working on the possibility of using hair to identify someone, you know for crimes and such,” Sharp said.

On November 22, 1963, the president and his wife landed in Dallas, Texas; he had spoken in San Antonio, Austin and Fort Worth the day before. From the airfield, he then traveled in a motorcade to the Dallas Trade Mart; the site of his next speaking appearance. A little bit after 12:30 p.m., as the motorcade was passing through downtown Dallas, gun shots were fired and Kennedy was struck twice. Shot in the neck and head, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital. Only 43 years old when he was elected in 1960, Kennedy was the 35th president and the youngest man and the first Roman Catholic to hold that office.

When the news came over the announcement speaker on that chilly November day, Sharp said everyone just kind of stopped what they were doing and gathered around to listen to the news, as did much of the country and perhaps the whole world.

“They put the radio announcement over the intercom so we could all hear and I was just shocked,” Sharp said, adding that he had been able to relate to Kennedy, as both were young men who had recently started a family.

In the midst of the Cold War era, Sharp said a lot was going on in the country at that time.

As president, Kennedy confronted those mounting Cold War tensions in Cuba, Vietnam and elsewhere. He led a re-fueled drive for public service and eventually provided federal support for the growing civil rights movement. His assassination sent shockwaves around the world and to this day, historians continue to rank him among the best-loved presidents in American history.

After the assassination, Sharp said people all over the county were talking about the news, many of them sad.

“It was a very sad time for our country; you felt bad for days, it was like you had lost one of your family - he was our president,” Sharp said.

Twenty-four-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, known to have Communist sympathies, was arrested for the killing but was shot and mortally wounded two days later by local nightclub owner Jack Ruby while Oswald was being led to jail, according to the JFK Library.

On that fateful day of the president’s death, Sharp said he had no clue he would get to play a much more active role in the investigation of Kennedy’s assassination.

 “I remember the two scientists I worked with at the time coming in and telling me we were going to have some fun for the next couple of days,” Sharp said, explaining that they sat him down and told him that even though the work they were going to be doing wasn’t a secret, they asked him to keep it quiet.

At that point, the Secret Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Sharp was never sure which they were – brought the rifle, the shell casings and paraffin wax that had been taken from Oswald’s face into the laboratory to be examined and tested by Sharp and the two scientists. Sharp said he was kind of “dumbfounded” when he first saw the rifle.

 The rifle examined was a 6.5mm Carcano type, model 91/38 rifle that was manufactured at the Royal Arms Factory in Terni, Italy in 1940.

“I stood there and I looked at that rifle; I didn’t touch it, I just looked at it,” Sharp said.

Though saddened and shocked by the assassination, Sharp said he felt both honored and amazed at being a part of national history.

“I thought my goodness, here’s a little redneck hillbilly down here in Tennessee working on this,” Sharp recalled with a laugh.

“We took samples from all three and put them in the reactor, radiated them and then read them on a spectrometer,” Sharp said. By doing this, they were able to confirm the bullets had in fact been fired from the rifle and due to the gunpowder residue that had been on Oswald’s face when the wax was placed on it; they were also able to confirm Oswald had indeed fired the rifle.

“Now I don’t know if this was the gun that killed the president, but it was what was brought to us by the government agents. We were trying to compare the barium from all three,” Sharp said, explaining that with that process they could “truthfully analyze” the materials.

During the whole testing process, the rifle, bullets and paraffin were kept under lock and key by government agents.

After the testing was done, reports were written up by the scientists Sharp worked with. He never saw the reports and said he feels humbled by the chance to touch history.

“I never saw the records for security purposes and I didn’t want to; I loved my job. I wasn’t no special engineer or chemist, just a lab tech who happened to be working in the right place at the right time,” Sharp said.

Almost immediately after the assassination, alternative theories of Kennedy's death emerged –including conspiracies run by the KGB, the Mafia and the U.S. military, among many others. Chief Justice Earl Warren led a presidential commission, which came to the conclusion that Oswald had acted alone, but speculation and debate over the assassination still persist, even now.

“You always kind of wonder, what kind of president would he have been had he lived,” Sharp said, adding that he had always “loved” one of Kennedy’s more well-known sayings, ‘It’s not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’

“If we could get more people to feel that way, especially on a local level here in Campbell County, it would be great indeed what we could accomplish,” Sharp said. (11/22/2013/6:00 AM)

     Traffic stop leads to foot chase and meth lab discovery

     A routine traffic stop in east La Follette ended up being not so routine.  Officers with the La Follette Police Department have picked up three people, and are looking for a fourth, in connection with a mobile meth lab this afternoon in the East Beech Street-South 14th Street area of town.   

When a car was pulled over around 1:30 p.m. by LPD, those in the car jumped out and fled the scene taking with them black backpacks and meth making materials.  Police later came across the backpacks and a couple of the people they were chasing on South 14th Street near the Methodist Church  (11/21/2013/2:45 PM) 

It’s “business of the week” day

     WLAF highlights a local business every Thursday.  So, if WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood happens to wander into your business, she may be there for more than just to make a purchase.  Today’s feature highlights Bowman Jewelers.  Enjoy. (11/21/2013/6:00 AM) 

Come on down to Bowman Jewelers for quality jewelry and friendly service from the folks you know. There will be a store-wide sale on Friday, Nov. 22.

Bowman Jewelers celebrates 80 years in business; store-wide sales on Friday

Story & photos by Charlotte Underwood

Local downtown fixture Bowman Jewelers is celebrating 80 years in business. Established in October of 1933 by James Everette Bowman, the business has grown and flourished over the years, according to current owners Jerry E. and Gail Bowman.

“In 1933 times were hard,” said Jerry Bowman, explaining that his dad had begun the business by repairing watches in the leased space of a barber shop.

“He really had no formal training and learned his trade mostly from his father who was a self-taught farmer who was known to fix almost anything mechanical,” Bowman said.

Sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s J. Everette, as he was known locally, purchased the inventory and fixtures from his older brother Conley Bowman’s wife Rushia, who ran the store for a short time after they divorced. J. Everette leased the small shop from W.H. Parrott, who owned the Cherokee Theatre next door.

“This is next door to where we are located today and is known as Wender Furniture Company,” Bowman said. The current location of the jewelry store was owned by Bill and John Claiborne and housed one of the first LaFollette Water and Electric offices, with the South Central Bell switch board and office located upstairs. Afterwards, the building was home to Allen Riggs Drug Store and Soda Fountain before Bowman’s Jewelry moved into the location from next door in the early 1970s.

Tonja Lay decorates a store window in preparation for the Christmas shopping season.

“In the early years, my sisters Margie and Faye and also my mother Walcie were very active in the store. They pitched in and worked very hard along side of my father,” Bowman recalled, adding that watch and jewelry repair was a “strong” part of the business then and still is today. J.R. Richardson was the watch repairman at the store until 1963 when he left and began repairing at his home. Around that time is when Jerry graduated from high school and began watch repair himself.

He remembered it as being a very good paying job until around 1980 when the battery watch replaced the mechanical one for the masses and even though Bowman Jewelers still offers this service like most jewelry stores, it is no longer profitable to keep a watch repairman.

“I think back about the long hours sitting with a pair of tweezers and a set of screw drivers and wonder how I did that; it’s a gift I can’t explain,” Bowman said, adding that it was hard work because watches not only had to run but keep time too.

“There was no room for error. I did this full-time for 30 years, when I started a partnership with my sister Faye to purchase the store from our parents,” he recalled.

 His sister Faye sold her share and left the business around 1990, at which point, Jerry’s wife Gail and his son Matthew began helping in the many duties of owning and operating a jewelry store.

“Without them, I could not have made it. Operating a small business is not easy, someone has to be there six days a week in our case,” Bowman said, adding that his wife had been a “tremendous force in running the business.”

Andrea Bowman spent Wednesday afternoon decorating store windows for Christmas.

“We have evolved from J. Everette’s one man operation to what we are today as a family, but without our friends and employees and most importantly our customers we wouldn’t be here today. Our faith in God and his divine providence has been the main reason for our 80 years. He has blessed us abundantly,” Bowman said.

Bowman Jewelers offers a wide variety of jewelry including Sterling Silver, Stainless, Vitalium, Copper, pearls, diamond pendants and earrings, as well as diamond rings in all shapes.  They also have a wide variety of gold chains and earrings, genuine and synthetic colored stones, watches such as Seiko, Citizen, Dubai, Speidel, Bowman logo and more.  Other merchandise includes wedding bands, gift items, baby items, engravables and much more.

Bowman Jewelers is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The store is located at red light no. 8 in LaFollette.

The jewelry store will continue its 80th anniversary sale through the end of November. On Friday, Nov. 22, there is a 30 to 50 percent off store-wide sale as part of the Downtown Christmas Celebration. Christmas layaway is available. Santa Claus will also be available for pictures in front of the jewelry store on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Parents can bring their own camera or have the onsite photographer take one for $10.

Bowman Jewelers is located at red light no. 8, at 126 E. Central Ave., in LaFollette. The store can be reached at 423-562-2443.  (11/21/2013/6:00 AM) 

Medical Foundation awards grants

By Charlotte Underwood

The LaFollette Medical Foundation met on Tuesday evening and voted to award multiple grants to organizations and groups within the county, according to foundation member and LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield.

Grant recipients include the Helen Ross McNabb Center, which was awarded $59,756, the LaFollette Fire Department, which was awarded $34,123.63 for its First Responders startup project and CASA, which was awarded $18,000. The Campbell County Children’s Center received $35,000 and the Campbell County Senior Citizens Center was awarded $7,832.50 for its Meals on Wheels program. The Catholic Charities LaFollette Pregnancy Center project will receive $17,000 and the East Tennessee Human Resources Campbell County Office of Aging was awarded $22,000, which will be used for Service, Safety, and Wellness Support Services.

All funding for grants are provided from the previous sale of the hospital. (11/21/2013/6:00 AM) 

 Old Post Office purchase official; council votes on ceiling tile bids

By Charlotte Underwood

La Follette City Council held a special-called meeting on Tuesday evening and voted to accept the lowest bidder for ceiling tile replacement at city hall.  Two bids were received, with J.R. Darty being the lowest at $16, 125. The other bid received came from Duane Gibson for $25,687.42. The council voted unanimously to go with the lowest bid.

Mayor Mike Stanfield also signed the $150,000 check on Tuesday evening, making the purchase of the old La Follette Post Office official.  Firefighters spent Wednesday cleaning up the outside of the building and doing routine maintenance. A flag was also hung from the pole.  The building has been empty since 2007. In 2008, the city began inquiring about purchasing the building, according to Stanfield.

He said the city had always been interested in purchasing the building and in 2010 the postal service said they would sell it to them at a “fair market value of half a million dollars.”

Stanfield said he was happy with the purchase and that the city was fortunate to get the building at that price. There are no immediate plans for the building as of yet, according to the mayor. (11/21/2013/6:00 AM)

 December 7 Christmas Parade honors China Willoughby

     You likely know her name, her face, her voice, or all of the above.  This year’s Christmas Parade, set for 6:00 p.m. on December 7th, honors China Willoughby.  Parade chair Kelli Jo Wright tells WLAF that Miss China’s contributions to the community and her dedication during her, now, 50+ years with the State of Tennessee make her the perfect person to honor this year.  A reception honoring Miss China is from 4:00 until 5:00 on parade day afternoon at La Follette Elementary School with her plaque presentation following at 5:30.  You are encouraged to stop by, sign her book, and have your picture taken with China.

     The 2013 Campbell County Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 7th @ 6pm. Please go to www.campbellchristmasparade.com for more information and registration in regards to the parade and to the Reindeer Games immediately following parade in Sergeant Park.

    There are many additions to the activities surrounding the parade this year in an attempt to raise funding.  Giving by sponsors is at an all time low and it’s been reflected as committee members have had to put personal money into the parade to keep it going. The committee plans to focus on the fundraising aspects of the parade and get it to a point where it is self-sufficient this year. This means some exciting additions to our community traditions.

   One returning hit is the Reindeer Games held in Sergeant Park immediately following the parade. The games are free to participate but if you wish for a booth to set up and sale your goods or outreach to the community it’s a $20 booth fee with first come first serve placement. Vendors are encouraged to offer candy, hot chocolate or host your own reindeer game with the children waiting in line to see Santa.   The committee hopes to encourage churches and civic organizations to participate in the Reindeer Games. Last year drew over 70 children to Sergeant Park for activities and free pictures with Santa and expects to double that this year. Santa also plans on story time to all children present at the time of his arrival to park.  Participants this year will be entertained with dancers, singers and a host of various other performances.  

      The next big thing is the implementation of Miss Campbell County. We will host the pageant Friday, December 6th at LaFollette Middle School Auditorium. There are 6 age groups and all crowned are encouraged to make a grand presence in the parade the following day. The parade committee has a prestigious lineup of judges for the event and all girls ages 2-18 are encouraged to participate.  All information regarding the pageant can be found on the parade website. There are some stipulations but it’s sure to be an exciting tradition to continue from this point forward. There is a $25 entry fee for Miss Campbell County

   “In Christmas Memory Of” bags will be sold for $5 each. The cut off date for purchasing your bag for this honor will be Thursday the 5th.  The bags will be set up, lit and lining the walkways during the Reindeer Games festivities for all to see. The bags can be left at the park after festivities or family members are welcome to take the bag home with them the night of Reindeer Games. All registration for this as well can be found on www.campbellchristmasparade.com. (11/21/2013/6:00 AM)  

Bartley’s police statement to be heard by jury; trial set for February

By Charlotte Underwood

Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood ruled on Wednesday he would allow Kenny Bartley's statement made to police eight years ago to be heard by the jury.

It has been eight years since Bartley, 14 at the time, shot three administrators at Campbell County High School, killing assistant principal Ken Bruce.

 On Wednesday, Bartley’s defense tried to have his statement to police barred from evidence.     

Bartley pleaded guilty to the crimes in 2007 and was sentenced to 45 years, however, that plea was later thrown out, after a judge said Bartley’s attorney at the time was ineffective and his parents should have been allowed to give their opinion on the plea deal. Bartley was granted a new trial in June 2011. An appeals court agreed with the ruling last May.

In court on Wednesday, Bartley's defense attorney, Greg Isaacs, argued his client was too young and mentally impaired when he made his statement to the sheriff’s department. Isaacs called on the testimony of a forensic psychologist to help him make his case.

Surviving victims principal Gary Seale and assistant principal Jim Pierce were in court Wednesday, as was Bruce’s widow.

After the shooting, then-Campbell County Sheriff's Capt. Don Farmer read Bartley his rights and proceeded to take his statement, without waiting for his parents or an attorney.

"He was still a child, correct?" Isaacs asked.

"Fourteen; yes," Farmer answered.

Bartley waived his rights, but Isaacs called on a forensic psychologist who testified Wednesday the teen didn't understand what he was doing at the time.

"Brain development, maturation and experience, are all critical in this period and he was using drugs that had very powerful affects," said Dr. James Murray.

Despite this testimony, Blackwood ruled he would allow Bartley’s statement to be heard at trial, which is scheduled to start on February 24. The jury will be brought in from outside of Campbell County.

Tuesday basketball finals

GIRLS

Anderson 40 Campbell 33

Oakdale 44 Jellico 28

Anderson 26 Lady Cougar JVs 20

BOYS

Anderson 59 Campbell 48

Jellico 82 Oakdale 71

Christian Academy of Campbell County 33 White Oak 23 (elementary)

Dead body identified

     Was the death accidental, natural, or intentional?  That’s what authorities are working to determine this afternoon after a fisherman walked up on a body late Tuesday afternoon in east Campbell County.  Sheriff Robbie Goins’ Chief Deputy Aaron Evans explains that just before 5:00 p.m. is when the call came in that the body of a white male had been found lying along the edge of the water of Norris Lake in the Doaks Creek area.  Evans tells WLAF News that the body is identified as that of 38-year old Darren Lee Morrison of Stone Ridge Lane in La Follette.  Evans says the death appears suspicious, and that he and other law enforcement personnel are treating it as a crime scene.  A medical examiner with the University of Tennessee Forensics team at Knoxville is performing an autopsy on Morrison’s body to determine the official cause of death. (11/20/2013 NOON)

Caryville settles lawsuit with former city recorder

By Charlotte Underwood

The Caryville Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted to accept a settlement offer in the lawsuit regarding former city recorder Cheryl Ivey during a special-called meeting on Monday evening. The $48,000 settlement was a “fair one”, according to Ivey’s attorney Dave Dunaway.

“It’s a fair settlement; it compensates for the year of her professional life that they took away from her,” Dunaway said.

The lawsuit and consequential settlement was a result of Ivey being “unfairly” terminated from her position as city recorder on April 22, according to Dunaway. The original lawsuit alleged that Ivey was fired in retaliation by the city and its mayor and that mayor Chris Stanley manipulated events in order to terminate her position as city recorder.

During the special-called meeting, the board also approved this year’s Christmas bonuses. Full-time and part-time employees were approved for a $300 bonus, while firefighters will receive a $50 bonus. Members of the planning commission and the board of mayor and aldermen will receive a $100 bonus.(11/20/2013 6:00 AM)

Hospital’s parent company being sold

By Charlotte Underwood

If approved by stockholders, Tennova Healthcare’s parent company Health Management Associates (HMA) will be sold to Community Health Systems (CHS), according to LaFollette Medical’s CEO and Hospital Administrator Mark Cain.

The sale has been in the works for months and once completed, the $7.6 billion sale will make CHS one of the largest, if not the largest hospital organization in the country, according to Jerry Askew, senior vice president for governmental relations. The $7.6 billion price includes CHS taking on approximately $3.7 billion of HMA’s debt.

Located in the Nashville area, CHS is one of the largest publicly-traded hospital companies in America. Through its subsidiaries, CHS currently owns, leases or operates 135 hospitals in 29 states with a total of around 20,000 licensed beds. After the sale is completed, CHS would own or operate around 206 hospitals in 29 states with a total bed count of over 31,000. Askew said he expects the sale to have no negative impacts on a local level in LaFollette.

“If nothing else, it will have a positive impact because if the sale is approved by stockholders, the combined company will be the largest hospital company in the country,” Askew said, adding that it was too soon to know if any major changes were planned.

“That will be something that is up to the new owners after the sale is finished,” Askew said.

La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield said he hoped once the sale was completed that it would result in a positive impact for the city and its people.

If approved by stockholders, the sale is expected to close during the first quarter of 2014.(11/20/2013 6:00 AM)

Walk, don’t run – Anderson dictates tempo, wins.  Jellico wins.

     The Campbell County High Cougars had no sooner come out of the gate before the Anderson County Mavericks began to slow down the tempo of Tuesday night’s basketball game played on John Brown Court. 

 

Cougar Junior Dakota Dossett battles for the ball

Anderson grabbed its first lead in the second quarter and never let it go on the way to a 59 to 48 district win.  Campbell is 2 & 1 with a district mark of 0 & 1.  The Lady Cougars jumped out two-to-nothing in their game with Anderson only to see the Lady Mavericks reel off the next nine-points.  From there, the two squads traded baskets as Anderson won 40 to 33. 

Kendra King hits the deck diving after the ball for the Lady Cougars

Campbell slips to 0 & 3 and 0 & 1 in the district.  Anderson also claimed the Girls JV game with a 26 to 20 victory.  After leading by 17 at the half, the Blue Devils opened district play with an impressive 82 to 71 win over Oakdale at Jellico’s Lindsay Gym.  Jellico is 3 & 1 in all its games and sits atop the district at 1 & 0.  The Lady Eagles claimed the girls game by a final of 44-28.  The Lady Blue Devils slip to 1 & 3, 0 & 1 in the district.(11/20/2013 6:00 AM - DAVID GRAHAM PIX)

Follow WLAF on Twitter and Win

     Follow WLAF on Twitter and win! From time to time WLAF will award various prize gifts to a random WLAF “follower” on Twitter. Look for a free gift certificate for a hand car wash from Show Room Shine.  Just visit www.1450WLAF.com and click the “follow” near the top of the page.

Commissioners approve re-financing plan that will save county $550,000 

"further down this page, see the meeting in its entirety"

County commissioners approved a re-structuring of over $6.8 million in county debt Monday night that over a six year period will save taxpayers nearly $550,000 in interest payments.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow pointed out that the initial re-financing of older bonds will cost around $100,000, but the interest rate will be lowered from 4.5 percent to around 1.5 percent. Over a six year period that will save the county $660,000 in lower interest payments. The money will remain in the debt service account, Marlow explained, where it will serve as a buffer against possible future shortfalls in revenue due to a number of factors including lost local revenue from the federal government sequester.

Commissioners also passed a formal resolution confirming the vote last month to adopt the Jackson Law, giving the county primacy over any application for a landfill within the county.

County Attorney Joe Coker told commissioners that there was nothing in state law requiring a formal resolution over a simple motion to adopt, but CTAS had advised the county to pass the resolution as a precaution.

In what might be a forerunner of holiday spirit, not a single negative vote was cast in the short meeting, all motions passing by unanimous vote. One item was tabled until December, however.

Sue Nance asked that a request from the E-911 mapping/addressing department to approve a new county road be tabled until commissioners receive a request from the E-911 board. The request by residents living along a long driveway off Cherry Bottom Road had requested a 911 name designation as Susan Lynn Lane.

However, there was some confusion about whether the lane is a current county road or whether residents are requesting that a private road be taken into the county system. The motion to table the request until December passed unanimously.

In committee sessions prior to the commission meeting, members of the EMS committee unanimously elected Alvin Evans as chairman and Tom Hatmaker as vice chairman. The waterline extension committee elected Charles Baird as chairman and David Adkins as vice chairman. Adkins was also elected last week to chair the budget & finance committee during the upcoming year.  (11/19/2013 6:00 AM)  

Christmas Stocking Giveaway Underway Sign up Early & Often !

     The WLAF giant Christmas Stocking giveaway is now underway. Stuffed with various toys sure to please any children, our huge stocking will be given away a couple days before Christmas but the sign up process is underway at five locally owned businesses in Radio Shack, Designer Choice Consignment, Bowman Jewelers, Gifts from Above and Urgent Care Medical. 

     This week you can see the giant stocking on display at Designer Choice Consignment in east LaFollette just across from Food Lion Center.  Visit these local businesses anytime to sign up and remember to make an effort to stay local this holiday season.

Click the helmet to "watch" archived Campbell football games

County Commission Meeting from 11/18/13

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2013 District Co-Champs season closes

     A record-setting, history-making football season came to a close for the Campbell County Cougars on Friday night.  At Knoxville West High School is where the Cougars lost to the home standing Rebels in the second-round of the state high school football playoffs in their first road loss of the season.  It was only the second time in the 39-year history of CCHS Football that the Cougars recorded a winning season with the other, a seven-win year, coming in 2004.  Campbell finishes 2013 with a 10 and two mark after the 50 to 18 loss to West. (11/18/2013 6:00 AM)

Bowman Jeweler's broken window is all…but enough

     Jerry Bowman with Bowman Jewelers says it could have been a lot worse.  He adds that no one was injured, and nothing was stolen.  Sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning, Bowman says that someone threw a large rock through one of the front display windows at Bowman Jewelers in downtown La Follette.  Bowman Jewelers celebrates its 80th year in business this year and will have a huge one-day sale on Friday running until 7:00 p.m. as part of La Follette’s “Let’s Go Downtown for Christmas” event.   (11/18/2013/8:00 AM) 

Can Campbell keep the Price brothers?

     The phone starts ringing this morning.  Sources close to WLAF say that at least three Knoxville high school athletic directors plan on contacting Campbell Head Football Coach Justin Price and his coaching brother, Matt, this week.  Over the course of the third season for the Price’s at the helm of the football Cougars, you knew the next challenge, along with the 2014 season, would be keeping the coaching staff in place.  In less than two and a half years, the Prices have brought the Cougars along like no other CCHS coach before.  The 16 total wins under the Prices from the 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons mark the most wins in a three-season stretch in the history of the program. (11/18/2013 6:00 AM)

Spend days reading Medicare brochures.  Or spend a little time with Terry’s Pharmacy

     Do you have Medicare questions?  The folks at Terry’s Pharmacy have answers.  The 2014 Medicare annual enrollment period is now through December 7.  Rissa and the staff at Terry’s Pharmacy can help you select the 2014 Medicare Prescription Plan that’s best for you.  The top five Medicare questions are:  What should I do and when should I do it?  Are you turning 65 or retiring?  Do you need “extra help” with prescription drug costs?  Do you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program such as:  QMB, SLMB or Medicaid/TennCare?  How important is it that I review my Medicare each year?  The staff at Terry’s Pharmacy is available on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays to answer your Medicare questions.  The telephone number at Terry’s Pharmacy is 423.562.4928. (11/18/2013/7:30 AM) 

2008 Citizen of the Year laid to rest Sunday

     At the age of 93, she went four-wheeling for the first time.  A year later, she took her first hot air balloon ride.  An always active Alice Coker passed away Thursday at her La Follette home.  In her later years, Coker may have been best known as the wife of General Sessions Judge Chester Coker and the mother of County Attorney Joe Coker.  The South Campbell County Rotary Club honored her as its Citizen of the Year in 2008.  In 1938, Mrs. Coker began working for the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare retiring in 1980 from the state department of human services. 

Alice Coker (PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARENCE LOWE)

In her early years, she served as acting circuit court clerk while her husband, Circuit Court Clerk Chester Coker served in the U.S. Army.  She had a lifelong interest in antiques and history and was a member of the First Families of Tennessee from both her maternal and paternal families and was one of the first members of the Campbell County Historical Society.  She was instrumental in the dedication of the Delap Civil War Cemetery and finding unknown soldiers’ graves.  Alice Coker was 97-years old.  (11/18/2013 6:00 AM)

Jellico's Blue Devils take two of three this week

     Jellico won its games Tuesday night at Wynn High School as the Blue Devils christened the new season.  The Lady Blue Devils outpaced J. Frank White Academy 49 to 17 while the Blue Devils recorded a 70 to 53 victory over JFWA.  Saturday was double-header day for Jellico in games played at Lenoir City.  In the first-half of the day’s action, Anderson County defeated Jellico in the girls game 48 to 28.  Jellico ran away from the Mavericks in the boys game taking a 68 to 47 win.  Lenoir City dominated the Lady Blue Devils in the night cap-half of the day by a score of 55 to 15.  It was a real “shoot ‘em-up” in the boys game.  Lenoir City outlasted Jellico 101 to 92.  Director of Athletics Danny “Dino” Oakes tells WLAF that the Blue Devils had a great showing Saturday at the Panthers gym. (11/17/2013 6:00 PM)

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FOOTBALL 2013

Playoff 1st Round Final Score:

Campbell Cougars 41 - Gibbs Eagles 7

Playoff 2nd Round Final Score:

Campbell Cougars 18 - Knox West Rebels 50

Snake handling Pastor Andrew Hamblin held a brief press conference on the courthouse steps after his initial court appearance on Friday morning. Hamblin had a preliminary hearing set for mid December in general sessions court.  Read Charlotte Underwood's story down this page.

Having faith enough to not fear death doesn’t mean ‘Go out and kiss a Cobra’

"Boomer's Corner" By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

I’ve avoided going near the Campbell County Courthouse this morning. Pastor Andrew Hamblin is due in court today and I tend to steer clear of anything that encourages a media circus.

Circus is the operative word here, and it has been one long circus ever since the young preacher approached county commissioners a few months back to ask their blessing on his congregation’s practice of handling venomous snakes in their church services.

The squires, naturally, wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot snake loop, but Reverend Hamblin generated enough publicity to get his church a reality show on the National Geographic Channel.

While National Geographic has made tremendous contributions through the years toward exploration of our planet and scientific research, don’t forget that they made their reputation back in the pre-Playboy days by being the magazine where young boys could get their first view of a bare female breast, compliments of photos of primitive cultures. Looks like not much has changed in the past century or so.

It’s becoming more and more apparent that Andrew Hamblin isn’t simply interested in seeing himself in the headlines, but is out to change the laws regarding possession of poisonous reptiles in religious services. His appearances on television were akin to putting out a sign reading, “Snake handling done here. Arrest me if you dare!”

TWRA officers had little choice under the circumstances. Law enforcement officials in Tennessee and other Appalachian states have always tried to cast a blind eye on the practice of snake handling as long as it remained low key. Arrests and prosecutions have generally occurred only when someone is bitten and either dies or is hospitalized as a result.

But a reality show on national television? Nothing for it but to make the bust and let the wheels of justice run their course.

This is the classic conflict between those Christians who accept the Bible figuratively and those who take the Word literally. For most Christians and Jews, the promise of the Bible that if you have enough faith, you can take up venomous serpents and drink poisonous drink without fear means that with faith, you need not fear death for there is a better world waiting on the other side.

The words are taken figuratively, as guidance for the importance of faith. For Andrew Hamblin and others who take the Good Book literally, what it says is how it is, period. God created the Earth and everything in it in six days and rested on the seventh, scientific evidence notwithstanding. Ignore the fact that we humans have no idea how long God’s day is in our earth-bound hours.

Likewise, if with sufficient faith, you need not fear the bite of poisonous serpents, the Bible is telling you to go out a kiss a Cobra. It won’t dare bite the faithful, only we heathens who harbor doubt in our hearts.

The multitude of state laws that restrict the possession of venomous snakes along with other wild animals were not always on the books. Snake handling was frowned upon but tolerated in many places for years. It is not the simple act of handling snakes by a handful of pastors and church leaders that resulted in many of the legal barriers to the practice, but the potential for abuse.

When some Pentecostal churches began allowing small children to participate in the practice, authorities decided they were overstepping their bounds. One incident that I read about some years ago in a book on snake handling was the spark behind many of the laws that were passed to suppress the practice.

One particular snake-handling minister lived on top of Sand Mountain in northern Alabama. His church followed the practice, and he often traveled into East Tennessee, eastern Kentucky and West Virginia to participate with other congregations, transporting poisonous snakes he caught to be used in those services.

His wife, unfortunately, did not share his particular brand of worship and usually remained home when her husband went on his frequent trips. At some point in time, the minister suspected his wife of being unfaithful. She denied his accusations , but to test her truthfulness, the pastor demanded that she place her arm inside a cage containing half a dozen freshly-caught timber rattlers and copperheads.

“If you’re being honest,” he supposedly claimed, “Your faith will sustain you and no harm will come to you.”

The wife, despite her fear of the snakes, obviously wanted to reassure her husband and save her marriage. She placed her arm in the cage, was promptly bitten two or three times, and when the suspicious husband refused to seek medical treatment for her, she died.

The preacher was placed on trial for first-degree murder. His defense was that his religious beliefs led him to believe his wife would come to no harm if she were truthful and faithful. The prosecution pointed out that since the minister suspected his wife of cheating on him, his intent was to kill her because he was sure she would be bitten.

That trial too, was a media circus. The minister was convicted and sent to prison and Alabama passed a flurry of laws abolishing the practice of snake handling and increasing penalties on violators. Other southern states soon followed suit and the practice went deep underground again for decades . . . until Rev. Andrew Hamblin decided to shake up things a bit.

At this point we have no way to predict what the eventual outcome will be. I suspect Reverend Hamblin will be convicted because the law is the law, but the judge has much leeway in how severe a penalty to impose, either a mere fine or up to a year behind bars. I suspect the young pastor will not be required to serve time in jail, at least not on a first offense.

That leniency will merely embolden him and his congregation to push a little harder until they get their day at the Supreme Court, challenging the snake handling laws as unconstitutional infringements on freedom of religion.

But there has to be a limit to freedom of religion when that freedom goes counter to other laws of the land. For instance, we’re not about to let Muslims invoke Shariah Law here in America and stone adulterers to death. Murder is murder and only state-sponsored executions are acceptable as a way to end a person’s life.

Snake handlers may, in the view of many, exhibit a death wish, but suicide is also illegal in America. Our nation will not tolerate anyone who seems intent upon ending his or her own life, let alone the lives of others.

I predict that Reverend Hamblin’s push to gain legal acceptance of his peculiar form of religious worship will fail, with the unintended consequence that even stricter laws may be placed on the books to avoid any future reality shows featuring people thumbing their noses at the law of the land. (11/15/2013 2:00 PM)  

Court date set for Tabernacle Church of God pastor

By Charlotte Underwood

A December 17th preliminary hearing has been set for LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God Pastor Andrew Hamblin. Hamblin, 21, along with his attorney Mike Hatmaker appeared in general sessions court at 9 a.m., on Friday morning where he plead not guilty to the charge of possession of class I wildlife, which is possession of animals dangerous to humans. The charges stem from the recent confiscation of over 50 poisonous snakes including copperheads, rattle snakes and several non-native species, which were seized from Hamblin’s church by Tennessee Wildlife Resource officers last week. The courtroom was packed with church members and supporters of Hamblin. All wore red clothing to signify the “blood of Christ” to show support for their pastor.

An impromptu “laying on of hands” and prayer occurred on the Campbell County Courthouse steps Friday morning when Corbin, Ky., resident Ronnie Vaught asked Hamblin for prayer for his medical conditions.

After the brief initial appearance before Judge Joseph Ayers, Hamblin spent about 15 minutes with his attorney before speaking to a bevy of reporters on the courthouse steps while he was surrounded by his supporters.

Hamblin said he thanked God for the support that has been shown for him and the church and encouraged supporters come out for his December preliminary hearing as well.

“The lord has really blessed people of all walks of life and denominations. I’m not asking people to come out here and handle rattle snakes, I’m just asking for people to stand that we have a religious right in this country,” Hamblin said, adding that he would not be taking any plea deals as he felt that would be “taking out on the word of God and stepping out on how I believe.”

“I know that not only do members of my church back me, but members of my community back me and my nation backs me,” Hamblin said of the outpouring of support he has received both with online petitions and handwritten petitions. He has around 3,000 signatures including all petitions circulating.

Supporters of LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God Pastor Andrew Hamblin gathered on the courthouse steps on Friday holding signs declaring their right to freedom of religion.

“Maybe that will turn the head of the district attorney and different ones and say hey, this is people from our county saying leave this guy alone, let this go and maybe that will make a difference,” Hamblin said, adding he was “a positive kind of fellow; I always look at the glass half full and not half empty. I believe in walking and living by faith. That’s how I walk, that’s how I live. I look at this case as I have looked at any other problems that have come into my life, one way or another, the Lord will provide,” Hamblin said as supporters burst into a round of applause and “Amens.”

When asked if his show ‘Snake Salvation’ would be continuing, Hamblin said while there was no plan for another season, he would not be surprised if National Geographic did not pick it back up.

“This is about standing for freedom and the right to worship. This is the greatest country on earth. I have veterans who have fought for my right to be able to worship this way. I am a coherent adult; if God moves on me to reach my hand in a box of rattle snakes, I should have my right to do that,” Hamblin said.

Church member and supporter Flossie Brumitte said she felt the same way.

LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God Pastor Andrew Hamblin, left, and his attorney, Mike Hatmaker, right, appeared in general sessions court Friday morning. Hamblin had a preliminary hearing set for Dec. 17th to answer to charges of possession of Class I wildlife.

“They have the right because in Mark, the Bible says they shall take up serpents,” Brumitte said. She and her sister Rosie were both at the courthouse to show support for their pastor.

A pastor at the church for nearly two years, Hamblin said he had no idea that he would become a figure in a “religious rights movement.”

“But apparently that was God’s plan and here I am today,” Hamblin said, adding that he had no regrets for doing the show, even though it seems to have led to the confiscation of the snakes and his consequential citation.

It was standing room only inside General Session Court.

“I have no regrets because I have seen drug addicts delivered, I have seen alcoholics delivered, seen people with depression delivered, I have seen people saved and that was my goal with that show,” Hamblin said, adding that if God permitted, he would be teaching the gospel tonight at the LaFollette Tabernacle Church of God at 7:30.

When asked if he would be handling snakes, he said he could not answer that other than saying “if God moves, there will be snakes handled. If someone brings them in, they will be there, but I can’t guarantee that either; it’s un-telling what will happen,” Hamblin said.

Hamblin said he saw a positive side to having the serpents taken away.

“The positive side of this has been to actually see the ones in the community and in the nation stand up and say ‘hey, I don’t believe like this boy and I will never take up serpents like him and his congregation, but he has the right to do that’”.

Hamblin said he was not worried about getting the snakes back, nor was he angry with TWRA for confiscating them.

“They done their job; but I am willing to do whatever it takes to compromise with them on a way to work this out together so they can say ‘hey, we can give him some kind of right to do this’, because if I stop, what’s going to happen with Christians on down the road? The handling of serpents in this community has been going on in this area for hundreds of years, why stop it now? Jesus wouldn’t tell me to do anything he wouldn’t do,” Hamblin said.

When asked why he felt it was a religious issue and not just a wildlife issue, he replied because he wasn’t housing the snakes at his home, but rather in the church.

“They came into my church, through double doors that was locked, through another set of doors that was locked and another door that was locked, me, the only one with keys, me the only one with access to these serpents and they came right into the house of God and just ripped them away. That would be no different than if they come in and ripped your Bible out of First Baptist,” Hamblin said. He ended his press conference in prayer. Hamblin will appear in court on Dec. 17th at 3 p.m.  (11/15/2013 12:30 PM)

Gillenwater guns!  Darin Gillenwater leads the Cougars to a 2 & 0 start

Amber Guy knocks home a 12-footer for the Lady Cougars

Can't count out the co-district champion Cougars just yet

     From one of the referees at Thursday night’s CCHS basketball game to the person waiting in line for coffee this morning, everyone’s talking about how good the West High Rebel football team is.  And that the Campbell Cougars have a big challenge ahead tonight when they take on the Red-n-Blue on West’s home turf.  They do.  And there’s even a chance of rain.  What a perfect setting!  After the Cougars pulled off a magical winning scoring drive in only a handful of seconds at Powell two-weeks ago, you have to think that this team has the “right stuff” to keep this season going.  Just ask any Cougar fan.  Oh, and aside from all the talk, there is a reason they’ll still go ahead and play the game tonight.  Take along your rain gear…just in case.  But it looks like late day rain should move out by tonight’s 7:00 p.m. kick-off for the Cougars and Rebs.  WLAF has all the coverage with Les Martin and Brent Allen on the call.  (11/15/2013 6:00 AM)

Here's what the Jacksboro-half of Cougar Football looked like 60-years ago

(PHOTO COURTESY OF HACK AYERS & LITHO-CRAFT)

McNeeley is area’s first crematory operator

Brent McNeeley of Walters Funeral Home here in La Follette recently earned his Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) designation from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).  The NFDA Certified Crematory Operator Program is a voluntary certification program that helps funeral directors better serve the needs of families that desire cremation.  McNeeley completed his training at the John A. Gupton College in Nashville.

Brent McNeeley

NFDA’s Certified Crematory Operator Program provides participants with instruction in best practices for safe, proper, and ethical crematory operations and for excellence in service to families that choose cremation.  Seminars cover the topics required by state law and are designed to develop understanding, skills, and a broad working knowledge of proper operational procedures as well as required and prudent administrative procedures. 

Charles McNeeley, owner of Walters Funeral Home tells WLAF, “We are pleased to have the area’s first Certified Crematory Operator on our staff.”  (11/14/2013/2:45 PM) 

Holiday baking as easy as pie

     Miss Ruby paid a visit to WLAF this week.  And we all thought she was dropping off some of her famous sweet treats.  It was a church announcement instead.  But she said she’d be back.  Back with some goodies.  After Ruby Norman retired from the shirt factory in 1992 and the frozen food plant in 1995, she turned to baking.  And we’re glad she did.  With the holidays all but here, Ruby is ready to take your orders for pies, cakes, and candy. 

Ruby Norman

Pies like chocolate and coconut come from her oven and so do Italian crème cakes, chocolate bar cakes, coconut cakes, red velvet cakes, and carrot cakes.  She even dries her own apples when she creates her popular old fashioned stack cake.  Chocolate and peanut butter candy are also a couple of her specialties.  Placing an order is just a phone call away at 423.562.3756. (11/15/2013 6:00 AM)

 Mickey D’s eyes Central at Cumberland lots

     McDonald’s came to La Follette in 1980.  Years later, it moved to Jacksboro when Walmart relocated.  It’s been widely known that the Golden Arches has been shopping land in La Follette for at least a couple of years now.  After a couple of potential locations did not work out, McDonald’s is now eyeing the corner of East Central Avenue and North Cumberland Avenue

That’s on the La Follette side of Cumberland across from the county annex building (also known as Dr. Roswell Beck’s old office). 

Sources close to WLAF say that McDonald’s wanted a corner lot at a traffic light on the north side of Central Avenue, and that all but one of the land owners have said yes, and that the other owner likely will go along with the sale.  It’s expected the project will move forward after the holidays.  (11/14/2013/6:00 AM)

It’s believed Hamblin spooked the governor’s security detail

     Last Thursday night, WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood was firmly walked out of Governor Bill Haslam’s re-election campaign kick-off bash in La Follette.  Event organizer Clarence Lowe tells WLAF that he was busy on the other side of the Stables Party Barn when Underwood was tossed out and had not idea it had taken place until the next morning.  Had he known what was taking place, he says he would have worked it out for Underwood to get her story.  Lowe surmised that since Andrew Hamblin, the snake handling preacher, who apparently crashed the party and was removed by security, may have sent mixed messages when security learned a member of the media was also at the event.  Lowe planned to talk with a member of the governor’s staff to find out just what security was thinking and why Underwood was treated as if she was a threat.  (11/14/2013/6:00 AM) 

It’s “business of the week” day

     WLAF highlights a local business every Thursday.  So, if WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood happens to wander into your business, she may be there for more than just to make a purchase.  Today’s feature highlights The Shepherd’s Home.  Enjoy. (11/14/2013/6:00 AM) 

Shepherd’s Home provides assistance for area women

By Charlotte Underwood

Sometimes another chance is all that is needed to make a difference in someone’s life. The Shepherd’s Home, a local, faith-based transitional home in Jacksboro is providing that chance for area women who are recovering from drug addiction and incarceration.

The program began four years ago and was born out of group efforts of First Baptist Church of Jacksboro, according to the Shepherd’s Home Executive Director Bridget Thomas.

Bridget Thomas is the Executive Director of the Shepherd’s Home in Jacksboro. She has held the position since August.

The definition of the Shepherd’s Home is “a Christ centered transitional home for women in recovery.”

“It was born out of need for women who were incarcerated. It was a revolving door type of situation,” Thomas said, describing how many women who get out of jail have no safe place to go and often wind up in jail once more.

 “Their friends use, their families use so there is often really no place they can go and be clean from drugs to try to change their lives,” Thomas said. Beginning with Celebrate Recovery’s Jail Ministry, the Shepherd’s Home has touched the lives of around 50 women since it started. Women either come to the home of their own accord or are sent to the home through drug court.

“Women always have the option to stay or go,” Thomas said.

Of those 50 women, 17 have successfully completed the program. The relapse rate is around seven-percent, which is lower than secular recovery programs, according to Thomas.

“It’s really up to the woman and how much she wants the recovery; they have to want to change. If they are not willing, then there isn’t really much we can do other than be here for them when they are ready,” Thomas said. She said the home saw women of all walks of life.

“What amazes me about addiction is that it knows no class, no education level, it does not discriminate,” Thomas said.

According to Thomas, the program’s primary focus is to “establish and promote a relationship with God because He is the key to recovery.”

There are currently eight women at the home going through the recovery program.

“Equally important is to provide the women with the tools and knowledge they need to overcome their addictions and become productive citizens,” Thomas said. In order to work their way through the program, women at the home read the Bible in one year, as well as work through a large curriculum of faith-based books, learn money management and become gainfully employed.

Women who are in the program find this employment at the Shepherd’s Home Thrift Store, which has been open for two years. Managed by program graduate Jodi Kesterson, the store not only provides a place of employment for those in the program, but it also provides one third of the funds needed to run the Shepherd’s Home since all profits from the store go directly back into the home. The remainder of the funds needed to run the home is provided through a medical grant and private donations.

Shepherd’s Home Thrift Store Manager Jodi Kesterson, left and Assistant Manager Allison Boshears, right, stand in front of the wall of prayer and encouragement.

The thrift store has three goals, according to Kesterson. The first goal is to provide money to help run the home, the second goal is to provide employment to women in the home and the third goal is to “bless the community with good merchandise at a good price,” Kesterson said.

Being a graduate from the home, Kesterson said managing the thrift store is much more than just a job for her.

“This job has given back to me. Because of the profits going to help other women who are like I was, it gives me such a sense of pride to work here, to know the money we make will help other women get back on track,” Kesterson said. Because of this, employees at the store are more than just coworkers to her.

“They are family, we are day to day support for one another and that is so important for those recovering from addiction,” Kesterson said.

 “We couldn’t do it without the thrift store and the many donations that pour in; we are so blessed,” Thomas said.

“The Shepherd’s home saved my life; I couldn’t do it, but God did it. I didn’t want to be a junkie,” Kesterson said, describing how drugs caused her to lose everything.

“Three years ago I had nothing and now I have a job, I have a car, I have a place to live, and I can see my children again. They helped to give me my life back, that’s why this is more than just a job to me,” Kesterson said. She described her time at the home as “life changing.”

“I was there with nine other women and we each had different stories and we each had different lows that we had to hit before we could make the climb back up, but God brought us out of it,” Kesterson said.

 “It has restored me; opened my eyes and helped me work through my issues with myself. To have someone believe in you makes all the difference in the world. Being here has totally changed my life. It is genuine love here, they genuinely care about you and walk with you the whole way,” said Mikki, one of the home’s current residents.

Another resident, Angie, said being at the home had put peace back into her life.

“It has restored me with my family, restored me with my children and restored me with God, this program is awesome,” Angie said. 

“Before I came here, I didn’t even believe in God, I didn’t even think about it, but now my life has completely turned around. Because of the Shepherd’s Home, I now know there are people who will believe in you and love you. I have hope now and strength,” said Lindsay, another resident.

The Shepherd’s Home is soon to expand with an aftercare home that will house recovering women and their children.

The Shepherd’s Home is also soon to expand with an aftercare home, which will be located in LaFollette and will house women with their children, according to Thomas. The house was donated to the Shepherd’s Home by the First National Bank of Oneida. It is expected to be open in early 2014. Thomas said the hope is to eventually add a transitional home for me as well as there is a definite need in the community.

“What makes us different from secular programs is God’s word; it has the power to change them and that relationship we help them reestablish with God satisfies their soul. They find a lot of love here,” Thomas said, adding that she wanted to send a message to any woman out there that may be struggling with an addiction.

“There is hope, you don’t have to be a drug addict; there is always a way out and it is Christ,” Thomas said.

Kesterson wanted to add her own message for those struggling.

“No one is too far gone. You might think, ‘she can do it, but I can’t, I’ve done things that are too bad’, but that’s not the case, no one is too far gone for God to help,” Kesterson said.

 Volunteers and mentors for women in the program are always needed and appreciated.

Anyone wishing to make donations to the Shepherd’s Home Thrift Store can look for the big blue donation boxes located throughout the county.

“We try to place our volunteers where they will be the most comfortable. If a woman calls me and says she is good at planning, then we get her started helping with planning,” Thomas said. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact the Shepherd’s Home. Donations are always appreciated as well. Monetary donations can be sent to The Shepherd’s Home, P.O. Box 707, Jacksboro, 37757. Volunteers are also needed to help with the renovations of the new aftercare home. Other ways to support the home include donations to the thrift store or shopping at the thrift store. Thrift store donation boxes are located throughout the county, and even in Williamsburg, Ky., Lake City, Clinton and Anderson County. Those wanting to make donations can contact the store at 423-562-1118 to find out where the closest donation bin is located. For large items such as furniture, appliances, or large clothing donations, call 423-201-1231 and a donation pickup can be arranged. Donation pickups can also be arranged for elderly or those who can’t drive, but still want to donate to the store. A tax deductible receipt will be provided.

Women wanting assistance with addiction recovery can call the home at 423-562-0030 or visit the website at theshepherdshomeinc.org where applications can be printed off and mailed in. Applications can also be picked up at the Shepherd’s Home Thrift Store located in Woodson’s Mall. (11/14/2013)

    School Board and Caryville Meeting

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CCHS student earns award as one of top 25 JROTC students in nation

Campbell County High School JROTC student Aubrey Nash was awarded the Legion of Valor Cross for Achievement during the meeting of the Campbell County Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, one of only 25 such awards granted among over 330,000 high school ROTC cadets across the nation.

Nash became the seventh consecutive Campbell County High School cadet and twelfth in the past thirteen years to receive the Legion of Valor, underscoring the fact that CCHS has one of the best Junior ROTC programs in the country.

Aubrey Nash (DAVID GRAHAM PIX) 

That fact was emphasized by retired General Carl W. Stiner, who presented the award to Cadet Nash at the meeting. The award is based upon military and academic scholarship and grades, leadership, discipline and character.

The award presentation was a surprise to Ms Nash, who was asked to attend the board meeting to make a presentation on a JROTC program to the board, JROTC instructor Col. Knud Salveson said. Instead, she was invited to the front to receive the coveted honor while her family looked proudly on.

The remainder of the board meeting was routine business. Chairman Rector Miller at one point asked Finance Director Jeff Marlow to explain one budget amendment involving over $390,000 technology upgrades. Marlow explained that the amendment covers a transfer of grant money from the state to cover the cost of computers needed to handle new testing requirements due to begin this year.

Faye Comer was asked to explain how gate receipts from football games were distributed. Comer explained that 90 percent of all receipts go into the football program with the other ten percent transferred to the general athletic fund.

Campbell County sold 1,540 tickets to the first round state playoff game with Gibbs last week, taking in over $9,000. The total also includes $750 received because the game was televised on cable channel MyVLT. Of that amount, $5,775 was turned over to TSSAA, while Campbell County retained $3,267, Comer reported.

Attorney Dail Cantrell gave notice to the board about new state laws that will require board action to revise and update policies on bullying. Local boards can now be held liable if bullying occurs and the school system does not have programs in effect to prevent bullying and to train personnel on how to deal with bullying.

In the past, schools could only be held liable if school officials were made aware of specific bullying instances and failed to take action, Cantrell said. He also pointed out that school systems must soon close the performance gap between test scores for the highest performing students and children with special needs and those considered socially and economically disadvantaged.

Eugene Lawson pointed out that in some Campbell County schools where nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, practically all students would be considered “socially or economically disadvantaged.”

Lawson then launched a tirade about what he referred to as “cruisers,” students who “show up at school with tattoos, face piercing and saggy pants” and aren’t interested in learning.

“There’s no possible way to bring test scores up for those students. I guess we need to bring test scores down for the better students,” Lawson quipped.      (11/13/2013 6:00 AM)

Officer sworn in at Caryville; first reading held on microbrewery/distillery regulations

By Charlotte Underwood (story and pictures)

A new police officer was sworn in during the Tuesday evening Caryville Mayor and Alderman meeting. Police Chief Stephanie Smith recommended to the board that it approve the hiring of Brian Keeton as a full-time police officer at $11 an hour. Keeton has been working as a temporary officer for Caryville since officer John Bruce resigned.

Caryville Police Chief Stephanie Smith swears in new police officer Brian Keeton during the Tuesday evening mayor and alderman meeting.

It was unanimous that Keeton be hired full-time.

 The first reading on an ordinance regulating where microbreweries, distilleries and wineries can be located within the town was also read. The ordinance restricts these businesses to zones M2 and M3, which are industrial areas, according to Vice Mayor Glenn Smith, who is also on the planning commission.

“That came down from the state that we had to allow these businesses in at all. The only thing we have control of is where to put them and so we put them in the industrial park,” agreed Mayor Chris Stanley.

 Approval was also given by the board for the fire department to use funds left over after the purchase of a new fire truck to outfit the truck with tires and other equipment. The truck cost $16,049. It is a 2006 Ford F350 extended cab, four-wheel drive truck. There had been $20,000 in the budget for the purchase of the truck, leaving nearly $4,000 left over to equip it.

 The purchase of rear tires for the street department’s backhoe at a cost of $1,052 from Doyle’s Tires was also approved, as was the application for a FEMA grant for the fire department. It is a grant the department applies for each year and if received would be used on equipment.

 Glenn Smith reported to the board that a new travel center would be breaking ground at the 141 exit in the next two to four weeks, depending upon weather and the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Vice Mayor Glenn Smith reported a new travel center will break ground at the 141 exit sometime in the next month. The name of the travel center will be announced at a later date in December or January.

“Final plat approval will be in December or January and at that point, we will announce what the travel center’s name is,” Glenn Smith said.

Other business discussed and voted on was the approval to put two items out to bid. The first item out to bid is the repair of three doors at city hall. The doors need new locks and new weather stripping, according to Glenn Smith, who asked to have the item placed on the agenda. It was also agreed to place the repair and replacement of the front section of the fence at Asbury Park on the agenda as well. The section that needs repaired is about 60 feet, while the entire front section is around 500 feet. Board member Mark Stanley recommended replacing the entire front section for safety purposes.

Business such as the repair and replacement of the front section of fence at Asbury Park was on the agenda during Tuesday evening’s mayor and alderman meeting in Caryville.

“We have needed to move the fence back anyway to keep people from hitting it, which is what happened with the one section, so why not do it all at once and have it done,” Mark Stanley said. The cost to repair the $60 foot section is estimated at around $570. The person who tore the fence down in an auto accident will pay for that cost. The estimated cost to replace the entire 500-foot front section is anywhere from $5,700 to $7,100, according to figures Mark Stanley collected. The board voted to send it out for bid to discuss at the next meeting.

The purchase of 300 gallons of off road fuel for street department off road equipment was also approved. The diesel fuel costs $3.25 a gallon and will cost a total of $975. The fuel will be used for tractors and backhoes and other off road machinery.

Board member Vickie Heatherly suggested the re-establishment of a rainy day fund for emergencies to the board on Tuesday evening. The board voted to discuss the matter at a later date.

During the meeting, board member Vickie Heatherly brought up the topic of a rainy day fund and setting aside money in case of an emergency. She reminded the board that the town had a rainy day fund with $60,000 in it that it had used and not replaced the funds. Glenn Smith said he would like to wait till January when revenues were down in order to get a better idea of how much needed to be in the fund. Mayor Chris Stanley agreed. Mark Stanley gave his opinion on the matter, saying he thought instead of putting money in a rainy day fund, they should use it to pay off some bills that were garnering interest. Heatherly said she did not see why the town could not do both and asked if it could be put on the agenda to discuss once again in January. The board voted its approval.

Board member Lisa Crawford reported to the board the Trunk or Treat, which was held over by Scotties, went very well, with about 300 children in attendance of the event.

“I think it went great for a first time event and we hope for it to grow,” agreed the mayor.

 After the mayor and alderman meeting was over, a beer board meeting was called to order. It was a short meeting with only one beer permit issued for the Dew Drop Inn, which is located at 375 John McGee Boulevard.    (11/13/2013 6:00 AM)

 Wynn's "hay day" teams from the 1980s honored

  It was a unique setting for a couple of old rivals.  Long-time high school adversaries Jellico and Wynn came together for a very special night of basketball Tuesday at the gym where the Blue Devils and Bulldogs used to battle it out.  Wynn, which no longer has a high school, hosted Jellico for the Devils season opening basketball game with J. Frank White Academy.  Jellico claimed both the girls and boys games.  But Wynn’s “hay day” teams of the 1908s stole the show.  The state tournament teams for the Lady Bulldogs of 1983 and Bulldogs of 1986 were honored.   (11/13/2013 7:00 AM - DAVID GRAHAM PIX)

Hamblin hires Hatmaker to represent him

     Jacksboro attorney Mike Hatmaker was retained by Reverend Andrew Hamblin, the snake handling preacher, to represent him when he goes to court later this week.  Hamblin dropped by WLAF on Monday afternoon telling us Hatmaker was representing him and asking us to sign his petition to the State of Tennessee as well as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).  He is petitioning that each entity recognize his First Amendment rights and drop all charges against him.  The young pastor was cited last Thursday morning by the TWRA for possession of Class I wildlife (wildlife inherently dangerous to humans).  Hamblin adds that TWRA officers entered his church without a search warrant and proceeded to carry out 50 poisonous snakes, housed in glass cases, ranging from copperheads to rattlers to cotton mouths from Hamblin’s church on Longmire Lane in La Follette.  The snakes were taken to the Knoxville Zoo.  The popular snake-handling preacher tells WLAF that he had enough snakes to carry he and his church members at the Tabernacle Church of God through the winter.  A court date is scheduled for November 15 at 9:00 a.m. in Campbell County General Sessions Court at Jacksboro.  Hamblin encourages everybody to wear red and attend his day in court in support of the right to believe and worship in the way that you want.  He says even if you think the way he worships is stupid, he would still like for you to be there to stand up for your religious freedom.  He asks what’s next?  No foot washing in church?  No more anointing of oils?  Hamblin hopes for 1,000 signatures to take with him to court Friday morning.  He’s at his church each evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for you to drop by and sign the petition.  His telephone number is 423.201.5460.  There are no snakes at the church.  However, Hamblin tells us that snakes were brought into his church for Friday and Sunday evening services over the weekend in front of full houses each night.  Counting the Tabernacle Church of God, Hamblin notes that there is a total of three snake handling churches in Campbell County.  Tune-in 1450 WLAF Radio this Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. when Reverend Hamblin visits live on the air.  (6:00 AM 11/12/2013)

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Honor All Veterans event from Veterans Day

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2013 Veterans Day Parade

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"Standing Next to You" is by Lloyd Neal & band "Native American"

     The La Follette connection to the song posted this morning on WLAF is Brian King.  Though King does not live here, but his parents, Lynn and Stella King, are from here and live here.  Brian’s friend, Lloyd Neal, is a Desert Storm Veteran, and it was Lloyd who wrote the song and recorded it with his group, Native American.  Enjoy!  (11/11/2013/10:30 AM) 

 

Terry's Pharmacy is ready to help you with your Medicare questions

     Do you have Medicare questions?  The folks at Terry’s Pharmacy have answers.  The 2014 Medicare annual enrollment period is now through December 7.  Rissa and the staff at Terry’s Pharmacy can help you select the 2014 Medicare Prescription Plan that’s best for you.  The top five Medicare questions are:  What should I do and when should I do it?  Are you turning 65 or retiring?  Do you need “extra help” with prescription drug costs?  Do you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program such as:  QMB, SLMB or Medicaid/TennCare?  How important is it that I review my Medicare each year?  The staff at Terry’s Pharmacy is available on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays to answer your Medicare questions.  The telephone number at Terry’s Pharmacy is 423.562.4928. (11/11/2013/6:00 AM) 

A flag raising ceremony was performed by Campbell County JROTC students at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Freeman Park in La Follette.

Keepers of the Flame; a Tribute to Veterans

By Charlotte Underwood

You see them every day. You pass them on the sidewalk and in the grocery aisles. Perhaps one is your neighbor or sits next to you at church. They are even your friends and family. But do you know their story? Do you know their sacrifice? Do you know the love and honor and duty they gave to this country? They are our veterans. They come from all walks of life and span many years, multiple wars, times of conflict and peace. But they all have one thing in common. No matter their age, whether they guarded the home front or their boots touched foreign soil; they are heroes of a nation. More than that, they are the hometown heroes of Campbell County and each has a story to tell. They are the “keepers of the flame,” according to army veteran General Carl W. Stiner.

In honor of Veterans Day, several veterans living in Campbell County were kind enough to share experiences and memories from their time in the military both at home and overseas. (photos contributed by veterans - parade photos by Charlotte Underwood)

Members of the color guard proudly displayed both the American and the state flag during the Veteran’s Day parade held in LaFollette on Sunday afternoon.

Navy veteran Edward Balloff, WWII

Navy veteran Ed Balloff enlisted in the naval reserve in 1939. Balloff was 20 years old and in the middle of law school at Vanderbilt when he enlisted.

In order to go into the naval reserve and quickly get back to his legal studies, Balloff had to meet certain requirements.

“We were what they called 90-day wonders; if you had a degree, you weren’t married and could pass a physical, then you could go into the reserve,” Balloff said.

“They were drafting people, so I enlisted in the reserve. At the time, they told me I would just be taking a two week cruise in the summer and then the war started and I was the first student they pulled out of law school,” recalled the 93-year-old veteran with a rueful smile.

World War II veteran Ed Balloff spent the war in the United States Navy

Born and raised in LaFollette, Balloff soon found himself training on an old World War I warship called the Prairie State, which was anchored in the Hudson River at 195th Street in New York.

“It looked like Noah’s Ark,” Balloff described. There were 1,000 midshipmen being trained on the ship, men from all over the country and all of them single and with college degrees. If you did everything right and passed all your tests, then you got to go ashore and have “liberty”, which basically meant you got to go have fun and have some time off from military duties. As Balloff put it, “New York was a great place to have liberty.” He described the city during his time there as “full of midshipmen and sailors.”

“We would get off the ship and walk to Broadway and catch a subway. A lot of us would go to the Astrotel, which had a bar and an orchestra that played all the time. There was always girls hanging around you could dance with; you didn’t have any trouble having a good time in New York City,” Balloff said.

Trained as a gunfire liaison officer, Balloff would go ashore with the army and help spot navy guns. This was in the Atlantic.

“The first place we went, some army camp, we spotted navy gunfire, after the army troops went inland, we went back to the ship,” Balloff said. After that he became a line officer, before ending up on an Amphibious Staff as a gunnery officer responsible for taking LSTs (landing ship, tank) to Europe. LSTs is the military designation for naval vessels created during WWII to support amphibious operations by carrying significant quantities of vehicles, cargo, and landing troops directly onto an unimproved shore.

“We would load them at the Naval Depot in Yorktown to take ammunition to England for the invasion of France,” Balloff said.

Afterwards, he was sent out into the Pacific Ocean to be stationed on another amphibious staff. After leaving San Francisco, he spent four months out in the ocean looking for the staff. While he was out looking, the staff had returned to the U.S. and by the time Balloff himself returned to the U.S., the war was finally over.

During his time in the military, Balloff met many people. He recalled one of the more memorable characters from his military days as a fellow soldier who he trained with.

“I had some of my training with a guy named Sam Ballard. When we were at Notre Dame, he slept in the bunk above me. His father was the editor of the Times Picayune in New Orleans. Sam Ballard would sing these French ditties and let’s just say once you heard them translated, they weren’t as funny as they were in French,” Balloff said with a laugh.

 Shortly before he and Ballard were shipped off to different regions of the war front, Ballard asked to borrow Balloff’s alarm clock.

That was the last Balloff saw of Ballard for four years, until the war’s end.

“I was at a naval hospital in San Diego and just out of the blue I heard this voice singing these familiar French ditties. Well, there was Sam Ballard lying on his stomach in a hospital bed because he had been shot in the butt. He laughed and said, ‘Ed, I’ve got that clock of yours’ and he did, he gave it back to me, of course I don’t think it even worked anymore; it was all rusty because he had been out in the Pacific,” Balloff laughed.

When he did return home, he resumed his studies and obtained his law degree. He remembered the war being something that no one really talked about much.

“When we came back, everyone was involved in the war. All the women were working and when the war ended, we came back and went on our merry way,” Balloff said, adding that no one necessarily acted like it was a big deal to be a veteran at the time.

“We didn’t even think about the war when we got back; nobody asked us what it was like and we just wanted to get on with our lives,” Balloff reflected.  “When we were over there, we knew we were in it till the end. When the war was over, well, thank God we got out alive.”

First Baptist Church of LaFollette Pastor Duane Mills played the bagpipes while marching in the Veteran’s Day parade.

Air Force veteran Jo Anne Myers, Cuban Missile Crisis

Air Force veteran Jo Anne Myers enlisted in 1960 because it was something different to do, something maybe a “little rebellious.”

“I always wanted to travel and do something different. Back in my era, there were limited opportunities for women and I wanted something more challenging, so I signed up,” Myers said.

She was stationed in Texas during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which, according to Myers was “pretty intense.”

“We were on lockdown and you had to call in all the time; we had to report our whereabouts at all times,” Myers said, recalling getting military briefings and updates in the movie theatre at the military installation.

“We really had no idea how serious it was until later; when you’re 20 years old, you think you’re going to live forever,” Myers said, adding that she remembered reading about it later and thinking how close the country came to a nuclear event. During her time in the military, Myers was trained as a dental hygienist and had the opportunity to work with  astronauts.

While working as a dental hygienist, Myers said it was exciting to meet people like Charles Conrad, who was the second man to walk on the moon.

“He had a small split between his top two teeth and he was very concerned about it,” Myers said, recalling Conrad as being a “very nice man.” She also met John Glenn after his Apollo 11 flight.  Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth.

When Myers signed up for the Air Force, she had wanted to be a pilot.

“They told me no way, that’s not going to happen. It wasn’t until later women were allowed to become pilots,” Myers said. She served in the air force for three years and recalls the bonds she formed with fellow soldiers during that time.

“I did my training at Lackland Air Force Base and I am still in touch with some of my friends from those days. Now we keep in touch with Facebook, which is something I never would have imagined then,” Myers said, adding that she had good memories of her time in the military.

“I served with nurses that were later sent to Vietnam and I can’t imagine what they experienced there, but women have always been on the forefront of war whether we want to recognize it or not,” Myers said.  As far as being a veteran, she said she didn’t think about it too much.  “I am proud to have served my country. The experiences meant so much to me and I learned so very much, but I don’t think it separates me from other women who have not served.”

Classic cars were also on display during Sunday’s Veteran’s Day parade.

Veterans were throwing candy left and right during the parade on Sunday.

Army veteran, Gen. Carl W. Stiner, Vietnam

“There’s a great honor to serving one’s country and preserving our peace for the future generations,” said General Carl W. Stiner. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in May 1958, General Stiner served his country for 35 consecutive years, before retiring in 1993. A veteran of Vietnam and multiple other conflicts, General Stiner recalls how difficult it was for soldiers returning home from that war.

“The hard part was while we were over there fighting, the peace movement had taken place back home and we didn’t know the consequences of that. When the troops started returning, they were treated terrible and some vets were even killed in Oakland, Calif., just because they were wearing their uniforms. But those of us who were there knew we were doing the right thing; trying to stop communism,” Stiner said.

General Carl W. Stiner is retired from the U.S. Army, he is a Vietnam veteran.

Over the years, over 30 million men and women have proudly worn a U.S. military uniform.

“They are the keepers of the flame. They wore those uniforms in the hope and belief that America would always remain a land of liberty and peace because of their actions and by their sacrifice they have secured our inalienable rights and our freedom,” Stiner said, adding that the “blessings are ours only as long as we are willing to sacrifice to retain them.”

Over one and a quarter million soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives so that others may remain free.

World War II Veteran Howard T. Gillum rode in Sunday’s parade.

Army and coast guard veteran, George Moses

A veteran of both the army and the coast guard, George Moses said he graduated basic training two days after Vietnam ended.

“I was young and volunteered for the army to go to war. All through basic training, they told me I was going to war and then suddenly it was all over,” Moses said. With Vietnam having just ended and the peace movement in full swing, the country was a volatile place for soldiers returning from war, as well as current soldiers traveling for their duties.

 “When I was in the army, Vietnam was ending so I would travel in my civilian clothes to the airport to keep from being assaulted by protestors,” Moses said. Despite this negative experience as a military man, Moses said he enjoyed his time in the military and that it had made him “grow up.” While in the army, Moses was part of a nuclear detection unit attached to the 82nd Airborne.

“I have always been proud of being a veteran and of my military time, but I haven’t always been proud of the American people and how they treated veterans and soldiers,” Moses said, adding that he felt it was hard for those who had not served in the military to “truly understand what it means to be a veteran and serve one’s country.”

It’s not a parade without the CCHS Marching Band keeping tempo.

Army veteran, Mike Stanfield, Vietnam

LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield knows what it means to serve, though he did not enlist by choice. Drafted into the army to go to Vietnam at the age of 20, Stanfield said he was proud to have served his country nonetheless. Having never been out of Campbell County, Stanfield suddenly found himself traveling across the country for training and then quickly shipped to Vietnam to fight a war he was really too young to understand.

“Being a veteran, serving your country, well, it was like a job; you gave it 100 percent and just hoped you got to come home to your family. We’ve all done things we didn’t want to do, but we had to do it.” Stanfield said.

He completed one tour of Vietnam from 1971-1972.

LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield, far right, spent one tour in Vietnam. Most of his time was spent as an MP, or military police officer.

“I had only been married about three months and my wife hated I was going to war; she didn’t know what was going to happen to me and neither did I,” Stanfield said. Trained as a heavy equipment mechanic, Stanfield was sent over seas.

“When I flew in and first got a look at the place, I noticed there were all these black bags lined up on the beach; they were bodies waiting to be flown home on the same plane I had arrived on.” He said he remembered thinking, “God, what have I got into here?”

“When we landed in the holding station that was Cam Ranh Bay, I got my orders to go to Da Nang and even though my MOS (military occupational specialty) was as a heavy equipment mechanic, I was assigned to be a cop, an MP,” Stanfield said, explaining that was how the military worked.

“If they need a cop, then you’re a cop; for a while, I was even a pots and pan man in the kitchen. In the army, it’s what they want you to be and that’s what you are,” Stanfield said. After settling in, he was assigned to the 87th Infantry Company, which was part of a transportation company. As a military police officer, Stanfield helped to provide security for troops and equipment in Da Nang, which was a compound about the size of LaFollette. During this time, he saw a lot of his friends and fellow soldiers die. He described the stress-full atmosphere that contributed to so many Vietnam era vets returning home with drug addictions.

“Each day you were always wondering if it would be the one that would take you out; there was so much death and shells going off all around you,” Stanfield said. He also recalled returning home from the horror of war and arriving in Oakland, Calif., to an ungrateful public.

“People were spitting on us and calling us names; it was turmoil,” Stanfield said. Like many other veterans, he attempted to find solace in alcohol.

“I haven’t drunk in 20 years, but I did then when I came back from the war. I drank to forget it all,” Stanfield said. And though many years have passed, he has never forgotten.

“I can still see their faces sometimes; I can still see the death.” Yet despite all this, Stanfield said he would not trade the time, nor did he regret serving his country.

“What I did was nothing compared to what some soldiers gave.”

When he was back home in LaFollette, Stanfield said he and his wife wanted to have a child.

“Lisa really took away that void that war had left in my heart,” Stanfield said.

CCHS ROTC students carry the American flag during the Veteran’s Day parade in downtown La Follette on Sunday.

Civilian, Rae and Greg Mihal, Dessert Storm

Civilians have served in times of war as well. Rae Mihal and her husband Greg are two prime examples of civilians serving their country and soldiers in a time of need during the Gulf War. The Mihals spent about 20 years living in Saudi Arabia because they worked there in the oil industry. They have lived in Campbell County since 2000. Coming from a family of military supporters and enlisters, Mihal said she felt a strong compassion to help the American troops. She currently has two grandchildren enlisted in the military.

Campbell County resident Rae Mihal, along with her husband Greg lived in Saudi Arabia and participated in the Host a Soldier program. She stands surrounded by Gulf War soldiers whom she took into her home during prior to the war’s start.

“We stayed in Saudi Arabia during the build up of armed forces and the proceeding Gulf War. We saw our brave young men and women from all branches of our armed forces getting ready to right the wrong done when Iraq invaded Kuwait, not knowing who would live and who would die,” Mihal said. She and her husband participated in a “Host a Soldier” program that changed their lives forever. They would host soldiers about three times a week.

“The troops were brought by bus across the dessert and offloaded into cars and vans outside our gates. When they came to us, they were dirty, smelly and scared,” Mihal recalled, adding that the troops had arrived overseas well before their supplies and some of them had been in the same socks for a week.

“They would feel so bad and not want to even take their boots off or come in the house because they were worried about their feet smelling,” Mihal said. She and her husband would send them straight to the shower, she would start their clothes in the wash and the soldiers would be given some of her husband’s clothes to wear while theirs were washed and dried.

Rae Mihal had a house full of female soldiers for Thanksgiving.

“They were just so grateful for the smallest of things, hot meals, clean clothes, stamps and envelopes or a chance to call loved ones at home; we were able to provide that in gratitude for their service and those times were some of the best of my life,” Mihal said emotionally. She would bake cookies and take them out into the dessert in bushel baskets. Other Americans living and working over there participated in the program as well.

“They would take them ice cream, they would take grills out into the dessert and cook them breakfast; anything to make them feel appreciated,” Mihal said.

Having lived in Saudi Arabia for so long, Mihal did not see her family or even Americans often and suddenly her home was filled with young American soldiers homesick and scared.

“They were like family,” Mihal said, describing a house full of soldiers for Thanksgiving, Christmas and much of the time in between. While in Saudi Arabia, she did get to see her brother who was in the military at the time. She had not seen him in about 10 years.

“His commanding officer allowed him to come and stay with me and that was so special.”

 The Mihals received several awards from the U.S. military for their efforts and support of the American troops.

“I wouldn’t trade anything for the time spent being with our soldiers. When they say our bravest and our best, that’s our military; it is just astronomical what these young people do and give to protect us and our lives.”

From all of us here at WLAF, thank you to all of our veterans.   (11/11/13 6:00AM)

The CCHS ROTC Veteran’s Day parade float honored all veterans past and present.

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1st Baptist Church of La Follette Sunday morning service 11/10/13

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WLAF reporter thrown out of Haslam event

     Nope.  It wasn’t a disgruntled school teacher.  Not even an unhappy road department worker.  Nor a sign carrying liberal.  It was WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood who was literally escorted from Governor Bill Haslam’s Thursday night event all the way to her car.  An organizer with the governor's party questioned Underwood’s presence, and when she told him she was with WLAF, she was promptly taken to the Stables parking lot and told that it was a closed event to the media.  Maybe getting a picture of the governor and a few comments from him were a little too much to ask.  After all, Haslam was kicking off his re-election campaign in Campbell County last night, and we here at WLAF thought that was worthy of covering in order to bring you a “warm and fuzzy” story this morning.  But maybe it wasn’t.  Guess the next time a political candidate comes to Campbell County to host a high-dollar fundraiser, WLAF had best just stay at the house.(11/08/2013/6:00 AM) 

Turkey shoot is this Saturday

     The Powell Valley Conservation Club holds Turkey Shoots in November.  The next is this Saturday November 9 from 9-11 AM . Gift cards of $25 will be awarded to winners in each round.  

     An additional shoot is on Thanksgiving November 28 from 9-11 AM.  One note of interest is that there will NOT be shoots held on Christmas or New Years this year as has been in the past, so bring your shot gun and come out this Saturday and enjoy the fall weather and have some fun at the Powell  Valley Conservation Club Range. (11/05/2013/6:00 AM) 

New WLAF Archive Page

     Missed a radio show or video?  It may appear on our new WLAF Archive” page. WLAF will archive select programs & videos of interest. New additions all the time. Just click the “WLAF Archive” button over on the right and see what is there….. >>>>

Follow WLAF Radio on Twitter    

     WLAF is active now on Twitter. For up to the moment information on community events as well as WLAF Radio & TV happenings follow WLAF Radio by clicking the follow button at top of the page. Also keep up by checking out our twitter timeline over to the right of the page and by all means spread the word to everyone to “follow” us. !

Special Cougar Football Feature

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as Heard Here on 1450 AM and 1450WLAF.com

Take part in your Hometown Sears Store “Holiday Cook-Off” Contest

     In the spirit of the holiday, Robert Coble and the folks at your local Hometown Sears Store in the Woodson Mall at Food City Center are hosting a Facebook Holiday Cook-Off contest for Sears fans!  The time frame to submit your favorite homemade holiday recipe, including the ingredients and how-to, is today through November 14.  Then on November 15, the voting begins.  Simply gather your friends and encourage them to vote on the La Follette Sears Facebook page once a day for your recipe.  The recipe with the most votes, or likes, is the grand prize winner.  Grand prize is a stainless steel Frigidaire smudge-free range and refrigerator; a total retail value of $3,299.98.  The winner will be announced in a post and via email.  Look for the La Follette Hometown Sears Store ad at the top of the page and just “click.”  (11/01/2013/6:00 AM) 

Cougar Roar by Jon & Tessa Terry

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LaFollette City Council Meeting for Tuesday, November 5, 2013

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Council votes no on interim city administrator; purchases old post office

By Charlotte Underwood

The LaFollette City Council decided not to appoint an interim city administrator while Billie Russell remains on medical leave.

Councilman Joe Bolinger spoke up on the topic, saying he believed the department heads could take care of their departments and that an interim city administrator should not be appointed at this time.

“If they run into a situation they need help on, they can call the front office and poll us on it,” Bolinger said, making it in the form of a motion. When the matter was put to a vote, Councilman Hansford Hatmaker disagreed, commenting that “everyone knows we need a temporary administrator; somebody has got to sign off on something. You can’t even work people overtime without someone signing off for it and getting permission to do it. We didn’t have any problems when we did it when the mayor and Joe wanted Jimmy to do it,” Hatmaker said, adding that “now since it’s not one of you guys men, you don’t want to do it,” Hatmaker said, adding that a “political issue was being made out of it” and if someone wasn’t appointed now, there would be a problem and the “mayor would try and run the show.” At that point, Mayor Mike Stanfield told Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries to “put him out.” Hatmaker replied that “Jimmy wouldn’t put him out.”

Mayor Mike Stanfield threatened to have Councilman Hansford Hatmaker removed by LaFollette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries at the Tuesday evening meeting during the vote on whether or not to appoint a temporary city administrator.

After a brief argument, Stanfield pointed out that the matter had been put to a vote and that Hatmaker needed to vote on the issue.

Whether or not to appoint an interim city administrator for the city of Lafollette caused a brief stir on Tuesday evening during the meeting.  

“We have a motion, we have a second; it’s a vote. We’re voting, you’re time’s finished. You had your chance in the workshop Mr. Hatmaker,” Stanfield said.

“You are just as rude as they come Mike; it’s either your way or no way,” Hatmaker said. Stanfield disagreed, saying it was the “taxpayer’s way.”

Councilman Hansford Hatmaker was the only board member who wanted to appoint a temporary city administrator while Billie Russell is away on medical leave.

The motion carried, with Hatmaker being the only negative vote on the issue.

After the meeting, Stanfield told WLAF he had not had any contact with Russell and did not know when she would return from medical leave. He said Russell had made it plain that all contact would have to go through her attorney Dave Dunaway.

Council members also voted to purchase the old LaFollette Post Office building for $150,000. To pay for the purchase, $300,000 will be borrowed against CDs owned by the city, which will mature in the spring of 2014. After the CDs mature, the money will be paid back. The remaining $150,000 will be used to complete several projects including the paving of four roads at a cost of around $70,000 total. Roads to be paved will be West Chestnut and West Walnut, as well as Seventh Street and from Tennessee Avenue up to West Elm Street, according to the mayor. Around $20,000 of the funds borrowed will be used to relocate the skate park, which was recently disassembled. A suggestion for a new location was one of the tennis courts owned by the city located behind the Shell station. However, a new location has not definitively been chosen yet. Thirty thousand dollars will be repaid to the city’s street department, which used that amount of money to repair the road by Po Boys and on South Avenue, according to Stanfield.

“It had to be fixed and the money to fix it came out the street department’s budget and now it has to be put back in there,” Stanfield said. The remainder of the borrowed money will be used to replace ceiling tiles in the fire department, police department and clerk’s office which are water damaged. Sealed bids will be accepted on the ceiling tile repairs.

Other items discussed during the meeting included the approximate $34,000 in funds raised from a surplus auction. City Treasurer Terry Sweat reported to the board the breakdown of the auction money. He said $17,807.50 will go into the general fund and the other approximate $17,000 will go into the drug fund.

It was also discussed and decided during the meeting that the LaFollette Fire Department would have their firefighters trained to be “First Responders” so they could better serve the community. The purchase of extrication equipment to help remove someone from a vehicle was also brought up by the fire department. Over half of the department is already trained and certified in extrication; equipment is all they need, according to Byrd.

“That way, if we are first on the scene then we can actually assist them,” said Councilman Bob Fannon. Stanfield said he was in favor of both ideas and hoped to be able to talk to the medical board about funding these two programs.

“We need to change with the times,” agreed Fire Chief Gary Byrd. Fannon said he would like to see the program up and running within six months.

Announcements during the meeting:

On Friday, at 10 a.m. two representatives from Community Health of East Tennessee will be at the LaFollette Library to help explain the new insurance and help people fill out for the new insurance. It is a free service.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, a flag raising ceremony will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Freeman Park. The Veterans Parade will begin at 2 p.m. at the Methodist Church.(11/06/2013/6:00 AM) 

Turkey shoot is this Saturday

     The Powell Valley Conservation Club holds Turkey Shoots in November.  The next is this Saturday November 9 from 9-11 AM . Gift cards of $25 will be awarded to winners in each round.  

     An additional shoot is on Thanksgiving November 28 from 9-11 AM.  One note of interest is that there will NOT be shoots held on Christmas or New Years this year as has been in the past, so bring your shot gun and come out this Saturday and enjoy the fall weather and have some fun at the Powell  Valley Conservation Club Range. (11/05/2013/6:00 AM) 

New WLAF Archive Page

     Missed a radio show or video?  It may appear on our new WLAF Archive” page. WLAF will archive select programs & videos of interest. New additions all the time. Just click the “WLAF Archive” button over on the right and see what is there….. >>>>

Follow WLAF Radio on Twitter    

     WLAF is active now on Twitter. For up to the moment information on community events as well as WLAF Radio & TV happenings follow WLAF Radio by clicking the follow button at top of the page. Also keep up by checking out our twitter timeline over to the right of the page and by all means spread the word to everyone to “follow” us. !

Special Cougar Football Feature

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    Terry's Pharmacy is ready to help you with your Medicare questions

     Do you have Medicare questions?  The folks at Terry’s Pharmacy have answers.  The 2014 Medicare annual enrollment period is now through December 7.  Rissa and the staff at Terry’s Pharmacy can help you select the 2014 Medicare Prescription Plan that’s best for you.  The top five Medicare questions are:  What should I do and when should I do it?  Are you turning 65 or retiring?  Do you need “extra help” with prescription drug costs?  Do you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program such as:  QMB, SLMB or Medicaid/TennCare?  How important is it that I review my Medicare each year?  The staff at Terry’s Pharmacy is available on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays to answer your Medicare questions.  The telephone number at Terry’s Pharmacy is 423.562.4928. (11/04/2013/6:00 AM) 

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as Heard Here on 1450 AM and 1450WLAF.com

The new J.R.s Tires and Auto Center on Highway 25W between Sonic & the car wash

Hannah Owens, with pen in hand, signs to play college basketball

David Graham - WLAF Sports

Hannah Owens, Senior Campbell County basketball player, will be a Lady Patriot once her career at CCHS concludes.  She signed today with St. Catharine's college in Springfield, Kentucky, which is in the Mid-South Conference.  It's a NAIA school located about forty-miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. Assistant coach Tyler Campbell was there to make sure she signed on the dotted line, and that he brought back what he was there for.

Tyler said, when I asked why they chose Hannah, they liked her athleticism, they also like the way she carried herself on and off the court, according to Tyler, "she's a great kid".  Her family was there to celebrate with her, mom & dad, David & Ann Owens were there along with her sister.  Coach Ryan Browning was on hand along with Athletic Director Sherry Chapman and Principal Jamie Wheeler to wish her well.

I asked why she signed so early, she said that's where she knew she wanted to go and also, to get this out of the way so she could concentrate on the upcoming season. She said she loved everything about the school when she went to visit and knew that's where she wanted to be. She hasn't decided on a major just yet.

Missing a hunting dog?

     This dog was found in the Lynch Hollow-Norris Point area.  To claim him, please call 423.912.1948. (11/01/2013/1:30 PM) 

Take part in your Hometown Sears Store “Holiday Cook-Off” Contest

     In the spirit of the holiday, Robert Coble and the folks at your local Hometown Sears Store in the Woodson Mall at Food City Center are hosting a Facebook Holiday Cook-Off contest for Sears fans!  The time frame to submit your favorite homemade holiday recipe, including the ingredients and how-to, is today through November 14.  Then on November 15, the voting begins.  Simply gather your friends and encourage them to vote on the La Follette Sears Facebook page once a day for your recipe.  The recipe with the most votes, or likes, is the grand prize winner.  Grand prize is a stainless steel Frigidaire smudge-free range and refrigerator; a total retail value of $3,299.98.  The winner will be announced in a post and via email.  Look for the La Follette Hometown Sears Store ad at the top of the page and just “click.”  (11/01/2013/6:00 AM) 

Jacksboro Middle School Halloween Newscast from week of October 28, 2013

 

Jacksboro Middle School News from week of October 21, 2013

 

Utilities department receives clean audit

By Charlotte Underwood

The LaFollette Utilities received a clean audit of its financial statements during the board meeting on Monday. Pugh & Company, P.C. out of Knoxville performed the audit and presented the report to board members regarding the fiscal year which ended June 30, 2013.

Pugh & Company CPA Barron Kennedy provided an audit report to the LaFollette Utility Board on Monday night.

“There were no issues of non-compliance,” said Barron Kennedy, a CPA for Pugh & Company. No issues of non-compliance means the utility company met state and federal requirements regarding financial statements and record keeping, according to LaFollette Utility General Manager Kenny Baird. Financial statements reported in the audit showed the electric system “continues to perform well financially, as does the water system,” Baird said.

 The audit showed the electric department side of the utility company had a net income increase of $1,823,826, which is a 6-percent sales increase over fiscal year 2012. Electric customers increased by 12 as opposed to the year before. Operating expenses, excluding purchased power expense, also increased on the electric side in the amount of $425,197.

 “Your operating cost, just like everyone’s went up this year and TVA is getting it,” said Pugh & Company representative Daniel Franklin.

“The problem is, when TVA raises it, the public thinks it is us,” said board member Frank Shaw.

“The cost is TVA driven and I think some of our customers are beginning to realize that,” Baird said.

General Manager Kenny Baird, right, shook hands with Pugh & Company CPA Barron Kennedy at the close of the LUB meeting, which was held on Monday night. CPA Daniel Franklin, center, was also present to provide the financial audit report.

On the water side of the utility department, the water department’s net income decreased by $130,770 as opposed to the previous fiscal year. Operating revenue increased by $212,775, while operating expenses increased by $239,923. Waste water once again showed a loss, despite a 12-percent increase in revenue, which equaled $186,000. This increase was due to the increased rate, but according to Kennedy, it was still not quite enough to offset the increase in expense, which went up by about $106,000.

“That rate increase was definitely needed, but I urge you to try a little harder towards breaking even on the waste water side or the state will come in and force a higher rate increase,” Franklin warned the board.

“The state will do it too,” agreed LUB Attorney Mike Hatmaker.

Another rate increase on the waste-water side was implemented in July, but that increase has not had much impact yet, according to Baird, who explained the above average rainy season had resulted in less water used over the summer than he projected. Projections were made using last year’s water usage numbers.

LaFollette Utility Board members listen as auditors from Pugh & Company out of Knoxville provide them with a financial audit report. The utility received a clean audit.

“We are making some progress in that department, however, we still struggle to cover the true costs of treating sewage and waste water, but we are trying to take matters in hand in a reasonable way without breaking the backs of the rate payers,” Baird said.

“It is not abnormal at all to suffer losses in waste water treatment; municipalities all over have to deal with it,” Franklin said.

 The next LUB meeting is on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.  (10/30/2013/6:00 AM - CHARLOTTE UNDERWOOD PIX)

Christmas Parade is December 7

     The 2013 Campbell County Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 7th @ 6pm. Please go to www.campbellchristmasparade.com for more information and registration in regards to the parade and to the Reindeer Games immediately following parade in Sergeant Park.

    There are many additions to the activities surrounding the parade this year in an attempt to raise funding.  Giving by sponsors is at an all time low and it’s been reflected as committee members have had to put personal money into the parade to keep it going. The committee plans to focus on the fundraising aspects of the parade and get it to a point where it is self-sufficient this year. This means some exciting additions to our community traditions.

   One returning hit is the Reindeer Games held in Sergeant Park immediately following the parade. The games are free to participate but if you wish for a booth to set up and sale your goods or outreach to the community it’s a $20 booth fee with first come first serve placement. Vendors are encouraged to offer candy, hot chocolate or host your own reindeer game with the children waiting in line to see Santa.   The committee hopes to encourage churches and civic organizations to participate in the Reindeer Games. Last year drew over 70 children to Sergeant Park for activities and free pictures with Santa and expects to double that this year. Santa also plans on story time to all children present at the time of his arrival to park.  Participants this year will be entertained with dancers, singers and a host of various other performances.  

      The next big thing is the implementation of Miss Campbell County. We will host the pageant Friday, December 6th at LaFollette Middle School Auditorium. There are 6 age groups and all crowned are encouraged to make a grand presence in the parade the following day. The parade committee has a prestigious lineup of judges for the event and all girls ages 2-18 are encouraged to participate.  All information regarding the pageant can be found on the parade website. There are some stipulations but it’s sure to be an exciting tradition to continue from this point forward. There is a $25 entry fee for Miss Campbell County

   “In Christmas Memory Of” bags will be sold for $5 each. The cut off date for purchasing your bag for this honor will be Thursday the 5th.  The bags will be set up, lit and lining the walkways during the Reindeer Games festivities for all to see. The bags can be left at the park after festivities or family members are welcome to take the bag home with them the night of Reindeer Games. All registration for this as well can be found on www.campbellchristmasparade.com. (10/28/2013/6:00 AM)  

Toys for Tots registration times set

      Mark your calendar.  The registration for children to benefit from Toys for Tots is Friday November 15 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 16 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. inside the Campbell County Courthouse in the downstairs lobby.  You must bring child’s social security card and or birth certificate. (6:00 AM 10/21/2013)

Cougar Roar by Jon & Tessa Terry

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Pioneer man recovering at UT Medical Center

     It was a tense 18-hours or so for a Campbell County man and his family.  Twenty-five year old Blake Douglas of Pioneer had not been seen since 11:00 p.m. Sunday when he left his home on a four-wheeler headed for Sand Gap Mountain in the Elk Valley area.  Family members told authorities that Douglas did not return home and did not show up for work on Monday at Southern Tube Form at Clinton adding that these actions alone were very uncharacteristic of him. 

Blake Douglas

A missing person’s report was called in to WLAF Monday afternoon around 4:00 p.m., and a search began.  In the meantime, members of Douglas’s family discovered his four-wheeler near Sand Gap Mountain.  A short time later, Douglas walked to his home on Key Lane in Pioneer. 

First responders described Douglas as suffering from fractured ribs and other injuries after learning he had been pinned underneath his four-wheeler all night and was eventually able to free himself and walk home. 

Just before 5:30 p.m., Lifestar landed at Elk Valley School and transported him to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  Douglas is listed in serious condition this morning in the hospital’s surgical critical care unit.  (10/29/2013/6:00 AM)

Council discusses appointment of interim city administrator

By Charlotte Underwood

Whether or not to appoint an interim city administrator while Billie Russell is on sick leave was briefly discussed during the La Follette City Council workshop held on Monday evening. Councilman Bob Fannon and Mayor Mike Stanfield said they felt the departments pretty much handled themselves and would be able to do so unless something specific came up.

“Or we can appoint one of our department heads like we did with Jimmy temporarily until Billie gets back,” Fannon said.

La Follette City Mayor Mike Stanfield said he felt that Billie Russell should be present before any grievances regarding her were discussed during the Monday evening workshop session.

“I think she’ll probably be back before long and I say just let it run itself,” Stanfield said.

Councilwoman Stephanie Grimm agreed, saying that if something needed to be moved around moneywise or purchased, then just call us and poll us.”

“Last time we appointed Terry (Sweat) and we didn’t have any problems,” Councilman Hansford Hatmaker said, adding that in his personal opinion Stan Foust or Johnny Byrge could be appointed as interim city administrator and that way there would be someone to handle any issues that may arise while Russell is gone.

“We can put it in their hands and if they can’t work something out then they can come to us. That way we would still be where we were at to start with but we’ve got someone who can pretty well be accountable for the rest of you,” Hatmaker said. He also pointed out that the mayor and council members could not serve as the interim city administrator.

The board agreed to place the item on the agenda for next week’s meeting.

Councilman Hansford Hatmaker, (right) and Bob Fannon, (left) discuss whether or not an interim city administrator should be appointed while Billie Russell is out on sick leave.

Shortly before the hour-long meetings close, Hatmaker brought up the topic of grievances regarding Russell.  Stanfield and Fannon both said they felt that Russell should be present for the discussion since the grievances involved her. Hatmaker, however disagreed, saying in his opinion, the grievances were not against Russell, but against the city’s policies and charter.  Stanfield said he did not feel it was right to discuss it without her present and left the workshop.

Other items discussed at the workshop included discussion regarding approximately $34,000 in funds raised from a surplus auction.

“Most of the stuff sold came from the police department and we haven’t even decided what to do with the money,” Stanfield said. City Treasurer Terry Sweat explained to the board that the majority of the money would have to go back into the police department.

“If it was DUI seized vehicles, that money will go into the general fund, and then drug seized vehicles go 100-percent into the drug fund,” Sweat said, adding that $17,250 would go into the drug fund. The figures and percentages will be broken down for the meeting.

The board also discussed the old post office being for sale. It was offered to the city for $150,000.  Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries spoke to the board about it, pointing out that the 911 board could possibly have a use for a larger building.

“That would be something to put to the 911 board,” Jeffries said.

Grimm asked the board members if the 911 board wasn’t interested in the building if the city could find other uses for it.

The main floor of the building is 5,000 square feet and also includes an upstairs and basement. Due to the building being a historical site, the front lobby cannot be remodeled, but everything else could be changed to fit the city’s needs.

“If 911 is not interested in this, what other options are there for the building?” asked Grimm.

“We could find a use for that building,” Stanfield said.

“With it being so close to our other properties, it’s not a bad price no matter what we do with it,” Hatmaker said.

The building’s owner said he had several other interested parties in the building, but that he had wanted to give the city first chance at the purchase.  The item was placed on the agenda for Tuesday.

Jeffries also spoke to the council and received permission to hire Mike Lawson part-time.

“He comes highly recommended and is paying his own way through police academy,” Jeffries told the board.

Street Department Head Jim Mullins also received permission from the board to apply for an STP matching grant that if received would be used to redo the sidewalk from Massachusetts Avenue to the middle school.  The grant would be for $90,000 and the city would have to provide $20,000.  The grant is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration guidelines and can only be used where they say it can be used, according to Mullins, who pointed out that it could not be used to pave city streets.

“We have been talking about doing this for years and we’re lucky no kids have been killed,” Stanfield said.

“Well, we have an opportunity to get it done,” Mullins said.

The board gave Mullins permission to proceed with the grant application.

The board also heard comments from a citizen regarding the need to have her road on South Tennessee Avenue paved. She told the board that she had lived at her house since 1999 and that the road had never been paved and was in terrible shape.

Grimm asked Mullins if he could have an estimate worked up to see what it would cost to have the street paved so the board could see the cost.

Announcements during the meetings close included:

-East LaFollette Baptist Church is selling Thanksgiving dinners on Nov. 7th for $7 a plate.

-Coats for the Cold donations are being sought. Coats new or in good condition can be taken to the First Methodist Church from 9 to 3 a.m. The distribution will be at the old East LaFollette School Nov. 14-15. (10/29/2013/6:00 AM)

Share your "teacher story" with us - Teacher Stories is featured here every Monday

     Eddie Jones, now retired and living in Brownwood, Texas, recalls West La Follette Elementary School teacher Edna Lambdin.  Do you have a favorite school teacher?  Who was the school teacher who influenced you the most?  Whether you’re 9 or 99, long story or short story, WLAF would love to hear and share your story.  Monday is Teacher Stories day on 1450wlaf.com.  Please send us your “teacher story” to wlaf@1450wlaf.com.  (10/28/2013/6:00 AM) 

Eddie Jones remembers Edna Lambdin

     I was very fortunate to have Mrs. Edna Lambdin for my first grade teacher.  Looking back, she gave me a really good start and introduction to school in the fall of 1961.  She helped this six-year old boy become comfortable with her, going to school, and getting to know the, I think, 30 other students in my class.  West La Follette School is where she taught, and I’ll always remember how good she was to all of the students.  The room was on the La Follette side of the school, and besides using the main door to enter the school, you could also come in a side door to her classroom.  Mrs. Lambdin taught me to write and read and really helped me to have a good foundation, because I excelled in the classroom and credit her for getting me started on the right foot.  Mrs. Lambdin has been gone for many years, but it is my hope that someone in Mrs. Lambdin’s family may read my story.   (10/28/2013/6:00 AM) 

Terry's Pharmacy is ready to help you with your Medicare questions

     Do you have Medicare questions?  The folks at Terry’s Pharmacy have answers.  The 2014 Medicare annual enrollment period is now through December 7.  Rissa and the staff at Terry’s Pharmacy can help you select the 2014 Medicare Prescription Plan that’s best for you.  The top five Medicare questions are:  What should I do and when should I do it?  Are you turning 65 or retiring?  Do you need “extra help” with prescription drug costs?  Do you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program such as:  QMB, SLMB or Medicaid/TennCare?  How important is it that I review my Medicare each year?  The staff at Terry’s Pharmacy is available on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays to answer your Medicare questions.  The telephone number at Terry’s Pharmacy is 423.562.4928. (10/28/2013/6:00 AM) 

County Commission Meeting from 10/21/13

 

 

Commission votes 15-0 to adopt Jackson Law

After three months of back and forth debate, public meetings and intense lobbying by residents of the Fifth District, it was all over in a matter of a few minutes Monday night, as the Campbell County Commission voted unanimously to adopt the so-called “Jackson Law” which gives county government a voice in whether to permit a landfill in its jurisdiction.

In this case, the proposed coal fly ash landfill near Westbourne had no supporters visible in the audience of around 80 people, and not one commissioner voting against the motion, made by Marie Ayers and seconded by Thomas Hatmaker, to adopt the Jackson Law.  All commissioners were present for the 15-0 vote, which stops the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation’s permitting process.

The next step in the drama rests with the landfill developers, Ketchen Land Company.  The company must now submit a proposal to the county commission instead of simply leaving the county on the sidelines as an observer in the TDEC permitting review.  If such a proposal is received, the county will schedule a public hearing to hear from both sides before voting on whether to grant or deny county approval.

If approval is given, the company’s permit application would continue being reviewed by the state.  If it is denied, the company’s only alternative would be to appeal the county decision in Chancery Court.

J.L. Davis complimented the citizens on their orderly behavior and presentation, a sentiment echoed later by Bob Walden.  Everyone present seemed to be sporting stickers reading “Vote Jackson,” but the only outburst occurred from the hearty applause after the unanimous vote was cast.

The remainder of the unusually short meeting was mostly taken up with routine business.  After some discussion, the commission voted unanimously to renew a five-year lease with the City of La Follette for the use of two rooms in the old West La Follette School for storage of public records. The $400/month cost also covers a staff person to help members of the public who want to gain access to the courthouse records.

Commissioners also confirmed a decision by the animal control committee to eliminate the rescue fee charged by the animal shelter for adopting animals, and received a report from Mayor William Baird on the status of the contract for operating courthouse vending machines.

Those machines were under contract to former Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Don Dilbeck, who maintained them and collected any profits.  Several vendors have expressed interest in bidding on the contract since Dilbeck retired, but Mayor Baird reported that the non-profit business group representing the blind has informed the county that it will assume responsibility and collect revenue from the machines.  State law requires that the blind be given first option on any contracts for operating vending machines in public buildings.

The commission also briefly discussed the notion of placing speed control devices (speed bumps) on some county roads.  Apparently Thomas Hatmaker had paid to place speed bumps on the road leading past his home while some residents of Landmark Road also paid out of their pockets to place speed breakers on that road.

In both cases, County Attorney Joe Coker pointed out, it is illegal for private citizens to alter a public road.  Hatmaker moved to suspend the rules and vote on a motion for the commission to authorize speed bumps if requested by the public, but some commissioners expressed misgivings about a process that would allow anyone who wished, to request speed bumps on county roads.  The motion to suspend the rules failed 9-6. (10/22/2013/6:00 AM) 

Joint Undercover Drug Investigation Reveals Alleged Drug Dealing Former Sheriff’s Son

              Billy Jack “Cotton” Kitts - Illegal Drug Activity Charged in Grand Jury Indictment

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announced today an arrest from a Campbell County Grand Jury Indictment. A joint undercover narcotics investigation by the 8th Judicial Drug Task Force and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, revealed the alleged sell and delivery of drugs by a former longtime and popular sheriff’s son. Billy Jack “Cotton” Kitts age 68, the son of former Sheriff Rose Kitts, was pursued and taken into custody after being indicted by a Campbell County Grand Jury for the sell and delivery of schedule 2 narcotics, just outside of La Follette at his residence in Pleasant Ridge, after an undercover drug investigation showed he delivered and sold narcotics.

Agents from the 8th Judicial Drug Task Force and Investigators from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office led an undercover sting that started a few months ago where “Cotton” Kitts illegally sold morphine.  “It is again sad and very apparent that someone’s family history and upbringing does not always fall in line as to what they are taught as children as to what they do as adults.

It’s unfortunate we see another sad case like this. We can say for certain that no matter who you are, how you were raised, where you live or what you do, we will investigate, pursue, arrest and prosecute anyone who takes illegal actions of selling narcotics and helps bury society and our young people deeper in a hole of death that we all know for sure drug addiction and drug dealing will lead them to.

We will not and cannot tolerate it.” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins.  Kitts remains in the county jail this evening on a $100,000 bond.     (10/21/2013/5:00 PM) 

Dagley leaves lasting impression on Powers

     When I attended La Follette High School from 1967 to 1971, I was very fortunate each year to have a teacher by the name of Jerry Dagley.  I had him for Algebra I as a freshman, Algebra II as a sophomore, Geometry as Junior, and Advanced Math when I was a Senior.  Mr. Dagley was a man of integrity who devoted his life to teaching and volunteered to be both a basketball coach and golf coach.  He knew a lot about basketball but little about golf.  That didn’t stop him, because we mainly needed someone to drive us to events.  We even talked him into ordering us white shoes, orange pants, and white shirts for the golf team.  We weren’t the best team, but we were the best dressed!  I’ll never forget one time in class, he made an error in a formula that he put on the board, and I pointed it out to him.  He said that was only the second mistake he ever made and asked the class if they knew what the first one was?  When I answered “becoming a teacher,” he cracked up.  He had a great sense of humor.  Of course, I was kidding, and it was definitely no mistake for him to be a teacher.  He dressed professionally, worked hard, and went out of his way to help us anytime we had difficulty.  He would meet us before, during, or after school to work with us on a math problem.  He even invited me and a friend to his home after we were in college to help us with a calculus problem.

     He was a Christian, but he didn’t have to tell us that – he lived it everyday.  He not only helped his students with math problems, but any problem they had in life.  Although, I am now 60-years old, I still refer to him as Mr. Dagley.  He earned that respect from all that knew him, and he epitomized what we all think of as “great teacher.”  Henry Adams once said, “A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.”  Mr. Dagley exemplifies that quote as he is still influencing many of us to this day.  State Representative Dennis Powers, Vice-Chariman of the Tennessee House Republican Caucus – State Capitol, Nashville(10/21/2013/6:00 AM)

Macy Caldwell & Riley Faulkner finish second place in state meet

Macy Caldwell just recently won the Knoxville Metro Area Cross Country Championship and today Macy battled for a state title placing second. Congratulations to her for a great season and representing Campbell County well. Macy attends Christian Academy of Campbell County. David Graham will have a complete wrap up of the state meet and all the local runners in this weeks sports report. In the elementary boys division Riley Faulkner also was a second place finisher. No photo available.(updated10:00 AM 10/20/2013)

Isaiah Project 58

     Isaiah 58 Project, an outreach ministry of Restoration International Outreach (RIO) in Maryville, is partnering with several local churches for a food giveaway on Saturday, October 26th at Wynn School. Food boxes will be given out beginning at 9:00 a.m.

     Several local churches or ministries are participating, including: Fincastle Church of God, Habersham Baptist Church, Jellico Highway Church of God, New Life Ministry Center, Stanfield Church of God, The Stand and White Oak Church of God.

     Food boxes are limited to one (1) per family and two (2)  per vehicle to ensure as many families as possible are served.  For more information call Bob Walden at 865-809-1879.  To learn more about Isaiah 58 Project, go online to: www.isaiah58project.org (updated11:00 AM 10/19/2013)

Orange barrels all around town as LaFollette improves the sewer system

(Charlie Hutson PIX 10/19/2013)

Toys For Tots

      Toys for Tots bake sale is Saturday Oct 19th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Wal-Mart. The registration for children to benefit will be Friday Nov 15th  9 – 5 pm & Sat Nov 16th 9 am -2 pm in the Campbell County Courthouse downstairs lobby.  You must bring child’s social security card and or birth certificate. (11:30 AM 10/18/2013)

LaFollette Loses a Valued Educator

     Beloved former educator Nancy Leach (East LaFollette Elementary) passed away after battling illness for over a year. She was greatly admired and her students loved her. Nancy was born in Speedwell on September 10, 1939 to the late French Earl and Emma Jenness Miller Rogers.  She lived her entire life in Speedwell where many refer to “God’s Country” because of its exquisite beauty.

 She was an active and lifelong member of Cawood United Methodist Church in Speedwell where she served as church secretary and treasurer for the past 30 years. She retired from the Campbell County School System after 35 years of teaching at East LaFollette Elementary as a beloved third grade teacher.  She was a 1961 graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and received her Master’s degree in 1983 from The University of Tennessee Knoxville.   Nancy was active in the LMU Alumni Association and served on the board for several years and volunteered many hours of service at LMU.  She was named 2010 LMU Volunteer of the Year and just recently the award given each year was named in her honor. The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 20, 2013 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Cross-Smith Funeral Home, LaFollette with a Celebration of Life Service to follow in the Cross-Smith Chapel at 7:00 pm.  Pastor Keith Hampson and Pastor Ronnie Mutter to officiate.  Family & friends will meet for Graveside services on Monday, October 21 at 12 Noon Beeler Cemetery in Speedwell.

In lieu of flowers, her wishes were memorial contributions be made to Cawood United Methodist Church, 4557 Old Highway 63, Speedwell, TN 37870

(11:10 PM 10/18/2013)

You have Medicare questions, Terry’s Pharmacy has answers 

     Do you have Medicare questions?  The folks at Terry’s Pharmacy have answers.  The 2014 Medicare annual enrollment period is now through December 7.  Rissa and the staff at Terry’s Pharmacy can help you select the 2014 Medicare Prescription Plan that’s best for you.  The top five Medicare questions are:  What should I do and when should I do it?  Are you turning 65 or retiring?  Do you need “extra help” with prescription drug costs?  Do you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program such as:  QMB, SLMB or Medicaid/TennCare?  How important is it that I review my Medicare each year?  The staff at Terry’s Pharmacy is available on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays to answer your Medicare questions.  The telephone number at Terry’s Pharmacy is 423.562.4928.

           Here’s the sheriff’s 90-day report

 Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that this past month has been accomplished with challenges, but with predictable rewards on the horizon.  With the loss of Brandon Elkins to the Tennessee Bureau of investigation, Goins says that he and his department will quickly move forward, and that he’s proud to announce the promotion of two of their most dedicated, experienced and highly motivated people in my office.   Join me in congratulating our new patrol and training Captain Jeremy Goins and our new supervisor for the Criminal Investigation and Drug Investigation Divisions Lieutenant John Long

     Below is the total number of calls for service and the specific 10-Code calls that were entered by the 911 Center.  As an office, the Sheriff’s Department responded to 3,350 calls for service that have been entered, in the previous 90 days.

Calls for Service

Animal Calls                              84                            Attempted Suicide                    13
Escorts                                     248                          Suicide                                      2
Civil Process                             35                            Harassment/Threats                   86
Noise Complaints                       32                           Trespassing                              15
Vandalism                                 60                            ATV Complaints                        43
Wanted Checks                         95                            B&E Business                            6
Child Custody                            39                            B&E Residence                         84        
Neighbor/Property Disputes        20                             B&E Vehicle                             12
Shootings                                  4                              Shoplifter                                  11
Runaway Juveniles                     5                               Fraud/Forgery                           19
Missing Persons                        19                             Fire                                           41
Alarms                                      189                           Stolen/Lost Property                163   

Reporting at Station                     00                           Message Delivery                       00
Stolen Vehicles                           33                            Juvenile Problem                         3         
Property Damage Crashes          142                            Traffic Stops                            465
Crashes w/ Injury                       60                              Officer Assistance Calls             27        
Drunk/Drugged Driving                27                              Domestic Dispute                     130
Armed Robbery                         00                               Drug Traffic                                48
Hit and Run                               15                               Disturbance                               95
Prowler                                    33                                 Assault                                    30
Welfare Check                           92                               Sick/Injured Person                   78
Public Drunk                              7                                 Child Abuse                               2
Fight Calls                                 13                               Indecent Exposure                      1
Suspicious Person/Vehicle         304                              911 Hang Up                              2
Dead Body                                18                                Extra Patrol Calls                     55
Haz-Mat Situation                      00
Mental Person                           9
Property Check                        25

The total number of arrest for the months of:

July:     101    August: 100    September: 76…90 day total: 277

Total Civil Process Served for the 90 day period:   1,107

The sheriff recognizes the hard work of the following individuals for their number of arrests for the reporting period:  Franklin Ayers 23 arrests, Travis Bostic 21 arrests, Matt Dople 16 arrests, Cody Chapman 12 arrests and Gary Jeffers with 12 arrests.  Sheriff Goins also commends Franklin Ayers for leading the patrol division with 23 arrests.

Highlights of additional progress & activities for the Sheriff’s Office in the previous 90 days         

July – Our School Resource Officer Division attend the Blount County Sheriff’s Office SRO Training

July - Captain Jeremy Goins, Sergeant Freddie Stagnolia and Sergeant Matt Wasson attended the POST Rules and Regulations Class in Knoxville, TN.

August - Sergeant Ken Daugherty, Detective Josh Carroll and Sergeant Freddie White attend Bomb Recognition School hosted by New Mexico Tech University in Greeneville, TN

September - Deputy Ty Daugherty, Deputy Josh Jeffers and Deputy Shane Wolfenbarger attend Field Training Officer School in Roane County, TN.

September - Deputy Travis Bostic attend Instructor Development School in Roane County, Tennessee

September - Sergeant Freddie White attend Meth Site Safety School in Bell Buckle, TN

September -  Sergeant Ken Daugherty attend Sirche Crime Scene Technician School in North Carolina.

September -  Captain Jeremy Goins, Sergeant Matt Wasson and Sergeant Ken Daugherty conducted safety training for the Campbell County School System.

September -  Deputy’s with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office attend training hosted by the 8th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.

             The last 90 days have been a time of transition in the Criminal Investigation Division.  During the last 90 days CID has handled 191 cases and the Drug Investigation Unit has completed 15 undercover buys. CID and DID has written and participated in several search warrants inside of the county which has led to the seizure of approximately $20,000 in vehicles and currency. The DID unit has also been assisting the Joint Methamphetamine Task Force with their investigation during this quarter. Our efforts have led to the indictments of 5 in 90 days. Further, the division has solved cases resulting in the arrest of 77 individuals for various criminal offenses.  The great majority of cases assigned have been felony offenses, and have taken hours of hard work in solving. Some of the notable offenses include:

·         4 burglaries

·         7 aggravated burglaries

·         16 thefts under $500.00

·         10 thefts over $500.00

·         22 thefts over $1000.00

·         2 thefts of property $10,000

·         3 Introductions of contraband into a penal facility

·         12 for the sell and delivery of scheduled narcotics

I would like to welcome both Josh Carroll and James Skeans into our division. They have already contributed greatly to our success.

Board Bill Projections:     June: $73,149               July: $74,296                August: $94,202           

White Male Inmates: 114         Black Male Inmates: 1    Other Male Inmates: 2    Total: 117

White Female Inmates: 45       Black Female: 0             none                             Total: 45

Male Inmates: 72.22%             Females: 27.78%            White: 98.15%           Black: .62%          Other: 1.23%

Total Inmates: 162

Average Age Male: 35    Average Age Female: 31

Average Number of days in Jail:  121             Total Inmates that have been in jail prior: 154

90 Days Evaluated for this average and purpose:

Average daily inmate count:                    165

Highest Daily count in 92 days:   198

Lowest Daily County:                             144

Average Inmate meal cost for the months of July, August and September

July:                             14,778 meals served- $1.02 cents/meal- $1.21 with bread and milk

August:                         16,505 meals served- $.80 cents/meal- $1.01 with bread and milk

September:                   15,325 meals served- $.90 cents/meal- $1.13 with bread and milk

       3 month average: 15,536 meals served:           $.91 cents/meal- $1.12 with bread and milk

 (NOON 10/15/2013) 

Cougars keep climbing the rankings ladder

     The Beech Buccaneers of Hendersonville lost their game on Friday night while the Campbell Cougars won 35-28 at Gibbs.  As a result, CCHS moves up one spot in this week’s Associated Press 5-A High School Football Top 10 Poll.  Campbell is 6th while Beech slips to 9th. 

The Henry County Patriots in Paris sit atop the poll at a perfect 8 & 0, the only unbeaten team in this week’s 5-A rankings.  Knoxville West is 2nd, Ooltewah follows, then it’s East Hamilton and Anderson (5th), Campbell in the number six slot, Cleveland, Oak Ridge, Beech, and Rhea County round out the Top Ten.  The Cougars do not have a game scheduled Friday night but return to action on October 25 in their final regular season home game of the season as Karns comes to town.  WLAF has all the coverage. (6:00 AM 10/15/2013)

Caryville Meeting for Monday, October 14, 2013

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WLAF features "teacher stories" every Monday right here - send us yours  

     Today's "Teacher Stories" features a story from local business owner, Deborah Pemberton.  Deborah & Company is the name of her beauty salon which is located at the corner of East Beech Street and South Indiana Avenue.  Do you have a favorite school teacher?  Who was the school teacher who influenced you the most?  WLAF's new weekly feature that showcases your “teacher story” began this morning.  Whether you’re 9 or 99, long story or short story, WLAF would love to hear and share your story.  Monday is Teacher Stories day on 1450wlaf.com.  Please send us your “teacher story” to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (10/14/2013/6:00 AM)

Teachers Maggie Longmire & Jane Rasnake are featured today

     When thinking of who my favorite teacher would be, two excellent ladies come to mind, schoolteachers, mentors, both fit the bill to a T!  Maggie Longmire, whom I had the pleasure of having for my first grade teacher at Coolidge Elementary all those years ago, she was always kind, concerned with the well being of her students, didn't hesitate to dole out the hugs when needed. 
     My other candidate would be Jane Rasnake, whom I had the pleasure of spending 3 years in her home economics class, she honed our culinary skills  as well as our seamstress talents, hovering over our shoulders as we worked, checking each pot or stitch, quick to catch our mistakes, making sure we did it right the first time~ preparing us to never go hungry nor without clothing in any life-stage we may encounter in our adult life!
  Deborah Pemberton

East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair is now open

WLAF welcomes a new business to downtown LaFollette in East Tennessee Boat & Truck Repair with Josh Goins and Janelle Everett the owner/operators. They are located in the Old BP (Wayne`s Gulf) Station on North Tennessee Ave and it`s Grand Opening time for them and they welcome everyone to stop in and visit and for sure get a quote on your next mechanical or detailing need.

Owners Josh Goins and Janell Everett welcome you

Josh has over 15 years experience in auto, & diesel engine repair and worked on vehicles all around the world by way of providing services as a merchant marine.  Among his many customers is one you may have heard of ‘The Star of Knoxville” riverboat.

 Grand Opening is going on now but Josh says each day is grand when he pleases a customer and gets them back up and going and by providing the “best prices in town” he says they usually always come back. In addition to the best prices, Josh says he is open 24 hours a day. He explains that there are times when your vehicle may break down and it’s not business hours or on weekends and you may need it quickly. In those cases one phone call and Josh says he will get you back on the road or on the lake.

Grand Opening Special right now is boat and RV winterization. Take it to him or if needed he will assist you and come pick it up and Josh is proud to notify everyone to expect his best rate of $40 hour.(10/08/2013 - 11:00 AM)

                       

Join Tony Basilio Saturday nights at 11:00 over 1450 WLAF AND WLAF-TV 12

Presented by these outstanding corporate partners:

B & M Tires - Joe Whited & Benny Roberts

Jeff Sweat Investment Services

Holston Gases

Pop’s Wine & Liquor

Doug Boshear's Paving

David Rutherford's All-Star Awards

Valley Roofing

Paul Construction

My Secret Closet

Kash & Karry Building Supply

Minton's Tire & Service Center

Beltone Hearing Aids

KP's BBQ Catering with Keith Phillips

            

La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED 10/14/2013)

A couple of hundred jobs coming to Caryville

By Charlotte Underwood

At the Monday evening Caryville Mayor and Alderman meeting, Mayor Chris Stanley announced that around 250 jobs will be coming to Caryville this fall after a body armor manufacturer from Indiana opens up in the old PACA building.

"This is a big catch for Caryville and we are very fortunate to have it come our way," the mayor said, adding that the company had already signed the lease and hoped to be in business by November.

"We are very excited; it’s a big win for Caryville. They have even said they hope to expand and have as many as 350 people working eventually," Chris Stanley said, adding that he would announce more about the incoming business as the plans developed.

The board also briefly discussed an ordinance that once passed, will establish standards for distilleries, micro-breweries and wineries as mandated by the state.

“Some of you may have heard the buzz about the micro-breweries. From what I understand about how this came about, is that someone in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg brought this up about distillery rights and won a court case, so now there can be micro-breweries, distilleries and wineries in any town that has liquor,” Chris Stanley said, adding that the town had no choice in the matter and that it had never been put on a ballot.

“We can’t vote no or anything, this is state mandated.  All we have control over is where they can be put,” the mayor said, adding the only place distilleries would be allowed was in the industrial area. The matter was tabled until Thursday night at 6 p.m. during a special-called zoning and planning commission meeting.  As of the meeting on Monday evening, no one had inquired about establishing a distillery, micro-brewery or winery in Caryville, according to the mayor.

The board of alderman also held the second reading of an ordinance which amended the annual operating budget for fiscal year 2012-2013 and the first reading of an ordinance amending the budget for fiscal year 2013-2014.

Caryville Alderman Glenn Smith announced a special-called zoning and planning commission meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.

The mayor and alderman accepted a bid from Lindsay’s Truck Sales in Lexington, Kentucky, in the amount of $16,049 for a 2006 Ford F350 extended cab, four-wheel drive truck for the fire department. There had been $20,000 in the budget for the purchase of a truck, according to Chris Stanley. The fire department plans to use the remaining $4,000 on equipping the truck.

A quote from Morton Salt Inc. was also approved for 25 tons of salt at $78.25 a ton to be purchased by the town.

The police department received approval to apply for a GHSO grant in the amount of $5,000 and the board also approved Open Arms Ministry to hold a road block on Dec. 6th to raise funds.  Should there be inclement weather; the alternate date is Dec. 20th.

Board members approved payment of $1,810 to Sweat’s Wrecker Service for storage of a police car that had been wrecked and kept at the wrecker’s impound.

“This has already been paid to us by our insurance, so now we just have to pay them,” the mayor said. Other bills paid during the meeting included $1,210 to Auto-Graphics for tech support at the library. The tech support covers the circulation system and the online catalog system as well.

The Caryville Mayor and board of Aldermen discuss business on Monday evening during the regularly scheduled meeting.

Final business concluded was the board’s approval for Alderman Mark Stanley to pursue getting estimates to have the fence repaired and moved at Asbury Park. Mark Stanley said he would report his findings to the board at the next meeting. Part of the fence had been knocked down after being struck during an auto accident.

The mayor also announced there would be a Trunk or Treat held at Cade Sexton Ball Field on Halloween night from 5 to 7 p.m.

“This will give the kids a safe and clean environment to trick or treat in,” Chris Stanley said. (6:00 AM 10/15/2013)

Commissioners hear from packed house opposed to coal ash landfill

If county commissioners had any lingering doubts about how residents of the Fifth District feel about the proposed coal ash landfill in Westbourne, those doubts were put to rest at Monday night’s workshop, as an overflow crowd of over 125 people expressed their fears for what the landfill could do to their community and the county as a whole.

Jim Bolton was the first resident to speak to the commission, reminding them about the damage caused by the fly ash spill at Kingston, the fact that the mountain where the proposed landfill would be located is “honeycombed” with old mines and that many people rely on drinking water from wells that could be affected.

Commissioners hear from packed house opposed to coal ash landfill

If county commissioners had any lingering doubts about how residents of the Fifth District feel about the proposed coal ash landfill in Westbourne, those doubts were put to rest at Monday night’s workshop, as an overflow crowd of over 125 people expressed their fears for what the landfill could do to their community and the county as a whole.

Jim Bolton was the first resident to speak to the commission, reminding them about the damage caused by the fly ash spill at Kingston, the fact that the mountain where the proposed landfill would be located is “honeycombed” with old mines and that many people rely on drinking water from wells that could be affected.

He showed commissioners a photo of a home damaged in the Kingston spill and said, “I wouldn’t want this to happen to you. I’m begging you for your votes so it doesn’t happen to us.”

“The company says fly ash is harmless. If that’s true, why didn’t they plant gardens on top of that spill instead of spending millions to clean it up?” Bolton asked.

Jennifer Hoffman lives in Demory but emphasized that everyone will be impacted in one way or another if the landfill is allowed. “The amount of ash that the land company proposes to bring in would bury 281 football fields to a depth of 100 feet,” Hoffman pointed out.

She also read commissioners a statement from EPA that says plastic liners will always fail with time, either through accidental damage or natural deterioration. “One coal ash landfill in Illinois cost $80 million from county funds and the site still had to be declared a federal superfund site,” Hoffman pointed out.

She also reminded commissioners about the underground mines in the Westbourne area and pointed out that in 2000, a fly ash dump in Martin County, Kentucky, collapsed into an old underground mine, filled the mine tunnels with waste and poured out all of the mine openings into streams and communities.

Campbell County has given a lot of coal to the country. We don’t need the waste to be what comes back,” Tom Chadwell added.

One unidentified young woman circulated a photo of her child. “Our children are our greatest concern. The railroad hauling all that ash will go right by my home,” she said.

Each speaker’s comments were accompanied by loud applause from the audience. The one missing factor at this workshop were representatives of Ketchen Land Company and Davis Creek Energy. Unlike previous commission meetings, company spokesmen were nowhere to be seen on Monday night.

“I added the Jackson Law to the agenda last month and want to do so again,” Marie Ayers said, adding that she appreciated all the phone calls and emails that “helped clear up my questions.”

Sue Nance added her name to Ayers’ as requesting the Jackson Law to be placed on the agenda for next Monday’s regular meeting.  Last month, commissioners fell one vote short of the two-thirds majority required to give local government primary responsibility for permitting new landfills.

Beverly Hall and Bob Walden also told the audience that they could count on their support, while Alvin Evans added, “None of the Fifth District commissioners said anything, but we all support you.”

Rusty Orick, who voted against adopting the Jackson Law last month, asked that the county once again open discussions with Clear Fork Utility District about extending public water lines into the Westbourne area.

The OSM grant that was available would have covered the cost of constructing the lines but the utility board declined to take on the project because maintenance of the lines and depreciation would force their existing ratepayers to pay higher rates, Finance Director Jeff Marlow explained.

Terry Singley suggested looking at a larger project that would run the water lines through Morley and include a larger number of new customers.

The large crowd slowly dispersed following the workshop, most promising to return next week to watch as commissioners again vote on adopting local control of the landfill permitting process.  The regular monthly meeting of the county commission is next Monday at 6:00 at the courthouse at Jacksboro. (6:00 AM 10/15/2013)

Only 3 boot camps left - Tuesday is "job search boot camp day" at Clinton

Job seekers may get no-cost expert advice today and every Tuesday in October at Roane State Community College’s Clinton Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility.  A Job Search Boot Camp is held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on October 15, 22, and Oct. 29 at the facility, 214 Nave Street.  That’s near the fairgrounds.  Anyone is invited to stop by, complete a sample job application, go through a mock interview, have their resume reviewed and get feedback and job search advice from Roane State career experts. 

“We focus on placing students in jobs every semester,” said Kim Harris, Roane State director of workforce training and job placement. “Because we work closely with employers, we know what makes candidates stand out during the interview process. We invite everyone to come by and take advantage of a chance to learn crucial skills that can help them get their foot in the door when they are looking for a job.”  No appointment is needed. Job seekers are welcome to stop by the Clinton Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility anytime between 3:30-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in October.  Annie Smith went through Roane State’s job skills training as a student in the college’s Advanced Materials Training and Education Center. She is now a production associate at DENSO.  “Roane State career experts showed us how to present ourselves in the best possible way,” Smith said.  “You are not as nervous when you talk to employers because you are so prepared. I’m sure it made a difference in my job search.”  For more information, call (865) 354-3000 ext. 4764 or email workforce@roanestate.edu. (10/14/2013 - 6:00 AM)

Teachers Maggie Longmire & Jane Rasnake are featured today

     When thinking of who my favorite teacher would be, two excellent ladies come to mind, schoolteachers, mentors, both fit the bill to a T!  Maggie Longmire, whom I had the pleasure of having for my first grade teacher at Coolidge Elementary all those years ago, she was always kind, concerned with the well being of her students, didn't hesitate to dole out the hugs when needed. 
     My other candidate would be Jane Rasnake, whom I had the pleasure of spending 3 years in her home economics class, she honed our culinary skills  as well as our seamstress talents, hovering over our shoulders as we worked, checking each pot or stitch, quick to catch our mistakes, making sure we did it right the first time~ preparing us to never go hungry nor without clothing in any life-stage we may encounter in our adult life!
  Deborah Pemberton

State-bound Caldwell leads local harriers to championship meet

     State cross country championships are for the taking for local runners.  Campbell County is sending three runners to next weekend’s state cross country meet at Knoxville.  With Macy Caldwell, Riley Faulkner, and Abby Foster in the mix, championship possibilities loom for these elementary school student-athletes.   

 

Upstart CACC wins third

     The Christian Academy Warriors are winning games against teams in their small division as well over teams in the large division.  The Academy squad is fresh off a Tuesday win over large division member Jacksboro.  On Thursday night at White Oak, CACC raised its record to 3 -1 by winning over the Wildcats 40 to 16.  Coach Vic King’s Warriors broke open a tight game early with defensive pressure as CACC forced numerous turnovers en-route to building a sizeable lead.   Will Paul, out with illness last week, proved to be back at full speed as he paced the Warriers with 17 points followed  by Parker Troutman with 8 and Joseph Howard’s 7.  Defense proved to be the difference as Howard locked down on White Oak’s leading scorer holding him to 4 points on the night.  John Arnold dominated the paint for the Warriors with 16 rebounds.

CACC’s box score totals include Paul 17, Troutman 8, Howard 7, Zach Mysliwiec 4, John
Allen Arnold 2, & Justin Polland 2.  Brandon Kennedy was White Oak’s leading scorer with 10.
(8:00 AM 10/11/2013)

     Fields of Faith event draws a crowd to CCHS

By Charlotte Underwood

Campbell County joined thousands of other groups across the nation on Wednesday evening with its third annual Fields of Faith event. Hundreds of people attended the event, packing the Campbell County High School Football Field bleachers nearly full.

Designed to be a “peer to peer ministry”, the event has continued to grow each year, according to co-organizer Brian Miracle, who is also the Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor for the high school, as well as the assistant baseball coach.

Last year’s event drew a crowd of over 1,500 and Miracle said he expects numbers were higher this year. Campbell County’s event is among the largest Fields of Faith events held in the state, according to Miracle.

The event is sponsored by multiple churches in the area and is spearheaded by Campbell County Youth Leader Alliance and the CCHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“Though it is designed as a peer to peer ministry for students especially, here in Campbell County we like to make it a community-wide event open to everyone,” Miracle said, adding the event sought to reach out to people of all ages, from “zero to 100”.

Former Vol football player Inky Johnson  (CHARLOTTE UNDERWOOD PIX)

Guest speaker for the event was former University of Tennessee Football player Inky Johnson. He shared his story of perseverance and faith, recalling his youth growing up in Atlanta, Ga., in a crowded two-bedroom home that housed 14 family members. He spoke of the importance of believing in oneself and following dreams while he encouraged the audience to “go out and get it.”

“You can measure the height of a person and you can measure the weight of a person, but you can never measure the heart of a person. Work hard, envision what you want and go out and achieve it,” Johnson said to a roaring audience of students and parents alike.

The crowd also heard student testimonials from Hayley Bates, Jacob Wallace and Victoria McCullah, as well as a testimonial from CCHS Coach Justin Price.

Calling Glory performs  (CHARLOTTE UNDERWOOD PIX)

Christian artists Calling Glory kept the crowd entertained, performing worship and faith-based songs throughout the program.

Miracle said he wanted to thank all of the many sponsors that helped to make the event possible, especially the “20 churches that tore down denominational walls to help the event come together.”  (6:00 AM 10/09/2013)

A HUGE THANK YOU

FROM THE PINK P.A.L.S – BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP OF CAMPBELL COUNTY

“PAINT THE TOWN PINK”

Thank you to all the Health Vendors that participated by setting up booths about their health facility.

Thank you to all the community Merchants who donated food items, prize items and decorated their store front windows.

Thanks to WLAF & The LaFollette Press for advertising the event.

Thank you to City of LaFollette, LaFollette Public Works, LaFollette Police Dept., LaFollette Fire Department, The LaFollette Community Center and Community Volunteers,Terry Miller & Ricky Daugherty.  This includes hanging balloons & cancer symbols, painting cancer symbols on the streets and the set up and cleanup of the downtown park.

Thanks to the Campbell County High School Art Department Students that painted cancer symbols on the road- Shelby Maiden & Amber Allan. Great Job Girls!

Thanks to New Liberty Singers (Danny & Debbie Lawson & Johnny Seals), Andy Miller, Earl & Linda England & Mildred Clogio that were so gracious to provide their time to sing at this so important event for our Community.

THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT WORE PINK THAT DAY IN OBSERVANCE OF OCTOBER BEING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

We Really Appreciate Everyone’s Support!!!  (6:00 AM 10/09/2013)

Photos below are courtesy of "The Saint"...Joey St. John

Krey Carson mans the T-shirt gun

Fields of Faith crowd

Inky Johnson visits with the La Follette Owl football team Wednesday afternoon

School Board votes to cancel virtual school contract

The Campbell County School Board closed the door on the stalled virtual school program Tuesday night, voting unanimously to notify K12, Inc. that Campbell County intends to cancel the contract with that firm to operate an online school for grades K-12. The board had once hoped the online academy would bring in needed revenue for expanding school security, but the application was rejected by state officials.

Chairman Rector Miller reported that he had a discussion last week with Kathleen Earnhardt with the State of Tennessee.  “She said that you can have the virtual school but can’t enroll kids across the state,” Miller reported, adding, “She’s not a fan and doesn’t want it to exist.”

Eugene Lawson then made a motion to cancel plans for the virtual school, but Finance Director Jeff Marlow pointed out that the Board of Education had signed a contract with K12.

“There is a cancellation clause, but you need to give K12 appropriate notice before canceling the contract,” Marlow advised.

“We need to think of what’s best for our students. The Department of Education does not have to approve this and won’t because of the low test scores,” Miller added, referring to the failure of students in K12’s online school in Union County to meet test score standards

Lawson changed his motion to withdraw from the contract with K12 after appropriate notice has been given, and the board voted unanimously in favor of ending the effort to become the second county school system to host an online school.

The board also received a report from attorney Dail Cantrell regarding the county commission’s decision last month to remove Chairman Miller from the Financial Management Committee and appoint a fourth commissioner instead.

Cantrell, who was absent, sent a message to the board that the resolution calling for the board chairman to automatically be on the FMS Committee was not binding. The commission, according to Cantrell, acted inappropriately in removing Miller’s name from a list of nominees without first retracting that resolution. In the end, however, Cantrell said the county commission has the power to appoint whoever they wish to the four seats that are not mandated by state law.

“It’s hard for me to talk objectively since I would sit on the committee, but regardless of who it is, the board chairman should be a part of that committee,” Miller added.

“With the school system representing 55 percent of the county’s budget, you would think that we would deserve more representation,” Lawson concluded.   (10/09/2013)

CCAC wins again

     Christian Academy of Campbell County upsets Jacksboro in basketball on Tuesday night.  The Warriors nipped the Eagles at the Jacksboro Elementary School gymnasium 32 to 30.  (10/09/2013)

State-bound Caldwell leads local harriers to championship meet

     State cross country championships are for the taking for local runners.  Campbell County is sending three runners to next weekend’s state cross country meet at Knoxville.  With Macy Caldwell, Riley Faulkner, and Abby Foster in the mix, championship possibilities loom for these elementary school student-athletes. 

Caldwell's been first to the finish line all season

Caldwell, a 4th grader at Christian Academy of Campbell County, finished first in all five of this season’s meets including Monday’s Knox Metro Elementary Division Championship.  She came in first yesterday out of a field of 298 girls and will compete in next weekend’s (10/19) state cross country meet at Victor Ashe Park in northwest Knoxville Caldwell was way ahead of the pack, like in many of her races, and finished with a time of 6:10.  Another Campbell Countian, Abby Foster, who is home schooled, is also on her way to the state meet.  Foster finished 14th in Monday’s event.  Campbell County is also represented in the state cross country championships in the boys division.  Riley Faulkner of Jacksboro Elementary School ran a second-place time of 5:40 yesterday afternoon coming in six-seconds after the winning runner.(10/08/2013 - 1:00 PM)

East Tennessee Boat and Truck Repair is now open

WLAF welcomes a new business to downtown LaFollette in East Tennessee Boat & Truck Repair with Josh Goins and Janelle Everett the owner/operators. They are located in the Old BP (Wayne`s Gulf) Station on North Tennessee Ave and it`s Grand Opening time for them and they welcome everyone to stop in and visit and for sure get a quote on your next mechanical or detailing need.

Owners Josh Goins and Janell Everett welcome you

Josh has over 15 years experience in auto, & diesel engine repair and worked on vehicles all around the world by way of providing services as a merchant marine.  Among his many customers is one you may have heard of ‘The Star of Knoxville” riverboat.

 Grand Opening is going on now but Josh says each day is grand when he pleases a customer and gets them back up and going and by providing the “best prices in town” he says they usually always come back. In addition to the best prices, Josh says he is open 24 hours a day. He explains that there are times when your vehicle may break down and it’s not business hours or on weekends and you may need it quickly. In those cases one phone call and Josh says he will get you back on the road or on the lake.

Grand Opening Special right now is boat and RV winterization. Take it to him or if needed he will assist you and come pick it up and Josh is proud to notify everyone to expect his best rate of $40 hour.(10/08/2013 - 11:00 AM)

Johnson’s jailed again – this time in Kentucky

     You may recognize this picture of Randall Scott Johnson from last spring.  It was taken back in April after a chemical flash burn injured his face, neck, arms, and hands.  The injuries were a result of a meth lab explosion in an outbuilding at La Follette.  The outbuilding caught fire and damaged a large amount of siding on his mother’s mobile home on College Hill Road.  Johnson told investigators he was trying a new way of making meth when his concoction exploded. 

Last Thursday, Middlesboro Police arrested the now 39-year old Johnson also on meth charges.  Reports coming in to WLAF are that police acted on a tip that Johnson was in the Middlesboro Kroger attempting to shoplift lithium batteries and trying to buy pseudoephedrine.  The report details that police eventually pulled Johnson over in his car in the Middlesboro Walmart parking lot and found a burned light bulb that appeared to be used to smoke meth.  Johnson allegedly attempted to chew up a coffee filter that tested positive for meth.  Items in Johnson’s pockets tested positive for meth.  He was taken into custody and remains in the Bell County Jail at Pineville this morning under a 10-thousand dollar bond.  Among Johnson’s charges are tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance.(10/08/2013 - 6:00 AM)

Tuesday is "job search boot camp day" at Clinton

Job seekers may get no-cost expert advice today and every Tuesday in October at Roane State Community College’s Clinton Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility.  A Job Search Boot Camp is held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on October 15, 22, and Oct. 29 at the facility, 214 Nave Street.  That’s near the fairgrounds.  Anyone is invited to stop by, complete a sample job application, go through a mock interview, have their resume reviewed and get feedback and job search advice from Roane State career experts. 

“We focus on placing students in jobs every semester,” said Kim Harris, Roane State director of workforce training and job placement. “Because we work closely with employers, we know what makes candidates stand out during the interview process. We invite everyone to come by and take advantage of a chance to learn crucial skills that can help them get their foot in the door when they are looking for a job.”  No appointment is needed. Job seekers are welcome to stop by the Clinton Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility anytime between 3:30-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in October.  Annie Smith went through Roane State’s job skills training as a student in the college’s Advanced Materials Training and Education Center. She is now a production associate at DENSO.  “Roane State career experts showed us how to present ourselves in the best possible way,” Smith said.  “You are not as nervous when you talk to employers because you are so prepared. I’m sure it made a difference in my job search.”  For more information, call (865) 354-3000 ext. 4764 or email workforce@roanestate.edu. (10/08/2013 - 6:00 PM)

Broyles’ troubles continue

     As if Angleen Broyles’ troubles from a couple of weeks ago weren’t enough, the veteran school teacher faces another charge.  The 55-year old Broyles was initially charged on September 26, while in her classroom Campbell County High School, with public intoxication and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance.  Her court appearance was last Friday.  That’s where more woes for her come about.  Police say that when Broyles was attempting to park in front of the courthouse, she hit another car.  Officers charged her with driving under the influence.  It’s her second DUI offense.  After spending the weekend in the county jail, Broyles was released this afternoon on a $3,000 bond.(10/07/2013-4:00 PM)

1st Baptist Church of La Follette October 6, 2013

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Campbell vs. Oak Ridge October 4, 2013  >

Final Score: Campbell County Cougars 27 - Oak Ridge Wildcats 14

Head Coach Justin Price

The long journey to a win over Oak Ridge began in 1975

     The scoreboard is staying on all night at Dossett Stadium.  Guest 14.  Home 27.  Only fitting.  Don’t you think?  No one wanted to leave the stadium.  And with good reason as they soaked it all up on a most special evening.  On the 28th try and in its 39th season of football, the Campbell Cougars finally defeated Oak Ridge.  I was there.  There at Blankenship Field as an 18-year old when the first Cougar team suited up to play its first-ever game.  It was Oak Ridge fielding one of its best teams in history.  A team that went on to claim the 1975 state title.  On that muggy summer night, August 29, 1975, Oak Ridge blanked Campbell 38 to nothing.  And now, fast forward to 2013, I was there again.  There when the losing streak that began so long ago came to an end before a capacity crowd.  This win was for everyone ever associated with Cougar Football.  A win, that for one night or one weekend, takes away all the losing and winless seasons and losses suffered at the hands of Oak Ridge and others.   It wasn’t a fluke.  Certainly not an upset.  It was history.  Enough history worth keeping the scoreboard lit until dawn.  Way to go, Cougars!  (10/04/2013 11:30 PM)

Nick Bailey seals the CCHS win

Jacksboro passes garbage and fire hydrant fees

By Charlotte Underwood – WLAF News

The Mayor and aldermen of Jacksboro held the second reading on two ordinances approving the collection of garbage and fire hydrant fees during the Thursday night meeting.

Fire hydrant fees will be $1.20 per household per month inside the town limits and $2.20 outside town limits.  Commercial fire hydrant maintenance fees will be $10 to $20 per month depending on square footage.

Garbage fees inside the town will be $5.30 per household.  Depending upon the need for more funding, the fee could go up to, but will not exceed $10.60 per month, according to Mayor Jack Cannon.  The fees will provide additional revenue for the town.  According to Cannon, the fees were implemented instead of passing a property tax.  It is written into the ordinance that should a property tax ever be introduced in Jacksboro, the garbage collection fee will be discontinued.

A resolution allowing billing for the newly passed fees to be handled by Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities Commission also passed.  Hydrant and garbage collection fees will be added to utility bills.

According to Cannon, there are 928 residences in the town and 528 residences outside of Jacksboro that will be affected by the fees.

Other business conducted at the meeting included the approval of a new hire for the Jacksboro street department, due to it being shorthanded, according to Cannon.

A motion was also approved supporting Campbell County in applying for a recycling grant.

“This is just in show of support for the county so they can apply for that grant,” Cannon said, adding that he believed the grant was so the county could try to get another separator at the recycling center.

The purchase of two pairs of fire boots for the fire department at $279.95 each was approved as well.(10/04/2013 6:00 AM)

Eagles-n-Owls clash on a soggy Pat Kerr Field

     Jacksboro claims a third-straight  “Egg Bowl” win over La Follette on Thursday night. 

The rain quit just in time for a capacity crowd (1,200) to settle into its seats to see the visiting Jacksboro Eagles take an early 6-0 lead on the Owls.  La Follette quickly tied the game at 6-6. 

Once JMS broke the deadlock, going ahead 14 – 6, it was all Blue-n-Gold as Jacksboro built its advantage out to 30 – 6 before a late Owl score made it a 30 – 12 final. 

CACC offers kindergarten for three-year olds

The Christian Academy of Campbell County has just begun a three-year-old kindergarten program. There are full or half-day options. The Beka Christian curriculum will feature a systematic phonics program. The CACC 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are approved by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Space is limited. For registration information, call 423-566-5294.

The CACC is celebrating its 20th year of providing a quality Christian education to its students, who consistently score well above the national average on Stanford 10 achievement tests. Several high school valedictorians received their primary education at the CACC.(UPDATED WED, SEPT 18, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

County Commission Meeting 09/16/13

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The Beelers visit WLAF on September 25, 2013

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CCHS Homecoming & Band

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    Campbell County Homecoming Parade

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Boomer's Corn with Charles "Boomer" Winfrey is now open

Whether Westbourne landfill or Rocky Top, message the same – ‘Show me the money’

 It’s amazing how dependant we become to new technology. I’ve always prided myself in being strictly low-tech. I still have an old fashioned land line telephone (I prefer the crisp, clear sound to the “Can you hear me now” quality of cell phones) and I prefer typing on a desktop computer with a screen large enough to see clearly.

I don’t tweet, twitter, toot or tweak and don’t ever intend to. A longtime friend set me up with a Facebook page which I can’t even access on my ancient computer, so the constant flow of friend requests I receive via email go unanswered.

I learned the hard way during the past month, however, just how dependent I’ve become on my computer and email. The old machine started displaying the Northern Lights every time I booted it up, giving me ample warning that something was about to go very, very wrong.

A quick visit to the Mac shop in Knoxville and I learned a signal panel in the monitor was going out. Apple doesn’t even sell such panels for my ten year old IMac anymore, so the store had to shop online to find a panel, leaving me without my right arm for three weeks.

Nine years ago, when I first purchased my top of the line IMac, I would barely notice if my computer was down for three weeks. I still communicated with most folks by telephone and only conducted part of my job online. No longer. Everything from sending in columns to typing letters to delinquent taxpayers to reading news stories comes through this infernal machine. Love it or hate it, we are a society plugged in and linked together by the Internet, and its only going to become more so as time passes.

So while I was out of circulation, what has transpired in these here parts that’s worth talking about? Too much to tackle in one column, I fear. Jellico is a shambles, Louie Bluie was a big success, the citizenry is up in arms over a proposed landfill and some fast talking “entrepreneurs” even want to change the name of my beloved Lake City to “Rocky Top.”

I’ve been filming and covering the landfill flap without commenting on it thus far, reserving my opinion until all the facts are in.

I must honestly say that I’ve always had mixed feelings about landfills. I totally understand and support a community’s right to have a say in what they have to live with, be it shopping centers, strip mines, amusement parks or adult book stores.

Sanitary landfills are a tough call. Everyone agrees that we have to have them. Our society simply generates too much waste to recycle or incinerate all of it and must find places to dispose of the rest. Problem is, everyone agrees we need landfills . . . in someone else’s back yard.

I believe every community, whether a county or a city, should take responsibility for its own waste. Campbell County stopped doing that when the landfill out in Pinecrest was no longer viable. Finding another dumpsite was such a political hot potato that county officials began hauling our waste to Anderson County, then to Scott County. Those folks don’t vote here, after all.

What Ketchen Land Company proposes to do with its property in Westbourne is a dog of a different color, however. The company is applying to the state for a Class I permit, for your usual, everyday sanitary landfill.

After two rather volatile public “information sessions” however, company officials admit that their intention is to obtain a Class I permit, then amend that to allow disposal of fly ash from coal-fired power plants. “If we aren’t allowed to bring in fly ash, there will likely be no landfill,” Ketchen partner Nat Cloer told residents at White Oak School last week.

So much for Campbell County finding a way to dump our garbage closer to home, and that eliminates one of the few positives for the county if Ketchen’s plan is approved.

The other positive is money. Ketchen held out an incentive to gain the commission’s approval by suggesting they will pay Campbell County a dumping fee of one dollar for each ton of waste brought in. Problem is, there is nothing in the law that requires such a fee, nor is it legal for the county to charge a fee as a condition of allowing the landfill.

The company at this point is blowing with the breeze. At the White Oak meeting, some residents protested that citizens up there were unlikely to see any of the money even if it is paid. Company officials were quick to tell the unfriendly crowd that they might consider paying the fee directly to the local school, or as James Slusher suggested, to a “foundation” set up to determine how the money would be distributed for the benefit of the community.

I suspect, if the company’s neighbors had all insisted that the fee go to put in a miniature golf course or to support widows and orphans in Azerbaijan, company officials would have agreed to that as well. They can always change their mind later, or decide that profits don’t justify paying any fee at all.

This leaves the county commission in a bit of a spot. Squires have already let the company know that their landfill is not welcome by passing a “resolution of non-support” back in August. But the county has no place at the table as things stand now, and must simply observe as state officials with TDEC decide whether the landfill’s engineering plans meet technical requirements.

The county commission can take a place at the table, however, by adopting the so-called “Jackson Law.” Passed back in 1989 by the Tennessee Legislature, the law gives local counties and cities the power to make their own decision on whether to allow a landfill or not, with the state taking a back seat in the process.

Sue Nance made the motion last month for the commission to adopt the Jackson Law and have a say in the process, but the commission fell one vote short of the required two-thirds majority. Three commissioners abstained and two were absent, so you would think that another vote might have different results.

Residents in White Oak, Habersham, Westbourne and Cotula seem determined to bring the issue before squires again in October, but finding that tenth vote is anything but certain. Some squires, like Bobby White, are nervous about the possibility getting entangled in a lawsuit if they deny the company’s plans.

As County Attorney Joe Coker told squires last month, “Anyone can sue anyone at any time for any reason.” That doesn’t mean they can win, however. State law clearly gives counties adopting the Jackson Law the power to decide for themselves whether a landfill is in the best interests of the county, as long as the decision is based on real concerns for the health and safety of its citizens, land values, environmental concerns or other concrete reasons.

If a commission makes its decision based solely on public opinion, it’s likely to be overturned on appeal by a Chancery Court, but fears of a $10 million judgment are far-fetched. Such a lawsuit was filed against the Scott County Commission when they denied a landfill application some years back, but that commission caved in and reversed their denial without ever fighting it out in court.

So what are the costs to Campbell County if the commission ultimately decides to get involved? If they deny the landfill and their decision is overturned, or if they decide after hearing from all sides to go ahead and permit the landfill, the Tennessee Dept. of Environment & Conservation still must process the permit application and determine whether the design meets adequate standards.

If commissioners deny the landfill and the court upholds that decision, the company will have to find another way to make a profit off their real estate investment in Westbourne.

If the commission denies the landfill and is overturned, my guess is that Campbell County can kiss that dollar a ton tipping fee goodbye. The promise of that fee is beginning to look a lot like some other pipe dreams I’ve heard tossed around lately, such as those amusement park developers who will seek a “private-public partnership” to fund their development in Lake City if the town changes its name to “Rocky Top.”

To both Lake City and Campbell County commissioners, I can only reply with three little words: “Rarity Mountain” and “Jellico.” Talk is cheap. Show me the money.  (10/04/2013 6:00 AM)

  

 

La Follette readies for McDonald's and revitalization

     La Follette takes another step along the path to revitalization of its downtown area.  Gary McGill with McGill and Associates, a planning and engineering firm based in Knoxville, addressed those in attendance at Tuesday night’s La Follette City Council meeting explaining and answering questions about what the city can do next in its revitalizing efforts.  His firm is currently working with Jefferson City in a similar manner and recently completed a revamping of the downtown area of Elizabethton.  McGill likes what he sees with the downtown area and notes that there is a lot of historical significance here as well as many roads and streets allowing easy access to downtown.  He says that not every town has a waterway running through it.  La Follette has Big Creek that McGill says will likely play a major role in the new downtown look.  Celeste Sharp of La Follette Machine and Tool spoke for the merchants and citizens presenting the mayor and council with a letter in support of the city’s revitalization effort.  More than 130 signatures accompanied the letter backing the clean-up and restoration of the city specifically mentioning appreciation for City Administrator Billie Russell.  The La Follette Merchants Association has been reorganized with a goal for downtown La Follette to provide an environment where business can thrive, prosper, and hear people say “let’s go downtown.” 

It was a day where a second grievance, in as many days, was filed against Russell.  However, the mood was light and positive as Councilman Hansford Hatmaker enlightened the standing room only crowd with his lengthy explanations and questioning throughout the hour-long regular monthly meeting.  A grievance filed by City Clerk and Human Resource Director Joy Ellison on Monday and a grievance filed by Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries on Tuesday were not mentioned at the meeting.  Mayor Mike Stanfield tells WLAF that he will orally reprimand Russell with a special called meeting to be held to address the grievances.  In other business conducted and approved at Tuesday night’s city council meeting: 

A $1,200 project to install duct work in ductless offices at city hall and repair and install drains to the outside of the building was approved after a nearly 10 minute discussion.

Apply for a recycling grant to go toward purchasing a recycling truck.  The city’s cost will be 37 to 38-thousand dollars.

An auction for seized and unused/inoperable city vehicles is scheduled for Saturday, October 12 behind city hall

To support the efforts of bringing a McDonald’s Restaurant to the corner of West Central Avenue and North 13th Street which includes repairing and/or moving a retaining wall along with abandoning an unopened street.

The hiring of Brandon Gross as a fulltime firefighter with benefits as of October 5, 2013, at a salary of $23,256.23.

To seal all of the back parking lot of city hall and pave where needed as well as moving the skate park from that parking lot.

Amending the original 2013-2014 fiscal year budget.

Move forward with forming a focus group to work with McGill to create a proposal for revitalizing the downtown area.   (10/02/2013 - 6:00 AM)

School janitor charged with counterfeiting 

     A janitor at La Follette Middle School is charged with counterfeiting money.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department explains to WLAF News that 44-year old James Terry Chapman of Brook Place Lane in La Follette turned himself in to police this morning and was later charged with criminal simulation. 

Chapman

Evans goes on to say that this all came to light last week when Chapman’s vehicle was repossessed by Cash Express.  That’s when an employee with the lender discovered counterfeit bills in Chapman’s car.  Evans adds that Chapman admitted to printing up the fake money on an LMS computer and printer.  Chapman is free on a $5,000 bond.   (10/01/2013 - 2:00 PM)

Teacher stories begins next Monday, October 7

     Have a favorite school teacher?  Who was the school teacher who influenced you the most?  WLAF begins a new weekly feature next Monday that showcases your “teacher story.”  Whether you’re 9 or 99, long story or short story, WLAF would love to hear and share your story.  Please send us your “teacher story” to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (09/30/2013)

Another grievance against Russell is expected to be filed later today

     On Thursday, Billie Russell begins her fourth month as the city administrator for La Follette.  Her first 90-days have been a whirlwind for the city’s first-ever female administrator and first fulltime CA in years.  Clean-up around town of buildings, store fronts, and prostitution has brought about lots of positive feedback.  Phone calls, in-person praise, and even a “thank you” cake delivered to city hall are among the signs of appreciation for the facelift that’s well underway. 

Russell with Stan Foust and "thank you" cake

However, all the good that’s been done isn’t coming without some grumbling, inside city hall and on the street, from those who are not quite ready to jump onboard Russell’s renovation train.  On Monday, an official grievance was filed against Russell.  The three-page letter to the mayor and council detailed a conflict between Russell and City Clerk and Human Resource Officer Joy Ellison.  The grievance opens with details of Russell’s questioning of why Ellison did not inform her that air samples were going to be taken at city hall as part of a workers compensation case, and from there Ellison goes on to write how Russell told her that she had no right to work with the inspector without her knowledge.  This afternoon, Mayor Mike Stanfield tells WLAF that it is not a power struggle, as previously mentioned in a WLAF story, between Russell and Ellison.  The mayor goes on to say that another grievance from Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries is expected to be filed before close of business today.  Russell will also receive an official reprimand from Stanfield.  The mayor notes that the buck stops with him and the council, and that there will be a special called meeting to address the grievances.  La Follette City Council meets today at 6:00 p.m.  (10/01/2013 - 1:30 PM)

Get job search help every Tuesday in October with RSCC’s Job Search Boot Camps

Job seekers can get no-cost expert advice every Tuesday in October at Roane State Community College’s Clinton Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility.  A Job Search Boot Camp will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct.  22 and Oct. 29 at the facility, 214 Nave St. Anyone is invited to stop by, complete a sample job application, go through a mock interview, have their resume reviewed and get feedback and job search advice from Roane State career experts. 

“We focus on placing students in jobs every semester,” said Kim Harris, Roane State director of workforce training and job placement. “Because we work closely with employers, we know what makes candidates stand out during the interview process. We invite everyone to come by and take advantage of a chance to learn crucial skills that can help them get their foot in the door when they are looking for a job.”  No appointment is needed. Job seekers are welcome to stop by the Clinton Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility anytime between 3:30-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in October.  Annie Smith went through Roane State’s job skills training as a student in the college’s Advanced Materials Training and Education Center. She is now a production associate at DENSO.  “Roane State career experts showed us how to present ourselves in the best possible way,” Smith said.  “You are not as nervous when you talk to employers because you are so prepared. I’m sure it made a difference in my job search.”  For more information, call (865) 354-3000 ext. 4764 or email workforce@roanestate.edu. (10/01/2013 - 6:00 AM)

ZUMBA with Ali starts October 21 at Castleton’s Family Fitness across from Woodson Mall

 

 

 

 

The Beelers visit WLAF on September 25, 2013

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Passions run high at second landfill meeting in White Oak

Officials with Ketchen Land Company agreed last month to hold a second “public information” meeting closer to their proposed Westbourne landfill to accommodate residents who couldn’t attend the meeting at Cove Lake State Park.

Tuesday night they kept their word, and probably asked themselves “What were we thinking” as nearly 200 people packed the gym at White Oak School, nearly all of them opposed to the landfill. Many of the residents were highly vocal in their opposition, deputies being forced at one point to restrain one man as he approached the group of company representatives and refused to stop talking.

The mood was confrontational from the outset, with several people laughing or commenting at points as company spokesmen stumbled through their initial presentation. Consultant Dr. George Hyfantis told the crowd that “this has the potential to be a rather large landfill” in describing the 300 acre site planed to store fly ash from coal plants.

Company partner Nat Cloer at one point argued that the company was making a generous offer of a dollar a ton fee to the county, pointing out, “We are not obligated to pay a fee to the county.”

Shortly afterward, tempers flared as Jack Faulkner asked, “Why can’t you answer a straight question? We’ll be the guinea pigs that you’ll experiment on!”

Faulkner then approached the front while talking, to be blocked by one of the company officials.

“Get out of my face,” Faulkner warned, and to a deputy who approached, “Get off my back!”

Faulkner then reminded the crowd that while the company claims that the fly ash will not be toxic and will be tightly controlled, numerous lawsuits have been filed over the ash spill in Roane County. He then sat down as the presentation continued.

Cloer made it clear to the residents that Ketchen Land Company is not interested in operating a standard landfill for household waste, although the company has initially applied for a permit for that type of landfill.

“We have no intent to have a regular sanitary landfill. If we aren’t allowed to take fly ash, there probably won’t be a landfill,” he said in response to questions about potential odors.

“Will you move to our community if the landfill is opened?” Connie Cox asked.

“I wouldn’t care to, but I’m not going to,” Cloer replied, adding he doesn’t intend to leave his South Carolina home.

Another resident who didn’t identify himself asked if the company knew the location of all the old underground mines in the area and could be sure that contamination wouldn’t escape into ground water through those mines.

When told that the company will be drilling to determine underground structure, the resident added, “I’ve got a book here that lists 26 mines that operated around Westbourne beginning in 1905 with one employing 300 miners. How many holes can 300 miners make?”

Several speakers questioned whether the dumping fee paid to the county would ever be seen by citizens of the community. Cloer replied that the company is not authorized to build or maintain public roads and that fee is intended to enable the county to maintain local roads and support the impacted community. This comment was met with widespread laughter and comments such as, “They’ve never done anything for us up here.”

Another resident asked how residents could trust the county commission when they rely on the advice of the county attorney, who also represents the land company.

“He doesn’t anymore,” Cloer replied.

Shirley Terry was not reassured by the company’s plans to bring all fly ash to the site by rail. “The railroad runs right by my home. What happens if there’s a spill?” she asked.

James Bolton repeated most residents’ lack of faith in county officials. “I looked it up and Mayor Baird sold 55 acres to Ketchen Land Company in 1993 and the county attorney drew up that land deed,” he stated, adding, “You said earlier that coal ash is not toxic but it’s full of heavy metals according to EPA. You said you plan to moisten it and that’s adding water.”

Cloer replied that the company plans to “moisten” the ash to keep down dust, but that is different from adding water.

Unlike the first meeting at Cove Lake, where county commissioners were roundly criticized for not attending, two of the Fifth District commissioners – Terry Singley and Alvin Evans were present at White Oak. Evans reminded the crowd that the commission will be accepting public comments and questions at its October 14 workshop, and urged residents to attend to voice their concerns.

Lora Young asked company officials what they would do for the White Oak and Westbourne community, saying, We’re not going to benefit from a county fee. This school needs renovations but our community feels left out.”

“Maybe instead of paying the $1 a ton to Campbell County, we could provide the money directly to your community, first to the school, then other projects,” Cloer suggested.

One unidentified man screamed back, “The bottom line is, we don’t want your damned landfill!”

James Slusher later addressed the company group, saying, “Mountain people have been lied to at every turn for 200 years. They can’t trust the county so perhaps they could set up a local foundation to receive the $1 fee and make sure its used in the community.”

Again, several in the crowd repeated the chorus, “We don’t want the money!”

One of the last to speak was Tim Huddleston, who summed up the emotions of most people in the room when he told Cloer, “I’m just a dumb old hick, but we’re not, and we don’t want your landfill,”

Most of the residents who filed out of the school seemed determined to repeat their concerns once more, this time to county commissioners on October 14.(UPDATED WED, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

  Council talks downtown revitalization, crime, paving, & more

     There’s been positive feedback regarding La Follette’s efforts to clean up, take back, and revitalize its downtown area.  La Follette City Council met in workshop session Tuesday night at city hall with downtown revitalization sitting at the top of the evening’s agenda.  City Administrator Billie Russell notes that there’s no reason why La Follette can’t do something with its downtown.  Russell adds that the downtown merchants have started meeting again.  It was pointed out that the city can’t do anything until the town’s crime issues are addressed.  Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries explained that his department is working to shore up those issues, and said that it’s not easy when the city pays police officers lower than many towns it size, and that he’s continually hiring and training officers.  The chief went on to say that La Follette’s downtown problems are no different than any other downtown area.  Russell told council that the report on city hall came back showing that there was no asbestos fibers in the air, but that there was mold, but that it is not black mold.  One estimate to clean up the mold area and repair some of the ceiling of the city hall building is $15,000.  It was pointed out that the new roof currently being installed on the building will go a long way toward preventing such future problems.  It was mentioned Tuesday night that until recently, city officials thought La Follette owned the downtown park, Freeman Park, and the breeze way next to Bowman Jewelers.  John Snodderly, director of the La Follette Housing Authority, discovered that LHA actually owns those two pieces of property.  Which means that the property is federally owned and that crime committed on that land takes on a whole new meaning since its federal and not city.  A proposed property exchange with Tennova, local developer Ed Wheeler, and the city is not going to fly.  Russell says Tennova  officials said no citing that it would not be in the best interest of Tennova.  Also mentioned at the workshop was talk of duct work installation in ductless city hall offices, drainage correction and addition around the city hall building as well as a mention of several council members, the mayor, and Russell attending the October governor’s conference.  Chief Jeffries addressed holding an auction to sell upwards of 25 seized vehicles as well as other surplus and seized items such as guns and old police cars.  He’d like to have the auction in October.  The city will again apply, as it did last year and was turned down, for a grant to purchase a recycling truck.  Fire Chief Gary Byrd recommended filling a fulltime opening in his department with Brandon Gross.  Gross has served as an auxiliary fireman since February.  Mayor Mike Stanfield and council are also looking to amend the original 2013-2014 fiscal year budget in order to have the funds needed to pay for paving work on the parking lot behind city hall.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

CCHS Homecoming & Band

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Campbell County Homecoming Parade

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Gas prices favoring consumers

     We’re paying less for gasoline this morning.  Gas prices first began slipping at Campbell County gas pumps a couple of weeks ago.  The price of a gallon of regular unleaded self-serve gasoline sat at $3.24 a gallon for several weeks until it slipped to $3.22 a gallon on September 6.  Then on the 9th it fell to $3.19 a gallon and on down to $3.15 the next morning.  Last Monday morning, the price again headed down; down to $3.12 a gallon.  On Wednesday morning, the price lowered to $3.09.  Over the weekend, the price came down to $3.08 and then to $3.06 where it sits this morning.  That’s one of the best prices in the region.   (UPDATED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Friday is a "free" flu shot clinic day

     Say you missed the last  “free” flu shot clinic.  Not to worry, more “free” flu shot clinics are scheduled.  It’s all a service of Tennova, the Campbell County Board of Education, and the La Follette Medical Foundation.  The dates are Friday, September 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a Saturday date and time on October 12 from 8:00 a.m. until Noon.  The “free” flu shots are made possible by a grant written by the Campbell County Board of Education, and the funds are made available from the La Follette Medical Foundation.  The clinics are located at the main entrance to the La Follette Medical Center.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013, 2:00 PM)

                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                      

         

 

Campbell's online school may just become a reality after all

By Dwane Wilder of WLAF media partner, The La Follette Press

JACKSBORO—Campbell County’s Virtual Academy, which was all but dead in the water in August, could open in January, according to Director of Schools Donnie Poston.

Poston said late Tuesday that he has been in recent communication with Tennessee Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Airhart about the status of the academy.

“They’re looking at the possibility of a late opening,” said Poston.

The state put the brakes on the academy early last month because of insufficient information on the original application. Students were told to enroll in their regular schools until further notice.

A virtual academy of 3,000 students remains open in neighboring Union County despite very low test scores the past two years. That school is operated by the same company, K-12 Virtual Schools, with which the Campbell County Board of Education voted to enter into a one-year contract earlier this summer.

As part of the agreement, K-12 Virtual Schools, LLC was to keep 96 percent of the Better Education Program funds from the state for each student registered for the academy. The remaining four percent was earmarked for eight additional school resource officers for Campbell County Public Schools.(UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Labor Day weekend successful on Norris Lake

Last week, WLAF conducted a random survey of Norris Lake marina owners and found that most finished the summer season with a very successful Labor Day weekend.

Keith Tebbe, manager of Whitman Hollow Marina, said Labor Day weekend 2013 was the best one ever at his dock. Becky McCullah, manager of Indian River Marina, said business was good on Labor Day this year. Although rain moved in on Saturday evening, she said they got in two hours of live musical entertainment with a good crowd before a thunderstorm hit. “This has been the story all year,” she said.

Indeed it has. East Tennessee has seen a record amount of rainfall this year. The region reached its annual rainfall total in July. Over the past few weeks, though, the weather has been more on the dry side, which has helped business on the lake.

Indian River Marina has a big football tailgate party scheduled this Saturday before, during and after the UT vs. Florida game. That includes a special live performance by The Tree House Band.

Mary Lamberson, owner of Powell Valley Marina and Resort, said Labor Day weekend 2013 was wonderful and better than she would’ve expected, given the wet weather earlier this summer. She said her staff will now begin hosting fishermen for the fall season, conducting repairs and maintenance in preparation for next year, and getting ready to promote Powell Valley Marina and Resort at the annual travel shows up north.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

CACC offers kindergarten for three-year olds

The Christian Academy of Campbell County has just begun a three-year-old kindergarten program. There are full or half-day options. The Beka Christian curriculum will feature a systematic phonics program. The CACC 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are approved by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Space is limited. For registration information, call 423-566-5294.

The CACC is celebrating its 20th year of providing a quality Christian education to its students, who consistently score well above the national average on Stanford 10 achievement tests. Several high school valedictorians received their primary education at the CACC.(UPDATED WED, SEPT 18, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

County Commission Meeting 09/16/13

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Fifth district folks fill the courtroom Monday night

Faced with a courtroom filled by Fifth District residents, county commissioners fell one vote short Monday night of approving the “Jackson Law,” which would have given county government the power to approve or deny an unpopular landfill in the Westbourne area.

Marie Ayers asked that the law be placed on the agenda, but then told commissioners that the wording of the law was confusing as to what exactly the county’s responsibility would be from a technical standpoint.

We don’t have people with the expertise to review an application and technical data for a landfill,” Ayers said, suggesting that the commission delay a vote on the law until they can receive more details on the county’s responsibilities.

“I’m concerned about the county’s liability if we deny a permit and get sued,” Bobby White noted, adding that the county was sued once before when he served on the beer board for denying a beer permit.

Beverly Hall, however, pointed out that once the Tennessee Dept. of Environment & Conservation grants a permit, it is too late for the county to act. “As I understand it, if the state grants a permit before we act, we would lose any ability to have a part in the decision,”

County Attorney Joe Coker told commissioners that TDEC could take up to a year to complete the permit review process, but Sue Nance observed that the state has been known to rush decisions under pressure and then made a motion to adopt the Jackson Law.

 After more discussion, Thomas Hatmaker called for a vote on the motion. Some members of the audience applauded as the green “yes” votes began to dominate the screen, but the law requires a two-thirds majority and with commissioners David Adkins and Wendell Bailey absent, the motion fell one vote short.

Rusty Orick, explaining that he would not support anything that might hurt the coal industry, was the only commissioner to vote “no,” but Ayers, White and Charles Baird all abstained, leaving the motion with only nine of the ten votes needed for a two-thirds majority.

Ayers quickly explained that she was not in favor of a landfill, but wants more information by the time the commission holds its workshop in October, and asked Mayor Baird to ask TDEC and the County Technical Advisory Service to send someone to the workshop to answer questions. The disappointed residents promised to return for another try, while Ketchen Land Company officials who were present Monday night indicated that they will be at the workshop as well.

The company isn’t waiting until the next commission meeting to attempt to mend fences with its neighbors. Before the commission adjourned, Mayor William Baird announced that Ketchen officials will hold a second public information session, this time closer to the proposed landfill site, at White Oak Elementary School on September 24 from 6-8 p.m.

Monday night was also the time for commissioners to elect a chairman and approve Baird’s committee assignments. Mayor Baird was again elected chairman of the commission by unanimous vote, while Johnny Bruce was re-elected as vice chairman.

A motion by Terry Singley to approve Baird’s committee assignments ran into protests from Thomas Hatmaker, however, who had been removed from both the Environmental and EMS Committees.

 Hatmaker offered an amendment to add himself back on those two committees by increasing their numbers from five to six. The amendment  passed 12-1, with only Singley voting “no.” Hatmaker then asked that the Financial Management Committee be voted upon separately.

Singley moved that the Mayor’s appointments to the FMS Committee be approved without changes, but his motion failed to gain a majority, 7-6 with two absent.

Bob Walden then nominated Hatmaker for the FMS Committee, but his nomination failed as well by a single vote, 7-5 with one abstention. White, Singley and David Adkins, all originally nominated by the Mayor, were then approved.

 Nance also nominated Johnny Bruce, who was not on the list provided by the Mayor. Bruce was appointed by a vote of 9-3, giving the commission four seats on the FMS Committee.  School Board Chairman Rector Miller was the odd man out, his nomination by Baird failing to receive a motion or a vote.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

 

 

Final Score:

LMS 30 - at Fairview 8

Owls visit Fairview Thursday night (JOEY ST. JOHN PIX 09/12/2013)

at Jacksboro 30 - Eagleton 6

La Follette moving ahead with paving & roofing projects

     La Follette City Council held a special called meeting Thursday afternoon to decide whether or not to proceed with resealing and striping the back parking lot at city hall. Following a brief discussion, the council gave its approval to spend $23,948 on the project. The council also discussed but took no action on water damage to the ceiling of city hall, which was uncovered during an ongoing roofing project. Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries said there were six to eight rooms with noticeable water damage, but the worst was in the detectives’ office where the ceiling was beginning to sag. All offices at city hall closed early on Tuesday, and detectives have been temporarily working out of the old THP office at the fire hall next to the high school. City Administrator Billie Russell said that damage estimates are not back yet, but said it should be covered by insurance.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Firefighters hope you'll help fill the boot for MDA

Caryville Volunteer Fire Department firefighters will be out on Main Street in front of Shoney’s in Caryville, Tennessee asking the community to help “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on September 21st from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.  Every dollar that citizens can pitch into the fire fighters’ boots helps fire fighters provide medical treatment and support services to individuals and their families living with neuromuscular diseases in the Campbell County area.

Fire Fighters have been a national MDA partner for more than 50 years and remain committed to the fight to end neuromuscular diseases.  

“Fire fighters are American heroes who make such a difference for the people and families we serve,” said MDA Brent Carr, Fundraising Coordinator. “The funds they raise are used for health care services and equipment support, and to help send kids to free MDA summer camps. We are grateful for everything they do.”

Fill the Boot funds also are used to support some of the 300 worldwide research projects seeking better treatments and cures for the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and ALS. 

Firefighters became one of the first national sponsors for MDA in 1954, and over the years, fire fighters have raised millions of dollars to help improve and enhance the lives of those living with neuromuscular disease. Fire fighters have raised money for MDA through their participation in the annual Fill the Boot campaign, as well as by sponsoring golf and softball tournaments. Many also contribute some of their vacation time each year to volunteer at MDA summer camps across the country.

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

In addition to funding some 300 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates support groups for families affected by neuromuscular disease; and provides free local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters fighting progressive muscle disease. For more information, visit mda.org.

Please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MDANational and Twitter @MDAnews. (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Sheriff Announces Fall Crackdown on Drugged and Drunk Driving

       Starting today, by the order of Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins, deputies will be working overtime and will be visible, in full force on Campbell County roadways, in Campbell County neighborhoods and along Campbell County streets, in an attempt to prevent fatalities, protect teen drivers by enforcement and education and the immediate arrest of drugged or drunk drivers. Sheriff Goins has ordered his staff to quickly mobilize the "Sheriff's DUI Task Force" because he says "that's what our citizens deserve and demand". "Fall, football, homecomings and the new spirit of a season is the perfect storm of a time for tragedy and mistakes by folks who could make that deadly split second decision that could cost your family member their life. We have to take steps and preventative measures to make sure we live up to our responsibility as law enforcement officers and work day and night to ensure we do everything in our power to save someone's life, any life and every life we can.” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013, 2:30 PM)  

Most in Tuesday night crowd oppose landfill

Officials from Ketchen Land Company held a public information session Tuesday night at Cove Lake Pavillion, but what they got instead was a preview of things to come as the company attempts to open a landfill for coal plant fly ash in the Westbourne area of northern Campbell County.

Close to 100 people attended, nearly all of them opposed to a landfill in their community. Concerns that were voiced ranged from potential water pollution to wells, springs and streams to health hazards from breathing fly ash that might drift off of trucks or railroad cars.

Representatives of local government were conspicuously absent at the meeting, a fact brought up by more than one local speaker.

"Is there anyone from the county commission here tonight?" Tom Chadwell asked. When it was confirmed that no commissioners were present, another resident quipped, "That's alright. They will all get to see us next week at the courthouse."

Terry Webb asked company spokesmen how municipal waste or fly ash will be transported to the site off Westbourne Road. When told that the company would transport by truck if a railroad spur off the existing CSX line is not feasible, Webb asked which roads will be used to haul waste.

"Probably the same route currently used to haul coal, through White Oak to the state highway (Highway 90), consulatant Geoirge Hyfantis replied.

"Who's going pay for damage to these roads?" Webb persisted.

When company officials explained that they offered to pay $1 a ton to Campbell County and that would cover maintenance costs for public roads, Webb added, "We have a major problem with that," while another resident complained, "You'll give the money to the county to fix our roads? We all know how that will turn out!"

Another resident, James` Bolton, observed that "Those roads are already dangerous to drive due to the strip mining. I'm concerned about traffic if those trucks begin hauling waste."

After two hours of being beaten up by the audience, the company closed the session, but can expect a second act at Monday night's county commission meeting. Most residents attending the session were unaware that the commission will be discussing adoption of a state law, known as the "Jackson Law," that would give county government veto power over any landfill within its jurisdiction.

As word of the pending commission debate spread among the Fifth District residents, it was clear that many will return to Jacksboro next Monday to express their opposition to the landfill.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013, 5:45 PM)                                              

Caryville Council Meeting 09/09/13

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Mr. CCHS already making strides at ETSU

JOHNSON CITY — East Tennessee State University’s Tennessee Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity recently presented Balanced Man Scholarships at an annual luncheon. ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland was the speaker for the event.

2013 Mr. CCHS, Sam Arnold, (center) receives an award at ETSU

Samuel Arnold, son of Suzanne Crumley of Jacksboro, received the $1,000 award. He graduated second in his class at Campbell County High School. During high school, he participated in cross country, track and basketball, and was voted Mr. CCHS during his senior year. In addition, he formed and coached a basketball and softball team to raise money for the American Cancer Society for two consecutive years. Now a chemistry major at ETSU, he is the recipient of the ETSU Presidential Scholarship, Tennessee Lottery HOPE Scholarship and the American Federation of Teachers Scholarship, awarded for the highest ACT score in his graduating high school class.

The ETSU chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon has awarded over $10,000 through Balanced Man Scholarships since 2006 to freshmen who exemplify a sound mind and sound body — the characteristics of a “balanced man.”  Academic achievement awards were presented by Ginger Rutherford, whose late husband Frank is the namesake of the scholarship program. Awards were presented to members achieving the highest overall grade point average and those who have shown the most improvement during the previous academic year.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013, 9:30 AM)   

Commission to discuss adopting law giving county veto power over landfill

After passing a resolution of “non-support” last month for a proposed landfill in the Westbourne area of northern Campbell County, county commissioners may go a step further next week by invoking the “Jackson Law,” a state law that allows local government to have veto power over any proposed solid waste landfills within their jurisdictions.

When Mayor William Baird told commissioners at a workshop in August that they had no legal way to stop the project, Ketchen Land Company’s environmental consultant George Hyfantis quickly added, “The mayor said that, not me.”

It turns out that the company spokesman had reason for his denial. During Monday night’s commission workshop, Westbourne native Jack Faulkner presented a letter that he had received from the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC).

The letter explained TDEC’s process for reviewing landfill permit applications and receiving public comments. The letter from Paul Davis in the TDEC permit administration office then added, “In light of the local newspaper articles that you provided with your letter, the Campbell County Commission does have the authority to review and approve or disapprove the proposed landfill.”

Davis continued to explain that under TCA, local governments do have “the option to adopt a provision that grants the local government the responsibility to review and approve or disapprove a landfill.”

He added that Campbell County has not adopted the Jackson Law, passed in the 1990s under the sponsorship of State Senator Doug Jackson from Middle Tennessee.

Davis added that should Campbell County vote to adopt the law before a permit is issued by the state, “TDEC would stop its review and processing of the permitting activity.”

When asked for an opinion on the Jackson Law, County Attorney Joe Coker said he was not familiar with it, adding that he is the local registered agent for Ketchen Land Company and as such, it would be a conflict of interest for him to advise either the company or the county in any conflict arising between the two.

He did agree to obtain a copy of the law in question and explain the provisions to commissioners at the September meeting next week.

Marie Ayers asked that a discussion of the Jackson Law be placed on next Monday’s agenda and Sue Nance asked that the agenda also include a vote on whether to approve or deny the landfill. Davis Creek Energy and Ketchen Land Company, commissioners learned, are also conducting a public information session at the Cove Lake Pavillion today (Tuesday, Sept. 10) from 5-7 p.m.

At an earlier budget committee meeting, commissioners voted 13-0 to approve a request from airport manager Bert Loupe to appropriate $29,000 from the airport fund as a local match for a state and federal grant to add ten new hangers at the airport.

Loupe explained that because the Campbell County Airport has completed all security and infrastructure improvements required by the FAA, federal and state grant dollars can be used to expand storage capacity with local government only providing a 5 percent match.

“We will regain the money within a year,” Loupe assured commissioners. “Every hanger we have is currently rented and we have a waiting list of aircraft owners.”

After being assured that money was already in the airport operations budget that an be used for the matching share, the commissioners approved the grant application.

Less likely to gain approval was an invitation from Air Medical Care Group, representing Med Trans and UT Lifestar, for Campbell County to pay a $206,000 annual fee that would guarantee medical helicopter service free of charge to every Campbell County resident in the case of an emergency requiring air ambulance evacuation.

Air Medical Care is offering this guaranteed cost-free service to individuals for a charge of $65 a year, but will guarantee the lifestar service to every county resident for the higher payment from local government.

Chance Owens, a spokesman for Air Med Care, pointed out that medivac charges usually exceed a thousand dollars and are not covered by most insurance policies. He added that more than a hundred Lifestar flights were recorded into Campbell County last year and the total is over 80 so far in the current year.

Several commissioners expressed their opinions that the individual membership plan would be a wise option for residents, but there was little support for spending $206,000 in tax dollars when the budget for the upcoming year has already been set.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Lawson appointed to replace Kitts on Caryville Planning Commission

It was a routine meeting Monday night for the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Along with passing the first and second reading of a pair of budget amendments, the board approved several other items. They included:

*Bidding out the annual cleaning contract.

*Keeping Brian Keeton on as a temporary employee with the police department.

*Buying a new police car from Ray Varner Ford in Clinton for $26,242.70.

*Advertising for bids for a 4WD pick-up truck for the fire department at a cost of $20,000.

*Purchasing two rear tires for the garbage truck at a cost of $350.28 each.

*Payment of two invoices in the amount of $510 each to Derek Wiechmann for the plumbing inspections for Dollar General and Holiday Inn Express.

*Agreeing to pay $1,000 to terminate a contract with Aramark Uniform Company.

*Advertising for bids for 25 tons of salt for the street department this winter.

*Approving a fire department fundraising roadblock on Saturday, Sept. 21 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

In other business, Mayor Chris Stanley announced that the Wilco-Hess Company planned to open a truck stop at the 141 Exit across the highway from the Travel Centers new truck stop.

Mayor Stanley also announced that Janet Lawson had been chosen to replace longtime chairman Warren Kitts on the Caryville Planning Commission.

In a beer board meeting held immediately afterward, permits were issued to Filkos House of Tobacco, Rocky Top Market and Dollar General, all of which are located along the hotel strip on John McGhee Blvd., State Hwy. 116.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Ron Broyles visits on WLAF - Monday, September 9, 2013

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Broyles wraps up ride

     “Great weather!”  “Perfect end to a perfect trip!”  That’s what former Hollywood stuntman Ron Broyles tells WLAF about his 12-hundred mile bicycle ride from Campbell County to Key West.  Broyles kicked off his journey on Saturday, August 24 from the courthouse at Jacksboro, and wrapped it up on Sunday at Key West, Florida.  Broyles, a 1971 graduate of LaFollette High School, dedicated his trek to the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps servicemen and servicewomen who are physically or mentally disabled due to combat injuries. The WWP raises both money and awareness for wounded veterans from WWII to the current War on Terror.  Broyles served in the United States Navy from 1971-75 during the Vietnam War, but he was not sent to that particular combat theatre like so many of his friends and colleagues.   “You get a little older and you begin to realize the sacrifices they made,” said Broyles. “If there is anyway I can help them, I’m going to do it.”  You can donate and/or follow him online at www.ronsride.net.  Broyles plan timed out just right as his goal was to finish on Sunday, September 8, his 60th birthday.  And he did.  Congratulations, Ron!  (UPDATED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                      Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival 2013 performers
     We're excited to announce the performers at the Seventh Annual Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival! Country blues player  Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton; jazz pianist  Donald Brown and the UT Jazz Faculty featuring Greg Tardy; folk-rock band  The LoneTones; swing band  Tennessee Sheiks;  Howard Armstrong Legacy Trio featuring Ralphe Armstrong, Ray Kamalay and John Reynolds; performers from  Carpetbag Theatre; folk singers and storytellers  Sparky and Rhonda Rucker; longtime bluegrass band  The New River Boys, featuring original member Tommy Phillips; gospel trio  The Beelers; country band  Outer Limits with Ashlie Denise; and Americana quartet  Paperback Scarecrows.  Performances take place on two stages during the festival: The Louie Bluie Stage and the Community Stage, which also plays host to the  Cumberland Trail Fiddler's Showcase.  Visit [
http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-performers/] for more details.
(UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                             Sounds Like Home: A Night of Music From the Cumberlands

     Join us for a night of fantastic bluegrass music and three generations of Gulleys on September 27 at Cove Lake State Park. Five-time IBMA Female vocalist of the year Dale Ann Bradley will perform with Steve Gulley (Grasstowne, Mountain Heart), plus the Pinnacle Mountain Boys featuring Steve's father, Don Gulley, and Cumberland River featuring Steve's son, Brad Gulley - a gathering of three Gulley generations! Gates open at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. Food and beverages will be available from Rickard's Ridge BBQ. Tickets for the advance price of $12.50 are available from a variety of retail locations and online at  [http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-friday-concert/] (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                   Craft Village deadline
     Applications to be a vendor in our
Craft Village should be postmarked no later than September 8 to be considered for 2013. Please visit  [http://louiebluie.org/vendor-application/] to read the guidelines and download the form. Once again, we'll choose the "Best Decorated Booth" for the honors of an eye-catching booth "badge" sure to draw attention to your space, announcements at every stage, and a refund of the entry fee. It pays to look sharp!
(UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                 Art and Quilt Competition

     Artists and quilters of all ages: prepare your best work to submit to this year's art and quilt shows!
Art entries by amateur artists of all ages in all categories ( [
http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-art-judging-entry/]) will be accepted Friday, September 27, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Pavilion at Cove Lake State Park. Judges for the competition are Bryan Wilkerson, Associate Professor of Art & Design at Roane State Community College, and Knoxville artist Heather Hartman, whose work has been shown across the country. Works will be displayed on site until 5 p.m. Saturday, so be sure to visit the exhibit. While there, you'll get a ballot to vote for your personal choice for best of show for both art and quilt.
Quilt entries will be accepted Wednesday, September 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Quilt Patch in LaFollette. Sassy Foster is this year's judge and will determine ribbon winners and recipient of this year's Howard Armstrong Heritage Quilt Prize.
 (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                  Volunteer opportunities

     Louie Bluie wouldn't happen without help from our fantastic volunteers! We need folks to do some work before, during and after the festival. Get more details on how you can join the ranks of our esteemed volunteer corps by visiting the website  [http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-volunteer-contact/] (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                             Show your support for Louie Bluie    

     Louie Bluie is an all-volunteer festival organized by the non-profit Campbell Culture Coalition. We raise money through donations at the gate, a few grants, local business sponsors, and from supporters just like you!  We appreciate donations of all amounts, and it's easy to donate via PayPal on our website. [http://louiebluie.org/donate-to-the-louie-bluie-fest/  (UPDATED THUR, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                     Lodging options

     Autumn is a gorgeous time in East Tennessee, and if you're coming to Sounds Like Home and Louie Bluie from out of town, why not make a weekend of it! Our sponsor hotels are the Holiday Inn Express and the Hampton Inn, located just off exit 134 in Caryville, just a short distance from Cove Lake State Park.  Or if you're looking to camp or stay in a cabin, the festival grounds are within walking distance of the Cove Lake State Park campground and within a short drive of campgrounds in Norris and Big Ridge state parks. Visit the website for more details and contact information for these lodging options.  [http://louiebluie.org/area-lodging/]   (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Attendance awareness in Campbell County is underway

     It’s September.  It’s National Attendance Awareness Month here in Campbell County.  This public school attendance campaign is aimed at eliminating truancy.  Nancy Leach, who spearheads the school attendance program for Campbell County, tells WLAF that the key focus is on chronic truancy (absences of 10 percent or 18 days) and severely chronic truancy (absences of 20 percent or 36 days).   “A lot of parents think their child doesn’t miss much if they have an excused absence,” said Leach. “  But if they have an appointment with a doctor or dentist, they still need to come to school before they go or when they get back. It hinders the kids that are there, because the teacher has back up or regroup to get them all caught up.”  She cited an example of chronic and severely chronic truancy at an unnamed Campbell County School.  In one 9th grade class, there were 82 out of 318 total students who were considered chronically absent and 14 who were considered to be severely chronically absent.  There were also high chronically absent rates in 1st and 6th grade classes.  “The key areas are kindergarten and first grade, third, sixth and ninth grades,” said Leach. “Studies have shown that if they don’t do well attendance-wise when they are in kindergarten or first grade, they’re likely not to read on-level at third and fourth grade.”  Leach also said chronic attendance puts children further behind their classmates, which, in turn, leads to higher drop-out rates at the high schools. (UPDATED TUE, SEPT 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

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Over 50-years; three buildings, three pastors, one location

     Midway Baptist Church celebrates 50-years this weekend.  The church that has seen its share of triumph and tragedy hosts a milestone homecoming on Sunday.  Third generation pastor Johnny Dabney welcomes the community to celebrate with he and his congregation beginning Sunday morning at the church of Old Jacksboro Pike.  Reverend Dabney is the grandson of Reverend Ernest Goins, who founded Midway in 1963, and the son of the church’s longest tenured pastor, Reverend Leonard Dabney.  Within a few years of building the new church, it was destroyed by fire and was soon rebuilt.  In 1997, the second church structure was damaged by the Pyro Shows fireworks explosion and later razed and then rebuilt.  Reverend Kenny Gillum brings the homecoming day message followed by food and fellowship in what Pastor Dabney describes as an old timey homecoming celebration.  Singing from On Call, the Gloryland Boys, Tribute, and others rounds out the day. (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)

LMS readies to face Norris  (PIX BY "THE SAINT" - JOEY ST. JOHN 09/05/2013)

Jacksboro is closer to having fire and garbage fees

The Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen passed the first reading Thursday night of two ordinances that would charge fees for fire protection and garbage pickup.

Households, both inside and outside the town limits, which are served by the Jacksboro Fire Department would pay a fire hydrant fee. The fee inside the town limits will be $1.20 per month, while outside the town limits the fee will be $2.20 per month.

Fire hydrant fees for commercial businesses would be either $20 or $10 per month based on square footage.

Jacksboro Mayor Jack Cannon said there are approximately 928 households inside the town and another 528 outside the town that are served by the Jacksboro Fire Department.

The garbage pickup fee of $5.30 per month per household will be charged only to those inside the town limits that currently have that service. Depending on the need for additional funding in the future, the garbage pickup fee could go up to but not exceed $10.60 per month per household.

A stipulation of the ordinance is that, if a town property tax were ever enacted, the garbage pickup fee would be immediately abolished.

The Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities Commission will collect the fire hydrant and garbage pickup fees by adding them to the monthly water bills of its customers.

A second and final reading of the ordinances will be held on October 3. If the ordinances pass, then customers will begin seeing the increase on their water bills in November. Three public hearings on the fire hydrant and garbage pickup fees were held last month to give citizens a chance to voice their opinion.

In other business conducted during Thursday’s meeting, the Jacksboro board:

*Approved a resolution for CJUC to finance in the short-term a $250,000 state FastTrack grant project for factory and site prep/expansion at the ProImage facility in the John McGhee Industrial Park.

*Approved a financing plan for the purchase of a new fire truck.

*Approved the purchase of a picnic table for the town park.

*Approved a fundraising roadblock on Saturday, Nov. 2 for Open Arms Ministry.

Mayor Cannon also announced that the county dump was taking brush again, however no stumps, logs more than 10 inches in diameter or more than 10 feet long will be accepted. (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Stinking Creek couple honored by TWRA

KNOXVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recognized Terry and Jane Lewis of Stinking Creek for their long-time support of the state’s elk restoration project and various outreach programs. The couple was honored during the August meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Knoxville.       

Terry has proven over the years that he is never afraid to “roll up his sleeves” and take on projects to help wildlife or to facilitate the opportunity for someone to enjoy the outdoors. His wife, Jane, is a huge part of whatever project that Terry tackles.    

    

Terry and Jane Lewis were presented a limited edition elk print titled “Tennessee Homecoming” by TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter

Terry and Jane were instrumental in the construction of Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower that thousands of visitors enjoy annually. They designed and purchased building materials for the tower. The Lewis’ erected the tower with the help from volunteers of the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA), the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, other volunteers, area TWRA staff and TWRA elk biologist Steve Bennett.           

When the state’s first managed elk hunt was held in 2009, Terry and Jane offered their property and hospitality to host not only the hunters, but partnering organizations, media, friends and agency staff to be a part of the historical event. 

Terry and Jane also host several events each year that allow wheelchair bound hunters and wounded warriors a chance to pursue a Tennessee turkey on their property. They enjoy providing this opportunity to these deserving individuals. 

With the August meeting held near their home area, the TWRA wanted to recognize the couple for all their contributions. They were presented with a framed limited edition elk print by Eddie LeRoy titled, “Tennessee Homecoming.” The area depicted in the background is where our first elk release took place in December of 2000. The print was donated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Husband, wife helping son – illegally

     It sounded like a doable plan.  Hiding narcotics in a Marlboro 100 box and tossing it in with the trash.  But it was the monitoring of a telephone call that sent the plan down the tubes tipping off detectives.  According to a report from the sheriff’s office, Campbell County inmate Dallas Wilson talked with his parents, Dexter and Joann Wilson, by telephone outlining for them on just what to send him and how to get it to him.  The younger Wilson told the couple to place marijuana, morphine, methadone, Suboxone, and Xanax inside a rubber glove and place it inside a Marlboro 100 box.  He told them that around 7:30 a.m. on Friday (08/30/2013) Officer Glen Nelson and his work crew would be stopping at the Quik Stop Market at Caryville.  While Nelson parked the truck, with crew inside, and went inside the market, the son instructed his parents to throw the cigarette pack into the bed of the pick-up truck.  The report details that at 7:25 a.m., Dexter and Joann Wilson pulled up at the Quik Stop near Nelson’s truck in her gray Chevrolet Cavalier.  That’s when Dexter Wilson walked over to the work truck and tossed a black packet into the truck.  Little did the Wilsons know, but Campbell County detectives were sitting across from the market watching the Wilsons carry out the plan.  Dexter and Joann Wilson were soon pulled over by officers. 

Joann Wilson

In the report from the sheriff’s office,  Joann admitted to helping Dexter obtain the narcotics with the intention of delivering them to someone on Nelson’s work crew to pass them on to their son, Dallas.  The report states that Dexter Wilson later told police that he sells narcotics and that his wife also sells narcotics. 

Dexter Wilson

Dexter and Joann Wilson, both age 56 of La Follette, he of Garden Lane and she of Gamble Lane, are each free this morning on a pair of $22,000 secure bonds.  Dallas Wilson remains in the county jail. (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 "Managing risk to public safety" is Mills' message to city council

The following is Dr. Duane Mills', senior pastor of First Baptist Church of La Follette, message that was presented to La Follette City Council meeting on Tuesday night - reprinted here with permission of Dr. Mills.  A detailed story on the council meeting is found further down this page.

Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to express my concerns. First allow me to thank the members of the City Council for your service to our community.

The question of removing the zoning ordinance is an important issue for our city. Zoning creates “buffer” zones for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare our community. These buffer zones are a useful tool to manage risks associated with increased alcohol sales. There is evidence to show that the increased number of licensed premises in a given locality is associated with increased levels of alcohol related harm, according to a WHO study of 2009.

It is a standard practice around the world and especially in the United States for government entities to managed risk by means of buffer zones.

For instance, no liquor license is granted within 1,000 feet of a park, church, school, daycare center or government building in Tampa, Florida. None within 1000 feet of a school or church in Bloomingdale, Indiana, and Orlando Florida. It is a risk issue that is addressed.

You are already familiar with data from the U.S. Department of Transportation that shows the following figures:

40% of all suicide attempts are alcohol-related

54% of all violent crimes are alcohol-related

60% of all emergency room admissions are alcohol-related

80% of all domestic disputes are alcohol-related

Increased availability results in increased susceptibility and that is part of the risk that must be continually managed.

One article I read reports that “Several studies of crime and social disorder in city centers have observed a direct relationship between density of night time outlets licensed to sell alcohol—otherwise known as ‘high-risk premises’—and the prevalence of criminal activity, especially violent crimes committed.”

You are charged with the difficult task of balancing public safety and revenue collection. Managing the associated risks with increasing the density of outlets selling alcohol and the tax benefits to the city is challenging for sure. However you manage the risk, other organizations within the community must as a result manage the consequences of those choices as we respond to the domestic abuse, poverty, deaths, and related counseling and intervention efforts. We pick up human costs with goods and services lost among those who abuse alcohol. We have to respond with time and money and with increased outreach to children and families torn apart by the results of alcohol abuse.

If you choose to increase the density of alcohol availability by removing buffer zones you will affect public safety and public health. We have a vulnerable population in downtown Lafollette which could be adversely impacted by a greater density of alcohol venders. This will be added as another layer of potential abuse upon an already difficult prescription pill abuse crisis and meth abuse crisis. Thus the benefit to cost ratio must be considered for its impact on the fragile social fabric of our community.

Two question rise in this consideration:

1.      What are the benefits to removing the buffer zones for our community at large? Does the revenue and the potential jobs present a compelling reason to dismiss the buffer zones. Is the economic benefit to one merchant and the resulting tax revenue a fair trade off for all the organizations involved and impacted by the change in zoning and density. That impact is spread beyond merely the schools and churches that fall within the zoning ordinance.

2.      What are the associated costs in health services, alcohol related disease, the court system, crime and disorder? Does the added strain on law enforcement justify the change in our community? Our church alone receives a high volume of requests for money because of drug abuse. We have spent thousands of dollars installing security cameras in response to the high crime zone we operate in. Our parking lot is known as the “shooting gallery”. This would be the dubious honor for the drug activity going on. This zoning change could potentially become a much greater burden for us as crime increases due to the removal of the buffer zone. People don’t consult us for advice on whether or not to abuse alcohol, but they do call or demand we pay their rent, health services, utilities, car repairs, or buy them clothes, because they have spent their funds on other choices.

Please give consideration to the continued management of the associated risks of increasing the density of alcoholic related venders in our city. The issue is even greater than just where the alcohol is sold. It is the larger question of density as it relates to managing risk to public safety.

By maintaining buffer zones you will be proactive in managing those risks before certain problems get out of hand.

Thank you for your continued service to our community.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Duane Mills

Senior Pastor

First Baptist Church, La Follette, Tennessee  (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                      Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival 2013 performers
     We're excited to announce the performers at the Seventh Annual Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival! Country blues player  Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton; jazz pianist  Donald Brown and the UT Jazz Faculty featuring Greg Tardy; folk-rock band  The LoneTones; swing band  Tennessee Sheiks;  Howard Armstrong Legacy Trio featuring Ralphe Armstrong, Ray Kamalay and John Reynolds; performers from  Carpetbag Theatre; folk singers and storytellers  Sparky and Rhonda Rucker; longtime bluegrass band  The New River Boys, featuring original member Tommy Phillips; gospel trio  The Beelers; country band  Outer Limits with Ashlie Denise; and Americana quartet  Paperback Scarecrows.  Performances take place on two stages during the festival: The Louie Bluie Stage and the Community Stage, which also plays host to the  Cumberland Trail Fiddler's Showcase.  Visit [
http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-performers/] for more details.
(UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                             Sounds Like Home: A Night of Music From the Cumberlands

     Join us for a night of fantastic bluegrass music and three generations of Gulleys on September 27 at Cove Lake State Park. Five-time IBMA Female vocalist of the year Dale Ann Bradley will perform with Steve Gulley (Grasstowne, Mountain Heart), plus the Pinnacle Mountain Boys featuring Steve's father, Don Gulley, and Cumberland River featuring Steve's son, Brad Gulley - a gathering of three Gulley generations! Gates open at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. Food and beverages will be available from Rickard's Ridge BBQ. Tickets for the advance price of $12.50 are available from a variety of retail locations and online at  [http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-friday-concert/] (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                   Craft Village deadline
     Applications to be a vendor in our
Craft Village should be postmarked no later than September 8 to be considered for 2013. Please visit  [http://louiebluie.org/vendor-application/] to read the guidelines and download the form. Once again, we'll choose the "Best Decorated Booth" for the honors of an eye-catching booth "badge" sure to draw attention to your space, announcements at every stage, and a refund of the entry fee. It pays to look sharp!
(UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                 Art and Quilt Competition

     Artists and quilters of all ages: prepare your best work to submit to this year's art and quilt shows!
Art entries by amateur artists of all ages in all categories ( [
http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-art-judging-entry/]) will be accepted Friday, September 27, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Pavilion at Cove Lake State Park. Judges for the competition are Bryan Wilkerson, Associate Professor of Art & Design at Roane State Community College, and Knoxville artist Heather Hartman, whose work has been shown across the country. Works will be displayed on site until 5 p.m. Saturday, so be sure to visit the exhibit. While there, you'll get a ballot to vote for your personal choice for best of show for both art and quilt.
Quilt entries will be accepted Wednesday, September 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Quilt Patch in LaFollette. Sassy Foster is this year's judge and will determine ribbon winners and recipient of this year's Howard Armstrong Heritage Quilt Prize.
 (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                  Volunteer opportunities

     Louie Bluie wouldn't happen without help from our fantastic volunteers! We need folks to do some work before, during and after the festival. Get more details on how you can join the ranks of our esteemed volunteer corps by visiting the website  [http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-volunteer-contact/] (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                             Show your support for Louie Bluie    

     Louie Bluie is an all-volunteer festival organized by the non-profit Campbell Culture Coalition. We raise money through donations at the gate, a few grants, local business sponsors, and from supporters just like you!  We appreciate donations of all amounts, and it's easy to donate via PayPal on our website. [http://louiebluie.org/donate-to-the-louie-bluie-fest/  (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                                     Lodging options

     Autumn is a gorgeous time in East Tennessee, and if you're coming to Sounds Like Home and Louie Bluie from out of town, why not make a weekend of it! Our sponsor hotels are the Holiday Inn Express and the Hampton Inn, located just off exit 134 in Caryville, just a short distance from Cove Lake State Park.  Or if you're looking to camp or stay in a cabin, the festival grounds are within walking distance of the Cove Lake State Park campground and within a short drive of campgrounds in Norris and Big Ridge state parks. Visit the website for more details and contact information for these lodging options.  [http://louiebluie.org/area-lodging/]   (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Traffic snarled for a long time this afternoon

     Details of two afternoon accidents are sketchy.  At the height of traffic as school let out for the afternoon, there were two traffic accidents in La Follette.  One on the four-lane at the Rainbow Restaurant.  The other on the four-lane at Hunters Branch Road. 

Reports from one first responder to WLAF are that the Hunters Branch crash involved a truck and a motorcycle.  The 64-year old white male, who was apparently on the cycle, was flown to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville via Lifestar.  The med chopper landed on the Jacksboro side of the high school’s front yard. 

First responders from La Follette Police, the Campbell County Ambulance Service, and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department teamed to tackle traffic, take care of the injured, and clear up the accidents.  No other details are available at this time as the log jam of traffic took the better part of 90-minutes to resume to a normal flow. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013, 5:00 PM)

Sheriff serves another search warrant involving valley drug king pin

     Another search warrant served on the man dubbed the “valley drug king pin” leads to the discovery of a weapon.  Officers with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and the 8th Judicial Drug Task Force served another search warrant, the third in less than a month, on the so called valley drug king pin, 52-year old Kermit York.  This search warrant was served on York’s safety deposit box at the Commercial Bank in Speedwell.  The search yielded a Rossi .38 caliber revolver inside York’s safety deposit box.  Officers with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department were at York’s home on Ivey Hollow Road twice in August serving search warrants both times.  Among the items seized were U.S. currency, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, marijuana, and a firearm were discovered along with 23-vehicles including a Corvette and Harley Davidson.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that York, a convicted felon with no employment, is believed to be one of Campbell County’s largest sellers and distributors of illegal narcotics.  York was last booked into the county jail in the summer of 2005.  Although, York has not been arrested during the recent raids.  However, the sheriff is likely going to wait and turn all the evidence over to the grand jury. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Miller elected as new school board chair, State honors Jacksboro E. S. 

The Campbell County Board of Education, meeting a week earlier than usual due to a conflict next week for Director Donnie Poston, concluded its business in barely a half hour and adjourned Tuesday night with a new board chairman.

Rector Miller was elected chairman by a 6-3 vote after being the only person nominated for the job. Outgoing chairman Josh Parker missed the meeting while Scott Hill, Homer Rutherford and Mike Orick all voted “no” on Miller’s nomination by fellow First District member Danny Wilson.

Vice Chairman Johnny Creekmore was re-elected to a second term by a vote of 8-1, with Orick again voting “no.”

While the board was somewhat divided on who would serve as chairman, they were all unanimous in their praise for Jacksboro Elementary School principal Joan Crutchfield and her staff and students, after the school received recognition from the State as a Reward School, ranking among the top 5 percent among all schools in the state.

Director Donnie Poston made a presentation to Crutchfield at the beginning of the meeting, reading a congratulatory message from the Governor’s office signed by the Commissioner of Education.

The board concluded its business by quickly approving the list of coaches and volunteer coaches and hearing a report from Poston on teacher-pupil ratios throughout the system. All schools  are in compliance with state requirements, Poston reported, and Campbell County reported a total increase of 108 students this year over the same time last year.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

La Follette votes down changing beer sales distance requirement

During Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting, members of LaFollette City Council voted against removing the 500-feet distance requirement between retail stores selling beer and schools and churches.

Mayor Mike Stanfield cast the deciding vote to break a 2-2 tie. Councilman Hansford Hatmaker had made a motion to reject amending the city beer code, and Bob Fannon seconded the motion. Council members casting votes in favor of changing the beer code and doing away with the buffer zone were Stephanie Grimm and Joe Bolinger.

Earlier during the meeting, Dr. Duane Mills, pastor of First Baptist Church of LaFollette, took the floor to give an impassioned plea for the council not to relax the distance requirement and therefore increase the density of alcohol availability in the downtown area.

Another major development during Tuesday’s meeting was an announcement that a Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits restaurant is coming to LaFollette this year along Jacksboro Pike near the Pizza Hut and Movie Theatre. Franchisee Michael White was present to give the details, including plans to be open by the end of December and hire up to 80 employees to start out. In order to move forward on construction, White said he needs to have an 18-acre tract of property configured to a square shape for better traffic flow around the building. He would like for the City of LaFollette and HMA/Tennova, which jointly own a piece of adjacent property, to release the easement around the Bojangles’ property so that it can be reconfigured to take on the new square shape.

Fannon suggested that City Administrator Billie Russell and City Attorney Reid Troutman work with Mark Cain, CEO of Tennova’s LaFollette Medical Center, to find a solution that it beneficial to all parties involved.

In other business Tuesday night, the council:

*Approved Gary Byrd as roofing inspector.

*Approved a recreational trails grant match of in-kind services.

*Approved a Safety Partners matching grant resolution through the TML Risk Management Pool.

*Approved an In Lieu of Taxes resolution for LaFollette Utilities.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Bruce Memorial Highway dedicated

The Ken Bruce Memorial Highway was dedicated Tuesday afternoon with the unveiling of official signage along a stretch of the four-lane in front of Campbell County High School.

Members of the Bruce family were joined by State Senator Ken Yager and State Representative Dennis Powers as well as members of the community.

Bruce, an assistant principal at CCHS, was killed during a tragic school shooting on Nov. 8, 2005. Senator Yager and Representative Powers read aloud an official state proclamation designating the thoroughfare as Ken Bruce Memorial Highway.

Both legislators were instrumental in getting the highway named for Bruce, a LaFollette native who had dedicated his life to helping educate and prepare students for life beyond high school.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

WLAF's 60th year celebration continues

     Senator Ken Yager and State Representative Dennis Powers visited WLAF studios on North 5th Street on Tuesday afternoon to hand deliver a proclamation honoring the radio station for its 60th anniversary on the air.

Senator Yager attributed WLAF’s success over the past six decades to a strong focus on community news and a tireless dedication to report it. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Update on wreck that brought two med-choppers to Jacksboro

     Those injured in last Friday morning’s two-car wreck in front of the Radio Shack are recovering this afternoon.  Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman tells WLAF that around 11:00 a.m. Friday, Calvin Wilson and his 20-year old passenger, Gether McGlone, were traveling toward Caryville on the four-lane.  Chapman explains that Wilson was attempting to turn left into the Radio Shack (also known as The Pointe Shopping Center) parking lot failing to yield the right of way to a second vehicle, a Ford Explorer.  The Explorer, heading toward La Follette, was driven by a man from Robbins who had one passenger with him.  It’s reported that Wilson’s car T-boned the Explorer, accelerated, and then sped up into the high grassy area near the US Cellular store hitting The Pointe’s blue fence.  First responders cut off the top of Wilson’s car in order to extract Wilson and McGlone.  Two Lifestar helicopters flew to the scene, but only one of the injured, McGlone, was flown out.  Wilson was transported by ground ambulance to the hospital.  Both McGlone and Wilson are recovering at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  The couple from Robbins were taken to the La Follette Medical Center.  All four were wearing seatbelts, and all of them suffer from non-life threatening injuries.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013, 1:30 PM)

Beer ordinance amendment up for vote - full house expected

A group of concerned citizens is expected to attend the LaFollette City Council meeting Tuesday night at 6 p.m. when a vote will be taken on amending the city’s beer ordinance. The most controversial of the changes proposed by the city planning commission is eliminating the 500-feet distance requirement between retail stores selling beer and schools or churches.

Dr. Duane Mills, pastor of First Baptist Church of LaFollette, is one of those concerned citizens. His church is located just a stone’s throw away from a convenience market that could potentially secure a beer license once the distance requirement is waived.

“It’s about money,” said Dr. Mills. “Money drives everything. To me, if it’s a revenue issue, then let’s do something to bring in businesses that hire 50 or 100 people. How many people does a convenience store employ?”

Dr. Mills said downtown LaFollette is already a high crime area with drugs and prostitutes available on practically every street corner. He fears that adding more access to alcohol in that same area will only make things worse.

“It’s a toxic social cocktail,” said Dr. Mills. “My parking lot at First Baptist is already known as “the shooting gallery”. You take away that buffer zone and it gets worse. We, as a church and as a community, have to bear the brunt as a result. Does the tax benefit offset public safety, public health and public welfare?”

Dr. Mills cites a 2009 study by the World Health Organization that an increase in the number of licensed premises in a given locale is associated with a higher level of crime and other problems.

“Those buffer zones are here for the safety and welfare of our community. Every city in the United States has a buffer zone. My first question is why are they doing this? We are urging people to be aware and ask questions,” said Dr. Mills.

“I’m not on a crusade to eradicate alcohol from the community, because that’s a battle you’re going to lose. But as a local pastor, I want to see a vibrant, healthy community. And we’re not a vibrant, healthy community.

“I think we’re not doing our homework on this issue. We need to be asking, will this make LaFollette a better city? Does it increase the appeal and economic investment? Zoning is a way to control the risk.”

LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said, that while he approves of other proposed changes to the beer ordinance such as raising the application fee from $250 to $500, he does not approve in removing the distance requirement.

“I’m not for that. We’ve got too many problems,” said Stanfield. “It’s good to have money, but it doesn’t mean everything.”

Dr. Mills said that, while he is disappointed that councilmen are talking about relaxing one of the rules of the beer ordinance, he is very appreciative of city hall’s recent efforts to revitalize the downtown area.

“I applaud every effort the city is making to counteract a negative with a positive,” said Dr. Mills.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Attendance awareness in Campbell County is underway

     It’s September.  It’s National Attendance Awareness Month here in Campbell County.  This public school attendance campaign is aimed at eliminating truancy.  Nancy Leach, who spearheads the school attendance program for Campbell County, tells WLAF that the key focus is on chronic truancy (absences of 10 percent or 18 days) and severely chronic truancy (absences of 20 percent or 36 days).   “A lot of parents think their child doesn’t miss much if they have an excused absence,” said Leach. “  But if they have an appointment with a doctor or dentist, they still need to come to school before they go or when they get back. It hinders the kids that are there, because the teacher has back up or regroup to get them all caught up.”  She cited an example of chronic and severely chronic truancy at an unnamed Campbell County School.  In one 9th grade class, there were 82 out of 318 total students who were considered chronically absent and 14 who were considered to be severely chronically absent.  There were also high chronically absent rates in 1st and 6th grade classes.  “The key areas are kindergarten and first grade, third, sixth and ninth grades,” said Leach. “Studies have shown that if they don’t do well attendance-wise when they are in kindergarten or first grade, they’re likely not to read on-level at third and fourth grade.”  Leach also said chronic attendance puts children further behind their classmates, which, in turn, leads to higher drop-out rates at the high schools. (UPDATED TUE, SEPT 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Cougars blitz Lynn Camp - look to go to 3 & 0

     Campbell County High School's varsity football team is off to a 2-0 start for only the second time in school history with Friday night's 50-0 trouncing of the Lynn Camp, Ky. Wildcats. Now the Cougars have a chance to do something this week at Knoxville Central that they've never done, which is start the season 3-0. The Cougars' last 2-0 start came in 2008 during their third playoff season under former head coach Dewayne Wells. Campbell County began its third season under current head coach Justin Price with a 41-6 victory two weeks ago over visiting Cumberland Gap. Central will be looking for its first victory after falling 32-20 to Jefferson County last week.  WLAF has all the coverage of Campbell at Central.(UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

More "free" flu shot clinic scheduled

     Say you missed the “free” flu shot clinic over the weekend.  Not to worry, more “free” flu shot clinics are scheduled.  It’s all a service of Tennova, the Campbell County Board of Education, and the La Follette Medical Foundation.  The dates are Fridays, September 13 and September 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Saturday dates and times are September 21 and October 12 from 8:00 a.m. until Noon.  The “free” flu shots are made possible by a grant written by the Campbell County Board of Education, and the funds are made available from the La Follette Medical Foundation.  The clinics are located at the main entrance to the La Follette Medical Center.  (UPDATED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2013, 6:30 AM)

Hooker haven cleaned up today

     Back in the day, the corner of North Indiana Avenue and Aspen Street was a hustling-bustling spot.  Now days, it's known for a different sort of hustling.  Until this morning, a group of hookers was living in the former Lusby Laundry (Dry Cleaning) building, and most times, they would hang out along the new Aspen Street bridge.

 

La Follette's new city administrator, Billie Russell is spearheading today's clean-up along with the clean up of some other areas in town that are in violation of city codes.  Stan Foust, who enforces city code, tells WLAF that this property on North Indiana is in violation of several codes, and he says that the hookers and the owner of the property will be out of the building by the end of the day.

A crew of inmates from the county jail is helping with the clean-up.  An abandoned car and boat will be hauled out as well.

Russell explains that the city is sending a message to residents and businesses about codes and zoning enforcement.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013, 10:00 AM)

More "after" the clean-up pictures

Small Business Incubator Expo is September 12

     The 2nd annual S-B-I Expo and Networking Event is Thursday, September 12 at 5:00 at the Cove Lake Park Pavilion.  Enjoy snacks from Rickard Ridge as you meet clients from the Small Business Incubator who will be showcasing their businesses.  The event is free, but your R-S-V-P is appreciated at 865.220.1707.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013, 9:00 AM)

Caryville Civil War Council readies for 12th toy run

     Save the date!  The Caryville Civil War Council announces its 12th annual “toy run.”  This fall event helps raise funds for less fortunate families during the holidays.  Mark the date for September 28.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the ride begins at 10:00.  The cost is $10 per rider, and the sign-up location is behind the Food City.  That’s Saturday, September 28th.  (UPDATED FRI, AUG 30, 2013, 9:00 AM)

1st Baptist Church of LaFollette 8/25/13

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Hooker haven cleaned up today

     Back in the day, the corner of North Indiana Avenue and Aspen Street was a hustling-bustling spot.  Now days, it's known for a different sort of hustling.  Until this morning, a group of hookers was living in the former Lusby Laundry (Dry Cleaning) building, and most times, they would hang out along the new Aspen Street bridge.

 

La Follette's new city administrator, Billie Russell is spearheading today's clean-up along with the clean up of some other areas in town that are in violation of city codes.  Stan Foust, who enforces city code, tells WLAF that this property on North Indiana is in violation of several codes, and he says that the hookers and the owner of the property will be out of the building by the end of the day.

A crew of inmates from the county jail is helping with the clean-up.  An abandoned car and boat will be hauled out as well.

Russell explains that the city is sending a message to residents and businesses about codes and zoning enforcement.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013, 10:00 AM)

More "after" the clean-up pictures

La Follette Press staffers lead way to retake First Street

Inspired by the city’s decision to clean-up an eyesore of a building in the downtown business section, the staff of the LaFollette Press moved their newsroom to the sidewalk Thursday in an effort to take back the streets.

“People honk their horns at us, and some of them ask us what this is all about. It’s become an awareness campaign,” said Editor Brent Schanding.

The weekly newspaper sits near the intersection of North 1st and Aspen streets, where a group of known prostitutes have been congregating the past few years. A rapidly deteriorating building at the corner of Aspen Street and Indiana Avenue had been home to those women. That building was officially condemned by the city codes enforcement office and cleaned out early Wednesday morning.

“We’ve been noticing (the prostitutes) more and more. It’s been going on for a long time, but lately they seem to have become more organized,” said Schanding.

He said the group of six or more prostitutes appeared to be working in shifts.

“We were inspired to do something when (City Administrator) Billie Russell had the building cleaned up on Indiana Avenue. We thought, since we’re at ground zero here, we needed to do something to support the cause,” said Schanding.

For most of Thursday, the newspaper staff had a mobile office on North 1st Street. Along with writing stories, taking photos and proofing copy, reporters grilled their lunch, played games and generally basked in the sunshine.

“We haven’t taken our whole street back, but we’ve taken over our block,” said Schanding.

The staff of the LaFollette Machine and Tool Company, located next door, supported the effort by the Press, which piggybacked on a downtown revitalization program by city hall. Celeste Sharp of LaFollette Machine and Tool Company said she hopes the concentration on revitalization will attract more businesses to the downtown area.

“We’d like to see McDonald’s on the corner,” she said.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Carmike Movies 2 behind Woodson Shell

2140 Jacksboro Highway - La Follette, Tennessee 37766 - 423.562.0979

Grown Ups 2  (PG-13)

   
Tue Sep 3:
4:45pm   7:00pm   9:20pm  
Wed Sep 4:
4:45pm   7:00pm   9:20pm  
Thu Sep 5:  
4:45pm   7:00pm   9:20pm  

Monsters University  (G)

   
Tue Sep 3:
4:40pm  
Wed Sep 4:
4:40pm  
Thu Sep 5:  
4:40pm  

We're the Millers  (R)

   
Tue Sep 3:
7:10pm   9:40pm  
Wed Sep 4:
7:10pm   9:40pm  
Thu Sep 5:  
7:10pm   9:40pm

Small Business Incubator Expo is September 12

     The 2nd annual S-B-I Expo and Networking Event is Thursday, September 12 at 5:00 at the Cove Lake Park Pavilion.  Enjoy snacks from Rickard Ridge as you meet clients from the Small Business Incubator who will be showcasing their businesses.  The event is free, but your R-S-V-P is appreciated at 865.220.1707.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013, 9:00 AM)

 Caryville Civil War Council readies for 12th toy run

     Save the date!  The Caryville Civil War Council announces its 12th annual “toy run.”  This fall event helps raise funds for less fortunate families during the holidays.  Mark the date for September 28.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the ride begins at 10:00.  The cost is $10 per rider, and the sign-up location is behind the Food City.  That’s Saturday, September 28th.  (UPDATED FRI, AUG 30, 2013, 9:00 AM)

The Campbell High Lady Cougar Volleyball squad (DAVID GRAHAM PIX)

The Jellico High Lady Blue Devil Volleyball squad (DAVID GRAHAM PIX)

Local marinas ready for Labor Day weekend

Despite a record amount of rainfall this year, marinas on Norris Lake haven’t suffered too badly. It was business as usual for most, with a rainy Fourth of July being the worst week of the year.

Whitman Hollow Marina

It’s been the best summer in eight or nine years for Whitman Hollow Marina, said Keith Tebbe, who manages the dock for owner Chuck Samples. “(The rain) really didn’t affect us too much. (Tourists) were down here anyway and determined they were going to be on vacation,” he said.

Tebbe said the big draws at Whitman Hollow are the covered slips and dining area, soft serve ice cream and outdoor bar. He said the staff has restocked and is ready for a Labor Day weekend every bit as busy as the Fourth of July. There will be a live band playing on Saturday night.

Powell Valley Marina and Resort

Mary Lamberson, owner of Powell Valley Marina and Resort, said all the rain helped keep the water level up for boaters, skiers and fishermen. She said a few tourists began to leave after the third day of an extremely rainy Fourth of July week, but that most seemed to make the best of it. “Many of our guests had a wonderful time. Even though it rained, they came determined to have a good time,” she said.

Lamberson said there is usually a two-week lull before a busy Labor Day weekend, but that Powell Valley Marina will draw tourists through at least the end of September and then fishermen after that.

The staff of Indian River Marina also made the best of bad weather this summer. “It did affect us some. Business was down, but not a lot. We hope to have a really good Labor Day weekend,” said Indian River Marina Manager Becky McCullah.

Indian River Marina has two big UT football tailgate parties scheduled for September 14 and 21, with a live band for both. One of those, the Juke Joint Drifters Blues Band, had a perfect score during a recent battle of the bands contest. The Tree House Band will play on the weekend of the Tennessee vs. Florida game.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Reynolds says Poston's strong leadership leads the way to success

Campbell County Public Schools got more good news Tuesday when a state report showed nearly 86 percent of achievement targets were met last year across the district. Twelve of the 14 county public schools met achievement targets in both math and reading/language arts. The only schools that missed the mark in math were Jellico High’s Algebra I classes and White Oak Elementary math classes. The only schools that missed the mark in reading/language arts were Campbell County High’s English II classes and LaFollette Middle’s reading/language arts classes.

At the tip of the spear was Jacksboro Elementary, which was named a Reward School for being in the top five percent statewide for meeting achievement and level of progress,

Dr. Eunice Reynolds, director of special programs for Campbell County Schools, credits Director of Schools Donnie Poston for helping the students achieve such high marks. “His strong leadership and support led to this awesome level of success,” said Reynolds.

Poston, naturally, deflected all praise to the students, their parents and the educators at each of the county’s schools.

“Campbell County Schools show dramatic improvement in overall academic performances,” said Poston. “Students exhibited higher levels of academic proficiency with positive results at each school due to the determination and dedicated work of students, their parents, teachers, principals and other supportive teamwork.

 “These were pretty aggressive targets. I attribute the achievements to the teachers and principals. They have worked so hard. Closing the gap was a major accomplishment with the socioeconomic-disadvantaged and special ed kids. The challenge now is that we have to ramp it up even more. We’ve got to set our goals a little higher.”   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 Ceremony honoring life of CCHS Principal Ken Bruce set for Tuesday

(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Dennis Powers (R–Jacksboro) announced this week there will be a special ceremony honoring the late Campbell County High School Vice-Principal Ken Bruce on September 3rd at 5:00 p.m. in Jacksboro.
Ken Bruce was a rare and unique individual who dedicated his life to others. For 20 years, he served in the Army and the Army Reserves while also serving as an integral part of the county school system. Ken Bruce was a dedicated school administrator who took a social interest in the young lives he helped to shape.
US Highway 25/State Route 63, the main road in front of Campbell County High School, will be renamed “Ken Bruce Memorial Highway” according to House Bill 1030, which was passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year.
It is Representative Powers’ hope and desire that this road naming will serve as a testament to a man who gave the majority of his life to the education of
Campbell County’s young people and the betterment of his community.
The ceremony will be held at the beginning of the school zone near
Towe String Road between the fire department and the American Trust and Savings bank. The public is invited and encouraged to attend to help celebrate the life of this remarkable man and honor his sacrifice for the people of Tennessee.
(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013, 6:00 AM)

1st Baptist Church of LaFollette 8/25/13

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LaFollette men charged with aggravated burglary, theft

     Two LaFollette men have been charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property $10,000 to $59,999 stemming from an incident that occurred on Aug. 21 at 250 Brown Crest Drive, LaFollette. Lawrence Anthony “Tony” Lowe, age 38 of 409 River Drive, and James Brian “Duke” Chambers, age 25 of 309 Cumberland Ave., were taken into custody on Tuesday, Aug. 27 by officers with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Officers said they learned through an investigation that Lowe, Chambers and another man forcibly entered a residence and took a gun safe containing more than $10,000 in weapons and other items, as well as a flat screen television. The officers stated that Lowe and Chambers hooked a chain to the gun safe and dragged it out of the house and down Old Hwy. 63 with Lowe’s white Ford Expedition. The suspects then loaded the gun safe with the help of another man into the back of Lowe’s vehicle and proceeded to West Cotoula Rd., where they pried open the safe with a crowbar and divided the contents of the gun safe between themselves. Lowe’s wife gave consent to search her residence, where a rifle was found. She then called her husband, who told her where three other guns could be found. (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013, 4:00 PM)

Deputy mayor recovers from surgery

     Campbell County’s Deputy Mayor, David G. Young, is recovering this morning from heart surgery.  The 61-year old Young was admitted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville on Monday for scheduled rotator cuff surgery.  In preparing for that surgery, friends say that Young began feeling pain in his left arm.  Surgeons ended up performing triple-bypass surgery on Young instead.  He is recovering in the critical care unit and is expected to be put in a private room in the next day or so.  Young turns 62 on Thursday (08/29).  (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013, 10:30 AM)

Beer sales next to churches and schools coming up for a vote

LaFollette City Council is looking to amend the city code with respect to alcoholic beverages. During Monday night’s monthly workshop, it was revealed that city leaders were looking at changing three aspects of the code. They include:

*Increasing the application fee from $250 to $500.

*Waiving the current distance requirement of 500 feet between retail outlets that sell beer and schools, churches and parks.

*Temporary permits.

The proposed changes will be put to a vote at next Tuesday’s council meeting.

“Who recommended this?” said Councilman Hansford Hatmaker, to which City Attorney Reid Troutman responded, “(LaFollette Planning Commission Chairman) Joe (Bolinger) asked me to look into making those amendments to it.”

Hatmaker seemed upset about the proposed changes.

“What it boils down to is that you want to eliminate the 500 feet between churches and schools if you want to sell beer,” said Hatmaker. “This is political suicide. I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole.”

Troutman explained that only retail stores in a commercially zoned area would be able to sell alcoholic beverages, and only beer at that. “This is not taverns. This is retail sales,” he said.

Troutman said he knows of only two current locations that would be immediately eligible to apply for a beer permit under the ordinance change. One of those is at the East Gate Shopping Center and the other is the Downtown Shell Station next to the LaFollette Tennis Courts.

Troutman went on to say that a certain section of LaFollette has had liquor by the drink for about the past five or six years due to a state law, but that no one has ever taken advantage of that fact.

Hatmaker, Bolinger, Troutman, and Hatmaker 

Bolinger gave his thoughts on the proposed changes to LaFollette’s beer ordinance.

“This is only for the commercial district. The purpose is for future development of nice sit-down restaurants to locate in our commercial district,” said Bolinger.

Among other items discussed at Monday’s workshop:

*A Safety Partners matching grant.

*An update on the former Past Time Lounge building, which has been given to the city for its downtown revitalization effort. The building had been in foreclosure for some time.

*A recreational trails matching grant for the Ivydell Trailhead.

*Adding roof inspector to the list of Gary Byrd’s list of job duties.

*Changing the configuration of a piece of property along Jacksboro Pike owned by HMA/Tennova.

It was also announced that the postponed Fourth of July Fireworks show will take place on the evening of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, at dark.(UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Saturday was Ron Broyles' Day in Campbell County

Former Hollywood stuntman Ron Broyles was joined Saturday morning at the Campbell County Veterans Monument by friends, former high school classmates and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces as he kicked off his 1,200-mile bicycle ride to Key West.

Walden and Broyles

Broyles, a 1971 graduate of LaFollette High School, dedicated his trek to the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps servicemen and servicewomen who are physically or mentally disabled due to combat injuries. The WWP raises both money and awareness for wounded veterans from WWII to the current War on Terror.

Frank Payne and Broyles

Broyles served in the United States Navy from 1971-75 during the Vietnam War, but he was not sent to that particular combat theatre like so many of his friends and colleagues.

Powers, Leroy Morgan, and Broyles

“You get a little older and you begin to realize the sacrifices they made,” said Broyles. “If there is anyway I can help them, I’m going to do it.”

Hickman

Broyles will ride a Trek 5200, the same bike Lance Armstrong used to win the Tour de France. Covering between 80 and 100 miles each day through Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, it will take Broyles about two weeks to reach his ultimate destination. He plans to arrive in Key West on Sept. 8, his 60th birthday.

Walden

State Rep. Dennis Powers, a former high school classmate of Broyles, spoke at Saturday’s kickoff event. Campbell County Veterans Service Officer Kevin Walden sang the Star Spangled Banner and another patriotic song. Retired U.S. Army Col. Logan Hickman also spoke. When Broyles took the podium, he explained the goals of the ride and thanked his many supporters for their help with the WWP.

You can donate and/or follow him online at www.ronsride.net.(UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

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Campbell's Davis named editor of Mountain Press

Campbell County native Jason Davis has been named editor of The Mountain Press after serving the Sevierville daily newspaper as sports editor the past six years. He steps into the executive role vacated by the retirement of longtime editor Stan Voit.

Davis, 35, cut his teeth at the LaFollette Press while working there as a cub reporter prior to and during his senior year of high school and also for a summer while attending college at Tennessee Tech.

Davis served as sports editor of the Volunteer Times from Sept. 2002 to the spring of 2004. During the fall of 2004, he came back to his old stomping ground at the LaFollette Press, where he worked his way up to news editor before leaving to become sports editor of The Mountain Press in October 2007.

Jana Thomasson, publisher of The Mountain Press, said Davis earned the post through sterling work as sports editor and his devotion to community newspapers. His first day as editor was Monday, Aug. 19.

“I’m happy to get the opportunity to serve the Sevier County community as editor,” said Davis. “My wife and I enjoy working and living here. I loved working at the LaFollette Press, and enjoyed growing up there.”   (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Additional hiring likely in MATIX future

     MATIX Corporation of America officially announces plans for expansion in Campbell County.  In a release from Pioneer MATIX Plant Manager, Will Trent, MATIX plans to expand to its existing plant at Pioneer beginning next month.  The growth stems from the rebound in Japanese automaker global sales and a strong Japanese Yen.  Trent goes on to say they have gradually increased MATIX permanent employment base since 2012 more than 10-percent to support increasing demands of current products.  He adds that he expects to see additional hiring and machinery to be added after the completion of the new addition scheduled in February of next year.  MATIX Corporation of America is a Tier 2 supplier of precision machined engine components to Toyota.  MATIX observes its 92nd year in business this year, along with 12 years at Pioneer.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013, 1:00 PM)         

Additional Round of Search Warrants Served; Property Seized
13 Additional Vehicles Seized from the York Property

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announces that on Tuesday afternoon the Kermit York drug investigation continued with a second round of search warrants being deployed at the Ivey Hollow home of York and the Dillon Drive residence of his daughter.  Sheriff Goins said his deputies, along with the 8th Judicial Drug Task Force arrived at the homes nearly simultaneously Tuesday around 3pm to collect further evidence in the ongoing drug investigation against the alleged “Valley Area Drug Kingpin” of Campbell County

In total, 13 more vehicles were seized as a result of the search warrant.  “We were on scene serving search warrants at these residences and seizing property of, where we believe strongly, these items were bought with money York gained in the selling and distribution of drugs.  We strongly believe Mr. York’s reign is over.  I can assure you that we have and will continue to work tirelessly to make certain that Mr. York is properly held accountable and receives the proper end result for his alleged actions.  This investigation is a prime example of what we can do together as law enforcement if we cooperate and work together as the citizens of Campbell County deserve and demand.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013, NOON)              

Demanding days at the animal shelter

Michael Aiken, the new director of the Adrion Baird Animal Shelter, was in attendance Tuesday evening at the regular monthly meeting of the Campbell County Animal Shelter Advisory Board held at LaFollette City Hall. Also in attendance was Campbell County Animal Control Officer Otis Poore. This was another meeting where progress was slow but steady as the board hashed out the rules and regulations for day to day operation of the shelter. With only two employees on staff at the shelter, Aiken said the work has been demanding and hectic at times. He said he hopes to have volunteers working there soon, especially since he has a conflict on Saturdays, which is traditionally one of the shelter's busiest days of the week. One of the biggest hurdles for Aiken and shelter worker Beth Caldwell has been juggling chores, paperwork and phone calls while allowing public access to rescue groups, members of the press and people wanting to adopt an animal.

"If folks can be patient with us, we're going to try and get some of this done ASAP," said Aiken.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Police return to drug king pin's home

     Officers with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department were back at a home on Ivey Hollow Road on Tuesday.  They were seizing more cars from a man described as a “drug king pin.”  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF News that 13 more vehicles were seized from 52-year old Kermit York at his residence described by many as a fortress. 

Some of the vehicles seized on Tuesday from York's compound

This comes on the heels of last Thursday’s raid at York’s home where U.S. currency, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, marijuana, and a firearm were discovered along with 10-vehicles including a Corvette and Harley Davidson.  Sheriff Robbie Goins adds that York, a convicted felon with no employment, is believed to be one of Campbell County’s largest sellers and distributors of illegal narcotics.  York was last booked into the county jail in the summer of 2005.  Although, York has not been arrested during the recent raids.  However, the sheriff is likely going to wait and turn all the evidence over to the grand jury. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

County Commission Meeting August 19, 2013

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1st Baptist Church of La Follette Services from August 18, 2013

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Purchase of former bank building for Lake City coal miners’ museum is approved

Lake City may finally be on the verge of becoming the home of a long-planned and discussed coal miners’ museum, a consolation prize of sorts for the loss of one of the town’s two banks.

The Anderson County Commission voted 12-1 Monday night to use $100,000 from the sale of county industrial land to purchase the former Bank of America building on Main Street as a new home for the museum.

The commission voted unanimously to give the money to the Town of Lake City, which will own the building and be responsible for utilities, maintenance and insurance costs.

At a workshop on Saturday, the Lake City Board of Mayor & Aldermen agreed to dedicate one-third of the town’s hotel-motel tax revenue for three years to maintain the building. Lake City will also be seeking a grant from the Tennessee Dept. of Transportation to renovate the building, both for use as a museum and a Lake City-North Anderson County Welcome Center for tourists along I-75.

“This will be the focal point for the historic Coal Creek Driving Trail and the motorcycle trail that follows Highway 116 through Briceville and New River into Petros,” Stephanie Wells of the Anderson County Tourism Council told the commissioners. “These motor trails and historic sites have needed this museum to serve as a center and jumping off point.”

Although the commission’s operations committee voted 5-2 in favor of the purchase last week, some commissioners had voiced reservations about spending the money when finances are already tight. A standing room crowd of citizens from Lake City and Briceville, along with other supporters of the museum, helped change most of their minds.

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank told the commission and audience that while she supported the museum, she would prefer to take the money out of the tourism budget instead of industrial development.

“In Lake City, tourism is the industry,” Commissioner Robert McKamey pointed out in making the motion to use part of the proceeds from a $300,000 sale of industrial property to Hollingsworth Companies.

The majority of commissioners agreed, mindful of the fact that the offer of the former bank building is only on the table for a few days.

The idea for the Coal Mining Museum of the Cumberlands was first developed 27 years ago, during Tennessee’s Homecoming ’86 celebration. A small museum was set up in what had once been the Coal Creek Opera House next to City Hall on Main Street, and began accumulating coal mining artifacts, old photographs and other memorabilia.

But the historic building fell victim to progress a few years later, when Lake City razed the structure to make room for a new City Hall building. The museum contents were transferred to the former library space in the Community Center, but that space proved inadequate to display the artifacts and photos.

The museum’s board of directors has been hoping to find another location, large enough to tell the rich history of coal mining in the area including the Coal Creek miners’ rebellion, the mine disasters at Fraterville and Cross Mountain and the way of life for working miners and their families living in coal camps.

“This is our opportunity to create something that will bring people in off the interstate and help revitalize downtown,” Lake City Mayor Tim Sharp pointed out to the commissioners. “You can see the community is strongly supporting it and Lake City will see it through.” (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013, 2:30 PM) 

Jacksboro Elementary School sets successful pace

     “It was a team effort from everyone in the building.”  That’s how Jacksboro Elementary School Principal Joan Crutchfield quickly sizes up the news she heard about her school on Monday.  JES is officially a “Reward School” for the 2012-13 school year. 

 

Director of Schools Donnie Poston calls it “exceptional!”  Reward schools are those schools across the state in the Top 5 percent for performance, measured by a one year success rate, or Top 5 percent for progress, measured by a one year TVAAS school composite.  Poston goes on to say that Principal Crutchfield and staff have done an outstanding job working as a team keeping an eye on the goal toward student success, and it paid off for them.  She and her and staff have done an outstanding job working as a team keeping an eye on the goal toward student success, and it paid off for them. 

Principal Crutchfield tells WLAF that she still floating after hearing the good news.  She goes on to say that every child counted, and that the key was faculty, staff, and students. Poston adds that no county school is on the bad list.  He closes by saying that he’s anxious to find out how many other Campbell County Schools had a really good year last year.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

County commission meets in regular session

Campbell County Commissioners gave a “thumbs down” Monday night to a proposed coal fly ash landfill in the Westbourne community.

Former commissioner Melvin Boshears spoke before a vote was taken, saying that he would be in favor of the landfill if it would be beneficial to the county. If it would detract from the county, he said he would be against it.

Current commissioners Marie Ayers and David Adkins admitted that they were sitting on the fence on the issue. They, along with Commissioner Bob Walden, abstained from voting because they felt they did not have enough information to formulate an opinion. The other 10 commissioners present voted unanimously for a motion for non-support of the landfill. That motion was made by Steve Rutherford and seconded by Thomas Hatmaker.

In other business during Monday’s regular monthly commission meeting, the board:

*Approved a revision to the animal control ordinance for exceptions to the 3-day rule. They include: 1. Animals that become the property of Campbell County. 2. Animals that are sick, diseased, injured or otherwise deemed hazardous to the well-being of other animal center animals or animal center employees. 3. If shelter reaches maximum capacity, animals that have been in the center the longest will be offered to animal rescue organizations for placement or euthanized if not placed dependent upon available capacity.

*Approved budget amendments to the county general fund.

*Approved the contributions/donations for commissioners’ resolution, which changes the payment schedule to four times a year instead of once a year for the various groups and entities that the commission helps with funding.

*Approved an OSHA resolution.

*Approved a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

*Approved two ambulances as surplus.

*Narrowly approved, by an 8-5 vote, a payment schedule, with an assessment at an increase of 50 cents per citizen, to the Joint Economic and Community Development Agency for the next three years.

*Approved acceptance of a $250,000 recreational trails grant for the Ivydell Trailhead.

There was also lengthy discussion among commissioners about the status of the Campbell County Small Business Incubator and why the county had to rent space for it. (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Jacksboro Elementary School among state's best

     “Exceptional!”  That’s Director of Schools Donnie Poston’s initial reaction to the good news about Jacksboro Elementary School.  JES is officially a “Reward School” for the 2012-13 school year.  Reward schools are those schools across the state in the Top 5 percent for performance, measured by a one year success rate, or Top 5 percent for progress, measured by a one year TVAAS school composite.  He says “we needed some good news.”  Poston goes on to say that Principal Joan Crutchfield and staff have done an outstanding job working as a team keeping an eye on the goal toward student success, and it paid off for them.  Principal Crutchfield tells WLAF that she still floating after hearing the good news.  She calls it a team effort from everyone in the building.  Crutchfield goes on to say that every child counted, and that the key was faculty, staff, and students.  Poston adds that no county school is on the bad list.  He closes by saying that he’s anxious to find out how many other Campbell County Schools had a really good year last year. (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013, 2:30 PM) 

Home of valley drug kingpin raided – no arrests made

     Mounds of evidence were collected.  However, according to jail house records, a so-called “valley area drug kingpin” was not immediately taken into custody.  Sheriff Robbie Goins’ successful strategy over the years has been to not make an arrest in similar cases, but to have ample evidence and then present it to the grand jury for prosecution.  Goins and members of his 8th Judicial District Drug Task Force raided the home of 52-year old Kermit York on Ivey Hollow Road in the Coolidge-Davis Chapel area and seized a lot of evidence.  On Thursday night, Goins and officers met face-to-face with York, York’s wife, a small child, and another man.  A search of York’s home led the investigators to the discovery and seizure of U.S. currency, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, marijuana, and a stolen firearm from Lafollette.  Also, taken in the raid were 10-vehicles including a Corvette, Harley Davidson, trucks, cars, four wheelers, and a wrecker. 

York in a picture taken in 2005

The investigation continued into the early morning hours of Friday where the sheriff was given consent to search a home at 265 Dillon Drive in the Glade Springs area of La Follette.  At that house, officers found a safe hidden underneath the floor of a room containing nearly $60,000 in cash.  Goins says the money likely came from drug sales.  No names were released in the Glade Springs raid, and it’s not been announced yet if the two raids are connected.  Goins adds that Kermit York, a convicted felon with no employment, is believed to be one of Campbell County’s largest sellers and distributors of illegal narcotics.  York was last booked into the county jail in the summer of 2005.(UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Valley Area Drug Kingpin Faces Criminal Prosecution after Evidence Collected During Search Warrant
Money, Drugs, Vehicles and Firearm Seized during Raid

     A late Thursday evening raid upon the residence of Kermit D. York, age 52 of 711 Ivey Hollow in the Coolidge/Davis Chapel area, produced mounds of evidence that will be used in the criminal prosecution of York, a convicted felon. Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said Agents from the 8th Judicial Drug Task Force and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office followed a lengthy investigation that led them to the search warrant deployment Thursday evening around 7pm, by the Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Entry Team, where they met face to face with York, his wife, a small child and an unrelated male subject. A search of the residence led the investigators to the discovery and seizure of U.S. currency, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, marijuana and a stolen firearm from Lafollette, as well as, 10 vehicles including a Corvette, Harley Davidson, trucks, cars, four wheelers and a wrecker.  The investigation continued into the early morning hours of Friday morning where they were given consent to search the property at 265 Dillon Drive Lafollette, TN in the Glade Springs area. While at the residence law enforcement found a safe hidden underneath the floor of a room, with nearly $60,000 of cash money, believed to be obtained from the sell and distribution of illegal narcotics. Kermit York, a convicted felon with no employment, is believed to be one of Campbell County’s largest sellers and distributors of illegal narcotics. Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said, “We will take the solid evidence that these fine investigators obtained through a thorough investigation and offer it up to a state or possibly a federal grand jury for its indictment and eventual criminal prosecution. We refuse to tolerate the actions of Kermit York in Campbell County any further. At every turn we will fight harder and harder to make sure these problems of society are held accountable and punished to the fullest extent we can get in a court of lawful jurisdiction. We have, are currently and will be in the future, fully committed to rid Campbell County of these continuing problems like Mr. York and others. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of these investigators and look forward to the final disposition of this case and others.”  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013, 4:30 PM)               

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Campbell opens the season at home with Cumberland Gap August 23 at 7:30 p.m.

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Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                     

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September is National Attendance Awareness Month

Campbell County Public Schools kicked off National Attendance Awareness Month for September with a luncheon and information session Friday morning at the Chamber of Commerce.

The event was an open house for the public school attendance program aimed at eliminating truancy.

La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield and School Board Member Danny Wilson

Nancy Leach, who spearheads the school attendance program for Campbell County, said the key focus is on chronic truancy (absences of 10 percent or 18 days) and severely chronic truancy (absences of 20 percent or 36 days).

Nancy Leach, E.L. Morton, and John Blakely

“A lot of parents think their child doesn’t miss much if they have an excused absence,” said Leach. “But if they have an appointment with a doctor or dentist, they still need to come to school before they go or when they get back. It hinders the kids that are there, because the teacher has back up or regroup to get them all caught up.”

She cited an example of chronic and severely chronic truancy at an unnamed Campbell County School. In one 9th grade class, there were 82 out of 318 total students who were considered chronically absent and 14 who were considered to be severely chronically absent.

School Board Member Eugene Lawson (L)

There were also high chronically absent rates in 1st and 6th grade classes.

“The key areas are kindergarten and first grade, third, sixth and ninth grades,” said Leach. “Studies have shown that if they don’t do well attendance-wise when they are in kindergarten or first grade, they’re likely not to read on-level at third and fourth grade.”

Attendance Awareness ribbon

Leach also said chronic attendance puts children further behind their classmates, which, in turn, leads to higher drop-out rates at the high schools. (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013, 3:00 PM) 

One of La Follette Rescue Squad's founders dies

     “He loved this little town.”  That’s how Anthony Richardson quickly summed up his father’s fondness for La Follette.  Though Anthony’s dad, Hugh J. Richardson, died on Monday after a lengthy illness, he lives on through the La Follette Rescue Squad.  The elder Richardson's legacy was set way back in 1957.  That's when he and a handful of other men and women founded the La Follette Rescue Squad.  He was a founding and charter member as well as a lifetime member of the LRS. 

Anthony and Hugh Richardson

Born and raised in La Follette, Richardson also served as a county commissioner, and for many years was the manager of Emery’s Five & Dime in the Woodson’s Shopping Center. 

Anthony goes on to say that Richardson just missed his 60th La Follette High School reunion scheduled for next month to celebrate the LHS Class of 1953.  He says his father, the youngest of eight, was really into square dancing saying most weekends he’d get all dressed up in his boots and western wear, and leave out for Knoxville for a night of dancing.  Services are set tonight at 8:00 at Walters Funeral Home with the Richardson family receiving friends beginning at 6:00.  Hugh Johnson Richardson was 79-years old.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

'Kees keep Cougars at bay

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF Sports

Campbell County gave up an early touchdown Thursday night and battled back to tie South-Doyle before falling 13-7 in one quarter of action in the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic Kick-off Classic Football Jamboree at Neyland Stadium.

Paul Courdle "totes the 'tater" for Campbell

The Cougar offense misfired on its first drive, while the Cherokees found the end zone on their very first play from scrimmage. Junior halfback Joquez Bruce, running a wheel route, caught a pass from quarterback Brody Rollins and bolted 80 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown. The point after kick gave South-Doyle a 7-0 lead a little more than two minutes into the 12-minute scrimmage.

Campbell's Preston Miller on the carry

Campbell County had a promising drive end with a fumble on the Cherokees’ 35-yard line with 6:57 to go.

CCHS Cheerleaders

Less than a minute later, linebacker Nick Bailey caused a fumble that teammate Joseph Elkins pounced on at the South-Doyle 35 to get the ball back for the Cougars.

Nick Bailey crashes forward for CCHS

Bailey cashed in the miscue with a 4-yard touchdown run at the 4:05 mark. Sophomore placekicker Gustavo Rosas booted the PAT to tie the scrimmage 7-7.

Paul Courdle

Bruce found the end zone again on a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:57 remaining to push the Cherokees in front 13-7. The PAT kick was wide left.

CCHS signal caller Ethan Jeffers readies to take the snap

The Cougars will host Cumberland Gap at 7:30 p.m. Friday night in the first-ever meeting of the two teams since Powell Valley and Forge Ridge consolidated to form CGHS about 10 years ago.  WLAF has the coverage.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Middle schools open season

     Jacksboro battled through overtime to chalk up its first win of the young football season Thursday night at Gibson Field.  The Eagles defeated Grace Christian Academy 22 to 16.  La Follette did not fair as well.  The Owls fell at Eagleton 40 to 14.

JMS pictures are courtesy of Noah Roy Smith

LMS pictures are courtesy of Joey St. John

Harwell here for Powers event

Beth Harwell, Tennessee’s first female speaker of the House of Representatives, was keynote speaker Thursday afternoon for the kickoff fundraiser of State Representative Dennis Powers’ 2014 campaign. State Senator Ken Yager and retired U.S. Army General Carl W. Stiner also spoke during the dinner held at The Stables in the Fincastle community.

Powers and Harwell

Powers said he also plans to hold fundraisers later this fall in Nashville and in another part of his congressional district in Union County.

“We had a great turnout,” said Rep. Powers. “We were hoping for 75 people and ended up with something like 85, so we had a few more than we expected. Beth does a great job and is very supportive. For her to drive from Nashville for a fundraiser is just an honor for me.”

Stiner

Rep. Powers presented Harwell with an autographed copy of the book “Shadow Warriors” co-written by Gen. Stiner and author Tom Clancy. He also presented Gen. Stiner with a handmade walking stick, which the general said he would put to good use on his farm. (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Don Hendricks begins his 40th and final year

Don Hendricks has no idea how many times his marching and pep bands have played the Cougars’ fight song since Campbell County High School first opened its doors in the fall of 1975.

“More than I can count,” said Hendricks, who has announced his retirement as high school and middle school band director at the end of the 2013-14 school year.

Hendricks has been the only band director Campbell County High School has ever known. He started the CCHS band program after serving as high school band director for both LaFollette and Jacksboro schools from 1974 to ‘75.

Like Hendricks, the fight song — which is Campbell County’s own twist of Notre Dame’s Victory March  — has become synonymous with the CCHS Marching Cougars.

Hendricks tells the story of how CCHS ended up with that particular tune: “We brought in the student council and played four songs. They chose that one,” he said

A native of Harlan, Ky., Hendricks graduated from Cumberland College in 1974 with 32 more credit hours than the 120 required for a bachelor’s degree. He applied for jobs all over Kentucky and Tennessee, but ended up in Campbell County where his wife grew up.

“The week before school started, they called and said, “We’ve got an opening.’ Campbell County has been real good to me and my family, so I thought, why leave here? I never considered leaving,” said Hendricks, who played trombone in high school and college.

Since he arrived here in the mid-‘70s, Hendricks has taught literally thousands of band students. Several of those musicians have gone on to play in college bands, such as the famed University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Marching Band. A few have even followed his footsteps and become high school band directors.

“There are some very talented kids in this county,” said Hendricks.

For the past several years, more than a half dozen former students have been showing up to help out during marching band season. Among those is Adam Wright, whom Hendricks hopes will get the job when he retires next spring.

Hendricks said the most rewarding part of his job has been the relationships he has built with students.

“They share the same passion for music that I do,” said Hendricks. “I’ve spent seven years with this group of seniors, counting their middle school years. By the time they graduate, they’re like family to me. I think the worst part of walking out that door will be not being around the kids every day. I can’t imagine not being here.”   (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Carmike Movies 2 behind Woodson Shell

2140 Jacksboro Pike, La Follette, Tennessee 37766 - 423.562.0979

Planes  (PG)

   
   
   
   
   
Wed Aug 21:
4:45pm   7:10pm   9:35pm  
Thu Aug 22:  
4:45pm   7:10pm   9:35pm  

We're the Millers  (R)

   
   
   
   
   
Wed Aug 21:
4:35pm   7:15pm   9:45pm  
Thu Aug 22:  
4:35pm   7:15pm   9:45pm  

Animal shelter reopens

     Four months and four days later, the Campbell County Animal Shelter is once again open.  Newly appointed Director Mike Aiken tells WLAF News that the shelter officially opened this morning at 10:00.  Aiken goes on to say that they’ve already taken in a few animals today.  Beth Caldwell, who has animal shelter experience, including a stint with Young-Williams Animal Shelter at Knoxville, has come onboard at the CC shelter.  Aiken began his stint as shelter director August 5 after the shelter was closed on April 11.  However, the investigation into the shelter by the TBI remains open.  In an upbeat tone, Aiken says the shelter was ready to be open, and he’s looking forward to a great start.  The shelter is now open to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013, 1:30 PM) 

Long road to recovery ahead for Shoun

     Doctors say it’s going to be a slow recovery for a Campbell County man injured in a Wednesday morning motorcycle accident.  Family members of 37-year old Adam Shoun of Jacksboro tell WLAF News that he came through surgery well on Wednesday night.  Surgeons repaired a fractured shoulder blade, collarbone, and foot.  Police report that just after 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Shoun lost control of his motorcycle on Pinecrest Road.  According to the report, Shown was headed toward Pinecrest when he laid his bike down and was thrown from the cycle. The motorcycle slammed into a metal post, ripping the post out of the ground. Shoun is listed in stable condition this evening at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  Shown was seriously injured in a car wreck last September.  Family members request your prayers.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013, 1:30 PM) 

Notice from the recycling center

     Officials with the Campbell County Recycling Center notify WLAF that they're not accepting any brush right now.  Equipment troubles are to blame.  The reopening date to once again accept brush is September 2.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013, 1:30 PM) 

Bright lights. Big stage. Big opportunity.

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF Sports

Campbell County High School’s football program will reveal its latest addition tonight in the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic Kick-off Classic Jamboree at Neyland Stadium.

Tickets are $10 at the gate.

Action begins at 6 p.m. with the first of 11 quarters featuring 22 Knoxville area teams. The Cougars won’t play until the seventh quarter, which would put them on the field around 8 p.m. against South-Doyle, a team they have already scrimmaged this year.

A year ago, Campbell County made its first appearance in the jamboree at cavernous Neyland Stadium. The Cougars played well in a 7-0 loss to Knoxville powerhouse Catholic.

“I think it was more of an experience for our kids last year. I think they’ll be more focused on getting down to business this time,” said Cougars head football coach Justin Price.

“We’ll try to play as many people as we can and use this opportunity to get better as a team.”

This will be Price’s third season at the helm of the Cougars. They won three games each of the last two years while building a foundation to get the playoff level. The Cougars hope to make that transition this season.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

La Follette toddler flown to hospital after fall from apartment balcony

     A toddler was flown to University of Tennessee Medical Center by Lifestar helicopter Tuesday night after falling from the second floor balcony of an apartment in La Follette. The incident happened at 9:30 p.m. at the Crown Point apartment complex just off Ridenour Lane. La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries said the one-year-old boy slipped through a balcony railing and fell 30 feet. Chief Jeffries said the child was taken by ambulance to the Campbell County Airport, where a Lifestar crew picked him up. Chief Jeffries said the child was conscious and crying when he left the scene. "He appeared to be doing fine," said the chief, who said the case has been ruled accidental. (UPDATED WED, AUG 14, 2013, 3:45 PM) 

School Board Meeting from Tuesday, August 13, 2013 

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School board, short of needed cash, forced to abandon security plans

The Campbell County Board of Education was long on rhetoric and short on answers Tuesday night following news that their virtual school application has been turned down by the state, along with any possibility for funding SRO officers this year in all of the county’s schools.

Several board members had much to say with Channel 10 news cameras rolling at the meeting, but emails before the meeting from the Office of Finance sent the loudest message. According to Finance Director Jeff Marlow, the enrollment figures for county schools show that the student population has dropped by nearly 100, a much higher decline than school officials had anticipated.

The subsequent loss of state BEP funds will leave Campbell County with a sizable shortfall in state funding if the school system fails to make additional budget cuts to offset the loss. Marlow pointed out that making up the shortfall from the school department’s fund balance would deplete the board’s reserves by 2015, making it necessary for Campbell County schools to borrow money to operate on at the offset of each year.

This ended any hopes that board members had for paying for additional school security from reserves, leaving the board struggling instead for answers on how to fund the basics.

“We’ll be facing $900,000 in recurring costs that isn’t there?” Rector Miller asked.

“Yes,” Marlow flatly replied.

“Will we get some of that back if we get some of the lost students back?” Miller continued.

“Probably, yes. We’ll know more in 30 days,” Marlow pointed out.

“If we drop more students instead, that $900,000 could go up?” Miller added.

“Yes,” Marlow agreed.

Marlow told the board that they have only three solutions to the problem: “Number one, increase the school population, two, increase local funding from county commission or three, reduce all expenditures that aren’t mandated by state and federal law to offset the loss.”

Marlow added that his recommendation would be to develop a budget that meets all of the standards mandated by law, then take all programs that aren’t mandated and prioritize them.

“My problem with cutting to the bare bones is that if we fund the minimum, test scores will drop,” Chairman Josh Parker stated. Director Donnie Poston had just told the board that TCAP results show Campbell County to be one of the most improved systems in the state.

“We were just one measurement short of being ranked as an exemplary system,” Poston proudly announced, adding a promise and a challenge, “But we’re not where we need to be, not where we want to be.”

Eugene Lawson launched a lengthy tirade against county commissions past and present for failing to adequately fund education, tossing barbs at Marlow for not warning the board of impending financial problems earlier.

“We didn’t meet compliance last year, and had to make it up this year. Mr. Marlow, whose fault was that?” Lawson pointedly asked.

Lawson voiced his frustration that Campbell County does not fund education at the same level as its neighbors.  Poston agreed to a point, reporting that Campbell trails both Anderson and Claiborne counties in percentage of school funding from local revenues.

“We spend $8,100 in local funding per student, Anderson spends $9,200 and Claiborne $8,900,” Poston said. “Union, Hancock, Morgan and Scott counties all provide local funding near our level.”

Miller moved the discussion back to the need for school security, pointing out, “We were told there might be some state money available, or a COPS grant that could help fund SRO officers. There was no money from the state.”

“We were told we would hear about the COPS grant by the third week of July but we still know nothing. Now it’s the third week of August. I’ll bet by September they will tell us the third week of November,” Miller predicted.

“What is the plan if we don’t get a COPS grant?” Mike Orick asked.

“There is no plan,” Miller replied. “We can’t take it from the undesignated fund balance. We might be able to find $200,000, then we will have four officers, that’s all we can do.”

The board was equally at a loss on how to proceed with the virtual school program with K12, Inc. Attorney Dail Cantrell told the board that he has approved a third draft of a contract with the for-profit Internet provider and the Finance Director has also signed off on the contract.

“Is this the final step?” Parker asked.

“It is, as far as we’re concerned, “ Marlow replied.

“We’re the home entity,” Cantrell added, “but K12 is the entity that makes application to the state, and they’ve had problems in the past three weeks.”

Poston later admitted to WBIR-TV that his enthusiasm for the virtual school program has cooled in recent weeks. “We were told that the low test scores of last year in Union County had been addressed, but this year’s TCAP scores continue to be substandard,” Poston said.

“Can we opt out next year if test scores are not where we want them to be?” Parker asked.

“The contract is for one year at a time,” Cantrell explained. “If you want out, you just need to meet the 120 day notification requirement.”

The board will still wait for word from the state, but seemed resigned to the fact that the delay, even if approval is eventually given, will leave the Cyber Academy of Campbell County with far fewer students than anticipated, and little in the way of financial relief.

Board members also addressed the in-school suspension program. Instructors for that program are not required to be certified or even have completed their college degree, but are paid at certified rates.

Lawson offered a motion to change the policy and not pay in-school suspension teachers a full salary unless they have a degree, but his motion ran into problems.

Parker announced he had a conflict, since his brother teaches in the program and has still not completed his degree.

Johnny Byrge then pointed out that the change offered by Lawson would violate agreements with some athletic coaches who teach in the program but don’t receive coaching supplements.

Sarge Collins suggested that the matter needs more study and made a motion to postpone action until next month, at which point Mike Orick withdrew his second to Lawson’s motion.

Lawson then reluctantly withdrew his motion, but added, “I heard from one of those teachers, a friend. I told him ‘You need to get off your lazy butt and get a degree if you want to be in the teaching business.’”

The board finally adjourned after over two hours of venting frustrations, agreeing to set the September meeting a week early so that Donnie Poston can attend the annual conference of Directors of Schools in Gatlinburg. Rector Miller made one final plea for the need to increase school security, reading aloud a news account of the Sandy Hook school massacre and warning the board that with the re-trial of Campbell County’s own school shooting coming up, emotions will run high.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Animal shelter could open as early as today

After being closed for nearly four months due to a TBI investigation, things are finally beginning to move forward at Campbell County’s Adrion Baird Animal Shelter. Michael Aiken, the new director of the shelter, expects to have it open to the public by the end of the week and possibly as early as this morning.

This is the second week on the job for Aiken, who began his stint as shelter director on Aug 5.

“Last week, Sheriff Goins and Chief Deputy Evans sent me two of the hardest working best inmates. They mowed, and they cleaned everything. We got more done in three days that I thought possible when I first saw the place.”

It has indeed been a busy couple of weeks for Aiken, who also helped a local animal rescue group find a new home for two cats and a dog even though the shelter does not yet have animals for adoption.

“I sort of jumped the gun on that, but we were able to get three strays to good homes. Those are three animals that won’t be eating out of garbage cans anymore,” he said.

Aiken said has never worked with animals in a professional setting, but wants to help however he can.

He is a native of LaFollette and spent most of his childhood in Middle Tennessee, where his family moved about the time he entered the first grade. He is a 1970 graduate of Gallatin High School and a 1975 graduate of Belmont College. He also holds a masters in divinity degree from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and served as a minister for 14 years and another year as a hospital chaplain for St. Mary’s.

For the past few years, he has worked closely with Judge Joe Ayers in the Campbell County Juvenile Court to help with school truancy issues. He has also taught DUI education classes in other counties.

“I’ve dealt with a lot more people than I have animals, but I’m willing to learn,” said Aiken.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

   

August/Labor Day Crackdown

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2013

CONTACT: Chief Deputy Aaron Evans     aevans@campbellcountygov.com

 

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Joins National Crackdown

To Reduce Drunk/Drugged Driving Fatalities

 

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign Will Target Drunk Drivers

 

Jacksboro, Tennessee – From mid-August through Labor Day, local police will be out in force as part of the annual nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving.   The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Campbell County, will run from August 16 through September 2, 2013.

 

The effective nationwide drunk driving crackdown will include high-visibility enforcement, high-profile events, and will be supported by national paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb drunk driving in August and through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

 

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said his deputies will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk.

 

Although it is illegal in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive drunk (having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), far too many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol.  The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the serious nature of the nation’s continuing drunk driving epidemic.

 

“Every year, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more drunk drivers or motorcycle operators,” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins. “In 2011 9,878 people died in crashes involving drunk drivers.  That works out to approximately one drunk driving fatality every 53 minutes.”

 

Sheriff Goins added that holidays such as the Labor Day holiday are particularly dangerous.

 

During the Labor Day weekend in 2011, a total of 138 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drivers or motorcycle riders with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher.  Of those fatalities, 83 percent occurred during early evening and overnight, from 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.

 

Drunk driving takes a particularly heavy toll among young drivers.  Among 18- to 34-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the 2011 Labor Day weekend, 42 percent were alcohol-impaired.

 

“Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.  By joining this nationwide effort, we will make Campbell County’s roadways safer for everyone throughout the Labor Day period,” said Sheriff Goins.

 

“We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel drunk is a terrible idea.  Unfortunately, not only does drinking impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should drive.  If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel.  If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested.  No warnings. No excuses,” Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said.

 

Sheriff Goins noted that being arrested for driving drunk brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life.  Drunk drivers face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators also often face tremendous personal embarrassment.

 

“Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk. So don’t take the chance. Remember, we will be out in force and we will be watching, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins

 

For more information, visit the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Headquarters at www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov  (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013, 3:00 PM)

Commissioners cool over plans for coal ash landfill in Westbourne

County commissioners were less than enthusiastic Monday night when the president of an environmental consulting firm announced plans by Ketchen Land Company to develop a landfill in what was once the coal mining camp of Westboune.

George Hyfantis of Quantum Environmental & Engineering Services, also known as QE2, announced at the commission workshop that Ketchen has hired his firm to develop plans, preliminary environmental studies and obtain approval from the Tennessee Dept. of Environment & Conservation.

The proposed landfill would eventually cover 300 acres on a 1,200 acre tract owned by Ketchen Land Company off Westbourne Lane and would be designed to receive fly ash from coal-fired steam plants if EPA decides to allow coal ash to be disposed in landfills.

That issue is still being studied by the federal agency, so Ketchen also wants the landfill designed to handle municipal solid waste in case the coal ash option fails to pan out, Hyfantis told the commission.

QE2 is also preparing a feasibility study for a CSX rail spur to the site, pivotal for any plans to ship coal ash into the area. He added that the county would also receive a host fee, possibly as much as a dollar per ton for waste brought in from outside the county, and he estimated the landfill would generate 10-15 local jobs, up to 20 during the construction phase.

“A rail spur would mean we might have garbage coming out of New York, Chicago or some other big cities wanting to dump their waste here,” J. L. Davis observed. “I don’t now if our citizens would be too happy about that.”

Hyfantis told commissioners that one advantage would be that the landfill would be on the site of old strip mines, which would then be reclaimed and improve stream quality by controlling acid runoff.

To the best of my knowledge, that’s already been reclaimed,” Thomas Hatmaker added.

“That’s true for modern strip mines, but before the federal law there was no reclamation. There are still high walls on that site that were never reclaimed,” Hyfantis replied.

“The only way I’d favor this would be if it’s local trash, from Campbell and surrounding counties,” Hatmaker said.

Terry Singley, however, made a key observation, asking, “What exactly is our role? Could we stop this project if we choose?”

“No,” Mayor William Baird replied.

“The mayor said that, not me,” Hyfantis quickly cut in.

“So this is more of a courtesy visit,” Singley concluded.

It was left to Davis to state the obvious, predicting, “This won’t be an empty courtroom when this gets out. It will be full wall to wall and they won’t be nice like us.”

James Slusher also addressed the commission, criticizing the commissioners’ failure to provide funding for school security and hitting county schools for “dismal” test scores. Commissioner Alvin Evans challenged Slusher, observing, “I don’t recall that you were that critical when you were on the Financial Management Committee.”

Slusher and Evans then got into a heated argument that grew increasingly personal before Steve Rutherford took Slusher’s comments on test scores to task.

“There are three levels of results on the TCAPs.  School systems are either exemplary, bad or making progress. Campbell County was not exemplary but neither were we bad,” Rutherford pointed out. “We are making progress.”

During the budget & finance meeting preceding the workshop, commissioners voted 9-1 to reinstate the commissioners’ discretionary funds, although only $2,400 will be available to each commissioner instead of the original $4,000.

That money is being freed up by ending the summer intern program, which cost around $36,000 each year. Hatmaker cast the only “no” vote, stating that he would prefer to take the savings from the intern program and pay off debt.

The commissioners also had a chance to meet Michael Aiken, the new director of the Campbell County Animal Shelter. Aiken admitted that he has never directed nor worked in an animal shelter before, but pledged to do his best to get things up and running smoothly after a three-plus month closure.

Aiken told commissioners that he has already met with representatives of the Campbell County Friends of Animals group, and assured them that they can work together to save as many animals as possible.      (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Caryville courts potential new businesses at exits, Kitts announces retirement

The Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen had a very light agenda and no controversy for a change during its regular monthly meeting on Monday night.

Every item on the agenda received unanimous approval from the board. That included:

*First reading of an ordinance amending the annual operating budget for the fiscal year that just ended.  

*A donation of $2,000 to the annual Louie Bluie Cultural Arts Festival scheduled this fall.

*Advertising of bids for the purchase of a police vehicle.

*Four hundred gallons of off-road fuel for the street department at a total cost of $1,300.

It was announced during the meeting that a $2 per month reduction in the garbage pick-up fee would soon go into effect.

Vice-Mayor Glenn Smith announced the upcoming retirement of Planning Commission Chairman Warren Kitts after 20 years of service to the town. “It’s gonna be hard to replace you, Warren,” said Smith.

Mayor Chris Stanley also hinted that a business prospect may be coming to the 141 exit and that he was currently talking to restaurateurs inquiring about property on the 134 exit.

See the Caryville meeting in its entirety further down this page. (UPDATED TUE, AUG 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Caryville meeting from Monday, August 12, 2013

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Meth user inadvertently gets caught

     A Speedwell woman called 9-1-1 Friday morning claiming there was a home invasion in progress at her home.  Reports from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office outline that 19-year old Jessica Shown phoned 9-1-1 saying “someone was trying to get in after her.”  She went on to say that she locked herself in the bathroom, and that someone was in her house on Flat Hollow Road

Jessica Shown

Responding deputies were met with the chemical odor commonly associated with meth labs and Shown, who, by then, was sitting on the front walk.  Shown told deputies that the home invaders left just before they arrived.  After finding three one-pot meth labs, deputies concluded Shown was in the tweaking stage of meth use.  During tweaking, the abuser sometimes sees and hears things that no one else can.  The landlord told deputies that she had not seen anyone around. 

Donald Bradley Shown

Shown’s husband, 34-year old Donald Bradley Shown was also in the house.  Both Showns are charged with promotion of meth manufacture. (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013, 12:30 PM)

Bell remains in jail for Faulkner's death

     A Williamsburg woman remains in the Whitley County Jail this morning.  Court records indicate that 22-year old Donnetta Bell, originally from Jellico, was officially charged with reckless homicide and related charges in the death of a Campbell County man.  Bell faces several charges from a July 31 single-car crash on U.S. Highway 25W, about five-minutes north of Jellico, that killed 45-year old John Faulkner of Duff. 

Police say Bell was the driver of Faulkner’s Mercury Grand Marquis that was in the crash.  According to the Whitley County Clerk’s Office, Bell’s preliminary hearing was waived to the grand jury.  She entered a not guilty plea.  The accident report outlines that the Mercury was northbound when the driver attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicles.  For whatever reason, the Mercury went out of control, veered off the left side of the road, slammed into a pine tree, and the dropped down an embankment.  Faulkner died at the scene while Bell was seen leaving the crash site in another vehicle.  Bell went to the home of a friend where an ambulance was called to take her to the Jellico Community Hospital.  Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputies located Bell in treatment at the hospital where she waived extradition and was taken to the Whitley County Jail on August 1.  JailTracker records indicate Bell has twice before been arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident and failing to render aid or assistance.  Her bond remains the same at $250,000 cash with an ankle bracelet.  Bell’s next court appearance is set for September 16.    (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Boomer's Corner

Late summer doldrums? County still has more than enough to worry about

By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

Last weekend I got right down domestic around the ol’ man cave. I picked up a hunk of meat and made a pot roast with carrots, new potatoes and onions; added a zucchini-squash-bell pepper casserole, sautéed a mess of fresh green beans with chopped onions in olive oil and boiled a mess of corn on the cob. I topped that off with a bowl of quarter-size blackberries sprinkled with a few raspberries.

I’ll dine on the leftovers for a week and the nice part is, everything but the meat and spices came out of my back yard. You gotta love summer!

Summer, alas, is drawing to a close. Despite the hot muggy weather, kids are back in school, football fans are foaming at the mouth, I’ve noticed a few birds already collecting in flocks and spiders are weaving webs close to the ground. Old timers would forecast a raw winter, but nowadays we must take into consideration global warming, or climate change or whatever you want to call it.

This is normally the time of year when squires and school board members, having put the final touches on the budget, can enjoy a short respite from the heat of battle and let us all have a vacation from politics. A short respite does not mean they haven’t had plenty to occupy their minds, however.

Worry number one: Among the unfinished business around the courthouse has been the future of the Adrion Baird Animal Shelter, closed for most of the summer under a cloud of controversy.

Mayor William Baird announced last week that the shelter re-opens this week with a new director, Betty Crumley having resigned “for the good of the program.”

Betty, who has served as the lightening rod for all of the controversy and criticism leveled at the shelter’s operations, appears to have fallen on her sword. Although she has been painted as everything from a callous bureaucrat to a heartless ogre, her greatest fault was a failure to play well with others, and it cost her.

The shelter may develop better public relations under new management and they may find a more humane way to put animals down that aren’t adopted out, but don’t for a minute expect things to improve greatly unless the shelter finds more resources.

Campbell County has a lot of unwanted animals, many more than shelter personnel can find homes for, even with enthusiastic support from the public. The kill-to-save ratio is going to continue to be a sticking point with the Friends of Animals Group and other animal lovers until Campbell County’s pet owners take a stronger interest in spay & neuter programs and taxpayers decide animal population control is worth paying for.

Worry number two: The whole school thing, or should I say virtual school thing. Expected to be a cash cow to help pay for all those security guards that commissioners refused to fund, the Tennessee Cyber Academy operated by K12, Inc. is still in limbo, or is that cyber space?

The State of Tennessee, perhaps mindful of the less-than-glowing reports out of Union County, has delayed and now rejected Campbell County’s bid to sponsor a virtual online school. The State Department of Education may still approve the program after all of their questions are answered, but much of the damage may already be done. The school year has started and the cyber academy is stuck at the starting gate. Potential students will start looking elsewhere.

Better test results from a scaled-down virtual school program could help the county and K12 get off to a better start next year, as far as enrollment, but I don’t see the virtual school having much financial impact on the current school year.

Worry number three: Jellico is broke and on the verge of state intervention. Why, those of you living in LaFollette, Caryville or Deerfield ask, should we concern ourselves with the fate of Jellico? Half those people think they live in Kentucky anyway.

The Jellico city fathers met last week to set a budget and tax rate. With the town facing a $161,000 unpaid debt to the IRS, shrinking tax revenues and ever-increasing costs, a one-dollar property tax increase seemed to be the only way out.

Naturally, the board voted instead for no tax increase, setting a tax rate equal to last year and still not approving a budget. One keen observer suggested that this might be a viable strategy: refuse to do anything, force the State of Tennessee to take over, send the board home and set a tax rate adequate to balance the budget and still provide necessary services.

The mayor and aldermen could then lay all the blame for the whopping tax increase on “that danged bunch down in Nashville,” and perhaps avoid being tarred and feathered by the populace.

Why should county commissioners, other than the three who represent Jellico, worry about what happens to the town? For starters, doubling the city tax burden would make it more difficult for Jellico taxpayers to pay their county taxes as well.

While an increase in late or delinquent property taxes from Jellico would impact county revenues, severe cutbacks in police protection and other city services could place more responsibility on county government, from the Sheriff’s Department to roads, schools, sanitation and yes, animal control. More county expense coupled with less county revenue? No need for a rocket scientist to figure that one out.

But these are worries for the chilly airs of Autumn and the cold winds of Winter. Fleeting as it is, Summer is still with us for a while longer, so let us swim, fish, grill and smell the roses while we can. It will be over soon enough.   (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)        

Campbell's Virtual Academy remains "on hold"

As a new school year begins for Campbell County students, the new Virtual Academy remains on hold.

Campbell County Secondary Supervisor Larry Nidiffer was sent a letter by the state on Thursday informing him that K-12 Virtual Schools, LLC has not provided all the necessary documentation and paperwork the state has asked for. The letter went on to say that prospective students for the Virtual Academy should go ahead and enroll at regular schools in Campbell County until the situation can be resolved.

There have been major concerns that representatives of K-12 have not been able to answer simple questions from both the state and members of the local school board. Another red flag has been the low test scores of Union County’s Virtual Academy, which has been operating for two years.

“The state has asked for additional responses,” said Campbell County Director of Schools Donnie Poston. “We are responding to all their questions and concerns.”

Poston said members of the Central Office staff had a teleconference on Thursday with K-12 representatives.

Poston said he was very concerned after hearing about Union County’s low test scores the past two years. The state includes the test scores from Virtual Academy students in the scores for the entire school system before averaging all of them together.

“There are a lot of big dangers,” said Poston. “We’ve made such progress the last couple of years that it scares the daylights out of me that it will really set us back.”

Poston said a majority of the nearly 4,000 students participating in the Union County Virtual Academy are from West Tennessee.

“There’s not but 30 or 40 that are actually from Union County,” he said.

Poston said the same would hold true for Campbell County if it ever gets its Virtual Academy up and running. Students from all over the state will be eligible to enroll in the Campbell County system, which would significantly alter the demographics and could make for a wild card during state testing.

During its June meeting, the Campbell County Board of Education passed a motion to enter into a one-year contract with K-12. Eugene Lawson was the only board member that voted against the proposal.  He cited concerns about the quality of instruction that virtual students would receive.

Poston said 200 students pre-registered for the academy the week following the board’s vote. He said there are around 700 total students waiting to enroll when Campbell County gets the green light from the state to start up its Virtual Academy.

The subject is sure to be at the top of the agenda for Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled school board meeting at 6 p.m. at the Campbell County Courthouse.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013, 1:30 PM)

Local pitmaster, Keith Phillips still smokin’

     Miss Keith Phillips delicious barbecue?  Well.  Keith Phillips is now catering through KP’s BBQ Catering.  Keith Phillips is the latest business to join the growing list of corporate partners here at WLAF.  For more than 12-years, Keith Phillips has been serving up great barbecue, delicious sides, and super service for weddings, reunions, parties, and more. 

No event is too small or too large, because Keith Phillips and KP’s BBQ have served groups as small as a handful to more than 25-hundred.  If you would like a free quote on your next event, call Keith Phillips at 423.494.1795. (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Mt. Paran Motors marks 33-years

     The folks at Mt. Paran Motors mark their 33rd year in business this year.  This weekend, there are extra special savings on every vehicle on the lot.  Vance might even be willing to sell his work truck.  One of the specials is a 2004 Saturn View. 

It’s an all-wheel drive priced to move at $4,495.  Mt. Paran Motors also offers financing on select vehicles with a reasonable down payment.  For all your car needs, check first and last with your locally owned and operated dealership, Mt. Paran Motors.  There telephone number is 423.494.9822.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

COMING THIS FOOTBALL SEASON TO 1450 WLAF AND WLAF-TV 12

Presented by these outstanding corporate partners:

B & M Tires - Joe Whited & Benny Roberts

Jeff Sweat Investment Services

Holston Gases

Pop’s Wine & Liquor

Doug Boshears Paving

David Rutherford's All-Star Awards

Valley Roofing

Paul Construction

My Secret Closet

Minton'sTire & Service Center

Beltone Hearing Aids

Join WLAF for Tennessee Saturday Night

     The corporate partner list is growing.  The avails are dwindling.  Call Coach Vic King today at 865.617.2458 to reserve your weekend marketing spot on the “Tennessee Saturday Night” tri-cast over 1450 WLAF, WLAF-TV 12, and 1450wlaf.com.  If you are looking to reach males and females ages 18 to 54, diehard University of Tennessee Football and Basketball fans, then this is your front row seat to showcase your business and grow your business.  Go Vols!  (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013, 3:00 PM)

LISTEN "LIVE" NOW                             WATCH "LIVE" NOW

1450 WLAF Radio                WLAF-TV 12 "Home of the Green Screen"

                                     

                       

 

Coming to Cove Lake Park Saturday, September 28

Your 2013 Cougars

Campbell opens the season at home with Cumberland Gap August 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Your help is needed rounding up the old LHS trophies

     Here’s a note from WLAF Sports – A group of old La Follette High Owls is attempting to round up all the school trophies from the LHS days of 1954 to 1975 in order to create a public display for the trophies as well as begin an LHS Sports Hall of Fame.  If you have any of the old trophies, we’re asking you to bring them by the radio station so we may begin working on this tribute to all LHS athletes and teams.  Thank you.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013, 10:00 AM)

For sale - 2006, one-owner, $26,000 - 865.755.4810

Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

TDOT announces local projects for Campbell County

     The Tennessee Department of Transportation released the projects it will accept bids for on August 30, 2013, for Campbell County.  TDOT opens bids on a total of 45 contracts, including 59 projects in 72 counties.  Here in Campbell County, there are three projects.  Jellico is getting interchange lighting at Exit 160 of Interstate 75.  That’s at the junction of US 25W (SR 9) and I-75.  There will be cultural trail signs erected around the county on several state routes while there will be random on-call repair of cable barrier on I-75 and state routes.  The Jellico project is expected to be completed by the end of next April, and the cultural trail signs will be up by Christmas.  Another local project of great interest to Union County commuters is the widening of State Route 33 in north Knoxville.  Bids on all projects will be received electronically by 11:00 a.m. (ET) on August 30.  TDOT has 30-days to analyze each bid and award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder.  Bids may be rejected due to a number of factors.(UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Local pitmaster, Keith Phillips still smokin’

     Miss Keith Phillips delicious barbecue?  Well.  Keith Phillips is now catering through KP’s BBQ Catering.  Keith Phillips is the latest business to join the growing list of corporate partners here at WLAF.  For more than 12-years, Keith Phillips has been serving up great barbecue, delicious sides, and super service for weddings, reunions, parties, and more. 

No event is too small or too large, because Keith Phillips and KP’s BBQ have served groups as small as a handful to more than 25-hundred.  If you would like a free quote on your next event, call Keith Phillips at 423.494.1795. (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Mt. Paran Motors marks 33-years

     The folks at Mt. Paran Motors mark their 33rd year in business this year.  This weekend, there are extra special savings on every vehicle on the lot.  Vance might even be willing to sell his work truck.  One of the specials is a 2004 Saturn View. 

It’s an all-wheel drive priced to move at $4,495.  Mt. Paran Motors also offers financing on select vehicles with a reasonable down payment.  For all your car needs, check first and last with your locally owned and operated dealership, Mt. Paran Motors.  There telephone number is 423.494.9822.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Carmike Movies 2 behind Woodson Shell

2140 Jacksboro Highway - La Follette, Tennessee 37766...423.562.0979

Planes  (PG)

   
   
Sun Aug 11:
2:15pm   4:40pm   7:05pm   9:30pm  
Mon Aug 12:
4:30pm   7:15pm   9:40pm  
Tue Aug 13:
4:30pm   7:15pm   9:40pm  
Wed Aug 14:
4:30pm   7:15pm   9:40pm  
Thu Aug 15:  
4:30pm   7:15pm   9:40pm  

The Smurfs 2  (PG)

   
   
Sun Aug 11:
2:00pm   4:35pm   7:10pm   9:45pm  
Mon Aug 12:
4:15pm   7:00pm   9:35pm  
Tue Aug 13:
4:15pm   7:00pm   9:35pm  
Wed Aug 14:
4:15pm   7:00pm   9:35pm  
Thu Aug 15:  
4:15pm   7:00pm   9:35pm

Gem City getting a jewel in Jackson

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF Sports

If Amanda Jackson’s boundless enthusiasm rubs off on her players, the Jellico High School Lady Blue Devils should see immediate improvement on the basketball court.

Jackson, a former Oneida High School star who played three years of college basketball at Carson-Newman, was introduced Wednesday afternoon as head coach of the Jellico girls’ team.

She will teach at the East LaFollette Learning Academy.

“I believe she will make a difference,” said Jellico Athletics Director Danny Oakes.

Jackson replaces Nancy Douglas, who coached the Lady Blue Devils the past three years. Jellico had a 3-25 overall record last season.

If Jackson looks familiar to her new players, it’s because she faced them as an opposing head coach during the 2011-12 season at her alma mater. She led Oneida to a 19-13 record that year, including a third place district finish during the regular season. Jackson has also been a head coach in the middle school ranks at Oneida and Wartburg. Her two middle school teams won a combined 36 games while losing only seven.

Jackson wants her Jellico teams to be known for playing hard, giving 100 percent and growing in the knowledge of the game. She promises playing time to anyone that puts forth maximum effort.

“I’m going to put the best team on the floor. If you work hard, I’m going to play you,” said Jackson.

“We’re going to make sure we lift each other up, are kind to each other and work hard in the classroom.”

Jackson, JHS Principal Dr. Donna Singley, & 5th District School Board Member Sarge Collins

Jellico Principal Donna Singley appreciates what Jackson can do for her school, not only athletically but also academically, as well.

“A team that’s up and a team that’s winning is going to be motivated in the classroom,” said Singley.

Jackson had a stellar playing career at Oneida High School, where her number 32 was retired shortly after her senior season in 2001-02.

She was named district MVP, regional MVP and all-state while leading Oneida to three state tournament appearances.

Jackson was widely known for her long-range marksmanship. As a senior, she set a state single-game record with 10 three-pointers during a region championship victory over Coalfield. She finished with a whopping 41 points in that game.

Coach Amanda Jackson and her father, John Jackson

Jackson signed with Carson-Newman, where she set more records for three-point shooting from 2002-05 and helped the Lady Eagles win a South Atlantic Conference championship and reach the NCAA Division II Elite 8 as a junior. She says she passed up her final season of eligibility, eager to get on with her life after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.

While in high school, she played AAU basketball for current MTSU coach Rick Insell, whom she credits for teaching her the most about the game.

As Jackson met Jellico players for the first time on Wednesday, Oakes offered a bit of advice about listening closely to their new coach.

“She is intense, but I promise you, if you buy into what she says, she will make you a better player and she will make you a better person,” said Oakes.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

La Follette man booked into the county jail for the 45th time

James Franklin Norris, age 42 of 896 Glade Springs Road, LaFollette, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday after being on sought on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault by domestic violence, aggravated burglary and vandalism.

James Franklin Norris

Norris, who has a lengthy rap sheet, was charged July 30 with aggravated assault by domestic violence after getting into a scuffle with his brother at 696 Glade Springs Road. A responding officer’s report stated that the brother had asked Norris not to be so loud while talking on the phone, because their mother was sleeping in her bed. Norris allegedly attacked his brother and stabbed him numerous times with an unknown object. Norris left the scene before the arrival of officers from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

Then, on Tuesday of this week, Norris was charged with domestic violence by assault, aggravated burglary and vandalism after allegedly throwing a tire rim through the back door window of the residence of his former girlfriend at 150 Stone Gate Drive. After breaking the window, Norris then allegedly entered the residence. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013, 11:00 AM)

Norris racks up long list of charges

     A LaFollette man racked up a long list of charges over the weekend after leading officers from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol on a high speed chase that ended with him crashing into a house in the Fincastle community. David Wayne Norris, age 41 of 896 Glade Springs Road, LaFollette, was charged with felony evading arrest, aggravated vehicular assault,vandalism over $1,000, speeding, criminal trespassing, 3rd offense of driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to maintain control of vehicle, violation of the seatbelt law and violation of the Tennessee financial law.  According to Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Franklin Ayers, he was dispatched just before 5:30 p.m. Saturday to 150 Stone Gate Drive, where Norris was reportedly causing a disturbance. Upon arrival at the address, Deputy Ayers observed Norris leaving the scene in 2000 Lincoln Town Car. Deputies clocked Norris at 35 miles over the posted speed limit of 40. Officers attempted to stop Norris but to no avail. Norris eventually lost control of his car at the intersection of Glade Springs Road and Old Middlesboro Highway, where he struck a residence. After Norris was arrested and taken to jail, it was learned that he had struck Daniel Snyder and Norris Marlow with his car at the scene of the earlier disturbance at 150 Stone Gate Drive. Snyder was taken by private vehicle to Tennova Medical Center of LaFollette and later transported to University of Tennessee Medical Center for additional treatment. During the investigation, it was discovered that Deputy Chad Hicks had advised Norris not to be back on the property at 150 Stone Gate Drive or he would be arrested.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013, 10:00 AM)

La Follette Police K-9 passes

 

     Diesel, one of the LaFollette Police Department's two K-9 officers, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday at the home of his handler, Officer Brian Tiller.  Diesel, a 4 1/2 year old male Belgian Shepherd Malinois, had been with the department for two years.  An autopsy is being performed to determine cause of death.  Mayor Mike Stanfield says losing Diesel is a great loss.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                                  

Brent Allen, LMS Coach Brad Honeycutt, and Les Martin

Cougars picked to finish 3rd, Price predicted as coach of the year

     David Graham’s 6th annual “Football Preview” made for a fun night Tuesday night at Dossett Stadium.  Campbell Head Football Coach Justin Price tells WLAF that he wanted to make sure his mom had not sent any cookies to the sports writers at examiner.com. 

Brent Allen, Cougar Nick Bailey, and Les Martin

The service tabs Price as the preseason head coach of the year for the district all the while predicting the Cougars to finish 3rd in the district behind Oak Ridge and Powell, respectfully. 

Brent Allen, Cougar Corey Phillips, and Les Martin

Campbell opens the football season on Friday, August 23 at home in a first-ever meeting with Cumberland Gap

Brent Allen, Cougar Ethan Jeffers, and Les Martin

The WLAF Sports Network provides the coverage with Les Martin and Brent Allen handling the broadcasts over radio, television, and the web.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)

WLAF's Dwane Wilder shares National Night Out through his photos

Computers come to Campbell County Libraries 

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Public libraries in Caryville, Jellico and LaFollette were among several statewide that were recently awarded children’s computers by the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet.

The cabinet, which is co-chaired by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and his wife Crissy, has awarded 137 children’s computers to public libraries and family childcare programs across the state.

Jellico Librarian Mark Tidwell said, “Whoever designed the computers is a genius, because they really draw the kids in.”

Each of the public libraries in Caryville, Jellico and LaFollette received one computer as well as accompanying software, props and puppets for early childhood learning activities.

Tidwell said the computers are geared for children under 5 and feature a touch screen, art projects and Internet games.

“Giving a child the necessary building blocks to learn to read is critical to a child’s education and future success, and it is exciting that so many communities across Tennessee took advantage of this opportunity,” said the governor.

Computer station recipients were chosen through a competitive process run jointly by the Children’s Cabinet, the Tennessee State Library and Archives, and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Computer award recipients demonstrated a commitment to promoting early literacy and engaging families.

“Children who have not developed some basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are three to four times more likely to drop out in later years,” said Mrs. Haslam. “We are excited to provide these valuable tools to boost early literacy in communities across Tennessee.”    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)

COMING THIS FOOTBALL SEASON TO 1450 WLAF AND WLAF-TV 12

Presented by these outstanding corporate partners:

B & M Tires - Joe Whited & Benny Roberts

Jeff Sweat Investment Services

Holston Gases

Pop’s Wine & Liquor

A to Z Performance & Automative

Doug Boshears Paving

David Rutherford's All-Star Awards

Valley Roofing

Paul Construction

My Secret Closet

City replaces wrecked Explorer, awards higher bid to Dixie Roofing

At long last, the roofing of LaFollette City Hall can finally begin. The council voted Monday night to award the project to Dixie Roofing, even though the bid was tens of thousands dollars more than a bid for the same project by H Group Construction.

Councilman Joe Bolinger made the motion to accept Dixie’s bid after representatives of H Group were ordered off the roof of the East End Fire Station last week.

H Group had done that roof previously and was apparently trying to fix some problems with it.

Hansford Hatmaker, Reid Troutman, Billie Russell, and Mike Stanfield

According to City Administrator Billie Russell, the city was awaiting a re-inspection of that roofing job because it did not meet specs. In the meantime, Russell said an H Group crew stripped off the roof of the fire station before it had been given the okay. After Russell climbed onto the roof to question what the H Group crew was doing, she discovered it had stripped off the roof. The crew went ahead and finished the project.

Councilman Bob Fannon said to put a crew on the roof of the fire station without permission could be construed as trespassing. He said H Group should’ve waited until the roof had been re-inspected.

Mike Malicote with Dixie Roofing

“Under the circumstances, I make a motion that we should reject the bid by Mr. Blankenship and H Group and approve the bid for Dixie Roofing, and require the engineers to make sure the project is inspected all the way through,” said Bolinger.

Hatmaker was the only council member who voted against Bolinger’s motion. He had made a motion to accept a low bid of $312,000 by H Group Construction during the July council meeting, but the motion died for lack of a second. According to Hatmaker, the bid was $154,000 lower than the bid from Dixie Roofing.

“Let the record reflect that the council took the highest bid and I did not vote for it,” said Hatmaker.

Hatmaker also cast the only vote against a re-inspection of the East End Fire Station.

In other business Monday night, the council:

*Approved an audit contract with Pugh and Company

*Approved a bid of $29,636 from Rainbow Ford for a 2014 Explorer for the city administrator to drive. A stipulation is that only city employees designated by the city administrator may drive it.

*Approved hiring Gene Gunter as a full-time firefighter with benefits.

*Voted to accept the Walden Building on North Tennessee Ave. as part of a downtown revitalization plan.

*Voted to apply for an 80/20 Green Development Grant to clean up Big Creek through downtown.

In a beer board meeting afterward, The Wagon Wheel Bar was granted a beer permit.(UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Jellico moving forward with its budget

     Jellico met its budget issues head-on Monday night.  City Council, in its first reading of the budget, voted to return the tax rate to $1.15.  Council then voted to fill its city recorder opening.  Also approved Monday night was to explore possible cuts in city employee insurance plans.  The second and final reading on Jellico’s 2013-2014 budget is August 15. (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

La Follette City Council Meeting 8/5/13

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Hundreds pick-up school supplies

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News    

     Nearly 600 children received a bagful of school supplies Saturday, as Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins hosted his 3rd annual Back to School Bash at LaFollette Elementary. Any child in the elementary and middle school grades, regardless of where they attend school, was invited to come to LaFollette Elementary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and pick up the free supplies. The sheriff's goal was to give out more than 1,000 bags of school supplies.

"Numbers were down from last year. Not sure why," said Campbell County Chief Deputy Aaron Evans. "Three quarters were LaFollette residents." Chief Evans said leftover supplies from the Back to School Bash will be distributed at the mountain schools. The Back to School Bash is funded through private and corporate donations, as well as those from area churches.  (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2013, 11:30 AM) 

Fincastle Church of God rises out of the ashes

     The work of an arsonist destroyed the Fincastle Church of God lon December 9.  Saturday afternoon, the church marked a new beginning.  The new church, hosting a full house, was dedicated in the 5:00 p.m. service.  Many church members were overcome with emotion, realizing their new sanctuary is a reality.   Nearly two dozen pastors, a few of whom were former pastors at the Fincastle Church of God, spoke at the church's first service in the new building. 

Fincastle Church of God Pastor Mike Smith

Many say the rebuilding process has made the church more united.  The new facility seats a few more in the sanctuary than the previous building.  One feature the old church didn’t have was a camera security system that was installed as part of the upgrade. 

Insurance covered much of the construction cost.  However, the Fincastle Church of God borrowed more than 150-thousand dollars to help finish the project.  Donations may be made at any location of Community Trust Bank.   (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2013, 6:00 AM - PIX COURTESY OF DAVID GRAHAM) 

1st Baptist Church of La Follette Service 8/4/13

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Boomer's Corner is open for the weekend

Congressman can “celebrt” low wages, high unemployment and surplus of ignorance 

By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

As many of you are already aware, the President of the United States visited East Tennessee earlier this week, part of his whistle-stop tour around the country pushing his economic agenda.

What garnered headlines here in Tennessee isn’t so much what he said, but who wasn’t there to hear him say it. Governor Haslam couldn’t be bothered to cancel a prior commitment in Morgan County to dedicate a drug rehab facility, while Senator Bob Corker was too busy in Washington to fly down to his hometown and welcome the Prez.

At least Corker issued an apology, which is unlikely to increase his popularity with the TEA Party crowd. Chattanooga Congressman Chuckles Fleishmann offered no apology for sprinting to the airport and leaving town mere hours before the President arrived, but he did issue that well-publicized welcome “postcard” beforehand, the one in which he lambasted Obamacare and claimed Tennessee is doing just fine economically, not due to, but despite the President’s policies.

Of course Fleishmann’s postcard contained enough grammatical errors and misspelled words to make former President George Bush the Younger look like a Rhodes Scholar. He invited Obama to “visist” the “historial” Ruby Falls while he’s in town “celebrting” the businesses that have come to Tennessee “thanks to our low regulation.”

Last time I celebrted something, I’d had a little too much of Tennessee’s fine product made by that Jack Daniels fellow, and I’m fortunate I didn’t get to visist the local lock-up.

Of course the Prez probably didn’t get the card anyway. Unless the U. S. Postal Service has changed its practice of returning mail sent to wrong addresses, they won’t find “1600 Pensylvannia Avenue” in their computer system.

Our erstwhile Congressman’s childish antics just underscore the fact that while Tennessee is a low tax, low regulation state, we are also in the bottom ten percent in education, which might help explain why we are also a low wage, high unemployment state, with joblessness a full percentage point above the national average.

Tennessee’s equally under-educated legislature began its assault on education a couple of years ago, when they outlawed teachers’ rights for collective bargaining. Hey, this is Tennessee. You can have your automatic rifles, but no unions allowed!

That could be chalked up as a matter of employer-employee relationships with no intended bearing on quality of education, I suppose. Next came the change in state policy this year, restricting teacher salary increases to five year, rather than annual, step-ups, and decreasing the bonuses for advanced degrees to a one time thing, regardless of how many advanced degrees a teacher may earn.

The state’s goal is made clear – shift the rewards to teachers from longevity-based to performance based. “About time,” you say? Maybe, but the state is tossing one big monkey wrench in the works – the performances and eventual rewards will be left up to local school boards that must rely on money from local county commissions and city councils.

In places like good old Campbell County, we’ll all be added to the endangered species list before we see the squires pass a tax increase to give teachers raises, I don’t care how much test scores improve.

What that will mean in the short term is a lot of unhappy, squawking teachers. What it will mean in the long term is that more of the best and brightest college students will look to other careers where they can feel appreciated, and the best young teachers will look at larger counties and cities with better-funded school systems, or other states where education ranks higher than 45th out of 50.

Perhaps the brightest young future teachers from Campbell County will go up and teach in Pennsylvania, where they can at least spell the name of their state properly.

Meanwhile we’re stuck with Chuck Fleishmann, who is supposed to represent Campbell County in Congress but can’t even adequately represent his hometown of Chattanooga. Fleishmann’s district, thanks to Oak Ridge and TVA, receives more federal dollars than any other in the state, yet he caters to the ultra conservatives and racists in his district by publicly snubbing the man who with a flick of his Bic, could stop much of that flow of government money overnight, or at least slow it down to a trickle.

Back when Norris Dam was completed and TVA transformed the Tennessee Valley and brought East Tennessee at last into the 20th Century, a lot of our Republican ancestors didn’t care much for Franklin D. Roosevelt either. They had enough sense, however, to roll out the welcome mat when he visited us. You don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, and neither do you turn your back on the person bearing the gifts, regardless of the color of his skin.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013, 4:00 PM)        

LISTEN "LIVE" NOW                             WATCH "LIVE" NOW

1450 WLAF Radio                WLAF-TV 12 "Home of the Green Screen"

                                     

Jacksboro eyes garbage pick-up and fire hydrant fees

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen is proposing a garbage pickup fee and fire hydrant fee to help pay for equipment. The garbage pickup fee of no more than $6 a month would go toward the purchase of a garbage truck, while a fire hydrant fee of around $1.20 a month would be used to help fund the town's new fire truck, which the board voted to purchase during Thursday night's regular monthly meeting.

Mayor Jack Cannon said the new fees would total about $85 a year for each household. The garbage pickup fee would affect only homes and apartments inside the town limits, while any area currently served by the Jacksboro Fire Department would be obligated to pay the fire hydrant fee. That includes an area outside the town limits that was once served by the former Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department.

Mayor Cannon said the board would not have even been talking about adding fees had Campbell County voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase last year. The mayor and other members of the board want to know how Jacksboro residents feel about the proposed fees. Public hearings have been scheduled for consecutive Thursdays, August 15, 22, and 29, at town hall. Stay tuned to 1450 WLAF Radio and TV Channel 12 for times and more information about those public hearings.

During Thursday's meeting, the board approved a low bid of $404,533 from Pierce, Inc. for purchase of the fire truck. Now the board will try and decide the best way to finance the truck.

The board also accepted a lone bid of $59,908 from The Rogers Group for paving nearly a mile of Old Jacksboro Pike.

In a beer board meeting earlier Thursday evening, Road House Shell, operated by Jeff Hoskins, was approved for a beer permit.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Gray receives "Nobel Prize" for public service

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Nationwide Insurance Exclusive Agent Gary Gray of LaFollette has received a prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service.

The Jefferson Awards were founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard to create a “Nobel Prize” for public service.

Since 2005, the Jefferson Awards organization has changed its mission to create a national call to action for volunteering, with a special emphasis on youth service.

During the past eight years, Gray has been a volunteer with the Campbell County Baptist Association and helped families rebuild after natural and financial disasters such as floods. He helped to raise the money to buy a van and trailer for disaster recovery efforts. He has also worked with local churches to put together a list of volunteers with contracting experience.

Gray is involved with numerous community organizations, which he assists with communication, purpose definition and relationship building.

Gray spent 25 years in sales management with Nationwide before becoming president of Gray Insurance Company in 2005. Gray Insurance has office locations in LaFollette, Oak Ridge and Oneida.

Gray, second from left, with Nationwide's CEO, president, and East Tennessee sales manager

He credits his father with inspiring him to live a life of serving others.

“My passion and drive to serve comes from my faith and my father’s example, but also from many Nationwide mentors who placed a significant value on service and community,” said Gray.

Gray, who also received the 2013 Agent Community Service Award, was one of two people honored by Nationwide for giving back to their communities. (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Run-a-way driver in Wednesday's fatal wreck in jail

A woman wanted in connection to a fatal crash in Whitley County, Kentucky, has been taken into custody at Jellico.

Bell - from a previous booking at Jacksboro (Pix from 06/07/2012)

Police tell WLAF that 22-year-old Donnetta Bell of Williamsburg (born at Jellico, once listing White Oak as a residence) is in the custody of the Whitley County Sheriff's Department this afternoon.

They say the woman was first sent to the hospital with injuries they believe are most likely from the accident that happened Wednesday morning on US 25 near the Sexton community in Whitley County, which is about five minutes north of Jellico.  They say Bell hit a tree, killing her passenger, 45-year-old John Faulkner of La Follette.

Faulkner

When the Sheriff's Department got to the crash, they say Bell had already left the scene.

The extent of her injuries is not clear.

Police say Bell knew someone in Jellico and knocked on their door Wednesday night.  Those same people called ambulance and police.

Campbell County Chief Deputy Aaron Evans explains to WLAF that Bell signed extradition papers last night and was taken from the Jellico Community Hospital on to the Whitley County Jail.

Faulkner is the son of Coach John and Margaret Faulkner, and his arrangements are being handled by Walters Funeral.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2013, 2:15 PM)

COMING THIS FOOTBALL SEASON TO 1450 WLAF AND WLAF-TV 12

Presented by these outstanding corporate partners:

B & M Tires - Joe Whited & Benny Roberts

Jeff Sweat Investment Services

Holston Gases

Pop’s Wine & Liquor

A to Z Performance & Automative

Doug Boshears Paving

David Rutherford's All-Star Awards

Valley Roofing

Paul Construction

Join WLAF for Tennessee Saturday Night

     The corporate partner list is growing.  The avails are dwindling.  Call Coach Vic King today at 865.617.2458 to reserve your weekend marketing spot on the “Tennessee Saturday Night” tri-cast over 1450 WLAF, WLAF-TV 12, and 1450wlaf.com.  If you are looking to reach males and females ages 18 to 54, diehard University of Tennessee Football and Basketball fans, then this is your front row seat to showcase your business and grow your business.  Go Vols!  (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013, 3:00 PM)

Chalk it up to Ron for another unique item

     The name of the business is Ron's Golf Carts.  And La Follette Indoor Flea Market.  It's that last half of the name that gives Ron Marlow the wiggle room to showcase just about anything in his store that sits behind Long John Silvers in the old Big Lots building.  Right now, select from what Ron calls "chalkboard windows."  It's a rustic window frame with a chalkboard serving as the glass as well as a chalkboard.  He says it perfect for a kitchen or kid's room or the garage.  The "chalk windows" are $50.00 each, and right now there's five in the store including one that's perfect for a Vol fan.(UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

 

Louie Bluie brings Beelers home

     For the first time-ever, La Follette’s “Beelers” are set to perform at the Louie Bluie Festival.  That’s on Saturday, September 28 at the festival nestled in the hills of the historic Cove Lake Park at Caryville.  Robin Beeler Cumbie tells WLAF that she and her brother and sister are thrilled to be a part of this festival and hope to be invited back on an annual basis.  Before the Beelers come back home for the Louie Bluie Festival, they’ll make a stop in Branson, Missouri, at Silver Dollar City on Labor Day weekend at America’s Biggest Southern Gospel Picnic.  They are also regular performers at Dollywood.  The Beelers were just informed that their current radio single, “When A Man Dies”, has climbed to #23 for August on the Singing News Bluegrass chart. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013, 1:00 PM)

                                    

LISTEN "LIVE" NOW                             WATCH "LIVE" NOW

1450 WLAF Radio                WLAF-TV 12 "Home of the Green Screen"

                                     

 

Bartley's new trial will be at Jacksboro

     February 2014.  At Jacksboro.  With an out-of-county jury.  That's what Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood has decided for the new trial of school shooter Kenneth Bartley.  Citing “inflammatory media coverage” and several other reasons, on July 11, his attorney Greg Isaacs filed a motion at the court house at Jacksboro that Bartley’s new trial be moved. 

Bartley

It’s been almost eight-years since Campbell High Assistant Principal Ken Bruce was shot and killed by Kenneth Bartley.  The then teenager accepted a plea deal and has been incarcerated since.  Blackwood granted Bartley a new trial earlier this year.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013, NOON) 

 

Coming to Cove Lake Park Saturday, September 28

Your 2013 Cougars

Campbell opens the season at home with Cumberland Gap August 23 at 7:30 p.m.

"Live" coverage over the WLAF Sports Network

Your help is needed rounding up the old LHS trophies

     Here’s a note from WLAF Sports – A group of old La Follette High Owls is attempting to round up all the school trophies from the LHS days of 1954 to 1975 in order to create a public display for the trophies as well as begin an LHS Sports Hall of Fame.  If you have any of the old trophies, we’re asking you to bring them by the radio station so we may begin working on this tribute to all LHS athletes and teams.  Thank you.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013, 10:00 AM)

For sale - 2006, one-owner, $26,000 - 865.755.4810

Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

                     

         "Listen" to LIVE Campbell Baseball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

                                                         

         "Watch" LIVE Campbell Basketball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

Miss a WLAF news story?

     Maybe a friend told you about a story here on 1450wlaf.com, and you can't find it?  If it's not on this front page, simply check our News Archives.  That link is up this page a bit and to the left.  Thank you for visiting 1450wlaf.com.

 

It’s good to be King! One need not worry about paying for safe schools

Boomer's Corner - Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

As most everyone with any interest knows by now, the school board wasted no time reconvening last Friday to pass a no-tax-increase budget that will be accepted by the county commission. The rush appears to have been incited by the fact that until a new budget is approved, teachers would have to wait on that modest raise in their paychecks from state funds.

The squires will undoubtedly pass the budget and tax rate Monday night and the whole thing will be done and over with for another year, no more debate, no more controversy. Boring.

So what to write about now that the local politicos have settled into the Dog Days doldrums? I guess I could do like the rest of the world’s journalists and write about the new future king of England.

They gave the kid a name the other day – George. That’s what, George VI, no, George VII when he eventually assumes the throne. Originality is not the strong suit of the British royal family. They’ve had eight Henrys, eight Edwards, six Georges so far, several kings named William and a couple named Charles.

George seems a safe name, I suppose. Only one previous George was controversial, that being the head case George III who lost the American colonies and later went mad as a hatter. Edward was a popular name for a while until Edward VIII disgraced the royal family by abdicating the throne so he could marry an American divorcee.

Henry VIII, the one who beheaded wives to avoid having to hassle with divorce attorneys and alimony, was the last Henry, while the Brits haven’t had a King Charles since Oliver Cromwell relieved the last one of his crown, with the royal head still in it.

They do have a Crown Prince Charles, but the odds of him living long enough to replace his ageless mother Queen Elizabeth are growing longer daily.

Considering the fate of the last King Charles, that might be just as well. This Charles is far from popular, having cheated on and eventually divorced the popular Princess Diana, marrying his mistress after Diana’s tragic death.

That sort of thing would never go over here in the good old USA. We tried to impeach and remove from office President Bill Clinton for having an affair, even while his wife stuck by him. But then the British royal family doesn’t have to run for re-election. As Mel Brooks once said in one of his movies, “It’s good to be King.”

The amazing thing to me is the fascination the American people have with the British royals. You would think we never fought the Revolutionary War or signed the Declaration of Independence. We’re not quite as fascinated by the coming of a royal baby as the Brits, but the story dominated the news for days, while soldiers continue to die in Afghanistan and the unemployment lines continue to be too long.

Personally, I just wish the royal family would get with the times when it comes to choosing names. How about Prince Dylan, or Prince Corey, even a Mathew, Ted or Robert would be a pleasant change. In the end it probably won’t matter. The old gal will probably outlive them all anyway.

Back to local news, the school board must now find a way to pay for all that security they plan to provide for the county’s schools. They’ve committed any profits they receive from sponsoring the virtual schools academy to the security budget, but first they’ve got to see a profit. The Sheriff’s Department is seeking a COPS grant that would help, but how many other counties across the nation are doing the same thing and how far will the grant pool stretch?

In the end, we taxpayers are going to wind up paying for all this increased security, one way or another, to protect our children from head cases with automatic rifles and Glocks with high capacity ammo clips.

I don’t begrudge those fellows who are so uncertain of their manhood that they need an AK-47 to shore it up. More power to ‘em, and the fine folks with the National Rifle Association who so ably represent them. Just don’t ask me to pay for their addictions.

I propose that we allow anyone who isn’t certifiably insane or convicted of violent felonies to own and possess as many automatic weapons as they want. If they can afford it, let ‘em have their own back yard surface-to-air missile system to shoot down government drones. But tax them, and tax them at a rate that will suffice to pay for security guards in all the nation’s public schools.

I want to see a special federal tax on all firearms. It should be modest for shotguns and rifles used primarily for hunting and standard handguns such as a six-shot .38 suitable for home protection. The tax on automatic AR-series weapons and high capacity ammo clips should be considerably higher.

All of that money should go into a fund to pay for school security costs, and if it isn’t enough, increase the tax rate until it is. Might be a good idea to add a ten-dollar surcharge on National Rifle Association membership dues as well, to be paid into the national school security fund.

What? You howl that such a tax places an unfair burden on the poor gun owner? When they were debating gun control laws after the Connecticut tragedy, paranoid gun lovers were paying thousands of dollars at gun shows for automatic rifles that normally sold for a third or a quarter of that price.

 If people can afford to spend that kind of money on guns, they can afford a tax to make sure our children are protected from those guns.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013, 7:00 AM)

 

Coming to Cove Lake Park Saturday, September 28

Campbell has new county logo

     Be the first to see the new logo and slogan for the county of Campbell.  Here it is. 

A group of seven Campbell Countians was charged with coming up with a new logo to represent the entire county.  The art highlights the lake, the mountains, and the elk.  The slogan is “Campbell County, Tennessee, where the Mountains meet Norris Lake.”  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Caryville mother-to-be dies in I-75 crash

     Just before midnight Wednesday, a Caryville woman died in a single-vehicle car wreck on I-75.  Tennessee State Highway Patrol Trooper Anthony Lay outlines in his report to WLAF that 23-year old Christina Nelson and her unborn son, Landon, were killed instantly when she was ejected from her 2000 Nissan Altima.  He goes on to say that Nelson was not wearing a seat belt when her car left the interstate, traveled through the median, and flipped three times.  Trooper Lay says using a seat belt would have made a difference.  She was headed southbound in the left lane about a mile south of the Clinton-Norris Exit when her car traveled off the road.  Nelson, a graduate of Anderson County High School, played the flute in the ACHS Band and was currently employed at the Lake City Sonic.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013, 5:00 PM)

Sallie shares some family history

     You likely know Sallie from Sallie's Jewelry in the Food City Center at Woodson Mall.  She's sharing with us this weekend a picture that is near and dear to her. 

The man in the photo is John McCarty, Sallie's grandfather.  He was born in the 1800s, and this picture was snapped in the early 1900s.  In this photo, he is hauling summer crops out of Blue Springs Hollow to Middlesboro.(UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Your 2013 Cougars

Campbell opens the season at home with Cumberland Gap August 23 at 7:30 p.m.

"Live" coverage over the WLAF Sports Network

     Carl Pierce Day in La Follette

By Dwane Wilder WLAF News

As successful as he’s been, longtime LaFollette businessman Carl Pierce knows who has buttered his bread over the past six decades.

Mayor Mike Stanfield, Gail Bowman, Carl Pierce, Jerry Bowman, and Duane Mills

“I’ve been blessed every way in the world by the Good Lord. Anything I’ve ever made I always give Him the praise and glory,” said Pierce, who celebrated his 88th birthday Wednesday afternoon while surrounded by old friends and loyal customers at his family’s furniture store on Central Avenue.

Born at Speedwell in Claiborne County during the years preceding the Great Depression, Pierce graduated from Powell Valley High School in 1942. His wife, Lula, brought him to Campbell County in 1952. Lula’s father, Jake Pierce (no relation to Carl’s family) was a coal miner at LaFollette.

Mayor Mike Stanfield, Marvin Minton, Rhonda Longmire, and Beverly Hall

He had met her through the girlfriend of a friend, who suggested they go on a double date to the movie theatre in LaFollette. The rest is history, as Carl and Lula married two days before Christmas in 1945. The next year they moved to Middlesboro, Ky., where he began working at Montgomery Ward.

A couple years later, Carl got into the furniture business while working for a man in Middlesboro. Four years after that, he decided to move to LaFollette and go into business for himself. He hasn’t looked back, except to reminisce about the good ol’ days.

Carl borrowed $3,100 for he and his business partner Sewell Watkins to open their furniture store on Tennessee Avenue in LaFollette on Friday, August 8, 1952.

Rita Pierce Richardson (Carl's daughter), Carl Pierce, and WLAF's Bill Waddell

Their inventory on that day nearly 61 years ago included four refrigerators, three washing machines, one freezer, five sewing machines and other assorted items.

Unbeknownst to Carl, Watkins later sold his share in the business to a local dentist, Dr. Clyde Sharp.

Channel 6 and 10 reporters visit with Carl Pierce

Then in 1961, Carl moved the furniture business out to a 20-by-50 foot storefront on Central Avenue.

Pierce Furniture Gallery moved into its current building in 1999, which is right next door to the previous location. Carl’s son, 59-year-old Ron, whom he groomed to take over the business, runs the show these days.  However, Carl still comes to work everyday just like he always has. He humbly thanks the Lord for his good fortune and being able to enjoy his work as well as the great friends he has met while doing it.

“I’m the oldest man I can think of, in LaFollette, that’s semi-active in business. I just love to come to work and talk to everyone,” said Carl.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Police think Phillips fell from a cliff

A man found dead last week in Big Creek likely stumbled off a cliff in the darkness before drowning in the stream below, say LaFollette police.

A 17-year-old boy who had walked down to the creek behind his house on East Woodland Court to do a little fishing discovered the body of 40-year-old Stevie Phillips of LaFollette around 3:50 p.m. last Wednesday.

He first thought the body was that of a hound dog. When he realized it was a human, the boy ran back home, where his mother called police.

After being pulled from the creek by detectives with the LPD, the body was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for autopsy.

Detective Josh Hill said autopsy results revealed that Phillips sustained severe injuries to his spine, pelvis and ribcage.

Police believe Phillips fell from a height of 60 to 80 feet while taking a shortcut through the neighborhood during the early morning hours last Wednesday. Hill said Phillips had a laceration on the back of his head, but that, along with the injuries to his spine, pelvis and ribcage, was not enough to kill him. He said drowning was the likely cause, as water was found in Phillips’ lungs. Hill said the body had been in the water around 12 hours and floated downstream about 75 yards from where it had first landed.

Hill said there were no injuries on Phillips that were consistent of any kind of fight or struggle, so he believes it was an accident.

The section of Big Creek where the body was found is just downstream from Linden Park in a highly populated residential area of LaFollette.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2013, 6:00 AM)

La Follette is home to Tennessee's only black lung clinic

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Founded in 1980, Campbell County's Black Lung Clinic has served coal miners and former miners for the past three decades.

"We are the only federally funded Black Lung Clinic in the state of Tennessee," said Shan Ray, a respiratory therapist who serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Campbell County Black Lung Clinic.

Tennessee is one of 14 states with Black Lung Clinics. Ray said the Campbell County Clinic not only serves folks from Tennessee, but from Southeast Kentucky as well. It is located in the offices of Community Health of East Tennessee on Independence Lane behind the CVS Pharmacy in LaFollette.

The clinic began with a staff of 12 and was located in the old Poor Farm at Jacksboro. It was originally funded by a state grant through the Tennessee Department of Health. Steve Williams was the first CEO, along with Jack Roy Alexander as county executive and Larry Bowles, who was East Tennessee Regional Director of Health.

Black lung is a disease that can affect coal miners. It results from coal dust deposits that create scar tissue in the lungs.

"It can be an obstructive lung disease or restrictive. We see both," said Ray. "We've seen cases in miners as young as 30 and as old as 80 or 90. It really is a disability and can be fatal."

But not all who apply for disability will receive benefits.

"Around 10 percent get the disability," said Ray. "It's a long process. It can take up to two years."

However, all miners are eligible for a free exam from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Services offered by the Campbell County Black Lung Clinic include: medical, benefits counseling, patient care, coordination, pulmonary rehabilitation, and outreach. The staff includes Ray, Outreach Director Donna Morris, and a lay representative. The clinic has three doctors that perform exams. They are Dr. John Burrell, Dr. Curtis Sexton and Dr. Ingrid Fernandes.

There are not nearly as many miners as there once were in Campbell County. Neighboring states like Kentucky and West Virginia employ tens of thousands of miners, while Tennessee has fewer than a thousand.

According to Oscar Fredericks at the Mine Safety Office in Caryville, there were 197 active miners in Campbell County during the year 2011-12. That was down from 220 miners in 2010-11 and 293 in 2009-10. The numbers of Campbell County miners haven't changed much in the last two decades. In 1990, there were 264 miners here.

Even so, Ray said the Campbell County Clinic has helped 292 miners in some way or other during the past year. She and her staff want to get the word out to try and help more of them.

"I think we probably still have a lot of people here locally that don't know we're here," said Morris.(UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Cougar Days set

Cougar Days will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the following days:

Thursday, August 1:  Juniors

Monday, August 5:    Sophomores      Tuesday, August 6:   Freshmen

In addition to getting their class schedules, students will have their pictures made for the yearbook.  Students who plan to drive themselves to school may also pick up a parking permit application.  The cost for a parking permit is $25.00.  Students will get lockers at no charge on the first day of class.

 The first school day for freshmen will be Registration Day, Friday, August 9 from 8:10-1:00.  All students (grades 9-12) will report on Monday, August 12, 8:10-3:15, for the first full day of school.(UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Blue Devils to scrimmage Midway, Hancock County

     The Jellico High School Blue Devils have pre-season football scrimmages scheduled for Aug. 9 at Midway at 6 p.m. and Aug. 16 at home against Hancock County at 7 p.m. Admission is $2.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013, 9:15 AM)

Campbell County Back-to-School Event Memo

Event:  Campbell County Back to School Bash

Date:  August 3, 2013

Time:  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location:  La Follette Elementary School-105 Myers Lane-behind Food Lion

Expected Attendance:  2,500 elementary age school children and their parents.

Needed:

Organizations that can provide interactive/educational stations for elementary age students are needed for this event. Our hope is to have as many stations as possible with activities/educational materials that will give the students needed information and complete a back to school bag of school supplies for them.   Students will receive a bag to collect items in and move from station to station collecting educational material and interacting with participating in agencies.    

Event Summary:

The whole day will be dedicated to Health, Safety and preparing the students to return to school this year. Participants will be set up in the gym to interact with the students and their families.  There will be safety activities and events outside for the students and their families to participate in as well.  The last stations that students will visit will be the stage area where they will receive all school supplies. 

Schedule:        8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Participant set up time

                        10:00 a.m. - Gates and door will open

                        2:00 p.m. – Event will conclude

Arrival & Set-Up: Please look for the registration table where you will be directed to your station. All participants should be setup in their designated areas by 9:45am.

Unloading & Parking: You may unload and park behind the school in the staff parking anytime after 8:00am.   This will keep the front parking areas free for the guests.

Any Questions or interest in participating please call:  Chief Aaron Evans at the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at 423.562.7446.

School board reconvenes, passes a budget that commission will accept

It took a total of three minutes Friday evening for the Campbell County Board of Education to finally approve a budget that the county commission will accept, eliminating the request for an additional $275,000 that would require a five-cent property tax increase.

The board had sent the budget containing the tax increase to the commission back in June, but commissioners instead passed a budget without additional money for security officers in all county schools. The school board then had one opportunity to accept the commission’s appropriation last Monday night.

Instead, only six board members showed up for the meeting and Eugene Lawson played spoiler, casting a “no” vote that left the board one vote short of the needed majority of six. Exasperated board chairman Josh Parker offered his resignation, pointing out that the chair’s primary responsibility was to work with the Director of Schools to craft a budget and he had failed.

Meeting later in the evening, the commission had no school budget that they would accept, adjourned and went home.

There the matter could have rested until August, but Parker instead scheduled a special session of the board for Friday at 6:00 p.m. The catalyst for such prompt action appears to be a memo sent to teachers from the Office of Finance, explaining that until the county passes a new budget, one and a half percent pay raises for teachers must be on hold because the county is still operating under a continuing resolution from the previous year.

School board members began to hear from teachers, with predictable results. All four of the board members who missed the Monday night meeting showed up Friday, including J. L. “Sarge” Collins who has been recovering from time in the hospital.

Chairman Parker apologized for his outburst on Monday and announced that he would continue as chairman until his term expires in September. Scott Hill then moved to approve the school budget without the added money for SRO officers, seconded by Collins.

Lawson pointed out that the board may pay for security along with additional teachers from the fund balance and asked Director Donnie Poston for assurances that he will do everything possible to find money from other sources. Poston agreed, and even Lawson voted to accept the budget, which passed 8-0.

The ball now is passed to the county commission’s court, where commissioners can either schedule a special called meeting within a week to consider the budget, or wait until their regular budget & finance meeting on August 12. Assuming that commissioners will also hear from teachers looking forward to higher paychecks when school starts, the special called meeting looks to be a higher probability.  (UPDATED SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013, 7:00 PM)

Wilson joins rotation at Terry's Pharmacy

     Justin Wilson of LaFollette has been a member of the Terry’s Pharmacy team since graduating from Campbell County High School with the Class of 2002. However, Wednesday was his first day on the job as a full-fledged pharmacist. Wilson, a former baseball player for the Cougars, joins an impressive four-man rotation for Terry’s Pharmacy. Though he was working at the LaFollette downtown branch on Wednesday, Wilson expects to spend most of his time at the Jacksboro branch.

Wilson graduated in May of this year from Union University in Jackson. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys golfing and hanging out at the lake.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013, 9:45 AM)

Your help is needed rounding up the old LHS trophies

     Here’s a note from WLAF Sports – A group of old La Follette High Owls is attempting to round up all the school trophies from the LHS days of 1954 to 1975 in order to create a public display for the trophies as well as begin an LHS Sports Hall of Fame.  If you have any of the old trophies, we’re asking you to bring them by the radio station so we may begin working on this tribute to all LHS athletes and teams.  Thank you.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013, 10:00 AM)

For sale - 2006, one-owner, $26,000 - 865.755.4810

Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Drop Of Location:  Campbell County Sheriff’s Office - 610 Main Street - Jacksboro - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Harry Burden and his wife Frances

Harry Burden honored with special luncheon at courthouse

Words like integrity, character, honor and respect come to mind when folks talk about longtime Campbell County Grand Jury foreman Harry Burden. On Friday afternoon, the judicial community turned out to honor Burden for 39 years of service during a special luncheon held in his honor at the courthouse. Burden said his job was not always an easy one, but it was rewarding.

“It was an interesting job,” said Burden. “I just did what the job called for and nothing more. Judge (Lee) Asbury and Judge (Shayne) Sexton, in all the years that I served, they never questioned me about anything.”

Former District Attorney General Paul Phillips said he never had to worry about the Campbell County Grand Jury overstepping its bounds with Burden at the helm. “He’s always done the right thing. He’s had a tremendous record,” Phillips said.

Perhaps the highest compliment came from Phillips, quoting something the late Judge Lee Asbury, who was one of the most respected men in the entire state, once said about Burden. “Judge Asbury said, ‘He is a better man than me, and he is the best man I’ve ever known.’”

Haley Adkins and her mother, Darlene, sing a special patriotic medley for Harry Burden.

Sexton, who serves as criminal court judge, said Burden had a knack for taking a nervous group of jurors with very little legal knowledge and turning them into a working body of the judicial system. “He was a marvel to watch and a pleasure just to be in the same room with,” said Sexton.

District Attorney General Lori Phillips-Jones presents a plaque to Harry Burden.

Judge Sexton said one of the best pieces of advice Judge Asbury ever gave him was to keep Burden as grand jury foreman. “Now I know what he meant by that,” said Sexton. “The potential for abuse in that office is enormous. I never had to worry about that with Harry.”  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013, 3:30 PM)

Lady Cougars duo competes at AAU Nationals

Lady Cougar basketball players Hannah Owens and Kendra King just got back from a national AAU tournament held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Owens and King played on a 17-and-under team with several girls from neighboring counties.

From left to right: Kendra King and Hannah Owens

According to Coach Billy Love, the tournament gave the girls a chance to showcase their skills in front a mass gathering of college coaches. Owens, a five-foot-11 senior post, has already received interest from NCAA Division II Henderson State University in Arkansas. Owens led the team in rebounding at nationals and was one of the top scorers. “She can handle the ball, rebound like no other, and can shoot,” said Love. “Kendra also has a nice shot. Both of them are team oriented and are hard workers.”  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013, 9:15 AM)

LPD Chief Jimmy Jeffries and Det. Steve Wallen check for evidence following the discovery of a body Wednesday in Big Creek.

Dead body found floating in Big Creek identified as LaFollette man

     Detectives from the LaFollette Police Department have identified a dead body found Wednesday afternoon in Big Creek as that of 40-year-old Steven A. Phillips of LaFollette. The body was found submerged in approximately two feet of water just downstream from Linden Park. At approximately 3:50 p.m., a 17-year-old boy discovered the body behind his home on East Woodland Court. Detective Josh Hill said he estimates the man had been in the water less than two days. He went on to say that the fully-clothed body had numerous abrasions, but would not speculate on cause of death. Officers responding to the scene included lead investigator Detective Monty Miller, Detective Josh Hill, Detective Steve Wallen, Sergeant Brian Tiller and Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries. The body was sent to the University of Tennessee for autopsy to determine cause of death.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013, 2:30 PM, ORGINAL STORY POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM)

Harry Burden is pictured above with the late Judge Lee Asbury.

Burden is retiring as grand jury foreman

He makes life easier for the judge.  That’s how Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton, without hesitation, sizes up Harry Burden.  Burden’s been the standing foreman for Sexton’s court for the past 15-years and the 24-years before that with the late Judge Lee Asbury.  Sexton tells WLAF that he wants to send Harry out in style with a Noon celebration for him at the court house on Friday.  After all, Burden’s been a faithful servant of the court as its grand jury foreman for some 39-years.  The judge describes Harry as competent, trustworthy, and a real pleasure.  In fact, Sexton calls him one of the last of his kind.  Now days, in Sexton’s other county courts and across most all of Tennessee, a grand juror is selected as acting foreman by the judge when a new session begins.  Compared to having an old hand like Burden, the judge now has to take time to train the acting foreman, and then follow-up to make sure he is carrying out his duties as outlined.  Just another reason Judge Sexton hates to see Harry Burden heading for the house.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013, 9:45 AM)

Wilson joins rotation at Terry's Pharmacy

     Justin Wilson of LaFollette has been a member of the Terry’s Pharmacy team since graduating from Campbell County High School with the Class of 2002. However, Wednesday was his first day on the job as a full-fledged pharmacist. Wilson, a former baseball player for the Cougars, joins an impressive four-man rotation for Terry’s Pharmacy. Though he was working at the LaFollette downtown branch on Wednesday, Wilson expects to spend most of his time at the Jacksboro branch.

Wilson graduated in May of this year from Union University in Jackson. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys golfing and hanging out at the lake.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013, 9:45 AM)

It's going to be at least a couple of more weeks before animal shelter might open

The Campbell County Animal Advisory Board met Tuesday evening at LaFollette City Hall to continue hashing out its by-laws.

Veterinarian Mark Garrett pointed out that three of the county’s four municipalities did not have a representative at the meeting. Campbell County Shelter Director Betty Crumley was also absent, and there were no animal control officers present.

However, the board did get a few things accomplished during the two-hour meeting. It was agreed that meetings of the board would be held the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Also, a schedule was set for members to be elected to the board for staggered terms. It was decided that the county mayor would appoint two at-large members as well as two members from separate animal welfare organizations with current 501-3c status. Those four members would then have to be approved by a majority vote of the advisory committee.

There was a heated debate over how at-large members were nominated to be on the board. Another heated discussion occurred over the qualifications to be an animal control officer. The board agreed that all animal control officers should be adequately trained to do their job as soon as possible after being hired.

There is still no word on when the county animal shelter will re-open, but Tom Hatmaker, a county commissioner who serves on the Animal Advisory Board, said the mayor told him it would be at least two more weeks.

The animal shelter has been closed since April 11 pending the results of a TBI investigation into alleged wrongdoing and unethical practices.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Green's "green" makes the difference

     No.  They're not new signs.  John Green just painted over white trim with La Follette's "city green."  And what a difference it makes.  If you saw the signs on Monday, and didn't see them again until today, you'll think they are new signs.  Green says the white just didn't bring out green lettering like the green does.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Lawsuit filed by former caretakers of Baker's Forge Cemetery

     Two former caretakers of the Baker’s Forge Cemetery are suing for wrongful and retaliatory discharge after they said they refused to participate in or remain silent about activities that are prohibited by clear public policy of the State of Tennessee.

Edward and Kenneth Taylor filed suit Monday in Campbell County Chancery Court against the Trustees of the Baker’s Forge Cemetery, both individually and as a group, as well as three churches that have perpetual fund agreements with the cemetery.

The Taylors are asking for compensatory damages not to exceed $250,000, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and for other such relief as they may be entitled.

The cemetery trustees include Bob and Grover Housley, Mike and Jean Malicote, Hazel Roberts, Doug Eldridge, Don Lawson and Jimmy Jeffries. The three churches with ties to the cemetery are Coolidge Baptist, Cedar Hill Baptist and Demory Baptist.

The Taylors are claiming that the Housleys, who were their supervisors, devised an unlawful scheme and plan to disinter corpses in order to resell the gravesites. The Taylors claim their employment was terminated on July 27, 2012 for insubordination for refusing to engage in or perform these illegal activities.

For example, the plaintiffs claim they were directed to desecrate and disinter the grave of Jennie Irwin Baker in order to bury Alvis Buck Cantrell next to his wife, who had previously been buried in a grave on top of George W. Baker, according to the permanent records of the cemetery.

One of the most serious charges the Taylors made against the Housleys is that there was a scheme to desecrate graves of African Americans buried at Baker’s Forge, which is a Class E felony in Tennessee.

Knoxville attorney David S. Wigler filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Taylors. Kathy Parrott of Jacksboro is listed as the attorney for the Baker’s Forge Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013, 2:30 PM)

Sheriff Robbie Goins hosts

“The fill up the van event”

school supply collection*

     Sheriff Goins and staff will be taking up school supplies at the Walmart in an effort to fill up the office van that will go toward assisting Campbell County Children with school supplies at the beginning of the school year.
Friday, July 19th & Friday, July 26th

1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

*You may also drop off supplies at the Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours

Your help is needed rounding up the old LHS trophies

     Here’s a note from WLAF Sports – A group of old La Follette High Owls is attempting to round up all the school trophies from the LHS days of 1954 to 1975 in order to create a public display for the trophies as well as begin an LHS Sports Hall of Fame.  If you have any of the old trophies, we’re asking you to bring them by the radio station so we may begin working on this tribute to all LHS athletes and teams.  Thank you.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013, 10:00 AM)

School board fails to go along with commission’s “no increase” budget

"See the meetings further down this page"

What was expected to be the rather routine approval of a final county budget turned into a logjam Monday night, reminiscent of battles thirty years ago between stubborn school boards and intractable county commissions.

The commission, which refused last week to approve a five-cent property tax increase to fund additional security officers at all county schools, sent the education budget back to the school board without the additional $275,000 above the state minimum funding requirement.

The board was expected to pass the no-increase budget without further debate at a recessed session on Monday night, allowing the commission to approve the final county budget and tax rate later in the evening.

Responding to questions from Rector Miller, Director Donnie Poston said that the board could fund the SRO officers from the undesignated fund balance and he would make every effort to find cuts or other resources to cover the cost, including a pending COPS grant through the Sheriff’s Department.

Eugene Lawson had other ideas. When only six school board members showed up at the recessed meeting, Lawson voted “no” on the budget resolution, leaving the board a vote short of the required majority.

After Chairman Josh Parker declared the motion “failed,” the board voted 6-0 in favor of the only other order of business, to eliminate the combination Safety & Athletic Director position held by Johnny Bruce. Bruce will assume a federally funded position as Director of Health, continuing with most of his current duties except system-wide investigation of workman’s comp claims, which will be handled by each separate department.

Parker then announced that his duty as chairman included working with the Director of Schools to create a budget. “Since the board can’t approve a budget, effective August 1, I’ll resign my chairmanship.”

Lawson explained that his “no” vote was due to the fact that several commissioners who work for the Department of Education failed to attend the commission meeting where the school budget request was voted down.

“I would hate to have a budget vote with commissioners who work for the schools not voting,” Lawson announced.

Without a school budget finalized, the commissioners who met less than an hour later had little to do or discuss. Deputy Finance Director Richard Terry packed up the box filled with budgets and tax rate resolutions and left the courthouse, while the commissioners quickly voted on routine matters such as approving committee reports, notaries and accepting department reports, then adjourned.

County government can continue to operate under a continuing resolution until the end of August, but the clock is ticking if the two bodies fail to agree on a budget sometime within the next month. The State Department of Education no longer exhibits the patience that it once did in years gone by, and could intervene if the Board of Education goes deep into the next school year without an operating budget.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013, 6:00 AM)

School Board Meeting & Commission Meeting 7/15/13

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1st Baptist Church of La Follette Service 7/14/13

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Citizens tip leads to drug dealer arrests at a La Follette home - school bus driver arrested

Drugs, money, and vehicles seized by the sheriff's department

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins released this morning that after receiving numerous citizen complaints the Sheriff’s Criminal and Drug Investigations Unit, as well as, our K-9 Drug Detection Unit, arrested 3 people, including a school bus driver, after a weekend investigation revealed large quantities of marijuana for resale in connection to a La Follette residence at 710 South 15th Street.

Bobby Giles, age 60 of 307 Forks Grove Road in La Follette, was charged with Felony Possession of Schedule 6 and failing to signal while in travel, in connection to a traffic stop at the above mentioned address.

Melissa M. Poston (school bus driver), age 41 of 710 South 15th Street in La Follette, was charged with Felony Possession of Schedule 6 for Resale and Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after a consent search of her property and residence in connection with receiving citizen complaints.

Christopher O. Crabtree, age 35 of 710 South 15th Street in La Follette, was charged with Felony Possession of Schedule 6 for resale and Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after a consent search of his property and residence in connection with receiving citizen complaints.

Sheriff’s Sergeant Darrell Mongar and his partner K-9 Dano, were successful in the uncovering of nearly 2 pounds of a pressure packed green leafy substance, believed to be marijuana. Captain Brandon Elkins, Detective Sgt. John Long, Detective Sgt. Freddie White, K-9 Sgt. Darrell Mongar, Deputy Josh Vann, Deputy James McCall were all on scene during the arrests. During the investigation, just over $2,000.00 was seized in connection with drug dealing, as well as, 2 vehicles, including a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer and a 2005 Toyota Rav 4.    

Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said, “We take complaints and concerns from citizens very seriously and appreciate the public’s help, input and information. I am surely pleased that we were able to get drugs off the streets and keep them out of the hands of our community’s young people. Our team works to investigate these complaints daily and we will continue these types of investigations, wherever in Campbell County they are, as long as we are able to breath and I am the sheriff. If successful in the seizure of these vehicles and money, we will be able to continually provide resources for our anti-drug related programs and other matters.”      (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013, NOON)

CCSD answers 3,500+ calls over the past 90-days

     It was an extra busy past 90-days for Sheriff Robbie Goins and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  Goins tells WLAF News that he and his staff responded to more than 35-hundred calls for service.  Of that total, more than a thousand were for civil process.  There were 350 suspicious person or vehicle calls answered along with 190 for stolen or lost property, and 128 domestic disputes.  A total of 315 arrests were made including 20 for driving under the influence.  For April, May, and June, there was an increase in burglaries, thefts, violent crime, and narcotic trafficking.  The Campbell County Criminal Investigation Division handled 216 cases representing a 40% increase over the quarter.  The county jail housed an average of 157 inmates each day with nearly 14-thousand meals served.  All the data for April, May, and June is found further down this page.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Sheriff Goins releases 90-day report (April-May-June)

     As committed in the last 90 day report, you will find in the attached materials and information below, the progress, activity and updates from our office for the months of April, May and June. I have instructed my staff to prepare and produce this information on a 90 day basis to better serve and inform you thoroughly. We hope this information will provide you all with valuable insight of the hard work, dedication and the progress of our office that I mandate and expect.  Our new mission statement “It is the mission of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence of fear of crime and to enhance public safety, while working with every community to improve their quality of life. Our mandate is to do so with professionalism and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards, to renew and maintain public confidence. Our values will evolve around and with Leadership, Service, Performance and Discipline.” This mission statement is something we take very seriously and expect every employee to abide by wholeheartedly. As you will notice in the below information, our office is very busy and we strive every day to make sure the public and taxpayer gets what they demand and deserve. We hope this information will help reflect the dedication of our office and the fine people we have leading it. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for everything you do and the service you provide for our county daily.  

 Per your request for the activity and information update for the previous 90 days you will find activity and information from the entire command staff, as listed. Below is the total number of calls for service and the specific 10-Code calls they were, that was entered by the 911 Center. As an office, we responded to 3,554 calls for service that have been entered, in the previous 90 days.

Calls for Service

Animal Calls                  111                               Attempted Suicide                                 10

Escorts                         232                               Suicide                                                 3

Civil Process                 1112                             Harassment/Threats                               70

Noise Complaints           36                                 Trespassing                                          32

Vandalism                     55                                 ATV Complaints                                    4

Wanted Checks             144                               B&E Business                                       4

Child Custody                19                                 B&E Residence                                     72        

Neighbor/Property Disputes        121                   B & E Vehicle                                        7

Shootings                      11                                 Shoplifter                                               5

Runaway Juveniles         4                                  Fraud/Forgery                                        24

Missing Persons            8                                  Fire                                                       17

Alarms                          72                                 Stolen/Lost Property                              190

Reporting at Station       3                                  Message Delivery                                   0

Stolen Vehicles             31                                 Juvenile Problem                                    13        

Property Damage Crashes          28                     Traffic Stops                                          551

Crashes w/ Injury           9                                  Officer Assistance Calls                         26        

Drunk/Drugged Driving    19                                 Domestic Dispute                                  128

Armed Robbery              1                                  Drug Traffic                                            37

Hit and Run                   11                                 Disturbance                                           32

Prowler                         42                                 Assault                                                 74

Welfare Check               83                                 Sick/Injured Person                                72

Public Drunk                  16                                 Child Abuse                                           3

Fight Calls                     12                                 Indecent Exposure                                 1

Suspicious Person/Vehicle         351

Dead Body                                9

Haz-Mat Situation                      0

Mental Person                           6

Property Check                        29

911 Hang Up                             6

Extra Patrol Calls                     79                                                                                                                                                                  

The total number of arrest for the months of:

Apr.: 100                                         May: 103                                         June: 112

90 day total: 315

Total Civil Process Served for the 90 day period:   1,012

Criminal Investigation Division and Drug Investigation Division

Statistics for the Last 90 Days

     The last 90 days (April 1st-June 30st, 2013) have been challenging yet proving for the Criminal Investigation Division and Drug Investigation Division.  As a department, CCSO has seen an overall increase in burglaries, thefts, violent crime, and narcotic trafficking during this quarter. During the last 90 days, CID has handled 216 cases. Overall case assignment has increased 40% this quarter. The Drug Investigation unit has completed 12 undercover drug buys. CID and DID has also participated in three search warrants inside of the county, which led to the county seizure of approximately $12,000.00 in assets. The focus of DID this quarter has been to see the indictment of individuals for various narcotic related crimes over the past year and the arrest of those individuals.   One active meth labs were also worked during this time period. We have seen a decrease in the number of clandestine methamphetamine labs in our county this quarter.  The prescription pill problem continues to be on the rise and we are also starting to see the use of inhalants in teens at our local community schools. The Search and Rescue team has responded to 1 call out in which both individuals were eventually located.  The Units are also responsible for responding to some 158 calls for service. Division efforts have also seen the indictment of more than 32 individuals through Grand Jury. The Units also were responsible for 15 criminal court felony pleas. Further, the divisions have solved many cases resulting in the arrest of 64 individuals for various criminal offenses. Most of the offenses charged by our investigators have been felony charges and have been after the long, hard work of solving a case. Some of the notable offenses include: 8 Aggravated Burglaries, 9 Burglaries, 1 Auto Burglary, 32 Thefts under $500.00, 6 Thefts over $500.00, 17 Thefts over $1000.00, 11Forgeries,  1 Child Abuse and Neglect, and 1 Attempted 1st Degree Murder. Our divisions’ arrests account for 29% of the total departmental arrests. With seven detectives, we account for 16% of the department. Clearly, our divisions account for more than their number.

     This quarter has been an eventful time for members of CID and DID. I would like to especially recognize Sergeant Ken Daugherty for becoming the newest member to CID as a Crime Scene Investigator.  I believe Sgt. Daugherty’s addition will assist the investigators and the department in determining better and more accurate information about the crimes occurring in our county. His contribution will add a scientific tool to our “crime fighting tool belt”.

Memorandum

TO:                   Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans

FR:                   Captain Eric Jones                    

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting for Jail Operations

DATE:               July 11, 2013

Board Bill Projections:    March: $88,763  April: $76,109  May: $83,805   

White Male Inmates: 109   Black Male Inmates: 1    Other Male Inmates: 3    Total: 113

White Female Inmates: 42    Black Female: 1           none                            Total: 43

Male Inmates: 72.44%     Females: 27.56%    White: 96.79%           Black: 1.28%         Other: 1.92%

Total Inmates: 156

Average Age Male: 35    Average Age Female: 32

Average Number of days in Jail:  116         Total Inmates that have been in jail prior: 143

90 Days Evaluated for this average and purpose:

Average daily inmate count:                    157

Highest Daily count in 92 days:              159

Lowest Daily County:                             156

Average Inmate meal cost for the months of April, May, and June

April:                 15,291 meals served- .89 cents/meal- $1.07 with bread and milk

May:                 15,060 meals served- $1.04 /meal- $1.22 with bread and milk

June:                 13,812 meals served- .84 cents/meal- $1.03 with bread and milk

From April 1st 2013 to June 30th 2013 The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division has answered 3,554 calls for services and have made approximately 315 arrests in the last three months.  The following explains in detail some of the arrests and citations that have been made and given:  Driving while revoked license 12, Driving on suspended license 20, HMVO 1, Reckless Driving 2, Seat belt Violations 15, Light Law 5, Violation of registration 15, Violation of Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law 3, Speeding 2, Driving under the influence 20, Violation of Implied consent 3, Open Container 3, Public intoxication 17, under age consumption 1, Criminal impersonation 21 ,Possession of drug Para. 17, Possession of Schedule II 8, Possession of Schedule III 4, Possession of Schedule VI 9 , Evading arrest 1, Resisting arrest 6, Reckless endangerment 9, Assault on a police officer 1,  Capias warrant 32, Violation of Probations warrant 19,  Criminal trespassing 11,  Domestic Violence by assault 21, Assault 2, Aggravated Assault 18 , Vandalism 9, Disorderly conduct 8, Vehicular Assault 2.

I would also like to commend to following officers for their hard work and dedication for the following number of arrests: Deputy Franklin Ayers 48, James McCall 32, Allen Shepherd 30, Ty Daugherty 22 and Cody Chapman 19. 

Highlights of additional progress and activities for the Sheriff’s Office in the previous 90 days

            June 10th through June 14th the sheriff’s office hosted their 2013 in service training. The In-service training consisted of domestic violence, TASER, emergency vehicle operations, child abuse, emotional disturbed people, Legal updates, DUI investigations, active shooter, officer survival and search & seizure. Each deputy received 40 hours of training; also in attendance was Jacksboro Police Department, Caryville Police Department, 8th Judicial Drug Task Force and members of the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office also conducted active shooter training at Lafollette Middle School and Valley View Elementary.

Lieutenant Jeremy Goins, Sergeant Mike Owens and Detective Matt Wasson attended and completed active shooter training hosted by the Department of Homeland Security

Lieutenant Jeremy Goins and Sergeant Mike Owens completed firearms instructor school at Walter State Regional Law Enforcement Academy certifying them as firearms instructors.

Lieutenant Jeremy Goins, Sergeant Darrell Mongar and Sergeant Josh Carroll completed Strategies & Tactics of Patrol Stops Instructor Course in Clinton, Tennessee.

Detective Sergeant Freddie Stagnolia and Detective Sergeant Preston Prim attended recognition of improvised explosive devices at the Walter State Regional Law Enforcement Academy.      

Detective Sergeant Freddie White attended advance tactical entry into meth laborites in Belt Buckle, Tennessee at the State Fire Academy.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

For sale - 2006, one-owner, $26,000 - 865.755.4810

Back to school bash is scheduled

     Sheriff Robbie Goins’ “fill up the van” event is just around the corner.  It’s set for back-to-back Friday afternoons and evenings, July 19 and 26 at the Walmart.  The sheriff tells WLAF that this is a community event and your help is encouraged in the form of donations of school supplies or monetary or gift cards or donation of your time to assist.  You may drop off your items at the “fill up the van” events or at the sheriff’s office at Jacksboro.  The third annual “Back to School Bash” is set for August 3 at La Follette Elementary School from 10:00 to 2:00. (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013, 6:00 AM)

COMING THIS FOOTBALL SEASON TO 1450 WLAF AND WLAF-TV 12

Presented by these outstanding corporate partners:

B & M Tires - Joe Whited & Benny Roberts

Jeff Sweat Investment Services

Holston Gas

Pop’s Wine & Liquor

A to Z Performance & Automative

Doug Boshears Paving

David Rutherford's All-Star Awards

Join WLAF for Tennessee Saturday Night

     The corporate partner list is growing.  The avails are dwindling.  Call Coach Vic King today at 865.617.2458 to reserve your weekend marketing spot on the “Tennessee Saturday Night” tri-cast over 1450 WLAF, WLAF-TV 12, and 1450wlaf.com.  If you are looking to reach males and females ages 18 to 54, diehard University of Tennessee Football and Basketball fans, then this is your front row seat to showcase your business and grow your business.  Go Vols!  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

Prices jump at the pump - up 20-cents in less than a week

     Gasoline prices jumped 20-cents since Tuesday week.  The price sign changed Saturday from $3.29 a gallon to $3.37 a gallon, and then on up to $3.39 before the night was out.  The week began with a price of $3.19 before it jumped a dime Tuesday afternoon.(UPDATED SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2013, 6:30 PM)

Water still over the road on Kitts-Ayers Road near Rock Creek  (07/13/2013)

David Graham's Sports Report for Monday, July 15, 2013

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Morning fire destroys Quail Run home

     No one home.  No injuries.  And now, no home.  Neighbors called in the alarm at 10:36 a.m. that they were seeing smoke coming out of the back of the home next door.  The Campbell County Rural Fire Service’s Daniel Lawson and another firefighter were on the scene by 10:46.  Lawson tells WLAF that even by then the double-wide style structure was already 75% involved. 

A dozen crew members from CCRFS and the La Follette Fire Department battled the blaze on Quail Run Lane, just off Pleasant Ridge Road, for the better part of three hours.  He notes that all the rain of late did help keep down any brush fire potential.  Lawson calls it a total loss and, at this point, has no idea how the fire started.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013, 3:30 PM - PIX COURTESY DANIEL LAWSON)  

Officers confiscate one million dollars in pot plants in Campbell County

     An estimated street value of one million dollars in marijuana plants were confiscated this week in Campbell County by members of the Governor’s Marijuana Eradication Task Force. A few of the plants, as well as a meth lab, were found at a garage on North 27th Street in LaFollette, according to LPD Chief Jimmy Jeffries. The garage has been quarantined said Chief Jeffries, who declined to give details since it is still under investigation. Chief Jeffries said the grand total for the week-long sweep was between 1,250 and 1,300 pot plants. The on-going marijuana sweep is part of a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Alcohol and Beverage Commission, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the National Guard Drug Interdiction Unit, and local agencies including the LaFollette Police Department.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013, 2:30 PM)  

We're on the door step of the weekend.  Boomer's Corner is now open

When it rains, it pours – old tires

By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

     I’ve found myself quoting a lot of “old sayings” recently in my columns. I promise to stop doing that, as it’s getting tiresome even to me. But, I can’t resist referring to old sayings one more time, in this case “Be careful what you wish for.”

A couple of weeks back, I wished it would rain. We had experienced those “scattered thunderstorms” all week. It rained cats and dogs in Caryville one afternoon as I was driving home. It rained rats and hogs the same day in Medford, a few miles south of Lake City.

Where it did not rain for days was on my garden, which was drying out like a patch of Arizona desert. Desperate, I tried mowing my grass, which usually guarantees at least a brief shower sufficient to chase me inside. It thundered, the clouds rolled in – and it rained again in Caryville.

More desperate than ever, I decided to water the garden, and spent a good hour spraying down the tomatoes, beans, corn and squash. I went to bed that night, confident that I would wake up to the patter of raindrops on my roof.

Nothing, just more clouds, more heat and humidity and rain in Knoxville, Sevierville, Kentucky but not a drop in Lake City.

That evening, I considered doing a rain dance but since I don’t know any rain dances, settled for watering the garden again, mowing some grass and as a last resort, washing my car. That was on July 2, and you know the rest of the story.

I take full responsibility for what happened next, which was about eight inches of rain in three days, a postponed Lake City 4th of July celebration and a Coal Creek that flooded out of its banks for the first time in over a decade.

My garden, along with my yard and my storage shed, finally got some water – two feet of it in fact, covering everything with a heavy layer of silt. I think it was washing the car on top of watering the garden, or maybe it was just planning a cookout with friends over to watch the July 4th fireworks.

So I’m done with old sayings, not to mention rainmaking strategies. Next year I’m going to plant cactus instead of green beans and the next time I hear someone say, “When it rains, it pours,” I’m going to push ‘em in the cactus patch.

Speaking of cactus patches, my column of a couple of weeks back obviously pricked a few nerves, as we got some nice hate emails here at WLAF and Thomas Hatmaker questioned my math after the commission meeting Thursday night.

Thomas still couldn’t see how I could say that his resistance to charging more for dumping large truck tires at the county’s Towe String Road facility is not playing with a mathematical full deck.

It’s simple when you think about it for a second. Truck tires weigh at least three times what regular automobile tires weigh, and take up 2-3 times as much space. If you charge 80 cents to dump a tire, regardless of its size and weight, and must then haul that tire to Chestnut Ridge and pay by the pound to dispose of it at the landfill, you’re paying much more to dispose of a truck tire than a regular tire.

A thousand truck tires would bring the county $800. A thousand regular tires would also earn $800. It will cost the county three times as much to dump that thousand truck ties because we must pay by the pound. It will also take more trips to the landfill, and more gas, to haul that thousand truck tires to the landfill.

“It will cost us more,” Thomas countered, “If we try to charge two or three dollars to take a truck tire and they stop bringing them in and just dump them somewhere where the county will have to clean them up and receive nothing at all.”

I can’t argue with that, but that wasn’t the point of contention when we were talking about why large tires cost more to deal with.

Personally, I would favor not charging a cent to the public for dumping tires with the county if that would mean we would never see another old tire on the side of the road or dumped in a creek, a sinkhole or an old strip pit.

They are not just an eyesore but can be a major health hazard. Mosquitoes love them, as I can attest from a time when Tip Jones took me up on Stinking Creek to look at an illegal tire dump in an abandoned strip pit. We walked about ten feet, then ran back to Tip’s truck, rolled up the windows and hightailed it out of there, swatting the little bloodsuckers that followed us into the cab all the way to Jacksboro.

Not surprisingly, that particular tire dump caught fire a few weeks later and burned down to the charred steel in the radials. The neighbors had seen enough of those mosquitoes as well.

With mosquitoes in East Tennessee now known to carry West Nile Virus, old tire dumps can be serious health threats, and burning tire dumps can poison the air and the water.

Unfortunately, most of the large tire dumps I’ve seen in Campbell County had little relation to the vehicles that travel our local roads. Those dumps were the responsibility of individuals who profited by taking a fee from tire dealers up north to haul old tires down to Tennessee and dispose of them at a lower cost to the dealers.

A few selected used tires might have been pulled out to re-sell or re-cap, but most were dumped illegally in various rural areas of our county. I would love to see Campbell County dispose of old tires for no charge, just to make sure they are disposed of properly, but we certainly can’t afford to dispose of tires that originate in Ohio and Michigan.

A “no charge” system could only work if a way can be found to verify the origin of tires brought into the dump, and if a penny-pinching county commission was willing to subsidize the Sanitation Department for the cost involved in disposing of the tires. I guess I’ll go out to the airport and ask Bert Loupe if any pigs have been in there recently, looking for flying lessons.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013, 2:00 PM)  

Isaacs wants change of venue - says Barley might not get fair shake in Campbell County

    Reasoning that his client might not get a fair shake because of inflammatory media coverage, defense attorney Gregory P. Isaacs seeks to move the impending trial of school-shooting suspect Kenneth Bartley out of Campbell County.

Bartley is accused of killing Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and wounding Principal Gary Seale and Assistant Principal Jim Pierce during a November 8, 2005 incident in Pierce’s office at Campbell County High School.

Isaacs filed a motion Thursday to move the trial of his client outside of Campbell County.

Bartley, who was a CCHS freshman at the time of the shooting, was originally scheduled to be tried as an adult in April 2007.  However, he accepted a plea agreement before the selection of a jury could be completed and was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Soon thereafter, he recanted, saying he had been rushing into the guilty plea by his attorney at the time.

In June 2011, Bartley was granted a new trial by Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood upon the insistence of Isaacs, who had taken over the case for the defense.

In his motion for moving Bartley’s trial out of the county, Isaacs contends that a potential jury pool was saturated by local and national media coverage with a “Columbine effect”. Isaacs said it would be nearly impossible to find an unbiased jury that didn’t have some ties to the family of Bartley, the families of the three principals or to Campbell County High School.

If Judge Blackwood does grant the change of venue, it is possible that the trial could take place in another county or that jurors from another county could be brought to Campbell County.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013, NOON)

Commission, as expected, rejects a tax increase to fund school security

     The Campbell County Commission spent more time waiting for a quorum to conduct business than they did discussing the point of Thursday night’s budget committee meeting, which was to decide whether to approve a school budget with or without a property tax increase.

“Without” won the race, by a 10-1 vote. The commission approved a school budget that includes $9,082,000 in local funding, but left out an additional $345,000 to provide security officers at all county schools.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow prepared an information sheet for the commission outlining two options. One option would involve approving the school budget as it was passed Tuesday night by the Board of Education, using $9,427,000 in local funds that would require a five-cent property tax increase.

The second option, with $9,082,000 in local funding, would increase the school budget by $325,000 over last year due to changes in state BEP funding. That increase is mandated by the State Department of Education, Marlow pointed out, and cannot be avoided.

The $325,000 increase, however, could be absorbed by other cuts made in the budget without forcing a tax increase, while the funding for SRO officers could not.

Bobby White quickly made a motion to approve “option Two,” the budget without the security funding but also without a tax increase. Steve Rutherford voted “no,” but was the only commissioner present that felt the added security worth the cost. J. L. Davis, Johnny Bruce, Bob Walden and David Adkins were absent from the meeting.

School Board Chairman Josh Parker told commissioners that the school department is applying for a grant, and looking at other options to pay for the added security. Among those options are earmarking the four percent of state BEP money that the county gets to keep from enrollments in the virtual school sponsored by Campbell County.

Parker also said one option would be to take the money from the school reserve funds, an approach Marlow advises against since the SRO funding is a recurring expense.

The school board recessed its Tuesday night meeting until Monday, July 15 in case the board was forced to reconsider its budget. The commission’s action makes that necessary as both bodies must agree on a budget before it is finalized.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Stout’s smarts and kindness benefited the entire community

     To say Jerry Stout was a very intelligent and giving person is an understatement.  The veteran educator passed away Tuesday night at his Chapel Heights home.  He’d battled Alzheimer’s Disease for the past few years.  Aside from teaching and administrating until his retirement from the Campbell County School System, Stout served the community and region as an Amateur Radio Operator KB4VRE and member and Chapter Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  He was also a member of the board of directors of CORA, a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and a member of the Elk Restoration Project. 

Over the years, Stout taught hunter safety courses through the TWRA and the Tennessee Wildlife Federation.  In addition, he instructed mountain and high angle rescue classes for law enforcement and rescue squads.  The avid boater, fisherman, hunter, all around outdoorsman and sportsman leaves behind his wife, Jo, and a legion of friends.  Walters Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.  Jerry Stout was 70-years old.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)

For sale - 2006, one-owner, $26,000 - 865.755.4810

Back to school bash is scheduled

     Sheriff Robbie Goins’ “fill up the van” event is just around the corner.  It’s set for back-to-back Friday afternoons and evenings, July 19 and 26 at the Walmart.  The sheriff tells WLAF that this is a community event and your help is encouraged in the form of donations of school supplies or monetary or gift cards or donation of your time to assist.  You may drop off your items at the “fill up the van” events or at the sheriff’s office at Jacksboro.  The third annual “Back to School Bash” is set for August 3 at La Follette Elementary School from 10:00 to 2:00. (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013, 6:00 AM)

School Board Meeting July 9, 2013

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Jacksboro Mayor and Aldermen meet

     The Town of Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on Tuesday night this month due to the Fourth of July holiday last week. Mayor Jack Cannon missed the meeting to attend a school board meeting on behalf of the technology department. Among the items on a very light agenda, the Jacksboro board approved a low bid of around $2,700 for the purchase of turnout gear for the fire department. Mayor Cannon said the board continues to work toward the purchase of a fire truck, and the issue will be discussed at next week's meeting of the town planning commission. Mayor Cannon said the purchase of the truck should be finalized by the August 1 board meeting.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013, NOON)

Jellico High searches for a new coach

     On Monday, Nancy Douglas stepped down as the head girls basketball coach at Jellico High School.  JHS Director of Athletics Danny Oakes tells WLAF that the school began searching for a new coach immediately.  In the interim, Oakes will oversee the summer conditioning program for the girls basketball team.  Douglas, who is also the head softball coach, coached the girls basketball team for three seasons.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013, 11:00 AM)

School board budget passes, first full day of school is August 12

The Campbell County School Board unanimously passed a $48.1 million budget Tuesday night, and now must await a county commission decision on whether to pay out $400,000 for increased school security before the budget becomes final.

The budget as approved includes $28 million in state funding, $8 million in federal money and $9.4 million in local funds provided by a variety of revenue sources including local sales tax proceeds, the $45 wheel tax and property tax revenues.

According to Finance Director Jeff Marlow, around $19 million of that amount is earmarked for classroom instruction while the balance covers a wide variety of expenditures. Those range from $3.3 million for food services, $2.2 million for principals and individual school office personnel and expenses and $3.4 million for operation of buildings & utilities, to the additional $400,000 the board hopes to find for additional school security officers.

Marlow told the board that an increase in local funding to the tune of $325,000 is mandated by the state but the additional funding for SRO officers is not.

“Do you think the commission will pass a five cent tax increase to fund the SROs?” a skeptical Eugene Lawson asked.

“No,” Marlow replied.

Lawson continued with a long list of questions about where the money is going, from how many central office supervisors are now on the payroll to whether the system really needs athletic directors in individual schools as well as a system-wide director, Johnny Bruce.

The discussion revealed that the number of supervisors has actually been cut from last year, while only one-third of Bruce’s salary and responsibilities involve athletics while two-thirds are for serving as school security director.

In the end, all seven board members present at the meeting approved the budget as presented by Marlow and recommended by Director Donnie Poston.  Rector Miller, Johnny Creekmore and J. L. Collins were absent.

The commission will take up the budget at its budget & finance committee meeting Thursday night.

The board also approved an amended school calendar that adds two in-service days to meet state requirements for implementing bullying and harassment training. That training for instructors and administrators will take place on August 1-2, with additional in-service days on August 6-8 and registration on August 9.  The first full day of classes will be on Monday, August 12.

Instead of adjourning, the board recessed the meeting until 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15 in case they must reconvene to reconsider the budget if the commission rejects this proposal.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Tuesday evening fun at the new Fazoli's - officially opened Wednesday

Fazoli's opened Wednesday

Pix by WLAF's Dwane Wilder and Corey Barbour

Caryville Council Meeting July 8, 2013

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Thank you for helping us grow 1450wlaf.com

    Jack, Jimmy, and Earl are the latest folks to tell us that they enjoy 1450wlaf.com.  And we hope you do, too.  Your kind comments and encouragement keep us getting in early, staying late, and working weekends.  We strive everyday to do our best to keep pace with the happenings in Campbell County.  So, you keep connecting to 1450wlaf.com, and we’ll keep it going.  When you have a second, we would love to hear your comments, suggestions, likes and dislikes via wlaf@1450wlaf.com about 1450wlaf.com.  After all, if it wasn’t for you, there’d be no need for 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013, 7:30 PM)

COMING THIS FOOTBALL SEASON TO 1450 WLAF AND WLAF-TV 12

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Join WLAF for Tennessee Saturday Night

     The corporate partner list is growing.  The avails are dwindling.  Call Coach Vic King today at 865.617.2458 to reserve your weekend marketing spot on the “Tennessee Saturday Night” tri-cast over 1450 WLAF, WLAF-TV 12, and 1450wlaf.com.  If you are looking to reach males and females ages 18 to 54, diehard University of Tennessee Football and Basketball fans, then this is your front row seat to showcase your business and grow your business.  Go Vols!  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Thursday marks three months since the animal shelter was closed

The status of the Animal Shelter continues to be a hot topic at Campbell County governmental meetings. During Monday's county commission workshop, concerned citizen Jim Slusher (pictured below) voiced his displeasure over the closing of the shelter.

Second District Commissioner Beverly Hall later quizzed Campbell County Mayor about the situation. "We've got dogs running around and being hit by cars," said Hall. "I don't have an answer, and nobody else does. We need an animal shelter open. When is it going to be open?"

"Whenever it gets open," Mayor Baird (pictured above) responded. 

Deputy County Mayor David Young chimed in, saying that embattled Shelter Director Betty Crumley would be the last person in the case to be interviewed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and that interview was scheduled to take place in the next couple of days.(UPDATED TUE, JULY 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 Travel Centers of America making 10-million dollar investment at Caryville

The Town of Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen passed the first reading of an amended budget for the fiscal year 2013-14 during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting.

A second and final reading of the amended budget will take place on Tuesday, July 23 at 6 p.m.

The budget was amended after alderman Mark Stanley consulted with the state comptroller’s office, which suggested that projections for 2013-14 be based on trends for the past two budget cycles.

Also, a paving project, for which bids will be voted on next Monday, July 15 at 6 p.m., has to be paid for out of the 2013-14 budget instead of the last of the 2012-13 budget cycle. According to Stanley, that left an adjustment of around $20,000 to be made, which was the reason for the budget amendment.

In other business Monday night, the board:

*Approved $1,200 to pay for maintenance on a station air compressor for the fire department.

*Approved applying for a Tennessee Municipal League Safety Grant of $2,000.

*Approved asking the state to conduct a survey to possibly install a traffic light at the intersection of Queener Road and Highway 25W and also to mark off a right-hand turn lane on westbound Highway 25W at the intersection with Elkins Road.

In a beer board meeting afterward, a beer permit was approved for Travel Centers of America at the 141 exit of Interstate 75.  Mayor Chris Stanley made a mention earlier during Monday’s regular board meeting that the Travel Center would be making a $10,000,000 investment in Caryville.

The beer board also approved renewing the license of the Liquor Barn on John McGhee Boulevard.(UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Trooper says seat belt would’ve made no difference

     Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Larry Skeen tells WLAF News that a seat belt would not have made any difference in Sunday’s fatal SUV crash.  A light mist of rain was falling at 1:20 p.m. Sunday afternoon when Skeen arrived on the wreck scene just inside the Campbell County line on General Carl Wade Stiner Highway (Hwy 63).  One vehicle and one person, 60-year old Robert Marcum, were involved when the 2008 Honda Pilot SUV, headed toward La Follette near Harris Supply, left the road and flipped.  Skeen says Marcum, the driver, died at the scene.  Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Darryl Chapman, the initial first responder, says the SUV veered right off the roadway, traveled several feet off the roadway, hit an embankment, and went airborne for nearly 25-yards before coming to a stop.  The investigation continues.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 8, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 
 

 La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Workin’ at the car wash blues, Tab, dies

     He may have washed your car, truck, or boat somewhere along the way over the past 30 years or so.  You may remember him as the hardest working one-armed man you ever saw.  Elmer “Tab” Carroll ran Tab’s Auto Clean-up beginning in the 1980s on 1st St. beside what was once Shelby’s Grocery. 

He passed away on Wednesday leaving behind many loved ones.  Tab Carroll was 72-years old.  Walters Funeral Home of La Follette is handling the arrangements.(PIX COURTESY OF CHARLIE HUTSON - UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013, 6:00 PM) 

La Follette City Council Meeting July 2, 2013

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 La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.(UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Bid process on city roof riles Hatmaker

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The roofing saga continues at LaFollette City Hall. During Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting, the city council declined to take action on a bid for replacing the roof of city hall. Councilman Hansford Hatmaker made a motion to accept the low bid of $312,000 by H Group Construction, but the motion died for lack of a second. According to Hatmaker, the bid was $154,000 lower than the other bid from Dixie Roofing.

Council members had complained at previous meetings that roofing projects by both contractors at the East La Follette Community Center and East End Fire Station had not met specs.

“What we’ve got is four (council members), and three are for (Mike) Malicote (Dixie Roofing) getting it,” said Hatmaker afterward. The issue is sure to crop up again at the next council workshop later this month.

Hatmaker also became visibly upset with Mayor Mike Stanfield while commenting about a recent visit to Kingston by Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries and other members of council. Hatmaker said, “The chief needs to stay here and take care of his department.” Stanfield said the visit was purely out of hospitality after Kingston Mayor Troy Beets had invited him and others to a grand opening of the new Kingston City Hall.

In other business on a very light agenda Tuesday night, the council approved applying for a non-matching low income housing grant and approved the promotion of Adam Southern to a full-time officer with the LaFollette Police Department.

Adam Southern is a newly promoted policeman to fulltime status

Also, Mayor Stanfield announced that if predicted heavy rain develops later this afternoon, the annual Fourth of July fireworks display could be postponed. Last year, the fireworks show was delayed until Labor Day weekend because of extremely dry conditions. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Edwards promoted to assistant VP

     Sharon Edwards is promoted at Community Trust Bank.  Mark Gooch, President and CEO of Community Trust Bank based at Pikeville, Kentucky, announces that Sharon E. Edwards has been promoted to the position of La Follette Market Assistant Vice President with Community Trust Bank.  Sharon Edwards’ duties as Branch Manager include overseeing the daily operations of her branch office and calling on existing and prospective clients to develop new business and to retain and expand existing business. 

Edwards, a banking veteran of more than 20-years, has an office at the 106 South Tennessee Avenue in La Follette.  She graduated from Campbell County High School in LaFollette, Tennessee and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tennessee.  Edwards makes her home in Jacksboro. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Old(er) Owls reunite

     The older they get, the better they were.  Or at least that's the way the saying goes.  But for the La Follette Junior High Owls, the championship they won in 1983 remains in tact some 30-years later.  The players recently gathered at Shanghai Marina to reminisce.

L-R Kelly Eccles (stats), Kippy Leach, Joey St. John (in back), Daryl Poteet, Paul Provins (back), Brett McGhee (navy shirt), Mike Stanfield (orange shirt), and Coach Vic King (400+ career wins)

Not pictured:  Assistant Coach Joe Carson, John Garner, John Faulkner, Mike Walden, Brian Younce, David "Woody" Woodward, Missy Evans Fincher (stats), and Kelly Bradley (stats)   

(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Kitts caught - Stone still at large - car at the bottom of the lake

     A pair of teens turn a La Follette woman’s life upside down.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that Kari Kitts car was stolen from her apartment complex on Brooke Place Lane near the Church of God.  The next day, deputies took Kitts to the lake where she identified her belongings that were floating near Hatmaker Point. 

Kitts

Goins and his officers were able to locate Kitts red, two-door car at the bottom of Norris Lake near Pinecrest.  He says 18-year old Christopher Roy Stone and 19-year old Andrew Daulton Kitts, both of La Follette, are responsible for stealing Kitts 1991 Nissan and dumping it in the lake. 

Kitts explains that her wallet, checks, some tools, and her car are valued at $7,000.  Kitts is being held in the county jail. 

Stone

Police are still looking for Stone.  The two men face multiple charges including auto burglary and theft of property under 10-thousand dollars.  Sheriff Goins describes Stone as a white male, six feet tall, 145 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair.  If you know the whereabouts of Stone, the sheriff asks you to call him at 423.562.7446.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2013, NOON) 

Jellico adopts budget

     It was a challenging Monday at Jellico.  First, the state threatened Jellico to pass its budget and levy a tax if city leaders did not by pass the budget by the July 1 deadline.  So, there was a special called meeting Monday night, and leaders adopted a budget for the new year.  That’s not all.  The First State Financial Bank was robbed.  There was a break-in at Jellico Video.  Someone attempted to break down the back door of Jellico Drug Store.  And a couple of miles up the road on the Kentucky side of Jellico, the Black Oak Baptist Church was destroyed by fire.  Authorities tell WLAF News that the First State Financial Bank on Fifth Street was robbed just before 11:00 Monday morning when the suspect handed a teller a note demanding money. 

He then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.  He is described as a white male with a slim build, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8, 130 to 140 pounds in his early to mid-20s. He wore a camouflage hoodie, camouflage shorts and sunglasses.  Anyone with information on the robbery may call the Jellico Police Department at 423-784-6123.  A reward is being offered for information that leads to the person’s arrest.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

What a Monday at Jellico - a bank robbery, church fire, and more

     A rough rough Monday at Jellico.  The First State Financial Bank was robbed.  There was a break-in at Jellico Video.  Someone attempted to break down the back door of Jellico Drug Store.  And a couple of miles up the road on the Kentucky side of Jellico, the Black Oak Baptist Church was destroyed by fire.  The Jellico Police Department along with the FBI are looking for the man pictured below.

Authorities tell WLAF News that the First State Financial Bank on Fifth Street was robbed just before 11:00 this morning when the suspect handed a teller a note demanding money.  He then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.  He is described as a white male with a slim build, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8, 130 to 140 pounds in his early to mid-20s. He wore a camouflage hoodie, camouflage shorts and sunglasses.  Anyone with information on the robbery may call the FBI Knoxville office at 865-544-0751 or the Jellico Police Department at 423-784-6123.  A reward is being offered for information that leads to the person’s arrest.(UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 1, 2013, 5:30 PM) 

  “If you can’t do, teach” If you can’t teach, become a bureaucrat

Boomer's Corner - Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

While the shenanigans of the county commission have drawn my attention of late, I’ve not been paying much attention to our friends down in Nashville. After all, the legislature has adjourned for the year; how much damage can state government do?

More than I could possibly imagine, unfortunately.

Shortly after Governor Bill took office, the newly-empowered Pachyderm legislature declared war on Tennessee’s school teachers, passing a law that gutted teachers’ power for collective bargaining and pulled the claws of the TEA and the AFT, the two unions that represent most teachers.

The governor, who attempts to sell himself as a moderate Republican, stayed out of the fray. He didn’t publicly support it but neither did he use his veto power and allowed the bill to become law.

That should have been the first clue that businessman Bill Haslam is no friend to teachers. If educators failed to get that message, they received another last week loud and clear, this time courtesy of Haslam’s education hatchet man, Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman.

Huffman unveiled, and the State Board of Education approved, a new state pay scale for teachers that promises to send some of the best and the brightest college graduates scurrying to other states or switching majors to careers that are more promising, such as business, engineering or basket weaving.

Under the current pay scale, teachers receive a modest 1.4 percent state raise each year throughout the first 21 years of their teaching careers. If lucky, that might just keep pace with inflation. They are also rewarded if they pursue advanced degrees, with step-ups at four different levels that can increase their annual incomes by as much as $10,000 if they manage to earn a doctorate degree.

Huffman’s new salary schedule freezes teacher salaries for the first five years, then has a sharp increase at year six that brings them even with the current minimum for six years’ experience. Salaries are then frozen again for four more years, with another sharp increase in year eleven. After that the base salary remains the same, whether the teacher works another two years, ten years or twenty years.

Nobody working at a bank, an insurance company or say, as a mid-level sales manager for Pilot-Flying J, would expect that kind of treatment, to be working at retirement for the same salary they received after only ten years on the job.

“Oh but that’s not our intent,” Huffman told the news media. “We want to give more flexibility to local school districts in structuring teachers’ raises.”

In a letter to teachers, Huffman pointed out that no teacher’s pay will be cut. Of course not, why cut wages when you can just freeze them for the next five years.

In his letter he argued that, “Across the state, salaries will go up on the average.” Of course, if you don’t cut wages and some teachers reach that magic plateau at six or eleven years and some teachers earn an advanced degree, salaries are going to go up – “on the average.” Huffman didn’t say by how much that “average” would be, I notice.

He adds in his letter that factors contributing to a raise could include “degrees attained, years of experience, increased responsibilities, performance, or teaching in a high needs school or subject area.”

In other words, the state will no longer require yearly raises for experience, or mandate raises for advanced degrees beyond that first step up from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree, but local school districts can feel free to grant raises for those accomplishments.

“Your local school district will have more flexibility to structure future raises,” Huffman argues, and that is the gist of the matter, isn’t it?

If you happen to be teaching in Oak Ridge, where many of the parents are nuclear physicists and taxpayers are willing to pay for quality education, your future as a teacher is so bright, “ya gotta wear shades.”

If you teach in Williamson County, that Republican bastion near Nashville with the state’s highest per capita income, it’s a good bet that the local board will rely heavily on “performance” but be generous with raises for teachers that make the grade.

If you teach in Morgan County, Fentress County, Van Buren County or Union County, good luck with that “local flexibility.”

Here in Campbell County, whether the school board would agree to grant yearly raises that aren’t mandated by the State Board would be largely up to the county commission. The squires would have to supply the money, after all, for any increases in the school budget not required by the state.

In my decades of experience following Campbell County government, we’ve had more than one squire and school board member whose idea of a raise for teachers is limited to coaching supplements for those jocks who can combine teaching health and physical education with coaching a football team. All others can go fish.

Even with a high number of educators serving on the current commission, I can’t see them passing a tax increase to provide across-the-board local raises to teachers, but perhaps I’m being pessimistic. And perhaps pigs can fly if you give them pilot training.

Veteran teachers whose salaries are grandfathered in are protected from seeing any significant impacts. Teachers who have taught for five years, or ten and are in line for that state-mandated step up raise won’t see a significant impact right away. A teacher who earns a master’s degree within the next year or two will still be rewarded for seeking and obtaining an advanced degree.

Those who will be hurt the most in the short term will be teachers who are just starting out, at the minimum salary, and must wait five years to see a raise of any kind unless local boards can pry money out of local county commissions or city councils. Also hurt will be teachers who are starting their seventh year on the job and have to wait four more years for a raise, or teachers who have completed nearly all of the requirements for a doctorate degree but will now receive no monetary reward for their labors.

Most importantly, Tennessee is sending a message to young people who are trying to decide what career path their lives will follow. State officials drone on about the importance of education, how the economic future of our state relies on a well-educated work force and how we must bring Tennessee’s level of performance in the classroom up to par with other states.

Talk is cheap, and what really counts is what you do. What we do, here in the great State of Tennessee, is send a very clear message. We rank 42nd out of 50 states in education funding. Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, all those neighbors we often look upon with contempt, especially during the football season, spend more money on educating their children than we do.

I’ll be the first to admit that simply throwing money at a problem doesn’t always make it go away. Attracting the best and the brightest of our youth to become teachers and lead the next generation to a higher level of accomplishment would.

Unfortunately, Tennessee continues to send the wrong message. What’s that old saying, “If you can’t do, teach?” We want people who can “do” to want to teach. I’ll add something to the old saying:  “If you can’t do, teach. If you can’t teach, become a bureaucrat.”   (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 1, 2013, 2:00 PM) 

Singley takes over at Jellico High, CES’s Heatherly moves to central office

     There are four principal changes and one change in the central office for the 2013-2014 school year in Campbell County.  With the retiring of 40-year teaching and administrative veteran Harry Chitwood, there is a new principal in line to take over at Jellico High School come July 1.  It is Dr. Donna Singley.  Singley, a JHS alum, leaves her principal post at Wynn Elementary School to lead Jellico High.  Ronnie Lasley stays on as assistant principal at JHS.  Bob Walden goes from his principal position at the East La Follette Learning Academy to direct Wynn Elementary School while Sandy Wilson assumes Walden's duties at ELLA (its third principal in less than a year).  Wilson was an assistant at Campbell County High School.  Jennifer Fields, formerly the assistant principal at Jacksboro Elementary School replaces Wilson while Tim Byrge steps in at JES as the assistant.  At Valley View, Jason Dotson replaces Dixie Crouch as principal, and Pam Hill takes over for Craig Ivey as assistant principal at VVES (has a new administrative staff for the third straight year).  Vickie Heatherly and Pam Walden are swapping job duties.  Heatherly takes over at the central office as the federal projects supervisor (Title I) while Walden becomes the assistant principal at Caryville Elementary School.  That’s about a $30,000 a year cut in pay for Walden.  However, there is speculation that Walden may return to the central office in the yet to be named director of the Tennessee Cyber Academy position.(UPDATED 06/ 24/13, 6:00 AM)

Principals and assistant principals for Campbell County Schools for 2013-2014

Campbell High:  Jamie Wheeler, Sherry Chapman, Jennifer Fields, David Jones, Vijaya Morton

Jellico High:  Donna Singley, Ronnie Lasley

East La Follette Learning Academy:  Sandy Wilson

Jacksboro Middle:  Steve Rutherford, Nicki Bumgartner

La Follette Middle:  Robbie Heatherly, Joey St. John

Elk Valley Elementary:  Nancy Lay

Jellico Elementary:  Robert Angel, Stephanie Stratton

White Oak Elementary:  Allison Poston

Wynn Elementary:  Bob Walden

Caryville Elementary:  Lorrie Adkins, Pam Walden

Jacksboro Elementary:  Joan Crutchfield, Tim Byrge

La Follette Elementary:  Meredith Arnold, Heather Smith

Valley View Elementary:  Jason Dotson, Pam Hill

Tennessee Cyber Academy:  Yet to be named

 COMING THIS FOOTBALL SEASON TO 1450 WLAF AND WLAF-TV 12
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Class of '78 getting together in August

     The Campbell County High Class of 1978 is hosting its 35th reunion on August 17 at Miss Lassie’s Lodge in Caryville.  That’s next to the Hampton Inn.  The cost is 25.00 per person.  Look on Facebook at “CCHS Class of 1978.”  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2013, 2:30 PM)

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF Sports

The dream continues for Campbell County's 8-and-under All-Stars who open Dixie Youth Baseball Sub-State play tonight at Greenback against Sweetwater. The game will begin at 8 p.m. and will be the first of four for the Campbell County team in a round-robin tournament format. The 8-and-under All-Stars are the only Campbell County team remaining in postseason play. They are 2-2 in tournament play with a regional runner-up finish last weekend and have seven players on their roster from a team that went unbeaten during the regular season.

"Our kids have worked hard," said Coach Dewayne Goins. "They've followed my number one rule, and that is to have fun. It's alot easier to do when you're winning, though. Number two is to play hard, and not a kid on our team breaks this rule. They want to prove everyone wrong, and so do us coaches."

Goins went on to thank parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who have turned out to show their support for the team. He also thanked the team sponsors -- Owens Boot Store, Doyle's Tire Shop, A.J.'s Barber Shop, and Playhouse Daycare -- for their help in purchasing uniforms this season.

"If it weren't for these businesses we wouldn't have had the uniforms and equipment we needed. They support us, and I believe the community should return the favor," said Goins. "They are willing to help our youth do something this county hasn't accomplished for a long time, and it's time that Campbell County was represented in a positive way."

Win or lose tonight, the Campbell County All-Stars are guaranteed three more games. They will play Saturday at noon and 7 p.m., and Monday at 6 p.m. The two sub-state teams with the best records will advance to play in the state tournament.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013, NOON)

Job description for Cyber Academy administrator

The Campbell County Department of Education will be hiring an administrator for the new TENNESSEE CYBER ACADEMY which will be located in Jacksboro, Tennessee.  All interested applicants are to submit resumes to KAREN GHIDOTTI, email address:  kghidotti@k12.com. Interviews will begin on Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at the Campbell County Department of Education. Please be sure that contact information includes two phone numbers, email addresses, and home address.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Administrator I Head of School will be responsible for the operation and management of the school.  The Administrator will manage the staff at the school which includes all additional administrative staff and teachers. Additionally, the Administrator will help manage the relationship between the school, K12 Inc., and the appropriate school and non-profit boards.  The ideal candidate will possess a strong desire to improve the education options for children.  He/She will have experience in running a business and/or school with multi-tier management. This person will work with cross-functional teams to manage projects and improve processes for the school and K12 Inc.  Some responsibilities include the following:

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT - for developing programs that will enable students and families to be successful and meet their academic goals; for meeting Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO) for the entire school; implementing programs to ensure academic success for a diverse group of students; analyzing and interpreting academic data in order to implement .change needed in improving student achievement.

MANAGEMENT - supervising the staff of the school; creating policies and procedures in accordance with K12 performance standards; succession planning. Administrator must be able to have close relationships with K12 senior leadership, the staff, and the School's Board.

FINANCE - working with the business and finance managers to oversee budgets and forecasting; manage the budget and expenditures in cooperation with K12 School Finance.

MARKETING - promoting the school throughout the community and developing relationships within the charter school network; working closely with K12 teams on enrollment and retention programs; actively participating in community events.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS I PUBLIC RELALTIONS - working with lobbyist and K12 governmental affairs team to educate and inform community leaders and legislative committees; attending local and state meetings as needed and representing K12 as well as the school from a legislative perspective.

COMPLIANCE - managing all reporting needs required by the state; being responsible for the appropriate administration of grants. ·

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT - establishing procedures that create and maintain attractive, organized, functional, healthy, clean, and safe facilities, with proper attention to the visual, acoustics and temperature.

JOB REQUIREMENTS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION I EXPERIENCE I SKILLS: Master's Degree (M.A.) or equivalent; or ten to twelve related years of experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. School administration experience and Tennessee Leadership Certification required; charter school experience preferred; should have knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook, and Access; must have strong Excel and data analysis skills.

TENNESSEE CYBER ACADEMY, K12 INC ., and the CAMPBELL COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION are Equal Opportunity Employers (EOE) and require Drug-Free Workplaces.

La Follette passes budget for new year

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

With a minor modification, the LaFollette City Council passed the final reading of its budget Thursday night for fiscal year 2013-14.

Seven hundred dollars of fuel for the recreation department was the only item added to the budget that the board did not propose during last week’s special called meeting.

The board had decided during its meeting on Tuesday, June 18 to take more than $69,000 out of fund balance to make ends meet. Vice-Mayor Joe Bolinger had also suggested giving full-time employees $500 and part-time/auxiliary personnel $200 on a one-time basis this year in addition to their annual Christmas bonus. The extra bonus money would be put on a non-taxable Visa gift card that employees could spend anywhere they like.

Members of the board again gave their blessing to Bolinger’s proposal on Thursday night. The total cost would be $41,751 for a combined 78 full-time and 12 part-time employees. That includes a 3.90 service fee per card, which is above and beyond the spending amount put on each card.

After Thursday night’s meeting, the board held its monthly workshop and discussed the following items:

*Roofing bids

*Performance reviews and personnel

*Application for a rural housing grant

*Promotion of Adam Southern to full-time police officer

During the discussion over the roofing situation, it was announced that two contractors had submitted bids for the re-roofing of city hall. They were Dixie Roofing and H Group. It was also pointed out that, upon inspection recently by a professional, the roofs of the East LaFollette Community Center and the East End Fire Hall No. 3 were not completed according to specs. Mike Malicote, president of Dixie Roofing, said his company had already corrected the situation at the East LaFollette Community Center. H Group put on the fire hall roof.

“I think it should’ve been built specifically by the specs. That’s what brought this on,” said LaFollette attorney Reid Troutman. “The question is, where do we go from here? It’s already on and has been paid for. It’s a really big deal when building specs and contract specs are not followed.”

Council members requested that Carl Blankenship of H Group get them papers that had the specs of the fire hall roof. In the meantime, the search is on at city hall for a misplaced warranty for the fire hall roof.

Council member Hansford Hatmaker raked interim city administrator Jimmy Jeffries over the coals about having an inspection done without formal approval by the board. The inspection cost $300 for each roof. Jeffries insisted that part of his duty as acting administrator was to take action when needed. He also said he had informally told all the council members about the situation prior to acting on it. Troutman concurred and stated that was part of the job of city administrator. Council member Stephanie Grimm thanked Jeffries for taking care of the situation.

New city administrator Billie Russell suggested the council take a closer look at LaFollette’s personnel policy, especially where it concerns the chain of command in reporting discrimination against employees.

The non-matching grant that council members discussed on Thursday night would be rural housing for very low and low-income households with minimal repairs.(UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Wender Furniture helping you give back

     Wender Furniture Company is helping you give back to the community.  When you purchase furniture from Wender Furniture in La Follette, and would like to donate your gently used furniture to your favorite local non-profit organization, Wender will deliver it for you for free.  Just ask about it the next time you shop at Wender Furniture.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Fair Seeks Regional Talent for Available Performance Slots
"Accepting Applications for Tennessee Valley Fair, September 6-15"

If you’re looking to have your talent showcased in front of a large crowd, then the Tennessee Valley Fair just might be your ticket.  Right now is the time to contact fair officials to qualify to perform at this year’s fair.
 
Knoxville, Tennessee  (June 26, 2013) - The Tennessee Valley Fair is currently accepting applications for available performance slots in their Pepsi Community Tent during the 94th annual Fair, September 6-15.
 
Each year, the Pepsi Community Tent is home to a wide variety of family friendly entertainment including Mayberry Day, Regional Youth Talent Show, Pageants, La Fiesta Latina and much more.  A select number of performance slots are offered to noteworthy regional talent each year. Musicians, artists, bands, dance ensembles, comedians and other entertainers are welcome to apply. 
 
Performance slots range from 30 minutes to 2 hours and performers must be family friendly. These opportunities are unpaid, but offer a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their talent to a larger audience, while also building their professional resume. Nearly 142,000 guests enjoyed the 2012 Tennessee Valley Fair.
 
To learn more and download the application, visit our website at: http://www.tnvalleyfair.org
 
The 94th annual Tennessee Valley Fair is scheduled for September 6-15.
           
The Tennessee Valley Fair is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and one of the state's largest multi-day events attracting 140,000 attendees each year. Known for its innovative exhibits, livestock shows, concert series, action sports, exciting rides and variety of unique foods, the Tennessee Valley Fair offers great entertainment for the entire family. The Tennessee Valley Fair is proud to present nightly fireworks sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery. For more information, please visit www.tnvalleyfair.org or call 865.215.1470.

Beginning in late August, WLAF will be giving away tickets to the fair.  Stay connected to 1450 WLAF for details on how you may win tickets to the 2013 Tennessee Valley Fair.(UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013, 9:00 AM)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Thompson
865.215.1473
sarah@tnvalleyfair.org
La Follette High School's Best of Times IV is coming June 4-7, 2015

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Groundbreaking held this morning for new LaFollette Eye Clinic building

Story and pictures by Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     It’s been a long time coming for Drs. Andy and Elizabeth Howard, who broke ground Wednesday morning for their new LaFollette Eye Clinic building at the Wier Woods intersection adjacent to Community Trust Bank.

LaFollette Eye Clinic has a staff of around two dozen people and occupies a 6,700 square foot building on the LaFollette side of the Woodson Mall complex behind El Pueblito Mexican Grill. The new building will be nearly twice as large at 13,000 square foot. Dr. Andy Howard said that about 9,000 square feet of that will be finished office space with plenty of room to grow.

“Anyone that comes through our door is very likely to be related to someone on our staff. We have a real interest in enhancing and transforming their lives for the better,” said Dr. Andy Howard.

The move to a new building has been in the works since December 2011. Construction is expected to begin in July, however the building is not likely to be completely finished and ready to occupy before the summer of 2014.

Last year, LaFollette Eye Clinic staff performed 5,500 exams, not including medical exam visits, and has a database of around 18,000 households.

Dr. David Beter opened LaFollette Eye Clinic in 1988 in an office space inside Woodson Mall. The Howards, who have been involved with the clinic since 1996, bought it from Dr. Beter in 2002.

 

Andy Howard is originally from coastal Virginia, while his wife Elizabeth grew up in the small West Tennessee town of McKenzie. They met in Memphis at the Southern College of Optometry,

“It is the culmination of a dream I’ve had ever since coming here. But the reason for that dream has changed from personal to community,” said Dr. Andy Howard.

“The staff is very excited.”   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013, 11:45 AM) 

Kidd counters Boomer's latest column

Charles "Boomer" Winfrey wrote a lengthy article for your blog defending Jeff Marlow's excessive spending as "a simple justification."  He is protecting Marlow from criticism by them both claiming extra responsibilities not performed by the other 21 counties utilizing the 1981 Financial Management Act.
Boomer said Marlow adds one employee for doing the billing for the county ambulance service.  He adds two employees for handling "human services" for every department in the county.  Boomer adds two more employees for the Finance Office doing all the purchasing for all county departments.  He adds another employee for doing the work the maintenance supervisor refuses to do.  Boomer says Marlow claims three more employees for monitoring the budget closely every month of the year to make sure there is no deficit.  Boomer goes on to claim Marlow, in conducting the responsibilities of his office, is "driving a Cadillac instead of a Honda."  I always said, "If a Ford will get you where you are going, you do not need a Cadillac.  In Campbell County's case, a Honda should suffice. 

 
What Boomer has failed to point out is that Tennessee Code Annotated (hereinafter referred to as TCA) clearly defines Marlow's duties as Finance Director.  The law limits Marlow's extra activities by stating the "...accounting, bank accounts, personnel and salary policies, and other policies of the funds and offices of the clerks of courts, county clerk, register of deeds, sheriff and trustee, that were not subject to the budgeting authority of the county legislative body prior to application of this part, are not subject of the provisions of this part."  The TCA goes on to declare "This part shall not be construed as authority over personnel policies or procedures or salaries of the various county offices or departments."  So Marlow is prohibited by law from taking on the responsibilities of "all the offices and departments of the county."


Boomer says that handling purchasing by Marlow requires more employees than the other 21 counties using the Finance Management System of 1981.  Boomer and Marlow are implying that he is taking on duties over and above the other counties.  They also maintain they are taking on extra budgeting responsibilities the other counties are not performing.  Again, TCA clearly states, and this applies to all 22 counties, "...the finance department shall be responsible for purchasing, accounting, budgeting, payroll, cash management, and other financial matters of the county."  If these other counties have separate budgeting departments, they are still under the supervision of their finance departments and spending less money per capita than Campbell County.


TCA requires "All employees performing the functions of purchasing, payroll, accounting and budgeting in the various operating departments shall be transferred to the supervision of the director of finance..."  It also says their "...salaries, benefits, and expenses...shall be budgeted under the finance department..."   
Therefore, Marlow is not doing more than the other counties under the regulations of the 1981 Act.  He just claims his prescribed duties are extra-curricular activities that he can use to justify spending more than twice the other counties for doing the same job.


Jeff Marlow and his shrill, Charles "Boomer" Winfrey, are claiming if the other departments were doing the job he is doing, there would be no savings.  Marlow's office is doing what is prescribed by law, and there are no voluntary extra duties being performed.  He is doing the same as required by all 22 counties utilizing the 1981 Act; he is "simply" spending over twice as much to complete the same tasks.
Instead of Road Superintendent Dennis Potter and County Commissioner Tom Hatmaker having a "short" deck as Boomer claims, they are being demonized for exposing the truth of the matter.  As Potter said on RL Gibson's show Monday (06/24/2013) night, "That horse in Jacksboro needs a head."


Thank you for your time considering this issue,


Jerry Kidd   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013, 5:30 PM) 

Go buy a mule because mathematically, we’re not playing with a full deck

Boomer's Corner - By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

I know I’ve told this story before, but in light of recent goings-on in Campbell County, it bears repeating.

Tennessee’s late Governor Frank Clement was known for his eloquent oratory, at least by hillbilly standards. (He once embarrassed the national Democratic Party at the 1956 presidential convention by calling upon the Lord to deliver America from Republicans).

Frank once gave a speech where he began to ramble on about the great highways of the world, mentioning the Appian Way that unified the Roman Empire, the Burma Road that helped win World War II, Broadway the “Street of Dreams,” Route 66, Hollywood Boulevard and so on.

Just when his audience was puzzling over where Frank was going with this speech, he paused, looked out at the crowd and intoned, “But the most important road in the entire world is the one that runs past your front door and if you elect me governor, I’m going to pave it!”

Of course that was in 1956, when it cost less than $1,000 a mile to pave a country road. Today, as Road Superintendent Dennis Potter has frequently reminded us, it cost more like $1,000 for every hundred feet.

Dennis has tried everything he can think of to pry the county commission loose from some paving money. He points out that at the rate of his present budget, it will take 67 years for that road that runs past your front door to get re-paved. He has asked the commission for $1.5 million a year so he can get on a fifteen-year cycle, something that he feels most voters and taxpayers can live with.

Here’s the rub – Dennis doesn’t want the money to come from a property tax increase, arguing that there is enough fat in the county budget to come up with the money if the squires put their mind to it.

Prompted by some statistics supplied by Commissioner Thomas Hatmaker, Dennis aimed his sights this week at the Finance Director and his office, the folks who have told Dennis there is no paving money to be had.

Thomas distributed a flier last Tuesday that shows Campbell County, out of 22 counties in the state that operate under the Financial Management Act of 1981, has the highest cost per capita of any county, over $22 for each man, woman and child. That was compared to the average of just over ten dollars per capita. Thomas suggested that over $400,000 of that paving money can be had by gutting the Office of Finance and getting it down to the same level as other counties.

That seemed logical to me except for the fact that some of those “other” counties, such as Fentress, are facing near-bankruptcy. I decided the prudent thing would be to ask Finance Director Moneybags Marlow how he can justify running such an expensive finance department.

The answer is simple, Marlow replied. His department is tasked with doing a lot of things the other counties do not do. Campbell County’s Office of Finance, for example, handles human services for all departments of county government, juggling insurance benefits, claims, pensions, etc. instead of each county office handling their own. Add two employees.

Campbell County’s office also handles billing for the county ambulance service, normally done in-house by other ambulance services. Add one employee.

While other counties have a separate purchasing department, Campbell County’s Office of Finance handles purchasing for all county offices and departments, enabling the county to handle larger orders for things like copy paper, gasoline, etc. at lower costs. Add two more employees.

Stan Marlow, who provides local oversight on capital projects such as the new justice center or Lonas Young Park, is attached to the Office of Finance and part of their budget. By previous county ordinance, that responsibility is supposed to belong to the Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor, who declined to take it on.

Marlow then added that many counties handle their annual budget by reviewing the previous year’s expenditures and revenues, calculating increases due to inflation and adding a little more to each fund to cover contingencies or emergencies.

Campbell County, by comparison, “runs on the ragged edge,” Marlow explained. “We budget exactly what is needed and not a penny more and monitor spending on a twelve month basis, insuring that no funds run at a deficit. That kind of control requires three full-time employees to make sure nothing is overspent and all funds run in the black without ever having to put a freeze on some department’s spending.”

To make a long story shorter, as finance departments go, Campbell County runs a Cadillac instead of a Honda. Cutting the office’s budget by half, as Hatmaker and Potter suggested, could certainly be done by transferring benefits services and purchasing back to individual departments, telling the ambulance service to hire a couple of bookkeepers and do their own billing, transferring Stan Marlow to the courthouse maintenance staff and fashioning a loose county budget so that constant monitoring would not be necessary.

Could that be done overnight in order to give the Road Department $450,000 or so previously earmarked for the Office of Finance? Not unless the commission wants fiscal chaos on a level not seen here in the past 25 years or so, when we dried up the county’s fund balance and had to pass a wheel tax in order to open the schools.

And with other offices having to take up the slack in those services, there would be no saving of $450,000 to spend.

Dennis and Thomas must have come to that conclusion about the same time that I did, because by Thursday night’s commission budget meeting, neither of them again mentioned cutting the Office of Finance budget.

Instead, Hatmaker zeroed in on a myriad of little cuts, a few thousand here, a hundred thousand there, mostly from the county’s capital projects funds, while Potter didn’t go into specifics, simply telling commissioners that there was enough fat in the budget to find his asphalt money if they really tried.

Earlier in the evening, Hatmaker chaired a session of the Environmental Committee, where the subject of used tires was discussed. Sanitation chief Don Boshears told the committee that his department loses money on collecting old tires because it costs more to dump them at the landfill, where the county is billed by the ton, than the county collects by charging 80 cents per tire when they are brought to the recycling center by residents and businesses.

Much of the problem, Boshears said, is that the county is only charging 80 cents for large truck tires as well as automobile tires, while truck tires weight 3-4 times as much as regular tires and take up more space when being hauled. Should he be charging more for truck tires, Boshears asked the committee.

“I don’t see where it makes any difference,” Chairman Hatmaker observed, “Rubber is rubber.”

It is at this point that I began to suspect that from a mathematical standpoint, the chairman was not playing with a full deck.

It came as little surprise to me, then, when many of Hatmaker’s proposed cuts to capital projects to pay for paving involved state and federal grant money that can only be spent for the purpose for which it was granted. His proposed budget overhaul, to put it simply, sprang a leak and fell as flat as a recycled tire.

But Dennis Potter still needs to pave that road running past your front door, which Frank Clement proclaimed the most important road in the world. How does he do it, then?

The commission twice tried to pass the buck to the voters and taxpayers, asking voters to approve a local sales tax increase to pave roads. Voters seldom vote a tax on themselves, no matter the cause. In the case of county roads, too many voters live inside the corporate limits of LaFollette, Jacksboro, Caryville or Jellico and travel mainly on city streets or state highways and could care less about the road running past your front door.

Jeff Marlow has promised that as soon as the economy picks up enough that revenues begin to grow, he will try to find some money for highways. That may take years, given the fact that the state legislature seems intent on cutting state spending by passing the buck to local governments.

I’ve made some “helpful” suggestions in the past: operate a car theft ring and chop shop out of the county garage or install toll booths on all the roads leading to Norris Lake. I don’t think Dennis likes any of my suggestions.

The only other one I can think of is for the commission to bite the bullet and pass a property tax increase to fund roads. Ain’t gonna happen, so if you live in the country, plan on looking for that most important road to be paved sometime between now and the year 2080 - and buy a mule.   (UPDATED SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2013, 7:00 AM)    

Ron's Golf Carts keeps more than carts in stock

Story and pictures by Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Ron Marlow brought a little bit of Florida along when he moved back to Campbell County from the Sunshine State a few years ago. In 2011 he opened Ron’s Golf Carts and Emporium in the building formerly occupied by Big Lots at the Whiteway Plaza in LaFollette.

Although he started out selling golf carts, Marlow’s business has blossomed into much more. He gradually filled nearly every inch of 3,000 square feet of office space with antiques, collectibles and odds and ends. “There’s a little bit of everything and then some.

I needed something to carry me through the winter months,” said Marlow, a 1966 graduate of Wynn High School where he played on the basketball team.

Marlow, who was born and raised on Lick Creek, lived in Ohio and worked in the food service industry for a time before moving to Florida, where he opened an auto parts store and machine shop. He witnessed firsthand the famous Xenia, Ohio tornado on April 3, 1974, that killed 33 people and injured 1,150 more. “So I left tornadoes and went to the hurricanes in Florida,” said Marlow, who spent 25 years in Florida before coming back home to Tennessee after his wife passed away from cancer in 2009.

Ron said he sells as many golf carts to the locals as he does to vacationers. He also has rental carts available.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Cole keep cheering on the Owls

     Give me an “O.”  A “W.”  “L.”  An “S.”  Whatta ya got?  O-W-L-S…Owls!  That was Sandra “Chig Cole” Brady’s cheer for old La Follette High in the ‘70s, and she’s picking up now where she left off after her 1973 graduation.  Chig paid a visit to the old radio station on Tuesday cheering on the 2015 “Best of Times IV” school-wide reunion.  She says it’s set for the first weekend in June 2015 (June 4, 5, 6, & 7).

In the meantime, the “Circle of Memories” campaign is in full swing as Chig and the reunion committee are selling personalized bricks that will make up the brick walk around the pavilion at Seargeant Park.

The bricks start for as low as $70, and nearly 100 bricks have been sold so far.  Chig personally invites you to join her for an L.H.S. “mini-reunion” this fall at the La Follette Middle School.  And for the Vol fans, Tennessee has an open football date that day.  The mini-reunion is October 12 starting at 11:00 a.m.  For more details, connect to Facebook, ”LHS Best of Times IV” or call 865.426.2233.  You will also find periodic updates over our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.(UPDATED WED, JUNE 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Round-up of worst child support offenders continues

"Past failed child support approaching half-million dollars in Campbell County"

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins and 8th Judicial District Attorney General Lori Phillips-Jones announce this morning, that Monday evening’s on-going roundup of Campbell County’s worst child support offenders continues.  Arrest warrants were served at various locations across Campbell County for parents who choose not to support their children monetarily and responsibly. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office along with assistance from the Tennessee Highway Patrol are directly looking for those individuals at different and specific locations for their immediate arrest.  We are seeking, for their arrest, nearly 35 men and women who have avoided their ultimate responsibility, providing for their child’s welfare and well-being.  The total in past failed child support amounts total to $400,000. 

In a joint statement on Monday evening’s activities, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins and District Attorney General Lori Phillips-Jones said, “We are thankful and fortunate we are able to work closely together with our personnel and staff in the child support division.  We, along with those fine folks, take the responsibility of protecting and providing for these children very seriously. Sheriff’s Deputies and troopers are committed and will work through the evening and night to bring these offenders to justice. The sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office and her staff in child support enforcement, work every day to help identify these offenders for arrest. We believe every parent should uphold their ultimately responsibility in that of being a parent. Today is a small step forward in the effort we are committed to providing on a regular basis. Children deserve our full attention in every aspect, and we intend to make every extra effort to move the process along so long as it does not hinder the life progression of any child.  When it affects children negatively it affects all of us negatively, and we will not tolerate it.  We are beholden by our oaths of office to make certain of that.”(UPDATED 06/25/13, 11:00 AM)      

Democrats respond to Huffman's changes

"Infer Huffman's handling Haslam's dirty work" - and they may be on to something

As a career educator, I am completely embarrassed.

Last Friday afternoon, the Tennessee State Board of Education approved Gov. Bill Haslam's backward plan to cut salaries for public schoolteachers. The new pay scale will cost some teachers as much as $3,000 a year, and it eliminates pay increases for educators who have gone back to school for advanced training.

The last thing we should be doing is cutting the salaries of teachers, or we'll drive the best and brightest away from teaching our children.

We know we have to correct this mistake. And we can if we elect more leaders who understand that investing in children is investing in our economy.

Gov. Haslam's education privatization commissioner Kevin Huffman has been on a publicity tour trying to defend this extreme measure, but he's playing politics just like his boss.

A day after the changes were approved, a schools superintendent told The Jackson Sun that under the Haslam/Huffman pay scale, a starting teacher in Jackson-Madison County Schools would earn $3,000 less.

Mark my words: Our kids are going to lose out on great teachers because politicians are more interested in cutting corners and privatizing public schools than they are in investing in our children's future.

I refuse to give up on our kids and neighborhood schools. I've personally seen the difference great teachers make in children's lives, and that's an investment worth fighting for.

Representative Gloria Johnson
Knoxville  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 9:30 AM)

High marks highlight CACC's 20th year

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Christian Academy of Campbell County is celebrating its 20th year with very high academic marks. According to Headmaster Ollie Medley, the four CACC primary school grades (K-3) scored 92 to 96 percent nationally on the 2013 Stanford Achievement Test. Two other grades at CACC scored in the 88th and 82nd percentile, respectively, with still two more grades testing in the 79th and 77th, respectively. The scores came back May 16.

"These scores show our school is performing significantly above the national average. I am pleased with the gains students have made and believe we can continue to raise the academic bar here at CACC," said Medley.

"In an effort to boost academic performance at CACC, we are implementing a summer reading program. Students entering first grade through eighth grade will be required to complete a summer reading list."

The Christian Academy of Campbell County was established in 1993 and is committed to offering a distinctly Christian and academically challenging education beginning with preschool and continuing through the eighth grade. Staff members diligently seek to instill the time honored values of faith in God, love of family, patriotism, respect for authority and hard work. The school seeks to work with parents in helping to fulfill the God given mandate of training up children in the way they should go and to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The school is licensed and recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Association of Christian Schools, and the American Association of Christian Schools.

Current enrollment at CACC is 79 students. The preschool class is filling up fast for 2013-14 with about half of the spots already spoken for.

An open house is scheduled for Monday, July 1, from 5-7 p.m. at CACC, which is located at 2709 General Carl Stiner Hwy., LaFollette. For more information, please call 423-566-5294.

During the open house, prospective students and their parents will be able to view the facilities, learn about the curriculum and meet with teachers. Primary curriculum is A Beka, which meets and exceeds all Tennessee state requirements. The low student/teacher ratio (typically no more than 15 students in a class) allows teachers to focus on the needs of each student. Graduates of CACC routinely go on to become valedictorians of their high school classes. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Letter from Huffman to teachers

     You will find related stories further down this page about the changes ahead where pay and pay schedules are concerned for Tennessee Teachers.  Here is a letter from Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman sent to teachers on Friday afternoon after the changes were approved.

Teachers, 

Congratulations on a strong finish to the school year. I appreciate the work you do every day to help Tennessee reach our goal of being the fastest growing state in the nation in education.

Over the past several months, we have been working at the state level to increase teacher salaries. We also have worked on a plan to ensure that our licensure process is less bureaucratic and more aligned with our shared state goals.

To that end, I would like to share some information about two items we presented to the State Board of Education on Friday:

1. Changes to the state’s minimum teacher salary schedule; and
2. Improvements to teacher licensure

The board approved the salary changes today and gave preliminary approval to the licensure changes.

Changes to Minimum Salary Requirements

Tennessee historically has paid teachers less than many neighboring states. The state board’s actions are a step in the right direction to make teacher wages competitive in the marketplace and to reflect our belief that teaching is one of the most important jobs in our state. There has been some confusion about the changes, so I want to make sure teachers know the facts.

First, no teacher can make less than he or she currently makes. State law forbids any district from paying a teacher less money than the previous year.

Second, the state has increased money for teacher compensation – both for the coming year and by over $130 million over the last three years. Districts have more state money that must be spent on compensation than ever before. Since districts have more state money, and they cannot cut any individual teacher’s pay under state law, teachers will on average make more money, not less.

Third, the state minimum salary schedule provides districts with more flexibility in structuring teachers’ raises. In addition to degrees and years of experience (which are a part of the minimum salary schedule), a district must create a salary plan that has some differentiation based on factors that local schools decide are most important (including but not limited to hard to staff subject areas, high need schools, teacher or school performance, and teacher responsibilities).

What does this mean for you? First, your pay cannot be cut. You can make the same or more money, and across the state, salaries will go up on average. Second, you will likely have more opportunities than before to increase your pay over time. Factors contributing to a raise could include degrees attained, years of experience, increased responsibilities, performance, or teaching in a high needs school or subject area. Your local school district will have more flexibility to structure future raises, and districts have more state funding that must be spent on compensation. We anticipate that districts will be eager to meet with teachers and discuss potential plans.

We have an email address specifically to address teacher questions or concerns about state policy decisions. Please reach out to Compensation.Questions@tn.gov with questions or comments.

Improvements to Licensure

At the state board meeting, we also presented a proposal that will have an impact on several key aspects of the licensure system. The proposal streamlines license types, introduces more rigorous entry requirements for new teachers, connects licensure advancement and renewal decisions to performance, and shortens the duration of licenses. The state board gave preliminary approval to this plan, and will vote again at its next meeting.

As many of you know, professional licenses are renewed for 10 years at a time based solely on years in the classroom and a complicated point system requiring teachers to track professional development course completion. Our current system creates unnecessary hurdles for effective educators and allows persistently low-performing teachers to remain in our classrooms.

We have proposed changes that would make renewal automatic for teachers who meet a minimum standard of performance. In our proposal we define this standard as earning a 2 or higher on both evaluation and (if applicable) the individual growth measure for at least two of the previous three years prior to renewal. Teachers who earn a 1 multiple times in the years prior to renewal will have an improvement plan and time to improve performance, but will not be renewed automatically. If a teacher continues to struggle even with an improvement plan, his or her license would not be renewed.

For well over 95 percent of our teachers, this change will completely eliminate paperwork and tracking and create an automated license process. If the state board votes to approve this plan, we believe it will help effective teachers by eliminating bureaucracy, and help struggling teachers by giving an improvement plan and time to get better.

Once the State Board posts a video of the meeting, you can watch it at the following link: http://imagine.pcsknox.com/tcs/#page:recordingList&pageNumber:1.

Prior to final reading on licensure, we welcome your feedback. If you have specific questions, please send them to Redesign.Questions@tn.gov. If you have comments you would like to share, please send them to Redesign.Comments@tn.gov.

While the implementation of both policy changes will require additional discussion and planning over the next year, I firmly believe today’s changes to salary and licensure are an important step forward in our collective effort to reward the hard work teachers put in each day to help our students succeed, and are a much needed improvement to our current systems.

Thank you for your continued work and commitment to Tennessee’s children. I hope you have a great summer.

Best,
Kevin Huffman, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Man in county jail on attempted first degree murder charges

$250,000 bond set for Carmona

     The Campbell County SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team trained last week.  Over the weekend, the team was called in to action.  It traveled to Knoxville Friday night to bring an attempted first degree murder suspect back to Jacksboro. 

Pablo Carmona

It was an earlier argument over a couple of women, in fact twin sisters, that prompted a Knoxville man to attack a Jacksboro man at his home last Wednesday.  Reports from the Campbell County Sheriff's Department coming in to WLAF are that 30-year old Pablo Carmona of Knoxville, armed with a machete, hid in waiting at the home of David Marlow at Mt. Paran Loop.  Police say that when Marlow came home, Carmona hit Marlow in the back of the head with the intent to kill him.  Marlow also suffered injuries during a defensive struggle with Carmona. 

Marlow was taken to the La Follette Medical Center by what officers describe as lifesaving assistance from a witness, Thomas Loveday.  Marlow was able to go home the next day, and Carmona remains in the county jail this evening (under a $250,000 bond) and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.  One deputy tells WLAF that Carmona was armed with a shotgun when they arrived at his west Knox County home, and that once he saw the SWAT team, he gave it up without a fight.  CCSO Captain Brandon Elkins states in his warrant that Carmona “knowingly and with premeditation, unlawfully trespassed on the victim’s property to conceal himself prior to the victim’s arrival home and knowingly armed himself with a machete.”  Sheriff Robbie K. Goins adds that“We believe Mr. Carmona is a very dangerous individual who we intend to prosecute fully. (UPDATED 06/ 24/13, 5:30 PM)

Singley takes over at Jellico High, CES’s Heatherly moves to central office

     There are four principal changes and one change in the central office for the 2013-2014 school year in Campbell County.  With the retiring of 40-year teaching and administrative veteran Harry Chitwood, there is a new principal in line to take over at Jellico High School come July 1.  It is Dr. Donna Singley.  Singley, a JHS alum, leaves her principal post at Wynn Elementary School to lead Jellico High.  Ronnie Lasley stays on as assistant principal at JHS.  Bob Walden goes from his principal position at the East La Follette Learning Academy to direct Wynn Elementary School while Sandy Wilson assumes Walden's duties at ELLA (its third principal in less than a year).  Wilson was an assistant at Campbell County High School.  Jennifer Fields, formerly the assistant principal at Jacksboro Elementary School replaces Wilson while Tim Byrge steps in at JES as the assistant.  At Valley View, Jason Dotson replaces Dixie Crouch as principal, and Pam Hill takes over for Craig Ivey as assistant principal at VVES (has a new administrative staff for the third straight year).  Vickie Heatherly and Pam Walden are swapping job duties.  Heatherly takes over at the central office as the federal projects supervisor (Title I) while Walden becomes the assistant principal at Caryville Elementary School.  That’s about a $30,000 a year cut in pay for Walden.  However, there is speculation that Walden may return to the central office in the yet to be named director of the Tennessee Cyber Academy position.(UPDATED 06/ 24/13, 6:00 AM)

Principals and assistant principals for Campbell County Schools for 2013-2014

Campbell High:  Jamie Wheeler, Sherry Chapman, Jennifer Fields, David Jones, Vijaya Morton

Jellico High:  Donna Singley, Ronnie Lasley

East La Follette Learning Academy:  Sandy Wilson

Jacksboro Middle:  Steve Rutherford, Nicki Bumgartner

La Follette Middle:  Robbie Heatherly, Joey St. John

Elk Valley Elementary:  Nancy Lay

Jellico Elementary:  Robert Angel, Stephanie Stratton

White Oak Elementary:  Allison Poston

Wynn Elementary:  Bob Walden

Caryville Elementary:  Lorrie Adkins, Pam Walden

Jacksboro Elementary:  Joan Crutchfield, Tim Byrge

La Follette Elementary:  Meredith Arnold, Heather Smith

Valley View Elementary:  Jason Dotson, Pam Hill

Tennessee Cyber Academy:  Yet to be named

Trooper injured in Campbell County

     An 18-wheeler hits a Tennessee Highway Patrol cruiser on Sunday morning injuring a trooper.  On Saturday afternoon, about eight miles south of Jellico, a tractor trailer caught fire and slowed traffic for the better part of a couple of hours.  Then around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, according to the THP, while Trooper Joe Lindsay was back working the scene of Saturday’s truck fire near mile marker 152, he was on the shoulder with a tow truck and wrecker crew when a tractor trailer hit the patrol car and tow truck.  Trooper Joe Lindsay, who was treated and released from the UT Medical Center, suffered fractures to his neck and a rib. 

THP reports indicate that the driver of the tractor trailer, 59-year old Stewart Snedeker (pictured above) of Chrisman, Illinois, left the scene.  Snedeker was soon caught by Campbell County Sheriff's Deputies at the Pilot Travel Center at the north Caryville exit.  Snedeker remains in the county jail this morning facing multiple charges including driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash with injury.  The incident remains under investigation by the THP.(UPDATED 06/ 24/ 2013, 6:00 AM)

Aslinger is first for Campbell County, Caldwell shines

     The “Friends of Cove Lake State Park 5K” went off with near perfection Saturday at Cove Lake Park at Caryville.  A sky of sun and a few clouds with pleasant temperatures and low humidity made for a nice setting as Knoxville’s Tim Kelley (17:13) and Kathy Wolski (18:55) took first place for the men and women respectfully.  The race, however, was highlighted by Campbell Countians with 86 taking part.  Dillon Aslinger of Caryville was the first local to finish with three more Campbell Countians on his heels.  He came in 15th overall with a time of 21:19.  The 14-year old Aslinger was also first in the 14 and under division.  Marsha Morton of La Follette came in ten-seconds behind Aslinger at 16th while Pat Smith was 17th a second after Morton.  Smith was tops in the 50 to 54 category.  Seventeen-year old Kyle Reynolds finished 18th.  Reynolds’ time of 21:33 was good enough to capture first in the 15 to 19 year old division.  Tony Branam of Jacksboro took 22nd place leaving him with the best time in the 55 to 59 age group.  Branam's daughter Lucy finished 95th.  La Follette’s 9-year old Macy Caldwell put on quite a show with a 38th place finish as she took the 14 and under medal.  Other locals taking first place in their respective categories are Ashlie Chaniott at 49th overall in the 25 to 29 division, in 51st place is Jane Mattie in the 45 to 49 age group, and Vickie Braden claims the 81st spot and tops in the 55 to 59 category.  Cove Lake 5K Director Clarence Lowe tells WLAF that about 225 ran or walked in the 14th CL5K helping raise upwards of $5,000 for the park.  See the entire list of finishes, times, towns, and names here - http://totalrace.net/upload/cove_lake_2013_overall_finish_list_combined.htm  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Logan, David, and Andy Hickman before Saturday's Friends of Cove Lake 5K

Hickmans minus mom run today at Cove Lake

     La Follette's Hickman trio of father Logan and twin sons Andy and David ran in today’s 14th Friends of Cove Lake 5K.  Logan tells WLAF that his wife Johnnie Lou is the runner in the family and usually medals in this run, Campbell County’s largest race at Cove Lake.  But today, she decided not to run. 

Amanda Hardwick of La Follette as Logan Hickman finishes behind Andy and ahead of David

All four members of the Hickman family have run it together most recently in 2011 when mom finished ahead of her men.  The twins, now students at the University of Tennessee, starred at Campbell High in baseball and ran cross country their freshman year.  Andy was the first of the Hickmans to finish today with Logan next followed by David. 

David Hickman rounds the turn for the home stretch

The Hickman family’s been running in the Cove Lake 5K since 2003, not long after the race was founded.  The record turnout for the CL5K is a little more than 300 runners/walkers while 225 ran/walked this morning.  Not long after Ron Fuller of Total Race Solutions fired the starter pistol, Knoxville’s Tim Kelley (17:13) and Kathy Wolski (18:55) took first place for the men and women respectfully.  The record finish of 15:08 was set by Jeff Day of Knoxville.  Event founder and director Clarence Lowe adds that today’s event raised upwards of $5,000 for the park, and that the event went off very well.  (UPDATED SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2013, 10:00 AM)

Almost ready to go

And they are all off

Looking from the tunnel up the street

The first two finishers came across the line in under eighteen minutes

Bruce back home

     Patrolman Jonathan Bruce is back home this morning.  The Caryville Police Officer suffered quite a jolt when his cruiser crashed into a tree Friday afternoon on Bruce Gap Road.  He was airlifted to the UT Medical Center for evaluation of head and neck injuries.  Bruce, in his 20s and on the CPD force for only a few months, was given the OK from the ER Staff at Knoxville to return home.  However, it's not sure when he will be able to return to work.  The two men, both wanted by law enforcement Bruce was pursuing when he crashed, were taken into custody by Campbell County Deputies soon after the wreck. A more detailed story is found further down this page. (UPDATED SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2013, 7:00 AM)

Police officer flown to UT Medical Center

     Details of a late day car accident continue trickling-in to the WLAF Newsroom.  Trooper Mike Wilson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the afternoon crash involving an on-duty Caryville Police Officer.  Witnesses tell WLAF News that just after 4:30 p.m., CPD Patrolman Jonathan Bruce recognized a couple of people in a car who are wanted by police.  The car rolled through a stop sign on Loop Road in Caryville, gunned it, and then Bruce began pursuit.  According to Bruce, on Bruce Gap Road near Jackson Road is where his car swerved sideways and slammed into a tree.  

The other car sped away but was later pulled over by a Campbell County Deputy.  After seeing the force of the impact to the patrol car, first responders decided it best to fly Bruce to the UT Medical Center for further evaluation of his head and neck injuries.  Bruce was flown out by Lifestar just before 5:30 p.m.  His condition has not been released.  No one else was injured.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013, 7:00 PM) 

State school board approves new teacher pay schedule

Reported By Heather Jensen, WKRN-TV Reporter

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - State education leaders bucked the wishes of teachers and approved a new pay schedule Friday afternoon.

The Tennessee Board of Education approved the proposed state minimum salary schedule by a final vote of 6-3.

Wearing red in a show of solidarity, teachers and supporters packed into the small meeting room in north Nashville to hear the vote and the preceding presentation.

The new salary schedule increases base pay, but reduces incremental pay steps. It also eliminates pay increases for training higher than a Master's degree.

"I can see that over a lifetime I won't make as much money as I was going to make yesterday that I'm going to make tomorrow. I can see I have three degrees and the state is going to say, 'Oh, well,'" said Torian Hodges-Finch, a Rutherford County teacher.

Many teachers see the new schedule as a pay cut and a devaluation of higher education, despite words to the contrary from Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman and board members.

"Anyone who says this pay system does this or does that, it's just not accurate," Huffman said. "Local districts are going to develop their own systems to determine how this gets implemented."

"We would anticipate that many of the schedules out there will continue to recognize experience through 20 years and will continue to recognize advanced degrees the way they are now," added State Board Chairman Fielding Rolston.

Robertson County Teacher Larry Proffitt told Nashville's News 2 that anticipation is not a guarantee.

"A lot of the vocabulary the commissioner used is 'what we expect' and 'what we think,'" he said. "In my classroom, students have to have a little more defined expectations. They can't just get by on words like that. You have to have a plan of action."

Huffman stressed that the new schedule is only the minimum, allowing districts more flexibility to compensate teachers in a way that best suits individual district needs.

In addition to the minimum salary schedule, which is based solely on experience and degrees, each school district must also develop a differentiated pay plan to staff hard to staff subjects and schools and to hire and retain highly qualified teachers.

The salary schedule is effective for the 2013-14 school year. Districts have one year to implement a differentiated pay plan for the 2014-15 school year.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013, 7:00 PM)

Teachers may lose money with proposed plan

By Lisa Fingeroot, The Tennesean

Tennessee teachers marshaled their forces and House Democrats hurled insults at Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman on Thursday over concerns that teachers will lose money if the state adopts a controversial plan today to require merit pay.

The pay plan, part of a drive to boost student test scores, would eliminate traditional salary increases for teachers based solely on years of experience and advanced degrees. The state Board of Education is expected to approve it today. Members already gave the proposal a nod of approval in April when Huffman presented it.

The Tennessee Education Association, the state's only teacher union and largest professional organization, opposed the pay plan from the beginning and has been assembling a group to show opposition at today's meeting. TEA also has been distributing a pay chart supporting its claim that teachers would lose money under the plan.

House Democrats amped up the opposition Thursday when they called a news conference to oppose the plan and throw their support behind the union.

"It's hard to find a commissioner in the history of Tennessee that has assembled a more broad track record of complete failure than Commissioner Huffman," said state Rep. Mike Stewart, a Democrat from Nashville. "Everything this guy has done - every experiment he has tried has so far - has ended in failure, so it's shocking that we would still be listening to this same person."

Stewart was joined by several other Democrats, including state Rep. Gloria Johnson, a teacher from Knoxville, who said she vehemently opposes the pay plan because it eliminates most raises for years of experience and advanced degrees. That's like breaking a promise made to teachers who have been working for years on getting advanced degrees, the Democrats said.

Johnson said many experienced teachers also worry that bonuses would be unfairly distributed.

Huffman responded to the criticism in a written statement. "It is unfortunate that some groups and elected officials are presenting inaccurate information," he wrote. "It is against Tennessee law for any school district to cut a teacher's pay. Additionally, this administration has added more than $130 million in state money for teacher salaries over the past three years. We will continue to look for ways to increase teacher pay, decrease state mandates, and increase local control of school decisions."

Under the plan, no teacher could earn less than he or she currently earns, and the step pay raises usually received at six years and 11 years of experience are included as safeguards.

Huffman said the plan is not a pure merit pay plan because each district can determine how it will differentiate pay. For example, Tennessee certified only 50 chemistry teachers last year, and districts might use a larger salary to attract a chemistry teacher.

While the TEA's chart shows the state-mandated base pay of teachers staying almost flat except for the two step increases, it does not include any amounts for the bonuses and raises that could be earned under Huffman's plan.

Mixed reaction from teachers Teachers from Trousdale County, where a differentiated plan is being piloted, expressed support for the way they are paid.

"I think it's a great plan," said fourth-grade teacher Chris Freeman. "I think it rewards teachers for doing a superb job. It's tailor-made for me. I'm in charge of my own destiny. I control my own children and my own scores."

His colleague, Laura Wilson, chose not to join the alternative plan. "I was scared to take a risk," she said. She admits to being disappointed, however, when she realized she lost about $4,000 in bonuses by not being in the plan.

Rutherford County special education teacher Jennifer Tidwell is so concerned about all the changes being made for teachers that she is considering another profession.

"It's like you're running and kicking sand and not getting anywhere," she said. "They keep moving the goal."

Tidwell's students tend to have individual education plans that can include very simple tasks that cannot be tested. She worries that her achievements might go undocumented for determining pay raises.

"That's what I am kind of afraid of," she said. "I don't have a problem with merit pay, but I have a problem with the way (achievement is) measured."

In Trousdale County, special education teachers are hard to find, so they are rewarded with a bonus every year for working in the system. High school chemistry and physics teachers also are rewarded.

"We're kind of like a guinea pig," said system Director Clint Satterfield. "I think the main goal is to improve teacher quality, because if we improve the quality of the teacher, we will improve the outcome for students."   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013, 4:00 PM)

Tennessee General Assembly reduces unemployment benefit provisions

payment for dependent children ENDING

 

NASHVILLE Since June 2010, eligible unemployment insurance claimants supporting minor children have been receiving $15 per child, to a maximum of $50, as a dependent allowance added to their weekly unemployment benefit amount. Those dependent allowance payments will end soon as a result of legislation signed by Governor Haslam that becomes effective July 1, 2013.

 

In 2009 Tennessee received one-time federal funds in the amount of $141,808,031 as an incentive grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to strengthen the rapidly depleting Trust Fund and continue providing unemployment insurance payments, including the dependent benefit. Those provisions were enacted as permanent law that could only be discontinued by repeal by the Tennessee General Assembly.

 

“This action taken by the legislature is another step that will increase savings to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The healthier the Trust Fund, the lower the tax table that determines premium rates for Tennessee employers,” said Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips. “The Trust Fund balance is currently $799 million and is on a positive path to maintain solvency and stability in the event of another recession. Tennessee, unlike 22 states in the nation, has no outstanding loan from the Federal Unemployment Account.”

 

For claimants currently receiving unemployment, the last payable week to receive dependent benefits will be the week that ends June 29, 2013. Claimants filing new claims for unemployment benefits on June 30 may be eligible to receive only one week of dependency benefits – for the week that ends July 6, 2013; any unemployment payments for weeks ending after that date will not include dependent allowances.

 

Other provisions included in the legislative repeal affecting claimant eligibility are these:  After June 29, 2013, Tennessee will no longer use the Alternate Base Period to establish unemployment claims for claimants who did not earn enough in wages to establish a claim using the traditional base period.

 

Beginning with the week that ends July 6, 2013, claimants will be ineligible for benefits for weeks in which they seek, apply for, or accept only part-time work instead of full-time work if their employment has been customarily full-time.

 

The Department of Labor & Workforce Development will notify affected claimants when they conduct their weekly certification to continue their benefits. For updated information on this and other unemployment issues please visit the department’s Web site at

http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013, 3:00 PM)


Road chief sent away empty-handed, Hatmaker’s budget changes fall flat

County Commissioner Thomas Hatmaker came to Thursday night’s budget & finance committee meeting with a plan to cut costs and divert money into the highway department to pay for paving projects. His plan began to unravel almost as soon as it was presented.

The committee meeting began with commissioners approving a motion by Bob Walden to re-open discussion on the “131 Fund” which covers the highway department. Road Superintendent Dennis Potter then addressed the commission, basically repeating his presentation from two nights earlier when only Hatmaker and four other commissioners showed up for a meeting that was sidetracked for lack of a quorum.

Potter again explained his need for $1.5 million in order to re-pave more roads, telling commissioners he does not favor a tax increase when there is “enough fat in the budget to find the money by making cuts elsewhere.”

On Tuedsay, both Potter and Hatmaker had proposed that a third of the money for buying asphalt could come by slashing the budget of the Office of Finance by more than half, Potter presenting a sheet complied by Hatmaker that showed Campbell County spends far more per capita on its finance office than other counties operating under the same law.

Neither Potter nor Hatmaker mentioned cuts to the finance budget on Thursday, possibly because such drastic cuts to bookkeeping and payroll services would leave the county in financial shambles and have no chance of approval by the full commission.

Potter mentioned no specific proposals on Thursday night about where the $1.5 million could be cut, but was sent away empty-handed when commissioners voted 7-5 against reconsidering his budget, which had already been approved without the increase for paving work.

Hatmaker then took up the better part of an hour asking specific questions about budget line items in the county general fund before Terry Singley called for a vote on the previous question, cutting off discussion and debate.

Mayor William Baird, who chaired the meeting in the absence of both committee chairman Wendell Bailey and vice chairman Marie Ayers, ruled that the vote on ending discussion was approved by a 7-5 vote, and the commissioners then passed the county general fund budget without changes by the same 7-5 vote.

Voting against approval of the budget were the same five commissioners who had attended the session with Potter on Tuesday – Hatmaker, Walden, Beverly Hall, Sue Nance and Charles Baird.

After a brief recess, the commissioners took up the county’s two capital project funds, where Hatmaker had proposed to cut over $650,000 in projects and divert that money to Potter’s highway fund.

One by one, Finance Director Jeff Marlow shot down Hatrmaker’s proposals, pointing out that many of his suggestions involved grant money from state or federal sources that cannot be diverted to other uses.

Hatmaker proposed saving $113,810 by halting future work at the county’s Lonas Young Park near White Bridge. $87,000 of that total, Marlow pointed out, is state and federal grant money that will be lost if not used for the purpose of the grant.

Hatmaker also proposed diverting a $97,000 item that is completely an ARC grant and also cannot be spent for any purpose beyond the grant.

He then zeroed in on a $263,463 “city park” project in Jacksboro adjacent to the courthouse complex. Nearly $200,000 of the total remaining to be spent is also grant money, Marlow explained, to cover the establishment of a parking lot and lights as a “trailhead” for a walking trail once work on the new justice center is completed next year.

“How can you justify $250,000 for a walking trail?” Hatmaker commented.

“Because by obtaining the grant for a park and walking trail, we’re getting a badly-needed parking lot and lights around the entire courthouse complex, paid for primarily with grant money,” Marlow replied.

Marlow admitted that one or two of Hatmaker’s proposals for diverting capital project funds to roads were legally permissible. The entire amount budgeted for “building improvements and other capital outlay,” a total of $152,500, could be spent on other uses, Marlow said.

“Half of that money is budgeted to cover costs such as windows, doors, carpeting and so on in county buildings, while the other half was established by this commission to cover emergency repairs such as roof replacement or heating and air systems. Without that fund, any emergencies involving county buildings would require a special appropriation by the commission before work could commence,” he added.

Hatmaker’s proposed cuts also included $4,645 and $11,778 in raises for Election Commission Administrator Ann Ayers and supervisors that Marlow pointed out are state-mandated salary increases after Ayers completed training and obtained her state certification.

Marlow finally addressed Hatmaker’s approach to looking for paving money through cuts to other funds. “You can cut a little here and cut a few thousand there and maybe come up with a couple of hundred thousand dollars that could be diverted to highway projects. That will make it hard on some other departments and stop some projects but it won’t help Dennis Potter much. He needs a million and a half dollars in recurring money year after year,” Marlow pointed out. “Much of what you’ve proposed is one-time money. It won’t be there next year or the year after.”

“What we’ve been through in the past few years has been increased costs for education coupled with fewer state dollars to pay those costs, while the economy has struggled and the county has experienced no growth. Our tax base is actually less this year than it was last year,” Marlow continued.

He concluded by telling commissioners, “I’ve promised Dennis that as soon as our revenues begin to pick up and there is some growth, I’ll do everything I can to see that those extra dollars go to the highway fund to help pay for asphalt, but until then we haven’t got the resources.”

If the full commission approves the decisions of the finance committee at a recessed meeting next Thursday, only the school budget will remain to be finalized before a final budget and tax rate are approved. Delays in getting certain approvals and final figures from the state are expected to delay the school budget into the next fiscal year, but commissioners have already passed a continuing resolution to keep the county operating at current spending levels until the end of August.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Collingsworth is tops in Tennessee

     Tom Martin quickly sizes up Lana Collingsworth.  “Good heart.”  “She has a good heart” is how Collingsworth’s right hand man at Mountain View Apartments describes her.  Martin goes on to call her his best friend, and says she is quick to sit down and work through any problems when they arise. 

Collingsworth and Woody

On Thursday afternoon, Joe Woody with the USDA presented Collingsworth with the “Site Manager of The Year” award for Tennessee.  After being nominated by her employer, Morrow Management, Collingsworth was selected from a pool of 356 multi-family unit managers from Memphis to Mountain City

Tennant Alice Violet says she’s lived in lots of places over her many years, and that “this is home” citing Lana’s leadership as why this complex for 30 older adults is so special.  Collingsworth tells WLAF that after a 20+ year career in the health field, that this is a “breath of fresh air” since she joined Mountain View Apartments some six years ago. 

Martin chuckles when he references Collingsworth's "Wall of Fame"

She says she loves her tenants, loves her property, and loves the management company.  To find Mountain View Apartments, just look for the well manicured lawn and all the flowers on Ridenour Lane behind Peoples Bank of the South.  Mountain View Apartments opened in October of 2001. (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

"Not easy to come by" is this Morrow award earned by Martin a few years back

 Holiday Inn Express hosts its first guests tonight

     Holiday Inn Express has a new prime location along America’s most traveled interstate.  I-75 at Caryville, Tennessee.  And the south Caryville Exit has a long coming facelift to a legendary property.

When J. Will Thacker opened the Thacker Christmas Tree Inn in 1974, it was a five-story palace with a restaurant on the fifth floor overlooking Cove Lake.  Almost forty-years later, Jay and Neal Patel have breathed new life into a structure most had given up for the wrecking ball.  And it’s a work of beauty.

Valentino visits with WLAF's Big Josh Etter

HIE General Manager Joe Valentino tells WLAF that managing hotels is “in his blood,” and he’s excited to be able to host 20-thousand guests a year. 

He adds that his staff of 20 employees is made up of all Campbell Countians citing this as the biggest addition of jobs to the county in some four years.  Valentino says Hampton Inn neighbor Hack Ayers has been most helpful and welcoming especially when it comes to catching him up on the area’s history. 

Jenna Skuza, director of sales and a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has family connections to Campbell County.  Her parents live here, and her grandmother was even born and raised in Lake City.  Skuza was elated when she found out that she would be working with the new Caryville HIE that has 78 beautiful rooms including queen doubles and suites with king size beds. 

And, yes, those signature Holiday Inn Express cinnamon rolls are served every morning in the Express Start Breakfast Center.  The Patels also operate HIEs in Farragut and Lenoir City. (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Chamber's "coffee" event a success

     It was a fun morning at the monthly Chamber of Commerce get together.  State Representative Dennis Powers hosted the June event on the Roane State campus on Thursday morning.

Powers and retired District Attorney General Paul Phillips

Chamber event June 2013  (DWANE WILDER PIX)

 
 
     

SWAT team in action Wednesday

     The Campbell County Sheriff's SWAT Team trained on Wednesday.  The SWAT Team conducted its regular monthly training yesterday at Valley View Elementary School, training in preparation for active shooter incidents. 

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins tells WLAF that with help from our school administrators we are able to use Valley View Elementary School and other county schools to prepare and train for the unspeakable incident.

Goins goes on to say that he believes training, preparation and rigorous repetition and muscle memory helps our team better prepare and operate proactively to respond to active shooter situations and critical incidents that require special weapons and tactics.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Haslam signs Powers' bill into law 

     On Tuesday June 4th, Governor Bill Haslam signed Senate Bill 745 known as the Breast Cancer Prevention Act into law in Nashville at the War Memorial Auditorium.  



Present at the signing were the bill sponsors Senator Becky Massey, Representative Dennis Powers, and Dr. Aaron Margulies, Dr. Kamilia Kozlowski (who both work at the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center), and La Follette breast cancer survivor, Sheila Falls, among others who were involved in the bill.  Representative Powers took a very personal interest in seeing the legislation passed.  Said Powers (R-Jacksboro) "This is something that has been very personal to me. We have been trying to get this legislation passed for two years now, and despite all the hindrances and road-blocks we have finally seen it done."  The legislation is similar to many passed in states like: New York, Texas, Virginia, and California.  It would require doctors to provide additional information to patients after a mammogram that reveals they have "dense breast tissue."  Senator Becky Massey supported the bill on the Senate side and has worked closely with Representative Powers’ office during the last legislative session. Said Powers "We never could have accomplished this without the hard work of Dr. Margulies who brought this to my attention, Dr. Kozlowski who provided amazing testimony and information to my office, Senator Massey who defended us in the Senate, and to Sheila Falls who came to Nashville to testify on the benefits of a bill like this."   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Animal Control Board meets Tuesday

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

A full house was on hand Tuesday afternoon as the 11-member Campbell County Animal Control Advisory Board met at La Follette City Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a basic framework of operating standards for the county animal shelter as well as for adoptions and rescues. The shelter has been closed since mid-April due to a state investigation of complaints that it wasn't being operated properly. During Tuesday's meeting, chairman Mark Garrett, a local veterinarian, introduced the members of the board and outlined the purpose of it. The board then began the process of putting together guidelines for day-to-day operation of the shelter. One of the first topics discussed was hours of operation. "The public needs to know when this will be accessible," said Jacksboro Mayor Jack Cannon, who represents his town on the board. Cannon stressed the importance of putting regular business hours in the by-laws.

"We're getting our wording right and polishing our regulations to make everything legal," said Garrett.

The board is made up of two members from the Campbell County Humane Society, two members from the County Commission, one veterinarian, one member from each of the county's four municipalities, and two at-large members.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Road Superintendent “fed up,” asks to slash Finance Office to pay for asphalt

Road Superintendent Denis Potter tossed down the gauntlet Tuesday night at what was supposed to have been a county commission budget committee meeting. Instead he addressed his frustrations to the five commissioners who showed up – well short of the quorum needed to conduct business.

Potter told commissioners that he has made efforts to cut costs in his department, even losing eleven employees, but desperately needs more money for asphalt to pave county roads.

“I need $1.5 million for paving. What I got in the proposed budget is a $17,000 increase. Meanwhile insurance went up 15 percent and electric rates went up 10 percent, so I’m actually getting $30,000 less than last year,” Potter complained.

Potter seemed particularly frustrated with Finance Director Jeff Marlow and the Office of Finance, complaining that Marlow prepared his highway budget on paper and presented it to the commission without giving him the opportunity to explain his department’s needs.

“I want to look you in the eye and explain my needs, not on a piece of paper,” Potter protested, promising, “If they’re going to back me in a corner, I’m going to come out fighting.”

Potter then did exactly that, with the help of Commissioner Thomas Hatmaker, who distributed a proposal to those in attendance that would cut over $1,161,000 from the proposed budget and allocate those funds for paving projects.

Hatmaker’s proposed cuts included capital outlay funds to complete work at the Campbell County Lonas Young Memorial Park, the county’s matching funs for a railroad spur at Oswego Industrial Park, the Jellico ball field and lighting and other capital improvements near the courthouse, along with office equipment and state-mandated salary increases for the Election Commission office.

The largest single source of proposed cuts in the current budget was aimed at the Office of Finance, which Hatmaker proposed to cut by over half, from $901,256 to $414,909.

“That is the statewide average, based on the cost per capita for the 22 counties that operate under the Financial Management Act of 1981,” Potter told the commissioners. “Campbell County’s finance office spends $22.14 for each citizen in the county. The average statewide is $10.19.”

“We have only $343,000 for asphalt in our budget. That’s a slap in the face to me. We’re drowning in the Highway Department,” Potter continued. “What I’ve been doing is not working so far so I’m going to pitch a fit.”

Potter explained that the county has 583 miles of paved roads and 103 miles of gravel roads, but he only receives enough money to pave or re-pave less than nine miles a year.

“At that rate I can only pave the road in front of your house once every 67 years,” Potter protested. “If I want to do more I’m given only two choices – take money from the fund balance or ask for a tax increase. I don’t favor a tax increase, I’m a taxpayer too.”

Some of the commissioners listening to the presentation expressed doubts that Potter’s plea for more road money will find enough support, or that any of Hatmaker’s proposed cuts to free up money will be supported by a majority of commissioners.

“The others voted with their feet by not being here tonight,” Sue Nance commented. “The majority will just go ahead and pass this budget as it’s presented with no questions.”

Besides Hatmaker and Nance, only Beverly Hall, Charles Baird and Bob Walden showed up for the committee session. Those five often vote together in what has consistently proven to be a minority voting block on the commission, losing most votes by a nearly 2-1 margin.

Nance and Hall also expressed their intention to propose cutting the county’s summer intern program, which Nance pointed out would save at least $40,000 a year.

“The intern program isn’t really publicized as well as it should be, and it’s unfair. Most of the interns are from families of county officials or someone with courthouse connections,” Nance pointed out. “That money could be better used elsewhere.”

She did not, however, propose using the intern program funds to reinstate the commissioners’ individual discretionary funds. “I would favor cutting both of those programs,” she added.

No discussion of the budget occurred on Monday at the fairly brief regular commission meeting, except for an unanimous vote in favor of a 61 day continuing resolution, which will allow the county to spend funds at last year’s levels until the end of August or until a new budget is passed.

Delays in receiving final data from the Tennessee Department of Education mean that completing the school budget by June 30 is unlikely, and a final budget and tax rate will be delayed into the next fiscal year.

The commission did accomplish a few things on Monday, voting unanimously to renew the planning commission contract with East Tennessee Development District, approving a new copier contract for the Veteran’s Service Office, and a new solid waste agreement with Volunteer Regional Landfill in Scott County. The county will pay the landfill $17.27 per ton of waste for the first year with adjustments in subsequent years pegged to increases in the consumer price index.

Commissioners also unanimously approved the budget committee report accepting the state TDOT proposal for safety improvements on Highway 297 and at the Glade Springs - Old Middlesboro Highway intersection, and renewal of the county’s insurance coverage through the state’s local government insurance pool. Rate increases for county general government were 5.9 percent while coverage for the Board of Education increased by 13.6 percent due to a higher incidence of claims.

The commission did disagree on one motion, to renew the county’s lease on the office building in Jellico currently housing offices for the County Clerk, Property Assessor and County Executive.

County Clerk Debbie Wilson told commissioners that her office has paid the entire rental costs from her budget while sharing the building with the two other offices, and wants the proposed $1,200 monthly rent to be shared three ways.

When the question of terminating the lease with landlord Cherry Lee Artis came up, Wilson insisted, “I don’t want to terminate. I just want the costs to be split three ways.”

There was enough confusion surrounding the lease to sidetrack a final decision, however. A motion to renew the lease, without resolving who would pay how much, failed to pass. With three commissioners absent from the meeting, Beverly Hall, Thomas Hatmaker, Sue Nance, Rusty Orick and Bob Walden all voted “no” while Steve Rutherford abstained. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

County Commission Meeting for Monday, June 17, 2013

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La Follette makes progress at this afternoon's budget meeting

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

La Follette City Council took a big step toward completing its budget for the fiscal year 2013-14 during Tuesday afternoon's special called meeting.  Bob Fannon was absent, but the other members of council agreed to take $69,562 out of fund balance to make ends meet.  There seems to also be a general consensus among the council members not to raise the garbage fee or other such fees at the current time.  Vice-Mayor Joe Bolinger suggested giving full-time employees $500 and part-time and auxiliary personnel $200 on a one-time basis this year in addition to their annual Christmas bonus.  The extra bonus money would be put on a Visa gift card the employees could spend anywhere.  Every member of council present during Tuesday's meeting gave their blessing to Bolinger's suggestion.

"We're actually fortunate that we have a fund balance.  A lot of places don't, and that's how they get in a bind," said Terry Sweat, finance director for the City of LaFollette.

The council will meet again at 6 p.m. on June 27 for the final reading of the budget.(UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013, 5:00 PM)

New name for Technology Center coming July 1

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Senator Ken Yager said he was very impressed with the Tennessee Technology Center at Jacksboro during a tour on Tuesday morning. While meeting with TTCJ Director David Browder, the senator learned that the school was one of four among 27 in the Tennessee system that meets or exceeds national standards in completion, placement in field of training and licensure rates.

“It’s become a model for the rest of the state,” said Browder.

Senator Yager nodded in agreement.

Senator Yager and Erin Newell (of Jellico)

“We know that workforce readiness is the most important issue. I’m real pleased, but not at all surprised with what (Assistant Director) Debbie (Petree), David and all the faculty are doing here,” said Senator Yager. “Tech Centers have historically been in the shadows of other institutions of higher learning, but the last few years we have seen their importance in workforce development and job placement. It’s good to see our state legislature recognize the important role they play.”

Browder, Yager, and Petree

Senator Yager was co-sponsor of a recent bill that changed the name of all the state’s tech centers. Beginning July 1, the local school will be called Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Jacksboro. The name change is to reflect the role of the centers in professional development as well as to promote their value in the higher education process. Browder said one of the best-kept secrets is that students could transfer up to 30 hours to a state community college once they complete their particular course of study.

Petree, Browder, and Yager

“They’re halfway to a 2-year degree,” said Browder. We’ve made it easier to transfer credits to a community college. I’m real excited that these two fine institutions are working together.”(UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013, 3:00 PM)

Yager releases 2013 survey results

     Senator Ken Yager periodically invites residents of Tennessee's 12th Senatorial District to participate in a survey of issues that are of vital importance to the state and the district.  Here are the results of the most recent survey, conducted in 2013.

1. Should Tennessee expand Medicaid eligibility under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?

Yes

No

Undecided

21.8%

58.9%

19.3%

2. Do you support legislation to allow handgun permit holders who lock their weapons out of sight in their vehicle to take the handgun on property owned by a private citizen of business?

Yes

No

Undecided

66.2%

26.2%

7.5%

3. Do you support legislation to allow handgun permit holders who lock their weapons out of sight in their vehicle to take the handgun on public school or university property?

Yes

No

Undecided

53.6%

39.0%

7.4%

4. Should teachers who hold a handgun carry permit be allowed to keep their gun in a secured place at school as a protective measure in the event of an attack like the one in Newtown, Connecticut?

Yes

No

Undecided

58.3%

32.1%

9.6%

5. Income from stocks and bonds are used by many senior citizens for retirement income. Tennessee Hall Income Tax currently taxes this income at a rate of 6%. Do you support eliminating this tax for taxpayers 65 or over?

Yes

No

Undecided

82.2%

12.4%

5.4%

6. Should Tennessee use state tax dollars to fund scholarships/vouchers for low to moderate income students in underperforming schools to go to the private or public school of his or her choice?

Yes

No

Undecided

31.2%

52.3%

16.5%

7. Should cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine require a prescription to purchase?

Yes

No

Undecided

22.1%

35.1%

42.8%

8. Do you support changing Tennessee's worker's compensation law from a court-based system to an administrative process?

Yes

No

Undecided

40.7%

46.6%

12.7%

9. Do you favor year-round school?

Yes

No

Undecided

32.8%

51.6%

15.6%

10. Do you favor moving the school start date to September?

Yes

No

Undecided

58.4%

18.6%

23.0%

11. Should the use of marijuana be decriminalized?

Yes

No

Undecided

27.4%

60.7%

11.9%

12. Should Tennessee require ignition interlock devices be installed on vehicles of all drunk drivers?

Yes

No

Undecided

71.3%

17.1%

11.6%

13. Should the current requirement that public notices be printed in a local newspaper of general circulation be changed to allow local or state government to put the notice on a government operated website instead?

Yes

No

Undecided

12.9%

71.1%

16.0%

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Pot, pills, and posted speed limit violation leads to arrest

     Speeding on Interstate 75 leads to the arrest of an Anderson County man.  Campbell County Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF that 29-year old Eric Russell of Lake City was pulled over Sunday evening near Exit 141 on I-75 in Caryville. 

Records indicate that Russell was doing 78 in a 70 mile per hour zone.  When Sergeant Josh Carroll pulled Russell over, he noticed that Russell was very nervous when he was asked for his license and paperwork.  Russell explained that he was on his way to a family reunion in Scott County, and then began to cry as he told the sergeant that he didn’t want to be in trouble and had never been in trouble before. 

Sergeant Darrell Mongar brought Dano, the drug dog, to the scene, and Dano alerted the officers of possible drugs in Russell’s car.  The deputies found pills and marijuana in the car along with drug paraphernalia.  In addition to speeding, Russell faces multiple drug charges and is scheduled to appear in court on June 28.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013, NOON)

Senator Yager visits Campbell County twice this week

(NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE), June 17, 2013  – Please find below the district schedule of events for State Senator Ken Yager for Tuesday, June 18, 2013 - Thursday, June 20, 2013 in Campbell, Roane and Fentress Counties:

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 / Campbell County

9:00 am – Tour Tennessee Technology Center in Jacksboro, 265 Elkins Road

Noon – South Campbell County Rotary Club (will speak to group about 2013 legislative session)

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 / Fentress County

2:30 pm – Will be with Transportation Commissioner John Schroer at Jamestown City Hall to discuss roads

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 / Roane County

Noon – Special Chamber Speaker Series Luncheon at the Roane Medical Center’s Community Room, Midtown (will give group an update on 2013 legislative session with State Representative Kent Calfee)

Thursday, June 20, 2013 / Campbell County

8:00 am – Chamber Coffee Meeting, Roane State Community College (with State Representative Dennis Powers)   (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013, NOON)

Why virtual schools won’t rule?

Boomer's Corner - Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

The Campbell County Board of Education got the numbers they wanted on Tuesday night, and wasted no time approving a contract with K12, Inc. to host a virtual school program. K12 can now sign up online students to the 1,500 student cap, with Campbell County receiving the state’s BEP funds for each student.

The county will keep 4 percent of the state’s money and hand over the other 96 percent to K12 to cover the cost of educating the students. Based on the estimates for BEP funding, the county could stand to take in $412,000 as its share of the pot, Finance Director Jeff Marlow told the board.

Why wouldn’t Campbell County jump at such a sweet deal? We get nearly $300 a year for each student registered and don’t have to pay to educate them. Rector Miller suggested that all the proceeds should go to pay for security guards at the county’s elementary schools and the rest of the board appeared to agree with that notion. It’s free money, after all.

Of course there are some questions that went un-asked, such as how will the virtual school effect Campbell County’s enrollment, which determines how much BEP money the school system receives. The presumption is that the online students will come from all over the place, not just Campbell County, just as Union County’s virtual academy claimed 30 kids from our county last year.

But for the sake of argument, let’s say that a hundred of those 1,500 online students are from Campbell County and formerly attended one of our county’s old fashioned brick and mortar schools. The state will still pay Campbell County somewhere around $7,000 each for those 100 kids, but 96 percent of that amount will now be turned over to K12, Inc.

Math has never been my strong suit but that appears to be a decline of somewhere around $700,000 in state BEP funding, versus the county’s total share of the virtual school program - $412,000.

But we don’t have to pay to educate those 100 students, so it shouldn’t affect us, right? Well, we’ve already built school buildings with classroom space for those kids. The portion of BEP funds that goes to offset the debt service on those classrooms isn’t virtual, it’s real, and still has to be paid.

A hundred fewer students in Campbell County’s system isn’t going to enable the schools to cut down on utility bills, or supervisors, or maintenance personnel. At best, the county’s “savings” from not having to pay to educate those 100 kids will be a few grand in textbooks that won’t be needed, and a couple of teaching positions that can be eliminated.

I hear school officials moan all the time about how declining enrollment is behind the loss of teaching positions and the continuing financial pinch that our schools experience. We don’t yet know how a virtual schools program will impact future enrollment.

Virtual schools are a reality and are most likely the wave of the future in this increasingly cyberspace world. The school board should not be faulted for wanting to get in on the cutting edge. What they shouldn’t do is assume that hosting a virtual schools academy will be some sort of cash cow until all the cards are on the table. That last card that we’re dealt might turn out to be the joker.

Enjoy the rest of Boomer's Corner at the Boomer's Corner link.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)

       Mother/daughter duo charged after soliciting funds in school's name 

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins says a mother and daughter duo’s charges are “necessary” after it was reported that they were soliciting monetary donations in the name of Jacksboro Middle School, from local Campbell County businesses and citizens. The investigation revealed that Jennifer Overton, age 34 of Jacksboro and Catherine Agee, age 61 of Jacksboro, were asking local businesses to write checks directly and personally to them for a school function and fundraiser without the permission and knowledge of the school.

Catherine Agee

The sheriff and school system agree that the proper way for businesses to deal with these items and to continue to help donate to children’s school functions are to: call the school related to the fundraiser, ask for correspondence from the fundraiser or call central office staff and inquire about the fundraiser, as well as, write those checks directly to the school the fundraiser is related to.

Jennifer Overton

Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said “Criminal acts against our children or our schools will not be tolerated, period. We don’t want our business owners and citizens to stop helping kids school functions and sports programs at the detriment of a few who choose to prey on the vulnerable feelings of so many who help in our community. As long as I am sheriff we will vigilantly pursue, investigate and arrest these people.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013, 4:00 PM)

War Stories

The following is the first in a series of interviews with Campbell County veterans of World War II. Sgt. Charles Russ Martin spent 18 months as a prisoner of war after being captured by the German Army in North Africa during the first year of U.S. involvement in the war. This is his story:

Martin brothers get marching orders

 By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     Charles Russ Martin and his identical twin brother, Carl Guss Martin of Caryville, proudly marched off to war in 1942 as infantrymen in the U.S. Army’s famed 1st Infantry Division known as “The Big Red One”. Three years later, Russ sadly came back home to Campbell County without his brother.

Guss had been killed by a German machine gunner in Algeria on Nov. 10, 1942, only two days after the 1st Infantry Division entered combat in World War II as part of Operation Torch, the British-American invasion of French North Africa. Guss Martin’s body was eventually returned to his family in June 1948 and buried at Leach Cemetery in Lake City.

Russ Martin, now 91 years old, remembers the events surrounding his brother’s death like it was only yesterday. The Martin twins came from a family of six children: three boys and three girls.

“He and I talked about, growing up, we would enlist in the Army (and stay in) until we retired,” said Russ Martin. “But the war broke us up. We wanted to be in the same company, and (the Army) wanted to split us up and put me in another company.”

That’s how the brothers came to be separated during a fierce firefight on that fateful day in the autumn of 1942. Guss was in Company A of the 18th Infantry Regiment, while Russ was in Company B. Both brothers were sergeants and squad leaders for their units.

“I knew (he was dead). I could tell it in my heart,” said Russ.

A few months before their 19th birthday, the Martin boys enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1940. Two years later, they were sent to England to prepare for the North African Campaign. In November 1942, the 1st Infantry Division landed on the coast of Algeria near Oran to battle Germany’s famed Afrika Korps.

A month after his brother’s death, Russ and his men were surrounded and captured by the Germans. He spent the next 18 months as a prison of war in Italy, an ally to Nazi Germany. When the Allies landed in Italy and began to advance northward during the early months of 1944, Russ said his captors suddenly released all the POWs into the countryside because they ran out of food.

“You just had to watch your step is all,” Russ Martin said of his experience as a POW. “It wasn’t too bad. (Italians) liked Americans. They turned us loose on account of they couldn’t feed us.”

Russ said he relied on the kindness of an Italian family until he could get back to friendly territory.

Following the war, Russ came back to Tennessee, where he worked as a plumber, pipefitter, refrigeration technician and electrician. He spent the last 17 years of his career doing refrigeration work in Oak Ridge before he retired. Russ and Pauline, his wife of 65 years, currently reside at LaFollette Court Assisted Living in LaFollette.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013, 5:45 PM)

Class of '78 getting together in August

     The Campbell County High Class of 1978 is hosting its 35th reunion on August 17 at Miss Lassie’s Lodge in Caryville.  That’s next to the Hampton Inn.  The cost is 25.00 per person.  Look on Facebook at “CCHS Class of 1978.”  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2013, 2:30 PM)

 

Graduation coverage 2013 is made possible by these outstanding corporate partners

Litho-craft Printing & Office Supply

Robbins Guttering & Siding

First National Bank

Wender Furniture Company

Peoples Bank of the South

Josie's Beauty Fashions

Mayor William Baird

theSTAND

State Representative Dennis Powers

Powell-Clinch Utility District

Campbell County Graduation May 18, 2013

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Trowbridge was raised to be a beekeeper

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

When Martin Trowbridge was seven years old, he would come home from school, raise the window to his room and study the bee hive his father had given him. That began a lifelong fascination with honeybees and how they pollinate the natural world.

“I was raised to be a beekeeper. My grandfather had bees, and my dad had bees,” said Trowbridge, who is now in charge of 58 bee hives on three separate pieces of property.

Trowbridge, of LaFollette, heads up the Beekeepers Association of Campbell County, an organization founded by the late Adrion Baird. The association meets at 5 p.m. the last Saturday of every month in the Well Springs Community Center. He also has a business, Beekeepers of America, which produces honey for human consumption and bees for pollination. In two years, Trowbridge hopes to have 1,000 hives, most of which will be rent-a-bees to pollinate crops including almond farms in California. He encourages anyone to attend the monthly meetings of the Beekeepers Association. “You don’t have to be a beekeeper, but just come and understand them,” he said.

Trowbridge is concerned about the honeybee. He said hives are beginning to disappear and scientists are at a loss to explain why. The problem has become so alarming that it even has a name: Colony Collapse Disorder. He said he thinks cutting down trees and improper use of pesticides are to blame.

“We’re developing land and cutting down a lot of old trees. Even though we’re planting trees to replace those we’ve cut down, they’re not hollow trees where the honeybees like to build hives,” said Trowbridge.

He said he lost 20 bee hives over the winter. “They had the honey, the food was there. They disappear. One day, they’re there, the next day they’re gone,” he said.

Trowbridge hopes to begin a program in Campbell County schools to teach students the importance of honeybees.

“Honeybees produce 80 percent of the world’s food supply. We can’t survive without them,” he said. “Butterflies, hummingbirds and bumblebees will all take part in the pollination process, but the difference is that the honeybee will stay with a particular plant. When a honeybee starts on a blackberry bloom, it will stay on 200 blackberry blooms. Honeybees cross-pollinate. That’s why they’re so vital.”

This year, things are beginning to look up for Trowbridge. He expects his bees to produce three times as much honey as they did last year. Some of that may have to do with the tremendous amount of rainfall in East Tennessee since last fall. He charges $7 a pint and $13 a quart for locally produced honey. For more information, call 423-377-5680 or check out his website: www.beekeepersofamerica.us. You can also find him on Facebook at Beekeepers of America.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)

School Board Meeting for Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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La Follette continues chopping its budget

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     La Follette City Council met in special session Tuesday night to hash out the budget for fiscal year 2013-14. Mayor Mike Stanfield said the council was able to slash a budget deficit of $132,000 to $70,000 but still has work to do. Mayor Stanfield said the council cut some of its "wish list" items. Possible solutions to the budget shortfall range from raising the garbage fee to increasing various permits through the planning commission. "We're trying to figure out ways to raise revenue," said the mayor. The council may meet a couple more times this month to work on the budget. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at 3 p.m.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013, 9:00 AM)

Virtual schools and potential revenue coming to Campbell County

The Campbell County Board of Education voted Tuesday night to approve a one-year contract with K12, Inc. as a partner in a virtual schools program, in which students will receive instruction online without having to step into a classroom.

The Campbell County school system will act as a host district, receiving state BEP dollars for each student enrolled in the program regardless of where they live. The proposal submitted by K12 would allow Campbell County to keep 4 percent of the state funds while K12 would cover all instruction and costs from the balance, with no costs to the local school system.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow told the board that if registration in the program reaches the maximum cap, the county will gain $412,000 as its share for sponsoring the virtual schools program. Rector Miller moved that all proceeds from the virtual schools contract be applied to school security to provide security officers in all county schools.

K12 representative Karen Ghidotti answered a number of questions before the board voted on the contract, She explained that the program does include “blending opportunities” where online students are taken on field trips and other outings where they can interact with other students, and K12 will establish a local office in Campbell County to address any issues that might arise.

Online students may also participate in sports according to local school districts’ policies on admitting home schooled students or others not attending regular classes.

Eugene Lawson was the only board member to vote “no” on the contract, which was approved by a vote of 7-1. Scott Hill was absent from the meeting as was J. L. “Sarge” Collins, who is hospitalized. The board observed a moment of prayer for Collins’ speedy recovery.

The board also voted to increase the price of cafeteria meals in the 2013-14 school year to offset increased costs due to new USDA regulations and other factors. The board did receive one bit of good news concerning the deficit in the food services budget. The $11,000 in unpaid cafeteria charges at Campbell County High School has been reduced to around $3,000 as students and employees paid off their balances at the end of the year.

The board also voted unanimously to approve a number of food services bids for the upcoming year and to amend the calculation process for setting supervisory salaries that will essentially cap the salary supplements at current levels.

The board also voted 8-0 to transfer ownership of the former Pinecrest School to the county general government, so that the county can arrange to pay off a $14,000 mortgage on the property negotiated by the defunct Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department. The fire station/former school will then be handed over to Campbell County Rural Fire Service so that fire protection can be continued for the Pinecrest area.

Lawson was again the only dissenting vote on a motion that passed 7-1 to donate $2,000 for volleyball uniforms at LaFollette Middle School. When asked why LaFollette Middle School cannot use some of its own activity funds for the uniforms, Faye Comer explained that while the school has over $15,000 in the football program account, those funds are restricted to the football program. “The volleyball account has a balance of $54,” Comer pointed out.

The board is still waiting for budget documents to be supplied by the Department of Finance, as there has been a delay in obtaining final revenue figures from the State Department of Education. The department hopes to have a budget by Monday, June 17, Chairman Josh Parker explained, which would give board members nearly two weeks to review and study the documents before voting on the budget at a recessed meeting on Thursday, June 27.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

LEC eyes new building, new location

     Twice the space.  State of the art technology.  And lots more.  La Follette Eye Clinic and the Eyewear Gallery are moving and expanding.  LEC erected its sign (by Creative Signs) Tuesday signaling the start of its transition as it prepares to break ground on its new location later this summer.  Currently, La Follette Eye Clinic and the Eyewear Gallery are next to Woodson Mall/Food City Center. 

The new location is at Wier Woods Corner across from Community Trust Bank.  Paul Cordell, COO and optician for La Follette Eye Clinic, tells WLAF that they will break ground this summer and be in the new building in the summer of 2014. 

Cordell explains that even now LEC has technology that no other clinic in the southeast has, and that the new location will feature even more state of the art equipment that offers patients services they will not have access to anywhere else.  La Follette Eye Clinic is approaching 30-years of service to the area. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)

     Arrest made in last week's shooting

     Last Tuesday, a Knoxville TV Station, WATE, ran a story about an attempted child abduction at Pioneer.  The child’s mother, Elaine Austin, explained that a man tried to abduct her six-year old daughter, Skylee, outside their home on Melvin Hollow Road.  Skylee ran inside telling her mother that the man, driving a dirty white van, grabbed her fingers and squeezed them really hard.  The youngster told police that the van then drove away on Melvin Hollow Road which is in the mountains on the east side of I-75.  It was then reported that someone fired shots at a white van in Newcomb, a van Campbell County Deputies do not believe was involved in the abduction attempt.  As Campbell County Detectives continue working to solve the puzzle surrounding the attempted abduction, an arrest has been made in the shooting.      

Lindsay

Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF News that 18-year old Corey Shane Lindsay of Pioneer was charged this morning with last week’s shooting of the white van and its driver.  The sheriff’s report outlines that David Perkins of Newcomb was driving the van when Lindsay fired a shotgun twice hitting Perkins and Perkins’ van.  Perkins suffered non-life threatening injuries.  Lindsay faces charges of reckless endangerment and aggravated assault, and his bond is scheduled to be set later today.(UPDATED TUE, 06/11/13, 1:00 PM)

Cutbacks in state education dollars, animal shelter discussed

County commissioners received some heavy homework Monday night, in the form of thick budget folders containing the proposed 2013-14 budgets for all county funds except capital outlay and education.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow told commissioners that no tax increases are necessary to fund the county’s general fund, sanitation and highway budgets, with Road Superintendent Dennis Potter again receiving little if any additional local money for road paving projects.

Commissioners must now wait for the other shoe to drop, when they see how much additional local revenue will be needed to offset cutbacks in state education dollars and try to find a way to pay for increased security at the county’s schools. Budget meetings have been set for this Thursday night, along with two recessed commission meetings planned after next Monday’s regular meeting to review the budget proposals.

At their workshop, commissioners also briefly discussed the animal shelter, which is still closed following the online distribution of controversial videos last month that seem to show shelter employees failing to take steps to minimize animals’ suffering during euthanasia.

Mayor William Baird told commissioners that the three shelter employees are being kept on the payroll, receiving paid leave until a TBI investigation is completed. Baird said that he expects to be able to re-open the shelter in “two or three weeks.”

“Until then, I don’t want to put somebody back out there if in two or three weeks there will be charges filed,” Baird added.

Baird also directed the commission’s attention to two memorandums from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, which is proposing to carry out safety improvement projects at the intersection of old Highway 63 and Glade Springs Road and on State Route 297 near Elk Valley Elementary School.

The Glade Springs project will be involve rumble strips and improved signage at a cost of $47,800, while two contracts to install new caution lights and make other improvements on Highway 297 will cost a total of $425,400. All of the work will be paid for from state funds, although the county must sign a maintenance contract to maintain and repair any signs or lights that are damaged.

TDOT’s memo indicated that both roads exceed the state average for severe crashes, and all of the improvements are designed to improve highway safety.

Before adjourning, the commission heard from County Attorney Joe Coker about an unusual situation involving TVA and a still-unfinished lakefront home in the Flat Hollow area.

According to Coker, an unnamed individual began constructing a $200,000 home on a lot that was later discovered to be TVA land, despite deeds that showed it to be private property, even being included on county tax maps.

After years of fruitless negotiations, the builder has failed to convince TVA to cede ownership of the land and is instead trying to find an acceptable alternative to having the 90 percent completed house demolished.  He has offered to donate the house and TVA has indicated it might allow the structure to remain if it is used for an acceptable public purpose, Coker told commissioners.

Shepherd’s Home is preparing a proposal, and the Chamber of Commerce is considering whether to invest in finishing the house as a county showcase for business and industrial recruiting. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 Caryville tables looking into a new traffic light for the four-lane 

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen gave its blessing Monday night for the repair of a drainage situation at the Matix Corporation plant in the town’s Ershell Collins Industrial Park off Interstate 75. The board approved the payment of $5,500 from the Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities Commission for engineering prep work, which the utility will get back at the end of the project, and also for the mayor to receive the ensuing grant on behalf of the town. The Town of Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen signed off on the project last week.  A Fastrack Grant to put in a storm sewer/detention basin will allow Matix to expand the size of its building and employ up to an additional 90 people. CJUC General Manager Frank Wallace said the grant would pay 89 percent of the cost of the project.

“Neither the town of Caryville nor the utility will have any money in the project,” said Wallace.

In other business conducted during Monday night’s meeting, the Caryville Board:

*Approved a low bid of 400 gallons of off-road diesel fuel for $1,260 from Purnell Distributors.

*Approved a low bid $736 for tiles from LaFollette Mine Supply. The tiles will be used for Loop Road.

*Approved the street and sanitation department to mow and clean up brush at the historic Cary Cemetery, but not to continue to mow it on a regular basis.

*Approved a motion asking the state to consider marking off a right turn lane on westbound Hwy. 25W at the intersection with Elkins Road.  Another discussion inquiring if the state would conduct a survey to add a red light or other traffic control device at the intersection of Hwy 25W and Queener Road was tabled until the next board meeting.

*Approved advertising for a police officer to replace Gary Johnson, who recently left the department.

“He resigned to take another job he thought would benefit him more,” said Mayor Chris Stanley.

“We definitely need another police officer. I’d like to get somebody before the Fourth of July,” said Alderwoman Vickie Heatherly.

*Rejected a bid from the Rogers Group for paving old Hwy. 25W and approved bidding out the same project by tonnage.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Caryville City Council Meeting from Monday, June 10, 2013

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Police find active meth lab while investigating domestic disturbance

     A domestic disturbance last Thursday night at Pleasant Ridge Apartments led to the discovery of an active meth lab by LaFollette Police. When officers were called to investigate an argument between Kelley L. Williams, age 37 of 704 East Hemlock Street, and her girlfriend, Britney N. Carrington, age 26 of 109 Pleasant Ridge Road, Apt. 1203, they noticed a strong ammonia-type odor. Upon investigating, they found a 14-month-old male child in an upstairs bedroom. The child and both adults were removed from the apartment after police came across an active meth lab. Officers recovered five green plastic bottles used as generators, rubber tubing, an empty box of Claritin-D, salt, lighter fluid, lithium strips, cold packs and several other items commonly used to manufacture meth. Carrington said someone named Michael Scudders offered to pay her $50 for the use of her apartment for a couple of hours to manufacture meth. Carrington admitted to smoking some of the meth after the man gave it to her. She is charged with initiating the process of manufacturing meth, possession of a schedule II drug, possession of a schedule VI drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated child abuse and vandalism over $1,000. Williams was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. The toddler was taken into protective custody by staff from the Department of Children's Services. (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2013, 5:30 PM)

Jacksboro getting new sidewalks

By Dwane WIlder - WLAF News

The Town of Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Alderman has approved a low bid of $214,387.50 by Southern Constructors, contingent on approval by TDOT, for a sidewalk grant. The action was taken Thursday night during the board’s regular monthly meeting. The grant will be an 80/20 match, with TDOT picking up the bulk of the tab.

In other action during Thursday’s meeting, the board:

*Approved a paving project for the western end of the town near the Caryville town limits.

*Approved the purchase of two police cars out of the current budget for a grant total of $46,296.00. More than a third of that cost will be taken from the police department drug fund.

*Approved the advertising of bids for two radar units for the police department through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

Frank Wallace, director of the Caryville/Jacksboro Utilities Commission, (pictured above) came before the board to ask its blessing for the repair of a drainage situation at the Matix Corporation plant in Caryville. The board approved the payment of $5,500 from CJUC for engineering prep work, which the utility will get back at the end of the project. The Town of Caryville Board of Mayor and Alderman is scheduled to vote on the same matter during its meeting on Monday night.

Also, Jacksboro Mayor Jack Cannon announced that opening bids would be taken June 27 on a new fire truck.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Knott’s Justice is a jumper

     Knott Central High’s Camron Justice drew a crowd on the court and in the stands.  A fairly good sized crowd was on hand Thursday at John Brown Gym as Campbell hosted Clinton and Knott Central (Hindman, Kentucky) in a three-way basketball scrimmage.  Knott won both its games over CCHS and Clinton while Campbell split with a win over Clinton and a loss to Knott in the nightcap.  Clinton went oh for two. 

Justice, a junior to be, is already being courted by the likes of Tennessee, Wake Forest, and Clemson, among others.  The 6-1 leaper poured through 62 points in a single-game in December against Bacon High of Cincinnati in a game played at Lexington.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)

House fire sends two people to Nashville burn unit

     Two Campbell Countians are in the burn unit at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville at this hour.  Their injuries are the result of a Wednesday night house fire.  This is the second home fire in two days on the same plot of land at Duff.  It was at 412 Duff Road in Duff about a half-mile off Highway 25W north of La Follette where the fires burned down a mobile home and a house this week.  On Tuesday morning at 3:20 a.m. is when 12-firefighters with the Campbell County Rural Fire Service responded to a call that a mobile home was on fire at Duff.  The mobile home was destroyed, no one was injured, and fire fighters tell WLAF that it appears no one was living in it.  The fire also destroyed a nearby pick-up truck and what appears to have been an unattached garage.  Then just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night, Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputies spotted something on fire, drove to it, and found it was a house on fire right in front of the burned out mobile home.  Utilities were connected to both structures.

At about the same time, La Follette Police were working an accident in front of the Beltone Hearing Aid Center on West Central Avenue.  Reports are unclear if it was Atrican or Haven who was  driving the car, appearing to be driving under the influence, and hit four other cars including a police car.  In that car, police found an 80-year old woman who was shaken up but not injured along with 54-year old Sheila Haven of La Follette and Danny Atrican (age and address not known).  Police noticed gas cans in Atrican’s car, and as Haven and Atrican got out of the car, police saw that their legs and feet were severely burned.  Haven and Atrican were taken to the La Follette Medical Center and then on to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment.  It’s believed that Atrican was then airlifted to Nashville while Haven was taken by ground ambulance.  Vanderbilt Medical Center is not releasing their conditions, but confirms that the pair is in the burn unit.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department explains to WLAF News that charges are pending against Haven and Atrican, and that it’s believed the duo set the house on fire as retribution for some past action.  Sources close to the situation tell WLAF that the house belongs to Eunice Williamson, and that her son, Darren, also lived there.  Records at the courthouse indicate that on April 16, 2013, Eunice Williamson took out an order of protection against Haven, showing a 400 East Virginia Avenue - La Follette address. Officials with the sheriff's department tell WLAF that deputies have made attempts to serve the order but have not been able to locate Haven to serve it.  According to the order of protection, Haven is Eunice Williamson's son Darren's mother-in-law.  The abuse description on the order of protection reads "She has been telling my son that she is going to come to my house in Duff, where I live alone, and she is going to shoot me and burn my house and kill herself.  I am very afraid for my safety and my home.  I am afraid to lay down and go to sleep.  And I think she has been calling my phone and hanging up on me.   She even tells her daughters, Jessica and Jody, the same threats."  Members of the bomb-arson unit and an acceleration dog are investigating.  The group worked all night and into this afternoon gathering evidence from the scene. (UPDATED THUR, 06/06/13, 4:30 PM)

   
   

 

"Man in black" stamp is available

     Some of the folks here at WLAF bought the new Johnny Cash stamp as soon as the post office opened this morning.  The 46-cent stamp features a 1963 image of Cash shot by Frank Bez during the photo session for the album “Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash.”   

Today's free public concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville features other Cash family members, including the late singer's brother and sister, Tommy Cash and Joanne Cash Yates, and friends Randy Travis, Marty Stuart, Larry Gatlin and The Oak Ridge Boys. Jamey Johnson and The Roys also are scheduled to perform.  A decade after his 2003 death, Cash remains a popular figure with million-dollar sales.  A celebration of what would have been his 80th year started last spring and efforts to preserve his legacy continue in Nashville and his birthplace in Arkansas.  The Johnny Cash Museum formally opened in downtown Nashville last week and efforts are underway to save Cash's childhood home in Dyess, Arkansas.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013, 10:30 AM)

 

La Follette City Council meets Tuesday

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

LaFollette’s city council meeting Tuesday night was short and sweet. Members of the board breezed through the agenda in less than 15 minutes with no major disagreements about items on the agenda. Most of the legwork was done during last week’s city council workshop.

Items approved by the council included:

*Applying for a city credit card under the responsibility of new administrator Billie Russell.

*Re-appointing David Longmire to the LaFollette Utility Board.

*Re-appointing Eddie Wheeler and Winona Moore to the LaFollette Planning Commission.

*The expenditure of $150.00 for the purchase of an ad on the historic downtown map being produced by the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce.

*Giving the Campbell County EMS a classroom at the East LaFollette Community Center, contingent upon a lease agreement.

*A bid from the Rogers Group for a paving project, contingent upon TDOT approval.

*Hiring Trent Carroll as a full-time employee with the public works department.

*Sending Jeff Courtney to the police academy.

*An ordinance annexing property at the Children’s Center and incorporating it into the corporate boundaries of the city.

*An ordinance amending the zoning map of LaFollette to reflect the zoning of the newly annexed territory.

*An ordinance amending the zoning map of LaFollette by re-zoning property across from the old Sports Bar from high density residential to local business district.

In a beer board meeting that followed, members voted to issue a permit to Tobacco Mercantile.

Later Tuesday evening, the LaFollette council convened for a workshop to tackle issues surrounding the 2013-14 budget, which is projected at just over $8,000,000. With the general fund out of balance by $133,000, there was much discussion about how best to resolve the issue. Suggestions ranged from raising the garbage fee to laying off employees. “We’ll have to increase revenues, cut expenses, or both,” said LaFollette Finance Director Terry Sweat. In addition to the budget deficit, there is a “wish list” of $400,000 for all departments combined. The discussion will continue at the next budget workshop scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on June 11.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Proffitt places first

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Mark Proffitt of Jacksboro took 1st place last weekend in Racing on the Tennessee, the first tour stop of the 2013 Powerboat Super League Series. He won his race in the Formula 2-SST 200 Class. Proffitt, who grew up in nearby Speedwell, has been racing boats for 13 years. His race season runs from the first of June through the end of October.

Last year he won the National High Points Championship. “We race anywhere from Bay City, Michigan to Memphis, Tennessee. I’ve always had a love for the water,” said Proffitt, who also owns a local business, Marine Contractors. Sunday’s season opener on the Tennessee River along the Knoxville waterfront featured around 200 boats from across the United States and Canada. Some of the boats topped out at more than 125 miles per hour and went from zero to 100 in less than six seconds. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

La Follette City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 4, 2013

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Glade Springs man triggers hit-n-run, crash, and chase

 

     A hit and run crash in Caryville leads to an hour-long manhunt.  Around 3:30 Monday afternoon, Caryville Police answered a hit and run crash on Highway 116 in front of the Quik Stop Market.  And the chase was underway.  CPD, Jacksboro Police, the sheriff's department, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol all joined in the hunt for 41-year old David Norris of Glade Springs who fled the scene.  The hour-long manhunt began on the east side of I-75, crossed the interstate to the west side, and on over to Mountain Road.  That's where CCSD Deputy Franklin Ayers chased Norris on foot until he was able to catch and cuff him  

 

Norris was taken to the La Follette Medical Center Emergency Room where he was treated for minor cuts and abrasions and then released.  Police believe Norris was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  Among the multiple charges Norris faces, are a second driving under the influence (DUI) and possession of schedule IV controlled substance.  Norris remains in the county jail this afternoon on an $18,500 bond.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013, 3:15 PM)

Craig retires, Childress ready to return

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Ruby Childress was only 17 when she began teaching at Valley View School just three years after the end of World War II. Six decades later, the spry 82-year-old has, by far, the longest tenure of anyone in Campbell County Public Schools.

Childress and her friend and co-worker Janice Craig, who just retired after more than four decades in the classroom, have a combined 103 years of teaching experience. And, while Craig is leaving, Childress said she plans to teach a couple more years.

“I like to work with children and I like to see them excel,” said Childress. The only break during her teaching career was when she took four years off during the mid-1960s to care for her baby boys, Bill and Gregg, both of whom grew up to be doctors.

Childress began her career with a group of 32 fifth graders back in 1948. During her career, Childress has also taught the fourth, sixth and seventh grades as well as kindergarten, where she has been the past three decades.

“I was the first kindergarten teacher at Valley View. Now we’ve got four,” said Childress. “I enjoyed the fourth and fifth grades. I stayed in the fifth a long time.”

Childress has a long and distinguished list of former pupils, including former U.S. Army Colonel and Campbell County Executive Tom Stiner and current Campbell County Director of Schools Donnie Poston.

Childress has spent her entire teaching career at Valley View School. She said being able to play the piano for chapel services helped her land that first job back in 1948.(UPDATED TUE, 06/04/13, 6:00 AM)

Coach Wells remembers teammate McNelley

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     Former classmates of Greg McNelley describe him as very easy-going, likeable and well-known. McNelley, a 1978 graduate of Campbell County High School where he was class president, died Saturday afternoon at University of Tennessee Medical Center following a traffic accident on Hwy. 25W between Lake City and Clinton. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, McNelley and his wife Julie were traveling on a motorcycle Saturday morning when an SUV turned into their path. Julie remains at UT Medical Center in stable condition. The driver of the SUV, 71-year-old William Ferrell of Clinton, was not injured. Greg McNelley was 53 years old. He was living in Lake City, but was originally from Jacksboro. He and former Campbell County High School coach Dewayne Wells played football two years together at CCHS and graduated with the same class. Wells said McNelley played defensive back for the Cougars. “I think I saw him a few years ago. Everybody knew him. He was very much a free spirit,” said Wells.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

It's Russell's first day as La Follette City Administrator

     Billie Russell hit the ground running this morning.  Russell is the new, and first-ever female, city administrator for the City of La Follette.  She held her first staff meeting and readies for her first city council meeting set for Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.  The new administrator tells WLAF that she wanted to start her first day with a scheduled meeting of all available employees.  Russell discussed her background and management philosophy as well as the following of the city charter and the personnel policy as laid out by the city council.  She also advocated following the chain of command, but notes that she does have an open door policy. 

Russell stressed that “we are a team,” and each person is an important part of the team.  Employees were given an opportunity to ask questions.  Many stated that they enjoy their job with the city, and that some of the employees have been with the city for 20 to 30 years.  With Russell in place, Chief of Police Jimmy Jeffries is now able to devote all his time as chief.  Since February 5, 2013, Jeffries has served as interim city administrator as well as police chief.  Jeffries took over for Cade Sexton after Sexton resigned on January 18 of this year.  Sexton served as city administrator in a part-time slash interim role.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013, NOON)

Discount City open at east end city limits

WLAF welcomes the newest business to La Follette as “Discount City” is now open for business in the “East Gate Center” next to the entrance to DeRoyal.  The new store is locally owned and operated by Paul House who has many years of retail business experience as he was employed in a management position with Wal-Mart.  Paul says he understands the retail business and his experience has given him the knowledge to obtain many reasonable y priced products to display at true discounted prices.

The store offers a variety of products from electronics such as cell phone accessories, cables, chargers,  DVD players, to hedge trimmers and coffee makers.

“I have been on the road for many years and decided to settle down, stay close to family and open a business where I can provide people with fair prices on popular products and people can be in and out quickly and feel good about their purchase”, said Paul as he was still stocking shelves. “I will continue to add various things as I grow the business but first we just want people to know we are here and to welcome them  in and to see what we have and if we do not have it, then ask me, maybe next time we will.

Look for Paul’s Discount City to have an official “Grand Opening” as soon as Paul has fully stocked his store and ready to go.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

It's really been 50-years for the JHS Class of 1963

     It was a good time had by all on Saturday atop McCloud Mountain.  Twenty-one graduates, along with wives, husbands, and friends totaling 51 folks, attended the 50th class reunion of the Jacksboro High School Class of 1963.

All-in-all, there were some 76 young men and women who graduated from JHS in '63.  Saturday evening's attendees included alums from as far away as Alabama and Ohio.

Four of the teachers, Pat Sharp Brown, Jane Dora Asbury, Esco Owens, and Carl "Deedle" Hembree, made the big event.

Class President Pat Ridenour Rice and the other class officers were also able to attend.

The JHS Class of '63 has lost 18 of its members over the years.

Janet Wormsley tells WLAF that the group has gotten together about every five-years of late, and she says they may just try to do it again in another five-years. (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Closure of shelter hampers animal control efforts

     Animal control in Campbell County has pretty much been at a standstill since County Mayor William Baird closed the Adrion Baird Animal Shelter on April 11 amid allegations the facility was being operated in an improper and unethical manner. The shelter will remain closed until the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation finishes looking into complaints against shelter director Betty Crumley. That investigation began on April 16 at the request of Mayor Baird, Sheriff Robbie Goins and District Attorney General Lori Phillips-Jones. When the case is concluded, the TBI will turn it over to DA Phillips-Jones for review. LaFollette Animal Control Officer Stan Foust is responding only to “dog bite” calls until the shelter is re-opened and there is somewhere to take stray and abandoned animals. “As long as they prolong the opening, this thing is going to get worse,” said Foust. “We’ve got puppies and kittens born this spring that’s running all over the place. And cats can have at least two litters a year,” Jacksboro Animal Control Officer Dewey Madison is faced with a similar situation and no way of handling strays. “We’re having problems too. We’re just dealing with them on a case-by-case basis,” said Madison. (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013, 10:30 AM)

Animal shelter remains closed - investigation continues

     April 11.  That’s when the Campbell County Mayor closed the county’s animal shelter until further notice.  On April 16, the mayor, Sheriff Robbie Goins, and District Attorney General Lori Phillips-Jones requested a TBI investigation into the allegations levied against the shelter and its supervisor, Betty Crumley.  WLAF News contacted the TBI on Wednesday (May 29) for an update on the investigation, and Kristin Helm with the TBI tells WLAF that the investigation remains open and the investigation continues.  When the case is concluded, the TBI will turn it over to DA Phillips-Jones for review.  Deputy Mayor David Young tells WLAF that the shelter will remain closed at least until the investigation is complete.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013, 1:00 PM)

Bruce signs in the works

     The Tennessee Department of Transportation notified State Representative Dennis Powers that work to create signs for the Ken Bruce Memorial Highway are in the works.  A stretch of Highway 25W in front of Campbell County High School is dedicated to the memory of former CCHS Principal Ken Bruce, and signs will be erected along the roadway later this summer.  Bruce was fatally shot in the 2005 school shooting at the high school.  The accused shooter, Kenneth Bartley, is getting new trial in November.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Woman saves $30,000 at the grocery store

     And here’s a story from the “double-take” category.  A Ridgewood lady spent eighty-dollars and seven-cents on groceries last week at the Lake City Shop Rite.  When she glanced down at her savings from using her Shop Rite Card, she had to look twice, three times even.  Her savings totaled 33,394 dollars.  Oh, and eighty-cents.  Sounds like quite a shopping experience. (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Carmike Movies 2 behind Woodson Shell

 La Follette, Tennessee
423.562.0979

Epic  (PG)

   
   
   
   
Sun Jun 2:
2:00pm   4:30pm   7:00pm   9:30pm  
Mon Jun 3:
2:00pm   4:30pm   7:00pm   9:30pm  
Tue Jun 4:  
2:00pm   4:30pm   7:00pm   9:30pm  

The Hangover Part III  (R)

   
   
   
   
Sun Jun 2:
2:15pm   4:45pm   7:15pm   9:45pm  
Mon Jun 3:
2:15pm   4:45pm   7:15pm   9:45pm  
Tue Jun 4:  
2:15pm   4:45pm   7:15pm   9:45pm

Paving of four-lane starts Friday evening

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

If given the opportunity, Campbell County EMS Director Danny Sheckles plans to open a community training and education classroom at the East LaFollette Community Center, provide coverage for all rec league football games, and offer free CPR training for any City of LaFollette government office or employee.

Parks and Recreation Director Johnny Byrge pitched Sheckles’ proposal to city council during Tuesday night’s monthly workshop.

The council seemed receptive to the idea.

Other items discussed at the workshop included:

*Announcing the opening of bids, at 2 p.m. on June 11, for replacement of the city hall roof.

*Changing language in the personnel policy to require employees who test positive for drugs to go before a certified substance abuse counselor and be referred to a sanctioned treatment program. Police Chief and Interim City Administrator Jimmy Jeffries said employees of other municipalities have found ways around such a policy by being counseled by a pastor or church-based program. Jeffries said those programs have their place in the rehabilitation process and could be effective when combined with sanctioned treatment at a medical clinic set up to deal with patients who have drug addictions.

*Applying for a city credit card. When former City Administrator Cade Sexton resigned earlier this year, his corporate credit card was canceled. The city clerk would be responsible for the new card, which would be in the new city administrator’s name.

*Sending Jeff Courtney to the police academy at a cost of $3,240.00.

*Hiring Trent Carroll as a full-time employee in the public works department at a salary of $19,886.94.

*Ratifying an ordinance to annex certain territory (the Children's Center) and incorporate it within the corporate boundaries of the City of LaFollette.

*Paving of the westbound lanes of Hwy. 25W between the IGA and Rainbow Restaurant. The work is scheduled to begin Friday evening around nightfall.

*Upcoming appointments to the planning commission and utility board.

*Advertising for space on a brochure produced by the Chamber of Commerce that details a self-guided tour of LaFollette historic sites.

*Scheduling a budget workshop for Tuesday, June 4 following the regularly scheduled monthly council meeting.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Roane State’s Zack Sterner to assume head coaching position for Roane State

Zack Sterner has been named Roane State Community College's head baseball coach.

Sterner served as an assistant coach for two years under Head Coach David Lane, who has resigned to take a full time teaching position at Roane State.

“I am excited about the future and challenges of the baseball program,” said Sterner. Before coming to Roane State, Sterner played college ball at Walters State and at Tennessee Wesleyan College and went on to play professional baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization for three years and the River City Rascals of Frontier League Independent Professional Baseball for two years.

Lane coached baseball at Roane State for seven years, first as an assistant and then as head coach from 2009 to 2013. “We appreciate all the hard work and stability that Coach Lane gave our program the last few years” said Athletic Director Randy Nesbit. “We’re confident that Coach Sterner has become well prepared to assume his new position by being groomed under Coach Lane’s tutelage, along with his close relationships with Coaches Ken Campbell at Walters State and Billy Berry at Tennessee Wesleyan.”

“I am sincerely thankful to Roane State for the opportunity to guide each student-athlete in the classroom, on the baseball field, and in the community by placing an emphasis on providing each player the tools to maximize their opportunity to succeed,” said Sterner. (UPDATED WED, MAY 29, 2013, 6:00 AM)

"Catch of the quarter" is in Campbell County

 

     The Campbell County Sheriff's Department receives an award.  Sergeant Darrell Mongar of the CCSD receives an award from the United States Police K-9 Association (USPCA) for "Region 8 Catch of the Quarter" in narcotics detection. 

Mongar (left) with Sheriff Robbie Goins, and, of course, Dano

This comes after Mongar and K-9 Dano found $12,500 in drug monies buried in a coffee can.  The duo found the stash buried in a wooded area while executing a warrant in April.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013, 10:45 AM) 

Open Arms Ministry telethon tops $2,500

     Open Arms Ministry’s “spring telethon” was a success.  Saturday night over WLAF-TV 12 and 1450 WLAF Radio, more than 27-hundred dollars was raised.  Along the way, some of the hosts took a pie in the face when milestones were reached.  Bruce Wallace took a pie in the face when the $1,000 dollar mark was eclipsed.  Then it was Ben McGhee taking a pie in the eye when Open Arms Ministry broke the two-thousand dollar barrier.  Once 25-hundred dollars was surpassed, Ray Yeary caught a pie in the face.  All-in-all, $2,711 were raised.  All the money raised goes to help feed Campbell Countians.(UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Veterans honored, remembered this morning at Jacksboro

Good weather may have helped.  Because there was a better than usual turnout this morning at 11:00 at the Campbell County Courthouse at Jacksboro for the 2013 Memorial Day Ceremony honoring and remembering our veterans.  Campbell County Veteran Service Officer Kevin Walden led today's ceremony that also featured comments from State Representative Dennis Powers.  Powers made special note of four years and four months, the time his father, Hugh, served in the military.  The United States and Tennessee Flags were hoisted first followed by the flags from all the branches of the military.(UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013, 11:45 AM)

Consumer alert from Sheriff Robbie Goins

Sheriff Robbie Goins has received reports of a credit/debit card scam and wants you to exercise caution to avoid becoming a victim.

This scam is sent through text messages that state “Your credit card number 4355xx has been deactivated” the fraudsters then instruct you to call (615) 301-8561 to resolve the issue.  When the number is called, a recorded message is played “Hello, this is Regions Bank, please enter your 16 digit card number at this time”.

The Sheriff encourages anyone who receives this or similar contact, to not respond.  Goins also advises yous to then contact the telephone number listed on the back of the card to report this matter.

You may get obtain additional information on scams and identity theft, or can file a consumer complaint by going to www.tn.gov/consumer. (UPDATED SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013, 7:00 PM)

My war hero across the street

     That's Corky Huddleston. He just waved at me. I quickly waved back. Yep, that was a big deal to an 11-year old for a senior to notice a skinny white haired kid. Corky just graduated from LHS (1968), and I was getting ready for 7th grade at La Follette Junior High, a stone's throw from our houses that sat across the street from one another on West Central Avenue.

     The Vietnam War was raging, and Uncle Sam was drafting youngsters left and right. I don't remember when Corky was called up, but I do remember seeing him all dressed up is his uniform a few times.  And he was still waving to me.  It was 1970, almost spring, when I heard Corky was heading off to war.  It was only a handful of weeks later when word came that Corky was killed in South Vietnam. Up to that day, May 12, spring of 1970 in 8th grade was a great time for me.

     I don't recall the date, but I remember heading to Liberty Park with my P.E. classmates to play ball when the crowd was gathering for Corky's funeral.  One of the fellows asked what was happening.  I really wished I didn't know, but I did.  And I told him that that was my neighbor Corky's funeral about to start.

Corky's car (COURTESYCHARLIE HUTSON ARCHIVES)

     It was the summer of 2000.  We were visiting up east, and the trip included a stop where I was born, Washington, D.C.  Memories of Corky came rushing back when we visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  Emotions piqued when I finally found Corky's name on the wall. It's up pretty high, and the caretaker keeps a ladder close by.  I was able to take the slip of paper and pencil to shade the engraving of Corky's name.  It was at that moment I wanted to write a story about Corky, but I didn't.

     The little white frame house where Corky lived is gone now, taken down when First Baptist Church bought it to make way for a new addition.  My old house still sits across the street from where Corky's was.  Every now and then, especially on this Memorial Day some 41-years later (2011), I still think of Corky.  That's Sergeant Robert Joseph "Corky" Huddleston, my hero across the street.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013, AT 6:00 AM - REPRINTED FROM MAY 30, 2011)

Wartime photo of Pitney McGhee

World War II veteran Pitney McGhee laid to rest Sunday

     A huge crowd gathered Sunday afternoon at Marlow Cemetery in Caryville as World War II veteran Pitney McGhee was laid to rest with full military honors.  McGhee, who turned 100 last fall, was born November 21, 1912 at Nicks Creek along the Campbell/Scott County line.  After joining the United States Army in January 1943, McGhee served two and a half years in the Pacific, where he was involved in battle campaigns at New Guinea and the Philippines as a member of the 147th Field Artillery Battalion. Following the war, McGhee returned to Campbell County and worked as a carpenter. (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

Results from Susan Sharp versus the La Follette Press

     Dismissed.  That’s the decision handed down this week at the Campbell County Courthouse at Jacksboro in the Susan Sharp versus the La Follette Press lawsuit.  Sharp, the newspaper’s former editor and reporter, was terminated in April and soon filed a civil action lawsuit against the paper’s owners and its new editor, Brent Schanding.  Sharp was demoted as editor in June of 2012 and was eventually replaced by Schanding a few weeks before she was let go.  In the suit, the 42-year Sharp claims she was discriminated against and terminated in-part, among other reasons, because of gender and age.  The lawsuit reads that a younger male was then placed in the position of Editor.  Sharp was asking for her job back or compensatory damages not to exceed two-hundred thousand dollars.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Wednesday night’s checkpoint successful

A joint effort by local and state law enforcement nets four arrests and several charges.  Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF that the checkpoint was conducted on Wednesday from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the four-lane between Jacksboro Middle School and the north Caryville traffic light.  The results include CRD child restraint law – 4, Other driver license laws – 6, Misdemeanor Drug – 3, violation of the light law – 3, seatbelt violation – 8, driving under the influence – 3, other non-moving violations – 8, registration violations – 4, truck inspections – 1, DRE drug recognition vvaluations-3, warnings issued – 16, and total arrests were four.  The complete list of those involved in the arrests and citations is found in the arrest report section of our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Rain holds off as the Orange battles back to win

     WLAF's Les Martin said the Blue team would win.  And after the CCHS Blue Squad built a double-digit lead, it looked as if it just might take the game.  Martin's broadcast partner, Brent Allen, predicted the Orange would prevail.  And in the end, the Orange fought back to claim a 32-26 victory on Pat Kerr Field at Dossett Stadium.  Coach Justin Price tells WLAF that he was pleased with what he saw in the annual intra-squad spring football scrimmage and was impressed with the improvement of his rising junior quarterback, Ethan Jeffers. 

Close to 300 Cougar fans were on hand to catch a glimpse of some of what they can expect to see in the fall and to feed their football hunger a little before their three-month layoff from football.  Campbell's schedule includes home games August 23 with Cumberland Gap, Anderson County visits on September 13, Oak Ridge is here on October 4, and Karns closes out the home slate on October 25.  Homecoming is September 20 when the Clinton Dragons make a stop at CCHS.  Road games are August 30 at Corbin against Lynn Camp, September 6 at Knoxville Central, September 27 at Halls, October 11 at district newcomer Gibbs, and November 1 at Powell.  The WLAF-Pilot Sports Network provides live radio and televised internet coverage of all Cougar Football games at home and away.

Click here for Cougar Football

See the Orange-n-Blue game from May 23, 2013

Swilling receives state's highest honor

By Vic King - WLAF News

     Judi Swilling, the branch office administrator of  Edward Jones Investments of La Follette, recently received the highest honor the Governor can bestow on a citizen of Tennessee.  Swilling was presented the honor of   “Tennessee Colonel Aide de camp” By Governor Bill Haslam. 

Judi Swilling with Governor Bill Haslam

Those who receive this award are recorded by the Secretary of state of Tennessee with those who have been commissioned into the State Guard and Tennessee National Guard.  In addition Judi was also presented a proclamation by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey which was passed by the Senate of Tennessee General Assembly recognizing her for her numerous accomplishments in her political as well as civic leadership.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013, 12:30 PM)

Dollars down for RFL

Story and pictures by Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Campbell County's Relay for Life 2013 raised about half of what it did last year.  

However, donations will continue to trickle in through August, so the final amount could grow much more than the $41,000 counted after last Friday's event held at Jacksboro Middle School.  

Paige Etter, who co-chaired the Campbell County 2013 Relay for Life along with Cyndi Russell, said attendance was likely down due to the threat of rain and other major events happening the same weekend. (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

 

School Board mulls unfinished budget, has tough questions

for “virtual school” representatives

Board of Education members reviewed the final department reports at a workshop Tuesday before preparing to finalize a school budget for the upcoming fiscal year, then spent an hour hearing from representatives of K12, Inc., an online educational program that is interested in creating partnerships with local Tennessee school systems.

Tennessee state law allows school districts to sponsor online schools. Numerous school districts are taking advantage of this opportunity and we project a high demand, so you have the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of this new approach,” K12 representative Joe Chisum told the five board members attending the workshop.

Instead, several board members voiced skepticism and directed some hard questions at the two K12 representatives.

“We have over 100,000 public school students enrolled,’ Chisum stated, but admitted that the only county that has joined the “cutting edge” so far in Tennessee is the Tennessee Virtual Academy of Union County, where a total of 3,000 students were enrolled from across the state.

“Did not the test scores of students in the Union County program fall short?” Eugene Lawson asked. “How well did Union County test results measure up?”

“In the first year, scores were not what we wanted,” Chisum admitted, adding, “The new test scores are about to be released and we expect they will be greatly improved.”

The K12 model allows school districts to receive the state dollars for each student enrolled as if they were attending regular school, then K12 charges a fee for each student from the school district “partner.”

“Is there any way that you’ll be charging us more than we receive from the state?” Lawson also asked.

Chisum’s response was less than direct. “We’ll be under contract to you to provide the services,” he replied. To other questions about total or per student costs, the K12 representatives said that they couldn’t provide exact figures until the RFP (request for proposals) is completed.

“What is your graduation rate?” Homer Rutherford asked.

Again, the K12 spokespersons replied that they did not have the exact figures but would provide them before a contract is final.

Lawson also asked what other states and school systems are currently partnered with K12 in online education. This time Chisum was prepared with answers, responding that the closest state is Georgia, with 12,000 students enrolled. He added that systems with exceptional results include schools in Washington D. C. and Arkansas, where K12 has been involved for ten years with programs that exceed standards at K-8 levels.

The board members did not indicate whether they are inclined to negotiate a contract with K12 but as Director Donnie Poston explained at the board meeting last week, the board is not committed to anything by reviewing a proposal.

Before the K12 presentation, the board members heard reports on the projected technology budget, where the new PARC testing program that supplants TCAP tests will eventually require over a thousand computers capable of using the testing software. The county has about 400 computers that can be re-programmed to meet part of that demand but will have to lease computers on a temporary basis to meet the total demand.

Jeannie Higdon reported on the pre-Kindergarten budget, which should see little change from the current year, but she added, “We don’t yet have our figures from the state so I can’t give you the final amounts.”

Higdon handed out a report that showed the pre-K budget for the current year at $987,046, with 70 percent, or $688,413 of that amount coming from state grants while the county provides $298,633.

Dr. Rita Goins reported on textbooks needs for the upcoming year, adding that as computer programs provide more instruction in future years, textbook purchases will decline but are still necessary for the time being.

Goins and Poston confirmed that the adult education program in Campbell County will now be administered out of Claiborne County, as state education budget cuts for adult education force consolidation of many systems.

Many of the programs that Goins supervises are heavily dependent on state and federal grants and funds, so she was also unable to provide final dollar figures until the Tennessee Dept. of Education finalizes their shared revenue projections.

Board chairman Josh Parker concluded the workshop without scheduling a follow-up session, as the board must now await more information about numerous state funds before a final budget can be developed.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013, 9:00 a.m.)

Haslam here Tuesday

Story and photos by:  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News    

     A packed house greeted Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam on Tuesday afternoon as he came to Caryville to formally sign Lynn’s Law, which makes it a felony to abandon an adult who is

Haslam and State Senator Ken Yager

developmentally disabled. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Powers (above) and Sen. Ken Yager, resulted from the abandonment last June of 19-year-old Lynn Cameron of Illinois, whose mother left her mentally disabled daughter at a Caryville bar.

Local DHS staffers with the governor

Among those present Tuesday during the signing of Lynn’s Law was Caryville police officer Stephanie Smith, who investigated the incident last summer and, according to the governor, did an excellent job of getting Lynn’s picture on social media sites on the Internet to help identify her.

Alderwoman Vickie Heatherly greets Governor Haslam

Gov. Haslam had high praise for Smith, the Caryville Police Department and local employees from state agencies, including the Campbell County Department of Children’s Services. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013, 9:00 a.m.)

Campbell County Commission Meeting Monday, May 20, 2013

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County commission covers a lot of ground in its 2-hour meeting

Campbell County commissioners voted 14-0 on Monday night to authorize Sheriff Robbie Goins to apply for a federal COPS grant that would cover most of the cost of placing security officers in each of the county’s elementary schools as well as the Campbell County Learning Academy (alternative school).

The commission suspended the rules to allow school board chairman Josh Parker to present a request from the school board that the commission provide $345,000 in funding to pay the salaries for eight additional SRO officers and that those funds be in addition to local dollars required to meet state maintenance of effort levels for local education funds.

Parker then pointed out that the federal government has made additional COPS grants available for local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of providing school security. The grants would provide 75 percent of the salaries for school security salaries for three years with the county providing 25 percent. The grant agreement would require local governments to continue funding the program for a fourth year with local funding paying all of the salaries.

“After meeting the fourth year commitment, we can look at other options,” Parker explained.

Jellico commissioner Alvin Evans questioned the 75-25 split, noting that Jellico had a COPS grant that paid 100 percent for three years with one or two additional years paid from local funds.

“Those 100 percent grants were part of the federal stimulus package. That money has now been exhausted,” Rusty Orick noted.

If the county receives the grant, $258,750 of the yearly total would come from federal dollars with the county responsible for $86,250 in matching local funds.

“Do you have an alternative if you don’t get it?” Evans also asked.

“We do have a Plan B that Director Poston has worked up,” Parker replied. “We would keep the SROs at the high schools and rotate the SROs that are currently at the middle schools around to the elementary schools. We would also provide office space in the schools for the SROs and other deputies so there would be some security presence each day at all the schools.”

Parker added that Director of Schools Donnie Poston was working on the grant application, that will have to be submitted from the Sheriff’s Department.

“The deadline for the COPS grants is June 4,” Mayor William Baird pointed out. “This commission would need to vote to suspend the rules and authorize this grant application tonight in order to meet the deadline.”

“I support this and offer that motion but it’s worth mentioning that while $345,000 is a lot of money, that’s only for salaries. There will be other costs involved. That doesn’t cover training or equipment.”

The motion to authorize the grant application was then passed unanimously.

The commission also voted unanimously with one abstention to approve a new health insurance contract with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, although the rates have increased by seven percent over last year.

“Because claims are up dramatically, our rates are up. No other carriers wanted to bid on our coverage,” insurance consultant Debbie Cole explained. “We were able to work with Blue Cross/Blue Shield to keep the rate increase down to seven percent when it was determined that a number of employees who have had claims are retiring.”

Commissioners were not all in agreement on another motion, a request from some state legislators to pass a resolution opposing a sales tax on internet sales.

Mayor William Baird pointed out that the tax would help local businesses that are presently at an unfair disadvantage competing with big companies that offer online shopping. He recommended that the commission vote against the resolution.

Most of the commissioners did not agree with Baird, however, seeming hesitant to support what some viewed as an additional tax on consumers. Marie Ayers, Evans, Steve Rutherford and Terry Singley voted against the resolution to oppose the tax but it passed 9-4 with Sue Nance abstaining. J. L. Davis was absent from the meeting.

The commission did show concern for some local businesses with another resolution, however, by voting down a resolution supporting the “responsible vendor act.” That law authorizes counties to impose a requirement that all businesses selling alcoholic beverages must require employees who sell package beer to undergo a training and certification process and pay a $25 annual fee to cover the training costs.

“This is just another burden on the businessman,” Thomas Hatmaker protested.

“The legislature may make it mandatory next year,” Mayor Baird pointed out, adding, “Businesses that comply with the training will not have their beer license suspended or be liable for a fine on a first offense.”

Adkins also voiced his opposition, stating flatly, “I’m not for this. It’s just more burden on the business owner.”

Most commissioners appeared to agree. A motion to support the responsible vendor act was voted down 13-1, with only Steve Rutherford voting “yes.”

Commissioners were also split on an offer from the State Dept of Transportation to install two caution signals on Highway 297 that connects Pioneer with Jellico through Elk Valley and Newcomb.

TDOT plans to pave that highway this summer and suggested that solar powered caution lights should be placed at both the junction with Elk Fork Road and the junction of Highway 297 and Oswego Road, as well as additional signage and safety features at Glade Springs Road and old Highway 63.

The devil’s in the details, however, and several commissioners voiced concerns with the details. Although the state would pay the $1,200 cost of installing the lights, the county would have to agree to maintain them if they are vandalized or break down.

“You put all that stuff on Highway 297 and a lot of it will end up as souvenirs,” Terry Singley argued.

Alvin Evans agreed, but added, “It would be hard to turn down that much paving.”

Baird explained that the paving project is unconnected to the lights and will be done as planned regardless of the county’s decision on caution lights.

After it became clear that commissioners were divided over the idea, Rusty Orick made a motion to table the topic until June and ask for more clarification from the state on the need for the caution lights. The motion to table the discussion passed 11-2 with Bob Walden and Evans voting “no and Rutherford abstaining.

The commission then unanimously passed a motion to hire Lonnie Vann to coordinate the summer intern program at a salary of $10.80 per hour and to pay student interns at the minimum wage.

They adjourned the meeting after Mayor Baird announced that Governor Haslam will be at the Caryville Municipal Building at 2:45 on Tuesday to formerly sign “Lynn’s Law,” making it a felony to abandon an adult who is developmentally disabled.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Powers and Senator Ken Yeager, was the result of the abandonment last year of 19-year-old Lynn Cameron, whose mother fled to Ohio after leaving her mentally disabled daughter in a Caryville bar.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

Graduation coverage 2013 is made possible by these outstanding corporate partners

Litho-craft Printing & Office Supply

Robbins Guttering & Siding

First National Bank

Wender Furniture Company

Peoples Bank of the South

Josie's Beauty Fashions

Mayor William Baird

theSTAND

State Representative Dennis Powers

Powell-Clinch Utility District

Campbell County Graduation May 18, 2013

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Trial date set - Bartley could be free on bond

     Convicted school shooter Kenneth S. Bartley is getting a new trial.  Months ago, the Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood’s June 2011 order to set aside Bartley’s guilty plea and grant him a new trial.  However, the State Attorney General’s Office had the final say, and it came late last week.  Officials with the State Attorney General’s Office elected not to pursue further appeals meaning that the last order stands which is Blackwood’s order for a new trial. 

Bartley on the evening of the shooting

Bartley, now 21, was 14 at the time of the shooting at Campbell High School on November 8, 2005, and 15 when he  pleaded guilty in 2007.  Under the terms of the deal, Bartley was sentenced to 45 years for killing Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and wounding Assistant Principal Jim Pierce and Principal Gary Seale. The sentences were structured in such a way that the teenager could be eligible for parole in roughly 25 years.  

Blackwood

Assistant District Attorney Mike Ripley tells WLAF News that it was confirmed Monday morning that Bartley’s trial will take place at the Jacksboro Courthouse the week of November 18, 2013.  Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood will preside. 

Bartley in the summer of 2011

A person in attorney Gregory Isaacs’ office could not tell us if Isaacs would be asking for a bond for Bartley.  Ripley said that he supposes Isaacs could ask for a bond meaning that Bartley could now be set free.  Bartley is no longer considered a convicted criminal but an accused suspect.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013, 9:30 AM)

 

 

Vic King's photo gallery from WLAF's 60th celebration

Hobart McCreary and WLAF's Joe Holiday

Ann Thompson, Brent McNeeley, and Red Harrison

Ronnie Henderson looks on as Linda Farmer Thompson, Mary Ann Cummins, & friends chat

The Silver Cloud performs

Upwards of 1,000 WLAF friends came by to say hello

Charlie Hutson listens as Dormas Miller and Bill Waddell talk

David Graham is counting up how many hot dogs he's eaten

Charlie Hutson's thinking about his next camera shot

Lillie in orange looks on as Dormas Miller and Bill Waddell are in deep discussion

Perennial candidate Virgil Kidwell works the crowd in anticipation of another run for office

Harold Branam and Ron McClellan are getting an "atta boy" from Margaret Ayers

Ann Thompson visits with a customer

Nancy and Kippy Leach arrive at the celebration

Jim Rogers is looking for Todd Overbay

Winfred Douglas and Earl Lawson visit while Barney Goins surveys the situation

Where does the new school security law leave Campbell County?

     How is the new school security law going to effect Campbell County Schools?  Governor Bill Haslam signed the School Security Act of 2013 into law on Thursday.  The Campbell County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF News that basically, the changes are not too different from the way they were before the new law was signed.  Evans says officers have to complete Academy training and POST regulations.  The plans here have not yet been finalized, but School Board Member Rector Miller made a motion to ask the Campbell County Commission for funds of $340,000 and another $325,000 for maintenance of effort levels.  If funding is not available, the plan with the school system is to split current SROs, currently at the middle schools, between the middle schools and the elementary schools.  The two high schools, Campbell and Jellico, stay the same.  If the County Commission does OK the funds, this will not include money for the training of the officers, gas, or other expenses. Evans adds that the School System is offering office space for the SROs.  If this is the route taken, the officers will rotate between the schools.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013, 11:00 AM)

One last look before the tree tumbles

The sign that became synonymous with the south Caryville exit is no longer.  As part of the new Holiday Inn Express, the tree came down Thursday morning.  The final day pictures are from WLAF's David Graham.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)

The Holiday Inn Express owners, the Patels

David Graham was extra quick to snap this photo with Haskel "Hack" Ayers

Girls and boys soccer coming to Campbell High*

Peace appears to have been declared in the brewing feud between school board member Rector Miller and school system Safety & Athletic Director Johnny Bruce. At Tuesday’s board meeting, Miller withdrew his proposal to eliminate Bruce’s position in order to fund security officers for the county’s eight elementary schools.

Miller instead indicated that other options are being considered and invited Bruce to explain progress that he has made in providing security for all of the county’s schools.

Bruce then reported on discussions with Sheriff Robbie Goins. “The sheriff has officers that need office space, and says if the schools can make space available for them, he will assign deputies or detectives to work out of offices at the different schools,” Bruce told the board.

Board attorney Dail Cantrell added that there is no legal problem with such an arrangement and that actually the school principals can make the decision to provide the office space without a vote by the board.

“They wouldn’t be there all the time,” Miller observed, but their presence would be a deterrent to any problems.”

Miller then offered a motion to ask the county commission to provide funding for full time school resource officers at the elementary schools, at a cost of $340,000.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow told the board that local funding for the school system will increase by around $325,000 due to a continuing decline in state funding, and he advised that any motion to fund security be appropriated above the state-mandated minimum local education dollars.

Miller then amended his motion to request $340,000 for security in addition to the maintenance of effort levels. The motion passed unanimously, although board members are aware that getting another $340,000 from the commission may be a big “if.”

The board also voted to approve a high school soccer program with $2,000 salary supplements for head coaches for both boy’s and girl’s teams and $1,000 supplements for two assistant coaches. Bruce reported that 30 boys and 28 girls signed up at Campbell County High to join the teams.

“This is adding a whole new sport to the CCHS athletic director’s duties. We need to look at increasing her compensation as well,” added Miller, referring to Sherry Chapman.*

Eugene Lawson was the only member to vote ”no” as the soccer program was approved by a 9-1 vote.

The board also voted to decrease the number of unexcused absences during a school year from ten to five before disciplinary action will be taken, and voted unanimously to invite proposals for a virtual school contract.

“Any students who sign on to virtual school, to seek a degree online we get full state funding as if they were in school,” Poston pointed out.

“Did they not take the virtual school program out of Union County?” Eugene Lawson asked.

“I asked the same thing,” Poston replied. “I have some concerns about the program but this doesn’t obligate us to anything.”

While voting on several budget amendments, Mike Orick pointed out that the school system’s solar panel project is ahead of projections.

”For all the naysayers in the audience, I want to point out that the first payment, projected at around $9,000, was actually over $16,000,” Orick said.

Marlow agreed, telling the board that the average of 1863 kilowatts of electricity produced meant an extra $600 per month at each of the nine schools. “Of course this could go down in winter months,” he cautioned.

The board spent an hour before the regular meeting reviewing the budget for different departments, and will continue budget workshops next week.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013, 5:00 AM)

*Correction:  School Board Member Rector Miller referred to increasing the compensation of CCHS Athletic Director Sherry Chapman at Tuesday night's school board meeting.  An item in Wednesday's WLAF news incorrectly stated "We need to look at increasing his compensation as well,” added Miller, who only two weeks ago had suggested eliminating the athletic director position to fund the SROs."

Fun at the May Chamber of Commerce Networking event - May 16, 2013

Hosted by WLAF - Pix courtesy of Vic King

 

School Board Meeting Part 1 May 14, 2013

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School Board Meeting Part 2 May 14, 2013

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Ivey sues the City of Caryville

     The former city recorder and certified municipal financial officer for the City of Caryville is suing the city.  In a lawsuit filed on May 6, Ivey and her attorney, David H. Dunaway, complain that Ivey was wrongfully relieved of her responsibilities and wrongfully discharged from her duties as city recorder and certified municipal financial officer on April 22, 2013.  Ivey claims that contrary to city ordinance, she was ordered by Mayor Chris Stanley, on at least two occasions, to make reimbursement payments.  One was to reimburse Stanley for a $49.69 cell phone.  The other was to reimburse patrol officer James Wilson, Jr. $584.00 for vacation time.  On both occasions, Ivey reported the payments to the state comptroller’s office.  The lawsuit further outlines where Ivey suggested that the demotion of then Chief of Police Johnny Jones, who is 55-years old, being replaced by a 32-year old employee would be discrimination and also be detrimental to the City of Caryville.  Ivey is asking for her job back or, if that is impractical, she wants compensatory damages not to exceed 750-thousand dollars.  She is also asking for punitive damages in a sum not to exceed $750,000.  If the case goes to court, Ivey and Dunaway are asking for a jury trial.  Ivey was employed by Caryville from September 20, 2004, through April 22 of this year.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY, 15, 2013, 10:00 AM)

Heatherly the only "man" - "den of snakes" Ivey spares no words addressing council

     If you've been following recent events in Caryville, the demotion of Police Chief Johnny Jones, the firing of City Recorder Cheryl Ivey, and other seemingly questionable moves, you had to wonder if anyone would ever speak up.  Well, someone did.  Publicly.  His name is Edgar Ivey.  During a citizens input opportunity, here's what Ivey told the Town of Caryville Mayor and Aldermen and crowd at its regular monthly meeting Monday night at city hall:  "I'm Edgar Ivey.  I've come to address this committee tonight.  And the main thing I want to just say to you guys, right up front, I have no respect whatsoever for you - so you know that right from the beginning.  And I think I know all you guys.  Just from the way that you've done this committee the last four weeks, taking guys raises away, to demotion of the chief of police, now to the firing of Cheryl.  And it said in the paper that the reason for demoting the chief was lack of management skills.  And I want to say there is a lack of management skills over here, but it's not in the police department.  It's setting right here in front of me (a round of applause breaks out).  And for two of you I want you to know that I have no confidence in you.  That's gone. 

Edgar Ivey addresses Caryville mayor and aldermen (DWANE WILDER PIX 05/13/2013)

And Miss Vickie, I want to say to you, I've talked to a lot of people over the last several weeks, and there's not a one that's got a bad thing to say about you.  I want you to know. I'm sorry, but I don't know you personally, but seems like everybody else in the community did, and they talked about you.  They talked about the way you've tried to stand up and do what's right over here.  And I'm gonna say this, and they tell me men and women both alike, and they say this with the greatest respect, and I want you to take it at that.  But they say you're the only man over here on this committee (a female member of the audience says "that's right" as applause breaks out again).  I also want to say that they say they hope you won't get discouraged and quit.  But, uh, you know if you wanted to get out of this den of snakes, nobody could blame you for that either.  So, me personally, I wouldn't give them the satisfaction.  Thank you." (applause).    (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY, 14, 2013, 10:00 AM)

Caryville Fire Department takes on more territory

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Caryville Volunteer Fire Department will soon begin providing protection for 346 households west of Island Ford Road and near the town’s John McGhee Industrial Park. The announcement was made during Monday’s regular monthly meeting of the Town of Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The cost to each household will be a nominal fee of $1.75 per dwelling and help lower the cost of homeowner insurance for the residents, said alderman Allen Smith. He said the Jacksboro Fire Department has a similar plan to provide protection for the east side of Island Ford Road between Mt. Paran Loop and Jacksboro Elementary School. The now defunct Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department had previously served the residents of that area.

Pat Donahue, Alderman Mark Stanley, Mayor Chris Stanley

In other business conducted during Monday night’s meeting, the board:

*Approved payment of an invoice for $689.00 to Copeland Brothers, Inc. for lighting at the John McGhee Industrial Park.

*Approved payment of an invoice for $596.68 to Lowe’s for outside lighting and the wiring of a shed at the Caryville Municipal Building.

*Approved the continuation of an auditing contract with Brown Jake and McDaniel. PC.

*Approved certificate renewal for 141 Wine and Spirits.

Alderman Mark Stanley, Mayor Chris Stanley, Alderman Lloyd Lawson

*Approved a fundraiser road drive on Saturday, June 8 for the Stony Fork Volunteer Fire Department.

*Approved a bid from Jerry Foust to cut hay at the Ershell Collins Industrial Park at the 141 exit.

*Approved a bid of $67,896 by the Rogers Group for a paving project on Loop Road. Mayor Stanley said money to pay for the project will come out of the general fund, which he said right now is just under $400,000. Alderwoman Vickie Heatherly cast the only “no” vote, explaining that she was all in favor of paving projects, but that she didn’t want to take that much money out of the general fund so that the town could build back its rainy day fund in the event of an emergency.(UPDATED TUE, 05/14/13, 6:00 AM)

Caryville City Council Meeting Monday, May 13, 2013

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FBC of La Follette Service for May 26, 2013

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St. John signs with JU

     Gunner St. John plans to keep "gunning" threes.  The Campbell Cougar signed Thursday morning at CCHS to play college basketball for Johnson University of Knoxville.

 Back row (L - R) grandparents, Howard and Heidi St. John, parents Shannon & Joey St. John, brother Spencer.  Front row (L-R) CCHS Coach Matt Housley, Gunner, and JU coach Kevin Hall.

Board's back to budget talks Monday

     The Campbell County Board of Education meets in a budget workshop session on Tuesday, May 14 at 5:00 p.m., at the courthouse at Jacksboro.  The purpose of the workshop is to continue discussion from the April 23 meeting regarding the 2013-2014 school year budget.(UPDATED FRI, 05/10/2013, 6:00 AM)

ounty loses two educators this week

    Faculty, students, and staff at the La Follette Middle School are mourning the loss of one of their teachers this week. 

Kathryn Gunter, who had battled cancer for some time, passed away on Monday.  Miranda Stanfill taught with Gunter for the past seven-years, and tells WLAF that Kathryn was a wonderful inspiration to all of us, and she was a great friend and coworker, someone you could confide in for anything.  She says that her classroom was at the end of the hall, and they would wave hello to each other every morning before school started.  Stanfill recalls school trips and many lunches she shared with her, and that she was the first smiling face the students would see as they entered the LMS.  Stanfill says, “We miss her terribly as we have lost a very dear friend.”  Kathryn Gunter was 53-years old. 

Wayne Tidwell, a retired teacher and principal of more than 41-years, died Tuesday night.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston describes Tidwell as a well respected educator and administrator, and that he had a good teaching career.  Poston goes on to say that he served as a teacher and principal at several schools including Valley View, Campbell County High School, and Jacksboro Middle School.  Poston succeeded Tidwell as elementary supervisor.  Fletcher Wayne Tidwell was 63-years old. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013, 4:00 PM)

Russell is first woman to lead La Follette

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Billie Russell brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role as LaFollette City Administrator.  A 1982 graduate of Campbell County High School and a 2009 graduate of the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing, she has worked the past four years in the Campbell County Mayor’s Office as an industrial, economic and community developer.  Prior to that, Russell worked 20 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, where she began as a part-time clerical assistant and climbed the ranks as a business development associate.

The youngest of seven children, Russell said she came from humble beginnings and never believed she would actually be able to afford and attend college until ORNL made it possible for her to do so.

She is the first woman to serve LaFollette as City Administrator.

“I look forward to this job. I am committed to the City of LaFollette. My job is to work with the city council,” said Russell.

Her goals include downtown revitalization as well as recruitment of business to the downtown area.

“My experience with grants and economic development and my contacts will be a big help,” Russell said.

She has been married nearly 32 years to Tim Russell, who works at ORNL and also pastors Elm Grove Baptist Church. The couple has three daughters: Hannah, 20, Emily, 14, and Eva, 8.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013, 6:00 AM)

La Follette hires two new police officers

The LaFollette City Council chose its first-ever female city administrator Tuesday night. Billie Russell received four out of five votes for the position after being nominated by councilman Joe Bolinger. Those voting for her included Bolinger, Stephanie Grimm, Mayor Mike Stanfield and Bob Fannon, who passed the first time around but then asked to change his vote to “yes” to reflect the majority of council.

Hansford Hatmaker cast the only “no” vote against Russell. Hatmaker’s son, Tom, was the only other candidate nominated for the city administrator position. He was nominated by his father, who cast the only “yes” vote for him.

Hatmaker was voted on first, followed by Russell.

In other business Tuesday, the council:

*Approved an invoice payment to Dixie Roofing.

*Approved the advertising of bids for the roofing of city hall as a whole or as two sections.

*Appointed Chris Hill to the beautification board.

*Approved the hiring of Jeff Courtney and Leslie Bruce as full-time police officers.

*Approved bids for turnout gear for the fire department.

*Approved, on first and second reading, three zoning ordinances as discussed in last week’s workshop.

*Agreed to apply for a grant to repair the Beech Street Bridge.

During a subsequent meeting of the LaFollette Beer Board, a permit was issued to The Bread Box #60. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013, 6:00 AM)

La Follette City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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LUB truck dodges driving dog

     While out in the Alder Springs area Monday morning, a La Follette Utility Board serviceman nearly ran his pick-up truck out of the road to avoid an oncoming truck.  As soon as he dodged the truck, he watched the other truck go into a ditch and overturn.  The LUB serviceman ran back to check on the other driver, and found that it was a dog driving the truck. 

The truck and dog belong to a man who left his truck running while he was working in a nearby field.  He was quick to tell the serviceman how smart his dog is, and the LUB worker said he must not be that smart or the dog would’ve used the brakes.  There were no injuries and Scruffy, the dog, is just fine.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

 

Logger does not survive Friday morning injuries

     The story WLAF has covered from start until finish today concerning a logging accident ends on a very sad note.  A 62-year old man, Calvin Daugherty, thought early-on to hail from Caryville, but not confirmed, died from head injuries sustained in a morning logging mishap.  Reports from the scene are that Daugherty was cutting a tree when it “kicked back” on him just after 9:00 a.m. leaving him with serious head trauma.  After being flown out by Lifestar, Daugherty died at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville not long after 2:00 this afternoon.  First reports coming out of the logging area near the I-75 bridge at Vasper did not sound good.  First responders had to use a four-wheeler to gain access Daugherty, then it was more than two hours before they were able to load him on Lifestar at the Caryville Ball Field.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013 7:40PM)

Lifestar flies injured logger to trauma unit

     A Caryville man clings to life at this hour at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.  Officials tell WLAF News that 62-year old Calvin Daugherty of Caryville was flown by Lifestar about an hour-and-a-half ago.  The hospital is yet to release a condition for Daugherty.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013, 12:10 PM)

Lifestar on way to pick  up injured Caryville logger

     Details continue trickling in to the WLAF News Room about a Friday logging accident near Caryville. 

Reports from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department are that a man working with James Madison Shop, a Caryville logging crew, sustained serious head injuries just after 9:00 this morning.   First responders brought the logger out of a heavily wooded area by way of a four-wheeler, and are awaiting Lifestar's arrival. 

The accident site is on the west side of Interstate 75 near Sharps Lane and Tackett Loop.  That’s close to the I-75 bridge at Vasper.  It's believed the injured man was cutting a tree when it kicked back on him.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013, 11:10 AM)

Logger taken out by Lifestar

     A logger is seriously injured this morning near Caryville and will soon be flown by LIfestar to the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville.  WLAF News will follow this story for you through the day as more details become available.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013, 10:30 AM)

Awards night at CCHS 

     A big night for the 2013 Senior Class of Campbell County High School Thursday night.  Countless awards and scholarships were presented totaling thousands and thousands of dollars.  In fact, 66 CCHS seniors have their tuition completely paid for at Roane State, Walters State, or Pellissippi Community Colleges

Nathan Orick is presented the Woodson Scholarship by Katherine Ayers

This is the first year that the State of Tennessee recognizes students as “Graduating with Honors” and “Graduating with Distinction.”  A student graduates with honors if he or she meets certain benchmark scores on the ACT.  A student must make at least 18 on the English portion, a 21 in Reading, a 22 in Mathematics, and a 24 in Science to qualify. 

Niki Ward receives the PNB Scholarship from Logan Hickman with Peoples Bank of the South

Those “Graduating with Honors” are Jamie Allen, Josh Bullman, A.J. Cutsinger, Laurissa Douglas, Lindsey Hutson, Brady Kennedy, Gates McCarty, Kara McLain, and Autumn Reynolds.  A student graduates “with distinction” if certain requirements are met including a 31 or higher composite score on the ACT, a score of 3 or higher on two separate Advanced Placement Exams, and 12 or more hours of dual enrollment at a community college or technical school.  Those Graduating with Distinction are Haley Adkins, Robert Adkins, Ashley Benge, Westin Brown, Emily Byrge, Myranda Carmany, Molly Cowart, Madison Griffith, Tara Griffith, Rachel Harris, Chelsea King, Amber McKillip, Ethan Miller, Ethan Morton, Dalton Phillips, Kevin Ruan, Ryan Rutter, Gunner St. John, and Stephanie Wilson.

 

Haley Adkins is awarded a scholarship

Some very special Campbell High Seniors qualify to graduate “With Honors and Distinction.”  They are Sam Arnold, Tanner Carson, Adriann Evans, Helen Garren, Lauren Heatherly, Brandon Lee, Nathan Orick, Sara O’Rourke, and Ethan Simpson.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Forstner is Jacksboro's vice-mayor

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     June Forstner is the new vice mayor on the Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen. She was unanimously approved Thursday night during the regular monthly meeting of the board. Ray Green previously served as vice mayor for Jacksboro. In other business conducted during Thursday's meeting, the board approved the advertising of bids for the purchase of a fire truck and two sets of turnout gear for the fire department. The board also approved a donation to the Jacksboro Cemetery Committee and voted to apply for a COPS Grant to possibly hire an additional police officer.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Representative Powers Passes Lynn’s Law In Tennessee Legislature

 

( NASHVILLE ) – Last summer, Lynn Cameron, a 19 year old disabled woman, was abandoned by her mother in a bar in Caryville , Tennessee . This case sparked national media debate and outrage among Tennesseans who were shocked at the callousness of the mother of Lynn . However, there were no laws that would allow Tennessee District Attorneys to prosecute the mother for her abandonment.

 

Soon after this fact came to light, State Representative Dennis Powers (R–Jacksboro), working in conjunction with Lori Phillips Jones of the 8th Judicial District DA's office and Senator Ken Yager, began drafting Lynn's Law which was passed out of the House of Representatives last week. As passed, Lynn 's law will re-define and make abandonment of a disabled person a crime and allow District Attorneys in Tennessee to prosecute.

 

"What was most infuriating is that this mother was allowed to skip ahead of Tennesseans who were waiting on services for their disabled children. She not only got to skip ahead of those waiting, but left Tennessee to foot the bill for the care of Lynn . We want to prevent other states and outsiders from doing this again," said Rep. Dennis Powers.

 

Powers worked with the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and other agencies in drafting the language of the legislation. It passed out of the House on April 16th with 92 ayes and 0 nays.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013, 5:00 PM)


Starrett honored for heroism
 

     Local Law Enforcement Honor Jerri Starrett with their officers Heroism Awards for taking action on a burning vehicle of an I-75 motorist a few weeks ago.  Jerri's actions and act of heroism, attributed to the saving of a female motorist, Sandra McGregor of Ohio, and her pet, whose vehicle burst into flames along I-75 north near the Caryville exit.

 

 

(pictured L to R) Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman, Jerri Starrett and Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013, 6:00 AM)

   

Deputy survives dog bite, knife scuffle, and broken finger

     Deputies diffuse a potentially deadly situation.  A Friday evening incident at Grantsboro proved to be rather unique for Campbell County Deputies Ty Daugherty and Cody Chapman.  In the report filed by Daugherty, 51-year old Dale Wilson was standing in his yard at 629 Grantsboro Road when Daugherty and Chapman arrived to serve Wilson with an arrest warrant.  As Daugherty approached Wilson, Wilson ran away.  Daugherty chased Wilson, and then shot him with a taser causing Wilson to fall.  Wilson bounced back on his feet and kept running.  Wilson was then wrestled down with Wilson and both deputies ending up in a rock pile.  As the officers attempted to cuff Wilson and place him under arrest, he refused to comply.  Then Wilson’s dog became aggressively involved in the scuffle, and Daugherty was eventually forced to pull his firearm and shoot the dog. 

Dale Wilson

In the process, Wilson ran away again, a third time, and was finally tackled.  This time while they were trying to cuff him, Wilson began biting Chapman in the knee.  That’s when the deputies realized he had a knife.  After they took the knife out of Wilson’s hand, he again was resisting and kicking trying to avoid arrest.  Wilson was finally taken into custody and transported by ambulance to the La Follette hospital.  It was at the hospital when Daugherty discovered his pants were ripped from the scuffle and the dog.  Daugherty was treated for a broken left ring finger and dog bites to the calf of his right leg.  It’s believed Wilson was taken on to the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville, but hospital officials there will neither confirm or deny Wilson is being treated.  Wilson is facing multiple charges including four counts of aggravated assault on a police officer.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013, 11:30 AM)

La Follette's list of CA candidates is 12 heading into next week's vote

Story and pictures by:  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Members of LaFollette City Council will vote on hiring a new city administrator next Tuesday night. That much is certain. However, the actual process of nominating candidates remains up in the air.

A “preferred” list of 12 candidates recently went through the interview process, and it was left up to each council member to submit their top choices. During Monday’s workshop, council members couldn’t agree on how to nominate the candidates to be voted on.

Councilman Hansford Hatmaker (Hatmaker is pictured above, Council member Joe Bolinger is on the left) wanted to whittle it down from 12 to 2 prior to next week’s meeting, but could get no support. Whoever gets the nod will be making $83,400 in salary and benefits.

Other items discussed during Monday’s workshop included:

*Paying an invoice of $12,944 to Dixie Roofing.

*Bidding out replacement of the entire roof of city hall.

*Appointing Chris Hill to an advisory position on the Beautification Board.

*A couple of zoning ordinances, one of which would take in a section of Independence Lane that includes the Children’s Center.

*Hiring two police officers, one of which (Jeff Courtney) would be sent to police academy training. Wesley Bruce would be the other officer.

*Purchasing turnout gear for the fire department.

E.L. Morton (pictured above), director of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, also came before council to announce application for a $200,000 federal recreation trails grant for the Ivydell Trailhead.

The grant would provide paving for a parking lot, lighting and restrooms. The grant requires a $50,000 local match, but LaFollette could provide in-kind services such as police patrols, garbage pick-up, etc. for its part.

“We want to connect visitors on the trail to (cash) registers in LaFollette,” said Morton. “Connecting those visitors to downtown is the key.”

Morton also announced that Campbell County has been invited by neighboring Kentucky to participate in the Hwy. 25W Yard Sale the weekend of June 6-8.

“We’re going to try and grow it to have the economic impact of the Hwy. 127 Yard Sale, at some point,” said Morton.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013, 4:00 AM)

Campbell crime continues creeping downward in Goins era

TBI Crime Report:  Violent Crime against persons, property & society down in Campbell County

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins is able to announce this week that the 2012 TBI crime results show a decrease in crime in Campbell County. We are more than pleased that the 2012 TBI Crime Report reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire office. Overall with our office, violent crime is at a reported lower rate than last year. Essentially, that means our people are doing their jobs efficiently and effectively. Murder, kidnapping, forcible rape, sex crimes, aggravated assaults are down. One substantial decline we have seen over the past year is the decrease in burglary and thefts. But, we still have work to do. Any number is too many. The decrease in these crimes are a direct reflection of the hard work of our patrol and investigative staff, combined with excelled leadership and a strong work ethic that I demand and the citizens of Campbell County deserve. Comparable to surrounding counties and others of our population we are near the very top in performance and results. I’m proud of all of our people who work 24/7 and deal with unsavory people and situations. We have had an increase in juvenile arrests this year and a record year in DUI arrest and enforcement. We can attribute an increase for DUI’s to our working relationship and partnerships with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office and the grant monies we have been awarded to combat drugged and drunk driving. We have also initiated, for the first time ever, a DUI Task Force to pursue drugged and drunk drivers and take them directly to jail and save innocent lives from being lost. Our methamphetamine problem has seen a decline in labs seized but we still see the prescription drug abuse problem rise. We are still competing with bad or weak law and we struggle with competing with pain pill clinics or pill mills. We all have to work together, from the billion dollar pharmaceutical companies to doctors. People that are addicted to these deadly habits and struggle with pill problems need more than jail, laws and more prescriptions, they need prayer, as well as, the families it victimizes, all of us in law enforcement who see and deal with it every day when we go to work, and most importantly, the children it affects daily.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2013, 2:00 PM)

Bull verifies that a "lot of bull" still takes place on North Tennessee Avenue

COURTESY JENNIFFER RICHARDSON PIX 04/29/2013/1:15PM

Love is the latest WLAF-ISG 60th Trivia winner

     Claudette Love correctly answered “First Baptist Church and La Follette High" in the latest trivia fun from WLAF and ISG Insurance.  Claudette wins free food from Little Caesar's Pizza and a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or Little Caesar’s Pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell, or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV’s Green Screen for each week’s question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  Big Josh Etter announces each week’s winner Monday mornings over 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and www.1450wlaf.com.  WLAF-ISG Insurance 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF and Randy Heatherly and the folks at ISG Insurance.  (UPDATED SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2013, 6:45 PM)  

State Representative Dennis Powers "End of Session 2013 Wrap Up"

 

'Preferred' list of applicants interviewed for City Administrator position in LaFollette

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Interviews were conducted Wednesday and Thursday of a "preferred" list of 12 applicants for the position of City Administrator of LaFollette. A total of 21 people applied for the job when it became available in February. Jack Miller of Crossville is the only out-of-towner among the 12 applicants interviewed this week. The others are all local and include Shane Burris, Tom Hatmaker, Billie Russell, David King, Bill Comer, Mark A. Wells, Andy Wallace, Travis Davis, Gabrielle Byrge, Greg Brackett and Darryl Roberts. "The interviews went well, and the council will discuss it at the next workshop (on April 29)," said LaFollette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries, who has been serving as interim city administrator since the resignation of Cade Sexton in January. LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said each member of the council may submit their top picks to be voted on during the May 7 council meeting.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013, 5:45 PM)

 

MARCH 2013 COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
RATES DECREASE IN MAJORITY OF TENNESSEE COUNTIES


NASHVILLE
– County unemployment rates for March 2013, released today, show the rate decreased in 58 counties, increased in 24, and stayed the same in 13. Specific county information is available on the Internet; enter http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/LaborMarch13.pdf.

 

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 6.2 percent, down from 6.4 percent in February. Davidson County rate of 6.3 percent was unchanged from February.  Hamilton County was 7.7 percent, up from 7.6 percent in the previous month. Shelby County was 9.5 percent, up from 9.3 percent in February. 

 

            Tennessee’s unemployment rate for March was 7.9 percent, which increased one tenth of one percentage point from the February revised rate of 7.8 percent. The national unemployment rate for March 2013 was 7.6 percent, decreasing by one tenth of one percentage point from the previous month.

 

 

The state unemployment rate is seasonally adjusted while the county unemployment rates are not. Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique that eliminates the influences of weather, holidays, the opening and closing of schools, and other recurring seasonal events from economic time series.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013, 3:15 PM)

167 inmates housed at the Campbell County Jail

     There were 167 inmates housed in the county jail as of this morning.  However, that number is subject to change almost hourly.   In a report to WLAF from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, there are 41 females and 126 males being housed at the Jacksboro facility.  With the exception of one African-American, the other 166 inmates are Caucasian.  There 18 people with at least a minimum bond of $100,000.  Jeffery Thomas Sills has the highest bond at $230,000.  Sills is facing multiple charges including the rape of a child.  James Marlow is charged with first degree murder and is being held on a $200,000 bond.  Marlow is the longest tenured inmate being at the jail since June 2010.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013, 1:30 PM)

Soccer is coming to CCHS...maybe

     There could be Campbell County High School boys and girls soccer teams as early as next school year.  However, it all hinges on just how many student-athletes want to play.  All freshmen to-be as well as current CCHS students who would like to play are encouraged to attend a meeting Monday at 6:00 at the high school.  Cougar Baseball plays the Panthers at Cumberland Gap today.  First pitch is at 6:00.  And there’s a new Zumba Class.  It’s Fridays from 7:00 to 8:00 at the Magic Twist N’ Shout on Mountain Perkins Lane at Jacksboro.  The cost is $5.00 a session.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Boomer's Corner is now open

Insurance, Wall Street and air travel a tangled web, but the Internet rules

By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

I’m a big enough man (understatement) to admit when I’m wrong. I received some bad information a couple of weeks back that lawyer Terry Basista had stated that had received the controversial video of apparent animal abuse at the shelter and put it out over the Internet.

Terry tells me that the video was already on U-tube before he ever saw it, so my information was wrong. The column seems to have stirred up things on R.L.’s program the other night when one caller claimed I accused Terry of creating said video. I never did, and someone else on the program corrected the record.

Some animal right crusaders in North Carolina are taking credit for dispensing the video on the web, and who knows who actually created and edited it. All of that is more or less irrelevant. In the end what will matter is what the county does about the problem.

One commissioner has suggested that the county wash its hands completely, turn the shelter over to the Humane Society to operate and divert the $140,000 annual appropriation to other needs. So the problem of a shelter with not enough money to operate efficiently will be solved by taking away what money it does have.

That lets the county off the hook, at least until voters start complaining about stray dogs and cats running loose because there is no animal control program to pick them up.  I can’t wait to see what comes next.

One thing I am not wrong about. After being abused in a couple of airport security lines after 911, I swore off flying to anywhere within a two-day’s drive of East Tennessee. The additional charges for luggage, cessation of free refreshments, decrease in leg room and other air travel nightmares through the years have just reinforced my determination to avoid airports like the plague.

Now comes the sequester, and the FAA has furloughed air traffic controllers, causing major delays at most of the nation’s major airports. I can now honestly say that I can drive to Atlanta, Chicago or Washington faster than I can fly to those cities. Thank you, congressional Republicans, for giving all those high-flying business executives who put you in power a taste of their own medicine.

I can avoid air travel, but like everyone else, one thing I can’t avoid is the insurance industry. I just received the renewal notice on my homeowner’s policy this week and was amazed to see a 50 percent rate increase over last year. Predictably, I called my agent immediately to question a few things on the declaration sheet.

“You’ve got the replacement cost of my home set at $115,000. I built it three years ago for $66,000 and home values are down. No way could I get $115,000 out of that home!”

“But we don’t insure based on home values. We insure based on replacement cost and our analysis indicates that building costs are up in your zip code by that degree.”

“What about this estimate of $80,000 for personal property? I donated my million-dollar art collection to the Campbell County Animal Shelter. I could replace everything I own for half that much!”

“Our company follows industry standards of setting the value of contents at 75 percent of the replacement cost.”

“OK, what about this – loss of use of home, valued at $42,000? Do you think I would spend three months living in the penthouse suite at the Hyatt Regency while my home is rebuilt?”

“Sir, that is the standard equation, blah, blah, blah.”

“I think I’ll shop around a bit before I renew this policy.”

“Feel free (snicker)”

What I discovered is that everybody’s home insurance rates are through the roof this year. The insurance companies will have a million different explanations for why costs are up, risk assessment is higher, etc. etc. ad nauseum. They don’t want to tell customers the truth, which is that we’re all paying the cost of climate change.

You know, that thing that conservatives in Congress deny is happening – “climate change.” In the past few years, the insurance industry has taken its licks – hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, devastating floods and blizzards alternating with drought in the Midwest, destructive tornadoes causing hundreds of millions in damage in the Midwest and mid South and most recently Superstorm Sandy, causing billions in damages to the Northeast.

So those of us in relatively untouched parts of the country have to pay higher premiums to help the insurance industry offset their losses. It would be nice if the companies would just tell us the truth instead of feeding us unbelievable gobblygook.

It wouldn’t make the increased costs any less painful, but at least the companies would show customers enough respect to tell them the truth, instead of trying to confuse everyone with double talk.

Of course, even if the insurance industry was not suffering from hefty weather-related losses, they would still have to worry about their other risk factor, which is loss of the value of their investments. The insurance industry makes much of their profits by investing our premium dollars, so when the economy and Wall Street go in the tank, profits are down and rates go up.

That is not reassuring, based on the sell-off panic that Wall Street experienced just this week when somebody hacked into the Associated Press website and put out a fake news flash that the White House had been bombed and the President injured.

Investments tied to computers went into automatic “sell off” mode before anyone could verify the accuracy of the report and the Dow Jones dipped a couple of hundred points in a matter of minutes, all caused by a bogus Internet report. Gives one a rosy, warm feeling inside about our nation’s future, doesn’t it?  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013, 4:30 PM)

No boom in the room

     It's a false alarm.  In the end, it's not dynamite after all in a room of a Whitman Hollow woman's out building.  Once deputies were able to get a good look at what was reported to be dynamite, they quickly discovered that is was road flairs stored under a lot of blasting wire. Related story below.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013, NOON)

Dynamite discovered - homes evacuated

     Homes on Ginnie Lane and in portions of Whitman Hollow are being evacuated at this hour.  A woman called E-911 just moments ago saying she found a lot dynamite and caps in her out building on Jenny Lane.  Chief Aaron Evans with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department tells WLAF News that 20-something year old dynamite is what the woman found, and that they've evacuated the immediate area.  The Ginnie Lane turn-off is near the Whitman Hollow Bible Church.  Evans says the Knox County Bomb Squad is on its way, and its team will safely transport and do away with the old dynamite.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013, 10:45 AM)

Dixie Roofing fire biggest ever for Lake City

     It took nearly 12-hours for firefighters to contain what they’re calling the biggest fire in the history of Lake City.  And it has a Campbell County connection; Mike Malicote and Dixie Roofing.  The building owned by Malicote and Dixie caught fire early Saturday afternoon and blazed and smoldered for hours until it was brought under control just before midnight.  Fifty firefighters in crews of from Campbell County Rural Fire Service, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Caryville, and Medford assisted Lake City.  The storage building contained items like tar kettles and rubber roofing materials with the contents estimated close to a million dollars while the structure is valued at just over a million dollars.  The building is insured by Gray Insurance of La Follette.  Arson is suspected after an eyewitness reported seeing a couple of juveniles coming from the building just as it caught fire.  The warehouse was part of the Lake City Industrial Park located near Lake City Middle School.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Collier is the latest WLAF-ISG 60th Trivia winner

     Michael Collier correctly answered “J.C. Rutherford, 1962" in the latest trivia fun from WLAF and ISG Insurance.  Mike wins free gas from Woodson Shell and a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or Little Caesar’s Pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell, or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV’s Green Screen for each week’s question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  Big Josh Etter announces each week’s winner Monday mornings over 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and www.1450wlaf.com.  WLAF-ISG Insurance 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF and Randy Heatherly and the folks at ISG Insurance.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

25-year THP veteran dies

     “You knew it was going to be a good day when Sergeant Brian Boshears was on your shift.”  That’s how Campbell County Chief Deputy (and former trooper) Aaron Evans sums up working with the THP veteran.  Boshears died this afternoon at the Oak Ridge Methodist Medical Center after battling a lung illness for the past several weeks. 

Evans says he loved him like a brother.  The sergeant worked Campbell, Scott , and Anderson Counties and was supervisor over Scott County.  Boshears and his wife Jessica made their home in Oneida and are the parents of five children.  Their first grandchild is due this year.(UPDATED MON, 04 22 2013, 4:00 PM) 

Well known merchant and businessman dies

     Floyd Burris, who was a fixture in the business community for years, died Sunday.  Burris was co-owner of the Western Auto, general manager of Shelby Petroleum, and dispatcher at Hoskins Oil.  Walters Funeral Home of La Follette is handling the arrangements.  Floyd Burris was 77-years old.(UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013, 11:30 AM)  

Caryville City Recorder fired

     It’s been confirmed that Mayor Chris Stanley fired Caryville’s City Recorder this morning.  A source close to the city tells WLAF News that nine-year employee and City Recorder Cheryl Ivey was let go. Back in March, it was Stanley who demoted longtime Caryville Police Chief Johnny Jones.  WLAF News is waiting for return phone calls from the mayor and Ivey.(UPDATED MON, APRIL 22, 2013, NOON)  

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins congratulates Sergeant Ken Daugherty for his recent certification by the International Association for Property and Evidence Specialist.APRIL 22, 2013, 10:15 AM 

Jones flown out by Lifestar

     A car forces a Caryville Police patrol car off the road injuring a police officer.  Officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol say they believe it was a black Mustang that forced Officer Johnny Jones and his patrol car off the road late Friday night.  The mishap took place on Bruce Gap Road under the I-75 bridge.  A THP official tells WLAF News that Jones and his car were partially submerged in a creek, and that he was transported by ambulance to meet a Lifestar helicopter.  When word of an officer down came through, two Jacksboro Police Officers were quick to the scene to assist Jones.  He was flown to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville, treated, and then released.  Jones, the former Caryville Chief of Police, was injured but his injuries are non-life threatening. (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013, 10:00 AM)  

The latest from Senator Yager 

The first Session of the 108th General Assembly adjourned Friday afternoon, April 19, until January 14, 2014, when it reconvenes at noon.  It has been many years since the legislature adjourned this early.  By getting our job done early, we saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.          

One of the final acts of the General Assembly is to pass the completed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and lasting through June 30 of 2014.  In fact, the only responsibility of the legislature mentioned in the Constitution is the passage of a balanced budget.  The new budged meets basic needs of the state, reduces taxes and adds to the rainy day fund.  

There is very little borrowed money in this budget.  In fact, Tennessee has the lowest per capita debt in the nation.  We have been blessed with good governors present and past who have kept the State on a pay-as-you-go basis.  Note, too, that the budget, in the Senate, passed unanimously with Democrats and Republicans working together.

The budget process starts almost immediately after the General Assembly convenes in January.  The Governor makes his budget address in early February.  The different state departments make presentations to specific committees (State and Local Government, which I chair, hears fourteen departmental budgets) which make recommendations to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee.  Finance hears all these recommendations and makes the final recommendation to the legislature which usually approves as it did this year.  In Tennessee we take fiscal responsibility very seriously and our budget must be balanced, which it is.

The total budget for this fiscal year is $32.7 billion and reduces taxes by $43 million (sales tax on food, Hall income tax, death tax). The largest single percentage (about 37%) of general fund spending is health and welfare (largely TennCare).  The second largest spending category is education (34%).  All state employees will get an across the board raise of 1.5%.

Money for grades K-12 is calculated by a formula called the BEP formula.  This year the formula is fully funded.  K-12 also receives additional funds to pay for technology upgrades and $34 million to address capital needs, including school security.   Higher education - Roane State and the local Technology Center-got a big boost with additional appropriations for equipment and capital expenditure.   (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

April 21, 2013

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:  Deborah Pemberton: phone 423-494-6411

La Follette, Tennessee - Friends of Campbell County Animals (FCCA), today announced it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Friends of Campbell County Animals (FCCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives of the animals in Campbell County by rescue, spay/neuter and education.  Since October, 2012, the organization has helped hundreds of families obtain spay/neuter services and has rescued more than 300 pets, including shelter and owner relinquished animals.

The ASPCA grant will be used to obtain low cost spay/neuter services for low income families, through FCCA’s “Rock N Roll” Spay/Neuter Program, in Campbell County.

We are appreciative of the support of ASPCA for our program, in the efforts in saving lives of animals across our county.   (UPDATED SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013, 6:15 PM)  

Susan Sharp vs. the La Follette Press

     Susan Sharp wants the La Follette Press to put her back to work or pay up.  And she wants a jury to decide.  Until yesterday, Press readers followed Sharp through her stories, pictures, and opinions for more than ten-years.  However, since Sharp was fired last week, you won’t be seeing a Susan Sharp byline in next week’s Press. 

  Susan Sharp

In a civil action suit filed last Friday in Campbell County Circuit Court by Sharp's attorney, David H. Dunaway, Sharp is the plaintiff while Landmark Community Newspapers of Tennessee, LLC, Landmark Community Newspapers, LLC, and Brent Shanding are the defendants.  Shanding was introduced as the paper's new Editor less than a month ago, and according to the lawsuit, began cursing and belittling Sharp within days.  The suit outlines that Sharp went to human resources expressing her concerns of a hostile work environment, and within five-days, much to her surprise, was terminated from her employment.  Also listed in the suit is that the 42-year old Sharp was discriminated against and terminated in part, among other things, because of gender and age, and that she was paid substantially less as a female employee, while her male counterparts were paid more for the same type work that Sharp was performing.  During her career at the La Follette Press, Sharp worked her way up from reporter to Editor.  Last June, Sharp was demoted back to reporter.  The lawsuit reads that a younger male was then placed in the position of Editor.  Among the items listed that Sharp demands is that she be restored her employment, and if that is impractical to restore her to her employment, Sharp be awarded such compensatory damages not to exceed two-hundred thousand dollars.  On Wednesday, Shanding told WLAF that he was unfamiliar with the lawsuit, and therefore, could not offer a comment.  He went on to say that he would look into it and might be able to respond on Thursday.  Shanding has not returned Thursday’s phone calls as of publishing time this morning.  A La Follette Press employee tells WLAF News that the staff was told that Sharp is not to be allowed back in the Press offices on North First Street under any circumstances.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Mandatory gun ownership?  Could be a blessing in disguise

Boomer's Corner - By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

So much going on, I hardly know where to start. The animal shelter hubbub has calmed down a bit, with Mayor William Baird closing the shelter and placing employees on administrative leave while the TBI investigates accusations of animal abuse.

I predict that the investigation will uncover some shoddy procedures, but no criminal wrongdoing. Shelter director Betty Crumley, however, has become a political liability and may not return.

Betty’s case is sad, in a way. Active in the Humane Society, she championed establishment of the shelter, along with namesake Adrion Baird. I don’t see her as being the type of person who would willfully be cruel to animals.

Her people skills, however, are another matter. Her inability to work with local animal lovers and her resistance to accepting criticism have combined to make too many enemies when what she needs are supporters.

Alas, the shelter’s problems come down to that root of all evil – money. The shelter as planned was to be funded by a combination of county taxpayer dollars and animal registration fees. A previous county commission, facing criticism from dog owners, eliminated the registration requirement. Budget constraints have kept the shelter’s appropriations flat for several years now while costs continue to go up.

The result was predictable. A shelter that is too cool in winter and too warm in summer, that sells cat carcasses to a biological supply company to raise funds and skimps on drug costs by failing to sedate animals before administering lethal injections.

You get what you pay for. Campbell County pays for a bare minimum operation and now gets bad publicity, investigations and more headaches. Same old story.

The gun control debate in Washington is over for the time being and sadly, it also is the same old story. You my recall that I predicted right after the Newtown shootings that Congress would hmm and haw, and in the end do nothing because they are afraid of the NRA bully.

They did nothing. The next test will come in election year, when we see if the NRA bully has the clout to defeat some of the senators, such as Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey, who dared to support expanded background checks. Until gun control advocates are willing to organize, raise large amounts of money and fight the NRA in the trenches of American politics, future gun control debates will go the same way.

There may yet be hope for those of us who seek a silver lining behind every cloud, however. A Farragut city councilman intends to propose that Farragut go the way of some small Georgia cities, and pass an ordinance requiring that every head of household within the corporate limits maintain a firearm.

Seems the Second Amendment protects every American’s right to own and keep a firearm, but does not protect our right not to own one. The good news is that once every gun-happy Farragut homeowner is packing, along with every Farragut homeowner who has never owned, handled or fired a gun in their lives, the potential for slaughter will be high.

State Senator Stacy Campfield lives out that way, along with the voters who keep returning him to office, so a stray bullet or two could be a blessing to the rest of us.

Of course I don’t know how Farragut will deal with situations where the head of household is a convicted felon. I’m guessing the city will have to round up any convicted felons living inside the corporate limits and send ‘em packing since they can’t legally possess firearms.

Commissioner Thomas Hatmaker proposed a little ordinance Monday might that would have sent convicted felons packing from county employment, or at least prevented the county from employing said felons in the future.

County Attorney Joe Coker calmly explained that the squires have no authority to mandate hiring practices to the county’s elected officials and such an ordinance would only impact three county jobs controlled directly by the commission.

Vice Mayor David Young, who is a convicted felon, made an impassioned plea to commissioners to remember that many people who made mistakes in their youth have gone on to lead useful, law-abiding lives and should not be forced to pay for their mistakes over and over. He asked how many of us can honestly say that we’ve never done anything that could have landed us in the same boat.

I can relate to that. Like all red-blooded American males, I can think of numerous felonies I may have committed in my reckless youth, usually in the name of wooing women. In addition, “Contempt of Congress” is considered a serious offense and I confess that I have been in utter contempt of Congress ever since I was old enough to vote.

Grandpappy Winfrey once spent a year in a Chicago jail, convicted of driving a truckload of Canadian whiskey across the border during Prohibition. He went on to serve as Lake City’s first water commissioner and a jailer for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.

On the other side of the family tree, Great-Grandpappy Sharp was a coal miner who had to leave the state for a time after the Coal Creek War back in the 1890s. Granny used to tell of how her daddy would load a coffee can full of bullets and climb Walden’s Ridge to his position, where he would spend the day shooting at any Tennessee State Militia soldier who popped his head up behind the walls of Fort Anderson.

His shift over, Grandpappy Sharp would come back down for a good night’s rest before spending the next day shooting at soldiers again, He was one of several thousand area coal miners who were never convicted of their felonies.

The commissioners seem to have taken David Young’s pleas to heart, as they voted 14-1 to, as Steve Rutherford said, “Not kick a man while he’s down.” Poor Thomas cast the only vote for his proposal. Marie Ayers seconded his motion “to bring it up for discussion” and then voted against it.

On a more positive note, my science enrichment students at Valley View got to go on their field trip on April 1 to the Gatlinburg Aquarium. The vice principal had to cancel out at the last minute due to a family emergency, the head count and the check to the aquarium were off because some parents counted teenagers as “other children” while the aquarium counts them as adults, and the bus had a flat tire on the way home.

The principal cancelled personal travel plans to bravely accompany the trip, the aquarium worked with us to make the check come out even and we limped home on one of the two dual wheels on the bus. The 50 kids were blissfully ignorant of all the little problems, had a great time and hopefully learned a little something as well – and we didn’t lose a single chaperone. All in all a successful field trip!   (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013, 4:00 PM)        

TBI to investigate animal shelter allegations

April 16, 2013

 

Press Release

 

Campbell County Mayor’s Office - Mayor William Baird

 

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office - Sheriff Robbie Goins

 

District Attorney General’s Office - Lori Phillips-Jones

 

Jointly, the aforementioned representatives met today, April 16th, 2013, in the office of the Campbell

County Mayor William Baird.  We are all seriously concerned, about the allegations involving the Adrion

W. Baird Animal Center, and we will not tolerate anything less than a thorough inquiry and investigation.

All agencies have been contacted with the various allegations and have been on a fact finding mission

into those claims.  At this present time, none of those allegations has been substantiated.  However, we

are all cognizant of the fact and agree together, that an investigation by outside source would be

beneficial for all agencies involved, as well as, Campbell County citizens.  Therefore, a TBI investigation

has been jointly requested by all agencies involved.  The Veterinary Medical Board is already conducting a regulatory investigation and we await its conclusion.  All employees of the Adrion W. Baird Animal Center have been placed on administrative leave until further notice and no one outside of the Campbell County Mayor’s Office currently has access to the facility.  All those wishing to be interviewed by the TBI in an official investigation and to present their evidence, should contact the Campbell County Mayor’s Office at 423-562-2526 and provide their personal phone number and contact information.  We appreciate all of the concerned citizens who have been calling and emailing our offices.  We would appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while the investigation is proceeding in a professional and correct manner that we all deserve.

 

We ask together, due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and the allegations, that the public be

respectful and discontinue the personal contact, harassment, and/or intimidation of Betty Crumley or

any other present or former animal center employee.  Any influence by outside or out of state inquires

could result in the hindrance of the official investigation and it is our hope that it will move forward

correctly and fluidly.  We believe together, Campbell County citizens and taxpayers deserve a complete

and thorough investigation.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013, 2:00 PM)  

'Preferred' list of applicants interviewed for City Administrator position in LaFollette

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Interviews were conducted Wednesday and Thursday of a "preferred" list of 12 applicants for the position of City Administrator of LaFollette. A total of 21 people applied for the job when it became available in February. Jack Miller of Crossville is the only out-of-towner among the 12 applicants interviewed this week. The others are all local and include Shane Burris, Tom Hatmaker, Billie Russell, David King, Bill Comer, Mark A. Wells, Andy Wallace, Travis Davis, Gabrielle Byrge, Greg Brackett and Darryl Roberts. "The interviews went well, and the council will discuss it at the next workshop (on April 29)," said LaFollette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries, who has been serving as interim city administrator since the resignation of Cade Sexton in January. LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said each member of the council may submit their top picks to be voted on during the May 7 council meeting.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013, 5:45 PM)

New convenience center hours

ALL hours of operation 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Towe String Road OPEN 7-DAYS A WEEK  

Stony Fork OPEN Monday and Saturday

ALL other locations OPEN Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

 

Pearl was...well...a pearl

     It was the biggest crowd yet.  Around 200 people were on hand Wednesday to hear the wit and wisdom of former University of Tennessee Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl.  Pearl was the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon at the La Follette Church of God. 

Bruce Pearl speaks before a packed house (VIC KING PIX 04/17.2013)

Pearl said he was there, because he’s a dad; calling it the most important role he will ever have.  Maggie Inscho with the Campbell County Children’s Center describes Pearl and the turnout as “awesome.”  Dr. Rissa Pryse, President of Terry’s Pharmacy, won the bid of more than 25-hundred dollars to have dinner with Pearl while the total auction raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000.  It benefits the children’s center.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Andy Tillman sworn in as new chancellor - story below

Strong to severe storm potential again today

     Campbell County was right on the border line of strong to severe storms Tuesday and is again today.  Storms stayed just over the state line north into Kentucky Tuesday.  However, the threat of nasty storms returns today.  Isolated strong to marginally severe storms are possible mainly during the peak heating of the afternoon from 3:00 until sunset.  Damaging wind and large hail are the main threats with locally heavy rainfall in the stronger storms.  Should storms become strong to severe, we will track those for you right here.  Remember.  You will hear watches and warnings first from WLAF. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

HASLAM APPOINTS TILLMAN TO EIGHTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT CHANCERY COURT

Tillman replaces late Chancellor Billy Joe White who passed away in November 2012

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced the appointment of Andrew Tillman as chancellor of the Eighth Judicial District Chancery Court effective immediately.  Tillman was sworn in Tuesday at Knoxville at the Supreme Court.

Tillman replaces late Chancellor Billy Joe White who passed away in November 2012 after serving on the bench for 35 years. The Eighth Judicial District includes Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union counties.

Tillman, with wife Claudia, at his side is sworn in by Susano

“The Eight District is gaining an experienced legal mind with Chancellor Tillman,” Haslam said. “His career has been spent in both the public and private sectors, and I appreciate his willingness to serve.”

Since 2009, Tillman has worked as the senior law clerk for Judge Charles Susano, Jr. of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, preparing opinions for cases from all counties in the eastern section and all courts of record, including chancery court. He worked at the Knoxville firm, Paine, Tarwater, Bickers and Tillman from 1991 through 2009 and worked almost exclusively in litigation, providing advice, counseling and advocacy on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of cases.

“I want to thank Gov. Haslam for this unique opportunity, and I look forward to serving as chancellor of the Eighth Judicial District,” Tillman said.

Tillman is a 1974 graduate of Northeastern Oklahoma State with a bachelor’s in mathematics. He earned his J.D. at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1989 with numerous accolades. He has taught at the UT College of Law as an adjunct professor and lectured as a presenter of CLE programs.

Tillman, 61, also has practical skills as a mechanic, welder, carpenter, millwright and heavy equipment operator. He attends White Rock Baptist Church in Huntsville. He and his wife, Claudia have two children, Andi Marie and Tony.     (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Campbell County Commission Meeting 4/15/13

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TBI to investigate animal shelter allegations

 

April 16, 2013

 

Press Release

 

Campbell County Mayor’s Office - Mayor William Baird

 

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office - Sheriff Robbie Goins

 

District Attorney General’s Office - Lori Phillips-Jones

 

Jointly, the aforementioned representatives met today, April 16th, 2013, in the office of the Campbell

County Mayor William Baird.  We are all seriously concerned, about the allegations involving the Adrion

W. Baird Animal Center, and we will not tolerate anything less than a thorough inquiry and investigation.

All agencies have been contacted with the various allegations and have been on a fact finding mission

into those claims.  At this present time, none of those allegations has been substantiated.  However, we

are all cognizant of the fact and agree together, that an investigation by outside source would be

beneficial for all agencies involved, as well as, Campbell County citizens.  Therefore, a TBI investigation

has been jointly requested by all agencies involved.  The Veterinary Medical Board is already conducting a regulatory investigation and we await its conclusion.  All employees of the Adrion W. Baird Animal Center have been placed on administrative leave until further notice and no one outside of the Campbell County Mayor’s Office currently has access to the facility.  All those wishing to be interviewed by the TBI in an official investigation and to present their evidence, should contact the Campbell County Mayor’s Office at 423-562-2526 and provide their personal phone number and contact information.  We appreciate all of the concerned citizens who have been calling and emailing our offices.  We would appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while the investigation is proceeding in a professional and correct manner that we all deserve.

 

We ask together, due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and the allegations, that the public be

respectful and discontinue the personal contact, harassment, and/or intimidation of Betty Crumley or

any other present or former animal center employee.  Any influence by outside or out of state inquires

could result in the hindrance of the official investigation and it is our hope that it will move forward

correctly and fluidly.  We believe together, Campbell County citizens and taxpayers deserve a complete

and thorough investigation.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013, 2:00 PM)  

One of the big Owls of the '60s passes

     Carl Rutherford made his living delivering the mail and creating trophies with his son David.  However, his calling card was his abilities on the basketball court and beyond as a coach and a referee.  The former La Follette Owl battled cancer to his death last night around 11:30 at his home. 

Coach Jerry Dagley says he and Rutherford were arch rivals during their playing days at Jacksboro and La Follette High Schools respectfully.  Dagley, who later successfully coached the La Follette Owls, recalls the night when the Eagles and Owls were playing, and he and Rutherford dove to the floor for a loose ball.  He says it ended up being a jump ball, but that Rutherford gave him the meanest look as if he was going to whip him.  Dagley describes Carl’s playing style as very intense, and says he was a fierce competitor.  Once Dagley took over the reins of coaching La Follette High, he and Carl became the best of friends later traveling and coaching while their daughters played together as youngsters and then as Lady Cougars at Campbell High School. 

 

During his playing days, Rutherford set the single-game scoring mark at LHS with 42 points in 1964, a record broken some seven years later when Gary Gray put up 45 points.  Carl was at the 1971 game the night Gray bettered his total, and perhaps Gray was the only person happier about it than Rutherford

Ashley Whited, one of Carl’s granddaughters, is carrying forward the family tradition and was a member of this past season’s undefeated Lady Cougar JV team.  Carl was able to attend Ashely’s last game that secured the unbeaten season.  Carl Rutherford was 69-years old. (UPDATED TUES, APRIL 16, 2013, 11:00 AM)

Mayor quickly squashes animal shelter discussion

While rumors circulated about an expected crowd of animal lovers descending on the courthouse for Monday’s commission meeting, only three members of the local Friends of Animals group were in the audience when less than a minute was devoted to the topic of the Campbell County animal shelter.

After Beverly Hall moved to suspend the rules in order to discuss the shelter, Mayor William Baird promptly reported that the shelter remains closed while a state investigation continues. He added that all shelter employees remain on paid administrative leave until their future status can be determined.

When Hall asked if the District Attorney General has been contacted, Baird replied, “I’m meeting with the DA’s office tomorrow.”

Thomas Hatmaker arrived late for the meeting, but in time to bring up a resolution he had requested that would ban the county from hiring convicted felons in the future.

County Attorney Joe Coker pointed out that he has already advised that the commission can only control three county positions – the director of courthouse maintenance, the Veteran’s Service Officer and the commission secretary.

“All other county employees are at the discretion of the department heads and elected officials over those departments. The commission can send a message of intent but those officials determine employment requirements over their own employees,” Coker advised.

Vice Mayor David Young asked to be recognized on the subject and reminded commissioners that he is a convicted felon. “Although Thomas’ resolution would not be retroactive and won’t affect me or the other three county employees who have felony records, I want to go on record as opposing such a resolution,” Young stated.

He then pointed out that many people who make mistakes when they are young that result in felony convictions go on to lead useful lives, work hard and raise families despite the obstacles that a felony record can place in their paths. He urged commissioners to vote against the resolution and allow people with felony records to be judged on their individual merits.

Commissioner Steve Rutherford referred to the proposed resolution as “kicking a man when he’s down, with Hatmaker responding that his proposal is “not meant to hurt anybody.”

Marie Ayers seconded the resolution “for the purpose of bringing it to a vote, then joined thirteen other commissioners in voting “no.” The resolution failed 14-1 with Hatmaker casting the only vote in favor of his motion.

Another motion by Hatmaker fared little better, as he proposed naming one of the senior courthouse janitors as interim supervisor over courthouse maintenance. Supervisor Don Dilbeck is on extended medical leave and is expected to retire when his leave is exhausted.

Several commissioners questioned the need to appoint an interim director when the senior assistants are already taking responsibility for Dilbeck’s duties and there is no money in the budget to give an interim director a raise. The motion failed 10-5.

The commission was more united on other topics, voting unanimously to instruct Clerk & Master Bill Archer that the county should not bid on six properties that have been quarantined as meth houses when those properties are included in the delinquent tax sale is May.

By not bidding, the county will leave the property in the ownership of the original owners if nobody bids on them at the sale. If the county takes ownership of the quarantined properties, it would be responsible for cleaning them up, Coker pointed out.

The commission also voted unanimously to authorize Environmental Services Director T. Don Boshears to pursue legal action against Ft. Loudon Metals, a recycling firm that owes Campbell County $5,300 for metal purchased from the recycling center.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

Evans the latest WLAF-ISG 60th Trivia winner

     Debbie Evans correctly answered “Jacksboro 14 at La Follette 00 on September 13, 1974" in the latest trivia fun from WLAF and ISG Insurance.  Debbie wins free food from Wendy's and a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or Little Caesar’s Pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell, or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV’s Green Screen for each week’s question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  Big Josh Etter announces each week’s winner Monday mornings over 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and www.1450wlaf.com.  WLAF-ISG Insurance 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF and Randy Heatherly and the folks at ISG Insurance.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2013, 11:30 AM)  

'Preferred' list of applicants interviewed for City Administrator position in LaFollette

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Interviews were conducted Wednesday and Thursday of a "preferred" list of 12 applicants for the position of City Administrator of LaFollette. A total of 21 people applied for the job when it became available in February. Jack Miller of Crossville is the only out-of-towner among the 12 applicants interviewed this week. The others are all local and include Shane Burris, Tom Hatmaker, Billie Russell, David King, Bill Comer, Mark A. Wells, Andy Wallace, Travis Davis, Gabrielle Byrge, Greg Brackett and Darryl Roberts. "The interviews went well, and the council will discuss it at the next workshop (on April 29)," said LaFollette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries, who has been serving as interim city administrator since the resignation of Cade Sexton in January. LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said each member of the council may submit their top picks to be voted on during the May 7 council meeting.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013, 5:45 PM)

                                     Boomer's Corner by Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

Campbell County gets both a halo and a black eye . . . . all in the same week *

Being part of the Campbell County community can be quite an emotional roller-coaster. One minute your head can be swelling with pride; the next, hanging in shame.

Last week was one of those weeks. First came the pride, as the community’s outpouring of love and caring for a 14-year-old girl’s courageous fight against cancer made national news.

The schoolmates of Katelyn Norman led the way as an entire community exerted every effort to help Katelyn realize her “bucket list” dream of attending her high school prom. An entire community reached out to let her know she was loved, and her story touched millions through the attention of national news media.

While Campbell Countians could hold their heads high with pride over the national attention gained by Katelyn’s story, another kind of attention placed our county in an unkind light the same week.

Video leaked over the Internet appeared to expose the folks at the Adrion Baird Animal Shelter of abusing animals and treating them inhumanely. To prove the point that there are few zealots more zealous than animal lovers, shelter director Betty Crumley was bombarded by death threats to the point of being given police protection, while courthouse offices were inundated by angry calls from all over the country.

“People were even calling our office,” County Clerk Debbie Wilson said last week. “We told them we had nothing whatsoever to do with the animal shelter but they just wanted to let us know what low life human beings we people in Campbell County are for abusing poor animals.”

Vice Mayor David Young told me Friday that he spent the entire week responding to telephone complaints over the shelter rhubarb. “I started out being nice and patient. By the end the phone calls were so abusive and threatening that I just hung up on some of them before I would say something I would regret,” David recalled.

County Mayor William Baird, showing uncommonly good sense, found that he had urgent business to attend to down in Nashville last week and left his Vice Mayor in charge of the office.

As it turns out, lawyer Terry Basista, formerly a member of the animal control board, ‘fessed up last week to putting the incriminating video out over the web. It was sent to him by a former shelter employee and appears to have been doctored considerably, if not completely fabricated.

“PETA actually came to our defense,” Young pointed out. “They said that they had inspected our facility and found no evidence of the kinds of abuse the video purported to show.”

PETA did take shelter personnel to task for using the same dosage of an euthanasia chemical on larger dogs that is used for smaller dogs, resulting in a longer delay before the animals’ hearts stop. Accusations that dogs were placed in the freezer while still alive or suffered pain during the euthanasia process are totally unfounded, Young stated.

The shelter also fails to follow another PETA recommendation, that animals be given a dose of sedative before being injected with the fatal chemical. Young claims that budget restraints have made it impossible to sedate all of the animals first, but that the euthanasia injection does not cause pain or discomfort.

Whether any of the criticisms aimed at the shelter are justified might just come down to who you believe, but it does underscore the fact that hubris seldom ends well. Director Crumley may be a dedicated individual, but she comes off in public meetings as being arrogant and stubborn, especially when faced with criticism from the county’s animal lovers.

Betty simply wants nothing to do with the folks with Campbell County Friends of Animals, an outspoken group that has been pushing for more adoption-friendly policies such as allowing volunteers to place photos of adoptable animals on Facebook or other online venues.

She has resisted offers for free volunteer help from people who she sees as critical of her performance and has made a poor impression with many county commissioners. The result is predictable. Just because you are paranoid, the old saying goes, does not mean people are not out to get you.

If part of the shelter’s problem involves budget restraints. If the shelter cannot afford the cost of sedating every animal that must be put down, a good way to encourage donations to offset the costs would be by making friends and not enemies.

While the shelter controversy has given our county a black eye to go with our Katelyn halo, county commissioners got a preview of more trouble on the horizon at Monday night’s workshop.

Can you spell E-911? Perhaps not, unless it’s spelled “b-r-o-k-e.” That appears to be the way our 911 system is heading, with revenues from the public down about 50 percent in recent years.

The problem is cell phones, and the fact that telephone landlines are going the way of 8-track tapes, movies on VHS and the U. S. Postal Service – consigned to the obsolete scrap heap of history.

The E-911 system, so ballyhooed when set up as the answer to all our prayers for prompt response in emergencies, is funded partially by an appropriation in the county budget and partially from a surcharge on telephone bills. Problem is, the surcharge is on stationary landlines. When 911 was established, cell phones were still an occasional luxury.

Not so anymore. The number of business and residential landlines in the county has declined by nearly half in the past few years, and monthly revenues have declined right along with them. The state did set up a system for assessing cell phones, at the rate of a dollar a month, but the State of Tennessee keeps three-quarters of that amount and gives local 911 systems the remaining quarter.

“Not enough,” 911 Director Charlie Hutson told the squires Monday, A bill to increase the cell phone surcharge went nowhere in this year’s legislature, as the majority GOP lawmakers obviously viewed it as a “tax increase.” They, of course, would much rather do nothing and leave it up to local governments to increase taxes to help E-911 survive.

Without more revenue from telephone subscribers or a hefty increase in county funding paid for by property taxpayers, E-911 will still function, Hutson explained, but more than likely without dispatchers. Instead, an automated system would direct incoming calls from the 911 call center to the appropriate emergency service based on the location of the call.

Callers would then be transferred to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, police and fire departments in the various towns or other appropriate agencies. He did not explain how a location-based relay system could separate police calls from fire calls or requests for an ambulance, and it seems likely that the absence of 911 dispatchers would mean a delay in response time, perhaps a fatal delay in some cases.

While commissioners mull over how to deal with the looming 911 crisis, one crisis seems to be resolved. The commission’s EMS Committee took a vote Monday night that will finally put the embattled Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department out of its misery once and for all.

Pinecrest VFD, you might recall, became insolvent last year under a mountain of debt approaching $200,000. How such a thing might happen can only be guessed at, but the fact that former Pinecrest Chief Jerry Moat was arrested last week on an indictment from Bradley County for theft over $1,000 might shed some light on the matter.

At any rate, the Pinecrest board disbanded the department and tried to start off from scratch with a new Norris Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. They declined to declare bankruptcy, however, choosing to salvage the department’s station houses by assuming and consolidating the Pinecrest debt.

The commission pledged 15 grand to the new fire department, once Norris Ridge had applied for its tax exempt status from the IRS. Fast forward nearly six months and the Pinecrest area is still being covered from afar by Campbell County Rural Fire Service and Jacksboro Fire Department.

Norris Ridge Chief McCullah admitted Monday night that his department still hasn’t applied for the 501(c) (3) tax exempt status because they can’t afford the $850 filing fee. Naturally, not a penny of the county appropriation has been spent and now the folks at Campbell County Rural Fire Service would like the share of the money that would have gone to Norris Ridge for the past five months.

The EMS Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the county funds be divided between the Rural Fire Service and Jacksboro, with Campbell County Rural Fire Service assuming permanent responsibility for most of Pinecrest while Jacksboro covers the Mount Paran area.

If this plan works, folks in Pinecrest might eventually see their insurance rates fall back to normal levels, all areas of the county will again have fire protection and the commission won’t have to spend more money than they have already appropriated. The only losers will be the creditors for Pinecrest/Norris Ridge VFD and all of the dedicated volunteer firefighters who put their hearts and souls into their community fire department and their trust in the wrong man. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013, NOON)

       * PETA responds to the latest Boomer's Corner

Dear WLAF,

We hope this message finds you well.  We're writing to clarify certain misinformation included in WLAF's April 10 report regarding PETA's involvement with the Campbell County Adrion Baird Animal Shelter.  We understand that the information is being shared by others via social media, such as on this Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=315639751898437&id=395292177235646#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=398542250243972&id=395292177235646.
Please be assured that PETA has not visited the county shelter and is therefore unable to offer any firsthand information in that regard. We contacted county officials in writing and by phone to urge them to ensure that the shelter follows humane euthanasia recommendations from national experts and in accordance with state laws. Additionally, PETA provided them with recommended guidelines for operation and standards of care<
http://www.sheltervet.org/about/shelter-standards/> from sheltering experts the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, and we've urged them to follow the guidelines closely.
Regarding pre-euthanasia sedation, PETA concurs that this is not always in the best interests of the animal. Whenever possible, a cooperative animal should be held and comforted and given an intravenous (IV) injection of sodium pentobarbital (or in the case of some cats, kittens, and puppies, intraperitoneal, or IP injection, using the proper recommended dosage, may be more appropriate). Fractious and hyperactive animals must always be handled cautiously, and unfortunately, two animals of the same breed and size may react differently to the drug (and in some, the drug may actually exacerbate fractious behavior). There is an unacceptable inherent risk in having a policy of administering the same drug to a number of animals and hoping or assuming that their responses will be uniform. Each animal must be individually evaluated to determine if sedation is necessary.
Thank you for your time and attention. I can be contacted at 443-320-1277 and TeresaC@peta.org<
mailto:TeresaC@peta.org>.
Sincerely yours,
Teresa Lynn Chagrin
Animal Care and Control Specialist
Cruelty Investigations Department
cc:        The Honorable David Young, Deputy Mayor of
Campbell County
(UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2013, 5:00 PM)

 

Shelter closed until further notice

     Mayor William Baird closed the Campbell County Animal Shelter this afternoon until further notice.  The mayor phoned WLAF News just moments ago to announce his decision.  Baird says the shelter remains closed until such time the investigation, that began Tuesday, by the Tennessee Veterinarian Board is complete.  Once the findings are released, Baird says he will then take the appropriate action to reopen the animal shelter.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013, 4:15 PM)

Bruce Pearl is coming to La Follette next week

     The annual Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon is set for Wednesday, April 17.  Former Tennessee Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl is the guest speaker at the event which starts at Noon at the La Follette Church of God.  Tickets are $25, and all proceeds benefit the Campbell County Children's Center.  David Keith and Bob Kesling are among some of the past guest speakers.  Here is a list of items that will be auctioned.

* Lakeside Estate – Weekend cabin rental

* Gatlinburg cabin rental – weekend rental

* Lots 30, 31, 32 and 35 located at Kensington Place Subdivision in LaFollette

* Orangery Gift Certificate value $1,000.00

* Autographed basketball – Bruce Pearl

* $300.00 photo shoot package

* Plane ride for 3 piloted by Lynn Prater

* 2 UT game box seats

* Pontoon boat 1 day rental

* 1 Session to treat varicose veins – Dr. George Pliagas, Powell, TN

Crumley is still the shelter director

     The Campbell County Animal Shelter is closed.  For the rest of today.  Mayor William Baird tells WLAF News that he made the decision to close the shelter, because it’s been like a circus trying to conduct business at the Towe String shelter with all the news reporters, visitors, and such.  Baird says the shelter will open for business as usual on Friday, but he quickly adds that that is subject to change.  He goes on to say that a decision will be made within the next 24-hours to either temporarily close the animal shelter or open it and operate as usual.  All the animals that were in the shelter have either been rescued or adopted leaving the shelter empty for the time being.  Baird says that Betty Crumley is still the director, and that the state investigation that began on Tuesday continues.  Chief Aaron Evans confirms for WLAF that a Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy was called to the shelter this morning initially on what was described to dispatchers as “a disgruntled employee” call.  Once the officer arrived, all was quiet.  However, Crumley was taking up keys from some employees and asked the officer to sign as a witness that she took up the keys.  The officer obliged.(UPDATED THUR., APRIL 11, 2013, 2:00 PM)

News release from the Friends of Campbell County Animals

     Friends of Campbell County Animals is a 501c Organization:   And here is OUR story:  Some kind ladies were already helping the animals of Campbell County, by going to the shelter, taking photos and cross posting them on social media outlets, they were also already helping others pay for spay/neuter  services and helping others re home pets they could no longer keep.  In July/August of 2012, these ladies,  out of their own pockets, helped to sponsor some of the adoptions from the shelter, and within two months, between the photos on social media, and assistance with the adoption costs, lowered the EU of this shelter by 20%.   By September, they were no longer allowed to take photos, were not allowed to sponsor adoptions, nothing, were told to stop all this activity by the director of the shelter.  These same ladies attended the September County Commission meeting and were told:  In order to make photos, you are going to need to get a 501c status and insurance, once you do that, you will be allowed to take all the photos you want!   After several informal meetings, and research as to what would be needed to organize into a 501c and the cost, we discussed the issue of the cost, which was considerable, just to take photos?  If we are going to organize and have to spend this considerable amount of money for the 501c application, and the liability insurance to cover the group, we need to do more than just take photos!  That was when we approached the commissioners, again, wanting to arrange rescue, etc, to save as many animals as humanly possible!  And again, the commission appeared to be in full agreement to this concept and the ideals associated with it.  In October 2012, these same ladies, now with several other ladies and men asking to be included, formed the organization known as Friends of Campbell County Animals, we applied for our 501c and received it in January 2013, and promptly obtained the required liability insurance for the group.  Again, these ladies approached the County Commission, informing them that all the requirements they had asked for had been met!  And, again, these ladies were denied what they were promised if the group was formed and fully documented in the requirements. These ladies are all professional people, educators, business owners, etc, all are kind people, and do NOT condone the use of violence, never have, never will.  They support more non profit organizations as a group and as individuals, such as cancer research, children's services, St. Judes, church youth groups, the list is long!  Our goals, as Friends of Campbell County Animals, has been and will continue to be, to help the animals of our County, in and out of the shelter, with our programs.  We apply for grants, and use them for spay/neuter services, we have NO  paid positions, every dime we get is used for transport, medical supplies, vetting, food, etc, all funding is used 100% in helping these animals have the chance for a safe, loving life.  And again, our members do NOT CONDONE the use of violence nor the use of "death" threats against anyone!  Friends of Campbell County Animals. (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013, 6:00 AM

Campbell County School Board Meeting 4/09/13

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Animal shelter investigated Tuesday

     An investigator from the Tennessee Veterinarian Board spent a lot of time in Campbell County on Tuesday.  Mayor William Baird tells WLAF News that the investigator was at the animal shelter on Towe String Road for about three hours and then spent an hour with him at his office at Jacksboro.  While at the shelter, Baird says the investigator just wanted to stay around a while and observe in addition to meeting individually with shelter staff members. 

She went on to tell the mayor that after hearing all the allegations prior to her visit that she was very “surprised” when she saw the facility saying that she’s visited many, many shelters over the years, and that she’s not seen many shelters cleaner and nicer than the Campbell County Animal Shelter.  At issue are complaints from employees and others that Shelter Director Betty Crumley is operating the facility under abusive conditions.  Crumley, who has run the shelter since 2009, has received threatening calls and emails.  Baird says it’s been very difficult to conduct county business with all the phone calls and emails especially when you’re averaging one to two emails a minute like the office was last week.  The mayor notes that it’s business as usual until the investigation is complete.  It will be up to the state veterinarian board to determine if there has been any wrong doing.(UPDATED WED, APRIL 10, 2013, 10:00 AM)

Trio of teens does damage with dozer

     Three teens wreak havoc in a gated community on Norris Lake.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF that 18-year old Jonathan Tyler Stanford, 19-year old Logan Tyler Thompson, and Thompson’s 18-year old brother, Dylan Stone Thompson, all of La Follette, are facing multiple charges including vandalism. 

Stanford

According to Evans, around the first of March, the two eighteen year olds broke into a home that is under construction on Prestige Ridge and stole property totaling more than one-thousand dollars.  The items were found at the home of Marvin Stanford on Old Long Hollow Road.  Both Jonathan Stanford and Dylan Thompson admitted to selling the property to Stanford’s father, Marvin, for $120. 

Logan Thompson

About a week later, in the same gated community, The Villages, this time on Rainbow View Road, Stanford, Thompson, and Thompson’s older brother, Logan, tell deputies that they “hot wired” a piece of heavy equipment and drove it into a semi-trailer turning it on its side, destroying its contents, and then turned the heavy equipment on its side.  Damage caused is estimated at more than $10,000.  Near the end of March, Stanford and Dylan Thompson struck again this time burglarizing and vandalizing an unfinished home on Cedar Gate Lane once again in The Villages near the lake. 

Dylan Thompson

Damages in this case are in excess of $10,000.  The pair admits to running the victim’s D-5 dozer into the unfinished residence and knocking the porch off of the foundation.  They then turned a Jayco camper on its side totaling the camper.  The trio’s total number of victims, all out-of-towners, is five.  All three teens are free on bond. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013, NOON)

Boomer's Corner by Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

Campbell County gets both a halo and a black eye . . . . all in the same week

Being part of the Campbell County community can be quite an emotional roller-coaster. One minute your head can be swelling with pride; the next, hanging in shame.

Last week was one of those weeks. First came the pride, as the community’s outpouring of love and caring for a 14-year-old girl’s courageous fight against cancer made national news.

The schoolmates of Katelyn Norman led the way as an entire community exerted every effort to help Katelyn realize her “bucket list” dream of attending her high school prom. An entire community reached out to let her know she was loved, and her story touched millions through the attention of national news media.

While Campbell Countians could hold their heads high with pride over the national attention gained by Katelyn’s story, another kind of attention placed our county in an unkind light the same week.

Video leaked over the Internet appeared to expose the folks at the Adrion Baird Animal Shelter of abusing animals and treating them inhumanely. To prove the point that there are few zealots more zealous than animal lovers, shelter director Betty Crumley was bombarded by death threats to the point of being given police protection, while courthouse offices were inundated by angry calls from all over the country.

“People were even calling our office,” County Clerk Debbie Wilson said last week. “We told them we had nothing whatsoever to do with the animal shelter but they just wanted to let us know what low life human beings we people in Campbell County are for abusing poor animals.”

Vice Mayor David Young told me Friday that he spent the entire week responding to telephone complaints over the shelter rhubarb. “I started out being nice and patient. By the end the phone calls were so abusive and threatening that I just hung up on some of them before I would say something I would regret,” David recalled.

County Mayor William Baird, showing uncommonly good sense, found that he had urgent business to attend to down in Nashville last week and left his Vice Mayor in charge of the office.

As it turns out, lawyer Terry Basista, formerly a member of the animal control board, ‘fessed up last week to putting the incriminating video out over the web. It was sent to him by a former shelter employee and appears to have been doctored considerably, if not completely fabricated.

“PETA actually came to our defense,” Young pointed out. “They said that they had inspected our facility and found no evidence of the kinds of abuse the video purported to show.”

PETA did take shelter personnel to task for using the same dosage of an euthanasia chemical on larger dogs that is used for smaller dogs, resulting in a longer delay before the animals’ hearts stop. Accusations that dogs were placed in the freezer while still alive or suffered pain during the euthanasia process are totally unfounded, Young stated.

The shelter also fails to follow another PETA recommendation, that animals be given a dose of sedative before being injected with the fatal chemical. Young claims that budget restraints have made it impossible to sedate all of the animals first, but that the euthanasia injection does not cause pain or discomfort.

Whether any of the criticisms aimed at the shelter are justified might just come down to who you believe, but it does underscore the fact that hubris seldom ends well. Director Crumley may be a dedicated individual, but she comes off in public meetings as being arrogant and stubborn, especially when faced with criticism from the county’s animal lovers.

Betty simply wants nothing to do with the folks with Campbell County Friends of Animals, an outspoken group that has been pushing for more adoption-friendly policies such as allowing volunteers to place photos of adoptable animals on Facebook or other online venues.

She has resisted offers for free volunteer help from people who she sees as critical of her performance and has made a poor impression with many county commissioners. The result is predictable. Just because you are paranoid, the old saying goes, does not mean people are not out to get you.

If part of the shelter’s problem involves budget restraints. If the shelter cannot afford the cost of sedating every animal that must be put down, a good way to encourage donations to offset the costs would be by making friends and not enemies.

While the shelter controversy has given our county a black eye to go with our Katelyn halo, county commissioners got a preview of more trouble on the horizon at Monday night’s workshop.

Can you spell E-911? Perhaps not, unless it’s spelled “b-r-o-k-e.” That appears to be the way our 911 system is heading, with revenues from the public down about 50 percent in recent years.

The problem is cell phones, and the fact that telephone landlines are going the way of 8-track tapes, movies on VHS and the U. S. Postal Service – consigned to the obsolete scrap heap of history.

The E-911 system, so ballyhooed when set up as the answer to all our prayers for prompt response in emergencies, is funded partially by an appropriation in the county budget and partially from a surcharge on telephone bills. Problem is, the surcharge is on stationary landlines. When 911 was established, cell phones were still an occasional luxury.

Not so anymore. The number of business and residential landlines in the county has declined by nearly half in the past few years, and monthly revenues have declined right along with them. The state did set up a system for assessing cell phones, at the rate of a dollar a month, but the State of Tennessee keeps three-quarters of that amount and gives local 911 systems the remaining quarter.

“Not enough,” 911 Director Charlie Hutson told the squires Monday, A bill to increase the cell phone surcharge went nowhere in this year’s legislature, as the majority GOP lawmakers obviously viewed it as a “tax increase.” They, of course, would much rather do nothing and leave it up to local governments to increase taxes to help E-911 survive.

Without more revenue from telephone subscribers or a hefty increase in county funding paid for by property taxpayers, E-911 will still function, Hutson explained, but more than likely without dispatchers. Instead, an automated system would direct incoming calls from the 911 call center to the appropriate emergency service based on the location of the call.

Callers would then be transferred to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, police and fire departments in the various towns or other appropriate agencies. He did not explain how a location-based relay system could separate police calls from fire calls or requests for an ambulance, and it seems likely that the absence of 911 dispatchers would mean a delay in response time, perhaps a fatal delay in some cases.

While commissioners mull over how to deal with the looming 911 crisis, one crisis seems to be resolved. The commission’s EMS Committee took a vote Monday night that will finally put the embattled Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department out of its misery once and for all.

Pinecrest VFD, you might recall, became insolvent last year under a mountain of debt approaching $200,000. How such a thing might happen can only be guessed at, but the fact that former Pinecrest Chief Jerry Moat was arrested last week on an indictment from Bradley County for theft over $1,000 might shed some light on the matter.

At any rate, the Pinecrest board disbanded the department and tried to start off from scratch with a new Norris Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. They declined to declare bankruptcy, however, choosing to salvage the department’s station houses by assuming and consolidating the Pinecrest debt.

The commission pledged 15 grand to the new fire department, once Norris Ridge had applied for its tax exempt status from the IRS. Fast forward nearly six months and the Pinecrest area is still being covered from afar by Campbell County Rural Fire Service and Jacksboro Fire Department.

Norris Ridge Chief McCullah admitted Monday night that his department still hasn’t applied for the 501(c) (3) tax exempt status because they can’t afford the $850 filing fee. Naturally, not a penny of the county appropriation has been spent and now the folks at Campbell County Rural Fire Service would like the share of the money that would have gone to Norris Ridge for the past five months.

The EMS Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the county funds be divided between the Rural Fire Service and Jacksboro, with Campbell County Rural Fire Service assuming permanent responsibility for most of Pinecrest while Jacksboro covers the Mount Paran area.

If this plan works, folks in Pinecrest might eventually see their insurance rates fall back to normal levels, all areas of the county will again have fire protection and the commission won’t have to spend more money than they have already appropriated. The only losers will be the creditors for Pinecrest/Norris Ridge VFD and all of the dedicated volunteer firefighters who put their hearts and souls into their community fire department and their trust in the wrong man. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013, NOON)      

Schools likely facing another decrease in students

The Campbell County Board of Education will begin the delicate process of producing a budget for the upcoming school year with a budget workshop session on April 23. If Director Donnie Poston’s estimates are correct, that task will be made more complicated by a continuing drop in enrollment.

“We can possibly face another decrease of around 70 children next year,” Poston told the board. He did not have to point out that losing that many students will mean additional cuts in state dollars that are calculated on the number of students enrolled.

“I want to encourage us all to be bold with our budget requests,” Chairman Josh Parker said. “Nothing is more important to this county than education.”

With money promising to be tighter than ever, the board spent some time discussing a growing shortfall in the food services fund, caused by students who fail to pay for cafeteria meals that they have charged.

“We need a process to accept credit cards,” Scott Hill suggested. “That would make it more convenient for parents to pay off mounting cafeteria charges.”

“Do we have an upper limit on charges?” Eugene Lawson added. “If a student’s family can’t afford to pay for meals they need to be on the free lunch program. If they can afford to pay, we need to be collecting those charges.”

Attorney Dail Cantrell told the board that in Anderson County, each student has a code number tied to an account. Parents pay a certain amount into the account and receive a letter notifying them when the balance nears zero.

“They can call in their credit card number and add money to the account,” Cantrell added.

“If it reaches zero and they don’t renew it, what do you do?” Lawson asked.

Cantrell admitted that students are not turned away from eating if their account balance has been exhausted. “It’s not really been a problem, it’s an incentive based program,” Cantrell concluded.

Sheriff’s Deputy Shane Wolfenbarger appeared before the board to report on the “Text A Tip” program, where students are given a hotline number to text security officers if they observe problems.

“The program has led to preventing numerous fights, along with drug and tobacco violations,” Wolfenbarger explained. “We also had one bomb threat that was reported and led to an evacuation.”

He was asked if students who level false accusations or call in hoax tips has been a problem.

“We’ve only had one or two incidents of false accusations. If someone makes a habit of it, we can block their number from the line,” Wolfenbarger explained, adding, “It’s a good program. Students are more likely to report problems when their tips are anonymous.”

The board also approved an increase in travel reimbursement rates for staff and teachers who must travel to conferences or state-sponsored training programs, to a maximum of $250 per day for either in-state or out-of-state travel.

AFT spokesperson Sharon Marlow explained after the meeting that the Tennessee Department of Education commonly schedules mandatory events at expensive venues such as the Opryland Hotel in Nashville when less expensive locations would suffice.

“They book these things where rooms and meals are really expensive, then leave it up to local school systems to pay their own way,” Marlow pointed out.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Caryville Council Meeting 4/8/13

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90-day activity report is out from CCSD

     It was a busy first 90 days of 2013 for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  Deputies made more than 500 traffic stops while the jail averaged 172 inmates a day.  The complete 90-day activity report is found further down this page.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013, 5:30PM)

Memorandum

TO:                   Campbell County Commission

FR:                   Sheriff Robbie K. Goins                      

RE:                   County Commission Report

DATE:               April 8, 2013

As committed in the last 90 day report, you will find in the attached materials and information below, the progress, activity and updates from our office for the months of January, February and March. I have instructed my staff to prepare and produce this information on a 90 day basis to better serve and inform you thoroughly. We hope this information will provide you all with valuable insight of the hard work, dedication and the progress of our office that I mandate and expect.  Our new mission statement “It is the mission of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence of fear of crime and to enhance public safety, while working with every community to improve their quality of life. Our mandate is to do so with professionalism and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards, to renew and maintain public confidence. Our values will evolve around and with Leadership, Service, Performance and Discipline.” This mission statement is something we take very seriously and expect every employee to abide by wholeheartedly. As you will notice in the below information, our office is very busy and we strive every day to make sure the public and taxpayer gets what they demand and deserve. We hope this information will help reflect the dedication of our office and the fine people we have leading it. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for everything you do and the service you provide for our county daily.  

Memorandum

TO:                   Captain J .Brandon Elkins
                        Captain Eric Jones
                        Lieutenant Jeremy Goins

FR:                   Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans              

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting

DATE:               April 8, 2013

We have committed to doing an information update or 90 day progress/activity report to the Campbell County Commission and other avenues. I am requesting, in detail, a list of the activity and progress that has occurred in the last 90 days with your respective divisions. Include everything, regardless how minor you perceive it to be. Include arrests for different or specific violations, investigations solved, jail issues, escape thwarts, training, special assignments, board bill projections, inmate housing information and anything you believe to be pertinent to the operations of your respective division. I will retrieve the data from 911 Communication Center and provide those statistics.

Memorandum

TO:                   Sheriff Robbie K. Goins

FR:                   Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans              

RE:                   County Commission Report

DATE:               April 8, 2013

Per your request for the activity and information update for the previous 90 days you will find activity and information from the entire command staff, as listed. Below is the total number of calls for service and the specific 10-Code calls they were, that was entered by the 911 Center. As an office, we responded to 3,268 calls for service that have been entered, in the previous 90 days.

Calls for Service

Animal Calls                              75                                 Attempted Suicide                                 11

Escorts                                     245                               Suicide                                                 2

Civil Process                             905                               Harassment/Threats                               71

Noise Complaints                       20                                 Trespassing                                         33

Vandalism                                 63                                 ATV Complaints                                     4

Wanted Checks                        144                                B&E Business                                       4

Child Custody                            18                                 B&E Residence                               72         

Neighbor/Property Disputes        19                                 B&E Vehicle                                          7

Shootings                                  10                                 Shoplifter                                               5

Runaway Juveniles                     5                                  Fraud/Forgery                                        24

Missing Persons                        5                                  Fire                                                       17

Alarms                                      68                                Stolen/Lost Property                              129

Reporting at Station                   1                                  Message Delivery                                   0

Stolen Vehicles                        30                                 Juvenile Problem                                14        

Property Damage Crashes          29                               Traffic Stops                                          547

Crashes w/ Injury                       11                              Officer Assistance Calls                      25        

Drunk/Drugged Driving              11                                 Domestic Dispute                                  102

Armed Robbery                        1                                  Drug Traffic                                            35

Hit and Run                               8                                 Disturbance                                           32

Prowler                                     40                                 Assault                                                 78

Welfare Check                           79                                 Sick/Injured Person                                79

Public Drunk                              11                                 Child Abuse                                           2

Fight Calls                                 11                                 Indecent Exposure                                 1

Suspicious Person/Vehicle         329

Dead Body                                10

Haz-Mat Situation                      0

Mental Person                           7

Property Check                        31

911 Hang Up                              6

Extra Patrol Calls                       69

There are an unspecified number of other miscellaneous calls for service

The total number of arrest for the months of:

Jan: 106                           Feb: 93                                           March: 159

90 day total: 358

Total Civil Process Served for the 90 day period:        905

I would like to commend Detective Sergeant John Long leading CID with 33 total arrests for the 90 time period. Also would like to commend with the Patrol Division Deputy Franklin Ayers for leading the patrol division with 26 arrests, Deputy Cody Chapman with 22 arrests and Deputy Gary Jeffers with 20 arrests.

Per your request, in the last page of this report you will find valuable information from the previous 90 days on the actions and operations of our office.

Memorandum

TO:                   Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans

FR:                   Captain J. Brandon Elkins                  

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting for CID

DATE:               April 8, 2013

Criminal Investigation Division and Drug Investigation Division

Statistics for the Last 90 Days

The last 90 days (January 1st-March 31st, 2012) have been challenging yet proving for the Criminal Investigation Division and Drug Investigation Division.  As a department, CCSO has seen an overall decrease in burglaries, thefts, violent crime, and narcotic trafficking during this quarter. During the last 90 days, CID has handled 154 cases. Overall case assignment has decreased -16% this quarter.  We have seen a 22% increase in arrests within the divisions during this time period. The Drug Investigation unit has completed 10 undercover drug buys. CID and DID has also participated in three search warrants inside of the county, which led to the county seizure of approximately $40,000.00 in assets. The focus of DID this quarter has been to see the indictment of individuals for various narcotic related crimes over the past year and the arrest of those individuals.   Nine active meth labs were also worked during this time period, resulting in 8 arrests for the manufacture of methamphetamine. We have seen an increase in the number of clandestine methamphetamine labs in our county this quarter.  The prescription pill problem continues to be on the rise and we are also starting to see the use of inhalants in teens at our local community schools. The Search and Rescue team has responded to 2 call outs in which both individuals were eventually located.  The Units are also responsible for responding to some 71 calls for service. Departmental efforts have also seen the indictment of more than 50 individuals through Grand Jury. Further, the divisions have solved many cases resulting in the arrest of 100 individuals for various criminal offenses. Most of the offenses charged by our investigators have been felony charges and have been after the long, hard work of solving a case. Some of the notable offenses include: 8 Aggravated Burglaries, 5 Burglaries, 10 Thefts under $500.00, 2 Thefts over $500.00, 19 Thefts over $1000.00, 1 Arson, 3 Theft over $10,000.00, 2 Forgeries,  4 Aggravated Child Abuse and Neglect, and 1 Rape of a Child. Our divisions’ arrests account for 32% of the total departmental arrests. With seven detectives, we account for 16% of the department.  Clearly, our divisions account for more than their number.

This quarter has been an eventful time for members of CID and DID. I would like to especially recognize Detective Sergeant John Long for his work in the drug investigation division. Detective Sergeant Long arrested 33 individuals this quarter and saw many cases that he has worked over the past year come to fruition. It is because of his dedication that many members of our great county can rest knowing that we have arrested drug dealers targeting young people within the community.

Memorandum

TO:                   Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans

FR:                   Captain Eric Jones                  

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting for Jail Operations

DATE:               April 8, 2013

Board Bill Projections:  Dec: $90,021          Jan: $88,282           Feb: $79,920                

White Male Inmates: 123        Black Male Inmates: 1    Other Male Inmates: 1    Total: 125

White Female Inmates: 43            none               none                                      Total: 43

Male Inmates: 74.25%       Females: 25.75%       White: 99.4%     Black: 0.10%    Other: 0.1%

Total Inmates: 168

Average Age Male: 37    Average Age Female: 34

Average Number of days in Jail:  121     Total Inmates that have been in jail prior: 156

90 Days Evaluated for this average and purpose:

Average daily inmate count:                    172

Highest Daily count in 92 days:               191

Lowest Daily County:                             160

Average Inmate meal cost for the months of July, August, and September

October:                        16,037 meals served- .77 cents/meal- $.95 with bread and milk

November:                     14,217 meals served- .93 cents/meal- $1.12 with bread and milk

December:                    16,157 meals served- .81 cents/meal- $.97 with bread and milk

Memorandum

TO:                   Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans

FR:                   Lieutenant Jeremy Goins       

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting for Road Operations

DATE:               April 8, 2013

From January 1st 2013 to March 31st 2013 The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division has answered 3,268 calls for services and have made approximately 358 arrests in the last three months.  The following explains in detail some of the arrests and citations that have been made and given:  Driving while revoked license 18, Driving on suspended license 20, HMVO 5, Reckless Driving 5, Seat belt Violations 21, Light Law 9, Violation of registration 8, Violation of Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law 10, Speeding 14, Driving under the influence 26, Violation of Implied consent 8, Open Container 3, Public intoxication 16, Possession of drug Para. 22, Possession of Schedule II 19, Possession of Schedule III 12, Possession of Schedule VI 9 , Evading arrest 5, Resisting arrest 14, Reckless endangerment 7, Assault on a police officer 1,  Capias warrant 27, Violation of Probations warrant 16,  Criminal trespassing 10,  Domestic Violence by assault 22, Assault 8, Aggravated Assault 9, Vandalism 9, Disorderly conduct 6, Vehicular Assault 1.

              Also during the last three months the Patrol Division has participated in Governor’s Highway Safety Office Campaign S.M.I.L.E., attempting to reduce traffic crashes, traffic fatalities and to make the Campbell County roadways safer. The Sheriff’s office targeted areas throughout the county with high crash volumes.  During that period the Patrol Division issued 21 seatbelt citations, 40 felony arrests, 18 suspended driver’s license, 4 reckless driving, 6 driving under the influence, and 12 speeding citation.

Highlights of additional progress and activities for the Sheriff’s Office in the previous 90 days

            Deputy Joshua Humphrey has completed his third phase of the Drug Recognition Expert School which consisted of the following field certification. 

Phase 3 - Field Certification after successfully completing the field certification phase.  These requirements were completed: A minimum of 12 drug influence evaluations while under supervision of a DRE instructor; identifying subjects under the influence of four of the seven drug categories; and attaining a 75% toxicological confirmation rate. In addition, the student maintained a progress log, a rolling log and submitted written curriculum vitae. 

Sergeant Kenneth Daugherty who is assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division as a Crime Scene Investigator completed three vital parts of his training in the past three months. It consisted of classes in Forensic Entomology, Property and Evidence Specialist and Managing Property and Evidence in Law Enforcement.

Deputy Josh Humphrey and Gary Jeffers who are members of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office DUI Task Force completed the GHSO Advanced Road Side Impairment Class on January 6-7 2013.

Deputy Shane Wolfenbarger and Sergeant Brian Osborn attended and completed the Safe Kids child seat passenger safety course hosted by Children’s Hospital.

Detective Matt Wasson attended and completed Clandestine Laboratory Investigation / Safety Program in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.

Carmike Movies 2 behind Woodson Shell

423.562.0979

Showtimes through Thursday, April 18

Olympus Has Fallen  (R)

   
Sat Apr 13:
1:45pm   4:15pm   7:20pm   10:00pm  
Sun Apr 14:
1:45pm   4:15pm   7:20pm  
Mon Apr 15:
4:15pm   7:20pm  
Tue Apr 16:
4:15pm   7:20pm  
Wed Apr 17:
4:15pm   7:20pm  
Thu Apr 18:
4:15pm   7:20pm  

The Croods  (PG)

Sat Apr 13:
2:00pm   4:30pm   7:00pm   9:30pm  
Sun Apr 14:
2:00pm   4:30pm   7:00pm  
Mon Apr 15:
4:30pm   7:00pm  
Tue Apr 16:
4:30pm   7:00pm  
Wed Apr 17:
4:30pm   7:00pm  
Thu Apr 18:
4:30pm   7:00pm  

CAMPBELL COUNTY MAYOR’S OFFICE PRESENTS

“CAN-IT PROJECT” ONLINE AUCTION

Tuesday, April 9th-Friday, April 12th

SPONSORED BY TDOT LITTER GRANT PROGRAM

Student artists recently competed in an anti-litter campaign by painting slogans and scenery on garbage cans.  These artists did an amazing job & now you can own one of these cans through the auction.

The projects may be viewed AND you can place your bid on the web at:

http://www.cougarsrock.net

Click on Can-It Project @ the left of the screen.

 Daily Bid Updates will be posted.

All funds generated from the auction benefit Jellico High & Campbell High School art classes.

Tax hike to keep E-911 dispatchers?

The county commission’s EMS Committee may have driven the final nail into the coffin of the struggling Norris Ridge Volunteer Fire Department on Monday night, voting to recommend that the county funds appropriated for Norris Ridge be instead divided between Campbell County Rural Fire Service and Jacksboro Fire Department.

Those two fire departments have been providing coverage for the area once served by the defunct Pinecrest VFD while volunteers worked to establish Norris Ridge to replace debt-ridden Pinecrest. Norris Ridge VFD Chief McKay McCullah told commissioners that he has two trucks and a tanker truck ready for service, eight volunteers who are certified and ready to fight fires and enough turnout gear for 20 firefighters.

“I can call E-911 dispatch and start service tomorrow,” McCullah claimed. He then admitted that Norris Ridge has only around $500 in the bank and has not yet been able to afford the $850 fee that must accompany an application to the IRS for tax-exempt status.

Without the IRS 501(c) (3) application, Norris Ridge cannot receive any of the $15,000 that the county pledged five months ago to keep the department alive.

Campbell County RFS Chief Don Maguire first told commissioners that he is not interested in taking on responsibility for the Pinecrest area on a permanent basis, then made a convincing argument for why Norris Ridge has no chance of surviving to protect the area.

Maguire instead suggested that his service could assume responsibility for the former Pinecrest station at Cumberland View while Jacksboro and Caryville fire departments can serve the areas within the town’s urban growth plan, such as Mount Paran.

“The board of Pinecrest VFD was advised to declare bankruptcy and start over with a clean slate, but they ignored that good advice and assumed all of the debt for Pinecrest on Norris Ridge. They’re too burdened with debt to survive,” Maguire added.

Commissioner Marie Ayers, who lives in the Pinecrest area, pointed out that insurance rates have already risen by as much as 50 percent on many homes in the area due to uncertain fire protection. Maguire said that if the area is assigned to Campbell County RFS, he will designate it as Station # 5 and his service’s ISO rating will bring insurance rates back down.

Thomas Hatmaker offered to front the Norris Ridge group the difference between their current cash reserve and the amount needed to apply for tax exempt status, but enthusiasm for saving the department was lacking among other committee members.  A motion by Bob Walden to allow Campbell County VFS and Jacksboro to take over the area and share the $15,000 in county funds passed unanimously.

During the commission workshop, commissioners faced another potential financial crisis involving emergency services, this time a shortfall in operating funds for E-911.  E-911 Director Charlie Hutson explained that the surcharge on commercial and residential telephone lines is no longer adequate to fund the call center due to the growth of cell phones.

“The legislature was considering a bill to increase the fees assessed on cell phone bills, but it was withdrawn.  Next year is an election year and it will go nowhere,” Hutson told commissioners.

Jacksboro 911 board member Jack Cannon pointed out that three years ago, E-911 received $22,000 a month from the phone bill surcharge on land lines. “That is down to $12,000 to $13,000 now and going down,” he pointed out.

The county’s small towns, Caryville, Jacksboro and Jellico, cannot afford to pay for dispatching services, Cannon argued, and Hutson told commissioners that the county’s current payment of $198,000 a year must be increased by as much as $150,000 to keep services at current levels.

“What can you get by with?” Rusty Orick asked.

“Two cents on the tax rate,” Hutson replied. “That’s $88,000.”

The alternative, commissioners were told, would be to eliminate dispatchers at the E-911 center, simply using the hardware to automatically transfer calls depending on location to other agencies such as the ambulance service, fire departments or police.

Predictably, commissioners moved on to other topics without indicating whether they would be willing to raise taxes to keep dispatchers on duty at the call center.

Commissioners also offered few answers to another group of citizens, representing several families who claim that the caretakers at Bakers’ Forge Cemetery have been selling gravesites that are already deeded to their families, digging graves on top of existing graves dating to the TVA removal and other illegal practices.

“The county commission has no legal authority over a private cemetery, County Attorney Joe Coker pointed out, advising the group to seek legal representation.  Complaints to the Sheriff’s Department resulted in an investigation, but Sheriff Robbie Goins told commissioners that he could do nothing about the alleged desecration of old graves.

“Any violations took place too long ago and the statute of limitations has expired,” Goins explained.

Bakers’ Forge was established by TVA when graves had to be moved from land due to be flooded by Norris Dam.  Three community churches originally shared responsibility for perpetual care of the cemetery, but interest waned and an independent board finally assumed control.   

County commission's regular monthly meeting for April is scheduled for Monday, April 15 at 6:00 at the courthouse.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Crawford is sworn in as Caryville alderman 

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

There was no shortage of candidates Monday night to fill the seat of former Caryville alderman Michael F. Miller. Two people were nominated for the position, while a third offered to serve the remainder of Miller’s term.

Miller, who had not attended a board meeting since the November election, finally resigned a few weeks ago. Board member Vickie Heatherly first made a motion for Mack Rains to replace Miller. However, the motion died for lack of a second.

Later in Monday’s meeting, Eric Smith, who ran against Miller during the last election, came before the board to ask for the seat. Mayor Chris Stanley said another name was getting ready to come up on the agenda, and if that didn’t work out he would consider Smith as a possible replacement. That set the stage for Lisa Crawford to step into the role. Mark Stanley made a motion for Crawford to fill Miller’s seat on the board. Allen Smith seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0-2 vote. Glenn Smith and Vickie Heatherly abstained from voting. Glenn Smith cited a conflict of interest as a reason for not voting.

Town Recorder Cheryl Ivey then swore Crawford into office.  (DWANE WILDER PIX)  

In other business conducted Monday night:

*The board approved a payment of $5,500 for engineering prep work and plans for a project to alleviate a drainage issue at the ProImage Sign Company in the J. Wales Smith Industrial Park. Caryville board members then approved a resolution submitting the project to the state for a Fast Track Grant. The Town of Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen signed off on the project during its meeting last Thursday night.

*Caryville’s board also approved the final reading of an ordinance abandoning Alexander Drive at the industrial park, which will help ProImage with parking for its employees.

*The board approved a motion for the purchase of a mower arm for $15,500 from Chambers American.

*The board approved Copeland Brothers to repair lights at the John McGhee Industrial Park at a cost of $1,009.

*The board approved the advertising of bids for paving projects on Loop Road and Elkins Road.

The board also discussed future audit contracts and fielded concerns from a citizen over unreported proceeds from baseball tournaments at Asbury Park.

Board member Mark Stanley commented that $3,200 had been raised during a recent baseball tournament for local cancer patient Katelyn Norman.

The board also set aside April 25 for a budget workshop at 6 p.m.(UPDATED TUE, APRIL 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Campbell County Park opens

By David Graham - WLAF Sports

     It was a great night for Dixie Youth Baseball as it played the first game ever at Campbell County Park on Monday night. 

Opening night and the new park kicked off with a bang as "Chaos" of Beacon Finance played "Legals" of the Dave Dunaway team. 

Christian Marlow had the first ever hit at CCP and also scored the first run for 'Chaos'.  Hunter Dotson was the first player to use the tee.  CCP is on Demory Road between the bridge and the cutoff to High Knob Baptist Church. 

The complete story and more pictures are coming in David Graham's Wednesday Sports Report right here. (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Copeland is the latest WLAF-ISG 60th Trivia winner

     Mike Copeland correctly answered “Billie Ann Evans age 50” in the latest trivia fun from WLAF and ISG Insurance.  Mike wins free pizza from Little Caesar’s Pizza and a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or Little Caesar’s Pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell, or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV’s Green Screen for each week’s question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  Big Josh Etter announces each week’s winner Monday mornings over 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and www.1450wlaf.com.  WLAF-ISG Insurance 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF and Randy Heatherly and the folks at ISG Insurance.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013, 5:30 PM)  

Campbell County Administrator of Elections

Ann Ayers-Colvin Passes Certification Exam  

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins have announced that Ann Ayers-Colvin, Campbell County Administrator of Elections, passed the Certification Exam for Administrators of Elections recently in Nashville.

“This certification demonstrates Ann Ayers-Colvin’s dedication to meeting the highest of standards in her efforts to serve Campbell County,” Hargett said.  “Campbell Countians can be proud to have a public servant of this caliber.”

The exam is a rigorous, one-day exam held at least once a year in Nashville.  By passing the exam, participants demonstrate they have the level of knowledge and understanding required to be successful county administrators of elections in Tennessee

“I applaud Ann for her hard work, commitment and focus in studying for the exam,” Goins said. “I am proud of her great accomplishment.”    (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013, NOON)  

Record setting Campbell County Cancer Association telethon

     It was a record night.  The Campbell County Cancer Association's annual telethon on WLAF-TV 12 (1450 WLAF Radio and www.1450wlaf.com) raised more than $32,000. 

That topped last year's total of $27,000.  The Campbell County Cancer Association is an all-volunteer organization providing support to local cancer patients through gasoline, medicine, and supplements.

After minimal overhead, 95% of all the money raised goes to help patients.  (UPDATED SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2013, 12:01 AM) 

Light turnout for Jacksboro election

     It was expected to be a light turnout.  And it was.  Jacksboro's mayoral and alderman election was comprised by unopposed incumbents.  A total of 45 people cast their ballots with Mayor Jack Cannon receiving 39 of those votes while Aldermen Avery Burden and Alderwoman June Gwin Forstner picked up 37 and 36 votes respectively.  (UPDATED SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2013, 12:01 AM)  

State Representative Dennis Powers weekly update from Nashville airs Fridays following the Noon CBS News on 1450 WLAF

New convenience center hours

ALL hours of operation 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Towe String Road OPEN 7-DAYS A WEEK  

Stony Fork OPEN Monday and Saturday

ALL other locations OPEN Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

 

Special group of soldiers and sailors honored

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Close to 150 people attended the 6th annual Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner held Thursday night at the Ball Farm and Event Center.  

Kevin Walden sings National Anthem.  Logan Hickman (R)

This year the award recipient was the Campbell County Honor Guard, a group of 29 former United States soldiers and sailors that volunteer to perform burial honors at military funerals for their comrades.

Special guest speaker was U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann

Fleischmann, Detective Captain Brandon Elkins, and Clarence Lowe

"The Scouts wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Honor Guard for the service they provide year after year to the community," said event organizer Logan Hickman, who is also a veteran. " Last year they did 107 funerals. This year they've done 25 as of the first of April. An organization like this does not exist in every county. It's special."

Ron Lawson and State Representative Dennis Powers

All money raised through the sale of tickets to the dinner will go to the Campbell County Boy Scouts. (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Gearing is new Jacksboro librarian

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Dan Gearing is the new librarian for the Town of Jacksboro. During Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen, a motion was made by June Forstner to hire Gearing, who had recently been filling in at the mayor’s office. “We had a lot of good applicants,” said Forstner. Alderman Ray Green seconded the motion, and the vote in favor of Gearing was unanimous. More than 10 people had applied for the job.

In other business conducted during Thursday’s meeting:

*The board approved a payment of $5,500 for engineering prep work and plans for a project to alleviate a drainage issue at the John McGhee Industrial Park. The vote hinges on approval by the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

*Mayor Jack Cannon said he would serve as Jacksboro’s representative on the Campbell County Solid Waste Board.

Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities General Manager Frank Wallace

*Cannon also said he will address the Campbell County Commission during its 6 p.m. workshop on April 8. Members of the Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen feel that the county should absorb the more than $40,000 being asked of Jacksboro to fund a dispatcher at the Campbell County E-911 Center.

*Forstner complimented Jim Freeman and WLAF Radio for promoting the Town of Jacksboro Election on Saturday, April 6 at JMS. “I appreciate his interest and thank him that he gave us a public service announcement on his radio station for the upcoming election,” said Forstner. (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Matix only filling a handful of positions

     Matix Corporation is adding positions.  But before you get your hopes up too high, it’s only six, maybe seven.  And some of those are open because a few workers have either left Matix or moved away.  Jerri Starrett with the Matix plant at Caryville tells WLAF News that a third line of operations is open, and that they are now accepting applications.  She says starting pay on the first shift is $9.50 an hour and then $10.00 an hour for second shift workers.  New employees are eligible for health insurance benefits after a 90-day probationary period.  Starrett says anyone interested should apply in person at their plant in the Erschel Collins Industrial Park at the 141 exit of I-75.  Matix, based in Japan, manufactures automotive parts supplying the needs of Japan’s auto industry and has had a plant in Caryville since 2001.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013, 1:30 PM)

Message from Mayor Baird clarifies You Tube video featuring animal shelter

     Mayor William Baird tells WLAF News that “the YouTube Video that everyone is seeing concerning the Adrion W. Baird Animal Center is full of inaccurate information and pictures from 4 years ago.  Our animal shelter is in compliance with all state guidelines.  The State of TN just completed the yearly inspection of the animal center with no findings.  If anyone wishes to see the report, it is available at the Animal Center. All Euthanasia is done according to regulations.  The animals are all in kennels with heated floors and beds.  The animals receive proper feeding and care.  The animal center works with the area rescues to rescue as many animals as possible.  We have instituted an active volunteer program at the shelter.  We have an active advisory board that monitors the policies of the shelter. Campbell County Animal Center has properly trained and certified staff, and we will continue to monitor our progress.  Anyone who has concerns may visit the Adrion W. Baird Animal Center.  (submitted by Campbell County Mayor William A. Baird).” (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2013, 11:45 AM) 

Three local restaurants fined

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

La Follette City Council voted Tuesday night to accept an 80/20-match grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation to replace the Curt Alley Bridge over the railroad on 11th Street.

The city’s obligation will not exceed $110,877 even if there are cost overruns. The LaFollette Council approved a down payment of $8,470 to secure the grant and for Finance Director Terry Sweat to scour the city coffers for the balance.

Alley Bridge on North 11th Street  (DWANE WILDER PIX 04/02/2013)

Public Works Director Jim Mullens said the structure is in danger of being closed by the state because of stress cracks.

In other business conducted during Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting:

*Members of the council agreed to conduct interviews of the top applicants for city administrator on April 10-11 at 6 p.m.

*Approved a resolution honoring Carl Rutherford for his many years of service to the youth of the community through athletics.

*Approved the promotion of Stephen Wallen to detective.

*Approved the hiring of Matt Dople as a full-time police officer with benefits.

*Approved an invoice of $1,470.78 for office furniture for the LaFollette Public Library.

*Approved the termination of David Martin, an employee in the public works department. City officials would not elaborate on the firing.

*Approved the advertising of bids for turnout gear for the fire department.

*Approved a flagpole for Freeman Park. Fire Chief Gary Byrd said the flagpole would be funded through private donations.

*Approved the final reading an ordinance to establish an updated Occupation Safety and Health Program Plan, and provide for a safety director and implementation of the program.

*Approved the final reading of an amendment to the personnel policy in respect to drug testing of employees.

Just before the conclusion of the meeting, Steve Underwood came before council to express his concerns over the deterioration of a section of College Hill Road. He said he has counted 200 vehicles a day, on average, traveling the road between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Underwood fears an accident if the road is not repaired soon. Mayor Mike Stanfield asked Mullens to take a look at it and then report back to council.

Steve Underwood addresses council    (DWANE WILDER PIX 04/02/2013)

Underwood also plans to bring it to the attention of Campbell County Road Superintendent Dennis Potter, since part of the affected road is in the county.

In a LaFollette Beer Board meeting that followed the council meeting, three businesses were fined for selling beer to undercover officers posing as underage patrons. The businesses were China Town Café, Ninja Hibachi and Los Cumbres. Since it was China Town’s second offense, the restaurant was fined $1,000. The others were fined $500 each.

See the council meeting in its entirety further down this page. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Pink PALS hosts a very special guest

     The founder of the Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center is scheduled to speak next week in La Follette.  Dr. Kamila Kozlowski will talk about women’s health as well as explaining her goal of getting a bill passed in the state legislature. 

Dr. Kamila Kozlowski

Dr. K is working to get the “Mammography Breast Density Information Act” passed in Tennessee.  It is a federal bill that entitles women with a dense breast mammographic pattern to have equal opportunity in finding breast cancer.  Dr. Kozlowski speaks Thursday, April 11, 7:00 p.m. at the La Follette Methodist Church.  The event is sponsored by the Breast Cancer Support Group, the Pink PALS, and the La Follette Business Professional Women’s Club.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

La Follette City Council Meeting 4/2/13

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La Follette man dies in predawn crash

     Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Larry Skeen tells WLAF News that dense fog may have been a factor in a single-car wreck this morning at Davis Chapel.  Skeen says the call came in just before 7:30 a.m.  However, he thinks that the accident actually happened closer to 5:30 a.m., and that the fog kept anyone from seeing the wreck scene until near daybreak.  Trooper Skeen outlines that 79-year old Earl Strange of La Follette was traveling toward La Follette on Old Highway 63 when he failed to make a deep curve at the Davis Chapel Road cutoff.  He says that Strange's 2001 Volvo went off left side of the road, down an embankment, and then flipped several times.  Strange, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from his car and died at the scene.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2013, 1:00 PM) 

New method of meth making causes explosion, fire

     A 38-year old La Follette man tells police that he was trying a "new method of manufacturing methamphetamine."  Campbell County Sheriff's Detectives tell WLAF News that it was during the new process when the bottle Randall Scott Johnson was using to make meth exploded.  As a result, Johnson received minor burns and burned down his mother's outbuilding where he was cooking the meth. 

He was burned by chemical flash burn on his face, neck, arms, and hands.  The fire from the outbuilding also caused a lot of damage to the siding on Johnson's mother's mobile home which is located on College Hill Road.  Johnson said he was making the meth for his own personal use.  He is charged with initiation of procedure intended to manufacture methamphetamine and arson and is free on an $8,500 bond.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2013, 1:00 PM) 

     Martin is the latest WLAF-ISG 60th Trivia winner

     Carl Martin correctly answered “Judy Pierce” in the latest trivia fun from WLAF and ISG Insurance.  Carl wins free food from Wendy's and a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or Little Casear’s Pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell, or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV’s Green Screen for each week’s question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  Big Josh Etter announces each week’s winner Monday mornings over 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and www.1450wlaf.com.  WLAF-ISG Insurance 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF and Randy Heatherly and the folks at ISG Insurance. (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2013, 1:00 PM)

New convenience center hours

ALL hours of operation 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Towe String Road OPEN 7-DAYS A WEEK  

Stony Fork OPEN Monday and Saturday

ALL other locations OPEN Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

                     

         "Listen" to LIVE Campbell Baseball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

                                                         

         "Watch" LIVE Campbell Basketball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

 

"My baby will be forever 14"

     Katelyn's mother summed it up simply, sadly, and lovingly.  Erica Lanielle Nelson says, "My baby will be forever 14.  She has earned her wings at 8:23."  The Campbell High Freshman, who a community instantly loved, passed away this morning at 8:23 at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013, 10:00 AM) 

Katelyn passes

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Members of the extended Campbell County community are mourning the loss of 14-year-old Katelyn Norman, who passed away earlier this morning after a two-year battle against cancer.

Norman, a CCHS freshman, had developed quite a following over the past several months. After recently learning that her cancer would likely be fatal, Katelyn developed a bucket list of things she wanted to do before the end of her days. Among those was attending prom, which she was able to do thanks to legions of fans and well-wishers that brought the prom to her after she was airlifted to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville at the last minute on Tuesday afternoon. Her prom date, ETCH volunteer Jacob Gallaher, presented Katelyn with a sash and crown. To top off the evening, friends and family held two candlelight vigils, one at Fincastle where the original prom was held and another at the hospital outside Katelyn’s window.

Katelyn took a turn for the worse on Thursday and was never able to return home. She will be missed by family and the countless friends she has made over the past few years.  (UPDATED FRI, MAR 29, 2013) 

Archive story from Katelyn's first visit to WLAF

8th Grader Winning Her Battle with Cancer

     Today is chemo day.  Not quite the type of day you would imagine an almost 13-year old to spend on one of her final Fridays of freedom before school starts back.  But since the last week of April, Katelyn Norman’s life has taken a detour.  The Jacksboro Middle Schooler’s battling bone cancer, osteosarcoma.  This rare form of cancer attacks teenagers most often during a period of rapid growth.  It’s more common in boys than girls.  However, that’s not the case for Katelyn.  She found out totally by accident from her friend, Micala Greenwood, during a teen living class.  As Micala tells it, she’s ticklish.  And on this particular day, Katelyn was tickling her.  She wouldn’t stop.  Then Micala hit Katelyn’s right arm near the top at her shoulder.  The friendly punch delivered a sharp pain.  So sharp, Katelyn went to the doctor thinking she had a fracture.  Then two weeks later an x-ray revealed the tumor.  In the meantime, chemo treatments, like today’s, have reduced the pain allowing Katelyn to sleep at night.  Her mom, Erica, says they’re optimistic, but even more so now that doctors have upped Katelyn’s survival chances to 70-percent.  In the mean time, it’s more chemo, MRIs, ct scans, and varied tests for this pretty young lady.  And for Katelyn’s best friend, Micala, she tells 1450wlaf.com that she’s encouraging Katelyn, and that she’s there for her whenever she needs her any day, anytime.  You may also play a part in Katelyn’s recovery process by simply donating blood.  On July 29 and 30, in the Lowe’s parking lot, MEDIC will be on hand to accept your donation.  (Updated 11:00 p.m. 07/21/2011) 

Another archive story about Katelyn 

Katelyn's Blood Drive 'Off the Chart'

     An incredible two-day blood drive.  That’s what one donor told 1450wlaf.com on Saturday at the drive to help 12-year old cancer patient, Katelyn Norman.  A Friday donor left and came back, because the wait was so long.  According to officials with MEDIC, 88 donors came through on Friday and coupled with Saturday’s numbers the total was pushed to well over 125.   Katelyn is battling an aggressive form of bone cancer, and it’s still not too late to donate to help Katelyn.  You may donate on Friday at Walmart from 10:00 to 6:00, next Monday at Tennessee Technology Center during a time frame of 8:00 to 3:00, or on August 11 at the CHET office on West Central.  Just tell your technician that you’re donating for Katelyn Norman.  (Updated 6:00 a.m. 08/01/2011)
                                                         
  Another archive story about Katelyn 

                                                  Happy Birthday, Katelyn
     Cancer patient Katelyn Norman turns 13 today.  She's getting to spend her birthday at home after being at Children's Hospital last week.  Although it's a quick turn-a-round.  She's due at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Wednesday for surgery to her upper right arm.  Katelyn continues to show signs of improvement as she battles a rare form of bone cancer.  She's an eighth grader at Jacksboro Middle School (Updated 6:00 a.m. 08/08/2011)

Katelyn's colage courtesy of Billie Jo Ralston

It was a night to "Celebrate Kate"

     Katelyn’s prom night didn’t quite go as planned.  And looking back, it may have even been a little better than planned.  The hitch came when teen cancer patient Katelyn Norman was whisked away to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital by Lifestar around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon as respiratory problems forced her to go to the hospital.   

However, the show would go on.  And did it ever.  About dusk, around a thousand people attended Katelyn’s candlelight vigil lining the General Carl Wade Stiner Highway near Fincastle Road.  La Follette Utility bucket trucks lined Stiner Highway as Katelyn checked “attending a prom” off her bucket list.

Though the 14-year old was in a hospital room and not at her actual prom at The Stables party barn, the prom came to her.  The celebration that began in La Follette continued when about a hundred folks showed up outside Katelyn’s hospital window at Knoxville

As a limo passed by in her honor, with Katelyn looking-on, attendees formed to shape a heart.  While inside her room, she was presented with a “Prom Queen” sash.

Katelyn, who has been battling terminal cancer for almost two-years, remains at Children’s Hospital this morning.  Her condition is not being released.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Journey continues at Fincastle 

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Nearly four months after being destroyed by fire, the new and improved Fincastle Church of God is taking shape. Pastor Mike Smith says the sheeting will be placed on the roof today, and if the weather cooperates this spring the sanctuary should be finished by late June or early July. The basement, which will house the Sunday school rooms, will be finished out after that. Worship services have been held the past few months in the family life center, which was not damaged by the fire.

“It’s been a journey,” said Smith. “We’ve had to have patience with each other. I encouraged the church not to get angry about the tragedy…anybody could do that. But I wanted them to keep patient. The Lord has blessed us. We really appreciate everything.”

The community at-large has helped in the rebuilding project. Shield of Faith Church in Jacksboro recently held a benefit singing, which generated $4,200 for the project. Shortly after the fire in December, an account was set up at Community Trust Bank to help rebuild the church. WLAF will host a telethon on May 3 to keep the help flowing.

This weekend, Fincastle Church of God will host an Easter egg hunt on Saturday on the Carl Clear property adjacent to the church. Then, on Sunday, the church will participate in a sunrise service at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens (DWANE WILDER PIX - UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013, 5:00 PM) 

Pix from Thursday night's Roast of former county mayor, Tom Stiner

Katelyn's colage courtesy of Billie Jo Ralston

WLAF-TV 12's Green Screen up & rolling

     It was a long time coming.  After taking a lightning jolt early Monday morning, WLAF-TV 12's Green Screen is back to its old self.  Thanks to Bill Rutter of Computer Care and Charlie Hutson, the Green Screen was revived on Wednesday.  We greatly appreciate all the calls, and believe me, we were as frustrated and upset as you were in trying to get the GS rolling again.  Thanks for watching and thanks for your patience.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Scout award dinner is a week away

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Members of the Campbell County Honor Guard will collectively be honored next week at the 6th annual Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 at the Ball Farm and Event Center just east of the LaFollette city limits. Special guest speaker will be 3rd District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann. More than 150 people are expected to attend. Not only is the dinner a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts but it is also a chance to honor a person or organization that has made a difference in Campbell County. Peoples Bank of the South is corporate sponsor of the event.

Each year, the Honor Guard provides military honors at funerals of active duty personnel, retirees and veterans that have served honorably in the armed services. The Honor Guard also provides support for patriotic ceremonies and parades. In 2012 alone, this group of volunteers performed 107 military burials.

Previous recipients of the Good Scout Award were Edward Balloff, the late Juanita Baird, retired U.S. Army Colonel and former County Executive Tommy C. Stiner, the five Baird brothers and retired U.S. Army General Carl W. Stiner. For tickets to the dinner, contact Logan Hickman at Peoples Bank of the South at 423-562-4921.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

All-American Chapman back home training

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News and Photography

Brian Chapman’s strategy for strength and endurance training is simple. Make practice harder than the game.

Jason Williams

Chapman, a Campbell County native and former NCAA Division II Baseball All-American at Carson-Newman, is back in LaFollette a couple days a week helping to train boxers at John Foust’s Golden Gloves Gym on Indiana Ave.

Three of the boxers — Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler, Marcus Toney and Jason Williams — are battle ready after six weeks of training and are looking for matches. Toney, age 24, is the youngest of the three. Butler, 31, and Williams, 37, are the two seasoned veterans. Big Zo, a 270 lb. mountain of a man with sub-4.3 speed, has a 28-2-1 record and is looking to get into the Great American Heavyweight Box-Off. Williams, another big guy, has won 10 bouts and lost two. Toney, a 140 lb. lightweight boxer, is 1-0-1.

Marcus Toney

Chapman puts the three through their paces during the morning sessions, while Foust fine-tunes their boxing technique during the afternoons.

“A full boxing match is 12 rounds, three minutes a round, so you have to train them to go 36 minutes if possible,” said Chapman.

“Boxing is such a cardiovascular sport that just the endurance to last that many rounds requires intensive training.”

Alonzo "Big Zo" Butler

All the emphasis on endurance has led Chapman to launch 13th Round Training. He has been involved in strength, speed and endurance training for seven years.

He got into the business after being injured while playing professional baseball in Belgium after college. Chapman worked for NIKE three and a half years before going to D1 Sports Training in Knoxville. He still works at D1 a couple days a week.

John Foust and Marcus Toney

Chapman also helps train several CCHS football players at ABSolute Fitness in LaFollette.(UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

It was a night to "Celebrate Kate"

     Katelyn’s prom night didn’t quite go as planned.  And looking back, it may have even been a little better than planned.  The hitch came when teen cancer patient Katelyn Norman was whisked away to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital by Lifestar around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon as respiratory problems forced her to go to the hospital.   

However, the show would go on.  And did it ever.  About dusk, around a thousand people attended Katelyn’s candlelight vigil lining the General Carl Wade Stiner Highway near Fincastle Road.  La Follette Utility bucket trucks lined Stiner Highway as Katelyn checked “attending a prom” off her bucket list.

Though the 14-year old was in a hospital room and not at her actual prom at The Stables party barn, the prom came to her.  The celebration that began in La Follette continued when about a hundred folks showed up outside Katelyn’s hospital window at Knoxville

As a limo passed by in her honor, with Katelyn looking-on, attendees formed to shape a heart.  While inside her room, she was presented with a “Prom Queen” sash.

Katelyn, who has been battling terminal cancer for almost two-years, remains at Children’s Hospital this morning.  Her condition is not being released.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

 Card in top spot after 7th place weekend finish

     Caryville’s Brandon Card sits atop the “Toyota Angler of the Year” standings this afternoon.  So far, Card has 185 points through this weekend’s Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament at Zapata, Texas.  He says on his Facebook page that he hopes the standings look this way five-months from now.  He finished 7th out of 100 anglers for his second straight top ten finish in the Rigid Industries Falcon Slam on Falcon Lake at Zapata.  The tournament was suspended on Sunday due to high winds and concluded Monday. 

The Campbell High grad was the 2012 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.  Card was the first collegiate angler to qualify and fish the Bassmaster Elite Series.  Next up is the Ramada Quest on Bull Shoals Lake in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, on April 18 – 21. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013, 1:00 PM)                                                                                

City administrator apps, 11th Street Bridge discussed

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Determining a date for interviewing applicants for city administrator and repair of the 11th Street Bridge were the top two topics of discussion Monday night during the monthly workshop meeting of LaFollette City Council.

Interim city administrator Jimmy Jeffries asked members of council to give him a list of their top candidates at next Tuesday’s regular council meeting. A date will then be set for the interviews.

During discussion about the 11th Street Bridge, council members learned the structure has a stress crack in one of the pillars, which renders it unsafe according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation. LaFollette Public Works Director Jim Mullens said the bridge has a five-ton weight limit. Jeffries said the total cost of the project would be a little more than $554,000, but the city’s obligation would be around $110,000 with an 80/20-match grant.

Other topics discussed at the workshop included:

*Roof repair of city hall.

*An invoice for chairs for the library.

*Promotion of Stephen Wallen to detective.

*Hiring Matt Dople as a full-time policeman with benefits.

*Advertising for bids for new turnout gear for the fire department.

*Termination of an employee within the public works department.

*Placing a plaque honoring longtime referee/coach Carl Rutherford in the recreation center at the old West LaFollette School building.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Big week for Katelyn

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

This is a big week for CCHS freshman Katelyn Norman. On Tuesday night, March 26, a special prom will be held in honor of the young cancer patient at The Stables on Fincastle Road east of LaFollette.

While Katelyn is enjoying the prom with her closest friends, members of the community will line up at 8 p.m. alongside Fincastle Road to participate in Light the Night for Kate, a prayer and a candlelight vigil. When Katelyn leaves her prom, she will travel through the sea of lights back to her home.

Fincastle Road will be closed from 7-8:30 p.m. to thru traffic except for residents that live along the road. At 7:15, sheriff’s deputies will begin traffic control duties for those coming to the prom and also the candlelight vigil. Parking for the event will begin just outside of The Stables along the right portion of the roadway traveling toward State Route 63. Once the traffic line stretches to the highway, the right side or west side of the roadway toward LaFollette will be utilized and have traffic parked in that direction and manner along the shoulder.

Photo: Today I was trying to be a blessing, but instead I was the one who was blessed!  Just as my students and I were putting the finishing touches (except the big red bow-lol)on downtowns decorations, we heard the sound of sirens, followed by the gentle roar of the motorcycle precession...filling a part of "the bucket list."
I am deeply touched by the response of this community and the people who live in it.  I love my Campbell County!  
Thank you all who came out to help decorate.  I will never forget this day!

                                                                                 (COURTESY LISA STANFIELD LESTER 03/25/2013)

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will also assist with traffic control.

Donations are piling up for Katelyn’s bucket list. A number of individuals and organizations are having fundraisers to help out. Donations can also be made at Y12 Federal Credit Union to Katelyn's Bucket List Fund.   (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013, 12:15 AM)

Get your green for Katelyn at Cobblestone Floral & Gifts

     You not only get a green “Katelyn” ribbon when you buy from Cobblestone Floral and Gifts,  there is also a picture of Katelyn on the ribbon.  All proceeds go directly to Katelyn’s family.  Cobblestone Florist is across from Food City.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013, 11:00 AM)

Total bond amount exceeds six-million dollars

“Operation Spring Cleaning”
Year Long Undercover Narcotics Investigation Yields Indictments

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announces today that a year-long undercover narcotics investigation has yielded 63 Grand Jury indictments and probation violations of Campbell County's worst drug offenders, with a total bond amount of $6,312,500.00. The largest drug roundup in a decade, dubbed “Operation Spring Cleaning”, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office along with the 8th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has confiscated in drug seizures, over $125,000.00 of drug money and 28 vehicles with a total estimated value of approximately $300,000, as well as, an assortment of prescription narcotics, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. Members of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office are, as we speak, actively seeking the individuals indicted along with the assistance of the United States Marshal Service; Great Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force, 8th Judicial Drug Task Force, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, State Bomb and Arson Section, Caryville Police Department and the Jacksboro Police Department.

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins calls the investigation “appropriate, necessary and needed, for the citizens of Campbell County to receive the safety and service they demand and deserve.” “We intend to hunt these people down and put them directly in jail, period. We couldn’t do it without the great help of the fine folks mentioned above. Our great working relationships with these other agencies help secure assistance any time we call for it, and for that we are thankful.” said Sheriff Goins. “The investigators on these undercover investigations have spent the last year committed to the removal of drugs and the apprehension of violators who choose to pollute our county, our communities and their homes and lives with evil and destruction. These are time consuming investigations, that when done correctly, yield the progress we have today. We have seized nearly one half of a million dollars of monies and property from drug dealers. These drug dealers have help ruin the lives of countless citizens and cost our taxpayers countless dollars with all the affects associated with drug abuse. I am so proud of the work all of these professionals have done to make Campbell County better. Our work is not done. We will continue the fight and progress, all day, every day, because that’s what our people and county deserve.” concluded Sheriff Robbie K. Goins.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013, 10:30 AM)

Smith was a World War II hero

     Campbell County loses another World War II Veteran.  George Smith passed away on Friday.  Many may recall Smith as the Avondale Milk distributor for more than 30-years.  He was also a Rotary Club “Citizen of the Year” for his outstanding farming abilities on the farm where he was born and raised.  Smith served in the U.S. Army Air Corp in World War II serving in the European Theatre in the 7th Squadron.  George A. Smith was 94-years old.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Twenty-one candidates vie for La Follette Administrator opening

     A total of 21 candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to be the next LaFollette City Administrator. Police Chief and interim City Administrator Jimmy Jeffries said a date will be set during tonight’s monthly workshop for the purpose of interviewing the top candidates. Each candidate will appear before the full city council for their interview. The list of candidates, which includes several local people, is as follows: Greg Brackett, Shane Burris, Gabrielle Byrge, Gary Carver, William Comer, Travis Davis, Joseph Garrison, Thomas Hatmaker, William Kerley, David King, Margaret Meeks, Jack Miller, Olajuwon Onadipe, Susan Rayburn, Darryl Roberts, Billie Russell, Bobby Russell, Edward Stevenson, Sandra Tucker, James Andy Wallace and Mark A. Wells. The position came open after City Administrator Cade Sexton resigned in January.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Early voting continues today for town of Jacksboro election

     Three offices are up for election at Jacksboro in early April.  And there's no opposition for any office.  Administrator of Elections Ann Ayers-Colvin explains that for mayor, Jack Cannon is on the ballot while Alderwoman June Gwin Forstner and Alderman Avery Burden are also on the ballot.  All three are incumbents.  Cannon, Forstner, and Burden just need one vote each to return to office.  Early voting runs through April 1, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 4:00, and Saturday early voting hours are from 9:00 to 1:00.  There is no early voting on Good Friday.  Early voting ballots are cast at the election commission office while election day, Saturday, April 6, from 9:00 until 7:00, takes place at Jacksboro Middle School.  WLAF brings you the final totals late on April 6.  (UPDATED MON, MAR 25, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Norman is the latest WLAF-ISG 60th Trivia winner

     Sylvia Norman correctly answered “Shelby’s Grocery Store where potatoes were on sale 50 pounds for $1.59” in the latest trivia fun from WLAF and ISG Insurance.  Sylvia wins free gasoline from Woodson Shell and a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or Little Casear’s Pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell, or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV’s Green Screen for each week’s question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  Big Josh Etter announces each week’s winner Monday mornings over 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and www.1450wlaf.com.  WLAF-ISG Insurance 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF and Randy Heatherly and the folks at ISG Insurance. (UPDATED SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013, 10:00 AM)

Campbell County going green today for Katelyn

    Local residents are painting Campbell County green today in honor of cancer patient Katelyn Norman, a student at CCHS. Katelyn, whose favorite color is green, has unveiled a "bucket list that folks in the community are helping to fulfill. The list includes attending prom, a first kiss, a motorcycle ride and a trip to Italy.

A special prom for Katelyn will be held on Tuesday, March 26 at The Stables east of LaFollette. Following the prom, members of the community are encouraged to participate in a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. along Fincastle Road between The Stables and Hwy. 63.

A special fund has also been set up at Y-12 Federal Credit Union to help Katelyn complete her bucket list. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of green bows at Petals of Grace Florist in Jacksboro and t-shirts at Ayers Auction and Real Estate will go to Katelyn's fund.

The folks at Petals of Grace are turning out pin-on ribbons, car ribbons, mailbox and house ribbons as fast as the orders come in. The t-shirts at Ayers sold out in 30 minutes earlier today, but they hope to get another batch in soon.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013, 1:00 PM)

Nationwide Insurance recognizes Gary Gray

Community service, outstanding agency performance result in company award

La Follette, Tennessee — Helping community members protect their future is more than just a job for Gary Gray, it’s a way of life. A Nationwide employee and agent for 33 years, Gray has dedicated his career to counseling customers on their insurance and financial services needs, providing them with security for the people and things they value most – their loved ones, their homes and their businesses.

Gray dedicates much of his time to a number of organizations around the community including the Campbell County Baptist Association, Campbell County Planning Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and the Christian Academy of Campbell County.  His involvement with these organizations has earned him the national Nationwide Insurance Community Service Award.

The CCBA Disaster recovery program will receive a $5000 donation from Nationwide Insurance. Gray will also be featured on a Wall of Fame in the Nationwide corporate office in Columbus, OH.

Gray’s dedication has also led to sales success. Last year, many customers 
trusted Gray with their protection needs, leading to the following sales 
awards for him: Presidents Conference, Champion Conference, and Regional 
Personal Lines Agent of the Year.

·  The Presidents Award, the company’s highest award, is for attaining excellence in sales of automobile, homeowners and other property and casualty insurance products, as well as life insurance and other financial services products.

·  The Champion Award is for outstanding achievement in sales of multiple products, including automobile and homeowner’s products, as well as life insurance and other financial services products.

·  The Regional Personal Lines Agent of the Year Award recognizes the top agent in the region for any given calendar year that has attained excellence in sales of automobile, homeowners and other property and casualty insurance products, as well as life insurance and other financial services products.

Gary Gray consistently drives for results and represents the true nature of Nationwide's most elite performers. He puts the customer at the heart of the business, challenging himself and those around him to deliver the On Your Side® personalized customer experience each and every day.

Gary Gray is principal agent of the Gray Insurance Agency Inc. He has three offices in the area, located at 1210 Jacksboro Pike in LaFollette, 20409 Alberta St. in Oneida, and 40 New York Avenue in Oak Ridge. He has a staff of twelve full-time associate agents serving more than 8000 customers. This is the first time that an agent from the South Central Sales Region (Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Mississippi) has been selected for the company’s national community service award.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Smith is acting police chief at Caryville following the demotion of Jones

    Longtime Caryville Police Chief Johnny Jones was relieved of his supervisory duties earlier today during a meeting with Mayor Chris Stanley and Vice-Mayor Glenn Smith.

A 36-year veteran of law enforcement, Jones was demoted to patrolman and will likely take a pay cut of $1.50 an hour. Assistant Chief Stephanie Smith has been appointed as acting chief until a successor can be voted on by the board of mayor and aldermen.

“I think (Jones) was not performing as well as he should have in that role,” said Stanley.

“It was his job performance…being asked to do certain things and not doing them, repeatedly. I think Johnny is a good police officer, but some of his calls as police chief were questionable. He takes action and then tells us about it later.”

Jones believes he was demoted because he had recommended during Monday’s special called meeting that Officer Jim Wilson, a 16-year veteran of the department, be terminated following several documented incidents and complaints from town citizens.

“I feel like (Stanley) did that in retaliation because I brought that up in public. He told me (during today’s meeting) that he didn’t think I was managing the department correctly.” said Jones.

Stanley did say he would’ve preferred to deal with the Jim Wilson situation in a non-public setting.

“Does the officer need to be reprimanded? Yes. But we could’ve done that in-house. It is my understanding that the police chief told him that it would be in his best interest to resign. The chief does not have the authority to hire or fire.”

Stanley said Wilson did resign the day after the special board meeting but rescinded his resignation soon thereafter. He remains on the force as a patrolman.

In the search for a new chief, Stanley said he would take a look at promoting someone within the department.

“There is an opportunity for (Stephanie Smith) to become chief if she so chooses to take it,” said the mayor.   (UPDATED THUR, MARCH 21, 2013, 2:15 PM)

Knoxville man arrested for rape of child in LaFollette

    A Knoxville man was arrested Monday a week after LaFollette police began looking for him on charges of rape of a child, rape and aggravated sexual battery. Stephan Dwight Wilson, age 31 of 100 West Wood Road, Knoxville, is accused of sexually abusing his ex-girlfriend’s daughter when the girl was only 12 years old. The abuse was said to have continued past the age of 13, when the child rape charges no longer applied but the rape charges did. The victim and her mother lived in LaFollette at the time. LaFollette officers took out the warrant on March 11. Then on Sunday, March 17, Wilson got into a fight with his brother in Knoxville, where investigating officers discovered that he was wanted in LaFollette on the rape charges.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 2:30 PM)

LaFollette police bust counterfeit operation

    Two LaFollette men were arrested last weekend for passing a counterfeit $50 bill at a yard sale on South Cumberland Avenue. Jason L. Snodderly, age 29 of 806 E. Ash Street, and Nathan J. McBride, age 25 of 306 N. 17th Street, were taken into custody on Saturday, March 16 after they bought a television from a woman for $10, according to an official LaFollette Police Department report. The woman then went to buy groceries at Hollingsworth Supermarket, where a clerk discovered the fake bill and called police. The two men were pulled over later by an officer who discovered two more counterfeit $50 bills. During a subsequent search of McBride’s home, officers recovered a printer used in the counterfeiting process along with a fake $5 bill, 15 fake $20 bills, 26 fake $10 bills, 16 fake $50 bills and three fake $100 bills.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 2:00 PM)

New convenience center hours

ALL hours of operation 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Towe String Road OPEN 7-DAYS A WEEK  

Stony Fork OPEN Monday and Saturday

ALL other locations OPEN Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

                     

         "Listen" to LIVE Campbell Baseball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

                                                         

         "Watch" LIVE Campbell Basketball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

 

Caryville discusses E-911 costs

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Like insurance and gasoline, the cost of dispatching emergency services is going up. Monday night, the Town of Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a special called meeting to discuss options for future E-911 dispatch. Mayor Chris Stanley told the board that Campbell County E-911 is asking the towns of Caryville, Jacksboro and Jellico to come up with around $40,000 each per year to help pay for dispatch services.

Since the countywide E-911 dispatch was voted in by Campbell County citizens in 1992, a monthly surcharge has been taken from each telephone and cell phone line to help fund the program. Campbell County E-911 Director Charlie Hutson said the surcharge was only meant to pay for maintenance and upgrading of equipment and not salaries for dispatchers.

“That’s supposed to go for 911 improvements. That money was designated to pay for equipment,” said Hutson. He said the actual salary of a dispatcher would be more like $44,000 instead of $40,000.

“You’re paying for one, but you’re getting the rest of it for no charge,” said Hutson.

Among the options discussed Monday night by Caryville aldermen was using the City of LaFollette E-911 Dispatch to relay emergency calls. Mayor Stanley said the cost of that would be about half of what the county E-911 is asking. Caryville firemen in attendance at the meeting expressed their concern that calls may be relayed through several different agencies if that were the case, which could result in slower response time for emergency personnel.

“Jellico plans to dispatch their own police and firemen at this time,” said Mayor Chris Stanley.

Mayor Stanley said the possibility of Caryville operating its own emergency dispatch system was just too cost prohibitive. He estimated that it would cost the town $200,000, but Hutson said it would likely be more than double that.

Vickie Heatherly, a member of the Caryville board, posed the question, “If the county residents aren’t paying extra, then why are the cities having to pay extra?”.

Board members agreed to table the discussion until they can petition the county commission for monetary support. The original March 25 deadline to fund the dispatch program has been extended to May.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)

La Follette Sears finishes 2012 as premier store

     Your locally owned and operated hometown Sears store receives a national award.  The store, located in the Food City Center-Woodson Mall, is recognized for consistently offering the greatest customer service, outstanding store performance and standards.  The award also recognizes its exceptional demonstrations of community involvement. 

The La Follette store, owned by Robert Coble, is a 2012 Sears Hometown Store Premier Store.  Sears Hometown Stores are a unique retailing concept. They combine the value, selection and services associated with larger retail stores but are owned and operated by a member of the community. Sears Hometown Stores provide customer service with a wide assortment of appliances, tools, electronics, fitness equipment, and lawn and garden merchandise.  In addition, Sears Hometown Store associates can order anything from the entire selection of merchandise offered by Sears Holdings including apparel, footwear, jewelry and much more for the customer. This unique format allows customers in smaller communities to have access to the products and brands usually found only in Sears stores.  Sears Hometown Stores were developed almost 20 years ago to serve Sears customers in locations outside of major metropolitan cities.

Robert and Gary

There are more than 920 Hometown Stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The stores carry proprietary Sears’ brands, such as Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, as well as an assortment of national brands. In addition, Sears Hometown Stores are locally owned and operated.  Learn more about your La Follette Sears on Facebook or by connecting to http://www.searshometownstores.com/locations/lafollette-tn  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Knoxville man arrested for rape of child in LaFollette

    A Knoxville man was arrested Monday a week after LaFollette police began looking for him on charges of rape of a child, rape and aggravated sexual battery. Stephan Dwight Wilson, age 31 of 100 West Wood Road, Knoxville, is accused of sexually abusing his ex-girlfriend’s daughter when the girl was only 12 years old. The abuse was said to have continued past the age of 13, when the child rape charges no longer applied but the rape charges did. The victim and her mother lived in LaFollette at the time. LaFollette officers took out the warrant on March 11. Then on Sunday, March 17, Wilson got into a fight with his brother in Knoxville, where investigating officers discovered that he was wanted in LaFollette on the rape charges.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 2:30 PM)

LaFollette police bust counterfeit operation

    Two LaFollette men were arrested last weekend for passing a counterfeit $50 bill at a yard sale on South Cumberland Avenue. Jason L. Snodderly, age 29 of 806 E. Ash Street, and Nathan J. McBride, age 25 of 306 N. 17th Street, were taken into custody on Saturday, March 16 after they bought a television from a woman for $10, according to an official LaFollette Police Department report. The woman then went to buy groceries at Hollingsworth Supermarket, where a clerk discovered the fake bill and called police. The two men were pulled over later by an officer who discovered two more counterfeit $50 bills. During a subsequent search of McBride’s home, officers recovered a printer used in the counterfeiting process along with a fake $5 bill, 15 fake $20 bills, 26 fake $10 bills, 16 fake $50 bills and three fake $100 bills.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 2:00 PM)

LaFollette Council to set date during Monday's workshop to interview candidates

    A total of 21 candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to be the next LaFollette City Administrator. Police Chief and interim City Administrator Jimmy Jeffries said a date will be set during Monday’s monthly workshop for the purpose of interviewing the top candidates. Each candidate will appear before the full city council for their interview. The list of candidates, which includes several local people, is as follows: Greg Brackett, Shane Burris, Gabrielle Byrge, Gary Carver, William Comer, Travis Davis, Joseph Garrison, Thomas Hatmaker, William Kerley, David King, Margaret Meeks, Jack Miller, Olajuwon Onadipe, Susan Rayburn, Darryl Roberts, Billie Russell, Bobby Russell, Edward Stevenson, Sandra Tucker, James Andy Wallace and Mark A. Wells. The position came open after City Administrator Cade Sexton resigned in January.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 11:45 AM)

Perkins already launches campaign for sheriff - eh, not really

     If you travel southwest through Jacksboro, one giant billboard may have you doing a double-take.  It's a Gary Perkins for Sheriff billboard.  However, it's from the 2006 election.  The next race for sheriff is August 2014.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 5:00 PM)

Signs of your tax dollars at work

     You are not by yourself in wondering what the heck is going on with all the new road signs.  “One Way.”  “Do Not Enter.”  “Wrong Way.”  “Divided Highway.”  And more signs are yet to be erected.  La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield says it’s Obama Administration Safety grant money being used to post safety signs all across Campbell County and Tennessee.  He describes the signs in the mandate that T-DOT is carrying out as “confusing.” 

The mayor thinks the money could be used for something more constructive, but that it is not his call.  He adds that he and city hall have received a lot of complaints since the signs began appearing last Friday.  The signs bring about many concerns such as first responders when the four-lane highway is blocked and they need to travel down the median, visibility limitations for everyone, and increased work for those who mow the medians.  Now, at the intersection where KFC, Arby’s, Regions Bank, and the Sanders Apartment Complex come together, there is a minimum of 18 new road signs while there are 15 new signs where Ridenour Lane meets the four-lane at Peoples Bank of the South Mall Branch. 

Stanfield estimates the total cost of the sign and the post to be somewhere around sixty-to-seventy-five dollars.  That’s upwards of two-thousand dollars for signs at the KFC intersection alone.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)

TCU opposes mountain top mining

     The Tennessee Conservative Union came out today in opposition to Mountain Top Mining in Tennessee. The oldest and largest conservative organization in Tennessee normally is in support of “personal property rights," but  takes exception to the end result  where in this case it will render coal, natural resources, and profits to benefit Communist  China according to Loyd Daugherty , the Tennessee Conservative Union (TCU) Chairman.

     Daugherty tells WLAF that “The Obama Administration has left no stone unturned in an effort to make it difficult for America to utilize our own natural resource of coal while allowing China to tap into our fossil fuels to keep the lights on and the profits flowing in China.” Daugherty adds “The TCU proudly stands to preserve Tennessee’s natural resources and natural beauty for Tennesseans to use and enjoy.”  TCU's commercial is seen and heard here  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_67_wJki-F8   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013, 6:00 PM)

Campbell County Commission Meeting 3/18/13

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Boshears comes under fire for convenience center hour changes & layoffs

The start of the regular Campbell County Commission meeting was nearly 45 minutes late Monday night, as commissioners spent nearly an hour raking Environmental Services Director T. Don Boshears over the coals concerning recent changes in convenience center hours and personnel layoffs.

Practically every commissioner took a turn at both questioning and criticizing Boshears, who explained that the cutbacks were due to excessive overtime costs that led to a budget shortfall in his department.

“You don’t know a lot of answers to the questions we’re asking, and that bothers me,” Terry Singley complained after Boshears was unable to give specifics on what had caused the excessive overtime costs. “People are telling me that you tell the public it’s the county commission’s fault,” Singley added.

Marie Ayers told Boshears that the questions commissioners are asking are the same ones being asked of them by taxpayers and Bobby White summed up most commissioners’ views in telling Boshears, “The commission has given you a budget and added to it through amendments. I think that budget has not been spent wisely.”

Commissioners were able to vent their frustrations but little else, since Boshears’ department is under the direct control of County Mayor William Baird.

The Recreation Committee, which met earlier, took more decisive action by voting to allow advertising signs to be sold for the ball field fences at Lonas Young Park. The revenue from the rental of advertising space will go to increase personnel costs for expanding the park’s summertime hours, and to provide funds for grass seed and other maintenance costs.

During the regular meeting, commissioners voted on a number of resolutions involving bills pending or proposed in the state legislature, even though some of that legislation has already been withdrawn or postponed.

The commission unanimously approved a resolution opposing the combining of the 8th Judicial District with Anderson County’s 7th District. The final legislative plan for reorganizing judicial districts had already been changed last week to leave those two districts intact, however.

Commissioners also gave unanimous approval to a resolution “in support of the rights of the people to keep and bear arms” that includes language authorizing Tennessee to “nullify and reject” federal gun control laws. That vote was also meaningless, as the sponsor of the legislation has withdrawn the bill to avoid a showdown in federal court.

The commission decided to delay a resolution on another bill, supporting cemetery preservation. Commissioners want to make sure that the pending law would not open the gates to county government having financial responsibility for preservation of abandoned cemeteries, and Mayor Baird indicated that the bill is still in the study stage and expected to be rolled over until the next legislative session.

Commissioners were unanimous in their support of another pending bill, that would hold local government officials to the same open meeting restrictions enjoyed by the state legislature. In essence, it would open the door to more secrecy in government, allowing county and city officials to discuss policy in unannounced meetings as long as a quorum was not present for conducting business.

Predictably, that bill has strong opposition in Nashville from proponents of open government, including the state’s news media.

One final resolution was proposed by Thomas Hatmaker, but it was not clear if an actual bill is pending that would allow counties to seek competitive bids for professional services, currently exempted from competitive bid requirements. Hatmaker criticized the state law earlier during debates over the school board’s solar panel program. Hatmaker’s motion was voted down 8-6.

A rather unusual motion was then added to the agenda, as the Sheriff’s Department requested that the commission declare a dog as surplus property. The dog in question is a K-9 named “Bronco.” Bronco’s human handler is leaving the department to take a new position with the Clinton Police Department, and once a K-9 has been trained to respond to a handler, it is difficult to re-train the animal to respond to a new handler, Chief Deputy Aaron Evans explained.

The City of Clinton has agreed to pay the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department $9,900 to cover the costs of replacing Bronco and training a new K-9 dog. The motion to declare Bronco “surplus property” passed unanimously.

A proposal by Beverly Hall to create a solar panel oversight committee was withdrawn after the Board of Education last week indicated that it would “respectfully decline” the creation of such a committee. Hall pointed out that the financial records that would help commissioners measure the success of the solar panel project are all public records and forming a committee would not be necessary.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Caryville hires one police officer, discusses the firing of another

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Town of Caryville hired a new police officer Monday night and nearly had to seek another one before the meeting was over.

During a special called meeting of the board of mayor and aldermen, Jonathan Bruce was hired upon the recommendation of Caryville Police Chief Johnny Jones.

Bruce is a graduate of the Walters State Law Enforcement Academy and is post-certified. He is a former jailer and auxiliary deputy with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Bruce was one of three finalists for the opening. The other two were Miranda Grubb and former Campbell County Sheriff Gary Perkins.

The job came open in late November when Michael Caudill left the department to take a similar job with the Jacksboro Police Department. Jones contacted six candidates that had applied for the position. Several members of local law enforcement called Caryville officials to personally vouch for Bruce.

In another matter involving the police department, the board considered disciplinary action against veteran officer Jim Wilson, whom Jones had apparently lost trust in due to a series of incidents over the past several months.

Chief Jones recommended the dismissal of Wilson. Vickie Heatherly, a member of the board, made a motion to accept the recommendation of the police chief. However, the motion died due to lack of a second.

Members of the board would not discuss the nature of the allegations, saying only that Wilson did not follow proper procedure.

Documents obtained by 1450 WLAF indicate that Wilson failed to properly respond to a domestic disturbance on Feb. 24 during which a woman threatened suicide.

According to a letter to the board, Chief Jones said Wilson refused to enter a residence to check on the woman and contain the situation, left the scene and then later went home.

“By not doing his job and performing his duty as an officer, Officer Wilson placed other officers’ lives in danger,” wrote Jones.

“The victim could have been placed in further danger, furthermore placing the Town of Caryville in a huge liability and possible lawsuit(s).”

Chief Jones also wrote in the letter than he had investigated two other complaints against Wilson, one written and one verbal, stating that the officer had harassed and threatened them.

“Due to the severity of these allegations, I consulted Reid Troutman, city attorney,” said Jones. “Mr. Troutman is concerned about the liability and the possibility of lawsuits, which could result, from the victims or their families. Therefore, due to the severity of Officer Wilson’s actions, as the Chief of Police I believe it is my duty to strongly recommend to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to terminate Officer Wilson immediately.

“Up to this point, the responsibility of Officer Wilson’s actions has fallen upon me. As of now, the liability is on you, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Caryville.”  (UPDATED TUE, MAR 19, 2013)

Card has top ten finish

     Caryville’s Brandon Card has a top ten finish over the weekend.  Card, last year’s Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year, took 10th place Sunday at Orange, Texas

Card, a Campbell High grad, competed in the Sabine River Challenge, a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament.  Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, claimed the title, and in doing so, takes home a prize of $100,000.  Card’s next competition begins Thursday at Zapata, Texas, where he takes part in the Elite Series Rigid Industries Falcon Slam on Falcon Lake.   (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Early voting for Jacksboro City election is underway

     Three offices are up for election at Jacksboro in early April.  And there's no opposition for any office.  Administrator of Elections Ann Ayers-Colvin explains that for mayor, Jack Cannon is on the ballot while Alderwoman June Gwin Forstner and Alderman Avery Burden are also on the ballot.  All three are incumbents.  Cannon, Forstner, and Burden just need one vote each to return to office.  Early voting runs through April 1, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 4:00, Friday (April 22 only) 9:00 until 7:00, and Saturday early voting hours are from 9:00 to 1:00.  There is no early voting on Good Friday.  Early voting ballots are cast at the election commission office while election day, Saturday, April 6, from 9:00 until 7:00, takes place at Jacksboro Middle School.  WLAF brings you the final totals late on April 6.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Seiber is latest WLAF-ISG trivia winner

     L. J. Seiber correctly answered “1991 and Sherry Bostic Chapman” in the latest trivia fun from ISG Insurance and WLAF.  Chapman was coach of the Campbell High Lady Cougars when they made it to the Round of Eight in the girls state basketball tournament.  L. J. wins food from Wendy's as well as a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV 12’s Green Screen for the question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  ISG Insurance-WLAF 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF.  (UPDATED SUN, MAR 17, 2013, 7:00 PM)

New convenience center hours

ALL hours of operation 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Towe String Road OPEN 7-DAYS A WEEK  

Stony Fork OPEN Monday and Saturday

ALL other locations OPEN Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

Update on bomb threat suspect from CCSD

     Sheriff's investigators Captain Brandon Elkins and Detective Freddie White placed into custody Thursday's Campbell County Courthouse bomb threat suspect. 47 year old Steven Conner of Knoxville will be charged with a class C felony for reporting a false bomb threat. Investigators say that Conner was scheduled to appear in Child Support Court Thursday and was in fear of being sent to jail for non-payment of child support.

 

They say that's when Conner called the court clerk's office and relayed a verbal threat. Conner was tracked through the telephone system and gave admitting statements to law enforcement that he indeed, make the false threat. Conner is being held in the Campbell County Jail under a $25,000 bond. He was also ordered to serve 60 days for child support violations. Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said, "I am proud and fortunate, as well are the taxpayers, to have the team of committed investigators we have to effectively investigate, hunt and arrest these people that have a negative impact on our citizens, economy and daily lives. We will not tolerate this behavior and we will fight, with everything in our power, for every extra second of jail time we can get them."   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013, 3:30 PM)  

Convenience centers have been an inconvenience to some

    Many folks have already been “inconvenienced” by the scaled back hours at Campbell County’s convenience centers. A few frustrated individuals have even left bags of garbage outside the locked gates of the convenience centers rather than haul it back home. Except for the main Towe String Road location (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week), all convenience centers are now on an abbreviated schedule until further notice, according to Deputy Mayor David Young.

Thursday afternoon at the Well Springs Convenience Center (VIC KING PIX 03/14/2013)

The Stony Fork location will be open only on Monday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The other eight locations will be closed three days a week. The days and hours for those locations will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013, 3:15 PM)  

 

La Follette man arrested again following traffic stop

    According to LaFollette Police, Jeffrey Scott Meadows, age 33 of La Follette, was arrested last Wednesday after the car in which he was a passenger was found to contain drug paraphernalia. Ricky Wade Ayers, age 27 of LaFollette, was the driver of a vehicle with a Georgia license plate that was pulled over at the corner of Memorial Drive and Towe String Road because none of the three occupants were wearing a seat belt. Terry Lee Shoupes, age 36 of Jacksboro, was the third passenger. Ayers had no driver license (it had earlier been suspended), no registration and no proof of insurance.

Exactly one week later, Meadows was arrested again for a fourth offense of driving on a revoked license and habitual motor vehicle offender when he rolled through a stop sign at the intersection of South 6th Street and East Ash Street in La Follette. Meadows also charged with violating a traffic control device, resisting arrest and tampering with evidence after swallowing a xanax pill when coming into contact with officers.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013, 2:30 PM)  

Jellico loses more than a policeman

     He was Assistant Chief of Jellico Police Ron Lewis, Senior.  But everyone called him Big Ron.  Though retired, he was still a popular figure around Jellico and in law enforcement circles.  Lewis died

Wednesday at his home in Jellico.  The man who now wears the badge of assistant chief, J. J. Hatmaker, recalls Big Ron as someone everybody loved and a policeman who was always looking out for everyone.  He adds that calls have come in from police agencies all around the area expressing condolences.  Lewis, who’s son, Ron, Junior, is a member of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, served the Jellico Police Department for almost 30-years. 

JPD Chief Chris Anderson may have known him better than anyone else saying Lewis was his field training officer when he started on the force, and that the two worked third shift together for years.  He notes that when Ron wasn’t on the job or at home, he was on the lake fishing.  Hatmaker says he was always fishing and loved it. 

Chief Anderson describes Big Ron as an officer who knew how to talk with the public in a courteous manner and was just so good with everyone.  He remembers that it was always a stress-free environment when Ron was around, because he kept everyone laughing.  Visitation begins Saturday at 5:00 at Harp Funeral Home in Jellico with the interment Sunday at 2:00 at Douglas Cemetery in Wooldridge.  Ronnie Allen Lewis, Sr. was 62-years old.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013, 11:30 AM)  

Bomb threat suspect arrested

     A Knoxville man is in the Campbell County jail this morning.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF News that his department’s investigation led to the arrest of 47-year old Steven Conner of Powell.  Conner is charged with making a bomb threat at the Campbell County Courthouse on Thursday morning. 

The sheriff says that Conner was scheduled to be in court yesterday on a child support issue and feared jail time for failure to pay child support.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013, 10:30 AM)  

Campbell County Airport receives grant dollars

     Campbell County’s airport at Jacksboro (KJAU) is receiving a portion of almost four-and-a-half million dollars in state aeronautics grants awarded last week.  The $20,000 designated for Jacksboro go toward obstruction clearing in an area north of the runway on the airport’s property.  Airport Manager Bert Loupe tells WLAF News that the money goes toward clearing brush and trees on the Jellico side of the runway in order to comply with new FAA standards.  He adds that the grant is 95% meaning the county only has to come up with a 5% match.  Loupe took over as manager since 1966 not long after the Campbell County Airport opened in May 1965.  A more detailed story is found further down this page.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Convenience centers have been an inconvenience to some

    Many folks have already been “inconvenienced” by the scaled back hours at Campbell County’s convenience centers. A few frustrated individuals have even left bags of garbage outside the locked gates of the convenience centers rather than haul it back home. Except for the main Towe String Road location (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week), all convenience centers are now on an abbreviated schedule until further notice, according to Deputy Mayor David Young.

Thursday afternoon at the Well Springs Convenience Center (VIC KING PIX 03/14/2013)

The Stony Fork location will be open only on Monday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The other eight locations will be closed three days a week. The days and hours for those locations will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013, 3:15 PM)  

                     

         "Listen" to LIVE Campbell Baseball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

Rangers ride for the C.C. Cancer Association

   The Royal Blue Rangers ATV Club in conjunction with RideRoyalBlue.com Resort is hosting the 3rd Annual Off-road Ride to benefit the Campbell County Cancer Association. The ride is open to anyone who rides ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes. The ride is being held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 leaving from RideRoyalBlue.com Resort.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with rides leaving the Resort’s trailhead beginning at 10:00 a.m.

    A minimum donation of ten dollars per rider is requested, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Campbell County Cancer Association.  The first 50 people who register will receive a free t-shirt sponsored by Byrge Screen Printing.  The Off-road Ride will be an all day ride on the Royal Blue WMA property.  Please remember to wear all appropriate riding gear, safety equipment, pack food for lunch on the trail and obtain proper TWRA riding permit from a local retailer or at the General Store at Ride Royal Blue.

   The Campbell County Cancer Association is a non-profit organization in La Follette, Tennessee that aids cancer patients in Campbell County with some of the costs associated with their treatment, medication and transportation.  One hundred percent of the proceeds go to cancer patients with a financial need.

     Making an appearance during this ride will be Brian Fisher from the Outdoor Networks program, Fisher’s ATV World. The ride sponsors invite the community to come out and support this great association in Campbell County.  For more ride information contact Mike at rzrtrailrider@gmail.com or visit the Royal Blue Rangers website/forum at www.royalbluerangers.com and click on the forum link on the left side of the page.  RideRoyalBlue.com Resort is located at 6307 Stinking Creek Road, Pioneer, TN 37847.  Visit them on the web at www.rideroyalblue.com (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

TDOT Announces Aeronautics Grants for 15 Tennessee Airports

$4.4 Million Provides for Infrastructure and Other Improvements

NASHVILLE— The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced today that state aeronautics grants totaling $4,413,873 have been approved for fifteen Tennessee airports.

Airports receiving grants include:

Athens (McMinn County) – McMinn County Airport

Lebanon (Wilson County) – Lebanon Municipal Airport

Bolivar (Hardeman County) - William L. Whitehurst Field

Morristown (Hamblen County) - Moore-Murrell Field

Clarksville (Montgomery County) – Outlaw Field

Murfreesboro (Rutherford County) - Murfreesboro Municipal Airport

Cleveland (Bradley County) – Cleveland Regional Jetport

Nashville (Davidson County) – Nashville International Airport

Greeneville (Greene County) – Greeneville – Greene County Municipal Airport

Rockwood (Roane County) – Rockwood Municipal Airport

Jacksboro (Campbell County) – Campbell County Airport

Sparta (White County) - Upper Cumberland Regional Airport

Knoxville (Knox County) - McGhee Tyson Airport

Union City (Obion County) - Everett-Stewart Regional Airport

Lafayette (Macon County) – Lafayette Municipal Airport

 

For more details on each of these grants visit:  

http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2013/AeronauticsGrantDetails.pdf

The grants are made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division.

The Division administers federal and state funding to assist in the location, design, construction and maintenance of Tennessee's diverse public aviation system.

Except for routine expenditures, grant applications are reviewed by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC), which is a five member board charged with policy planning and with regulating changes in the state Airport System Plan. The board carefully reviews all applications for grants to ensure that the proper state and local matching funds are in place and that the grants will be used for needed improvements.

The TDOT Aeronautics Division has the responsibility of inspecting and licensing the state’s 142 heliports and 79 public/general aviation airports.  The Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government and staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission

Turkey Federation banquet a success

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     The Pine Mountain Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation held its annual fundraising banquet Saturday evening at the Ball Farm and Event Center in LaFollette.

Event host Jamie Mundy Ball said the banquet, which included several raffles and an auction, grossed more than $43,000 before everything is paid for.

“We were pretty close to what we did last year, and we were the top netting banquet in the state,” she said.

The money will be used to fund projects promoting conservation of wild turkey habitat and hunting in Campbell County and surrounding areas.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Friends of Campbell County Animals Receives $5,000 Grant

The Petco Foundation Grant supports animal welfare efforts in Campbell County

La Follette, Tennessee - Friends of Campbell County Animals has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to fund the spay/neuter program of Friends of Campbell County Animals.

Friends of Campbell County Animals is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives of the animals in Campbell County by rescue, spay/neuter and education.  Since October, 2012, the organization has helped hundreds of families obtain spay/neuter services and has rescued more than 200 pets, including shelter and owner relinquished animals.

The Petco Foundation grant will be used to obtain low cost spay/neuter services for low income families in Campbell County.

“The Petco Foundation grant is an important part of our efforts to obtain low cost spay/neuter services to our community,” said Michelle Davis, President of Friends of Campbell County Animals. “We are appreciative of the support of the Petco Foundation for our program, now and in the future, for saving the lives of animals across our county.”

The Petco Foundation has served as a voice for companion animals across the country since 1999.  Today, with more than 8,000 local animal welfare partners across the country, the foundation donates approximately $15 million a year to make a difference in the lives of millions of animals.  The organization is funded through donations raised during fundraisers conducted in Petco’s more than 1,200 stores across the country, as well as from Petco associates, vendors and corporate contributions.  Money raised helps fund animal-welfare organizations, spay and neuter efforts, animal assisted therapy programs and humane education.  The majority of the funds raised remain in the communities where they were raised, and the Petco Foundation is also involved in many national animal-welfare efforts.  In 2012, the Petco Foundation surpassed $100 million in funds raised for companion animals since the organization was created.  To learn more, visit www.petcofoundation.org.

About Friends of Campbell County Animals

Friends of Campbell County Animals is a grass roots, citizen based, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose goal is to preserve animal life, to create a world for all animals through education, advocacy, respect and compassion.  To educate the public regarding proper care and treatment of animals, urging kindness, responsibility and the importance of spay/neuter of cats and dogs.  Supporting efforts to obtain low-cost spay/neuter clinics for low-income families. Our Vision is to make Campbell County a No Kill community in the future, following the No Kill philosophy, to be part of the true solution that is dedicated to champion and protect the animals.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation

Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that makes it easier for our customers to be great pet parents.  Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets, Happier People, Better World.  We operate more than 1,200 stores nationwide, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com.  The Petco Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, has raised more than $100 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals.  In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 8,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 250,000 animals through in-store adoption events every year.(UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Cougars win !

     The Campbell Cougars record their first baseball win of the young season.  On this cold, windy afternoon at Brown-Archer Field, CCHS whipped the Union Patriots 8 to 4.  Coach Ryan Browning's Orange-n-Blue squad is now 1 & 2 on the season and plays at Anderson on Monday in a 5:00 p.m. start.  The next Cougars broadcast on WLAF with David Graham and Greg Bracket is March 22 when Claiborne visits CCHS in a 6:00 p.m. game.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013, 8:15 PM)

                     

         "Listen" to LIVE Campbell Baseball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

Campbell County Cancer Association Telethon is April 6

Campbell County School Board Meeting for Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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BLIZZARD OF 1993 – (Our Story) Tommy & Teresa Adkins                                                       

    My husband and I awoke to what seemed to be any normal day other that the large amount of snow that was rapidly piling up outside. We lived in a rural area in Campbell County where the roads become very treacherous with even a small amount of snow on them. Snow always caused travel problems, so we knew that traveling anywhere was not on the agenda for the day, well at least that is what we thought. At this time I was pregnant with our second child with my due date being a few weeks away. We weren’t really concerned, that is until the pains started. Even at that we really didn’t become too excited. Later that day as the pain grew worse we did become more concerned. By this time, family that could get there as well as some dear neighbors and friends had heard of our situation and made their way through the snow to our house to assist in any way that they could.  Eventually 911 was called and we were told that a “normal” emergency vehicle would not be able to respond, that the roads were so bad that they would not be able to get there. However, they would send paramedics but they would have be brought by the National Guard. This took some time, but the paramedics did arrive. By this time the roads were so bad that even the National Guard vehicle could not make it to our house. So the paramedics walked about  half a mile in waist deep snow drifts to get to our house. Once they arrived and I was checked, I was told, "Yes you are in labor and we have two options. We can attempt to make it to the National Guard vehicle and get you to the closest hospital  or we can stay and deliver the baby here." Needless to say we were soon on our way to the awaiting National Guard vehicle. I was unable to walk, of course, and had to be carried through all of the snow and snow drifts. Thanks to the paramedics, family and neighbors, we made it to the vehicle and were soon on our way to the hospital. Like I said, the roads were horrible and we were moving extremely slow and cautious, but even at that the National Guard vehicle slid into the ditch. But thanks to the skills of a wonderful driver and friend, we overcame that obstacle as well and were once again on our way. By this time my labor pains really didn’t seem as intense. I wasn’t sure if it was from all the events that were taking place that made it seem less severe, but either way I wasn’t in as much pain and for that I was grateful. Once we arrived at our local hospital (which no longer delivers babies) I was checked and told that I was dilated. However, since they were not equipped to deliver babies there, that we would now be transported by the Rescue Squad to Oak Ridge where the baby could be delivered. This was a very long and tiresome trip because even the main roads and interstate were a mess. Finally, we arrived at Oak Ridge hospital where I was admitted and checked only to be told that I was dilated but it looked like my labor had stopped and that we were going to be released from the hospital. And there we were, labor stopped, no possible way of returning home as the snow was still coming down, so my husband, our young daughter and a dear cousin were stranded in Oak Ridge. We finally found a hotel room and over the next few days we made several trips back to the doctor to be checked. Thank the Lord the hotel was close to the hospital as we had to walk, there were no rental cars to be found. During those days, my labor would start only to stop again, so we didn’t have a baby during the blizzard. As hard and discouraging as It was during that time, we later understood that all these events were preparing us for the actual arrival of our second child who was born a couple weeks later on Easter Sunday morning. God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl whom at birth seemed completely healthy and normal, but at one and a half weeks old she turned blue during a sponge bath. This prompted an immediate visit to her pediatrician who quickly figured out that our little girl was in serious trouble. We were rushed to Children’s Hospital where she was stabilized. We were told that more than likely she would not live through that night, but by chance that she did that she would need a heart transplant to survive and that the chances of that happening were not likely. We really were not given much hope for her survival. Our little girl did make it through the night, and the next morning was airlifted to Vanderbilt hospital where she was stabilized and placed on a heart transplant list. The road that led to that happening was a long and hard one that I never dreamed that my family and I would travel. But God had a plan from  the beginning, and at the age of two months old our daughter received her heart transplant. My family and I have never experienced such an emotional roller coaster, because you see for our child to live another family had to lose their child. I could never begin to explain all the different emotions that are felt. We could never be thankful enough for such a wonderful gift and blessing.  Today our daughter is a normal healthy, soon to be 20-year-old young woman. So you see, the Blizzard of 1993 was a beginning to a different life for my family and taught us in many ways that life is uncertain and each day is a gift, whether there be a foot of snow, sunshine or a thunderstorm. Just enjoy it, and know that God has blessed you to experience it.  (UPDATED WED MAR 13, 2013, 4:00 PM)  

Remember waking up 20-years ago today to a mountain of snow?

Downtown La Follette digs out (DWANE WILDER PIX 03/15/1993 - COURTESY OF CHARLIE HUTSON)

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

As storms go, the Blizzard of 1993 was a once-in-a-lifetime event for Campbell Countians that dug themselves out from more than a foot of snow during the weekend of March 12-14. In some stretches of Interstate 75 on Jellico Mountain, snow drifts were reported as deep as 14 feet. Schools, churches and some businesses were closed for days.

Almost 1,000 travelers were forced to make an unscheduled stay in Caryville after the interstate had to be shut down.

Harold Branam, now 79 years old, remembers the blizzard well. He had been working almost four years at 1450 WLAF Radio in LaFollette when the Storm of the Century hit. Branam came on the air at 5 a.m. each Saturday to play a Bluegrass show.

 “What I remember most about it is somebody taking me to work. I don’t know who it was, but somebody took me to work and brought me back,” he said.

“It was something else. That was the biggest snow I had ever seen. I don’t remember a more hazardous time than that.”

James Brown at his Whitman Hollow home  (PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY BROWN 03/13/1993)

Vic King, a teacher and coach at LaFollette Middle School, was right in the thick of the action as a member of the Campbell County Amateur Radio Club. The local group of 30 to 40 active HAM Radio operators was instrumental in providing emergency communication during the blizzard. That included health and welfare checks when folks couldn’t connect with family and friends. They also passed along messages about stranded motorists.

Snow accumulations around Campbell County ranged from 9" to 15" (PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY BROWN 03/14/1993)

Those were the days before cell phones became prevalent. King said there was only one cellular tower back then, and it was situated atop Caryville Mountain. Of course, if the power went out, so did cellular service.

N4RFV King, KB4VR Jerry Stout and KA40K Todd Overbay threw their 4-wheel drive vehicles into action to deliver food and supplies to stranded residents wherever possible.

“If we knew about and thought we could get to some of those, that’s what we did,” said King.

Judy's Brown's back deck supporting more than a foot of snow  (PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY BROWN 03/13/1993)

Clarence Lowe, a teacher at Campbell County High School, was one of the few people able to get out of town the following Monday, March 15. He took a group of students to Nashville in his Buick for a computer competition. They were the only East Tennessee students able to make it to Nashville.

“It had cleared off enough by Monday, and they let them go. We got to Cookeville and there wasn’t (any snow),” said Lowe.

Charlie Hutson, a dispatcher for the City of LaFollette at the time, said he remembers having to use military and 4-wheel drive vehicles to get anything from Point A to Point B. Hutson said everything was really quiet until day break, and then the phone never stopped ringing after that.

“We got a call not long after I got there that someone had passed away up the valley. EMS had a World War II ambulance they called Lightning that we sent to pick up the body. In some places, there was two to three feet of snow where it had drifted,” said Hutson.

The Blizzard of '93 was tough on everybody (PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY BROWN 03/15/1993)

Hutson said police officer Dormas Miller was also dispatched to transfer a body from the hospital to one of the local funeral homes in his Dodge pick-up truck.

“There was very little traffic on the roads. We transported medicine, kerosene and dead bodies. Twenty years ago, that’s what you did,” said Hutson.

To top everything off, Hutson said his relief dispatcher, Mark Wright, came sliding off Rose Hill on a sled to get to work.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

School board may kindly say "no" to county commission

The Campbell County Board of Education will more than likely “just say no” to a county commission suggestion to appoint an “oversight committee” to review the results of the school board’s contract with Energy Efficient Tennessee to produce electricity from solar panels on the county’s school buildings.

When board member Mike Orick brought up the proposed commission resolution, board attorney Dail Cantrell pointed out that once the funding has been allocated, the commission has no power of oversight over a school board program.

Cantrell acknowledged that the information included in the commission resolution, including invoices, meter readings and accounts, are public records open to anyone who requests the information. Cantrell then added that as far as allowing a commission-appointed committee to have “oversight” over the program, he recommended that the school board “respectfully decline” the request.

No vote was held since the oversight proposal has not yet been officially brought before the commission, but most board members appeared to be in agreement with Cantrell’s advice.

The board also tabled another item after Cantrell advised that legal complications might result. A private, for-profit organization that provides driver’s education training has requested permission to offer that service at Campbell County High School. The program would involve preparing teenage drivers for the written exam and once that is passed, in-car instruction and driver safety training at a cost of $300 per student.

Since Campbell County no longer offers driver’s ed, Director Donnie Poston recommended that the board allow the program to be offered, but Cantrell advised caution.

“We do not use this vendor in Anderson County schools where we have our own program, but you should be cautious of allowing a for-profit group to have access to school property,” Cantrell warned, pointing out that it would set a precedent if other for-profit entities request access to schools and school grounds. Cantrell added that there would be no risk in allowing the vendor to distribute information to students, as long as school property was not involved in the training.

“We would be opening the door if any other group wants to use a school,” Eugene Lawson agreed.

Rector Miller then moved to table the proposal and his motion passed 8-1 with only J. L. “Sarge” Collins voting “no.”

The board unanimously agreed on several other items, including adoption of new reading textbooks for grades K-5 and the summer feeding program for 2013. The program begins June 3 with food preparation sites at Jellico and Campbell County high schools.

The board also approved contract renewals for several vendors and bids for stage curtains at LaFollette Elementary and commodity processing for school cafeterias. A bid for a walkway canopy at LaFollette Elementary School was rejected and the project will be re-bid after Homer Rutherford pointed out that the bid price had come in too high.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Clotfelter is latest ISG-WLAF trivia winner

     Shirley Clotfelter correctly answered “Jim Longshore” in the latest trivia fun from ISG Insurance and WLAF.  Longshore was president of the La Follette Little League Baseball organization in 1965 when the All-Stars took the state title.  Shirley wins a pizza from Little Caesar’s as well as a family four-pack of movie tickets from Carmike Movies 2.  For your chance to win movie tickets, or pizza, or free gasoline from Woodson Shell or free food from Wendy’s, simply watch WLAF-TV 12’s Green Screen for the question and answer.  Once you know the answer to the trivia question and the ad page where the answer is found, call 423.562.1450, and you will be eligible to win.  ISG Insurance-WLAF 60th Trivia is year-long fun from your friends at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF.  (UPDATED SUN, MAR 10, 2013, NOON)

Mothers of newborns charged with aggravated assault

    Two Campbell County mothers were charged last week with aggravated assault after their babies were born with drugs in their system. Johnna Deshae Ogg, age 33, of LaFollette and Amanda Lynn Lyttle, age 31, of Duff were taken into custody after a thorough investigation by the Department of Children’s Services and Detective Ricky Jeffers of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.

Johnna Deshae Ogg

Both babies were born last year at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where they spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit before being released. Both women admitted to using drugs while pregnant. They are expected to appear soon in General Sessions Court.

Amanda Lynn Lyttle

    “This is something we need to focus on and target. I came here in September 2011 and I’ve made four or five of these arrests. It’s not a new thing. The work that DCS workers do is invaluable to my investigation,” said Jeffers.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013, 3:15 PM)  

School shooter Bartley one step closer to new trial

     It’s a headline that grabs every Campbell Countians attention – “Court: Give Bartley new trial.”  That’s what you’ll see as soon as you pick up today’s edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel.  The News Sentinel reports that school shooter Kenneth Bartley, Jr. is one step closer to gaining a new trial.  Months ago, Bartley’s latest attorney, Gregory P. Issacs, filed a petition for post-conviction relief with the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.  On Monday, the court made public a decision backing up the awarding of a new trial to Bartley in the November 2005 shooting at Campbell County High School.  Bartley agreed to a plea deal in April 2007 to the shooting death of Campbell High Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and the wounding of Bruce’s fellow administrators Gary Seale and Jim Pierce.  The state has 60 days to ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to hear the case.  However, the state’s high court is under no obligation to do so.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Commission spends time on items over which it has little control

County commissioners spent much of their workshop and budget committee time on Monday night discussing things over which they have little control, from bills in the state legislature to revisiting personnel changes in the Environmental Services Department to re-hashing the school board’s solar panel contract.

After reviewing budget amendments, several commissioners questioned Finance Director Jeff Marlow about calls they had received concerning the layoff of five Sanitation Department workers and a decrease in operating times for the county’s convenience centers, which will now be open only four days a week except for the main center on Towe String Road.

Marlow explained that a potential budget shortfall led to the decisions, but his response would be guesswork, as the two people responsible for making the layoffs and changes, Mayor William Baird and Sanitation Director T. Don Boshears, were both absent from the meeting.

Sanitation Committee chairman Thomas Hatmaker called a committee meeting for 5:30 p.m. next Monday and the commission agreed to instruct Boshears to attend to explain the changes.

At the workshop session, District Attorney General Lori Phillips addressed the commission about a pending bill in the legislature that would revamp judicial districts across the state, possibly merging the 8th District that includes Campbell County, with Anderson County’s 7th District.

Phillips asked commissioners to pass a resolution opposing such a merger, which she pointed out would lead to longer court dockets and possibly threaten some of the district’s programs such as juvenile offender programs and drug task force resources.

“In future elections, Anderson County would dominate and you could forget electing judges from Campbell County,” she added.

In a straw vote, the commission unanimously approved the resolution opposing the merger of judicial districts. The legislation will be taken up in Nashville this week, before a formal vote can be taken at next Monday’s regular meeting, but several commissioners are traveling to Nashville this week to meet with legislators and promised to convey the county’s position opposing the bill.

Jerry Meyers with the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance also addressed the commission seeking support for a bill extending protection for cemeteries that are threatened by development or neglect.

Since the bill as written allows a local government to elect to “expend public money,” to preserve or provide access to abandoned private and church cemeteries, several commissioners were hesitant to endorse it without further review.

Meyers emphasized that the bill commits no public funds but simply gives county government that option if they choose to do so, but skeptical commissioners asked County Attorney Joe Coker to review the legislation and report back at the upcoming meeting.

Also on the commission agenda next week will be resolutions of support for a bill that would nullify any future federal gun control laws, and another that would amend the state’s open meetings (sunshine) law to allow local officials to meet in secret as long as they do not constitute a quorum for conducting business.

Thomas Hatmaker again brought up the subject of the solar panel contract negotiated by the Board of Education, over which the commission has no authority. A resolution proposed by Beverly Hall and Sue Nance would give commissioners the power to oversee the project, however, “before moving to place (solar panels) on other government buildings.”

The proposal would create an oversight committee with power to gain access to “meter readings, maintenance procedures, invoices, payments and all accounts pertaining to the solar panels.”

The proposal to appoint a three-person oversight committee consisting of James Slusher, Ronald Sharp and Lee Henson will undoubtedly generate controversy at next week’s meeting. (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Caryville alderman resigns

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Pro Image, a Kansas-based sign manufacturing company, is rapidly expanding its operations at Caryville’s John McGhee Industrial Park.  During Monday night’s monthly meeting of the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Chris Stanley said Pro Image expects to hire 25 new employees and could increase that to 100 by the time all is said and done. “They’re looking at possibly moving their corporate headquarters here. This is a big investment they’re making in Caryville,” said Stanley.

Board member Vickie Heatherly added, “This is a step forward for them and our community.”

The board gave its full support to Pro Image by formally voting to begin the process of abandoning an unused service road (Alexander Drive) in the industrial park that would allow the company to expand parking.

In other business Monday night, the Caryville Board:

*Formally accepted the resignation of Alderman Michael F. Miller, who had not attended a meeting since before the November election. Mayor Stanley said he had no timetable for appointing someone to fill Miller’s place on the board.

*Approved repairs to a fire truck.

*Approved the purchase of a tractor.

*Approved the purchase of a water heater.

*Approved a $500 membership to the Chamber of Commerce.

Approved a $500 donation to the Campbell County Relay for Life.

*Approved two copier contracts.

*Approved a resolution accepting the Campbell County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

*Approved the repair of street lights and a traffic light.

The board also decided to table discussion on hiring a police officer until hashing things out at a workshop later this month.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

La Follette man dies at the scene of Sunday night accident

     A La Follette man was killed Sunday night in a single-vehicle accident.  According to Tennessee Highway Patrol Sergeant William Bruce, the call came in just after 10:30 p.m. that a car was off the road in east Campbell County.  Bruce reports that 57-year old Billy Ray Smallwood died at the scene after the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle he was driving, traveling north on Flat Hollow Road, veered off the left edge of the roadway.  Smallwood’s car struck several trees and then overturned before coming to its final rest.  The mishap happened where Flat Hollow Road intersects with Powell Valley Shores Circle.  Smallwood, the only person involved, was not wearing a safety belt.(UPDATED MON, MAR 11, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Rangers ride for the C.C. Cancer Association

   The Royal Blue Rangers ATV Club in conjunction with RideRoyalBlue.com Resort is hosting the 3rd Annual Off-road Ride to benefit the Campbell County Cancer Association. The ride is open to anyone who rides ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes. The ride is being held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 leaving from RideRoyalBlue.com Resort.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with rides leaving the Resort’s trailhead beginning at 10:00 a.m.

    A minimum donation of ten dollars per rider is requested, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Campbell County Cancer Association.  The first 50 people who register will receive a free t-shirt sponsored by Byrge Screen Printing.  The Off-road Ride will be an all day ride on the Royal Blue WMA property.  Please remember to wear all appropriate riding gear, safety equipment, pack food for lunch on the trail and obtain proper TWRA riding permit from a local retailer or at the General Store at Ride Royal Blue.

   The Campbell County Cancer Association is a non-profit organization in La Follette, Tennessee that aids cancer patients in Campbell County with some of the costs associated with their treatment, medication and transportation.  One hundred percent of the proceeds go to cancer patients with a financial need.

     Making an appearance during this ride will be Brian Fisher from the Outdoor Networks program, Fisher’s ATV World. The ride sponsors invite the community to come out and support this great association in Campbell County.  For more ride information contact Mike at rzrtrailrider@gmail.com or visit the Royal Blue Rangers website/forum at www.royalbluerangers.com and click on the forum link on the left side of the page.  RideRoyalBlue.com Resort is located at 6307 Stinking Creek Road, Pioneer, TN 37847.  Visit them on the web at www.rideroyalblue.com (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

 

La Follette's water voted No. 1 by Tennessee Association of Utility Districts

    La Follette has the best water out of eight utility districts in the East Tennessee region according to a survey conducted by the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. The water was tested by a panel of folks from outside the area. The judges based their opinion on water clarity, smell and taste. Kenny Baird, manager of La Follette Utilities, said he is proud of his entire water department as well as the staff of the water treatment plant for the work the put in to win the award. (UPDATED FRI, MARCH 8, 2013, 3:45 PM)  

Green chosen to replace Burrell on Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities Commission

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Ray Green has been chosen to fill Bobby Burrell's unexpired term as Jacksboro's representative on the Caryville-Jacksboro Utility Commission. The Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the selection during its meeting on Thursday night. Burrell, who recently passed away, had represented Jacksboro on the CJUC since 1998. Green previously served on the CJUC prior to Burrell's tenure. In other business Thursday night, the Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved vehicles seized by the police department, as well as two patrol cars, for auction. (UPDATED FR MAR 8, 2013, 2:00 PM)  

CCHS students being treated at local hospital following incident on campus

    At least five Campbell County High School students are currently being treated in the emergency room at a local hospital under the direction of the school nurse after they were found to be under the influence of an aerosol computer cleaner. According to Chief Deputy Aaron Evans of the Campbell County Sheriff's Department, charges are pending and will be filed against the juveniles by the school resource officer. (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013, 3:00 PM)  

Foster families needed – for animals

     Foster families are needed to house and care for animals for up to a month.  Friends of Campbell County Animals is in need of long term and short term fosters who are willing to have a pet on a short term commitment of less than 30-days. 

FCCA supplies the food, vaccines, and medicine, and all you need to do is provide love and care for a few days.  If you would like to help a pet on its path to finding a new home forever, call Terri Woodward at 423.562.8043  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Powers appointed to House Energy Task Force

State Representative Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro) has been appointed to the House Republican Caucus Task Force on Energy. The appointment was announced earlier this week by House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick.

“Representative Powers is an ideal choice for this group because of his passion of working towards 21st Century energy solutions,” said Leader McCormick.  “He has been focused on this issue since he arrived in Nashville, and I am confident his leadership will help our Caucus craft energy policies that will carry Tennessee into the future.”

The mission of the House Republican Energy Task Force is to research the various energy-related issues that impact our communities and to identify ways to improve these policies to spark job growth and economic development statewide.

“I am passionate about helping find new and innovative ways to utilize our state’s natural resources and am excited about the opportunity to serve on this important task force,” stated Rep. Powers. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on energy-related policy and legislative initiatives that will help make Tennessee the focal point for energy solutions in the southeast.”

In addition to being appointed to the Energy Task Force leadership, Rep. Powers also serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Republican Caucus and as a member of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources and House Insurance and Banking Committees.

Representative Powers serves District 36 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes all of Campbell and portions of Union and Anderson Counties. Rep. Powers is serving his second term in the state legislature.

Hear Powers weekly update from Nashville on Friday afternoons following CBS on 1450 WLAF Radio. (UPDATED THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013, 6:00 AM)  

Blackwell and Adrian receive Governor's Volunteer Stars Awards

    Maria Blackwell and Gina Adrian were Campbell County’s honorees last week at the 5th annual Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards.

Blackwell is Campbell County’s Youth Honoree. She is a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. She initiated and led a relief project for victims of the Japanese tsunami disaster. She designed bracelets that were sold throughout the community and donated the proceeds to the American Red Cross.

Blackwell has been an active participant in the Little Community Theatre by making costumes, building sets and acting in the first production, “A Wish for Campbell County”, which used humor to address community drug problems. One of Maria’s favorite sayings is “Every path has its puddle”, which is reflective of her positive approach to overcoming barriers in an economically-disadvantaged community that ranks high in the state for drug use and teen pregnancy.

County Mayor William Baird, Maria Blackwell and Gina Adrian at the 5th annual Governor's Volunteer Stars Awards.

Adrian is Campbell County’s Adult Honoree. She is an educator at Campbell County High School and is the school sponsor of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Under Adrian, the members of the Junior Chamber focus on giving back to the community in order to improve the quality of life. The Junior Chamber instituted a paper recycling program and uses the proceeds to give small gifts of encouragement to teachers that work hard to make a difference.

The Junior Chamber volunteered to be the pilot group for the Little Community Theatre, which required Adrian’s presence and participation to bring together community support in order to build a float for the Christmas Parade representing TLC Theatre and the Campbell Culture Coalition. She worked nights and weekends to construct a beautiful float that won 1st place. The award money was donated to the Campbell Culture Coalition. Most recently under her leadership, the Junior Chamber donated funds to a local church that burned as a result of arson.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013, 4:00 PM)   

Scam is a major problem 

     That scam we told you about a couple of weeks ago is just not going away.  Captain Brandon Elkins with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department even talked to one of the scammers on the telephone.  The scammer cursed and laughed at Elkins saying they were stealing money from stupid Americans.  Elkins tells WLAF that the calls are coming from Jamaica on an 876 area code.  Scammers claim to be with Publisher’s Clearinghouse and target elderly Campbell Countians.  The scam encourages victims to pay upfront taxes on promised monetary prizes by buying a money pak card at Wal-mart, and then giving the scammers access to the card.  Lost scam dollar amounts range anywhere from $250 to upwards of a thousand dollars.  So, far scammers have duped a person in La Follette and one in Jacksboro.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Replacing waterlogged city hall roof "on hold"

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

It’s going to be a bit longer before the roof of LaFollette City Hall is replaced.

During Tuesday night’s council meeting, a vote on fixing the waterlogged roof was delayed until a dispute over a previous contract with Dixie Roofing could be resolved. Interim City Administrator Jimmy Jeffries agreed to get together with Dixie President Mike Malicote to help fulfill obligations to a nearly $22,000 contract to replace a section of roof over the police department. Councilman Hansford Hatmaker had balked when Malicote submitted a change order for $85,716 added to the contract. Malicote explained that the original specs were wrong, which led to the added cost of the project.

Hatmaker made a motion to rebid the project, but Mayor Mike Stanfield pointed out that Malicote was still owed nearly $22,000 for work already well underway. Stanfield wanted to let Malicote proceed with the project after the change order. His reasoning was that it would cost even more money to start over.

“I don’t think it makes good sense to throw away over $21,000 of taxpayers’ money,” said the mayor.

City Attorney Reid Troutman agreed with both Stanfield and Hatmaker.

“I don’t see any other way to do it,” said Troutman, who recommended that the project go back through the bidding process. “The original specs were wrong. I think (Malicote) is being honest with the city in saying the specs that are up there will fail.”

Jeffries said he would meet with Malicote before the March workshop to iron out the details of the current contract. The council will then bid out the roof replacement with the corrected specs.

“He needs to recover his investment,” said Bolinger of Malicote’s work already done on the roof.

In other business Tuesday night, the board:

*Approved the appointment of Bolinger as vice-mayor.

*Approved an appraisal ($3,000) for the property owned by Al Robertson at the corner of Central Ave. and 13th Street, which has a major drainage issue.

*Approved an invoice from the Michael Brady architect firm for $9,000.

*Approved the promotion of longtime policeman Rick Ford to staff sergeant.

*Approved the advertisement for bids of the STP paving project.(UPDATED WED, MARCH 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Honor Guard receives Campbell County Good Scout Award

La Follette, Tennessee, March 5, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Logan Hickman, chairman of the sixth annual 2013 Boy Scouts of America’s Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner, is pleased to announce the 2013 honoree is Campbell County Honor Guard.  The Honor Guard’s accomplishments are many and include military service to both our Country and our local veterans.  This yearly ceremony and dinner will occur at the Ball Farm Event Center, 2107 GEN Carl W. Stiner Highway, LaFollette on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 6:00 PM.  The money raised at the event will support Campbell County scouting in 2013.

The mission of the Honor Guard is to provide military funeral honors for active duty, retiree and veteran members who have served honorably in the US Military.  The Honor Guard also provides support for ceremonies honoring military veterans and their families, Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, retreats, Colors presentations, and parades.

The Campbell County Honor Guard is a group of veteran volunteers dedicated to providing deceased veterans with the military funeral rites they have earned and deserve.   To date, they have given military honors to thousands of veterans.  In 2012, this distinguished group of Americans performed 107 military burials.

3d District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann will serve as the guest speaker.   Logan Hickman said, “It is a tremendous honor to have our new Congressman on our program.  He is the perfect individual to recognize the Honor Guard’s lifetime of community service.”

Congressman Fleischmann said, “There is no greater duty than serving our nation in uniform. The Campbell County Honor Guard’s contribution to upholding and protecting our veterans’ legacy is unprecedented. These noble men and women exemplify American patriotism, and I am deeply honored to have the privilege of recognizing their dedication and sacrifice.”

Peoples Bank of the South is proud to underwrite the dinner’s expense for the sixth year.  John T. Reynolds, bank CEO and Chairman, stated, “The Honor Guard is a true Campbell County treasure. A member of our community only has to attend one military burial executed by the Honor Guard to truly appreciate the time and effort these veterans give so selflessly.  These men and women are the very best.  Peoples Bank is truly honored to be associated with such a fine event, and at the same time, support Boy Scouting.”

The previous award recipients are Mr. Edward Balloff, the late Mrs. Juanita Baird, Colonel Tommy C. Stiner, the five Baird brothers, and General Carl W. Stiner.  For more dinner information, please contact Logan Hickman, Peoples Bank of the South, 423-562-4921.

Contact:  Logan Hickman, Dinner Chairman, Peoples Bank of the South; 423-562-4921; loganh@pbsouth.com  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

La Follette City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 5, 2013

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Fire takes home across from WLAF

     The house across the street from WLAF on North Fifth Street was lost to fire today.  However, this was not just a house.  It was a home.  A home to countless children over the years.  For many years, longtime homeowners, Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe and Nora Lee, welcomed foster and adopted children into their home.  In fact, the home has sat atop the hill neighboring the radio station since before there was a radio station.  One of the children the Lees brought to their home was Cindy.  She lived in that house from the day she was adopted upwards of 50 years ago until fire took it today.  It is indeed a sad day around North Fifth Street, however, all the phone calls offering help, and those who've come by to assist and offer assistance to Cindy have helped brighten this cold, rainy day.

Firefighters with the LFD answered the call around 8:30 this morning as Cindy tearfully watched from the doorstep of WLAF.  She was safe, but her dog was not.  It was closed off in a bedroom inside the burning home.  It took about an hour, but Bear, the dog, was brought out of the structure alive and well.

     At this hour, a fire truck sits idling at the bottom of the steps to Cindy's smoke stained home just in case there is another flare up.  Firefighters thought the fire was out, and had been gone about an hour this morning when the structure fired up again around 11:00 a.m.  No one was injured, and the cause of the fire, which started in the bathroom, is not yet known.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013, 4:00 PM) 

  

    

                                          CCHS's Andy Arnold is Senate Page

        (NASHVILLE, Tennessee), March 5, 2013 -  A Campbell County High School student, Andy Arnold, recently served as a page in the Tennessee State Senate.  Arnold was sponsored by State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) who represents Campbell County in the Tennessee State Senate.

Page duties consist of anything from making copies, running errands, to distributing legislative information to members of the General Assembly.  They report to the Chief Clerk of the House and Senate.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013, 2:00 PM)   

Dabbs delivers valuable life lessons to students

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Motivational speaker Reggie Dabbs visited four Campbell County schools during a whirlwind tour on Monday.

The 49-year-old Knoxville native spoke to students at Jacksboro and LaFollette middle schools as well as Campbell County and Jellico high schools.

Larry Nidiffer, secondary education supervisor for Campbell County Public Schools, said the visit by Dabbs kicked off a program to help students overcome obstacles and achieve goals.

“We’ve identified what we felt were the top 10 problems or reoccurring situations in our system this year that apparently the parents didn’t know about,” said Nidiffer.

“The big one is social media. It seems that teenagers easily forget that for every decision they make there are consequences. Other issues our students seem to have are knowing how to deal with life and focusing on getting an education.”

Nidiffer also said a new state law has forced school systems to address the problem of bullying.

During Monday’s sessions, Dabbs told students of his troubled childhood in foster care and how his birth mother gave him away to her favorite English teacher. He thanked teachers for what they do every day to help “his babies” the students. He also challenged students to change their lives and told them he loved them.

“We hope that kind of got their attention,” said Nidiffer.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Honaker latest trivia winner from ISG & WLAF

"ISG Insurance - WLAF 60th Trivia" gives away burgers, pizza, movie tix, & gasoline

     Mark Honaker correctly answered "Gary Gray" in the latest trivia fun.  Gary Gray is the answer to the question of "Who broke Carl Rutherford's single-game scoring mark of 42-points at La Follette High School?"  Mark wins free gasoline from Woodson Shell.  Find the answer to “ISG Insurance-WLAF 60th Trivia” on a Green Screen ad, and then call 423.562.1450 with the answer & ad name & your name goes into the weekly prize drawing.  Prizes range from free food at Wendy’s to movie tickets from The Movies to free Woodson Shell gasoline to Little Caesar’s pizza.  ISG Insurance-WLAF 60th Trivia – year-long fun from your friends here at the old radio station, 1450 WLAF.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2013, 4:00 PM)      

Tip leads to meth bust

     A mother, father, the father's brother and girlfriend are facing meth and aggravated child abuse charges this afternoon. According to Chief Deputy Aaron Evans with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department, on Friday night, officers responded to an anonymous tip of possible drug activity at a home in Valley View.  At 127 Stone Crest Lane in La Follette is where two young children were found in the middle of a meth making operation, their own home. Despite their parents admitting knowing the possible health risks associated with meth manufacture, the safety of a soon-to-be three year old girl and her year and a half old brother, now in Department of Child Services custody, was put at risk. The child's mother, 22-year old Kayla Ann Dennis, admitted knowing that meth making was taking place in

Dennis  (courtesy Campbell County Sheriff's Department)

her home. Sheriff's deputies found several components commonly used to cook meth along with one, one-pot meth lab, and three corner bags believed to contain meth. Father of the boy and girl, 26-year old Jeffery Randall Teague, told police he smoked meth with his brother, 23-year old Joshua Adam Teague,

Josh Teague  (courtesy Campbell County Sheriff's Department)

in the home. The younger Teague explained to officers that he manufactured meth inside the home on several occasions and as recently as last Wednesday. He said he manufactures meth to sell, because it's "easy money." The admitted girlfriend of Josh Teague, 18-year old Jessica Boshears, allowed

Boshears (courtesy Campbell County Sheriff's Department)

that she assisted him in making the meth by "stripping batteries" and "smoking off the bottle" as well as "gassing off the bottle." All four were taken into custody on multiple charges including meth and aggravated child abuse offenses.  So far, none of the four has posted bond.  The father of the children, Jeffery Teague, has a bond of 25-thousand dollars, Josh Teague's bond is set at 32-thousand dollars,

Randall Teague (courtesy Campbell County Sheriff's Department)

while Jessica Boshears’ is 17-thousand dollars, and Kayla Dennis, the children's mother, has a bond of 15-thousand dollars. A detailed list of each person's charges is found on the left side links under Arrest Report.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013, 3:00 PM)

Boomer's Corner is now open

Some things in life come down to a simple matter of arithmetic

It is amazing, how many things in life come down to a matter of simple arithmetic. State Representative Dennis Powers is sponsoring a bill in the legislature to require school board members to have at least an associates degree, two years of college, in order to serve on the board.

I tend to disagree with the illustrious Mr. Powers on the need for that bill. I’ve observed a lot of elected public officials during the past 30 years or so that I’ve been practicing journalism and some of the dumbest of them had more years of formal schooling than average while some sharp people never made it to college.

As far as school board members are concerned, the most important qualification should be a concern for the future and welfare of our children and respect for the importance of education. Some mothers, for instance, would meet these qualifications with flying colors, while they may have been too busy raising a family to pursue a higher education themselves.

Many individuals with a healthy respect for the importance of education lacked the financial resources to continue past high school, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be qualified to make decisions in the best interest of the schools and children. Common sense would seem to outweigh a couple of years of college in this respect.

Then there is the Campbell County Board of Education. I fully expected this bunch of good ol’ boys to vote Donnie Poston a two-year contract last week. The math was simple.

Voters who favor Poston seem to outnumber those who do not by a ratio of about 25 to 1. Several members of the school board will be up for re-election next year. A two-year contract would postpone any further discussion on Donnie’s future as Director of Schools until after the election, when presumably voters with notoriously short memories might forget which board members tried to get rid of Poston.

But apparently the board is a bit challenged in math. Nine of them, including all five who originally voted to replace him, voted for a mere one-year extension. Chairman Josh Parker, who is unabashedly in Poston’s corner, was the only board member to vote “no” because he wanted to see a two-year contract.

Now the whole matter can be debated again next year, mere months before the election. Like I said, a matter of simple arithmetic.

The U. S. Postal Service seems to be another body that is mathematically challenged. Did you read the report about the Maryville Post Office announcing that they will no longer return undelivered books to the non-profit Imagination Library, but will instead destroy the hundred or so books a month that are returned for insufficient addresses.

Let’s see. If the books are returned, Imagination Library can mail them out again to other children, providing more revenue to the Postal Service. If they are destroyed . . . well you do the math. You will have to, because the USPS seems unable to add and subtract.

Not only are valuable books going to waste that could benefit young children, but the Postal Service loses postage revenue in this lose-lose situation, not to mention critical public relations points for the bad publicity.

I shouldn’t be surprised. As part of my duties as the county’s tax enforcement official, I have to mail out certified notices to every taxpayer who owes delinquent property taxes. Often the notices have minor errors in the address, say “503 19th Street” when it should be “505 19th Street.”

In an earlier, simpler time, the local post office would send the certified letter out, the carrier would notice the mistake and deliver it anyway, correcting the address on the return receipt. Now post offices are supposed to send all mail to Knoxville for computer sorting, after which it is returned to the local post office. If there is an error in the address it is returned to the sender undelivered.

If we can get a corrected address, we must then mail it out again, each time at a cost to county taxpayers of $6.11. The post office saves a few pennies on each piece of mail by going automatic, taxpayers lose over six bucks on each returned certified letter.

You read a lot about how the Postal Service is going broke and on its way out. Postal employees often blame Congress for forcing the USPS to pay hundreds of millions up front into the pension fund. Outside observers most often blame the Internet and declining postal revenues.

Perhaps there is another reason. Perhaps the bureaucrats who dream up post office regulations simply aren’t very good at arithmetic.

Blue state Democrats seem to have an advantage when it comes to arithmetic that red state politicians have overlooked. Take notice, for instance, of the statistics on traffic deaths among teenaged drivers, ages 16 and 17. Nationally, the numbers were up by a disturbingly high 19 percent during the first six months of 2012 when compared to 2011, but I noticed something else in the state-by-state breakdown.

The 24 blue states that went for President Obama in the recent election, most of them with Democrat-controlled legislatures, experienced a decline, from 88 to 75 traffic deaths among teenaged drivers between 2011 and 2012. The 26 red states, most with Republican-controlled legislatures, experienced an increase in teenaged deaths from 114 to 165. That’s an increase of close to 50 percent in the Pachyderm states, including our own Tennessee, where teen deaths increased from six to sixteen in one year.

Less stringent regulatory laws, including graduated driver’s license laws, less funding for drivers’ safety training, higher speed limits in many red states, all might be contributing factors. Nobody has offered a solid explanation, but Pachyderm politicians need to wake up.

Fewer future Republican voters in red states, more future Democrat voters in blue states? It’s a simple matter of arithmetic.   (UPDATED MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Poston receives 9 yes votes

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Campbell County School Board voted Thursday night to extend the contract of Director of Schools Donnie Poston through June 30, 2014.

Sarge Collins made a motion during the special called meeting to give Poston another year at the helm. Eugene Lawson seconded the motion, which passed 9-1.

Board members voting in favor of the motion included Johnny Byrge, Collins, Danny Wilson, Johnny Creekmore, Scott Hill, Lawson, Rector Miller, Mike Orick and Homer Rutherford.

Board Chairman Josh Parker explained his reason for voting against the motion by saying, “I wanted the contract extended to two years instead of one. That was the purpose of my “no” vote.” Parker has been a vocal Poston supporter.

The decision capped two months of turmoil, when at times it appeared Poston might not get the seven votes he needed to continue as director of schools after June 30.

Poston has consistently said he will stay as long as the board wants him to, which he did again when Collins questioned him before Thursday night’s vote was taken.

Collins seemed satisfied, but was unwilling to clarify his motion to add another year after Parker suggested a two-year extension might be in order.

“I would appreciate it if the board would let Mr. Poston do his job, and that’s all I’m going to say,” said Collins.

The special called meeting lasted less than five minutes.

Afterward, the school board held a brief workshop about structural issues with the building at Campbell County High School.

A representative of the Michael Brady architect firm met with the board to discuss options.

During a sometimes-heated discussion, Lawson pointed a finger at those that would be in charge of handling any suggested repairs that are sure to come with a hefty price tag.

“Are we fixing something that’s in real bad shape, or just giving you guys a job,” said Lawson.

Parker suggested that the board gather at CCHS on a Saturday morning in the next few weeks to get a first-hand look at the problem areas.

Parker also announced a 5 p.m. workshop prior to the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting on March 12. During that workshop, presentations will be made on the Gear-Up and Tennessee Achieves programs as well as surveillance cameras to be installed in school buses. (UPDATED FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

 Special called school board meeting Thursday, February 28, 2013

 

 

February 28 meeting set to vote on Poston's contract

The crowd at the February school board meeting on Tuesday night was smaller than the one less than two weeks ago, but a standing room –only audience was still on hand to hear several board members retreat from their effort to replace Director Donnie Poston.

In what could best be defined as a reconciliation session, board members were either apologizing to the public, Poston or each other as they voted unanimously to schedule a meeting in two weeks for the “purpose of extending the contract of the Director of Schools.”

The meeting kicked off with a lengthy explanation by Rector Miller, one of the board members who had earlier voted to search for a new director. Miller told the audience, “I have always considered Donnie Poston my friend . . . . a man of unsurpassed integrity.” He claimed that his reason for wanting to explore other directions was related to a declining student-teacher ratio and his belief that Poston was going to allow the loss of another twelve teachers in the upcoming budget year.

“I’ve been assured that Director Poston will oppose any effort to further cut teachers and I’m going to support Mr Poston for as long as he wants to continue,” Miller concluded.

Danny Wilson, who had supported Poston at the earlier meetings, then apologized to Miller, referring to “misleading statements” that he did not elaborate upon.

After everyone finished speaking, Johnny Byrge, another of the five board members who had voted against renewing Poston’s contract, made a motion to suspend the rules in order to vote on holding a special called meeting in 15 days “for the purpose of extending the contract for Donnie Poston as Director of Schools.”

Due to public notification requirements, the vote on Poston’s contract cannot be held until February 28. The board voted unanimously to schedule the meeting, apparently putting an end to the controversy, assuming that nothing changes in the next two weeks.

In other business, the school board ignored County Commissioner Thomas Hatmaker, who urged the board to reconsider approving a contract with Efficient Energy Tennessee for the purchase and installation of solar energy arrays on three additional school buildings.

“Did we do anything in violation of the law?” Rector Miller asked, receiving assurances from both the board attorney and Finance Director Jeff Marlow that the board’s decision was properly carried out.

“We’ve held four meetings where this topic has been discussed openly. I don’t see the point of rumors and innuendo that’s been going around,” Miller added. “It seems clear that the choice was between receiving $240,000 to lease the space or saving over $1 million in utility costs by owning our own system.”

Johnny Byrge asked what effect it would have on the potential gain if the board should decide, before the 15-year bonds have been paid off, to close one or more smaller schools at White Oak or Elk Valley.

“That is the one good question that can be asked about the financial impact on this project,” Marlow replied. “If you closed one of the schools and ceased to produce power from that source, it would have a significant impact on the bottom line.”

“Who’s talking about closing Elk Valley?” Fifth District board member Sarge Collins challenged.

“Nobody,” Byrge replied. “I was just asking because you never know down the road.”

Collins appeared ready to do battle on the spot, so other board members rushed to reassure him that there is no secret plan to close any schools.

The board then voted unanimously to extend their contract with Efficient Energy Tennessee to include the school buildings at Jellico and Elk Valley. County commissioners are less supportive of the program, but even Hatmaker indicated that he won’t oppose a bond resolution since “the school board will be paying the bill.”

The board delayed action on one agenda item, to place security officers in each school in the county. Attorney Dail Cantrell informed the board that the state legislature is considering a bill that would make SRO officers in all schools mandatory.

“If that bill passes, the state will pay for the costs of security. I advise you to put off action on this until you see what the state is going to do,” Cantrell suggested.

In one bit of financial good news, Marlow reported that after a year long delay, the Tennessee Department of Revenue has agreed with Campbell County’s contention that some coal severance tax owed to the county was sent to Anderson County by mistake.

The state has agreed to repay Campbell County $120,000. Unfortunately, the repayment won’t be made until the money can be deducted from future severance tax revenue owed to Anderson County, and currently there is no active mining in Anderson and no severance tax being collected there.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

Local sporting goods dealers are having a tough time keeping ammo in stock

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Bumbling Mayberry deputy Barney Fife had access to more ammunition than many Campbell County sporting goods dealers do right now.

Jeff Robbins, owner of Buckshot in Jacksboro, says ammo is so scarce that people are scalping bullets like football tickets. “It’s been frustrating because I don’t have the stuff that I need,” said Robbins, who says he makes nearly all of his profit from the hunting and target shooting side of his business. By his own estimation, Robbins has lost between $15,000 and $18,000 in sales since the middle of December due to the lack of several types of ammunition and firearms.

“If that trend continues, it’s hard for me to stay in business,” said Robbins. “My suppliers are telling me it will be anywhere from 16 to 18 months to get ammunition. And they’ll still have to catch-up the big box stores before they can get to people like me.”

Jeff Robbins, owner of Buckshot, stands in front of a display of rifles at his Jacksboro store.

Almost everyone involved in the shooting sports – hunters, gun dealers, and competition marksmen – blames the scarcity of certain types of guns and ammunition on President Barack Obama, who has been pushing more gun control legislation since his re-election in November and especially in the wake of a tragic school shooting in Connecticut last December.

Several calibers of handgun ammunition are hard to find. Robbins said .223 and .22 long rifle ammo is particularly scarce. Not far behind that is 9mm, .45, .40 and .38 special. Gun owners began hoarding .223 ammo months ago amid rumors that the president would ban assault-style weapons like the Colt AR-15 as well as high capacity magazines.

If you’re lucky enough to find someone willing to sell you a box of ammunition, be prepared to pay big bucks for it. Robbins said a box of 525 rounds of .22 long rifle ammo he once sold for 20.97 is now going for at least $60 on many Internet sites. He said some people are willing to pay much more than that.

Susie Carroll of The Sports Shop in LaFollette has been going non-stop since last fall. She said the gun and ammo buying frenzy actually began right after the election in November. “Four years ago, when (Obama) went in, it was the same thing. But this is worse,” said Carroll. “I’ve been working six days a week, and I hadn’t done that in years. We’ve been here 28 years, and I’ve never seen anything like it. The news media is what’s causing all of this frenzy.”

Enrollment is also way up for carry-permit classes, which The Sports Shop has offered the past several years. Eighty people signed up for the January class. Carroll said she had to limit customers to one box of ammo per day so everyone can get a slice of the pie. “We had already seen a big increase in gun sales. It’s because it was on (Obama’s) agenda,” said Carroll. “It started with the election, but after the (school) shooting it went wild. It was the publicity it got.”

Even the big retail giants like Wal-Mart are feeling the pinch. Regina Wells, a sporting goods associate at the Wal-Mart in Jacksboro, said she has been rationing ammo at the rate of three boxes per person, per day. Wells said both .223 and .22 long rifle ammo has been hard to come by since November. “We’ll get a case of .22 shells, and 10 minutes later they’re gone,” said Wells. “We got a shipment last night, and they’re already gone.”

Brad Sewell of T.J.’s Pawn and Gold in LaFollette doesn’t think the gun and ammunition shortages can be tied to a single event. “Right now, what’s driving everything up is everyone is freaking out and panicking,” said Sewell, who sells guns for everything from home defense to hunting. Give it another month, and it might calm down unless something else happens. I’m not a conspiracy theory type, but you can kind of see how these guys look at it. Everybody is on the Sandy Hook kick right now. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a tragedy, but you can’t define a whole country off one thing. It’s not an easy story. There’s a whole lot of factors involved.”  (UPDATED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013, 5:15 PM)   

Officers terminated over criminal allegations

 

     A joint effort by the Campbell County Sheriff, 8th Judicial District Attorney General and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, has resulted in the immediate termination of a School Resource Officer and Auxiliary officer, amidst allegations of misconduct. The allegations stem from information Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins received of possible officer misconduct. The sheriff immediately presented the information to the 8th Judicial District Attorney General's Office, where a coordinated decision was made to request the investigation be handled directly by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The criminal allegations in this case are being thoroughly investigated by the TBI, with the sheriff's office full support and cooperation. The allegations levied against the School Resource Officer do not reflect actions of misconduct at his previous assigned workstation.

 

     Our main priority at this point in the early stages of this investigation is to cooperate fully, work together with the Attorney General's Office and the TBI. We have made it abundantly clear; we will not tolerate anything other than pure professionalism and a true work ethic. In addition, we have a lawful responsibility to protect the integrity of the investigation and possible prosecution, as well as, those involved. At this point, we will not release any names directly associated with the investigation or any other information that may harm the integrity of the investigation. We have been asked by the District Attorney and TBI to reserve any further comment and refer any questions related to the investigation to the TBI.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

 Anderson County sophomore faces felony charge following Twitter post

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    An Anderson County High School sophomore is expected to be charged with filing a false bomb report after Campbell County High School students told a school resource officer Tuesday afternoon about several threatening messages posted on a social media network. Authorities felt that the threat was credible enough to warrant locking down the CCHS campus late yesterday afternoon and calling in a bomb sniffing dog from the Knox County Sheriff’s Department. The threat caused a slight delay to the start of the girls’ championship game of the District 3-AAA Basketball Tournament, which CCHS was hosting. Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans said investigating officers, with assistance from Anderson County deputies, went to the unidentified male student’s home, where he admitted to posting the messages on Twitter while attending a tournament game at CCHS on Monday night. Since the incident happened at CCHS, Evans said the student will appear in Campbell County Juvenile Court. “He said he just wanted to scare the students,” said Evans. Filing a false bomb report is a Class C felony offense.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013, 3:00 PM)    

After finishing a close 4th, Asbury plans to run for Chancery Court Judge in two years

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Jacksboro attorney Elizabeth Asbury wasn’t one of the final three candidates chosen to fill the unexpired term of the late Judge Billy Joe White of the 8th Judicial District Chancery Court. However, she did finish a very close 4th and plans to throw her hat in the ring in two years when the next election cycle rolls around. The Judicial Nominating Committee selected James L. Cotton Jr. and Charles P. Sexton of Oneida, and Andrew R. Tillman of Huntsville during a meeting on Feb. 7 at Woodlake Golf and Country Club in Tazewell. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam will now select one of those three to fill Judge White’s unexpired term. Asbury, whose late father Lee Asbury served as Criminal Court Judge from 1974 to 1998, said she looks forward to working in the 8th Judicial District and hopes to run for Chancery Court Judge in two years. She tied Sexton when the first vote was taken by the committee, but he later got the votes needed to advance to the final three. The 8th Judicial District represents the counties of Campbell, Claiborne, Union, Scott and Fentress.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013, 3:30 PM)   

Campbell County Commission Meeting from Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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County commissioners spend much of meeting agreeing with each other

Members of the county commission entered uncharted waters Tuesday night, when they spent nearly the entire evening agreeing with each other.

Commissioners finished off the their regular February meeting in a prompt hour and twenty minutes, voting unanimously on ten consecutive motions with no hint of disagreement.

The one issue on which some commissioners disagreed was one over which they have little control, a motion to approve budget amendments for a solar panel project on three school buildings that already has the go-ahead from the Board of Education.

In a largely symbolic gesture, Thomas Hatmaker, Beverly Hall, Sue Nance, Bob Walden and Charles Baird voted “no” on a motion to approve the budget amendment transferring funds to pay for the installation of solar panels at two Jellico schools and Elk Valley.

The amendment still passed 8-5, as the school board has already approved the contract with Efficient Energy Tennessee for the three additional buildings. A contract for the county’s other nine school buildings was approved at last month’s commission meeting over the objections of Hatmaker.

“Even if state law forbids bidding this project out, I think we should seek proposals from other vendors,” Hatmaker argued. He added that he understood another company had made an offer that would save the county $9,800 on each site, but Mayor William Baird and Finance Director Jeff Marlow both said no such proposal has been received.

Opposition to the project did have an effect on the question of whether to include five non-school county buildings in the contract with Efficient Energy Tennessee.

David Adkins noted, “There has been a lot of speculation related to this solar project. I believe in this system, but we might be better off to delay a decision on county buildings for six months until we see how the program on school buildings is working.”

Hatmaker quickly agreed, stating, “I’m not against solar power, just the process we are following.”

“Six months from now we’ll probably have egg on our faces because we didn’t do it now,” Rusty Orick observed.

Marlow pointed out that the county would lose out on some TVA rebate revenue and make less if it waits but did not strongly disagree with a delay, adding, “At least it will let you see some results and fully understand what this can do.”

With that, a motion by Adkins to table the budget amendment for solar panels on the five county buildings was approved unanimously.

The commission moved from there to unanimously approve guidelines for handling donation requests from non-profit organizations and volunteer fire departments along with motions to scrap surplus vehicles in the Sanitation Department, release a reversionary clause on a parcel of former county land in the McGhee Industrial Park and participate in a land purchase at the county airport that will be 90 percent funded by the federal government.

The commission also approved a partnership with Caryville to widen the road into the Royal Blue industrial park if a state grant is secured to pay half the cost.

The commission also approved five appointments to the Animal Control Advisory Committee – adding Patricia Simpson and Elizabeth Asbury as at-large members with Dewey Madison representing Jacksboro, Johnny Jones representing Caryville and Mike Siwinski representing Jellico.

The appointments followed an Animal Control Committee meeting where members of the Friends of Campbell County Animals pushed for inclusion on the board and a stronger commitment to encouraging pet adoption.      (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

Two popular veteran bankers join Community Trust Bank

     Two longtime, local bankers have a new home this morning.  Community Trust Bank in La Follette has added Rhonda Longmire and Regina Blankenship to its staff.  Longmire, a senior vice-president, is now senior market lender while Blankenship takes over as manager at Community Trust’s Woodson Mall location.  Longmire comes to Community Trust Bank from American Trust Bank while Blankenship leaves First National Bank of Oneida.  Longmire and Blankenship have a combined 50 plus years of lending experience.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

Bomb threat can't keep Oak Ridge from upset win

     The District 3-AAA basketball championship games played Tuesday night at Campbell High were delayed by an hour.  But that didn’t keep Oak Ridge from upsetting Powell for the boys crown or Anderson from holding off Powell claiming the girls title.  Oak Ridge won 62 to 55 while Anderson’s winning score is 39 to 35.  Now about the delay.  Charges are pending this morning against an Anderson County High School student.  Campbell County Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF that the Campbell High building was given the "all clear" just before 6:00 p.m. Tuesday after officers and a bomb sniffing dog finished a sweep of the huge high school.  The school went into lockdown around 3:30 p.m. after a bomb threat was discovered on a social media network.  Evans notes that a male student from Anderson County High School attended a tournament game Monday night at CCHS and made the threat sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The student specifically mentioned Tuesday's games.  In other tournament action, Sunbright surprised Wartburg on its home court 52 to 44 to claim the District 4-A District championship.  The Tigers snapped the Bulldogs 14-game winning streak.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)       

Mechatronics info session set for next week

Learn more about Roane State’s new high-tech mechatronics program on Feb. 25
Anyone interested in Roane State Community College’s new high-tech mechatronics program is invited to information sessions on Monday, Feb. 25 at the college’s Campbell County campus, 201 Independence Lane in LaFollette.
The information sessions will be held at 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Visitors only need to attend one of the sessions.
The new one-year program will train students to become technicians who operate, maintain and repair high-tech automated manufacturing systems. The program is based in
Clinton, and classes are held in the evenings.
Mechatronics includes instruction in electronics, mechanics, computer science, robotics and process control. The program prepares students for jobs as robotics technicians, controls technicians, engineering technicians and other occupations related to repairing and maintaining high-tech industrial equipment.
Anyone interested in the program may also contact Nick Forrester at (865) 481-5424 or forresternw@roanestate.edu.
The mechatronics program was developed with funding from a $19.7 million grant awarded to the National STEM Consortium (NSC) and 10 community colleges in nine states under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) grant program. The goal of the grant was to develop certificate-level programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that could be implemented nationwide to meet critical labor market needs.
Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland leads the National STEM Consortium.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

Jones and Caryville Officers regular visitors to CES

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Caryville Police Chief Johnny Jones found it hard to sleep at night after watching news reports of a tragic school shooting in a small New England town.

With a young grandson nearly the same age as many of the 20 children massacred at Sandy Hook Elementary on that dark December day in Newtown, Conn., Jones set about to make his own community school a little safer.

Immediately after Campbell County students returned from Christmas break, the chief and his staff began routine patrols at Caryville Elementary. As many as four times a day, Jones checks on the school, often grabbing a quick bite of lunch while parked outside in his police cruiser. Each day, he greets students arriving at the front entrance as another officer patrols the back of the building,

“When I heard (about Sandy Hook), I couldn’t sleep, and I just decided to do it,” said Jones.

“We’re a small community, but we’re only 30 minutes from Knoxville. We can still have big city problems.”

Though the children are very young, Jones said they know why he is there.

“I’m 55 years old and have been in law enforcement for 36 years. I’m 6-foot-4, and to have them come up to thank me for being here, that’s just something special. They understand what’s going on,” said Jones.

Jones said he isn’t surprised to hear about school shootings at high schools or middle schools. The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, however, made him think twice about school safety in the primary grades.

Although he isn’t necessarily opposed to teachers carrying weapons with the proper permits, Jones would rather see a trained officer in charge of security at each school.

“If they’ve got a carry permit I think they should have more training,” said Jones.

“I think teachers have enough to worry about. I don’t think it should be their job to have to protect the kids. I don’t think that should take the place of a trained officer.

“I think there should be an officer at each school. I think (politicians) waste enough money in other places to where they could do that.”

Campbell County Director of Schools Donnie Poston says that may be coming down the pike. Poston said the school board is waiting to see if the state will foot the bill on proposed legislation that would put a school resource officer (SRO) in every school in Tennessee.

With six SROs already patrolling CCHS, Jellico High and all three county middle schools, Poston estimates it would cost another $400,000 per year for eight additional officers to staff the elementary schools. He is not in favor of arming teachers.

“I personally think you should get an SRO, that’s their expertise,” said Poston.

He said county deputies are now showing more of a presence at the other elementary schools, though not nearly to the level that Chief Jones and his staff are at Caryville.

“Safety goes beyond just the gun issue. The culture has changed dramatically,” said Poston.

“We’re probably spending twice as much on safety as curriculum issues, and they want to know what’s wrong with academics?”

Poston has been in regular communication with Senator Ken Yager and Representative Dennis Powers and hopes to visit them this week during a trip to the state capitol in Nashville.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

Unsheltered numbers for homeless are "high"

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    The numbers are in for January’s Point in Time Count in Campbell County, which is conducted by volunteers with the Tennessee Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. The total number of people counted (604) is about average. However, the number of unsheltered individuals (62) is disturbingly high, said Debi Mikesell, point person for the Campbell County PIT Count.

“It usually runs in the 40s, so that tell us that there are a lot of people living without any kind of shelter,” said Mikesell.

Point in Time Counts have been held in Campbell County since 2009. The all-time high of 640 was set four years ago. The total number of people counted last year was a little less than 600.

A breakdown of the count for Jan. 24, 2013 in Campbell County is listed as follows:

*Precariously housed, 504

*Transitional, 18

*Unaccompanied youth, 14

*Unsheltered, 62

Mikesell said 20 volunteers participated this year on Point in Time teams in Campbell County. Municipal areas included in the count were LaFollette, Jellico, Jacksboro and Caryville. Officers with the sheriff’s department collected information in rural areas of the county. In addition, the schools were able to provide valuable information.

“We are using as many resources available to us as possible to get individuals placed where they are safe, warm and have food,” said Mikesell.

“I just want to say, ‘thank you’ from the mayor’s office for their help collecting information, school department personnel, DCS staff, health department, Shepherd’s Home Staff, CHET DV Shelter staff, community volunteers, social services staff and area law enforcement.”

According to last year’s statewide PIT Count, almost 9,000 people were homeless in Tennessee. HUD funding, based on 2011 PIT Count figures in Campbell County, brought in more than $130,000 of monetary assistance for rent and utilities.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

More than 45 local students make RSCC dean's list

    Several Campbell County students made the dean’s list at Roane State Community College for the fall 2012 semester.

To be eligible, a student must attain at least a 3.5 grade-point average while attempting 12 or more semester hours of college-level courses.

Caryville: Lori Adkins, Angela Davis, Amanda Dunn, Desaray Fletcher, William Harrison, Savannah Izquierdo, Reid Miller, Benjamin Shirley, Patricia Simpson

Clairfield: Kristie King

Duff: Dee Ward-Lay

Jacksboro: Aaron Brown, Zachery Bruce, Amy Campbell, Kayla Chapman, Melissa Dopp, Loren Edwards, Carla Foust, Miranda Goins, Amanda Kane, Lindsay Lowe, Cameron McGhee, Florence O'Grady, Kyndra Price, Amy Seal

Jellico: Marty Marsee

LaFollette: Laura Bowens, Kelsey Chapman, Chelsea Graves, Christopher Kitts,  Sarah Lay, Katie McCullah, Bria McKamey, Autumn Munsey, Kelsey North, Shawn Ray, Hannah Russell, Adam Smith, Stephanie Sparks, Tiffany Sweat, Tasha Walker

Newcomb: Casey Douglas, Holly Perkins

Pioneer: Jared Adkins, Sherri Chambers, Lasha Cross, Dakota Massengale

Scott County

Robbins: Heather Bunch, Savannah Cox, Kristin Hosier, Darrell Jenkins, Wesley Manis

Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer curricula, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has campuses in Crossville, Harriman, Huntsville, Jamestown, Knoxville, LaFollette, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge and Wartburg.

For more information, visit www.roanestate.edu or call 1-866-GO2-RSCC (1-866-462-7722).   (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

Mechatronics info session set for next week

Learn more about Roane State’s new high-tech mechatronics program on Feb. 25
Anyone interested in Roane State Community College’s new high-tech mechatronics program is invited to information sessions on Monday, Feb. 25 at the college’s Campbell County campus, 201 Independence Lane in LaFollette.
The information sessions will be held at 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Visitors only need to attend one of the sessions.
The new one-year program will train students to become technicians who operate, maintain and repair high-tech automated manufacturing systems. The program is based in
Clinton, and classes are held in the evenings.
Mechatronics includes instruction in electronics, mechanics, computer science, robotics and process control. The program prepares students for jobs as robotics technicians, controls technicians, engineering technicians and other occupations related to repairing and maintaining high-tech industrial equipment.
Anyone interested in the program may also contact Nick Forrester at (865) 481-5424 or forresternw@roanestate.edu.
The mechatronics program was developed with funding from a $19.7 million grant awarded to the National STEM Consortium (NSC) and 10 community colleges in nine states under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) grant program. The goal of the grant was to develop certificate-level programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that could be implemented nationwide to meet critical labor market needs.
Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland leads the National STEM Consortium.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013, 6:00 AM)    

‘Doing the Little Sidestep’ – school board meeting or just a bad dream?

Boomer's Corner - Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

I had the strangest dream Tuesday night. Woke me up with a start around 2:00 A.M. I was thrust into the middle of a movie, one that any of you who, like me are on the backside of 50, will recall vividly even if you didn’t see it. Dolly Parton fans will certainly recall her role in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

The film was a musical comedy that appeared in theaters in the early ‘80s, starring Dolly as the madam of “The Chicken Ranch,” a legendary bordello of such historic renown and tradition that the winning football team in the annual Texas-Texas A&M Thanksgiving game was always treated to a night with the ladies, paid for by loyal alumni while university officials looked the other way.

In the film a crusading journalist slips a camera crew into the ranch, filming scantily-clad ladies scampering in all directions until the local sheriff (Burt Reynolds) tosses the intruders out.

The crusader, played by comedian Dom Deluise has his proof, however, and kicks off his television expose with a little song & dance number, “Texas Has a Whorehouse in It!” In my dream, however, Dom Deluise is replaced by our very own R. L. Gibson. I didn’t know R.L. could carry a tune, but then this was a dream after all.

Cut to the chase. My dream continued with Dolly and Burt doing a few songs together. (Unfortunately for the film, Burt could not carry a tune) until we get to the big song & dance production at the state capitol.

In the movie, the Texas governor is faced with a dilemma – a knot of good ole boys and major contributors on one side who insist that the traditions of the Chicken Ranch be upheld, while a parade of protestors, led by Christian ladies’ sewing circles from across the state, demand that the house of ill repute be closed down.

The governor does this hilarious number, where he dances to one side of the stage, tips his ten-gallon hat to the good ole boys, then shuttles across to the other side, reversing his hat as he sings and dances “The Little Sidestep.”

Only in my dream, this number is played out by a chorus – the Campbell County school board, all dancing across the stage in unison to “The Little Sidestep,” ten-gallon hats and all. Over in one corner, Eugene Lawson sits alone on a stool, wearing a dunce cap and scowling at the show.

As you can imagine, this is the point where I woke up, my T-shirt soaked in sweat, and realized I had not yet finished my report for Channel 12 on the recent school board meeting.

Say what you will, the school board can rival the cast of “Best Little Whorehouse” for drama and entertainment value. Rector Miller opened the proceedings by reaffirming his love and respect for Director Donnie Poston and telling folks that his lone concern had been the fact that Donnie didn’t appear willing to fight off the evil Finance Director, Jeff “Moneybags” Marlow over potential teacher lay-offs in the upcoming year.

“Mr. Poston assures me that he will do everything he can to avoid losing another twelve teachers. I’m going to support you, Mr. Poston, for as long as you want to remain Director,” Rector proclaimed, with a tip of his ten-gallon hat.

Rector asked me if I couldn’t say something nice about him this week for a change, so I will. Rector, you are even more eloquent than the Texas governor in the film, and in my dream’s dance sequence, you’ve got some really nice moves!

Danny Wilson was next to speak at the meeting. Danny supported Director Poston from the get-go, but there appears to have been some unfortunate exchanges with his fellow First District board member, the contents of which we can only imagine. Danny offered his sincere apologies to Rector for “things said,” although most in the audience had no idea what was said by who about whom for what reason.

Once all the speechifying and peacemaking was complete Johnny Byrge, another of the original “Get rid of Donnie” group, offered a motion to schedule a special called meeting at the end of the mandatory 15-day public notification period, “For the purpose of extending the contract of Donnie Poston as Director of Schools.”

The motion passed by a unanimous vote of 10-0, the audience applauded and ten-gallon hats were tossed into the air. Everybody loves a happy ending.

Well, most folks do. My money is on Eugene Lawson to vote “no” on extending the contract. A teacher I ran into after the meeting said, “Eugene is going to live forever. God will keep him around to give him a chance to change his ways, but he’s too stubborn to change.”

Probably so, but disagree or not, I confess that I admire Eugene for sticking to his guns, even if he’s dead wrong. You always know what he’s thinking and as Moneybags Marlow told county commissioners on Monday night, “I hope everyone of you gets re-elected to office. I prefer the devil you know to the devil you don’t know every time.”

Some of the squires didn’t seem overly pleased to be referred to as “the devils I know,” but then that’s Moneybags for you. He is a master at working with figures, keeping the county out of financial hot water and finding ways to get things done despite commissioners’ propensity for wanting to get things done without paying for it.

Where Jeff differs from other accountants and money czars is that he’s not afraid to voice his opinion, sometimes in rather plain English, sometimes peppered with some colorful adjectives unprintable in family publications.

He told the school board at one point Tuesday night, “I go over to a county commission meeting and they give me grief because they accuse me of representing the school board. I come to a school board meeting and you accuse me of representing the county commission.”

The truth is, Moneybags is not personally the target of official disdain, so much as the position, “Director of Finance.” This county, some of you may recall, was dragged kicking and screaming into the Financial Management System from the get-go. The commission would never have voted to adopt a system that set one person up with control and oversight over all money matters, if a delegation of bankers and business leaders had not insisted upon it.

Those community leaders, fed up with budget mismanagement at every level of county government, more or less suggested that they would dedicate however much of the money they controlled to financing the electoral defeat of every commissioner if something wasn’t done. The squires got the message. They didn’t like it, but they got it.

The school department was another matter, and stubbornly held out for some time, wanting to control their own money in-house as they had always done. The year the school budget was so far out of balance that the board and Superintendent had to cancel bus service for the last month of the school year was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and soon the voting public elected some new leaders and the school department’s bookkeepers were transferred to the Finance Office.

But bowing to pressure and doing it doesn’t mean they liked it. Marlow is the subject of rumors from every corner, questions about whether he is favoring certain vendors and contractors, or paying his help too much, or simply not treating other officials with the respect they deserve. Every time a vendor gets a contract to do work for the county, somebody in county government suspects foul play, it appears.

Moneybags may have his faults, but I can only make one observation. If he’s doing all these things that are unethical or illegal or simply immoral, and given the number of people out there who are out to get him, and given the fact that the state comptroller’s office keeps a sharp eye on the books, why is he not behind bars by now? Marlow has, after all, served under two county executives, two county mayors, an interim county executive and comptrollers for at least three, maybe four governors.

Nah, he just gets under people’s skin. Now he’s probably gotten under the skin of yet another person, school board attorney Dail Cantrell. Jeff announced at the board meeting that the State Department of Finance has finally ruled on a request he made over a year ago, to look into allegations that coal mined in Campbell County had been credited to Anderson County and the severance tax sent to Clinton.

Yours truly had a small role in this little adventure as well, when Moneybags asked me to investigate whether Campbell County was getting all of the severance tax it was entitled to. He suspected, based on production figures and severance tax payments, that somebody wasn’t paying their taxes.

What I discovered was that Premium Coal Company was operating a mine in Campbell County but no severance tax was being paid to Campbell County. Premium wasn’t cheating, however. They were paying the tax but since their tipple and business office is in Anderson County, the state was sending everything Premium paid to Anderson County. Oops.

Moneybags requested a correction. The state took its time but finally agreed with us. They denied Moneybags’ request for $240,000 in misallocated funds, I assume because too much time had passed, but agreed to give Campbell County $120,000 from future severance tax owed to Anderson County.

The catch is, nobody is currently mining coal in Anderson County, so we’re going to have to wait awhile, hopefully a short while. Where does Dail Cantrell fit into this tale, you ask?

Dail is on the school board in Anderson County. Our schools will eventually get $60,000 out of this severance tax correction with the other half going to Dennis Potter for asphalt. Dail’s school board will kiss $60,000 goodbye. Might make those checks he gets for serving as our board attorney a little less sweet, since his school system is paying for them. Hi Ho. (UPDATED THURSDAY, FEB 14, 2013, 6:00 AM)       

District 3-AAA Boys Basketball Tournament at Campbell High

Tuesday, February 12- First Round

Game One:  6th seed-Hardin Valley 60 vs. 7th seed-Clinton 64 OT

Game Two:  5th seed-Campbell 64 vs. 8th seed-Central 53

Game Three:  4th seed-Halls 58 vs. 9th seed-Anderson 52

Thursday, February 14 - Quarterfinal Round

Game One:  Campbell 40 vs. Halls 48

Game Two:  3rd seed-Karns 64 vs. Clinton 66

Saturday, February 16 - Semi-final Round

Game One:  2nd seed-Oak Ridge 70 vs. Clinton 49

Game Two:  1st seed-Powell 44 vs. Halls 42

Monday, February 18 - Third Place Game

Third Place Game:  Clinton 54 vs. Halls 65

Tuesday, February 19 - Championship Game

Championship Game:  Oak Ridge 62 vs. Powell 55

District 3-AAA Girls Basketball Tournament at Campbell High

Monday, February 11- First Round

Game One:  6th seed-Campbell 58 vs. 7th seed-Clinton 44

Game Two:  5th seed- Halls 51 vs. 8th seed-Central 35

Game Three:  4th seed-Oak Ridge 62 vs. 9th seed-Karns 19

Wednesday, February 13 - Quarterfinal Round

Game One:  Halls 34 vs. Oak Ridge 45

Game Two:  3rd seed-Powell 57 vs. Campbell 40

Saturday, February 16 - Semi-final Round

Game One:  2nd seed-Hardin Valley 38 vs. Powell 42

Game Two:  1st seed-Anderson 67 vs. Oak Ridge 31

Monday, February 18 - Third Place Game

Third Place Game:  Hardin Valley 49 vs. Oak Ridge 57

Tuesday, February 19 - Championship Game

Championship Game:  Powell 35 vs. Anderson 39

* * * * *

District 4-A Boys Basketball Tournament

Thursday, February 14- Quarterfinal Round - ALL games tip-off at 7:00

Game One at Jellico:  4th seed-Jellico 65 vs. 5th seed-Coalfield 70 OT

Game Two at Oneida:  3rd seed-Oneida 47 vs. 6th seed-Oliver Springs 65

Game Three at Sunbright:  2nd seed-Sunbright defeats 7th seed-Oakdale

Saturday, February 16- Semi-final Round - ALL games played at Wartburg High

Game One:  1st seed-Wartburg 73 vs. Coalfield 41

Game Two:  Oliver Springs 31 vs. Sunbright 43

Tuesday, February 19- Championship Game at Wartburg High

Wartburg 44 vs. Sunbright 52

Tuesday, February 19- Third Place Game at Wartburg High

Oliver Springs 46 vs. Coalfield 55

                          

         "Watch" LIVE Campbell Basketball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

Governor’s Highway Safety Office Recognizes Sheriff’s Supervisor for Efforts

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins welcomed representatives from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office Monday, where they presented an award to the sheriff’s patrol and training supervisor, Lieutenant Jeremy Goins, for his efforts in the sheriff’s office to work closely and whole heartedly with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, while managing the grant, coordinating officer training, supervising the DUI Task Force and his passion for his efforts in saving the lives of Campbell County and Tennessee motorists.  State Coordinator Richard Holt and Law Enforcement Liaison Steve Dillard were on hand to present the award to Lt. Goins and praised his efforts under the leadership and direction of Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins. 

Captain Brandon Elkins, Chief Deputy Aaron Evans, State Coordinator Richard Holt, Sheriff Robbie Goins, Lt. Jeremy Goins, Law Enforcement Liaison Steve Dillard

Sheriff Robbie Goins, State Coordinator Richard Holt and Law Enforcement Liaison Steve Dillard said jointly, “The efforts of Lieutenant Jeremy Goins with his passion and management style, along with his ability to work closely and help this office build upon stronger working relationships with state agencies that strive to work with us and provide us with extra resources must be recognized and we are proud to do it.”  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013, 3:45 PM) 

Little time wasted for official posting of BOE's special called meeting

February 28 meeting set to vote on Poston's contract

The crowd at the February school board meeting on Tuesday night was smaller than the one less than two weeks ago, but a standing room –only audience was still on hand to hear several board members retreat from their effort to replace Director Donnie Poston.

In what could best be defined as a reconciliation session, board members were either apologizing to the public, Poston or each other as they voted unanimously to schedule a meeting in two weeks for the “purpose of extending the contract of the Director of Schools.”

The meeting kicked off with a lengthy explanation by Rector Miller, one of the board members who had earlier voted to search for a new director. Miller told the audience, “I have always considered Donnie Poston my friend . . . . a man of unsurpassed integrity.” He claimed that his reason for wanting to explore other directions was related to a declining student-teacher ratio and his belief that Poston was going to allow the loss of another twelve teachers in the upcoming budget year.

“I’ve been assured that Director Poston will oppose any effort to further cut teachers and I’m going to support Mr Poston for as long as he wants to continue,” Miller concluded.

Danny Wilson, who had supported Poston at the earlier meetings, then apologized to Miller, referring to “misleading statements” that he did not elaborate upon.

After everyone finished speaking, Johnny Byrge, another of the five board members who had voted against renewing Poston’s contract, made a motion to suspend the rules in order to vote on holding a special called meeting in 15 days “for the purpose of extending the contract for Donnie Poston as Director of Schools.”

Due to public notification requirements, the vote on Poston’s contract cannot be held until February 28. The board voted unanimously to schedule the meeting, apparently putting an end to the controversy, assuming that nothing changes in the next two weeks.

In other business, the school board ignored County Commissioner Thomas Hatmaker, who urged the board to reconsider approving a contract with Efficient Energy Tennessee for the purchase and installation of solar energy arrays on three additional school buildings.

“Did we do anything in violation of the law?” Rector Miller asked, receiving assurances from both the board attorney and Finance Director Jeff Marlow that the board’s decision was properly carried out.

“We’ve held four meetings where this topic has been discussed openly. I don’t see the point of rumors and innuendo that’s been going around,” Miller added. “It seems clear that the choice was between receiving $240,000 to lease the space or saving over $1 million in utility costs by owning our own system.”

Johnny Byrge asked what effect it would have on the potential gain if the board should decide, before the 15-year bonds have been paid off, to close one or more smaller schools at White Oak or Elk Valley.

“That is the one good question that can be asked about the financial impact on this project,” Marlow replied. “If you closed one of the schools and ceased to produce power from that source, it would have a significant impact on the bottom line.”

“Who’s talking about closing Elk Valley?” Fifth District board member Sarge Collins challenged.

“Nobody,” Byrge replied. “I was just asking because you never know down the road.”

Collins appeared ready to do battle on the spot, so other board members rushed to reassure him that there is no secret plan to close any schools.

The board then voted unanimously to extend their contract with Efficient Energy Tennessee to include the school buildings at Jellico and Elk Valley. County commissioners are less supportive of the program, but even Hatmaker indicated that he won’t oppose a bond resolution since “the school board will be paying the bill.”

The board delayed action on one agenda item, to place security officers in each school in the county. Attorney Dail Cantrell informed the board that the state legislature is considering a bill that would make SRO officers in all schools mandatory.

“If that bill passes, the state will pay for the costs of security. I advise you to put off action on this until you see what the state is going to do,” Cantrell suggested.

In one bit of financial good news, Marlow reported that after a year long delay, the Tennessee Department of Revenue has agreed with Campbell County’s contention that some coal severance tax owed to the county was sent to Anderson County by mistake.

The state has agreed to repay Campbell County $120,000. Unfortunately, the repayment won’t be made until the money can be deducted from future severance tax revenue owed to Anderson County, and currently there is no active mining in Anderson and no severance tax being collected there.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)

 

Now winter won't be so cold for Smiddy

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Dessie Smiddy won’t have to carry firewood anymore to keep away the winter chill. The Stinking Creek woman is now enjoying a new, energy-efficient, two-bedroom home thanks to a generous grant that the Campbell County Mayor’s Office was able to procure through federal and state agencies.

The $178,000 grant funded the construction of two homes this year in Campbell County. The other dwelling, a three-bedroom house, is located on Pleasant Ridge Road in LaFollette.

Campbell County Mayor William Baird said his office applied for the grant three years ago in January 2010. “It takes nearly a year before they get all the approvals done,” said Mayor Baird.

However, once the actual construction began, Smiddy’s new 1,200 square-foot house took less than three months to complete. She was given the keys to her new home on Dec. 21.

“It means the world to me,” said Smiddy, who had been living the past 28 years in a century-old house on an adjacent lot. The old house, which was smaller, was torn down after being declared unsalvageable.

“In the wintertime, when the wind blew, you could see the curtains blowing (in the old house). I’d say it was close to 100 years old, and it was falling down around me.”

Smiddy used firewood and propane gas to heat her old house. The new home is all-electric and very energy efficient.

Randy Alexander, energy coordinator for the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, said applicants were chosen based on a priority points system. Points are awarded for widows, persons over 65 years old, disabled persons, children under 6, income level, etc. The grant was administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency through a federal homes program.

“It’s just an opportunity to raise the standard of living for people in our community,” said Mayor Baird. (UPDATED FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013, 6:00 AM)      

District champions crowned early

     The District 3-AAA Champs were crowned Monday.  Before the first game.  The CCHS Hospitality Room is indeed worthy of the crown.  And everyone agrees.  April Housley Taylor and her Campbell High Culinary Arts Classes are hosting the hospitality room for those working the tourney this week (and next) at John R.W. Brown Gym.  Taylor, a CCHS grad and longtime manager of the Regas Restaurant, tells WLAF News that each evening's meal is in the works all day. 

She says every class plays a part all the while it's learning and prepping for the game time meal.  After helping prepare yesterday's spread, Chelsea Delk, Mikayla Thornton, Emily Allen, Jaylyn Watters, Jake Walters, and Cassie Jordan greeted and served media, referees, and tourney staffers Tuesday evening.  Taylor's class is cooking all seven days of the tournament that runs through Tuesday, the 19th. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Small Biz Incubator offers free seminar

A free course on How to Develop an Idea into a Successful Business will be offered to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the Campbell County Small Business Incubator on the 2nd floor of Community Trust Bank.

The class will run from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided free of charge. Todd Fisher, director of the Campbell County Small Business Incubator, will be the instructor for the class.

This course will explore the key elements needed to take ideas and develop a successful business. Topics to be discussed will include:

*Important questions that must be asked before starting a business

*Purpose of the business model

*Types of research that must be done

*Key components of a business plan

*Myths of small business start-ups

Registration is required in order to attend the class. To register, or for more information, call 423-437-8083 or send an email to tfisher@campbellcountysbi.org or jbranam@campbellcountysbi.org. (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2013, 11:00 AM)

Baseball, softball take center stage at Caryville's meeting

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Concerned citizens showed up en masse Monday night at the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen to protest a move by the town recreation department from Dixie Youth Baseball to the United States Specialty Sports Association, otherwise known as USSSA.

Jenny Wallace, spokesperson for the citizens group, said she had been told that USSSA was a softball-only league. She was also concerned that Dixie Youth Baseball players currently involved in the countywide league would not be able to play games at Caryville’s Asbury Park.

“Nobody has said that they can’t play. I don’t know who told you that,” said Mayor Chris Stanley.

The Caryville league combined with LaFollette last year to form the first countywide Dixie Youth Baseball league. Because there was no East Tennessee district in Dixie Youth Softball last year (there were Dixie Youth Softball districts in the western half of Tennessee), the county softball program played under the Little League Softball organization. Stanley said he wanted Caryville softball and baseball teams to be part of the same organization this year.

Even so, the citizen’s group wasn’t buying into the move to USSSA. Beth Lawson, wife of former Caryville recreation commissioner Wade Lawson, spoke to the board, as did Emily Hatmaker, whose nephew currently plays ball in the countywide league.

Hatmaker asked permission for Dixie Youth to use the fields at Asbury Park this season.

“Is baseball going to be able to play at Asbury Park, or are the softball teams going to run them off?,” asked Wallace.

Mayor Stanley finished by saying that there will be Dixie Youth Baseball this year at Asbury Park.

“You don’t have to choose one or the other, you can do both. There will be a league here for anybody from Caryville, Jacksboro or LaFollette that wants to play in it,” said Stanley.

In business conducted at Monday’s meeting, the board:

*Unanimously approved the selection of Allen Smith to fill Stanley’s unexpired term as alderman in Ward 1 after he was elected mayor last November.

*Tabled a vote on changing door locks at the municipal building until alderman Glenn Smith can check prices.

*Approved the final reading of an ordinance for purchasing procedures after amending it by striking a section in which signatures would be required from three members of the board before placing an order.

*Approved the advertisement for a police officer to fill a vacancy since last fall. Vickie Heatherly, who made the motion, said, “My first priority is the safety of my community.”

*Approved a routine audit report.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Commission workshop totally devoted to solar panel discussion

The Campbell County Commission scheduled their regular workshop for Monday night, but the session instead featured a two-hour question & answer session on solar panels.

Partners with Efficient Energy of Tennessee, Inc. appeared first, explaining technical aspects of the program, already approved, to install solar panels on nine school buildings.

Under that program, the county is issuing bonds to pay for the solar panels and will own the installations.  Efficient Energy will simply be paid for the purchase and installation and the county will receive 100 percent of the purchase price from TVA to buy the electricity that is generated.

The company officials explained that the installations should operate at peak efficiency for at least 20 years with minimal repairs and replacement.  Efficient Energy will provide upkeep, replace any damaged panels or electrical equipment while under warranty from the manufacturers.

According to Finance Director Jeff Marlow, the cost of the installation will be paid off in 15 years, after which the school system will generate around $200,000 each year in utility credits to offset electric bills at schools for the life of the installations.

Some commissioners were skeptical of the promised rewards, however, and also wanted to hear from a rival company, Earth Right, that has a different approach.

Mike Kemp of Earth Right explained that his company wants to rent the roof space on the remaining three school buildings at Jellico and Elk Valley, as well as five non-school county buildings.

Under Earth Right’s proposal, the county would not have to risk anything because the company would pay for the materials and installation, paying the county roughly $1,000 a year for each of the eight installations.

“After 20 years,” Kemp stated, “We will give the installations to the county because it will be cheaper on us to give them to you than to pay for the labor of removing and disposing of the panels.”

Commissioners are now faced with the choice between borrowing another $1 million-plus to install solar arrays on the remaining county buildings, with the chance of making over $1 million in profit from the sale of power to TVA, or taking the safe route and simply renting the rooftop space out to Earth Right for around $8,000 a year, for a total income of $160,000 over the 20 year lifespan of the installations.

It proved to be too much information for commissioners to digest immediately.  During the short Budget & Finance Committee meeting that followed, the commission deleted budget amendments that would transfer money to pay for installation of solar panels on the remaining buildings.  They decided instead to vote on those budget adjustments at their regular meeting next Tuesday night, after deciding whether they want to own the installations or merely rent out the roof space.

Regardless of which way the commission decides to move, the decision on the three remaining school buildings is out of their hands.  The school board has already approved the contract with Efficient Energy Tennessee for nine schools and the money has already been borrowed to pay for the program.  The board is expected to approve the ownership option for the other three school buildings as well, and the commission will have little choice but to approve the funding plan since the school system has pledged to pay off the debt.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

 

Path of Dragonfly in Flight took 1st place for Chris Hill at the 2012 Louie Bluie Festival.

Local artist's favorite subjects include Miami Dolphins, animals and nature scenes

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Jacksboro artist Chris Hill loves the Miami Dolphins, so much in fact that he once painted a 4 x 5 foot action portrait for one of their lesser-known players: defensive back Will Allen. The acrylic painting that took more than 350 hours to complete sits in Hill’s house waiting to be claimed by Allen, who is pictured in his Dolphins uniform dropping back in pass coverage. Hill has also done digital artwork for a number of NFL players throughout the years.

Dolphins player Will Allen was the subject of a painting by Chris Hill.

The 29-year-old Hill is a 2008 graduate of Roane State Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in graphic design. He went to middle school at Jacksboro and later attended the J. Frank White Academy at Lincoln Memorial University, where he graduated as part of the Class of 2001. Although his degree is in graphic design, his heart is in painting. He currently works at Farmer’s Insurance while “trying to survive as an artist,” he says.

Aside from Miami Dolphins, past and present, his favorite subjects to paint are animals and nature scenes. You can see Hill’s handiwork on display at the Artist’s Village on Main Street in Caryville or on his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/chill421(UPDATED SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2013, 5:15 PM)

District 3-AAA Boys Basketball Tournament at Campbell High

Tuesday, February 12- First Round

Game One:  6th seed-Hardin Valley 60 vs. 7th seed-Clinton 64 OT

Game Two:  5th seed-Campbell 64 vs. 8th seed-Central 53

Game Three:  4th seed-Halls 58 vs. 9th seed-Anderson 52

Thursday, February 14 - Quarterfinal Round

Game One:  Campbell vs. Halls at 6:00

Game Two:  3rd seed-Karns vs. Clinton at 7:30

Saturday, February 16 - Semi-final Round

Game One:  2nd seed-Oak Ridge vs. Winner Game Two (02/14) at 6:00

Game Two:  1st seed-Powell vs. Winner Game One (02/14) at 7:30

Monday, February 18 - Third Place Game

Third Place Game:  Loser Game One (02/16) vs. Loser Game Two (02/16) at 7:30

Tuesday, February 19 - Championship Game

Championship Game:  Winner Game One (02/16) vs. Winner Game Two (02/16) at 7:30

District 3-AAA Girls Basketball Tournament at Campbell High

Monday, February 11- First Round

Game One:  6th seed-Campbell 58 vs. 7th seed-Clinton 44

Game Two:  5th seed- Halls 51 vs. 8th seed-Central 35

Game Three:  4th seed-Oak Ridge 62 vs. 9th seed-Karns 19

Wednesday, February 13 - Quarterfinal Round

Game One:  Halls vs. Oak Ridge

Game Two:  3rd seed-Powell 57 vs. Campbell 40

Saturday, February 16 - Semi-final Round

Game One:  2nd seed-Hardin Valley vs. Halls at 3:00

Game Two:  1st seed-Anderson vs. Oak Ridge at 4:30

Monday, February 18 - Third Place Game

Third Place Game:  Loser Game One (02/16) vs. Loser Game Two (02/16) at 6:00

Tuesday, February 19 - Championship Game

Championship Game:  Winner Game One (02/16) vs. Winner Game Two (02/16) at 6:00

* * * * *

District 4-A Boys Basketball Tournament

Thursday, February 14- Quarterfinal Round - ALL games tip-off at 7:00

Game One at Jellico:  4th seed-Jellico vs. 5th seed-Coalfield

Game Two at Oneida:  3rd seed-Oneida vs. 6th seed-Oliver Springs

Game Three at Sunbright:  2nd seed-Sunbright vs. 7th seed-Oakdale

Saturday, February 16- Semi-final Round - ALL games played at Wartburg High

Game One:  1st seed-Wartburg vs. Winner Game One (02/14) at 6:30

Game Two:  Winner Game Two (02/14) vs. Winner Game Three (02/14) at 8:00

Tuesday, February 19- Championship Game at Wartburg High

Winner Game One (02/16) vs. Winner Game Two (02/16) at 8:00

Tuesday, February 19- Third Place Game at Wartburg High

Loser Game Two (02/16) vs. Loser Game One (02/16) at 6:30

Exhaustive manhunt ends late Thursday night

     Police describe him as a "multiple home" burglary suspect.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department tells WLAF News that around 10:30 Thursday night, officers pulled over Randy Monday during a traffic stop in front of the Waffle House at Caryville.  Law enforcement officials are yet to confirm that Monday is the home invasion suspect who was involved in a shoot-out with a homeowner on Tussey Creek Road on Wednesday. 

Randall Wayne Monday

The suspect fled the scene, between Morley and Duff, and has been tracked ever since by extra patrols including detectives, members of the Campbell County SWAT team, and a helicopter from the Knox County Sheriff’s Department.  During his career, the 34-year old Monday of the Duff community, has been booked into the county jail more than 10-times and remains there at this hour.  He faces charges of theft of property between $500 and $999 along with violation of probation from sessions and criminal courts.  Additional charges are pending.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, 02/08/2013/6:00 AM)

Jacksboro's Skeans named DUI Officer of the Year

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen had a very light agenda Thursday night. It took only 10 minutes for the board to approve a number of housekeeping items, which included:

*The hiring of Dan Gearing as a part-time fill-in employee in the mayor’s office.

*Kenny Allen moving from part-time to auxiliary fireman and Jeff Partin from auxiliary to part-time fireman.

*The purchase of two gear bags, at $150 each, for fire department personnel.

*The hiring of Gene Gunter, Bo Byrge and Blake Kitts as auxiliary firemen.

*The purchase of two chairs from Pierce Furniture Gallery at a cost of $529.

*The purchase of a laptop computer for the police department at a cost of $400.

Mayor Jack Cannon announced a workshop on Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the purchase of a new fire truck and other items.

He also announced that Jacksboro policeman James Skeans had been recently named DUI Officer of the Year by the M.A.D.D. organization.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, 02/08/2013/6:00 AM)

                          

         "Watch" LIVE Campbell Basketball                  "Listen" to LIVE Jellico Basketball

Ridgeview offices, tenants given "all clear" to occupy building

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    The old Riggs Drug Store building at the corner of Central and Tennessee avenues in downtown LaFollette has been given the “all clear” by an engineer from Knoxville. The side of the century-old building that faces Tennessee Ave. has been cordoned off the past week due to concerns that the aging structure might be in danger of collapse. The building, owned by Mark Senn of Oak Ridge, currently houses the offices of Ridgeview as well as eight tenants.

 

Repairs on the old Riggs Building (now Ridgeview) began Saturday (Charlie Hutson Pix 02/09/ 2013)

On Friday, Feb. 1, registered engineer Richard M. Collins said he made a structural inspection of the site in order to evaluate the overall structural integrity of the building and to determine means of repair for a crack in one corner of the outer brick wall. Collins gave five findings and recommendations to correct the problem:

*Structural upgrades in 1999 mean that the exterior brick walls are no longer load-bearing but are veneer only.

*Cracks and movement in the brick have not affected the structural frame. The building is structurally sound and safe for tenants to occupy and use in their normal manner.

*It is safe to re-occupy Apt. 210 and the break room below it, provided a plywood barrier is installed over the inside of windows in those areas until repairs to the brick wall are complete. The plywood will serve as protection for occupants should there be accidental glass breakage while the brick is being repaired.

*Existing barricades for the sidewalk along Tennessee Ave. need to remain until the brick repairs are complete. However, the barricades may be adjusted to allow normal access and use of the waiting room entry door.

*Movement in the cracked brick at the left rear corner appears to be the outer wythe only. Repair of the affected area will consist of removing and re-laying cracked or displaced brick and securing all wythes to the 2 x 6 wall framing with corrosion-resistant screws or similar mechanical means.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013, 1:45 PM)

LPD's Chief Jimmy Jeffries tabbed interim city administrator

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The LaFollette City Council appointed two members - David Reynolds and Jay Huddleston - to the E-911 Board during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting. The council even approved advertising for a full-time city administrator to replace the departed Cade Sexton.

But, when it came time to appoint an interim city administrator and department heads, sparks began to fly. Councilman Hansford Hatmaker came unglued after voting “no” on Joe Bolinger’s motion that Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries serve as interim administrator until a replacement for Sexton could be found. The motion passed, with Hatmaker casting the only “no” vote.

When discussion moved to the appointment of department heads, Hatmaker argued that the item was not discussed during last week’s workshop. Fellow council members said it was, but that Hatmaker didn’t listen.

“It’s a shame to come in here and fight to make you all abide by the rules,” he growled.

Hatmaker continued his tirade until Councilwoman Stephanie Grimm made a motion to postpone the appointment of department heads until it could be discussed at the council’s next workshop. Even Hatmaker voted “yes” on that motion.

In other business conducted during Tuesday’s meeting, the council:

*Approved a motion for Public Works Director Jim Mullens and Stan Foust of the LaFollette Planning Commission to meet with everyone concerned and work out the details of the appraisal to repair a drainage problem at Big Al’s Portable Toilets on the corner of 13th and Central Ave. A final appraisal report is expected to be out by March 8.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)

“I think maybe we should compensate Mr. Robertson for his building if it has to be moved, but I don’t think the city needs to purchase the property,” said Bolinger.

*Approved street repairs at 4th and Beech at a cost of $1,500.

*Approved a motion for Mullens to confer with Campbell County Road Superintendent Dennis Potter on a street repair project on Andy Baird Road. The total project cost is not to exceed $16,000 and will be split 50/50 with the county.

*Approved repairs to traffic lights at the Towe String Road intersection at a cost of $3,000.

*Tabled, for more discussion at a future workshop, repairs on East Memorial Drive totaling $4,000.

*Amended the beer ordinance to allow the sale of beer within the “old city” limits. Bob Fannon cast the only “no” vote.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Proposed bill would require post-secondary education for school board members

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    If State Representative Dennis Powers has his way, anyone running for election to a local school board in Tennessee will need to add a bit more education to their resume.

Powers, R-Jacksboro, is sponsoring a bill (HB 0529) in the Tennessee House of Representatives that will require members of local boards of education to have at least two years of post-secondary education, provided, however, that current members may fulfill their terms.

The bill, which Powers filed last Thursday, would amend a current law that stipulates members of local boards of education have at least a high school diploma. Powers represents District 36, which includes all of Campbell and parts of Union and Anderson counties.

“I kind of wanted to work it out to a four-year degree, but this is a step to get there,” Powers said late Monday afternoon as he was headed to the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. “Maybe they will get on the board for the right reasons instead of running for their own personal gain.”

Senator Jim Summerville, R-Dickson, is sponsoring the same piece of legislation (SB 0750) in the Tennessee Senate. Summerville represents Middle Tennessee’s District 25, which includes Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Humphreys and Robertson counties.  (UPDATED MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2013, 5:00 PM)

School board’s drama on the big stage turns into a hot seat 

By Charles "Boomer" Winfrey

One thing about following politics in Campbell County, things seldom remain dull for very long. December was a typical holiday “feel good” month, with commissioners and school board members trying their best to be on good behavior. The courthouse simply reeked with the spirit of deck the halls, good will toward men, falalalala and so on.

In January the gloves came off. Half the school board outed themselves as closet Donnie Poston critics, refusing to renew his contract as Director past the expiration date on June 30.

Not to be outdone, the commissioners at first approved a budget amendment, giving their blessing to the school board’s decision to spend $1.3 million to install solar panels on school buildings. Then they balked on voting for the bond resolution to pay for the project, leaving Finance Director Moneybags Marlow in a state of shock, the school board with egg on their face and Mike Malicoat’s firm in a potential hole since the company was already installing the solar panels on some schools to beat a TVA rebate deadline.

A little hallway lobbying by one or more individuals headed off that disaster when one squire changed his vote and the bonds were finally approved. Message to school board: “Don’t take us commissioners for granted. We still control your purse strings.”

Then came the public reaction to the Donnie Poston ouster movement. An online poll conducted by WLAF tallied somewhere around 2,500 votes for keeping Poston, less than 150 for getting rid of him and 27 votes for a public tar & feathering of the school board.

Just kidding about the tar and feathers, that’s actually sort of lame compared to some things I heard on Thursday night.

This past Thursday night, of course, was the date set by the anti-Poston board members for a called meeting to begin the search for a new Director of Schools.

What they got was a “Keep Donnie” pep rally, complete with pep band, cheerleaders and a bonfire. The crowd was relatively quiet until Poston showed up, when the entire courtroom broke out in a chorus of cheers and applause. The cheerleaders included AFT president Sharon Marlow, speaking for many teachers when she told the board that “the most awesome thing they have accomplished” was the hiring of Poston as Director.

Cheerleaders also included the president of the CCHS student body. Whitney Sawyer reminded the board that while students aren’t old enough to vote, Mom, Dad, Grandma and Uncle Charlie can vote for them.

The pep band was actually a chorus. Regular courthouse critic James Slusher also spoke, and offered the only negative comments on Poston, criticizing the low ACT scores and TCAP test results and also more or less laying the solar panel fiasco at his feet.

Slusher ignored the fact that school systems across the state saw declining test scores this year due to new, tougher standards, while the school board, not the Director, voted to install the solar panels.

The audience was not amused. Chairman Josh Parker had warned the crowd to keep things civil or be removed by one or more of the dozen deputies ranging around the courthouse. Instead, about halfway through Slusher’s speech, a couple of guys toward the back of the room suffered coughing fits. Then another, followed by five or six people in unison as a nasty virus appeared to have taken hold of a good part of the audience.

It was like a scene from the movie “Animal House.” All that was missing was John Belushi, swinging in to tackle poor James and haul him out the door.

The best theatrics, however, were reserved for the school board. After the last speaker finished, Josh Parker, his voice breaking with emotion, announced that he, too, supported Donnie Poston as Director of Schools.

He then added that it was his duty as chairman to convene the special called meeting for the purpose of beginning a search for a new Director.

“I refuse to call the meeting to order. In order to meet to conduct business tonight, a majority of board members will need to vote to convene this meeting,” Parker announced. He then called for a roll call vote.

Rector Miller, Eugene Lawson, Johnny Byrge and the two Jellico members, Sarge Collins and Johnny Creekmore, all voted to convene. They were one vote short and Josh declared the non-meeting adjourned, to another chorus of cheers from the 150-plus folks in the courtroom and the other 150 milling around outside in the hall, even though the hallway crowd probably had no idea what they were cheering about.

End of story? Not by a long shot. What we now have is a state of limbo on the Board of Education. It takes seven votes to renew the current Director’s contract or his job ends on June 30. It takes six votes to begin a search for a new Director of Schools. We have a 5-5 tie, which means if neither side budges, the board will have to appoint an interim director to carry on after June or have a school department without a leader.

I suppose, since school will be out for the summer, the department could survive for a short time without a Director. Perhaps some of the board members who want a change can step in and run things in a Director’s absence, assuming a majority of the board would allow that, and pigs learn to fly.

The board could try saving face by appointing Donnie Poston as interim director without a contract, an offer his pride might require him to decline.

The delay should be just long enough for the recall petitions to be circulated, filed with the Election Commission and a special election scheduled, after which things might be resolved rather quickly, or remain in limbo until the State Department of Education steps in, fires the school board and appoints a Director of their own.

The only thing for certain is that the normally calm, lightly-attended school board meetings of the past year are over, at least for the immediate future. Some of the board members seem to enjoy performing on a big stage. They’ve now got their stage, but may find their fans to be few and far between.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013, 8:30 PM)   

 

CCHS junior behind bars this afternoon

     A Campbell County High School junior remains in the county jail at this hour on multiple charges.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department tells WLAF that 18-year old Chris Stone of La Follette was taken into custody Thursday on the CCHS campus.  Loud explosions, that sounded like gunfire, in a hallway near the front office sent students scrambling for cover yesterday morning.  Stone initially denied setting off the explosion, but recanted when witnesses said otherwise.  As he handed over ten explosives to officers, Stone went on to say that he also had a glass pipe that he admits he uses for smoking pot.  It’s believed that the explosives are some sort of fire fireworks.  Stone is expected to make bond before the day is over.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013, 1:30 PM) 

Duncan closes in on 10,000 broadcasts

     Today marks the start to Dr. Clarence Duncan’s 29th consecutive year on radio.  Duncan serves as pastor at Bethel Baptist Church and is heard everyday on 1450 WLAF Radio.  The broadcasts air Monday through Friday from 9:30 until 9:45 a.m. and Sunday mornings 8:00 to 8:30.  Duncan has the longest running radio ministry in the history of Campbell County radio which is at 8,700 broadcasts and counting.  (UPDATED FRI, FEB 1, 2013, 11:00 AM)

Hundreds pack courthouse in support of Poston

A non-meeting turned into a public hearing Thursday night as members of the Board of Education received an earful from the public about their failure to renew Donnie Poston’s contract as Director of Schools.

The courtroom filled to overflowing as hundreds of parents, teachers and students filled the seats, lined the walls and crammed into the outside lobby in an effort to hear, and to voice their support for Poston. The loudest noise of the night came when Poston entered the room, to cheers and a standing ovation.

The applause continued as a series of speakers took the microphone to voice the reasons they feel Poston should keep his job. The applause reached a zenith when Board Chairman Josh Parker, his voice breaking from emotion, added that he too supports Poston and refused to convene the meeting, which some board members requested to begin a search for a new Director.

“The Chairman must call the meeting to order, or if he refuses, a vote of a majority of the board is required to convene the meeting,” Parker announced, adding, “I refuse to convene the meeting.”

Parker then called for a vote. Johnny Byrge, J. L. Collins, Johnny Creekmore, Eugene Lawson and Rector Miller all voted to convene the meeting, but they failed to gain the necessary sixth vote. Parker then declared the meeting over to loud applause.

The testimony in Poston’s favor ranged from AFT president and teacher Sharon Marlow, who complimented the board on the progress made in many areas but added, “The most awesome thing by far that this board has done was in hiring Mr. Poston as Director.”

“He has returned unity and he has brought back honesty to the office,” Marlow added. “Everything he has done has been with the best interests of our children, the parents and employees at heart.”

CCHS student Sarah Roark added her comments that “We have had four Directors in four years but now we students feel we have a voice, that Mr. Poston listens to us,” while CCHS student body president Whitney Sawyer said “I’m concerned that I have to defend my Director to my school board, reminding the board, “We students may not be able to vote but our parents do.”

James Slusher was the only speaker to say anything negative, reminding the board that Campbell County’s ACT test scores are far below state averages. Slusher also tried to lay the board’s decision to install solar panels on school buildings at Poston’s feet, which brought a sharp retort from board member Mike Orick when Slusher hinted that the panels might make roofs unsafe.

Orick asked Dixie Roofing president Mike Malicoat to respond to Slusher’s comments, but Parker pointed out that the agenda for the called meeting did not allow that discussion. Malicoat agreed to answer questions about the solar project to any parents willing to stay following the meeting.

While Parker warned the audience about interruptions, Slusher’s comments were obviously not well received. As soon as it became obvious that he was not supporting Poston, many in the audience suffered loud coughing spells, seemingly spreading from one person to another in a scene reminiscent of the movie “Animal House.”

In the end, nothing has been resolved except a very clear message to the five board members who appear to favor replacing Poston. The Director’s contract will still expire in June unless at least seven board members vote to extend it. That means that two board members would have to show a change of heart, and also means that the board can look forward to at least four more months of packed courtrooms whenever they meet.(UPDATED FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013, 5:30 AM)

Special Called School Board Meeting 1/31/2013

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CCHS teacher/coach resigns following investigation

A Campbell County High School teacher has resigned following an investigation by school officials and the Department of Children’s Services. Jason Ivey, who taught Spanish and coached tennis at the school, submitted a letter of resignation on Jan. 29 to Assistant Director of Schools Larry Nidiffer. The allegations pointed to a pattern of classroom behavior that included “locker room language” and inappropriate comments. Nidiffer said the investigation by DCS was standard operating procedure with situations involving minors. Ivey was never accused of physically abusing anyone; therefore no criminal charges came out of the investigation. Ivey also retains his teaching licensure. During the course of the investigation, Ivey had been removed from his regular classroom at CCHS and placed in the Adult Education Center at the old West LaFollette School. On Jan. 8, Ivey sent a letter of apology to CCHS Principal Jamie Wheeler. In the letter, he admitted that his “conduct was inappropriate and that he had learned a lesson to treat students with the respect they deserve.” That letter was sent to Wheeler exactly three weeks before he resigned from his teaching position with Campbell County Public Schools.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013, 3:30 PM)

You say “yes” to Poston in a landslide

     More than twenty-five hundred of you voted in the WLAF Poston Poll.  That’s 2,550 ballots cast from Noon Tuesday (01/30/2013) through 4:00 a.m. Thursday (01/31/2013).  The breakdown is 2,448 of you voting “yes” that you support Donnie Poston as Director of Schools of Campbell County while 102 “no” votes were tallied.  That’s 96% “yes” for Poston.  There are at least 75 WLAF listeners who either do not have access to a computer or someone in their household had already voted.  Those 75 listeners called the station and cast a ballot over the telephone.  All 75 voted “yes” that they support Poston.  That total is not included in the online voting numbers.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013, 4:30 AM)

Structural problems threaten Ridgeview building in downtown LaFollette

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    A century-old building in downtown LaFollette may be nearing the end of its life. An exterior wall of Ridgeview, a private, not-for-profit community mental health facility at the corner of North Tennessee and Central, is beginning to show signs of deterioration.

On Wednesday morning, officials with the City of LaFollette cordoned off a section of sidewalk on North Tennessee as a safety precaution. City officials also sent a letter to the owner, Mark Senn of Oak Ridge, stating that, if the building can’t be declared structurally safe by the close of business on Friday, it will be shut down. Senn, who has owned the building since 2005, leases it to Ridgeview. Currently, the building houses an office in addition to eight tenants. According to Stan Foust of the LaFollette Planning Commission, the building was gutted around 15 years ago and all that was left standing were the exterior walls. Two years ago, problems with the exterior of the building began to crop up. As a temporary fix this week, Senn’s maintenance crew has bolted a landscaping timber from one corner of the building to the sidewalk in order to shore up the facade. “There is so much tension on that board, you could play music with it,” said Foust. The original building was built sometime between 1904 and 1910. (WED, JAN 30, 2013, 1:30 PM)

McKenzie's Miracle Shot for Jacksboro Middle School 01/28/2013 - David Graham Sports


LaFollette woman charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property $1,000 to $9,999

    A LaFollette woman was arrested last week and charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property between $1,000 and $9,999. Amber Marie Bailey, age 26 of 137 Jones Trailer Lane, LaFollette, was taken into custody on Tuesday, Jan. 22, by Capt. Brandon Elkins of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. According to Capt. Elkins’ report from that date, he had gone to a residence at 165 Robin Road, LaFollette to investigate an aggravated burglary that was said to have occurred six days earlier. During the course of the investigation, Capt. Elkins learned that the defendant had gone to the residence, made illegal entry through a window, and took – without permission – two firearms and a purse. Capt. Elkins also learned that the defendant had sold the firearms to another person for $100 in order to use the funds to purchase illegal narcotics. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013, 4:30 PM)

Campbell County men charged with burglary, theft of property $1,000 to $9,999

    Two Campbell County men were arrested last week and charged with burglary and theft of property between $1,000 and $9,999. Kenneth Warren Tate, age 27 of 191 Jackson Road, Caryville, and Dillon Shane Peters, age 20 of 865 Demory Road, LaFollette, were taken into custody on Thursday, Jan. 24, by Officer Cody Chapman of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. According to Officer Chapman’s report from that date, he observed Tate operating a motor vehicle on Towe String Road. Officer Chapman had prior knowledge that Tate’s driver license was suspended, so he initiated a traffic stop. Upon verifying that Tate’s license was suspended, Officer Chapman and Lt. Jeremy Goins observed in the bed of Tate’s truck several large shelves. The officers asked the defendant and his passenger, Peters, where they got the shelves, and both gave conflicting stories. Tate was placed under arrest for driving on a suspended license. As the investigation progressed, it was discovered that the defendant and co-defendant entered a barn at 516 Grantsboro Road and removed items, which they took to Jacksboro Metals in order to be scrapped. A metal cutting table, which the defendant and co-defendant were also said to have taken from the barn, was recovered, as was part of the shelving. However, a portion of the shelves had been crushed. During interviews, both the defendant and co-defendant admitted entering the barn at 516 Grantsboro Road, stealing the listed property and taking it to Jacksboro Metals. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013, 4:30 PM)

Property owners speak at La Follette's workshop

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Property issues dominated discussion Monday night during the monthly workshop of the LaFollette City Council.

Public Works Director Jim Mullens brought Allen Robertson’s plight to the attention of council during a listing of several projects he is trying to tackle with limited resources. Robertson is owner of K&L Corner Market and Big Al‘s Portable Toilets at the corner of Central Ave. and 13th Street.

The concrete foundation of the portable toilet business is being threatened by a drainage problem, which, Mullens said, is something that should have been addressed before Robertson was able to successfully secure a building permit 15 years ago from the city.

Several council members commiserated with Robertson and batted around options of trying to solve the problem. Suggestions included buying Robertson’s building, paying him compensatory damages or perhaps even buying the lot the building is on so that no one else could build on it in the future. The item will be on the agenda for next Tuesday’s council meeting.. In the meantime, an appraisal of the property will be conducted to determine the potential cost to the city.

Another business owner, longtime furniture and appliance merchant Carl Pierce, presented his case to city council. Pierce wants to sell a 35 x 87.5 foot lot at the corner of Beech and 12th streets that he has subdivided from a larger lot. Pierce has owned the entire property over 50 years. The problem is that there are two dwellings, a house on one lot and a mobile home on the other, and to sell either separately is a violation of a city ordinance that was enacted in 1982 specifying size requirements for subdivided lots. The lot that Pierce wants to sell has the mobile home on it. He said the man that wants to buy it will submit a letter stating that if anything should ever happen to the mobile home, he would never build another dwelling on the lot. Pierce said he would like the property to be grandfathered-in under the 1982 ordinance because it was the right thing to do for a loyal taxpayer and longtime property owner.

Following a lengthy discussion, City Attorney Reid Troutman said that it would be in violation, not only of city law but state law as well, to allow Pierce to sell the property as two lots. He said it could set a dangerous precedent that could open the city up to future litigation. He went on to say that Pierce could sell the property as one lot and be in compliance with the city ordinance.

Obviously disappointed, Pierce thanked the council members for their time and said that, under current law, he couldn’t even give the lot away. He ended by saying, “Don’t ever buy anything you can’t sell or give away.”

Also during the workshop, council member Stephanie Grimm requested the advertisement for a full-time city administrator to be added to the agenda for next week’s meeting. The city is looking to replace interim administrator Cade Sexton, who recently resigned after being involved in a traffic accident with councilman Hansford Hatmaker during a questionable visit to a West Tennessee prison for women.

The council also discussed appointing two members to the E-911 Board.(UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013, 6:00 AM)

All clear after bomb threat at Jellico High

     A written bomb threat note was found at Jellico High School around Noon today. Campbell County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF that the school has just been given an "all clear" after having been evacuated earlier this afternoon. Officers swept the school with the help of a bomb sniffing dog. "We appreciate the cooperation from all involved, especially the Knox County Bomb Squad," said Evans. "All concerned are safe, and every safety precaution is being taken."  (UPDATED MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013, 4:15 PM)                             

                                                       Are Poston’s days numbered?
       A special-called school board meeting is coming this week.  The main topic; begin the process of selecting a new Director of Schools to replace Donnie Poston.  The day and time of the meeting is yet to be set.  Sources close to WLAF News reveal that six board members, Johnny Byrge, Sarge Collins, Johnny Creekmore, Eugene Lawson, Rector Miller, and Danny Wilson agreed to have the special called meeting while Scott Hill, Mike Orick, Josh Parker, and Homer Rutherford did not.  Poston’s contract expires at the end of June, unless the Board agrees to extend his contract for one more year.  The board deadlocked at the January meeting on signing off on Poston’s new one-year deal after voting 9 to 1 at the December meeting to move forward with the contract inclusive of a couple of minor changes.  Even though the board may vote to move forward with the search for a new director of schools at this week’s special called meeting, the board could still come back at the February/March meetings and sign Poston’s one-year extension, or Poston could submit an application in response to the search for a “new” Director and if selected Poston may very well replace himself.  A new director would be the fourth for Campbell County Schools in less than four years.  As soon as the official date and time of the special called meeting is announced, WLAF will post the information here the web channel and WLAF-TV 12 so everyone will have an opportunity to attend the meeting.
  (UPDATED MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Jellico's Sean Moses gets instruction from Coach Darrell Byrge  (David Graham Pix 01/2/2013)

     Jellico Middle School wins the Area 2-A Tournament championship.  For more details & pictures, connect to www.cougarsrock.net.

 

Campbell County dodges potential troubles from Friday's winter weather

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

According to Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans, a bad weather situation was made bearable because travelers stayed off the roadways during the height of Friday’s ice storm.

Around 4:30 a.m., freezing rain and sleet moved into the western parts of the county as a winter storm swept eastward across the state.. School officials had already canceled classes in anticipation of major traffic hazards.

By mid-afternoon Friday, most of the ice had melted off the main roads, trees and power lines. Emergency officials and law enforcement personnel are breathing a collective sigh of relief.

“We have only had two wreck reports as of around noon,” said Evans.

“Seems people were pretty good about staying in. We had minimal trouble on the back roads, but were successful with four-wheel drives. We were operating and responding to emergencies-only. But as the day progressed, we have been able to travel better. We do anticipate freezing, icy conditions tonight, and will operate again to emergencies-only if we have a refreeze.”

Evans said he wasn’t aware if anyone had used emergency shelters set up by the Red Cross at Caryville Elementary School and Jellico High School.

Josh Parker of LaFollette Utilities said the storm caused no major problems with power lines. There were only a couple of minor outages on Hwy 25W North near B&B Grocery and at Quail Run on the southern end of the county.

“We’re tickled to death. We get to go home on a regular schedule today,” said Parker.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2013, 5:25 PM)         

“Unsurpassed integrity” or the lawyer whose mouth is moving: who to believe?

This past week has been a sad one for me, on more than one level. First came the realization, after the LaFollette Press hit the streets last week, that Donnie Poston will probably not continue as Director of Schools after his contract expires this year.

The school board, or is that “fool board,” deadlocked 4-4 at their January meeting on a motion to extend Poston’s contract. Since they had voted tentatively 9-1 in December to extend it another year if some changes were made, it appeared this might just be some shucking and jiving by one or more board members flexing their muscles.

After reading the newspaper interview with Poston, that appears to not be the case, and whatever bridges were left standing may be burned beyond repair.

Eugene Lawson, who has already landed the board in litigation over his propensity for speaking his mind, even when his mind goes blank and his comments border on libelous, appears to be the spark behind the latest explosion as well.

Poston told the Press that Lawson and Rector Miller visited him in his office in November, where Lawson gave Poston the names of three school system employees he wanted terminated in exchange for Lawson’s vote to retain Poston as Director of Schools.

Lawson, of course, denies any such thing, but Miller took a dive, telling the Press, “On advice of my counsel right now, I have been advised not to comment on that.”

Hmmm. Miller also told the Press that he considers Poston an “outstanding Christian” with “integrity that is unsurpassed” but feels some changes need to be made in the school system.

If Miller was present at the alleged meeting between Lawson and Poston, and if Poston claims Lawson demanded the firing of three employees in exchange for his vote, and if Miller still considers Donnie Poston to have “integrity that is unsurpassed,” well, I’ll leave it up to you readers to decide who you believe.

Eugene, for his part, has the support of board attorney Dail Cantrell. Poston also told the Press that he spoke with Cantrell about the alleged meeting later that afternoon, but Cantrell denied the story.

“Based on my investigation, that did not occur, and I don’t have a problem making a public statement to that effect. I have no clue as to how this story has ever gotten out,” Cantrell said, adding, “It’s a story that I’ve now heard repeated, but based on my investigation, that exchange did not occur.”

I assume Cantrell’s investigation involved asking Eugene and Rector if they met with Poston and if Eugene actually asked for the heads of three employees. I can only guess as to what they told him, but I keep coming back to that old joke: “How do you know if a lawyer is lying or not? Look to see if his lips are moving.”

I wouldn’t go so far as to suggest that Dail Cantrell would tell anything other than the truth, of course. But I keep recalling a lawyer friend of mine who once told me, “There are many kinds of truths.” Cantrell does work for the Board of Education, remember, and not the Director of Schools.

So where does this leave the Campbell County school system? Some directors would go screaming and kicking out the door, filing lawsuits left and right, transferring relatives of school board members to Stony Fork (when that was an option) and conducting a scorched earth policy as they wreck the Central Office and disrupt the entire school system on their way out.

Donnie Poston is too much the nice guy to do any such thing. He served briefly on the county commission back a couple of decades ago and decided to not run for re-election because he was disgusted with all the seamy politics going on around him.

He told the Press, “For the sake of the kids let’s make a smooth transition.” The board could bring the contract up for another vote at their next meeting, but Poston said he doesn’t want that.

“We need to do everything we can as professionals. I’m not a politician,” Poston said. “That just gets me back on course to what I’d originally offered to start with and planned to do. I have a peace it’s hard to describe.”

Donnie Poston may be at peace, but if Campbell County parents give a tinker’s dang about their school system and the future of their children, the Campbell County Board of Education may see anything but peace in the upcoming year.

This particular school board is, in my humble opinion, close to being a failed institution. There is entirely too much political maneuvering going on behind the scenes, too many board members with personal agendas, too little real concern for the future of the children and too much just plain meanness.

I chalk much of it up to too much testosterone. If ever a school board needed a few strong women to tone down the bar room bull, this board is a prime candidate. It’s a while yet until the next election, but it’s certainly not too early for parents to get involved and let this board know they’re being watched. Might be nice to see a few more people in the audience at board meetings who aren’t school employees for a change.

Another sad moment for me probably went unnoticed in Campbell County and for that matter, received scant notice in the Knoxville press as well. This week Stan Musial died in St. Louis at the ripe old age of 92.

Who, you ask, is Stan Musial? Well, here in Big Orange Country where serious baseball fans are few and far between, and where the handful of serious baseball fans are hard pressed to recall anyone who hasn’t played the game in over half a century, the name probably means little.

In the City of St Louis, I imagine they will close city hall, shut down the Budweiser brewery, let out the schools and drape the Riverfront Arch in black. “Stan the Man” meant that much to fans of the St Louis Cardinals and many baseball fans around the country.

Musial played outfield back in the 1940s and ‘50s, retiring in 1963 after breaking practically every National League hitting record on the books. Except home runs – he didn’t usually hit those towering fly balls that would float up into the upper deck and threaten to bring rain.

Stan was one of those line drive hitters whose home runs left the park at the speed of a jet airplane but as often as not banged off the outfield wall, so he set records for batting average, hits. doubles, runs, RBIs and all those other little things while usually only hitting 30-40 homers a year.

But it was the way in which he went about playing the game that would be his lasting legacy. Defined by the news media as “baseball’s perfect knight,” Musial seldom argued with umpires and never complained when a pitcher threw a ball too close to his head. He would simply get up, dust off his uniform and knock the next pitch into the Mississippi River, Lake Michigan or San Francisco Bay, depending on where they were playing.

He was never in so much of a hurry that he wouldn’t take time to give a kid an autograph, and in an era when ballplayers didn’t make millions of dollars (Stan’s salary topped out at around $120,000 a year), he was notoriously generous with charities.

When the first African-American ballplayers began to break the color barrier in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, Musial was one of a handful of white ballplayers who spoke out against the racism they saw in the dugouts, and went out of his way to make players like Jackie Robinson feel at ease.

I became a Cardinal fan back in the late ‘50s. The only baseball team you could watch on local television was the hated New York Yankees but if you lived in East Tennessee, you could always pick up KMOX Radio, “The Voice of the St Louis Cardinals,” at night with Jack Buck and Harry Carey announcing the games.

Finally, one year when my family was taking a trip to Iowa to visit relatives, my dad agreed to go by way of St Louis so I could see my heroes play as a birthday present.

We ordered tickets two rows up behind the Cardinal dugout along the baseline in old Sportsman’s Park. Late in the first game of a double-header, Stan the Man fouled a ball off into the stands. My dad, who was not at all a baseball fan, trampled several people and nearly broke his back to retrieve that ball for me.

He paid a ball boy ten bucks to take it into the dugout and see if Stan would autograph it. Musial had reached base on a force play and then went into the field so it was a long time before he returned to the dugout. Quite a bit of time passed and we thought either a) the ball boy forgot about us or b) Stan the Man was too busy to bother with autographs.

Suddenly Stan stepped to the front of the dugout and motioned the ball boy over, sending him up our way with the prized baseball, a smile and a wave.

“Since Stan was out running the bases, they just sort of passed it around the dugout so a whole lot of the team signed it as well,” the boy told my father.

Still got that ball. The scratch where it bounced off a railing is still visible, along with the signatures of Stan Musial, his buddy and fellow Hall of Fame player Red Schoendienst, outfielder Curt Flood and a little-known pitcher named Bob Gibson, plus a few more of my childhood heroes.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2013, 11:45 AM)         

Cool times at Jellico High

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    If you think it’s tough keeping your house warm during these cold winter days, try heating an entire school. That’s been the case this week at Jellico High, which is down three units in need of repair. There was an electrical fire in the motor fan of one of the units during the first week of January after students returned from Christmas break. Though there was no physical damage to the building itself, the H/A unit was destroyed. An emergency replacement is scheduled to arrive any day now. That particular unit heated and cooled the art room. Parts have been back-ordered twice for the other two units currently out of commission. Larry Nidiffer, the secondary education supervisor for Campbell County Public Schools, said that H/A units and lighting are being replaced system-wide in an effort to make the buildings more energy efficient. He said savings from those improvements will more than pay for the cost of the upgrades.

“We’re doing a major computerized upgrade on all of our heating and air units,” said Nidiffer.

Some of the problems with heating Jellico High this week could be because the maintenance staff is still tweaking the thermostats on the building.

“They’re just moving kids in these 10 rooms,” Nidiffer said.

“There are 10 units at Jellico High School that we’re having trouble getting the temperature regulated. We may just not be turning the heat on early enough. It may just be an adjustment problem. I’m going up there (Thursday) morning, and I’m hoping things have improved.”

Nidiffer said the units are being set to turn on at 68 degrees and turn off when the temperature reaches 72. He said the county maintenance staff is regulating the temperature at JHS from the Jacksboro office, but plans are underway to have a thermostat in the principal’s office. (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013, 2:30 PM)

Educators Wall of Honor dedicated Tuesday

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Campbell County High School Relief Fund dedicated its Educators Wall of Honor at halftime of Tuesday’s varsity boys’ basketball game.

For only $50, anyone can purchase a 4”x 8” brick tile in honor of a teacher or principal that made an impact in their life.  Over 100 tiles have already been sold and dedicated on a wall inside the high school‘s gymnasium wing.  The tiles are etched with the name of an educator, the name of the person honoring them and the school they attended.  This isn’t limited to CCHS Educators from other areas of Tennessee, as well as other states, can be honored.  That also includes college professors and state-certified home school teachers.

Proceeds from the project will be used to provide scholarships for deserving students through the Ken Bruce Memorial Scholarship Fund.  The goal of the project is to raise $25,000.

Lindsay’s Carpet and Paint Center has installed the first 100 tiles for free.

To place an order honoring your favorite educator, go to www.campbell..k12.tn.us and print the order form.  Fill out the form and mail with check or money order to the CCHS Relief Fund at P.O. Box 187, Jacksboro, TN 37757.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County Commission Meeting from Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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Full house on-hand as King is crowned

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News
     Senior basketball player Chelsea King followed up her team's big district win Tuesday night over Powell by being crowned homecoming queen afterward. Her attendants were senior Samantha Leach, junior Kelsey Chapman, sophomore Temre Taylor and freshman Kenzi Carroll. T.J. Nelson repeated as Mr. Spirit winner. 
 (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

County solar panel project moves forward 

It was on, then off, then on again Tuesday night for a $1.3 million project to install solar panels on Campbell County schools, as county commissioners hesitated to approve the funding for a project already approved by the school board and underway.

Commissioners approved a bond resolution to pay for the solar panel program at last week’s Budget & Finance meeting after receiving assurances that the Board of Education will assume responsibility for paying off the debt from the General School Fund.

At the regular meeting on Tuesday, however, several commissioners who were absent from the earlier workshop voted against the motion while others appeared to change their minds. As a result, only seven votes were cast in favor of the bond resolution, one short of the necessary majority.

Mayor William Baird immediately called a recess so that he, Finance Director Jeff Marlow and County Attorney Joe Coker could “discuss the county’s options” in this unusual situation where the Board of Education had already approved a project and the commission had already approved the budget amendments transferring the money within the school budget, but then failed to provide a method for borrowing the necessary funding.

One county citizen, Jerry Kidd, had at least some role in the commission’s change of heart, distributing a document to commissioners that questioned whether the solar project was sound financially. J. L. Davis referred to the document, suggesting that he had seen information that “solar panels might not be as effective as believed.”  Davis was one of six commissioners who voted against the bond resolution, along with Wendell Bailey, Charles Baird, Thomas Hatmaker, Beverly Hall and Sue Nance.

Hatmaker challenged Marlow’s contention that the company set to install the solar panels, Efficient Energy of Tennessee, had assured school officials that the panels would cause no damage to the roofs of the school buildings.

“Isn’t Mike Malicoat involved with the company installing the panels?” Hatmaker asked.

When Marlow agreed that the president of Dixie Roofing was one of the principles in Efficient Energy of Tennessee, Hatmaker observed, “Dixie Roofing would benefit if those roofs have to be replaced earlier than expected.”

During the recess, Marlow stated that the circumstances had never come up before in his experience, where the commission approved a project requested by the Board of Education, then failed to provide a way to pay the bills. Some commissioners who voted for the resolution predicted that litigation would be inevitable between the commission and school board and the matter would probably end up being settled in court.

When the commissioners reconvened after the recess, Baird revealed the option that had been decided upon, asking for a motion to reconsider the previous motion. After Terry Singley offered that motion, Wendell Bailey voted to bring the subject back up, then changed his vote to support the bonding resolution, which then passed by a narrow 8-5 margin.

The commissioners then voted unanimously to approve the debt service transfer that would assure that the money to pay off the debt is paid out of school funds and later voted 11-2 to apply for a Clean Tennessee Energy Grant from TVA to pay $250,000 of the cost for the installation project.

Most other matters brought up at the meeting resulted in no controversy, as the commission voted unanimously to approve a CDBG grant to provide firefighting equipment for Campbell County Fire Service, rename a section of Highway 297 in Newcomb and approve a non-binding letter of intent with Montclair Industries for the sale of industrial land in Oswego.  (UPDATED WED, JAN 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Tough questions for director of animal shelter

County commissioners had some tough questions for Animal Shelter director Betty Crumley on Tuesday night at a meeting of the Animal Control Committee, at times appearing to be at odds with the director over her refusal to work with a local animal lover’s organization.

Michelle Davis, speaking for Friends of Campbell County Animals, told commissioners that the group has repeatedly been denied requests to take photographs of dogs and cats held at the shelter to post online for adoption.

“We’re concerned because Campbell County’s euthanasia rate of 82 percent is much higher than other shelters. More can be done to see that animals are adopted out before they have to be put down,” Davis said.

Crumley responded that the Mayor’s office already has a volunteer who takes photographs of animals to be posted on the official county website. She added that the shelter can’t allow the Friends group to take photos because it would “violate the privacy act,” but was unable to offer the commissioners specifics on what privacy act she was referring to, simply adding that she based that decision on policies at Young Williams shelter.

Davis countered that Young Williams allows citizens free access to take photos, however.

Crumley also said that the shelter could not allow members of the Friends group to serve as volunteers or access to the shelter due to liability issues but then Thomas Hatmaker questioned why Crumley would deny the Friends group access but allow another non-employee to take photos for the county website.

Crumley responded by saying that person would no longer be allowed to take photographs either, replying, “That’s no problem. I’ll stop that program tomorrow.”

The committee meeting adjourned without a resolution to any of the complaints, with commissioners telling Davis to come back when her organization receives its tax exempt status as a non-profit organization, which would enable the Friends organization to carry its own liability insurance protection.

Given the tone of the exchange with Crumley, it is not certain that commissioners can expect any cooperation between the shelter director and the volunteer organization unless they intervene, which several appear prepared to do.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Campbell High Homecoming 2013

(DWANE WILDER PIX 01/22/2013)

2013 Campbell High Homecoming Court and Homecoming Queen Chelsea King (center)

Mr. Spirit, T.J. Nelson

Freshman Attendant Kenzi Carroll

Sophomore Attendant Temre Taylor

Junior Attendant Kelsey Chapman

Senior Attendant Samantha Leach 

Cole's car washin' weekend was a hit

     It was a big weekend for area car washes.  Kenny Cole with Time to Shine Car Wash tells WLAF that a combined total of more than 600 cars came through his wash bay Saturday and Sunday.  He says it’s always busy after snow days with folks wanting to clean the salt, grit, and grim off their cars. 

Even though almost 400 cars took the soapy ride at his Jacksboro Pike car wash, Cole notes that it was still short of his single day record by almost 200 cars.  Based on the latest weather forecast, a car wash today should last through Thursday, maybe Thursday night.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Saturday morning fire destroys boats at local marina

     A woman called E-911 at 8:56 a.m. Saturday reporting sounds of explosions, and that boats were on fire at Whitman Hollow.  Campbell County Rural Fire Assistant Chief Daniel Lawson explains to WLAF News that four to six boats, maybe more, were destroyed by fire while one or two other boats sank at the Whitman Hollow Marina. 

Lawson says that about a 75-foot stretch of boat slips was also destroyed, but that the actual dock building itself was not damaged except for about eight-to-ten feet of walkway.  He goes on to say that crew members began cutting other boats loose, and that kept down the number of boats that were destroyed. 

The three-to-four hundred feet of fire hose that was pulled from the top of the hill down to the marina helped save the office and store area of the marina before portable pumps were able to be activated.  Lawson says firefighters took to the lake in boats using the portable pumps to fight the fire on both sides of the marina.  The assistant chief adds that the explosions were likely from exploding fuel tanks on the boats. 

Fire units from La Follette and Caryville assisted the Campbell County Rural Fire Service.  No injuries were reported.  The Campbell County Sheriff's Department along with other agencies is investigating.  This is the second fire at a Campbell County Marina in less than six months.  Several boats and part of the marina at Alder Springs Dock were destroyed a few days after Labor Day in September 2012.  (UPDATED, SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2013, 1:30 PM)

Sexton resigns from city post

     Friday afternoon, Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton handed a letter of resignation to La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield.  The mayor tells WLAF that the letter, addressed to the mayor and council, simply states that Sexton’s resignation is effective immediately.  Stanfield says the city will find someone to temporarily take over Sexton’s administrative duties, and then it will move forward on finding an either part time or fulltime administrator.  Dwane Wilder’s story  below details the events that eventually prompted Sexton to step down.  Councilman Hansford Hatmaker, also involved in the mishap, remains on La Follette City Council.  (UPDATED, SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2013, 12:30 PM)

Mayor, City Administrator comment on accident

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

There were no injuries during last week’s crash involving two representatives of the City of LaFollette along a stretch of Interstate 40 in West Tennessee.

However, Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton’s city-issued Ford Explorer was totaled after clipping an SUV that had been pulled over earlier by a state trooper.

The accident occurred Friday near Jackson as Sexton and Vice Mayor Hansford Hatmaker were returning to LaFollette from Memphis, where they attended an inmate graduation ceremony at the Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center, one of two female facilities in the state prison system. Hatmaker was behind the wheel in the right-hand lane. Sexton said Hatmaker saw the traffic stop ahead and attempted to change lanes in accordance with Tennessee law. A semi truck blocked Hatmaker’s path into the passing lane and he ended up sideswiping the SUV parked on the shoulder of the interstate.

LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said he didn’t find out about the accident until the first of this week. Sexton and Hatmaker had to rent a car to get back home. “Thank God nobody was hurt,” said Stanfield.

The mayor said an insurance claim on the Explorer had been turned in to E.E. Hill & Son Insurance, Inc. The vehicle had more than 180,000 miles on it and was valued at $3,000.

Sexton said Hatmaker had asked him to go along on the trip to Memphis. While there, he said they met with Patricia Bridges, director of a rehabilitation program that helps inmates make the transition from prison life to everyday life once they have served their time and are released.

“She showed some interest in starting a program like that here,” said Sexton.

“It could tie in with the homeless thing we’ve got going.”

Sexton said he was sitting in the passenger seat when the accident occurred. Both he and Hatmaker were wearing their seatbelts, as was the driver of the parked SUV they hit.

“I didn’t even see it. I was reading the paper,” said Sexton.

The mayor and other members of city council are questioning the need for the Memphis trip. Stanfield said it is very unusual for him not to have prior knowledge about such things.

“I’m upset about it,” Stanfield said.

“There might be some charges brought up against some people. It should’ve been handled differently. The council should’ve been made aware of what they were planning on doing. That (starting a prison rehab program in LaFollette) is the governor’s call, not a warden’s call. If something like that was really in the works, the county mayor and city mayor would be involved, not the vice mayor.”

Sexton has served as interim administrator for LaFollette the past couple of years.

“Anytime that somebody on council asks me to go somewhere with them, I’m going to go. Whenever somebody tells me about something that could help LaFollette, I’m interested in it,” said Sexton. (UPDATED, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013, 5:15 PM)

Teachers overwhelmingly vote for collaborative conferencing

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Teachers in Campbell County Public Schools have voted overwhelmingly to participate in collaborative conferencing with the board of education. This is what was once known as “collective bargaining”.

A committee of principals, vice-principals, supervisors in the central office and teachers will soon begin talks on several terms and conditions of employment. Those include: salaries and wages; grievance procedures; insurance; fringe benefits (not to include pension or retirement programs of the Tennessee consolidated retirement system or locally authorized early retirement incentives); working conditions (except those prescribed by federal and state law, private act, municipal charter, or rules and regulations of the state board education, the department of education, or any other department or agency of state or local government); leave; and payroll deductions (except those dollars going to political activity).

Items that are off limits during the collaborative conferencing talks include: differentiated pay plans or incentive compensation programs; expenditures of federal, state, local or private grants; evaluations of professional employees; staffing decisions and state board of education or local board of education policies relating to innovative educational programs, innovative high school programs, virtual education programs, and other programs for innovative schools or school districts that may be enacted; personnel decisions, such as transfers, assignments and filling vacancies (none of these decisions may be based on seniority or length of service); and payroll deductions for political activities. According to Tom Chadwell, CCHS representative for the American Federation of Teachers, the goal of conferencing is to reach agreement on as many terms and conditions as possible and enter into a memorandum of understanding on those items. The memorandum of understanding is a binding document on both parties to the extent funding is available from the county commission. There are two teachers union groups in Campbell County: the AFT and the Tennessee Education Association. However, the majority of teachers belong to the AFT.

A collaborative conferencing committee, consisting of members of both unions, management personnel, school board members and central office staff, has been set up. Chadwell said around 37 percent of teachers belong to the AFT just because of the insurance coverage.

Chadwell said the biggest difference between the old collective bargaining process and the new collaborative conferencing is what has been restricted. He calls the new process, “interest-based problem solving ”.

“Nobody in the county has ever done it this way before,” said Chadwell.

“As employees, we’re not happy with what has been restricted, but we’re happy with the lines of communication being open.”  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013, 4:00 PM)

Snowy afternoon at the old radio station (Dwane Wilder Pix 01/17/2013)

Former Jacksboro Eagle moves up the college coaching ladder

     Jamey Chadwell’s had a very busy week.  His second child was born on Sunday and on Thursday, Charleston Southern University named Chadwell as its new Head Football Coach.  The 36-year old Chadwell  becomes the third head coach in CSU history. He replaces Jay Mills, who retired earlier this month after 10 seasons as CSU's head coach. 

Chadwell, who is 25-21 in his four seasons as a college head coach, spent five seasons at CSU as an assistant, all as a part of Mills' staff, and now returns to head a program he helped build.  His previous head coaching stops were at North Greenville and Delta State.  Chadwell starred as a quarterback at Jacksboro Middle School, Anderson County High, and East Tennessee State University.  Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DxRUZZL3SY&feature=youtu.be to see Chadwell’s press conference, and further down this page is the entire press release and comments from Coach Chadwell.

Poston doesn't plan on leaving this year

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Contrary to rumor, Donnie Poston told WLAF today that he has no plans to voluntarily step down as director of Campbell County Public Schools.

“I told (the board) I’d be willing to serve another year,” said Poston. I’ve told them that, and I’ve told them that. I’ve tried to make that clear. But you’ve got to have seven votes to do that, and I’ve got five. The writing is on the wall.”

Poston was referring to a vote taken during last week’s meeting in which the school board deadlocked 4-4 on final approval of a contract extension that would retain him as director until 2014. Absent from that meeting were two members that might have helped to sway the vote one way or another.

A month earlier, the board unanimously voted 9-1 in favor of Poston. None of the dissenting board members gave a reason for the way they voted the second time around. During the December meeting, board member Rector Miller pushed for modifications to the contract, including benchmarks targeting improved test scores.

Poston spent 30 years in Campbell County Public Schools, many of them as principal of Valley View Elementary, until retiring and taking the job as headmaster of the Christian Academy of Campbell County. In April 2010, he left CACC to become director of Campbell County Public Schools.

Campbell County has been through so much. We needed healing,” said Poston.

“We’ve had success with some things. We’ve tried to empower our principals and let them empower their teachers.

“These types of things are major distractions. I don’t know what else I could’ve said. The easiest thing for me to have done was to go to the house.”   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013, 3:00 PM)

Perfect weather for potholes

     Whether it’s the back road you take going home or I-75, potholes are quickly cropping up all around Campbell County.  Road Superintendent Dennis Potter tells WLAF that recent steady rain, warm then cold temperatures, and traffic work on old asphalt creating potholes.  And lots of them.  He cautions to watch out for potholes, because they are so quick to develop from one day to the next.  Potter says it’s the nature of the beast, and that during winter, asphalt plants are shutdown, so cold mix is the best bet for patching potholes.  Cold mix is an asphalt product that is flexible enough to allow crews to fill holes in cold weather.  Twice during 2012, Campbell Countians voted down a proposed increase in the local portion of the sales tax.  Those dollars would have been earmarked to buy asphalt as part of an annual county-wide repaving project.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Warren Kitts & Vic King catching Brian Hicks & the Blue Devils in action (Linda K. SIler McNealy Pix 01/11/2013)

              Charleston Southern names Jamey Chadwell as new Head Football Coach
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Southern University has named Jamey Chadwell as the its new Head Football Coach, CSU Athletic Director Hank Small announced at a press conference on the CSU campus on Thursday afternoon.
Chadwell, 36, becomes the third head coach in CSU history. He replaces Jay Mills, who retired earlier this month after 10 seasons as CSU's head coach.
Chadwell, who is 25-21 in his four seasons as a head coach, spent five seasons at CSU as an assistant, all as a part of Mills' staff, and now returns to head a program he helped build.
"(CSU) is a place I care about deeply," Chadwell said Thursday. "I have a passion for this school and its mission, as well as the people at CSU. This job is something I have been working toward since I left. I have always wanted to come back here and lead this program.
Charleston Southern is a special place, Charleston is a great city, my wife and I got married here, and we are going to make this community and this university proud of this program."
Chadwell's support from coaches and former student-athletes with heavy CSU ties made the decision to bring him back to lead the Bucs' program an easy one.
"When this position opened up, there was an incredible outpouring of support for Jamey from a number of groups," CSU Athletic Director Hank Small said in the press conference. "First, athletes who Jamey Chadwell had recruited at
Charleston Southern. Then athletes, football players that he had coached at Charleston Southern. And then staff members that he had worked with at Charleston Southern. The outpouring was incredible. That this person, Jamey Chadwell, had impacted peoples' lives. What he stands for as an individual. That means a great deal to us, moving forward."
Chadwell takes over the CSU program after spending the last four seasons as a head coach at two Division II programs. This season, he served as the first-year head coach at
Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. Prior to DSU, he put North Greenville University on the national map at the D-II level.
The east-Tennessee native went from 2-8 in his first season at NGU to 11-3 in 2011 and a berth in the NCAA D-II Quarterfinals, where his Crusaders lost to
Delta State, 28-23. In his three seasons at North Greenville, Chadwell was 22-14 as a head coach and led NGU to its first-ever national ranking finishing the 2011 season rakned 12th-nationally in the American Football Coaches Association DII Poll.
Chadwell takes over one of the most improved teams in the FCS this past season. The Bucs' five-game improvement in their 5-6 season in 2012 was second only to Villanova (six more wins) for the largest one-year improvement.
Chadwell five seasons at on Mills' staff at CSU before leaving for
North Greenville. He helped the Bucs' program reach new heights, claiming the 2005 Big South Conference title with a 7-4 record and a 3-1 record in league play. In 2006, he became the Bucs' wide receivers coach, while continuing to serve as recruiting coordinator.
Chadwell's five-year stretch at CSU was the most successful stretch in program history. The Bucs won 14-straight games from 2005-'06 and three of the four winning seasons in the program's short history.
Following the 2006 season, Mills' promoted Chadwell to Assistant Head Coach and the former East Tennessee State quarterback would finish out his time at Charleston Southern in that capacity.  During his five seasons with Mills, CSU accumulated 28 wins and one Big South Conference title.
Chadwell played at
East Tennessee State University (1995-99) and was a two-year starter at quarterback.
Chadwell began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater ETSU in 2000.  From 2000-2003, the former
Anderson County High School star worked with quarterbacks, tight ends and running backs while assisting with recruiting and offensive game planning.
As a four-year letterman for the Buccaneers, Chadwell spent two seasons as a co-starter at quarterback.  He was twice named Team Captain and he helped lead ETSU to the Southern Conference title game two times during his career (1995-1999).
He received his bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Education in May 2000 from
East Tennessee State.  He also completed his master's in Business Administration from Charleston Southern in May 2006.  Both times finishing his coursework with a 3.3 or higher cumulative GPA.
Chadwell is married to the former Solmaz Zarrineh and the couple has one son, Jameson (3) and daughter, Avery, born on Sunday (Jan. 13).
-CSU-
Jamey Chadwell, Charleston Southern Head Football Coach
"(CSU) is a place I care about deeply. I have a passion for this school and its mission, as well as the people at CSU. This job is something I have been working toward since I left. I have always wanted to come back here and lead this program.
Charleston Southern is a special place, Charleston is a great city, my wife and I got married here, and we are going to make this community and this university proud of this program."
"It's overwhelming (to be back). You have dreams and you have goals, and for the this to have happened in such a short time, just being gone for four years, brings up a range of emotions. When you go somewhere else, you almost have to manufacture your investment. I've already invested (at CSU), I already have something to sell. This is where I've wanted to be."
"We have to make sure that the guys we identify are going to fit with what we're looking for in a player and a student-athlete. The thing I've learned from taking over jobs and taking them over late is that you can't sign guys just to sign them. And that's the pressure. If you do sign them and they're not the right fit, you may make a mistake that hurts you or your university. We are going to sign student-athletes who fit the mission of
Charleston Southern."
"You're going to see a team play with a lot of passion and with a lot of energy. We're going to be very aggressive in all three phases: offense, defense and special teams. Offensively, I believe you have to run the football to control the clock and control the tempo. I do that through the option game. We're a shotgun team and a spread team. But whether we have to run it a lot to win or throw it a lot to win, we're going to do some things to dictate to the defense and try to put them in a position where they have to defend us and we don't have to worry so much about what they do. I'm an offensive guy, so I need to talk to some of the staff to get their philosophy. I know we need a defensive coordinator at this time."
Dr. Rick Brewer, Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics
Coach Jamey Chadwell is an excellent fit for Charleston Southern University both as one of the young, emerging "talents' in college coaching today , and, more importantly, as a man of integrity who seeks to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of his life. We fondly recall Coach Chadwell's previous stint as an assistant coach in CSU's football program during our most productive years and have nothing but high hopes and expectations for the years ahead. Coach Chadwell's familiarity with the university's constituents, connection to high schools statewide (especially the high schools of the Low Country), and experience as a head coach in this region of the country establishes a positive trajectory moving forward.
Hank Small, Charleston Southern Athletic Director
"When this position opened up, there was an incredible outpouring from a number of groups. First, athletes who Jamey Chadwell had recruited at
Charleston Southern. Then athletes, football players that he had coached at Charleston Southern. And then staff members that he had worked with at Charleston Southern. The outpouring was incredible. That this person, Jamey Chadwell, had impacted peoples' lives. What he stands for as an individual. That means a great deal to us, moving forward."
"Jamey has a proven track record of success, from CSU to
North Greenville University. He led that program, in only three years, to its highest level. One thing we've talked to our team about in the past few days, is being at the highest level of our division and the playoffs. Coach Chadwell has built a program to reach the highest levels in the division II playoffs."

 

Brothers accused of child rape headed to criminal court

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Two brothers accused of sex crimes against children remain in the Campbell County Jail this afternoon. Jeffery Thomas Sills, age 42 of 311 Cherry Street, LaFollette, and Jerry Wayne Sills, age 44 of 1209 West Chestnut Street, LaFollette, appeared in General Sessions Court on Tuesday afternoon for separate arraignments. Both cases were waived to Criminal Court. Jeffery Thomas Sills is being held on a $230,000 bond, while Jerry Wayne Sills is being held on a $145,000 bond. Although neither case is related, LaFollette Police recently stumbled upon an outstanding warrant for Jerry Wayne Sills after arresting his younger brother on December 28, 2012.

Jeffery Thomas Sills

Jeffery Thomas Sills is charged with rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, possession of marijuana and casual exchange of marijuana in a pair of incidents involving a 10-year-old boy and 7-year-old girl during October 2012. During the investigation of the younger Sills brother, LaFollette Police Detective Josh Hill discovered that Jerry Wayne Sills had an outstanding warrant from a May 2010 case in which he was charged with rape of a child and aggravated sexual of a 12-year-old girl at his West Chestnut Street apartment.

Jerry Wayne Sills

The detective assigned to the case left LaFollette later that same year to take a job with the sheriff’s department, so the file on Jerry Sills was shelved until Hill came across it while thumbing through some old warrants.

“We would not have found him unless we were looking for Jeffery. We didn’t know a lot about Jerry,” said Hill.

According to Hill, the two youngest victims are currently in foster care.

The detective said Jeffery Thomas Sills may face additional charges in Florida  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013, NOON)

8th grade night at Elk Valley  (David Graham Pix 01/15/2013)

Solar panels coming to nine county schools

The Campbell County Commission voted Monday night as a Budget & Finance Committee to approve issuing bonds to fund a $1,242,000 program to install solar panels on nine county schools.

The Board of Education in December voted to approve the project to allow Efficient Energy of Tennessee to install the nine 45 Kilowatt solar panel arrays on all county schools except those served by Jellico Utilities.

The Jellico site inspections were delayed because the company was unwilling to pay a significant fee charged by Jellico until assurances were received that the county will go through with the program. The Jellico school buildings will be added in a second phase, Finance Director Jeff Marlow explained.

The program will be paid for by the sale of electricity generated from the solar installations to TVA and a TVA rebate program to encourage alternative energy sources and energy efficiency. The bond payments will be made from those revenues for the next 15 years.

The commission actually authorized a bond issue “not to exceed” $2,350,000. The first $1242,000 will fund installation of the first nine panels, while additional bonds may be issued later to pay for installation on other schools and possibly other county buildings such as the new Justice Center.

Marlow explained that by approving the total bond issue up front, a more favorable rate can be locked in that will save the county money if the additional funds are needed to expand the project.

Eleven of the twelve commissioners present at the meeting voted in favor of the bond resolution. Bob Walden, half in jest, voted “no,” quipping that his vote was “in honor of Melvin,” referring to former commissioner Melvin Boshears.

Walden did offer the motion to authorize the transfer of the bond funds to the Board of Education, a resolution that enables the county to qualify for the TVA rebate funds.

The commission workshop was brief, dominated by a discussion of the latest progress in negotiating a sales agreement for land in the county-owned Oswego Industrial Park to Montclair Industries. The company plans to construct a refinery to recycle used motor oil and several details are still to be worked out.

One major hurdle has been resolved, Mayor William Baird reported, as Norfolk Southern has agreed to grant Montclair exclusive rights to use of the railroad spur being constructed into the park.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Man arrested after assaulting LaFollette SRO

    A LaFollette man was arrested Friday, Jan. 11 after assaulting a school resource officer at LaFollette Middle School. Joshua Adam Comer, age 32 of 135 Watts Lane, LaFollette, was charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and evading arrest. Comer, who had active warrants on him for aggravated assault by domestic violence, assault on a juvenile and child abuse and neglect, had gone to LMS to pick up his children. LaFollette SRO Magahn Wilson noticed Comer trying to enter the school when she called and confirmed the active warrants. While attempting to take Comer into custody, there was a brief struggle in the hallway in front of the office. Comer then ran out of the building and was chased by Wilson past the East Gate area, where she lost contact with him. However, a K-9 officer was able to track him down. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013, 4:15 PM)

JMS Basketball Homecoming Queen Sydney Fields & escort Joshua Lay

All the photos - http://cougarsrock.net/JMS_Basketball_Homecoming_2013.html

Free flu shot clinic this weekend

     La Follette Medical Center, in coordination with Community Health of East Tennessee-CHET, is offering free flu shots Saturday, January 19.  The clinic is located in the main lobby of the La Follette Medical Center, and the hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. this Saturday only.  For more details, call 423.907.1553. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013, 1:00 PM)

Caryville City Council meets Monday night

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Caryville is one step closer to getting the road paved to its industrial park at the Royal Blue 141 Exit of Interstate 75.

During Monday night's regular monthly meeting, the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen gave its approval for a contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to pave the Ershell Collins Industrial Road. "We want to thank our Senator Ken Yager. He is a big reason this got done," said Caryville Mayor Chris Stanley.

Caryville's part in the project will be $96,000 in escrow in the event that utilities need to be moved or there is an issue with right-of-way. Mayor Stanley said he didn't foresee any such problems, however.

In other business conducted Monday night, the board:

*Approved the first reading of an ordinance for purchasing policy procedures.

*Approved the final reading of an ordinance amending the Caryville Building Code Ordinance to adopt the International Building Code.

*Approved the final reading of an ordinance amending Caryville's zoning ordinance by establishing site plan requirements. The developer of any proposed commercial, industrial, public, semi-public or multi-family residential use shall submit a detailed site plan to the Caryville Planning Commission for review and approval before being issued a building permit.

*Approved a resolution accepting the engineer's recommendation to award the contract for the Scenic Lake Circle Water Tank and Booster Pump to Southeastern Tank, Inc. of Lebanon, Tenn.

*Approved the hiring of Tim Moore to full-time benefitted status with the streets and sanitation department.

*Approved the purchase of two in-car video cameras at $1,795 each for the police department, which will be reimbursed from a Governor's Highway Safety Grant.

*Tabled a discussion on changing the door locks of the municipal building.

*Approved the purchase of a 2-year supply of motor oil for the streets and sanitation department at a cost of $546.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Missing some bricks in the wall

     The dedication of the Educator Commemorative Wall at Campbell County High School is set for Tuesday, January 22 with the ceremony taking place at half-time during the Cougars & Panthers basketball game.  The commemorative wall is located in the hallway right outside John Brown Gym.  With the first 100 tiles in place, the Fund hopes the idea of remembering a favorite educator will catch on, and many more names will grace this special wall.  The Fund aims to be “the” fund for scholarship donations in Campbell County.  The educator tiles are only $50.00, and the order form along with more details may be found at http://www.campbell.k12.tn.us/documents/CCHS_RELIEF_BRICK_WALL.pdf or by calling Logan Hickman at 423.562.4921.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013, 4:00 PM)

Campbell High Homecoming is Friday

     If your plans include attending the homecoming festivities at Campbell High this Friday, here's the timeline.  The JV game tips off at 5:00, the Lady Cougars start their game at approximately 6:30 followed by the Cougars around 8:00.  The Mr. Spirit announcement comes at halftime of the Lady Cougars' game.  Once the Cougars' game is over, homecoming festivities take place.  The Hardin Valley Academy Hawks are the opponents for Campbell High.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013, 10:00 AM)

Campbell records its first fatal accident of 2013

     Traffic fatalities nearly doubled in Campbell County in the year 2012, and Sunday marked the first road fatality of 2013.  Sergeant Brian Boshears with the Tennessee Highway Patrol tells WLAF News that 42-year old Elizabeth Elsevier of Kingsport died in a single-vehicle accident near Jellico just before 2:00 o’clock Sunday afternoon.  Boshears reports that heavy rain at the time of the accident caused Elsevier’s 1998 Toyota 4-Runner to skid off I-75 and strike a guardrail.  Elsevier was traveling southbound at Mile Marker 157, that’s near the Rarity Mountain Exit, when the hydroplaning began.  Boshears adds that Elsevier was wearing a seat belt, and that the belt did not make a difference.  According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were ten traffic fatalities in Campbell County in 2011 with that number jumping up to 17 for last year.  (UPDATED MON, JAN 14, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Patients make a run on flu shots at Terry's Pharmacy

     You’ve probably heard Dr. Rissa Pryse telling WLAF listeners everyday that it's not too late to get a flu shot.  And it’s not.  The flu season has not yet peaked, and the staff at Terry’s Pharmacy is seeing lots and lots of sick people.  Gwen Patterson with Terry's Pharmacy tells WLAF that the line to get a flu shot was so long yesterday, that they ran out of the flu vaccine.  More vaccine is due in by Monday.  She adds that the number of people they have been seeing with flu symptoms is quickly growing.  Patterson goes on to say that the best way to try to hold down the flu is to get vaccinated.  Some precautions that you may take are to be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often, wear masks, stay out of crowds, do not go to crowded places if your are sick, and don't send sick children to school.  Officials with La Follette Medical Center and Jellico Hospital along with Campbell County School Nurses tell WLAF that they  have not seen any more patients with the flu than usual.  Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February.  However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. (UPDATED FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013, 1:00 PM) 

Powers first weekly legislative update

     The 108th General Assembly, that began Tuesday, wraps up its first week of the new session.  Before leaving for Jacksboro, State Representative Dennis Powers updated WLAF listeners during the lunch hour today from Nashville.  Powers explains that Tuesday was swearing in day where temporary rules were adopted in order to conduct business.  House of Representatives Speaker Beth Harwell and Pro Tempore Curtis Johnson were sworn in Tuesday.  Powers says they were presented with copies of the rules in the committee report and the minority rules committee report, voted by acclamation to re-elect all three constitutional officers during a joint session on Wednesday.  Those officers are Comptroller, Justin Potter Wilson. Secretary of State, Tre Hargett. and Treasurer, David H. Lillard Jr.  On Thursday, Powers tells WLAF that representatives adopted permanent rules for the House, introduced the bill limit, and the new committees.  Powers calls this first week very ceremonial along with a lot of requirements as laid out in the constitution.  The legislature now takes a two-week break, and then return to Nashville on January 28 for Governor Bill Haslam’s State of the State Address.  Our next update from Representative Powers is expected on Friday, February 1st.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013, 1:00 PM) 

Sheriff's Department sees many gains during 2012

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

    Last year was a very productive one for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Along with a 21-percent decrease in burglaries, thefts, violent crime and narcotics trafficking, there was also a major decrease in the number of clandestine meth labs. However, the abuse of prescription drugs is on the rise.

Officers from the CCSD responded to 15,574 calls in 2012 and made 1,354 arrests. They also made 3,220 traffic stops and 118 DUI arrests. Captain Brandon Elkins led both the criminal investigation division as well as the entire department with 132 arrests. Deputy Franklin Ayers led the patrol division with 83 arrests.

Several CCSD officers won awards for their dedication and hard work in 2012. Sergeant Darrell Mongar and Deputy Josh Humphrey received awards from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. Mongar was named officer of the year, while Humphrey was selected DUI officer of the year. K-9 Deputy Matt Howell and his partner, Bronco, were honored by the U.S. K-9 Association for having the top patrol and top detective dog.

The CCSD also began an Explorers program for high school freshmen/sophomores and formed a search and rescue team.

The CCSD unveiled a new mission statement to kick off the year 2013: “It is the mission of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence of fear of crime and to enhance public safety, while working with every community to improve their quality of life. Our mandate is to do so with professionalism and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards, to renew and maintain public confidence. Our values will evolve around Leadership, Service, Performance and Discipline.”

“This mission statement is something we take very seriously and expect every employee to abide by wholeheartedly,” said Sheriff Robbie Goins. (UPDATED, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013, 6:30 PM)

Mayor, City Administrator comment on accident

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

There were no injuries during last week’s crash involving two representatives of the City of LaFollette along a stretch of Interstate 40 in West Tennessee.

However, Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton’s city-issued Ford Explorer was totaled after clipping an SUV that had been pulled over earlier by a state trooper.

The accident occurred Friday near Jackson as Sexton and Vice Mayor Hansford Hatmaker were returning to LaFollette from Memphis, where they attended an inmate graduation ceremony at the Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center, one of two female facilities in the state prison system. Hatmaker was behind the wheel in the right-hand lane. Sexton said Hatmaker saw the traffic stop ahead and attempted to change lanes in accordance with Tennessee law. A semi truck blocked Hatmaker’s path into the passing lane and he ended up sideswiping the SUV parked on the shoulder of the interstate.

LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said he didn’t find out about the accident until the first of this week. Sexton and Hatmaker had to rent a car to get back home. “Thank God nobody was hurt,” said Stanfield.

The mayor said an insurance claim on the Explorer had been turned in to E.E. Hill & Son Insurance, Inc. The vehicle had more than 180,000 miles on it and was valued at $3,000.

Sexton said Hatmaker had asked him to go along on the trip to Memphis. While there, he said they met with Patricia Bridges, director of a rehabilitation program that helps inmates make the transition from prison life to everyday life once they have served their time and are released.

“She showed some interest in starting a program like that here,” said Sexton.

“It could tie in with the homeless thing we’ve got going.”

Sexton said he was sitting in the passenger seat when the accident occurred. Both he and Hatmaker were wearing their seatbelts, as was the driver of the parked SUV they hit.

“I didn’t even see it. I was reading the paper,” said Sexton.

The mayor and other members of city council are questioning the need for the Memphis trip. Stanfield said it is very unusual for him not to have prior knowledge about such things.

“I’m upset about it,” Stanfield said.

“There might be some charges brought up against some people. It should’ve been handled differently. The council should’ve been made aware of what they were planning on doing. That (starting a prison rehab program in LaFollette) is the governor’s call, not a warden’s call. If something like that was really in the works, the county mayor and city mayor would be involved, not the vice mayor.”

Sexton has served as interim administrator for LaFollette the past couple of years.

“Anytime that somebody on council asks me to go somewhere with them, I’m going to go. Whenever somebody tells me about something that could help LaFollette, I’m interested in it,” said Sexton. (UPDATED, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013, 5:15 PM)

Educator Commemorative Wall at CCHS to be dedicated

     The Campbell County High School Relief Fund is excited to announce the dedication of the Educator Commemorative Wall at Campbell County High School (CCHS) on Tuesday, January 22, 2013.  The ceremony will occur at half-time during CCHS boys vs. Powell HS basketball game.  The wall is located outside the gymnasium.  The campaign to date has netted $3,150 in much needed scholarship money.  With the first 100 tiles in place, the Fund hopes the idea of remembering a favorite educator will catch on and many more names will adorn the confines of CCHS.  Fund president, Logan Hickman, wishes to thank the tile donors, the Campbell County School Board, the Fund’s Board of Directors, and Lindsay’s Carpet and Paint Center for their support throughout this process.

     The mission of the CCHS Relief Fund is to assist Campbell County schools.   The Fund's vision is two-fold.  First, we want to provide members of the community a way to remember a favorite educator with a tile purchase and simultaneously fund CCHS scholarships.  Secondly, the Fund's 501c3 tax status provides private individuals and corporations the opportunity to make tax deductable scholarship donations in all denominations.  Our Fund wants to be “the fund” for scholarship donations in Campbell County.  Since the Fund's inception, 14 CCHS seniors have been awarded $21,000 in scholarships all in memory of Campbell County educator Ken Bruce.  The educator tile costs $50.00 and the order form with the rest of the details may be found at www. campbell.k12.tn.us.  Please look for the brick wall tab.

Contact:  Logan Hickman, President, CCHS Relief Fund, Peoples Bank of the South; 423-562-4921; loganh@pbsouth.com  (UPDATED, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County School Board Meeting from Tuesday, January 8, 2013

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La Follette City Council Meeting from Tuesday, January 8, 2013

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Kentucky pair arrested for underage drinking after nearly hitting deputy's car head-on

    Two young men from Kentucky were recently charged with underage consumption of alcohol following a Dec. 30 incident when their car almost hit a sheriff’s deputy head-on while traveling on North Hwy. 25W near Jellico. Timothy Allen Garland, age 20 of London, Ky., and Joseph Landon Harris, age 20 of Morehead, Ky., were taken into custody after Deputy Gary Jeffers observed their silver four-door car, which had a headlight out, cross the center line and nearly hit his patrol car head-on. Upon initiating a traffic stop, Jeffers said he noticed the smell of alcohol and that the driver, Garland, also had glassy, blood-shot eyes and slurred speech. Upon asking the driver to exit the vehicle, Jeffers said he appeared unsteady on his feet and could not successfully complete standard field sobriety tests. In addition to underage drinking, Garland was also charged with driving left of center; violation of the light law, litter law, seatbelt law and driver license law. His breathalyzer test taken at the Jellico Police Department revealed a blood alcohol content of .08. Harris, the owner of the vehicle, stated that both he and Garland had been drinking at the Starlight bar, but that he let Garland drive because he thought he could drive better. (UPDATED, WED, JAN 9, 2013, 5:00 PM) 

Jellico High reopens this morning

     A faulty heating unit prompted school to dismiss early this morning at Jellico High School.  According to school officials, the unit caught fire, and began pouring out smoke into one classroom and the hall.  The smoke, in turn, forced classes to be called off for the rest of the day. School officials tell WLAF that classes resume this morning at JHS.  (UPDATED, THU, JAN 10, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

Campbell County School Board Meeting from Tuesday, January 8, 2013

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La Follette City Council Meeting from Tuesday, January 8, 2013

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Are you a caregiver needing a during-the-day break?

     Adult Day Services is looking to expand to Campbell County.  ADS offers daycare for senior adults as well as autistic and cerebral palsy adults.  Kathy Chesney with Adult Day Services visited WLAF this morning to tell us more about ADS.  ADS features round-trip transportation, breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack for $50 a day.  Chesney explains that ADS is adding years to your life and life to your years.  If you would like more information about Adult Day Services, call 865.745.1626, connect to www.tnadultdayservices.com, or visit ADS on Facebook at Adult Day Services.(UPDATED, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013, 9:00 AM)

Poston's contract in limbo, Walden wanted back at JES

After voting last month to tentatively extend the contract of Director of Schools Donnie Poston for one year, the Campbell County Board of Education performed a sudden about-face Tuesday night, deadlocking 4-4 on final approval of a contract extension that would retain Poston as Director until 2014.

Eugene Lawson, Rector Miller, Johnny Byrge and Johnny Creekmore all voted against the extension with two contract modifications, while J. L. “Sarge” Collins abstained and Homer Rutherford was absent from the meeting.

None of the dissenting board members gave a reason for their vote, although only Creekmore voted against the extension at the December meeting. At that meeting Miller pushed for modifications to include benchmarks targeting improved test scores.

After the board attorney advised that such modifications would need to be made public for 30 days before approval, a motion by Mike Orick to extend the contract subject to final approval of the changes was approved 9-1.

The board can take up the subject again at its next meeting, assuming that the only problem is related to terms in the contract rather than opposition to Poston remaining in the job.

The failure of both Jellico board members to support Poston may be related to the ongoing controversy involving Bob Walden, former Jellico Elementary principal who Poston transferred to the alternative school following altercations between Walden and other Jellico employees.

Rosa Thomas, who introduced herself as the parent of two children, addressed the board at the beginning of the meeting, asking that Walden be reinstated at Jellico.

She indicated that a petition has been submitted to the board in support of Walden and added, “We want Bob Walden back at Jellico. As parents we want what is good for our children. What’s good for our children is Mr. Bob Walden and we want him back.”

Thomas pushed for an answer from the board but left without one after attorney Dail Cantrell advised that the board could not discuss personnel matters in a public meeting and added that “The matter is also under litigation.”

Toward the end of the meeting, the board went into an executive session with Cantrell but did not reveal what was discussed or take a vote on any motion related to the session when they returned.

In addition to other routine business, the board held a lengthy discussion about the cafeteria fund, which according to Finance Director Jeff Marlow, is running a heavy deficit due in part to unpaid accounts.

Marlow reported that students and adults who are allowed to charge their meals ended the year with over $27,000 in uncollected charges. Only about $2,000 of that amount is due from adults with the rest owed by students who do not qualify for free meals but are allowed to charge their lunches. Nearly half of the amount owed is from Campbell County High School with the rest scattered among the county’s other schools.

The Board of Education voted last year that no child would be denied a lunch at county schools because of inability to pay, after Miller and other board members complained about reports of children being denied lunch due to excessive unpaid accounts.

Among the solutions to the growing deficit that were discussed was an across-the-board increase in the cost of lunch meals, and possibly providing an “alternative meal” for those students who charge their meals, a lower cost alternative that would still meet USDA guidelines for nutrition.(UPDATED, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013, 6:00 AM) 

La Follette tackles homelessness

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

During Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled meeting of the LaFollette City Council, a local church and a local businessman both pledged funds to help secure nine housing units for the homeless.

Phyllis Clingner of the Tennessee Valley Coalition to End Homelessness came before the council to ask for $2,624 to help acquire, furnish and maintain five 2-bedroom apartments and four 1-bedroom apartments during the first year of a two-year Housing and Urban Development grant program. She said Campbell County Mayor William Baird had already committed a $3,000 cash match with two grants.

Klingner said the housing units would be used for people coming out of treatment programs, women and children that are victims of domestic violence and disabled veterans. The prerequisite to participate would be that each person would have to be declared homeless through a screening process.

Before Clingner was finished speaking, Anthony Gibson, pastor of Word of Life Church, stepped forward to tell the council that his church would pay $100 a month toward LaFollette’s part. Councilman Bob Fannon then said his business, Riggs Drug Store, would pay the full amount of LaFollette’s part next year, if needed.

Members of the council unanimously approved their participation in the project.

Interim City Administrator & Mayor Mike Stanfield   (DWANE WILDER PIX 01/08/2013)   

In other business conducted during Tuesday’s meeting, the council:

*Approved a motion to bid out replacement of a section of leaky roof over the part of city hall that houses the police department and communications equipment. Total cost is not to exceed $27,000.

*Approved a motion to replace the heating and air unit for the police department.

*Approved the hiring of Bo Byrge and Corey Poston as full-time firefighters with benefits.

*Approved an ordinance to amend beer sales within the city limits in an area stretching from the IGA store to North Tennessee Ave. This area had previously been off limits to beer sales.

*Approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance prohibiting any further construction of temporary commercial structures in the central business district. Six current structures would be grandfathered-in as part of the amendment.

*Approved an ordinance adopting a compliance manual in regard Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

*Approved a resolution accepting the Campbell County Mitigation Plan.

The meeting was adjourned in session in order to gather more information on short and long-term disability in the insurance package for city employees. The meeting will resume on Friday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.  (UPDATED, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013, 6:00 AM)   

Fincastle Church of God - one-month later

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

Nearly a month (December 9, 2012) after fire destroyed their sanctuary, members of the congregation of Fincastle Church of God returned home Sunday evening to hold a spirited worship service in their fellowship hall. Pastor Mike Smith said close to 100 parishioners crammed into the fellowship hall, where services will be held until the main church building can be rebuilt. 

“They were glad to be home. Everybody was as happy as a ’coon in a roastin’ ear patch,” said Smith, who has served as pastor of Fincastle Church of God for 21 years.

Worship services had been held the past three weeks at the Christian Academy of Campbell County, about a mile away. The fire, which occurred during the early morning hours of Dec. 9, was determined to be a case of arson. Officers with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department are currently working on the case. There is also a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever set fire to the church.

“The investigation is continuing. Nothing new to report at this time,” Chief Deputy Aaron Evans said Monday afternoon.

“We just want to reiterate the need for information and our willingness to listen and talk to anyone.”

Smith is hoping the insurance company will get things squared away soon so the church can be rebuilt. Barring bad weather, he hopes the sanctuary will be finished in time for the annual church homecoming in mid-September.

In the meantime, the pastor of Valley Church of God, which is just down the road, offered the use of his building for Sunday school classes. Smith said that the entire county has been very supportive of his church. So many people had been giving him money that he had an account set up at Community Trust Bank to handle funds for the rebuilding project.

“Everybody has been so good to us. I appreciate the community support we’ve had,” said Smith.

“We didn’t owe anything. Our church was debt free, and we can thank God for that.”

Smith said the new building will measure 60’x 80’ and be more accessible to the handicapped and the elderly.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Anti-Drug Coalition group meets

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

Psychiatrist and addiction counselor Dr. James Gillespie was guest speaker Monday afternoon during a meeting of the Campbell County Anti-Drug Coalition at the LaFollette campus of Roane State Community College.

A native of Oak Ridge, Gillespie earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee and completed medical school and residency at the University of Virginia. He has served as medical director for the senior behavioral unit at LaFollette Medical Center since 2002. He is also medical director for a Tennova Knoxville substance abuse day program.

Dr. Gillespie spoke to the coalition about the causes, effects and solutions of the prescription drug abuse epidemic in the United States and, in particular, East Tennessee. He put much of the blame on a late '90s emphasis on eliminating patients' discomfort at all costs, which led to doctors overprescribing strong pain medications.

"The tide may be turning, but that's the way it's been for the last 14 years," Gillespie said.

"Pain pills don't cure anything, they just prevent someone from experiencing pain while they're allowing something to heal."

In 2008, there were 14,800 deaths in the U.S. linked to prescription painkillers. That same year, Tennessee was ranked 12th in that category. Tennessee was tied for 2nd in painkiller prescriptions sold in the year 2010.

Possible solutions that Dr. Gillespie suggested were treatment vs. incarceration, applying for grants to build halfway houses with intensive rehabilitation programs, detoxification with Suboxone and learning new coping skills.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 6:00 AM)       

Memorandum

TO:                  Campbell County Commission

FR:                  Sheriff Robbie K. Goins                    

RE:                  County Commission Report

DATE:              January 8, 2013

As committed in the last 90 day report, you will find in the attached materials and information below, the progress, activity and updates from our office for the months of October, November and December. I have instructed my staff to prepare and produce this information on a 90 day basis to better serve and inform you thoroughly. We hope this information will provide you all with valuable insight of the hard work, dedication and the progress of our office that I mandate and expect.  Our new mission statement “It is the mission of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence of fear of crime and to enhance public safety, while working with every community to improve their quality of life. Our mandate is to do so with professionalism and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards, to renew and maintain public confidence. Our values will evolve around and with Leadership, Service, Performance and Discipline.” This mission statement is something we take very seriously and expect every employee to abide by wholeheartedly. As you will notice in the below information, our office is very busy and we strive every day to make sure the public and taxpayer gets what they demand and deserve. We hope this information will help reflect the dedication of our office and the fine people we have leading it. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for everything you do and the service you provide for our county daily.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 1:00 PM)       

Memorandum

TO:                  Captain J .Brandon Elkins
                        Captain Eric Jones
                        Lieutenant Jeremy Goins

FR:                   Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans                      

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting

DATE:              January 1, 2013

We have committed to doing an information update or 90 day progress/activity report to the Campbell County Commission and other avenues. I am requesting, in detail, a list of the activity and progress that has occurred in the last 90 days with your respective divisions. Include everything, regardless how minor you perceive it to be. Include arrests for different or specific violations, investigations solved, jail issues, escape thwarts, training, special assignments, board bill projections, inmate housing information and anything you believe to be pertinent to the operations of your respective division. I will retrieve the data from 911 Communication Center and provide those statistics. Please have this data to me in memorandum form by no later than Monday January 7, 2013. Failure to report the requested information by the requested time will result in immediate disciplinary action. Thank you for your dedication and attention to this matter.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 1:00 PM)     

Memorandum

TO:                  Sheriff Robbie K. Goins

FR:                  Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans                      

RE:                  County Commission Report

DATE:              January 8, 2013

Per your request for the activity and information update for the previous 90 days you will find activity and information from the entire command staff, as listed. Below is the total number of calls for service and the specific 10-Code calls they were, that was entered by the 911 Center. As an office, we responded to 3,729 calls for service that have been entered, in the previous 90 days.

Calls for Service

Animal Calls                            87                             Attempted Suicide                             17

Escorts                                  227                            Suicide                                               1

Civil Process                            38                            Harassment/Threats                            86

Noise Complaints                     25                            Trespassing                                        66 

Vandalism                               53                            ATV Complaints                                  20

Wanted Checks                       98                            B&E Business                                      8

Child Custody                          16                            B&E Residence                                  106     

Neighbor/Property Disputes       20                            B&E Vehicle                                        24

Shootings                                  3                            Shoplifter                                              7

Runaway Juveniles                    25                            Fraud/Forgery                                     14

Missing Persons                       14                            Fire                                                    42

Alarms                                    168                           Stolen/Lost Property                           155

Reporting at Station                     4                           Message Delivery                                  5

Stolen Vehicles                         36                           Juvenile Problem                                  25       

Property Damage Crashes        120                          Traffic Stops                                        745

Crashes w/ Injury                       50                          Officer Assistance Calls                        45       

Drunk/Drugged Driving                16                          Domestic Dispute                               116

Armed Robbery                           0                           Drug Traffic                                         52

Hit and Run                               11                           Disturbance                                       114

Prowler                                     46                           Assault                                               25

Welfare Check                           88                           Sick/Injured Person                             64

Public Drunk                             15                            Child Abuse                                          2

Fight Calls                               17                             Indecent Exposure                                1

Suspicious Person/Vehicle      426                             Dead Body                                         12

Haz-Mat Situation                      0                              Mental Person                                     9

Property Check                        54                              911 Hang Up                                       2

Extra Patrol Calls                    103

There are an unspecified number of other miscellaneous calls for service

The total number of arrest for the months of:

October: 116                                            November: 126                                                    December: 99

90 day total: 341

Total Civil Process Served for the 90 day period:       1,011

I would also like to commend Captain Elkins for not only leading CID, but the entire office with 39 total arrests for the 90 time period and Deputy Franklin Ayers for leading the patrol division with 28 arrests. I believe it’s also prudent to recognize Sergeant Josh Carroll for 22 total arrests for the requested time period.

Per your request, in the last page of this report you will find valuable information from the previous 90 days on the actions and operations of our office.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 1:00 PM)     

Memorandum

TO:                  Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans

FR:                   Captain J. Brandon Elkins                

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting for CID

DATE:              January 8, 2013

Criminal Investigation Division and Drug Investigation Division

Statistics for the Last 90 Days

The last 90 days (October 1st-December 31st, 2012) have been challenging yet proving for the Criminal Investigation Division and Drug Investigation Division.  As a department, CCSO has seen an overall decrease in burglaries, thefts, violent crime, and narcotic trafficking during this quarter. During the last 90 days, CID has handled 184 cases. Overall case assignment has decreased -29% this quarter.  The Drug Investigation unit has completed 4 undercover drug buys. CID and DID has also participated in two search warrants inside of the county, which led to the county seizure of approximately $10,000.00 in assets. The focus of DID this quarter has been to establish new confidential informants and to prepare for the indictment of multiple individuals countywide for various narcotics related crimes.  One active meth lab was also worked during this time period, resulting in 2 arrests for the manufacture of methamphetamine. We continue to see a major decrease in the number of clandestine methamphetamine labs in our county, our methods and efforts to fight the methamphetamine problem continues to show evidences of progress.  The prescription pill problem continues to be on the rise. The Search and Rescue team has responded to 1 call out in which all individuals were eventually located.  The Units are also responsible for responding to some 103 calls for service. Departmental efforts have also seen the indictment of 45 individuals through Grand Jury. Further, the divisions have solved many cases resulting in the arrest of 82 individuals for various criminal offenses. Most of the offenses charged by our investigators have been felony charges and have been after the long, hard work of solving a case. Some of the notable offenses include: 14 Aggravated Burglaries, 39 Burglaries, 49 Thefts under $500.00, 7 Thefts over $500.00, 21 Thefts over $1000.00, 1 Theft over $10,000.00, 22 Forgeries,  1 Child Abuse and Neglect, and 1 Voluntary Manslaughter. Our divisions’ arrests account for 29% of the total departmental arrests. With seven detectives, we account for 13.9% of the department. Clearly, our divisions account for more than their number.

This quarter has been a very stressful time for the members of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office CID and DID. During this period, we were faced with multiple burglaries, thefts, and vandalisms from local churches.

The dedication of the entire division led to the closure and arrests on these cases. There have been many long nights and time away from families to finish the tasks set before these men and women. I am so clearly able to see that the labors from our investigators are making a huge difference in the quality of life in Campbell County, TN.  I continue to be proud to serve with these amazing investigators and see the difference we are making in our community. 

Respectfully;

Captain J. Brandon Elkins

Criminal Investigation Division

Memorandum

TO:                  Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans

FR:                   Captain Eric Jones                 

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting for Jail Operations

DATE:              January 8, 2013

Board Bill Projections:          Sept: $70,560             Oct: $77,245               Nov: $88,283             

White Male Inmates: 129  Black Male Inmates: 0    Other Male Inmates: 1   Total: 130

White Female Inmates: 44    none              none                                        Total: 44

Male Inmates: 75%   Females: 25%  White: 99.9%    Black: 0.00%        Other: 0.1%

Total Inmates: 178

Average Age Male: 35                        Average Age Female: 32

Average Number of days in Jail:  92  Total Inmates that have been in jail prior: 176

92 Days Evaluated for this average and purpose:

Average daily inmate count:               180

Highest Daily count in 92 days:          209

Lowest Daily County:                        154

Average Inmate meal cost for the months of July, August, and September

October:                      17,625 meals served- .90 cents/meal- $1.07 with bread and milk

November:                   16,403 meals served- .83 cents/meal- $0.97 with bread and milk

December:                   15,244 meals served- .84 cents/meal- $1.01 with bread and milk

 (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 1:00 PM)     

Memorandum

TO:                  Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans

FR:                   Lieutenant Jeremy Goins     

RE:                   90 Day Progress/Activity Reporting for Road Operations

DATE:              January 8, 2013

From October 2012 to December 31st 2012 The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division has answered 3,729 calls for services and have made approximately 341 arrests in the last three months the following explains in detail some of the arrests and citations that have been made and given:  Driving while revoked license 11, Driving on suspended license 8 , Reckless Driving 3, Traffic control device 6 , Seat belt Violations 4 , Light Law 3, Violation of registration3 , Speeding 12, Driving under the influence 28, Violation of Implied consent 6, underage consumption of alcohol 7,  Public intoxication 15, Possession of drug Para. 15, Possession of Schedule II 4, Possession of Schedule III 6, Possession of Schedule 8, Evading arrest 2, Resisting arrest 8, Reckless endangerment 3, Assault on a police officer 3, Reckless endangerment 6, Capias warrant 23, Violation of Probations warrant 23,  Criminal trespassing 4,  Domestic Violence by assault 23, Assault 5, Vandalism 14, Disorderly conduct 4. Aggravated Assault 5, Felony Evading 3, Theft of Property 19, Aggravated Burglary 14, Burglary 39.

Also during the month of December the Patrol Division has participated in a Governor’s Highway Office Campaign Booze and Loose. The Patrol division has conducted DUI and saturation patrols throughout the county targeting impaired drivers. The Patrol Division has arrested 28 driver’s operating motor vehicles while under the influence in the last three months.

I would also recognize the hard work of the following individuals for their number of arrests for the reporting period: Franklin Ayers 28 arrests, Cody Chapman 18 arrests, Ty Daugherty 17 arrests, Travis Bostic 17 arrests.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 1:00 PM)     

Highlights of additional progress and activities for the Sheriff’s Office in the previous 90 days

November 5th 2012 Detective Sergeant Freddie Stagnolia and Detective Rick Jeffers attended the annual Criminal Justice Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

November 5th 2012 Detective Sergeant John Long and Detective Sergeant Jami Hall attended the Tennessee Narcotics Officer Association training in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

November 5th 2012 Captain Brandon Elkins and Detective Sergeant Freddie White attended Basic Man Tracking School hosted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office

November 11th 2012 Lieutenant Jeremy Goins, Sergeant Matthew Wasson, Detective Sergeant Freddie Stagnolia and Deputy Matt Howell attended Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission rules school in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

On November 15th 2012 Deputy Josh Humphrey and Deputy Matt Howell attended tactical medic training in Knoxville, Tennessee sponsored by International Association of Tactical Medicine

On November 27th 2012 Lieutenant Jeremy Goins and Sergeant Matt Wasson attended and completed TASER Instructor School.

I would also like to recognize Sergeant Darrell Mongar and Deputy Josh Humphrey in their reception of two awards form the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. Sergeant Mongar received Officer of The Year and Deputy Humphrey received DUI Officers of The Year. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013, 1:00 PM)      

Babysitter charged with child rape

     During fall break from school, a La Follette man babysitting two youngsters is charged with sexually abusing the pair.  According to reports, La Follette Police are charging 42-year old Jeffery Thomas Sills of 311 Cherry Street with aggravated sexual battery, rape of a child, and simple possession of marijuana.  The alleged abuses were against a seven-year old girl and her 10-year old brother.  The arrest report outlines that Sills allegedly also supplied pot to the boy, who later tested positive for marijuana.  The drug test was administered by an official with the state Department of Children Services.  The incidents are reported to have occurred at Sills’ home on Cherry Street and at the home of the children on North 11th Street in La Follette.  Sills remains in the county jail this evening under a $230,000 bond.  More charges may be pending.  Sills is scheduled to appear in general session court on January 15. (UPDATED MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013, 11:00 AM)

Jacksboro hires a new librarian, buys a new fire truck

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

The Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on Thursday night a resolution in the grant application process toward a new fire truck.  With the help of a Community Development Block Grant, Jacksboro will be responsible for 21 percent of the total cost or $53,165. Total cost of the project is not to exceed $253,165.

In other business during Thursday’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the board:

 *Approved a resolution toward the Campbell County Hazard Mitigation Program. Mayor Jack Cannon explained the purpose of the resolution was to identify and list areas with a history of drainage problems where tiles and culverts may have to be replaced in the future.  In Jacksboro, those areas are Cove Street, Valley Street, Orchard Street, Gent Street and Dog Creek near Woodlake Church. Mayor Cannon said that documentation, in the form of the resolution, needed to be on the books in order to apply for grant money in the event of future flooding in those areas.

*Approved a request for safety vests and cameras for the police department.

*Approved the hiring of Emily Lowe as librarian and Corey Chapman as an employee in the street and sanitation department. 

During Jacksboro’s Beer Board meeting Thursday night, the owners of Tobacco Mercantile were approved for a beer permit.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)


Jacksboro hires a new librarian, buys a new fire truck

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

The Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on Thursday night a resolution in the grant application process toward a new fire truck.  With the help of a Community Development Block Grant, Jacksboro will be responsible for 21 percent of the total cost or $53,165. Total cost of the project is not to exceed $253,165.

In other business during Thursday’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the board:

 *Approved a resolution toward the Campbell County Hazard Mitigation Program. Mayor Jack Cannon explained the purpose of the resolution was to identify and list areas with a history of drainage problems where tiles and culverts may have to be replaced in the future.  In Jacksboro, those areas are Cove Street, Valley Street, Orchard Street, Gent Street and Dog Creek near Woodlake Church. Mayor Cannon said that documentation, in the form of the resolution, needed to be on the books in order to apply for grant money in the event of future flooding in those areas.

*Approved a request for safety vests and cameras for the police department.

*Approved the hiring of Emily Lowe as librarian and Corey Chapman as an employee in the street and sanitation department. 

During Jacksboro’s Beer Board meeting Thursday night, the owners of Tobacco Mercantile were approved for a beer permit.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Homeless Count to Take Place in Campbell County

Community Assistance is Needed

Campbell County will conduct a street count of homeless individuals in our county on January 24, 2013, as part of the 2013 Point-In-Time Count coordinated by Tennessee Valley Coalition to End Homelessness.  The Point-In-Time Count is a survey of homeless persons in every county across the United States.  Due to separate funding applications from the federal government, there are ten Continuums of Care (CoCs) across the state.  Our CoC will survey the homeless in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Sevier, and Union Counties.

During last year’s count, 777 homeless individuals were counted in our 12 county region.  Unfortunately, homeless persons use a variety of public systems in inefficient and costly ways.  While it may not be obvious, the chronically homeless create significant costs to local service programs.  A recent study conducted in Knoxville showed that a chronically homeless person used approximately $37,000 in services per year.  

The Point-in-Time Count seeks to identify the number of homeless individuals and families in Campbell County.  During a 24-hour period, local volunteers and social service agency staff go into the community to gather information on homeless populations. The count not only measures the needs of the homeless, but also provides direction for future development of services.  It is an important tool for resource development and planning. Results of the count provide the community with vital information to use in obtaining funding to support programs for the homeless in the county.

Volunteers are needed to perform the count throughout different areas in the county.  Our training session will take place on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at Roane State Community College.  Pre-registration is requested.  Emergency housing vouchers and food vouchers are also available when homeless families are found and counted, so they can be provided a meal and alternative lodging. 

For more information, please call Debi Mikesell, at the County Mayor’s Office – 423-562-2526, or Phyllis Clingner, at Community Health of East Tennessee – 423-563-1035.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013, 3:00 PM)

La Follette meets for January workshop

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

City of LaFollette employees may soon have a new roof over their heads.

During Wednesday’s monthly workshop, members of city council discussed replacing a section of roof that’s been leaking, as well as a heating and air unit that’s not functioning at full capacity.

Estimates are around $35,000 to complete both projects.

Other items of discussion Wednesday night included:

*A HUD grant for a homeless shelter. The project would include eight housing units at a total cost of $184,000, most of which would be funded through the grant. Community Health of East Tennessee would kick in $7,000, while La Follette’s obligation would be $5,300 over two years. Participants in the program would be provided housing and utilities for one year. A screening process would be set up to determine eligibility of applicants. Also, all participants would have to actively seek employment during their stay.

*Replacing two firefighters that resigned at the end of last year.  The proposal is to replace those firefighters with two that have been working in an auxiliary role for LaFollette. Their annual salaries will be $23,256.

*Using the old codes enforcement office at Fire Station No. 2 to house the local office of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.  Campbell County troopers had been sharing space in the LaFollette driver license office, which was closed last week and moved to Anderson County.

*Updating and enforcing the 2-hour parking ordinance, especially on Central Ave. where numerous accidents have occurred due to limited visibility at intersections where vehicles were parked on the corner for hours on end.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Baby boy is first born in 2013 at Jellico Community Hospital

     It only took about six-hours for a baby to come into the world in 2013 here in Campbell County.  Tuesday at 6:06 a.m. at the Jellico Community Hospital is when a baby boy increased the population of the world by one.  His name is Hunter Braxton Wilson, and he weighs-in at nine-pounds, ten-ounces with a length of 21-inches.  Jason Dunkel, Executive Director of Business Development and Marketing, with Jellico Community Hospital tells WLAF that Hunter’s mom receives a bath tub, towels, and bath supplies; grooming set, diapers, wipes, several outfits, blankets.  The gift basket totals to a value of around $175.00.  Proud parents are Katlyn and Michael Wilson.  (UPDATED THURS, JAN 3, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Tragic start to the new year

     A man died this morning in the Caryville Industrial Park.  Reports coming in to WLAF are that an out-of-town worker fell from scaffolding to his death while working at Fabrite.  He died at the scene.  More details when available.  Fabrite is a locally owned operation that manufactures such products as trash bins, handrails, counter tops, staircases, and other related products.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2013, NOON)

WLAF's year in news and sports review for 2012

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

Snow and ice paralyzed much of I-75. It was slow going on the interstate with sections closed for long stretches of time Monday night. Emergency shelters were opened at Caryville Elementary School and Jellico High School. 1/03/12

The Dollar Store bandit is behind bars. Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that he and his officers have arrested and charged 29-year old Dustin Berry of La Follette with robbing the Valley Dollar General Store on December 16. 1/04/2012

Officials with the Campbell County PACA Body Armor plant told employees first thing this morning that the plant is closing immediately. Except for 20 employees, that will stay on for another 60 days, the PACA Plant, which has been in Campbell County since 1975, is basically closed. 1/04/2012

All the baby boomers from old La Follette High remember her. She was Bertha Head to some and Bertha Goad to others. Mrs. Goad died today at La Follette Court Assisted Living. Some of us recall her as a home economics teacher others as a science instructor. She graduated from LMU and spent her teaching career at La Follette High School before retiring in 1975. Bertha Masingo Head Goad was 97 years old. 1/06/2012

MATIX, which employs around 100 people, began its 11th year at its Caryville location in the Ershell Collins Industrial Park.  01/25/2012

Synthetic pot is still showing up around Campbell County. An undercover agent with Caryville Police bought legal bud, or fake weed as it’s called, at the Main Street BP at I-75 in Caryville. 1/26/2012

There’s a college-bound Cougar.  And his name is Logan Hunter.  Today is National Signing Day for college football hopefuls and the big Cougar lineman signs with the Tusculum College Pioneers. 2/01/2012

Peaceful.  That's how the Sheriff's Chief Deputy Aaron Evans describes last night's atmosphere at Halls High School during the Red Devils' game with Campbell County.  This comes after a Halls' fan scuffled with police following the January 13 game between Campbell County and Halls at John Brown Gym.  2/01/2012

One missed day of school due to winter weather.  That was back on January 13.  A high of 65 degrees on January 23.  Yes, it seems like it was a very mild January.  And it was.  In fact, according to the National Weather Service at Morristown, it's the 19th warmest January on record. 2/07/2012

The co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, ARC, Earl Gohl and Paul Fassbender with the Tennessee Economic Development Agency are coming to La Follette to award $300,000 for the establishment of a business assistance center, often called the business incubator.  2/07/2012

Logan Hickman, chairman of the fifth annual 2012 Boy Scouts of America’s Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner, is pleased to announce the 2012 honoree is LaFollette’s very own General Carl W. Stiner. The money raised at the event will support Campbell County scouting. 2/7/2012

Campbell County is getting a new traffic light at Elkins Road and Highway 25W. 2/15/2012

On I-75 across Jellico Mountain, multiple accidents occurred including one 19-vehicle mishap near the Rarity Mountain Exit.  There were 10 vehicles, eight 18-wheelers, and even a Greyhound bus involved, with several people being taken to area hospitals, Along with snow and ice, fog also dramatically limited visibility.  2/20/2012

After claiming the 2011-12 regular season district crown, the CCHS Lady Cougars won the tournament title 59-54 in overtime against Anderson County. Courtney Morris and Maria Foust made the all-tournament team, while Kristin Chapman was MVP. 2/21/2012

CCHS golfers Corey Martin and Bryce Roach signed scholarship papers with Walters State Community College.   2/22/2012

Two-time defending state high jump champion Kristin Chapman signed with East Tennessee State University. She plans to major in nursing.  2/24/2012

Cledith Lay of Newcomb is the lucky winner of $50,000 from the instant ticket Jumbo Bucks game from the Tennessee Lottery.2/28/2012

Longtime insurance man and the well-liked and loved Ben Rogers died Wednesday afternoon at La Follette Medical Center. Rogers owned the Ben Rogers Insurance Agency located just around the corner from his life long friend's insurance office, John R.W. Brown. He was 89-years-old.  3/01/2012

Scott Stanfield gets the eight votes needed to become District 3's third commissioner, a position that was vacated by Melvin Boshears in December.  3/01/2012

Jay Patel plans to construct a Holiday Inn Express at Exit 134 on the site of where a Family Inn and the Thacker Christmas Tree Inn once operated.  Patel plans to remove the top floor and use the rest of the structure. 3/02/2012

Super Tuesday is complete. The local sales tax increase failed by a 1,214 to 2,297 count. In the Republican presidential primary, Rick Santorum finished first in Campbell County ahead of Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. 3/07/2012

LaFollette Council members approved $64,000 for the creation of a new sports complex at the East LaFollette Elementary School. Also approved was the addition of several new features in the Splash Park. 3/08/2012

A massive landslide on  I-75 south at mile marker 143 created a six-month headache for both local and out-of-town drivers, who had to make detours on either 25W north through the mountains or 297 West through Newcomb and Elk Valley. TDOT Regional Director Steven Borden calls it the state's largest slide in 30-years. 3/09/2012

Hank Hamblin, III, a La Follette Middle School seventh-grader, made it through five full rounds of the Knoxville News Sentinel Southern Appalachia Regional Spelling Bee at UT. 3/11/2012

Marine Lance Corporal Cody Evans of Speedwell lost his legs in Afghanistan while fighting for our country.  Saturday, members of the Southern Sons Motorcycle Club showed their respect for the wounded war hero with a benefit bike ride. 4/06/2012

Tyler Chapman and Nick Litton of CCHS and Ethan Shelley of Jellico signed to play basketball for Alice Lloyd College. 3/22/2012

Charles Violet, the man who drove Bus 24 for students from Morley, Wynn, White Oak and Jellico, passed away at the age of 80. He drove a coal truck and taxi for a living and also served on the Jellico board of mayor and aldermen for several years. 3/26/2012

George McFarland, a partner at Grace Rehabilitation Center for the past 12 years, passed away at the age of 78. McFarland had previously been a teacher, administrator and department head for the Campbell County School System for nearly 40 years. 3/31/2012

Cumberland Gap High School senior basketball player and valedictorian Ben Arnold signed with Tusculum College. The 6-foot-3 Arnold set school marks in career points (1,942) and assists (625) while ranking among the elite scorers in the state with more than 21 points a game. He plans to major in medicine. 5/1/2012

A new park is coming to Jacksboro. Council voted at May’s regular monthly meeting to spend $8,725 for a pavilion and equipment in the construction of a city park on Cove Street. 5/4/2012

Seventy-five thousand dollars. That's the amount Robin Proffitt tells 1450wlaf.com that Relay For Life is going to end up with after it's all said and done. 5/7/2012

The old radio station's getting older. Today marks 59 years on the air for 1450 WLAF.  The first radio station in Campbell County aired Sunday, May 17, 1953. 

Campbell County’s Career Center was officially named for Tommy C. Stiner, former county executive and mayor. 5/18/2012

It was a record setting day for Campbell County’s Kristin Chapman. The ETSU-bound senior set a new school high jump mark of five-feet, nine-inches on her way to the state high jump championship. She is the first CCHS athlete to win three state championships. Fellow senior Shayla Goins finished an outstanding high school career with second place in shot put. 5/25/2012

La Follette centenarian Ozias Muse passed away at a local nursing home after being sick for a few months. You may know him better by his nickname of Zie or from one of the books he’s written, “The Truth Shall Make You Free” and “The Joys and Sufferings of a Poor Mountain Family.” He was a retired coal miner. 5/25/2012

The largest graduating class in the history of Campbell County Schools received diplomas Saturday. Director of Schools Donnie Poston tells 1450wlaf.com that the 297 seniors is the largest group of graduates in the history of the school. Another first for the 37th graduating class from CCHS is that the ceremonies were held off campus at Tex Turner Arena on the LMU campus at Harrogate.  5/28/2012

Longtime property assessor Bill Hicks passed away Monday after a lengthy illness. He served Campbell County for 16 years before retiring in 2008. 5/29/2012

An almost standing room only crowd of more than 400 packed into the Myers’ party barn to rub elbows with the likes of Gov. Bill Haslam and other notables at the annual Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner hosted by the Republican Party.  6/1/2012

CCHS multi-sport standout Shayla Goins signed with King College’s track and field program. 6/11/2012

After county commissioners faced a room filled with angry taxpayers the previous night, the Board of Education did not make commissioners’ lives any easier, voting 9-1 to approve a school budget of over $45 million that would require a ten-cent property tax increase to fund $670,000 in additional local spending. 6/13/2012

The man who was the first quarterback in the history of Campbell High Football has passed away at the age of 53. Stan Lester was one of the bright spots on the first-ever Cougar football squad that debuted in 1975.  6/15/2012

Retiring District Attorney General Paul Phillips toured the five county district to say thank you to all those he’s worked with for the past 35 years in Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union Counties. 6/21/2012

A drive-up window is being constructed at Terry's Pharmacy in LaFollette.  6/26/2012

The City of LaFollette's Fourth of July Fireworks Show was postponed until Labor Day because of extremely dry conditions.  6/30/2012

The man who so kindly and professionally ran the county clerk's office for 24 years passed away at the La Follette Medical Center. Don Nance had battled illness since last fall. He was 76-years old.  7/10/2012

He was the best back-up officer I ever had. That’s how Sergeant Darrell Mongar recalls Rooke, his K-9 partner of 12 years.  Rooke, a veteran with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, died after a two-month battle with Lymphoma. Rooke, a 14-year-old Dutch Shepherd, was laid to rest in Mongar’s yard. 7/18/2012

A LaFollette man made the state’s Top Ten Most Wanted List after being indicted by the Campbell County Grand Jury on 44 counts of internet sex crimes committed against a 13-year-old Georgia girl. The subject is a former officer with the Lafollette Police Department: 39-year-old Michael Shane Baker. 7/20/2012

Christmas in July. That’s how Librarian Nancy Green describes Wednesday’s ribbon cutting for the new La Follette Library. Dignitaries from Mayor Mike Stanfield all the way to State Senator Ken Yager were on hand to celebrate the day.  7/26/2012

Ten-year Knox County Department of Finance employee Chris Caldwell, a native of Jacksboro, was named finance director by Mayor Tim Burchett. 7/31/2012

Former WLAF announcer Jim Castleberry passed away at the age of 71 after a lengthy illness. 8/3/2012

A costly Cougar interception is all that dampened an otherwise great night for CCHS Football in its Neyland Stadium debut. The Irish went on to win 7-0. 8/10/2012

Caryville pro fisherman Brandon Card was declared the 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year. 8/28/2012

Ryan Browning is back for his second stint as head coach of the Baseball Cougars. In the early 2000s, he served six seasons as head baseball coach at CCHS. 8/29/2012

CCHS junior Trinity Henegar, who was critically injured in a tragic ATV accident on Aug. 13, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 2 at UT Medical Center. The entire county had come together in prayer for him in the days and weeks following the accident.  9/3/2012

Flags are flying at half-staff this evening in LaFollette following the death of LPD Officer Odell Bailey, age 37.  Upon hearing of the death of Officer Bailey, Mayor Mike Stanfield is keeping flags at half-staff for the rest of the week. They were already at half-mast due to the weekend death of Campbell High Schooler Trinity Henegar. 9/4/2012

A portion of Springs Dock on Norris Lake was destroyed by an early morning fire. More than 52 boats were destroyed. 9/10/2012

The man who taught thousands of youngsters in area schools and snapped countless memorable pictures has passed away.  Ernest Jones had fought a long battle with cancer. An avid photographer, Jones and his father, Charlie, played a key role in the photographic history of the area with their business, the La Follette Art Studio. 9/21/2012

The wait is over.  Today signaled a milestone at Terry's Pharmacy.  Your locally owned pharmacy pulled the curtain on its new drive-thru window soon after 9:00 a.m.  Owner Dr. Rissa Pryse tells WLAF that all the work that began back in the summer culminated this morning as she snipped the ribbon on the new addition, and that she is thrilled to be able to offer this extra service to all her patients. 10/01/2012   

A Lifestar helicopter made a pit stop for repairs at the helipad next to La Follette Medical Center. 10/5/2012

 

Longtime La Follette surgeon James Crutchfield passed away at the age of 82. Dr. Crutchfield practiced for 38 years in a partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. Burgin Wood. Dr. Crutchfield was also a pilot and served 32 years as a captain in the United States Naval Reserve. 10/6/2012

Glade Springs Baptist Church Day celebrated its 215 anniversary with a homecoming and opening of the church's new family life center.  10/15/2012

Jerry Dale Montgomery, former chief of police in Jacksboro and Caryville, passed away at the age of 68 of Caryville. He was a 25-year U.S. Army veteran.  10/23/2012

William Robert Dangerfield, owner and operator of Billy's Transmissions in LaFollette, was struck and killed by a train behind his shop. He was 49 years old. 10/30/12 

WilcoHess will begin developing a 19-acre tract of land at Exit 141 for a Caryville travel center.  Approximately 75 people are expected to be employed at the new facility. 11/2/2012

Former LaFollette postmaster Charles Morton, who served 42-years in the postal service, passed away at the age of 86. He was a veteran of World War II. 11/11/2012

LaFollette’s driver service center is closing Dec. 28 to merge with the center in Clinton11/29/2012

Patients, former patients and members of the Campbell County community came out to honor Dr. Burgin Wood for nearly 60 years of service during a reception held in his honor at his clinic located just below LaFollette Medical Center. 11/30/2012

Officials from the state fire marshal’s office were in Campbell County to investigate a blaze that destroyed the sanctuary of Fincastle Church of God early Sunday morning. 12/11/2012

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins has given orders for increased law enforcement presence in schools across Campbell County in the wake of the tragic school shooting at Newtown, Conn. 12/17/2012

Riggs Drug Store, adjacent to LaFollette Medical Center, was robbed at gunpoint on Thursday, Dec. 13. 12/18/2012

A fiery, two-vehicle wreck claimed the lives of three Campbell Countians on the General Carl Stiner Highway just before 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. THP trooper Larry Skeen tells WLAF that 19-year old Josh Peavley of LaFollette along with 59-year old Gary Phillip Mefford and his 63-year old wife Brenda, of Caryville, died at the scene. Skeen says Peavley’s pick-up crossed the center line striking Mefford’s car almost head on. Three others in the Mefford car, two 17-year-old boys and a five-year-old girl, were taken to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville 12/25/2012

Five weeks after a frightening ATV accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Campbell County High School senior Ethan Miller is back on his feet. A combination of faith, family, friends and fortitude has allowed the football star to overcome a potentially devastating spinal injury. 12/28/2012

Two Jacksboro attorneys are in line to succeed the late Billy Joe White as chancery court judge in the 8th Judicial District. They are Elizabeth Asbury and Kathy Parrott. 12/28/2012

Former LaFollette Hospital administrator J.B. Wright passed away Sunday morning at La Follette Health and Rehab Center. He was 81-years old. 12/31/2012

Firefighters responded to an early morning blaze at Wynn School. Campbell County Schools Director of Safety Johnny Bruce calls it more of a mess than anything else describing the main damage as smoke and water to the two classrooms and storage room. He says he was relieved when he arrived on the scene Sunday morning to find that the fire crews had the fire under control, and that no one was injured. 12/31/2012


Photo from Home:  J.B. Purdie of Gifts from Above presents Charlsa Honeycutt of LaFollette with the giant WLAF Christmas Stocking.
(VIC KING PIX) 12/20/2012) 

The Christmas Eve crash one-week later

     It’s been a week since the car wreck that claimed three lives on Christmas Eve.  The survivors continue improving.  As we told you last week, the youngest person involved, five-year old Alexandria Connely, was released from UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  WLAF News has now learned that Josh Ivey left UT Medical Center and is back home in Caryville while Phillip Lee is out in a room and listed in stable condition at UT Medical Center.  The two 17-year old boys and the five-year old girl survived the near head-on collision that took the lives of 59-year old Phillip Mefford and his 63-year old wife Brenda Mefford, both of Caryville, along with 19-year old Josh Peavley of La Follette.  Reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol are that Peavley’s pick up truck crossed the center line on General Carl Stiner Highway, east of La Follette, and nearly collided head-on with the car Phillip Mefford was driving westbound just before dusk on December 24.  The three survivors were riding with the Meffords.  Services for the Meffords were held last week while a celebration of life for Peavley takes place tonight. (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Fire at Wynn School

     The fire alarm call came in to the Campbell County 9-1-1 Center at 12:40 a.m. Sunday.  Wynn School was on fire.  Daniel Lawson, Assistant Chief for the Campbell County Rural Fire Service, tells WLAF that upwards of 25 firefighters and five units answered the call in 20-degree weather. 

Lawson says crews laid down more than 700-feet of hose to battle the fire at the back of Wynn School.  He explains that the fire was in a storage room between two kindergarten classes, and that the walls made the difference helping to contain the fire to that part of the school. 

Campbell County Schools Director of Safety Johnny Bruce calls it more of a mess than anything else describing the main damage as smoke and water to the two classrooms and storage room.  He says he was relieved when he arrived on the scene Sunday morning to find that the fire crews had the fire under control, and that no one was injured.  Bruce notes that the school’s fire alarm system worked perfectly in detecting the fire and notifying the 9-1-1 Center.

It’s believed the fire started at a wall mounted heating and air conditioning unit, but Bruce says the state fire marshal will be in to assess the damage on Wednesday and determine an exact cause. 

Bruce goes on to say Wynn School has enough empty classrooms to accommodate the two kindergarten classes when school starts back on Friday.  The White Oak Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by Lawson and the Campbell County Rural Fire Service along with the Jellico Rescue Squad.  (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Longtime La Follette Hospital administrator dies

     His given name was James Barclay Wright.  But everyone knew him as “J.B.”  The well-liked Wright died Sunday morning at La Follette Health and Rehab Center.  Wright and his family came to La Follette nearly 40-years ago when he was named administrator of the then La Follette Community Hospital.  It was a position Wright held for more than 25-years.  Wright's tenure as administrator is the longest, by far, in the history of the La Follette Hospital.  J.B. Wright was 81-years old. (UPDATED MON., DEC. 31, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Cougars 54, Bradley Central 64 at Maryville Tournament - Wednesday

Cougars 58, Greeneville 51 at Maryville Tournament - Thursday

Jellico 47 vs. Midway 60 at Midway Tournament - Thursday

Cougars 50, Austin-East 48 at Maryville Tournament - Friday

Blue Devils 72 vs. Oakdale 36 at Midway Tournament - Friday

Cougars 48 vs. Alcoa 59 at Maryville Tournament - Saturday

Blue Devils 48 vs. Monterey 60 at Midway Tournament - Saturday

Garbage pick-up schedules for New Year holiday

By  Dwane Wilder-WLAF News 

   Most Campbell County municipalities will not offer garbage pick-up on New Year’s Day.  The lone exception will be Caryville, where the sanitation department will run Monday’s regular garbage route on Tuesday.  Anything scheduled to be picked up Tuesday will instead be collected on Wednesday. Recyclables will be picked up on Thursday.  The Caryville Municipal Building will be closed on New Year’s Day, as will the local government offices at Jacksboro and LaFollette.

*Jacksboro sanitation crews will pick up residential garbage on the regular Monday schedule.

*Garbage normally scheduled to be picked up on Tuesday in LaFollette will instead be collected on Wednesday.

*On the county level, all convenience centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day. That includes the main convenience center on Towe String Rd. (UPDATED FRIDAY, DEC. 28, 2012, 4:30 PM)

Cougar football star is walking again

By  Dwane Wilder-WLAF News 

   Five weeks after a frightening ATV accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Campbell County High School senior Ethan Miller is back on his feet. A combination of faith, family, friends and fortitude has allowed the football star to overcome a potentially devastating spinal injury.

“It seems like yesterday, but at the same time it seems like a year,” said his mother, Karina Miller.

“He stuck with it. He helped us through this with his positive attitude. We appreciate the support and prayers of this community during this time of our lives.”

Karina Miller and son Ethan (Dwane Wilder Pix 12/27/2012)

Ethan has been walking on his own for the past week, which is a miracle considering that doctors didn’t know if he would ever stand again. He spent four weeks in the hospital: the first week at University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he was flown by helicopter after the accident, and three weeks at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center at Fort Sanders.

The paralysis has thankfully been temporary, but the Millers didn’t know it at the time. Doctors presented several scenarios to the family. They said he might never walk again. Then they said he might be confined to a wheel chair for a year. Then they said maybe six months. Then four months.

Each day, Ethan proved them wrong.

“Almost every couple of days, they would give us a shorter time,” said his mother.

Initially, Ethan had no feeling from the waist down. After the first few days, he gradually regained sensation in his feet and upper legs. He still can’t feel anything from his knees to his ankles, but doctors say that will come with time and more therapy.

On Wednesday, he walked a mile and jogged half a mile on a treadmill.

“At first, I could walk a couple of minutes and I would get kind of weak. I’d have to sit down in my wheelchair two or three minutes, and my legs would get stronger,” said Ethan, who lost around 20 lbs. during the ordeal.

“ I’d say now I could go about an hour.”

Ethan’s competitive side has played a big part in his comeback. His mom said he even won a wheelchair race against one of his physical therapists.

“At first, it was really hard to get my balance, especially walking on uneven ground. But then I did it and told them it was probably due to me being a running back in football. It was challenging, but I took everything they threw at me.”

Though he missed three weeks of school because of the accident, Ethan didn’t let that affect his academics. He was able to complete assignments, including a term paper for one of his dual credit classes at Roane State Community College.

Ethan plans to attend either UT or Tennessee Tech after he graduates from high school next spring. Among the career options he is considering are civil engineering and, ironically, physical therapy. (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Two Jacksboro attorneys in line to succeed the late Judge Billy Joe White

By  Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

   The six attorneys vying to replace the late Billy Joe White as chancery court judge in the 8th Judicial District are scheduled to appear before an interview committee on Friday, Jan. 18 at Woodlake Lodge, Golf and Country Club in Tazewell. A public hearing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by interviews of each of the candidates by a judicial nominating committee. Three of the six will then be recommended to the governor, who will appoint White’s successor. The list of candidates includes the following:

*Elizabeth C. Asbury, partner in the Asbury Law Office, Jacksboro

*James L. Cotton, Jr., general sessions judge, Scott County

*Kathy Parrott, president of PryorParrott PC, Jacksboro

*Charles Patrick Sexton, attorney for Sexton, Sexton and Kazee PC, Oneida

*Thomas Jackson Tabor, Jr., attorney in Tazewell

*Andrew R. Tillman, senior law clerk for the Honorable Charles D. Susano, Jr., Tennessee Court of Appeals, Knoxville

Both the public hearing and candidate interviews are open to the public.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Help with homeless count needed

 By  Dwane Wilder-WLAF News 

   Homeless people are usually associated with big cities. However, homelessness can also affect small towns and rural areas. Campbell County’s Point in Time Count on Jan. 24 will give local officials a good idea of the numbers of homeless people living within the county borders. According to the statewide Point in Time Count for 2012, almost 9,000 people were homeless on a given night in Tennessee. Rural communities often do not have the resources to offer shelter to families and individuals. However, recent HUD funding based on 2011 Point in Time Count figures brought in more than $130,000 of monetary assistance for rent and utilities.  Volunteers are needed to help collect data during this year’s count, which will run from 12:01 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 24.  A training session will be held on Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. at the Campbell County campus of Roane State Community College. For more information, call Debi Mikesell at the Campbell County Mayor’s Office at 423-562-2526 or Phyllis Clingner at Community Health of East Tennessee at 423-563-1035.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Medic's coming back to town with free movie tix

By  Dwane Wilder-WLAF News 

   Give blood and get a free ticket to the movie of your choice. Medic Regional Blood Center is offering a Regal Cinema pass to anyone that donates blood on Jan 3, when the Bloodmobile visits the LaFollette location of Food City from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. “Our inventory is low this time of year, and this is a great, useful incentive to get donors to take the time to give blood,” said Medic spokesperson Christi Fightmaster. Medic currently needs all blood types, especially O negative. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 lbs. and provide personal identification. Medic is the sole provider of blood for 27 hospitals throughout East Tennessee (UPDATED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

No news on church arson case, but reward still stands at $2,000

By  Dwane Wilder-WLAF News 

   There are no new developments on the search for an arsonist that set fire to the Fincastle Church of God on Dec. 9. That blaze destroyed the church sanctuary. However, Chief Deputy Aaron Evans of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the community of a $2,000 cash reward for anyone that provides information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person that committed the crime.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012, 5:00 PM)

Youngest survivor in Monday’s fatal wreck returns home

     One of the three survivors in Monday’s fatal Christmas Eve car crash is back home this afternoon in Jacksboro.  Officials at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville tell WLAF News that five-year old Alexandria  Connely has been released.  The two others, Phillip Lee of Jacksboro and Josh Ivey of Caryville, both age 17 are listed in serious condition this afternoon at the UT Medical Center.  Three more people were involved in the late afternoon wreck where a pick up truck and a car collided in front of the New Horizon Church east of La Follette on General Carl Stiner Highway.  According to THP Trooper Larry Skeen, the driver of the truck, 19-year old Josh Peavley of La Follette, and two in the car, 59-year old Gary Phillip Mefford and his 63-year old wife Brenda Mefford, both of Jacksboro, died at the scene.  Phillip Mefford was behind the wheel heading east while Peavley was traveling toward La Follette.  No one was wearing a seat belt.  However, Connely was strapped into a child passenger safety seat.  Funeral arrangements for the Meffords are being handled by Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Lake City while Peavley's arrangements are yet to be released.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012, 1:30 PM)

Six injured, three fatally in Christmas Eve crash 

     Around dusk.  East of La Follette.  Three people died on Christmas Eve.  Reports coming in to the WLAF Newsroom are that a fiery, two-vehicle wreck claimed the lives of three Campbell Countians on the General Carl Stiner Highway just before 5:30 p.m. Monday.  Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Larry Skeen tells WLAF that 19-year old Josh Peavley of La Follette along with 59-year old Gary Phillip Mefford and his 63-year old wife Brenda Mefford, both of Jacksboro, died at the scene.  Trooper Skeen explains that Peavley was driving a 1985 Chevy S-10 Pick-up, heading toward La Follette while Phillip Mefford was behind the wheel of a 1997 four-door Buick LeSabre traveling east bound near the New Horizon Church.  Skeen says Peavley’s pick up crossed the center line striking Mefford’s car almost head on.  Peavley was partially ejected just before his truck caught fire.  None of the three was wearing a seat belt.  Three others in the Mefford car, all Campbell Countians, two seventeen-year old boys and a five year old girl, were taken to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  All are listed in serious condition this morning.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2012, 10:00 AM)

 

 Jacksboro Police Dept. wraps up 15th year of Shop with a Cop

   The Jacksboro Police Department held its 15th annual Shop with a Cop on Friday at Walmart, which matched donations from local businesses and individuals. This year, around $13,000 was raised to help a total of 155 children nominated through the local school system. (UPDATED SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2012, 7:30 PM)

CCHS girls place fourth at Winterfest Shoot-out

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

   After winning their opener Thursday in the Winterfest Shoot-out, the Campbell County High School girls’ varsity basketball team lost two straight games to finish fourth in the holiday tournament at Sevierville. The Lady Cougars fell 51-34 to Alcoa on Friday with post players Megan Caudill and Jamie Mynatt leading the charge with six points apiece. Campbell County lost 43-31 to host Sevier County on Saturday during the third place consolation game. Chelsey Finkenbine paced the Lady Cougars with 10 points.  (UPDATED SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2012, 8:15 PM)  

Lady Cougars advance to semifinals

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    It’s on to the semifinals for Campbell County High School’s varsity girls. The Lady Cougars defeated Cullman (Ala.) High, 61-49, Thursday afternoon to advance in the Winterfest Shoot-out at Sevierville. Campbell County will face Alcoa today at 4 p.m. for a spot in Saturday’s championship game at 7 p.m. The loser will play for third place on Saturday at 4 p.m.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012, 10:15 AM)  

These are teddy bears that have been dropped off at the Lenoir City branch of American Trust Bank.

American Trust Bank gathering teddy bears for Sandy Hook students

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Over 600 new teddy bears may soon be on their way to Newtown, Conn. thanks to a special toy drive by American Trust Bank of East Tennessee. John Evans, manager of the bank’s Lenoir City branch, is spearheading the drive. He hopes to send a teddy bear to each student that attends Sandy Hook Elementary, where 20 students and six teachers were killed last week during a tragic school shooting.    Evans said his wife Christy, a teacher at Alcoa Elementary, actually came up with the idea after watching news reports about the tragedy. “She said, ‘I wish I could go up there and hug every one of those kids, and let them know that there’s somebody out there that loves them and cares about them.’ So we decided to send them each a bear hug.” Any teddy bear donated to the project will be adorned with an orange and white ribbon and include a handwritten note from local elementary students that says, “Somebody in Tennessee loves you.” Each of the branches of American Trust Bank is participating in the project. That includes the branch in LaFollette and two in Knoxville. Evans estimates 250 teddy bears have already been donated to the project. If you would like to participate, just purchase a new teddy bear and drop it off at the LaFollette branch located at the corner of Jacksboro Pike and Towe String Rd. Donations will be accepted through Christmas week. “We just thought this would be a local thing, but it’s just kind of took off,” said Evans, who added that donations of bears have come from people as far away as Florida. “We got 100 or more at my office yesterday and today. What I’ve found in all this is that there are so many people who want to do something for those kids, and this is a way they can help.”  (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012, 10:00 AM)  

Holiday garbage/recycling schedule

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

    Perhaps at no other time of year are sanitation workers appreciated more than at Christmas, when used boxes and wrapping paper begin to pile up and overwhelm homeowners. With that in mind, Campbell County residents will want to take notice of the adjusted garbage and recycling pick-up times for the upcoming holiday.

*County convenience centers will be closed Christmas Day (Tuesday) only, while the recycling center will be closed both Monday and Tuesday of next week.

*LaFollette garbage and recyclables normally scheduled to be picked up Monday will instead be picked up on Wednesday. Garbage and recyclables normally scheduled to be picked up Tuesday will instead be picked up on Thursday. City hall will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

*Jacksboro’s municipal building will be closed Monday and Tuesday, so garbage will be picked up Wednesday and recyclables on Thursday. There will be no brush pick-up next week in Jacksboro.

*Caryville’s municipal building will be closed Monday and Tuesday, so garbage pick-up will be Wednesday and Thursday. Recyclables will be picked up on Friday.

*Jellico’s municipal building will be closed Christmas Day only. Garbage normally picked up Tuesday in Jellico will be picked up on Wednesday. Garbage normally picked up Wednesday will be picked up on Thursday.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012, 1:00 PM)  

Santa, Mrs. Claus and friends visit LaFollette Public Library

 

 (DWANE WILDER PIX 12/20/2012)

SEE THE CHRISTMAS PARADE & CONCERT down this page

Charlsa wins the Christmas stocking

     And we have a winner!  Charlsa Honeycutt of La Follette wins WLAF’s gigantic Christmas stocking that is stuffed full of toys.  Special thanks to Charlsa and the more than one-thousand other entrants who took part in the big Christmas promotion.  And extra special thanks to the corporate partners who made the promotion possible.  They are T.J.'s Pawn, just down from the high school,  Bowman Jewelers, at Traffic Light 8 in La Follette, Gifts From Above between Rainbow Ford and Long John Silvers, Designer Consignment across from Food Lion, in East Gate Center between La Follette Middle School and DeRoyal, The Movie Spot in the East Gate Center between La Follette Middle School and DeRoyal, and at the Radio Shack, on the Pointe across from Walmart.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012, 8:00 AM)  

 Busy season for Food Life Services personnel

Bob Conroy and Rhonda Fetzer with Food Life Services  (DWANE WILDER PIX 12/18/2012}

Hustle and bustle for Food Life Services, too

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Like elves in Santa’s workshop, Food/Life Services volunteers were busily preparing Tuesday afternoon for a big pre-Christmas rush on Friday at their new headquarters in the old East LaFollette School. The new location has been open since the first of December. Food/Life Services is an emergency food bank that serves around 1,100 families annually. First-time participants must provide proof of Campbell County residency in the form of a rent receipt or utility bill. After being logged into a computer database, they need only provide personal identification after that.

“This time of year is rough,” said Food/Life Services volunteer Marge Conroy.

“By the time they pay their electric and gas bill, they don’t have much left for food. And sometimes it comes down to either food or medicine.”

Conroy said that’s especially true at the end of the month for folks on fixed incomes.

Rhonda Fetzer and Leon "Swish" Caldwell with FLS

Last month, 37 Food/Life Services volunteers logged 326 hours. Each week, they distribute around 4,000 lbs. of food.

By 2 p.m. Tuesday, 269 bags of food had been handed out. Nearly 400 bags were distributed a few weeks ago during Thanksgiving week.

Conroy said each family receives a bag consisting of their choice of beans or rice, six additional items and their choice of bread or cake. There are two sizes of bags: one for families of one to four people and another for five or more people.

New East La Follette Food Life Services location

Families may come twice a week to receive food. Food/Life Services is open from 10 a.m to 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday, except for holidays.

Donations are always welcome. The mailing address is: Food/Life Services of Campbell County, P.O. Box 802, LaFollette, Tenn. 37766. You may also volunteer at the food bank by calling 562-0866. Volunteers perform a variety of functions, including food packing and distribution, administrative and transportation.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Terry's Pharmacy wraps up Christmas food drive

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Terry’s Pharmacy wrapped up its Christmas food drive for Food/Life Services on Tuesday. Store manager Gwen Patterson said that Terry’s has done a Thanksgiving food drive for several years, but this is the first time for a Christmas food drive. “There’s such a need for this in our community. We’re trying to help in every way we can,” said Patterson. Actually, it’s hard to tell where the Thanksgiving food drive ended and the Christmas food drive began.

Patterson said people continued to bring in non-perishable food items long after the Thanksgiving drive ended, so the staff of Terry’s Pharmacy decided to keep it going to the next holiday on the calendar. Dr. Rissa H. Pryse, owner of Terry’s Pharmacy, has matched all donations. “We’re grateful for our customers. They’ve been very loyal to us, so this is a way we can give back to them,” said Patterson. (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012, 4:45 AM)

Campbell County Commission Meeting 12/17/12

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Photos of the Riggs Drug Store robbery (courtesy Detective Josh Hill LPD 12/13/2012)

Riggs robbed at gunpoint

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

     An employee of Riggs Drug Store, adjacent to LaFollette Medical Center, was robbed at gunpoint on Thursday, Dec. 13. Pharmacist Robert Gross said a white male entered the store and pointed a silver colored snub-nosed revolver at him while demanding Oxys (Oxycontin). Gross told the man he didn’t have the particular drugs he was looking for. At that point, the robber then demanded all the store’s money. Gross said he gave the suspect between $400 and $500 out of the cash register, which the robber stuffed in a small, light colored satchel before exiting the store. The thief is described as wearing a gray hoodie with something green on the upper left and right sleeves and chest area, carpenter style jeans, and a blue handkerchief covering the lower half of his face. The robber had a thin build and appeared to be in his early to mid 20s. The LaFollette Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call 423-562-8331.(UPDATED TUESDAY, DEC. 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

County commission meets for final time in 2012

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

Campbell County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to proceed in negotiations with Montclair Corporation for the purchase of county-owned land in the Oswego Industrial Park near Jellico.

Included among the conditions Montclair must meet :  if the facility is not up and running in three years, the land would revert back to the county.

The county is also in the process of building a rail spur in same area at a cost of $520,000. Most of that will come from an ARC grant.

In other business during Monday’s regular monthly meeting, commissioners had lengthy discussions about the county convenience (garbage disposal) centers.

Commissioners learned that the convenience center in the isolated mountain community of  Stony Fork would have to be closed soon because it is not a permitted site under current state guidelines.

“A permitted site requires you to man it. You can’t just have a (dumpster) sitting there,” said finance director Jeff Marlow.

Marlow said the Stony Fork site has been open for 25 years, but the county missed a cut-off date in 1999 to permit it and additional sites.

 “So, what we’re doing is punishing 120 people because we didn’t do our jobs,” said commissioner Steve Rutherford.

“We didn’t have the volume and didn’t make the runs,” said Marlow.

“The thing I would offer as a potential solution is to get the people at the state level that make the rules to see if these rules can be changed or modified. I think you could man it a couple of days a week and make a pick-up one day a week.

“What Campbell County can’t afford to do is operate something that is not compliant, because it’s a very steep fine.”

Mayor William Baird and several commissioners decided to pursue a course of action that would include seeking the help of regional and state officials.

In another matter involving the county convenience centers, commissioner Tom Hatmaker questioned the practice of allowing a company from outside the county to dump brush at the main facility on Towe String Road.

Mayor Baird pointed out that the company had been doing some trimming work for LaFollette Utilities.

“If we charge them, they’re going to pass it off to (ratepayers),” said the mayor.

Currently, anyone who brings trash or brush to any of the county convenience centers must display a wheel tax sticker, with an exception being made for those who live out of state but own property in Campbell County.

“The only thing they’ve got to do is buy that $45 wheel tax sticker,” said commissioner Bobby White.

Commissioners also voted Monday night to reappoint James Hatmaker, Danny Sheckles and Sarah Lloyd to the Campbell County E-911 Board.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

                       Sheriff to increase law enforcement presence at county schools

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins has given orders for increased law enforcement presence in schools across Campbell County who do not currently have school resource officers assigned to them. Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said "In the wake of a national tragedy and the remembrance of our own heartaches from the past, I believe it is important we perform at a higher and more vigilant level. When it comes to the protection and well being of our children, we have no limits and will spare no expense or resource. At every turn it seems the odds are against us as law enforcement but we can't let that break the stride of our progress. It is imperative our presence reflects the wanting emotions of not only the children, but the parents, who across our country, fear the worst. We believe there are serious problems across our country and it takes serious, competent leaders to address them, plan proactively and respond professionally. I believe with all my heart that we have that now in Campbell County, from several leaders, and we do those things as a routine now. Campbell County citizens are some of the very few unique folks who have witnessed tragedy as Newtown, Connecticut has. Let's stand together with them, pray for them and ask God to wrap his arms around those families who are grieving.   (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012, 9:00 AM)

Tip leads to meth bust 

     La Follette Police responded to a call about possible drug activity on Rose Hill.  At 912 Kyle Street, the home owner, Mary Toney, gave officers consent to search the house.  In a bedroom, a bottle of lighter fuel, two containers of salt, a bottle of drain opener, a strainer, one pack of coffee filters, two digital scales, a funnel, and a spoon were found.  All the items are commonly used to make meth.  Charged with inititiate process manufacture meth and possession of drug paraphernalia is 32-year old April Vinsant of 912 Kyle Street in La Follette.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012, 4:00 PM)

City decides on employee insurance

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

City of LaFollette employees will have the same “P” or preferred insurance as last year, with a few notable exceptions. City council resumed a meeting on Friday that was adjourned in session last week to try and keep rising insurance costs within the 2012-13 budget cycle. After hashing it out over variations of a couple of different plans, the council unanimously approved a motion to keep the same plan they had last year. Two of the changes – an increase in the deductable of $500 and $1,000 more in out-of-pocket expenses - will directly affect employees. The cost to the city will be $36,000 more per year. Included in the motion was a request that City Administrator Cade Sexton take a poll among the department heads during a meeting on Monday. If there are no major objections, then the ruling will stand. Near the end of the meeting, Dr. Rissa Pryse, president of Terry’s Pharmacy, said that anyone that had insurance through a provider of BlueCross was mailed an erroneous letter last week stating that they could no longer purchase their medications from either Terry’s Pharmacy or Riggs Drug Stores. Councilman Bob Fannon, owner of Riggs Drug Stores, said he has been made aware that the situation has been rectified and a new letter will be going out this week to correct the mistake. Sexton was asked to have a similar memo attached to employees’ pay stubs this week in order to cut down on the confusion.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Church Arson-$2000 Reward Offered for Information
Leading to the Prosecution of Individual(s) Connected

     This morning Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins and Tennessee Bomb and Arson Section Special Agent Daniel Foster announced together that both agencies are now offering a combined cash reward of $2,000.00 for information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of any individual or individuals connected with the arson of Fincastle Church of God. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 423-562-7446 or the Tennessee Bomb and Arson Section at 615-741-3030.  In addition, we believe at this time, that the church arson is in no way connected to the recent church burglaries.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012, NOON)

Honor guard distributes toys

By Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

Members of the Campbell County Honor Guard donned their dress uniforms Friday morning to hand out gifts as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

Korean War veteran Poe Bostic

Over 700 young people in Campbell County were served this year by Toys for Tots, which has been actively supported by the mayor’s office since 2009. “It’s been a very successful year. All the money was raised in Campbell County,” said Deb Mikesell.

This year, there were two distribution locations: one in downtown LaFollette and another in Jellico.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Sheriff moves ahead in arson case

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

Following days of speculation and rumor, the fire that destroyed the sanctuary of Fincastle Church of God early Sunday morning has been determined to be the work of an arsonist.

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins gave church pastor Mike Smith the bad news on Thursday. Sheriff Goins is scheduled to meet with state investigators this morning to go over the details of the case.

“I can assure you that Pastor Smith and I have and will stand shoulder to shoulder together, along with the entire church’s congregation, as well as our office, our investigators and the state investigators,” said Sheriff Goins.

“It is imperative we work together, support one another and bring to justice the individual or individuals responsible for this sickening crime. Nowhere is it acceptable to destroy the sanctity of a religious institution in any community.

“We will refrain from releasing details of the investigation and evidence, as always, to protect the integrity of the investigation. Right now, our number one priority is to investigate the crime, develop leads and process the facts as they come.

“The State Bomb and Arson Section has vowed to stay the course with us and provide all the necessary resources our office and community needs to help bring this case to a resolution. I can’t stress enough how much those of us involved in this investigation and those involved in the tragic fire need all the prayers and support we can muster.”

The fire was first spotted around 3 a.m. Sunday morning by Lt. Jeremy Goins, who was on routine patrol. The church sanctuary was gutted, but the adjacent fellowship hall was spared.

For now, the church congregation plans to hold services at the Christian Academy of Campbell County.

“We have no suspects at this time, but we’re going to hope and pray for the best and keep digging,” said Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans.

Anyone that has information about the case should call the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department at 562-7446 or the Tennessee Bomb and Arson Section at 615-741-3030. All callers will remain anonymous.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Fincastle Church of God Fire- Ruled Arson

Late Wednesday evening, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie was notified by investigators with the State Bomb and Arson Section of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, and was informed that the fire at the Fincastle Church of God, along Old Middlesboro Highway in LaFollette, will be ruled and determined as arson. Sheriff Robbie Goins met first thing Thursday morning with Reverend Mike Smith, Pastor of the Fincastle Church of God, to release the depressed information directly to him. The sheriff and state investigators have scheduled a meeting first thing Friday morning to go over details and other information related to the fire. During this meeting, Reverend Smith and Sheriff Goins talked current facts to one another related to the case and vow to dispel any rumors or unrelated facts that pertain to the case. Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins said “I can assure you that Pastor Smith and I have and will stand shoulder to shoulder together, along with the entire church’s congregation, as well as, our office, our investigators and the state investigators. It is imperative we work together, support one another and bring to justice the individual or individuals responsible for this sickening crime. Nowhere is it acceptable to destroy the sanctity of a religious institution in any community. We will refrain from releasing details of the investigation and evidence, as always, to protect the integrity of the investigation. Right now, our number one priority is to investigate the crime, develop leads and process the facts as they come. The State Bomb and Arson Section has vowed to stay the course with us and provide all the necessary resources our office and community needs to help bring this case to a resolution. I can’t stress enough, how much those of us involved in this investigation and those involved in the tragic fire need all the prayers and support we can muster.” If anyone has any information related to the arson we ask you to call the Sheriff’s Office at 423-562-7446, or the Bomb and Arson Section at 615-741-3030. (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

It was arson

     The investigation results are in from the fire marshal.  Arson.  That’s the word from Reverend Mike Smith of the Fincastle Church of God.  The Fincastle Church of God burned in the wee hours of Sunday morning (December 9, 2012) with the call coming in to E-911 just before 3:00 a.m.  Late this morning, Sheriff Robbie Goins broke the shocking and disappointing news to Smith that the fire was intentionally set.  Smith soon went on air over WLAF to break the news to the community.  The church was located on Old Highway 63 east of La Follette right behind the Robert Clear Coal Corporation.  Still standing, and virtually untouched, is the church’s family life center.  A shocked Smith tells WLAF that he is very saddened by the total loss of the church, but that he is even further saddened that someone intentionally set it on fire.  Fincastle Church of God services for this weekend are scheduled for Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the nearby Christian Academy of Campbell County.  Smith encourages anyone with any information to please call him or the sheriff.  He emphasizes that you do not have to give your name.  The numbers are 423.494.4358 for Smith, and the sheriff’s number is 423.562.7446.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012, NOON)

Sheriff’s Office Recognized by Governor’s Highway Safety Office
Deputies Honored as Officers of the Year 2012

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announced Wednesday that his office and deputies were recognized for the second time in office history by the Governor's Highway Safety Office in an awards banquet Monday morning in Knoxville. Steve Dillard, Law Enforcement Liaison for the Governor's Highway Safety Office, announced the award winners in the Sheriff's Office category Officer of the Year 2012, for the Knoxville region. Campbell County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Darrell Mongar was announced the winner of the Officer of the Year 2012 award for county law enforcement agencies by LEL Steve Dillard. Sergeant Mongar was proudly nominated by Sheriff Robbie Goins for his efforts as lead K-9 handler and DARE Instructor, his supervision of school resource officers, his arrest record, $45,000 in drug money and vehicle seizures along with his community involvement and compassion for Campbell County citizens. In addition, Campbell County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Humphrey was recognized and awarded the DUI Officer of the Year 2012 for county law enforcement agencies by LEL Steve Dillard of the Governor's Highway Safety Office and (MADD) Mothers Against Drunk Driving, for his efforts in DUI enforcement and acting in the removal of drunk or drugged drivers from Campbell County roadways.

Sergeant Darrell Mongar, Deputy Joshua Humphrey, & Sheriff Robbie Goins

Deputy Humphrey was wholeheartedly nominated by Sheriff Robbie Goins for his efforts in leading the office with 20 DUI arrests for 2012 and his willingness to educate himself further and looking beyond the traffic stop to potentially help save the lives of Campbell County citizens. Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said "We are so proud and unbelievably honored, to have members of our staff recognized again this year for their efforts in professional public service. We cannot thank enough, our representative from the Governor's Highway Safety Office, Steve Dillard. Steve, like our deputies, spends his days and year serving the great State of Tennessee in a true, all-out effort to save lives, educate the public and provide counties like ours with the resources to provide our citizens with the best of professional public service. Darrell and Josh's hard work and dedication represent the efforts of our entire office and Campbell County citizens with distinction and honor and we should all be proud and congratulate them."  (UPDATED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County hurricane relief effort follow

     The following is a first-hand account of a recent relief effort undertaken by Leslie Silcox, her husband Jimmy and others to help the residents of Staten Island, New York in their recovery from Hurricane Sandy. Leslie, a registered nurse at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, grew up in Campbell County.

     After collecting the rest of the supplies in Jellico, we made a few more stops in Clinton and Knoxville to finish up the collection. Then we came home (to Powell), and the sorting and packing began. We sorted through so many boxes of cleaning supplies, toiletries, clothing and a massive amount of winter coats. We also had lots of police and fireman socks and boots donated. Sorting through everything, we were all so overwhelmed by how our extended communities came together to help out. I wish all who donated could have been here to see how their contributions paid off, and I wish every single person who contributed could have gone to New York with us to see just how everything was so appreciated. There were only three of us sorting and packing, so it took until 5 a.m. on Friday morning. My friend and co-worker Amy Lackey (who also made the long trip with us) stayed up all night to help my husband and I fill up the truck and organize everything. My mom, Lois Buckner (who lives in Newcomb) helped in a tremendous way, too. As soon as I had told her what I was doing, she got on the phone and went out in the community to collect supplies and money.

Leslie Silcox

She was one of my biggest supporters and helpers. She had filled her living room and kitchen full of donations in which she had already sorted and packed so we wouldn’t have to, and stayed up many nights doing so. And while there were so many that donated and gave from other towns, I have to say that Jellico and Newcomb filled that truck up with the most supplies. I’ve noticed that most of the time, it is the people who struggle to make ends meet that are so willing to step up and help others in need. I think it is because they know how it feels to do without and struggle with just trying to make sure they have everyday necessities, and so it breaks their hearts to see others struggle. So after the very long night of sorting and packing, we finally got some sleep (maybe 2-3 hours). We (my husband, his co-worker and Anderson County firefighter, Tony McCartney, my friend and co-worker Amy and I) left for Staten Island. We prayed before we left. On our way, we encountered a few issues. First, the check engine light came on in the big Budget Truck somewhere in Virginia, so that put us behind a few hours until we figured out what it was. Thankfully, it was only an electrical system malfunction that affected the gas gauge (that meant we had to stop every 150-200 miles to make sure we were still okay on fuel). And about the fuel, I learned very quickly that when you have a 24 ft. gigantic truck loaded down with supplies, it is going to take lots and lots of diesel to make a trip of 700-plus miles. We definitely hadn’t planned on paying upwards of $700 for diesel and gasoline, but all worked out even if our pocketbooks were close to empty. We had decided that it’d be best to find a hotel in Allentown, Pa. (about 1.5 hours outside New York City) and that maybe the rates would be cheaper. Well they were “cheaper” than the rates in the city, but we definitely were not in Tennessee anymore. We woke up early the next morning to get ready to head into Staten Island. The emotions started to hit all of that we really weren’t prepared for what we would see, so tears were shed and prayers were said, and we hit the road again heading to The Carl Vincent Bini Foundation (a local relief organization on Staten Island). Carl Bini was an 18-year veteran fireman stationed at Rescue 5 on Staten Island, who lost his life in the Twin Towers on 9/11. His family and friends created this foundation to honor him and his lifelong goal of reaching out and helping others.

The closer we got to (Staten Island) the more toll bridges we encountered. One particular toll bridge charged us $54 just to cross over on to Staten Island. We were not prepared for such high rates to cross the toll bridges. A guy we met who owns a construction company in a different state traveled over 400 miles with his machinery and trucks to go in and help rebuild. The tolls there cost him between $3,500 and $5,000 just to get to the island to help clean up. He had multiple huge trucks and machinery that had to cross over the toll bridge, so I probably shouldn’t complain too much about our $54. Once we finally got to Carl Bini Foundation, there was no one there except for a few guys in the locked warehouse who were sorting supplies. One of the guys called the owner who had forgotten that we were coming that day, so they were out doing toy drives for Christmas for the kids of Staten Island. Once the owner and his assistant apologized about a 1,000 times, the guys in the warehouse were so glad and thankful that we had come and brought supplies and clothing. There was a firefighter assisting with cleanup who had just called them that morning with a need for socks and boots. So he was able to come pick up some socks and a pair of boots that day. While we were unloading, the volunteers shared some really sad stories. One story in particular was about the day after Sandy had come through. The streets were flooded, and they were helping pull bodies from houses. People were freezing, and he told us about this house that was already marked as being checked. He said that something led him to that home, and there he found multiple families and their children who were cold, hungry, scared and huddled together trying to stay warm and praying for help. He was able to take them two big truckloads of supplies, food, clothing and blankets. He was also able to secure spots for them in a warm shelter, because the basement was flooded and the water was rising. He told a story of a few people who were shot and killed over gasoline at the gas station right beside the Foundation.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” he said. “When you and your family are cold, hungry, hurting, homeless and needing medical attention, it’s hard to say what one might do.” The area around The Carl Bini Foundation looked like a war zone, debris on top of debris, kids’ toys and clothing scattered everywhere. It was definitely a sad sight. After unloading supplies, we drove down to some of the harder hit areas. Some were flat like a desert, with only a cement foundation where a house used to be. There were demolished cars on the street, and people had to use spot lights and generators for street lights so they could see to continue the clean-up at night. Mansions by the water were basically a shell and looked as if they might tumble over at the slightest touch. The air was thick. I’m assuming it was from all the stirring up of debris.  Also, the air was filled with a kind of hopelessness and sadness that I can’t explain. But when we talked to the locals, there was also determination. They were determined to overcome this and rebuild their homes and families. They were thankful that people 700 miles away would love them enough to come and give aid. One young guy said, “That gives us hope, no matter what they are doing in Washington, no matter how many lies our President tells us, we know and have hope that there’s going to be folks like you who care enough to help.” After looking at the devastation and talking to the people, I think I can speak for all who were with me when I say that it made us humble, sad and thankful. 

Thankful that we have a roof over our head, a warm place to stay and no immediate threat of losing our loved ones. This is America, and as Americans we have to care for each other, regardless of race, religion and social status. Our hearts need to be that of a servant.  I know New York will rebuild, the determination is strong. On our way back off the Island, we took a wrong turn (of course, it was dark and I was driving). We somehow ended up in downtown Manhattan. The GPS was really confused. I’m assuming it’s because the signal was bouncing off all those tall buildings, so we kept taking right turns, left turns, and wrong turns and somehow ended up going through Times Square and passing Rockefeller Center. After about five hours of trying to find our way back out, it had started raining and the roads were freezing. So we had to stop again in Allentown to wait for the weather to calm down and the roads to clear up (another unexpected expense). The next morning all was well and we were on our way yet again. We made it home around 2 a.m. Monday morning. Despite the setbacks and unexpected expenses, it was worth it to serve those who needed it most. We never know when something may happen here. Jesus said that whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me. I hope this will always be my life verse, and I hope others will open up their hearts too.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County School Board Meeting from Tuesday, December 11, 2012

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9-1 vote extends Poston's contract through 2014

     The Campbell County School Board voted Tuesday night to extend the contract for Director of Schools Donnie Poston by a year, until June 30, 2014, but was divided on the question of making modifications to the contract.  Board member Rector Miller pushed for modifications to include benchmarks that would target improved test scores, but the board attorney advised that changes to the contract must be made public for a period of 30 days before the board can give final approval.  Following that, Mike Orick moved to approve the one-year extension with details of any changes to be worked out and voted upon after a workshop session. The board approved the extension 9-1 with only Johnny Creekmore voting “no.”  A motion to re-establish three standing committees failed to gain approval after those committees were disbanded following a complaint and threatened lawsuit that permanent standing committees violated the board’s own policy manual.  Miller argued for the need to re-establish the building & grounds committee of which he was chairman, insisting that many schools were in disrepair and the maintenance department needed close oversight by the board.  Miller then offered a motion to authorize changes to board policy that would adopt the building & grounds, safety and athletic committees as permanent entities. The motion failed on a 5-5 deadlocked vote, with chairman Josh Parker, Homer Rutherford, Mike Orick, Scott Hill and Eugene Lawson voting “no.”  The board was not divided on the question of finalizing the sale of the former Ridgewood School building. Despite failing to receive the published minimum bid of $100,000, the board voted unanimously to sell the property to Thomas Jobe for his high bid offer of $91,000.  Miller encouraged the sale, pointing out that the building costs $3,600 for insurance and $10,000 for utilities each year that it stands empty.  The board also voted unanimously to approve a contract with Mike Malicote’s firm for a solar energy system that will involve installing solar panels on the roofs of nine county school buildings and selling the excess electricity that is generated to TVA. The school system should receive an average of $25,000 a year from the sale of the excess electricity.  Malicote pointed out that the panels will be free standing and not involve puncturing the roof structures. The three Jellico schools will not be included in the program, he added, because Jellico Utilities wanted to charge a $750 application fee for each school before allowing the firm to evaluate the buildings.  The board also approved a $2,500 donation to the newly-formed Campbell County High School fishing team. Lawson and J. L. Collins both voted against the motion after it was explained that the high school students involved in the program will participate in Bass Federation-sponsored scholastic tournaments but must have their own boats furnished by parents.  Members of the American Federation of Teachers gave out canisters of Christmas candy to board members, but that did not deter Eugene Lawson from launching into a very “Bah, Humbug” tirade against the union as the meeting wound down.  Lawson complained that previous boards had “given everything away to AFT,” and charged that Director Poston was continuing to go by terms of the union contract that was invalidated by the state legislature when negotiating with the union, rather than board policy.  Lawson failed to refer to any specific examples to back up his complaints, instead simply blasting the union as he pointed out that teachers will be voting Thursday on whether the AFT will continue to represent teachers or whether a more moderate union such as TEA will gain a majority of votes.  Under the new system, no one entity will be able to speak for all teachers, as a negotiating team of 7-10 representatives will be formed based on the corresponding percentage of support in the election. In previous elections, the majority, but not all, of the county’s teachers supported the AFT as their representative union.   (UPDATED WED., DEC.12, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Fincastle fire investigation continues

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     Officials from the state fire marshal’s office were in Campbell County on Tuesday to investigate a blaze that destroyed the sanctuary of Fincastle Church of God early Sunday morning. Campbell County Chief Deputy said the investigation could take a few days due to the large size of the structure.

 Several Campbell County deputies spent much of Tuesday securing the crime scene for the investigation team. Stay tuned here and to 1450 WLAF for updates on the case.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012, 4:30 PM)

Two Campbell Countians die in overnight fire

     There was a double fatality this morning in Newcomb.  Reports coming in to WLAF News are that a house fire claimed the lives of a husband and wife.  The bodies of Glen Spurlock and Rosie Spurlock were found among the remains of their home in the predawn blaze just outside Jellico.  The home was located less than a mile from the former Jerry’s Market on the Elk Valley side.  The Jellico Rescue Squad responded to the call at 3:00 this morning.  Glen and Rosie Spurlock were 70-years old.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012, 3:00 PM)

County commission cannot make appointments to E-911 board

County commissioners discovered another limitation to their powers at Monday night’s workshop, as they learned that they cannot make appointments to the county’s E-911 board, merely approve or disapprove appointments made by the county mayor.

County Attorney Joe Coker passed on the ruling from the State Attorney General’s office that the commission’s appointment last month of Jacksboro police chief Danny Chapman to replace Sara Lloyd of LaFollette Medical Center was nullified by the state ruling.

Rusty Orick had pushed for the change, explaining that he felt local police departments needed to be represented on the board. The state law authorizing local E-911 boards requires appointments to be made by the county mayor, however, with commissions having only the power to approve or reject those appointments.

Mayor William Baird indicated he will again present his nominations at the next commission meeting.

Coker also reported that complications have surfaced in the negotiations with Montclair Corporation for the purchase of county-owned land in the Oswego Industrial Park near Jellico. The company wants to establish a facility to recycle used petroleum products at the former Taylor Machine facility and has asked to purchase an additional four acres from the county.

The county offered to sell the land with conditions that would include a reversion clause in the event that the facility is not up and running within three years. Coker reported that the company has instead suggested an agreement that would require the county to refund all payments and taxes to Montclair if Campbell County enacts the reversion clause and takes back the land.

“We still have some negotiations to work out before this agreement can be finalized,” Coker told commissioners.

The county has already received approval for an ARC grant to extend a railroad spur to the site, part of that cost being borne by local matching funds.

The commission unanimously approved a list of budget amendments as the Budget & Finance Committee, including one to accept a federal grant from the Office of Surface Mining to extend 6,000 feet of public water lines along Stinking Creek Road. The county does not have to provide matching funds, Mayor Baird reported. (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Caryville getting handle on overtime

By  Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

In an effort to get a handle on overtime issues, the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously Monday night that employees of the town must have approval of their supervisor before working extra hours. Also, commissioners of each department must sign off on overtime for their workers.

“It’s been a problem for a while,” said newly elected mayor Chris Stanley.

Alderman Glenn Smith brought up the subject and also made the motion. He specifically questioned overtime for the police and street departments.

“We haven’t had any bad weather for the street department to be getting overtime,” said Smith.

“Every department gets overtime, and I want to see where the overtime is going. It’s getting out of hand every month.”

Caryville Police Chief Johnny Jones answered Smith by saying, “I’d say 95 percent or more of our overtime is court time.”

Even with a spending freeze and a budget shortfall of $11,079 for November, Mayor Stanley promised that employees would get their annual Christmas bonus.

“Revenue is going down a little bit,” said the mayor.

“We’re going into a season where travel is down, where tourism is down. It will probably be tough the next couple of months to get the revenue up. We appreciate everybody’s help.”

The board also discussed the development of a purchasing policy and set a workshop for Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. to tackle the issue.

In other business during Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the board:

*Voted to take bids on changing all the door locks at the municipal building.

*Approved, on first reading, routine building codes ordinances and site plan requirements.

In action by the beer board, several local businesses were approved for renewal of their beverage permits.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell High, Jacksboro & La Follette Middle School's 2012 Christmas Concert

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CSX crews find a wrecked car at daybreak

     A Campbell County woman dies in a single-car crash early this morning.  Reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol are that 65-year old Delta Richardson of Jellico died when her small, red Jeep SUV veered off Highway 25W north of La Follette.  The report details that Richardson was travelling north around 9:00 p.m. Sunday when her Jeep apparently went behind a guardrail in a curve and then about 100-feet down an embankment and overturned.  It was not until this morning around daybreak when a CSX crane crew saw the wreckage not far from the Tussy Creek turnoff in the Morely area and called first responders.  Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene.  However, her passenger, 48-year old Tammy Ayers of La Follette was taken to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville where she is listed in stable condition this afternoon.  (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012, 3:00 PM)

2012 Christmas Parade

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Flu numbers up on Friday

     The absentees from illness were up on Friday, but not high enough to prompt the closing of school.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston tells WLAF that 13% or more than 700 students were absent from Campbell County Schools on Friday.  Poston notes that quite a few teachers were also out.  He says that even though those numbers are higher than Thursday’s absences, they are still well below the percentages that would prompt a closing which are between 20 and 25%.   (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Members of Duff Baptist Church honor Harold Branam

     Fifty years.  That’s how long Harold Branam served as treasurer at the Duff Baptist Church.  And on Sunday, he was honored by a fellowship hall full of friends.  Branam recently retired from his post , and tells WLAF News that he was totally taken by surprise.  He says the ceremony, that included the awarding of a plaque, was the best kept secret in Duff.   (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Pryse and Poston size up the impact of the flu

By Dwane Wilder – WLAF News

     Flu season has arrived in Campbell County with a vengeance.  Dr. Rissa H. Pryse, President of Terry’s Pharmacy, said she has been inundated the past few weeks with cases of a particularly violent and virulent strain of flu.  “It’s a mean flu, the worst in 10 to 15 years,” said Pryse.  “It’s started really early … generally, you see more cases in January.”  As soon as you think you may have the flu, she encourages you to get to your doctor immediately.  Pryse said the best way to avoid getting sick is to get a flu shot.  “Tamiflu is not a cure. However, it will stop the symptoms,” said Pryse.  “Tamiflu is most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms.”  Schools seem to be affected most whenever there is an outbreak of the flu. This week, schools in nearby Union County were closed due to sickness.  Campbell County Director of Schools Donnie Poston said he has seen an increase in flu-related absences the past few days, but so far it hasn’t been enough to cancel classes.  “We’ve had around 10 to 11 percent absences. It’s high but not high enough to call off school,” said Poston.  Not until 20 to 25 percent of students system wide are absent would Poston consider closing schools.  However, Poston is keeping a particularly close watch on Jacksboro Middle School, which had a 21 percent absentee rate (113 of 527 students) on Thursday. At the request of JMS Principal Steve Rutherford, a monthly meet-and-greet by Poston and the central office staff was canceled for late Thursday afternoon.  It may be a coincidence, but the JMS absentee rate rose sharply after basketball games last week at Horace Maynard Middle School.  “They went to Union County for ball games the other night, and ever since then it seems like (JMS students) have been getting sick,” said Poston. LaFollette Elementary had the second-highest absentee rate this week. On Thursday, 104 of the 700-plus students were not in class due to illness. Eight LES teachers also called in sick this week.  Caryville Elementary had 117 students absent on Thursday. Campbell County High was also nearing the 100-absentee mark on Thursday, but the student population there is over 1,400 students.  Schools in outlying areas of the county do not appear to be as hard hit by the flu. Jellico High had 40 students out on Thursday. Absences have been minimal at Elk Valley, Wynn and White Oak schools.  Regional health department officials have said this is shaping up to be the worst flu season since 2003. Flu season usually runs from early October through mid-May and peaks during the months of January and February.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012, 6:00 AM)

So, what time is tip time for CCHS?

By Dwane Wilder – WLAF News

     If you’ve had a hard time adjusting to the varied starting times for Campbell County High School basketball games this season, you’re not alone. Confused fans, coaches, players, members of the media and even referees are having to take double-check each day to make sure they get to the gym in time for tip-off. CCHS varsity boy’s coach Matt Housley said that District 3-AAA coaches voted 5 to 4 during a preseason meeting to move the starting times up 30 minutes in an attempt to get students home a little earlier on school nights. Housley was one of the coaches who voted against the earlier start times. So did the coaches at Anderson County and Clinton. “We are trying to keep our (home) games at 6:30 and 8 p.m., because we don’t want a kid in fourth period that has an end of course test leaving at 2:30 and missing instruction time,” said Housley. “Also, refs aren’t fans of it because they all have day jobs, and it’s tough for a jayvee ref to be somewhere at 4:30.” So, if you’re attending one of Campbell County’s district road games this season, be sure you get there 30 minutes earlier than normal. CCHS and Clinton will continue to play varsity home doubleheaders at 6:30 and 8 p.m. All other district varsity starting times will be 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Grandmother of former NFL star laid to rest at Jacksboro

     Aside from being his grandmother, Kathleen Martin may have been Chad Pennington’s biggest fan.  Martin, who died on Monday, is laid to rest today at Woodlawn Cemetery in Jacksboro.  Her grandson, Chad, was a first round NFL draft pick by the New York Jets in 2000.  Pennington retired after 11 seasons and is now a color analyst  for NFL telecasts on FOX.  Kathleen Martin, who lived a longtime in La Follette, was 88 years old.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Personnel matters headline Jacksboro Council meeting

By Dwane Wilder – WLAF News

Jacksboro’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen breezed through a light agenda Thursday night.

The top two items involved personnel matters.

*Officer Michael Caudill, who resigned from the Caryville Police Department last week, was hired in the same capacity for Jacksboro. Caudill had worked for Caryville since August, but left in the midst of a controversial spending freeze.

*With the recent resignation of Librarian Greg Smith, the board opted to close the library on Saturdays until someone is hired to replace him. Smith left to take a position at the Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities Commission. He had worked at the Jacksboro Library for 13 years, including the past two as librarian.

In other business, the board approved a city election to be held in April 2013 and talked about buying a fire truck next year. Mayor Jack Cannon said he would like to start the bidding process in January for the fire truck, which is expected to cost the town $335,000. The town is in the process of applying for a Community Development Block Grant to help purchase the truck.

At Jacksboro’s Beer Board meeting Thursday night, the board unanimously approved beverage permit renewal applications for Walmart, Smokey’s Shell, Eagle Mart and Dollar General Store.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Caldwell's crunching numbers long after that first CCHS accounting class

By Dwane Wilder – WLAF News

Though he didn’t realize it at the time, a high school class led Chris Caldwell to his current job as finance director for Knox County.

Caldwell, a native of Jacksboro and member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in LaFollette, graduated from Campbell County High School in 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2002 from Lincoln Memorial University and an MBA from Bellevue University, Neb. In 2009.

“When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I was going to major in when I went off to college,” said Caldwell.

“I thought about going into teaching and even nursing at one point. But I remembered taking accounting classes under Robbie Heatherly at CCHS. And I thought, you know, I really enjoyed that, so I gave it a shot. I’ve always been a numbers guy so to speak.”

Caldwell began working for Knox County in June 2002 as an accountant. Over the next 10 years, he worked his way up the ladder before being appointed finance director in late July by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. Caldwell had been serving Knox County as interim finance director since April.

Josh Parker, Clarence Lowe, and Caldwell (R) at the Cancer Association Telethon (April 2012)

“It’s a very interesting job … ever changing,” said Caldwell.

“It’s always something new.”

Caldwell lived in Jacksboro up until a few months ago, when he finally made up his mind to put down roots in the rural northeast Knox County community of Corryton.

“I decided to move down there, and everything just fell in place,” said Caldwell of the move, which coincided with his promotion.

“I would actually like to retire from Knox County in my current position.”

In October, Caldwell was selected as the R. Martin Peters Young Alumnus of the Year during homecoming week festivities at his alma mater, LMU.   (UPDATED THURSDSAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Health insurance increase coming but where is money to pay coming from?

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

LaFollette City Council adjourned in session Tuesday night after failing to reach a decision on employee health insurance. The meeting will pick back up on Friday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

City leaders are mulling several options, including a combined package with LaFollette Utilities. David Rutherford, an agent with E.E. Hill and Son Insurance Inc., addressed city council for the second consecutive week about different plans and providers. Rutherford will continue to crunch numbers in an attempt to get an inevitable increase as low as possible for the City of LaFollette going into next year.

“Right now, we don’t have enough (in the budget) for a two percent increase,” said LaFollette City Administrator Cade Sexton, who hinted that employees could be asked to make up some of the difference.

Other than the debate over insurance, Tuesday’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting was routine. Recently elected officials Mike Stanfield (mayor), Hansford Hatmaker and Bob Fannon were sworn into office.

The council voted to form a medical board of seven members, including the city administrator and city attorney.

The council also reappointed Mayor Stanfield as the city’s representative to the board of the LaFollette Medical Foundation.

The council approved a couple of resolutions to issue bonds for the water and sewer system. The board voted to adopt a compliance manual regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and also amended  a zoning ordinance to prohibit the building of temporary commercial structures within city limits.

During a beer board meeting afterward, Mahendrakumar Patel of Campbell County Tobacco and Deli was approved for a permit to sell beer on his premises.  (UPDATED WEDNESDSAY, DECEMBER 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Christmas in the Park lights up for a large crowd

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

     Unseasonably warm weather on Monday brought out the largest crowd in years for Christmas in the Park at Cove Lake.  The event began at 6 p.m. with the annual tree lighting followed by a fireworks display by Pyro Shows.  Afterward, visitors enjoyed basking in the warm glow of Christmas lights while strolling along the walking trail.  Other activities included a hayride by starlight, children's crafts, and photo opportunities with Santa.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

CCHS Theatre Art classes host a first

     Campbell County High School theatre arts students will present their very first drive-thru drama, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”, on Monday, Dec. 17, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot on the LaFollette side of campus. For only $5 per vehicle, spectators will be able to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas from the comfort of their own car. All tickets will be sold at the gate on the evening of the performance. Donations above and beyond the $5 charge are always welcome.   (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2012, 4:00 PM) 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

December 3, 2012

Contact: Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans       
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins announced today that a Lafollette man has been arrested in conjunction with a stabbing that resulted in the death of a 53 year old man.  Friday evening at 6:26pm deputies were dispatched to 1078 South Highway 25W just outside the City of Lafollette.  The deputies discovered Rocky Lane Gibson, age 53 of that address, suffering from a knife wound.   Mr. Gibson was flown by Lifestar to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he later passed away due to injuries received during an altercation. 

      Jonathan B. Sexton

     Detectives immediately began an investigation into the events leading up to the stabbing.  Captain J. Brandon Elkins and Det. Sgt. Freddie White began interviewing persons involved and those that may have knowledge of the stabbing.  Their efforts revealed sufficient evidence to make an arrest late Saturday night.  Elkins charged Jonathan B. Sexton, age 26, of Pleasant Ridge Road, Lafollette, with Voluntary Manslaughter.  Sexton remains in the Campbell County Jail awaiting to be arraigned on Monday December 3, 2012. It is believed that alcohol was a contributing factor to the altercation that led to the death of Mr. Gibson. Sheriff Goins wishes to express his condolences to the Gibson family and thanks all of his personnel involved in the investigation.   (UPDATED MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2012, 11:00 AM) 

Community honors Dr. Wood

By Dwane Wilder, WLAF News

     Patients, former patients and members of the Campbell County community came out Friday to honor Dr. Burgin Wood for nearly 60 years of service during a reception held in his honor at his clinic located just below LaFollette Medical Center. The distinguished list of well-wishers included the Stiner brothers, retired U.S. Army general Carl Stiner and former county executive Tom. Dr. Wood began practicing medicine in LaFollette in 1953, three years before the hospital opened.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012, 4:00 PM) 

Dr. Burgin Wood and Retired Four-Star General Carl Wade Stiner 

(Dwane Wilder Pix 11/30/2012)

Campbell County under the highest fire alert

     Campbell County remains a tinderbox.  Gary Mundy with the Forestry Service tells WLAF that overnight crews battled and then eventually contained a fire on Iveydell Mountain (known by some as the south end of Peabody Mountain). Mundy says the south and east flanks of the mountain are still burning, and crews are in the process of setting a backfire.  Mundy calls it a PL5 Day today.  That’s a Planning Level 5 Day meaning that there is a high fire danger.  As a result of the Class 5 status, no burn permits are being issued today or Sunday.  However, on Saturday, restricted burn permits will be issued.  Mundy says he and his crew fought a fire on Eagle Rock Road at Eagle Bluff not long after midnight on Thursday morning.  That’s the second time they’ve put out an arsonist’s fire on Eagle Rock Road.  He recalls that a couple of weeks ago, they snuffed out fire on the left side of the road, and Thursday, they extinguished fire on the right side of the road.  At publishing time this afternoon, the Iveydell fire is the only fire burning in Campbell County.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012, 1:00 PM) 

 

Deputy Darryl Chapman, Jerry Sharp, Sheriff Robbie Goins, and Sgt. Ken Daugherty

Certificate of Authenticity

This letter is to certify that the contents contained in the display given to the Campbell County Historical Society is actual items from the jail built in 1962.  The jail was deconstructed in sections during 2012.   The items are actual items from the building and employees during those years. 

The following is a list of those items with their details.

1. BRICK -  The brick was one of three from the entire building that was kept.  The rest were destroyed.  This brick came  from the kitchen's exterior wall.

2. BAR - This bar was cut from an interior door of the prisoner housing unit.  It was the last door that shut behind a prisoner leaving them inside population. It was a door that all wished would open for them.  It was the first one they exited through to be released.

3. PICTURE - This picture was taken by Charlie Hutson in 2012.  It shows the public entrance and the original Sheriff's Housing where Sheriff John Dossett stayed.  The last few decades it housed the District Attorneys Office.

4. PATCH - The patch is an original one from Deputy Darryl Chapman's uniform in 1988.

5. KEY -  The key (No. 303a) was used to open and close the storage area in the dispatcher's office.  It served to hold radios, guns, and later evidence was put in the mix.  

We, Deputy Darryl Chapman, Jerry Sharp, Sheriff Robbie Goins and Sgt. Ken Daugherty certified this display and these facts herein contained on this day, 21st of November 2012 A.D.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012, 10:30 AM) 

You’ll soon drive to Clinton for a driver’s license

     First it wasn’t closing.  Then it might close.  Now, it’s going to close.  La Follette’s driver service center is closing December 28.  It will merge with the center in Clinton.  Officials with the state say the merger will enhance customer service and alleviate wait times.  However, those driving from Campbell County will already have, at least, an hour of time invested in just making the round trip drive to Clinton.  The merging center will issue driver's licenses and ID cards, handgun permits, and administer knowledge and skills testing.  There is some consolation.  Campbell Countians may go to the county clerk's office for duplicate or to renew a driver’s license.  You may also be eligible to renew your license online at https://apps.tn.gov/tndlr/index.html.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Powers elected to leadership post

     Second-term State Representative Dennis Powers is elected as Vice-Chairman of the State Caucus.  Earlier this week, the new Tennessee Republican House majority of 70 caucus members elected its new leaders for the 108th General Assembly which begins in January.  Re-elected is Representative Beth Harwell as Speaker of the House.  Also elected is Representative Glen Casada, a former Caucus Chairman, to that post again.  The representative for Campbell County, and portions of Anderson and Union, Dennis Powers, was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Caucus.  The positions are two-year terms as Powers, who was first elected in 2010, begins his second-term at Nashville (UPDATED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Campbell County among 31 threatened on Tuesday

     It was almost lunch time when a bomb threat call came in to the Campbell County Courthouse on Tuesday.  Sheriff Robbie Goins ordered the courthouse evacuated and then closed.  Goins tells WLAF that after a thorough search by officers and a bomb dog, the courthouse was reopened more than two hours later just after 2:00 p.m.  The Campbell County call was one of 31 made around the state to government facilities.  In fact, Goins says that another bomb threat call was phoned in at the county’s annex office at Jellico.  Among the other nearby areas where bomb threats were made include Anderson, Blount, Claiborne, Cumberland, Hamblen, and Knox Counties.  Middle and West Tennessee threats were also made including Memphis, Shelby County.  All the calls came within about a three-hour period in the middle of the business day.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Two charged with making meth

     A LaFollette policeman’s concerns about someone attempting to burn trash led to the arrest of two people on meth related charges on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 513 S. 8th St. Tiffany Woods, 22, of 513 S. 8th St., LaFollette was charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia and initiation of the meth manufacture process. Brandon Scott Harmon, 27, of 1522 Melvin Hollow Rd., Pioneer, was charged with promotion of meth manufacture. In an official LPD report, Officer Charles Duff reported that, while on routine patrol, he observed Harmon dumping the contents of a trash bag on the ground. Thinking that Harmon was attempting to burn trash during a no-burn period, Officer Duff stopped his car and exited his vehicle. At that point, Duff said Harmon spotted him and began walking away from the bag at a fast pace. When questioned, Harmon stated that someone else had walked through his yard, dropped the trash bag and kept on walking. Upon further investigation, Officer Duff found that the bag contained eight lithium strips, a one lb. container of salt, contents of a cold pack, several baggies and coffee filters, and a one-pot meth cook bottle. Also, near the bag he found six more one-pot meth cook bottles and a half gallon of Coleman fuel. After the renter gave consent to search the property, officers found numerous cook bottles in the household garbage, which brought the total of one-pot meth cook bottles located on the property to 28. According to the report, another subject on the property said that all of the cook bottles in the garbage belonged to Woods. She and Harmon were arrested and transported to the Campbell County Jail where they remain this morning.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012, 6:00 AM)

La Follette's health insurance is top topic

By:  Dwane Wilder-WLAF News

Health insurance was the main topic of discussion Monday night during the regular monthly workshop of the LaFollette City Council.

David Rutherford, an agent with E.E. Hill and Son Insurance Inc., was on hand to update the council about ways to try and minimize rising insurance costs.

One option currently under consideration is to combine city employees and LaFollette Utilities employees under one group insurance plan.

“We had them combined for years, and last year they were separated for the first time,” said Rutherford.

“The two big things that affect this area are the Summit Medical Group is not in an S (select) network and Knox County Tennova is not in an S network.”

Rutherford said an original estimate of 24.6 percent has been revised to 9.6 percent . That’s how much more the city can expect to pay for next year’s plan.

“I think if we start with 9.6 percent and make some changes, which won’t be too painful, I think we can get it down to what your budget is,” Rutherford told the council.

“We’re much better off than I thought we were.”

Rutherford  plans to do more number crunching over the next few days and will present his findings to the city council, which is expected to vote on the matter next Monday during its regular monthly meeting.

“At this point in time, I’ve been told we can expect more than an eight percent increase,” said LaFollette City Administrator Cade Sexton.

“This insurance thing is getting plum out of proportion,” said LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield.

Other items discussed by the board during its workshop included:

*A zoning amendment to prohibit temporary commercial structures.

“I think it would eliminate something temporary from becoming permanent,” said Sexton.

“It gives the city a little bit more control over it,” said Councilman Joe Bolinger.

*Forming a medical board.

*Resolutions authorizing the issuance of bonds for the collection and disposition of revenues from the city water and sewer system.

*An ordinance adopting a compliance manual regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Basically, what it says is that we don’t discriminate,” said Sexton.

*A brief update from LaFollette Public Works Director Jim Mullens on work being done at Mullis Trail.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Miller's playing a waiting game in recovery process

     In a report from the family of Ethan Miller, there's been no change in the condition of the Campbell High football player.  Miller remains in a private room at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville this morning as he waits for the lower half of his body to "come around."  Cougar Ethan Miller was flown by Lifestar early Sunday afternoon after being injured in a four-wheeler accident on his family farm near the high school.

Ethan Miller (2) and Isaac Phillips (1) celebrate a takeaway in the season opener (08/17/2012)

One family member describes Miller’s injury as a sting which is a shock to the spine creating a numb feeling to the legs.  All tests show no damage, and doctors indicate it’s just going to be a matter of time until his body comes around, and he regains full use of the lower part of his body.  Miller, who has been able to move his toes some, will be further evaluated later today by a neurosurgeon. (UPDATED TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Stop by & register to win WLAF's gigantic Christmas stocking at Radio Shack

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 Win the gigantic Christmas stocking

       Win a gigantic Christmas stocking stuffed full of toys.  See the stocking today at Radio Shack, and sign up to have a chance to win it.  Other locations where you may sign-up are the Movie Spot next to La Follette Middle School, Designer Consignment across from Food Lion, T.J.'s Pawn just down from the high school, and at Gifts From Above located between Rainbow Ford and Long John Silvers.  No purchase necessary, and the winner's name will be drawn and announced on December 19 over 1450 WLAF.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County Commission Meeting from Monday, November 19, 2012

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Director of Schools Donnie Poston

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Numbers and neighborhoods known in car break-in spree

     The numbers, neighborhoods, and dollar amounts are now known in the recent car break-in spree.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that two suspects who burglarized 21 cars on six different streets remain behind bars this afternoon in the county jail.  The sheriff tells WLAF that the burglaries were scattered throughout several subdivisions on Ali, Crescent, Overlook, Chase, and Dogwood Lanes as well as Fairview Circle.  All break-ins happened in either the town of Jacksboro or just outside town limits.  Jacksboro Police along with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department arrested 25-year old Anthony Winnie of Long Hollow Road in La Follette and Phillip McGhee of Hatmaker Ridge in Jacksboro.  Both are age 25.  Winnie and McGhee are charged with burglary and theft of property under $500; Winnie on 13 counts and McGhee on eight counts.  Sheriff Goins says the pair stole more than two-thousand dollars in cash and personal property to feed their drug habits.  Winnie is being held on a 44-thousand dollar bond while McGhee’s bond is $40,500.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, NOV. 20, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Fallout from Rarity Mountain hits the county's pocketbook

The Campbell County Commission held a brief regular meeting Monday night as the holiday season approaches, conducting routine business and hearing a presentation from Knoxville-based Ackermann Public Relations on a plan for future economic development that would be largely tourism-based.

The commissioners then tossed aside the future to take a step into the past, unanimously approving a resolution that supports the “continued mining of coal within Tennessee as a driver of economic development.”

The resolution was a slap at the Obama administration, accusing Washington of waging a “war on coal” through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Although the resolution is unlikely to have any impact on federal laws or the declining demand for high sulfur coal, all twelve commissioners present voted in favor.

Another resolution was met with less enthusiasm, as Mayor Baird presented a resolution in support of state legislation that would require motels, hotels and other short term lodging facilities to keep a log of all adult guests who register for a room, including name, address, date of birth and vehicle license plate numbers.

The resolution would support proposed state legislation intended to aid law enforcement officials in locating fugitives seeking refuge in motels. However, it also requires guests to provide “valid state or federally issued picture identification.”

That provision as written is almost certain to be met with strong opposition and probable legal challenges from the tourism industry, as it would appear to prevent elderly Tennesseans with non-photo drivers’ licenses, along with tourists from Canada and other foreign countries, from renting motel and hotel rooms in Tennessee.

Five commissioners voted against the resolution without offering any explanation for their opposition and Mayor Baird, seeming surprised, declared that it failed to gain the necessary eight votes since three commissioners were absent.

The commission also reappointed two members of the E-911 Board, volunteer fire department representative James Hatmaker and Campbell County EMS Director Danny Sheckles. Sara Lloyd of La Follette Medical Center was not reappointed, however, when Rusty Orick moved to nominate Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman, pointing out that he felt local police departments needed to be represented on the board.

J. L. Davis, Steve Rutherford and Beverly Hall opposed Orick’s motion but it passed 9-3.

The commission approved a list of budget amendments without opposition, but heard information that promises to be bad news when next year’s budget discussions begin.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow directed the commission’s attention to the assessment summary from the Property Assessor’s office. Since September, the total assessed value of Campbell County property has declined by over 8 million dollars, which means that property tax revenues will likely decline next year.

Marlow pointed out that the loss is due to the Board of Equalization lowering the values for the high-priced residential lots in the bankrupt Rarity Mountain development, along with a half-million dollar decline in the value of industrial property due to the closing of the PACA facility.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Man “on the run” found at a Caryville motel

     After two days on the run, Caryville and La Follette Police catch up with a wanted man.  Officers went to the Tennessee Motel at Caryville looking for 28-year old Donald Joe Ridenour.  And they found him.  According to police reports, when Ridenour was ordered to the ground and to place his hands behind his back, he refused.  Ridenour continued laying on his arms while arguing and cursing officers.  He continued yelling and jerking away from police to the point where officers ended up spraying Ridenour at which time he complied.  Ridenour faces domestic assault, two capias bench warrants, possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, and resisting arrest.  He remains in the county jail this evening on a 65-hundred dollar bond.  (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 PM)

LPD officers nab suspect after cross town chase

     On Sunday, La Follette Police Officers chased a violation of parole offender across town before taking him into custody.  When an officer spotted 27-year old Jason Bradley Smith of La Follette on South Tennessee Avenue near West Hemlock Street, he told him he was under arrest on a parole violation.  During the pat down, Smith took off on foot, and the chase was underway.  Smith ran across town and was finally caught, cuffed, and stuffed on Sharp’s Circle.  Smith is housed this evening in the county jail on charges of violation of probation, resisting arrest, and evading arrest.  (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 PM)

Is it “urine” or mine?

     So, who’s urine is it?  La Follette Police catch a Newcomb man trying to pass off someone else’s “pee” as his.  LPD officers were called to La Follette Wellness Center on Jacksboro Pike on a complaint that 33-year old David Angel was using a metal flask filled with urine trying to use it to pass a drug test.  Angel confessed to police that he was trying to pass the drug test with another person’s pee.  Then when it came to having ID, Angel said it was in his car.  When an officer went to get Angel’s ID, he found a bottle of pills along with a suspended driver’s license.  Angel told police he faked the urine test because he had suboxone in his system.  Angel is free on bond while facing charges of driving while suspended and possession of a schedule II controlled substance. (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 PM)

Seatbelt violation leads to jail time for a Caryville man

     When a Caryville man was pulled over for driving without wearing his seat belt, the charges began adding up.  La Follette Police Officers pulled over 40-year old Scottie Lee Watson at the Gulf Station in front of the Save-A-Lot, and soon learned Watson is an habitual motor vehicle offender.  LPD charged him with six counts including driving while revoked, habitual motor vehicle offender, violation of the registration law, violation of the Tennessee Financial Law, seatbelt law, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Watson is still being held this evening in the county jail on a seven-thousand dollar bond.(UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 PM)

 

Ridgewood School remains on the auction block

     Ridgewood School was on the auction block over the weekend.  And it may stay there for a while.  The minimum bid of 100-thousand dollars was not met.  The highest bid was from local businessman Thomas Jobe of 116 Wrecker Service who bid 91-thousand dollars.  Even though Jobe’s bid was under the minimum, the school board does have the option to accept or decline.  Campbell County School Board Chairman Josh Parker tells WLAF that the building appraises for 150-thousand dollars, and that he wishes the county could get more than Jobe’s below-minimum-bid.  He feels it’s worth more than 91-thousand.  Parker adds that the school board will decide to accept Jobe’s bid or hold on to the property at its next meeting.  That meeting is coming up on December 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the courthouse.    (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012, 9:30 AM)

Boomer weighs-in on Dooley & the “secession" movement

     Boomer's Corner is now open.  And, of course, he just has to rant about former Tennessee Football Coach Derek Dooley.  Enjoy!    (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012, 8:00 AM)

Public invited to reception for new Roane State president

The public is invited to meet new Roane State Community College President Dr. Chris Whaley during a reception on Wednesday, November 28 from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Campbell County campus, 201 Independence Lane in La Follette.

The reception will be held in the Community Room.

Dr. Whaley is Roane State’s fifth president. He succeeds Dr. Gary Goff, who retired October 31 after seven years as the college’s leader.

Dr. Whaley is a graduate of Roane State. After three years in private practice as an attorney, he returned to the college in 1997 as program director of the A.A.S. Paralegal Studies program, a position he held through 2002.

Since then he has served in positions of successively greater administrative responsibility at the college. He was named dean of social science, business and education in 2002, and in 2010 was promoted to vice president of student learning/chief academic officer.  Whaley has also taught as an assistant professor, associate professor and full professor of legal studies, and he continues to teach.

Dr. Whaley earned his associate’s degree in social science from Roane State, a bachelor’s degree in political science from Middle Tennessee State University, and the doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

The Campbell County reception is part of a series of visits by Dr. Whaley to all Roane State locations in November and early December.

Ranked the 27th best community college in the nation by StateUniversity.com, Roane State has campuses in Crossville, Harriman, Huntsville, Jamestown, Knoxville, LaFollette, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge and Wartburg.

For more information about the receptions, call 865.882.4507.(UPDATED MONDAY, NOV. 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Minor traffic violation leads to major arrests

     It was only a minor traffic violation.  Although, it turned into a vehicle pursuit.  In the end, Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF, that as a result, arrests were made in the multiple unlocked vehicle burglaries case.  It just took a few days for a task force of Sheriff’s Deputies and Jacksboro Police Detectives to unravel the string of neighborhood crimes.  Charged are Anthony Winnie of Long Road in La Follette and Phillip McGhee of Hatmaker Ridge Road in Jacksboro.  Both suspects are 25-years old.  Charges for the pair include 21 counts of burglary and 21 counts of theft or attempted theft for allegedly breaking-in nearly 21 unlocked vehicles around populated neighborhoods in the Jacksboro area of the county and city. Goins says that through the investigation, it is believed the duo was trading stolen items from the vehicles for money to help support a drug addiction.  Winnie and McGhee remain jailed this morning in the county jail at Jacksboro.  A more detailed story and pictures are found further down this page.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Christmas Parade is two weeks away 

     The Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m.  For more information on the parade…to enroll as a participant, float entry or general questions log on to www.campbellchristmasparade.com, watch the information video or contact Kelli Jo Wright @ 423.912.8873 for more information.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Sugar Shack is baking for you for the holidays 

     Have you ordered your pies, goodies, and breads for the holidays yet?  The Sugar Shack is now taking orders for blueberry, blackberry, cherry, pumpkin, and pecan pies.  The Shack is also ready to help you with any other treats or breads for the holidays.  The number to call for your order is 423.566.2300.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Sheriff Announces Arrests and Charges in Multiple Unlocked Vehicle Burglaries Case

     A Wednesday night vehicle pursuit for a minor traffic violation that was observed by Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Franklin Ayers, who was on a special patrol assignment in neighborhoods threatened by vehicle burglars, ultimately led a Task Force of Sheriff’s Detectives and Jacksboro Police Detectives to the apprehension of 2 males from Campbell County.  Anthony C. Winnie, 25 y/o of 1746 Long Road in Lafollette and Phillip McGhee, 25 y/o of 250 Hatmaker Ridge Road in Jacksboro are being charged with 21 counts of burglary and 21 counts of theft or attempted theft for allegedly breaking-in nearly 21 unlocked vehicles around populated neighborhoods in the Jacksboro area of the county and city.

Winnie

Through our investigation we believe these individuals were trading items stolen from vehicles for money to help support a drug addiction. Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said “Our patrol division has been ordered to work overtime and to be extra vigilant in the hunt for these individuals. Our citizens deserve to rest peacefully at night and we are prepared, as always, to do everything within our means and resources to provide the services they demand and deserve. In a joint statement Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins and Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman said “Our responsibility to communicate together, work together and solve crime together is a task we both take very seriously and demand from our respective personnel. We know and believe it is our duty to continue this relationship, working together to make sure the people of Campbell County, no matter the boundaries, get the service and protection they deserve.

McGhee

We are also so proud of our patrol divisions and investigators who have a mandate and duty to do the same and we expect no less. Together, we thank and appreciate Deputy Franklin Ayers, Captain Brandon Elkins, Detective Sgt. Freddie White and Detective Mike Starrett for their hard work, dedication and vigilance in bringing these individuals to justice.”    (UPDATED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012, 5:00 PM)

Veterans Day Parade 2012

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Caryville freezes all spending

     It was swearing-in night at Caryville on Monday.  Mayor Chris Stanley, Aldermen Vickie  Heatherly, Glenn Smith, and Lloyd Lawson were all sworn in with Smith becoming the new vice mayor.  At Monday’s regular monthly meeting, two fulltime police officers were hired.  They are Gary Johnson and Michael Caudill.  Mayor and aldermen also placed a freeze on any spending until further notice.  The city approved a resolution accepting the engineer's recommendation to reject all bids from October 23, 2012, for the 2011 Scenic Circle water tank and booster station.  Several items where tabled until the December 10 meeting.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell Countian looks to be considered for federal judge post

     A Jacksboro native and graduate of Campbell High hopes to have a chance at becoming a federal judge.  Cynthia Richardson Wyrick of Sevierville tells the Knoxville News Sentinel that she hopes to be considered.  U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Phillips is retiring in July 2013, and Wyrick’s name is one of a handful of names being mentioned.  Wyrick, who does mostly trial work, is in the law firm of Ogle, Gass, and Richardson.  In June, Wyrick was elected president-elect of the Tennessee Bar Association.  President Obama will select the new judge, subject to U.S. Senate confirmation.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

CCVFD gets a 1-K boost

     Today is a “grand” day for the Campbell County Volunteer Fire Department.  This morning at the Jacksboro Fire Department, AT&T is presenting Don McGuire of the CCVFD with a one-thousand dollar check.  Alan Hill with AT&T presents the check to the Campbell County Volunteer Fire Department as part of AT&T’s community outreach.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

You knew he'd have to weigh-in on the election

     Boomer's latest rant is ready for your reading.  Check "Boomer's Corner" as Charles Boomer Winfrey offers his twisted take on the election and the earthquake.  Enjoy!  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

WLAF's Big Josh named Grand Marshall

     The 2012 Campbell County Christmas Parade is just around the corner Saturday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m. in La Follette.  WLAF’s Big Josh Etter is this year’s Grand Marshall of the Christmas Parade.  In addition to the evening parade, there are festive additions. 

Immediately following the parade, the city is closing South Tennessee Avenue in front of city hall where you may see all the winning and competition floats and also take part in the Reindeer Games at Seargeant Park.  The man of the evening, Santa Claus, kicks off the Lighting of the Park, Seargeant Park.  WLAF-TV 12 again provides televised coverage of the parade with playbacks on the weekends through December.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Police describe predawn prowlers as gutless cowards

     Jacksboro Police and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department are working a slew of car break-ins.  JPD Detective Mike Starrett tells WLAF that Jacksboro Police responded to eight calls Sunday night in the Wheeler Landing, Perkins, and Indian Mound subdivisions.  Starrett describes the cases as someone who is looking into vehicles for loose change, GPS devices, or anything they think they can easily access.  He goes on to say that the suspects were only getting into vehicles that were already unlocked.  Chief Deputy Aaron Evans with the Sheriff’s Department says Sunday night’s target area was Jacksboro and areas of the county just outside Jacksboro.  He adds that CCSD Deputies responded to a lot of similar calls last night as well.  Evans calls those responsible gutless and cowards who prey on folks in the cover of early morning darkness.  The Chief says that if you see something, he wants you to say something and to call 9-1-1 or the sheriff’s office at 423.562.7446. (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2012, 2:30 PM)

Former La Follette Post Master dies

     A former postmaster dies.  Charles Morton, who served 42-years in the postal service, died on Saturday.  Morton spent many years as postmaster at La Follette before retiring in the 1980s.  He also served during World War II.  Morton was 86-years old.    (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Caryville swears in a new mayor tonight

     It’s swearing-in night at Caryville this evening.  The newly elected officials for the town of Caryville, Mayor-elect Chris Stanley along with aldermen Vickie Heatherly, Glenn Smith, and Lloyd Lawson are to be sworn in.  It’s also the regular monthly meeting for Caryville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen beginning at 7:00.  We’ll have the story for you here tomorrow.    (UPDATED MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Sunday's Veterans Day Parade

Christmas at Galilee set for December 2 

     Galilee Bible Camp sets the date for Christmas at Galilee.  Sunday, December 2, is the date with the hours running from 2:00 until 4:00.  There’ll be refreshments, caroling, a puppet show, games, and, of course, you’ll be able to hear the story of Christmas. Check www.GalileeBibleCamp.org for a Christmas at Galilee poster.  It’s all free and open to the public. (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOV. 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

 

Campbell County 2012 November Election

ALL precincts, early voting, & absentees reporting

 Winners are in RED

LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX REFERENDUM

FOR                   3,586

AGAINST            7,398

CITY OF La FOLLETTE

MAYOR                                                    COUNCIL MEMBER

Wayne KITTS                      645                Bob FANNON                       1,043

Michael R. STANFIELD      1,214                Hansford HATMAKER            1,034

                                                                James Virgil KIDWELL              706

TOWN OF CARYVILLE

MAYOR                                                    ALDERMAN - Ward 1

Jerry CHADWELL             116                   Vickie L. HEATHERLY             544

Chris STANLEY                365                   Allen SMITH                          205

Bobby STOOKSBURY       285                  ALDERMAN - Ward 2     Glenn SMITH           615                   

                                                               ALDERMAN - Ward 3     Lloyd G. LAWSON    621

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Mitt ROMNEY        8,602

Barrack OBAMA    3,327      

UNITED STATES SENATE                                                                

Bob CORKER            8,334                                                                                                

Mark E. CLAYTON    2,409                                                                             

U.S. HOUSE – 2nd CONG’L DISTRICT

House of Representatives                                  

John J. DUNCAN, Jr.                 973           

Troy Christopher GOODALE      391                                                                                      

U.S. HOUSE – 3rd CONG’L DISTRICT               

House of Representatives                                                                                      

Chuck FLEISCHMANN    6,378

Mary M. HEADRICK        2,737                  

TENNESSEE SENATE – 12th SENATORIAL DISTRICT                                                                                

Ken YAGER             9,168                             

TENNESSEE HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES – 36th DISTRICT

Dennis POWERS      8,609                                                          

Virgil KIDWELL         2,240        

 

Mullis Trail homeowners still locked out of their driveways

     The newly installed curbs along Mullis Trail continue keeping residents locked out of their driveways.  That was only a portion of what homeowners brought to the attention of La Follette City Council.  Monday night at council’s regular monthly meeting for November four homeowners were in attendance with each expressing their challenges the project presents.  Months ago, an apartment building was constructed on Mullis Trail, which before the apartments, was a dead end street in the Belle Meade Subdivision.  Now, for more than two weeks, six homeowners have new curbs that are too high to allow them to pull into their driveways or even drive onto their lawns.  That means toting infants, groceries, and anything else they want in their homes from the street to the house through cold, rain or whatever weather is bringing at the time.  Councilman Hansford Hatmaker explained that it’s an ongoing construction project and asked that the city be given time to finish it.  Public Works Director Jim Mullins told the homeowners that he and his crew will address each individual driveway.  Mullins offered several remedies, short term as well as permanent, to take care of the curb issues.  It was also pointed out that speeding is another problem on Mullis Trail as well as on Jane Way.  That prompted council to vote to reduce the speed limit subdivision-wide from 30 miles per hour down to 20 MPH.  Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries told the audience that his department would enforce the new speed limit.  All but about five-minutes of the meeting, which lasted almost an hour, were devoted to the Mullis Trail concerns.  Council voted three-oh on every item on the agenda which included approving three contracts for La Follette Utility projects as well as two ordinances for bonds of nearly two-million dollars for LUB.  Chief Jeffries was given the OK to hire uncertified officers and have certification paid for by the city with a two-year contract signed between the city and the officer.  East La Follette’s Ball Park is now Frank Archer Park while the park’s press box is named in honor of Jimmy Arnold and Mark Hoskins.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012, 6:00 AM)

November 5, 2012

Immediate Press Release

Contact: Chief Deputy Aaron Evans aevans@campbellcountygov.com

Charges Announced and Names Released in Church and Home Burglaries

     Today, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins is able to announce that the first stages of the church and home burglary investigation are complete. The current investigation is still on-going and investigators are still in the field retrieving evidence.  “I can’t tell you how proud I am of our investigators, Captain Brandon Elkins and Detective Sgt. Freddie White.  They have worked non-stop for some time and will continue to follow the investigation and leads wherever it may take them.  I am also proud and thankful of our working relationship and cooperation with our friends at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, another area to which this case leads.  Leads from a similar crime lead our investigators to procure valuable pieces of evidence, information and suspects.  I want to be perfectly clear; the investigation is still on-going.  We will not stop until the cases are fully adjudicated in a court of law,” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins.  It is important to know that there are additional charges still pending on all of these individuals below as the investigation continues.  Below are the names or information of initial charges of the violators we believe is alleged to have committed these burglaries:  

1.     (Juvenile) 17 y/o of LaFollette area; see attachment for charges

2.     (Juvenile) 14 y/o of LaFollette area ;see attachment for charges

3.     Walter John Meachum 19 y/o of Caryville; Address: 154 Lake Mont Lane             

 Caryville, TN.  37714; see attachment for charges

Mr. Meachum is currently incarcerated in the Anderson County Detention Center on related charges. A hold has been placed on him for Campbell County, and he also currently has a violation of probation warrant active in Campbell County.

WALTER JOHN MEACHUM (DOB 09/08/1993) of Caryville, Tennessee

PLACE

DATE

CHARGES

GLADE SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

10/28/2012

BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $1000.00, DESECRATION OF VENERATED OBJECT

HOUSE BURGLARY

 LEES LANE CARYVILLE, TN

10/28/2012

AGG. BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $500, THEFT OVER $1000

HOUSE BURGLARY

VICTORY ROAD LAFOLLETTE, TN

10/22/2012

AGG. BURGLARY, THEFT OVER $1000

17-YEAR OLD MALE JUVENILE FROM La Follette, Tennessee

PLACE

DATE

CHARGES

GLADE SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

10/28/2012

BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $1000.00, DESECRATION OF VENERATED OBJECT

HOUSE BURGLARY

 LEES LANE CARYVILLE, TN

10/28/2012

AGG. BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $500, THEFT OVER $1000

HOUSE BURGLARY

VICTORY ROAD LAFOLLETTE, TN

10/22/2012

AGG. BURGLARY, THEFT OVER $1000

VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH

10/11/2012

BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $500, THEFT OVER $1000

PLEASANT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

10/11/2012

BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $500

LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH

10/11/2012

ATTEMPTED BURGLARY, VANDALISM UNDER $500

VALLEY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF GOD

10/11/2012

BURGLARY, THEFT OVER $ 500

DAVIS CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

10/11/2012

BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $500

14-YEAR OLD MALE JUVENILE FROM La Follette, Tennessee

PLACE

DATE

CHARGES

GLADE SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

10/28/2012

BURGLARY, VANDALISM OVER $1000.00, DESECRATION OF VENERATED OBJECT

Three young men caught in string of church burglaries

     Eight churches.  Two homes.  And that may not be all.  The recent rash of church burglaries have had Campbell County Deputies and Detectives working overtime the past couple of weeks.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that two 17-year old juveniles and one 19-year old adult, believed to be involved with the break-ins, were taken into custody Thursday evening.  At this moment, Goins believes the trio is responsible for burglaries and vandalism at at least eight Campbell County churches along with two homes.  There is also information linking the three to church burglaries in Anderson and Claiborne Counties and possibly more counties.  Goins says the investigation continues, and he will have another update for us early next week.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012, 2:30 PM) 

La Follette’s Food Pantry relocates

     Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, is when the Food Pantry opens the doors to its new location.  Starting Tuesday, the Food Pantry operates out of the buildings that also house the East La Follette Recreation Center on East Elm Street.  That’s between South 12th and South 14th Streets.  The pantry is closed until Tuesday, and when it reopens, the hours and days of operation remain the same.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012, 6:00 AM)

75 new jobs coming to Caryville

     Another growth spurt for Caryville's north exit, Exit 141 on Interstate 75, is in the works.  Mayor Robert Stooksbury announced this afternoon to WLAF that at Thursday night's Caryville Planning Commission meeting approval was given to WilcoHess to begin developing a 19-acre tract of land at Exit 141.  He adds that there is a WilcoHess Travel Center at White Pine on I-81, and once the center at Sweetwater, also on I-75, is completed, work will then begin on the Caryville travel center.  The Campbell County WilcoHess Travel Center will be located on the west side of I-75 next to the Comfort Inn.  Stooksbury says any jobs coming to Caryville and Campbell County is good, and that 75 people are expected to be employed at the new facility.  Construction begins, weather permitting, within a couple of months.  WilcoHess is a leading operator of 400+ convenience stores, travel plazas and restaurants in the Southeastern United States, and it continues expanding westward.  In 2012 along, WilcoHess will sell more than one-billion gallons of fuel.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012, 2:30 PM) 

Jacksboro City Council meets

     The Jacksboro City Council made short work of last night’s meeting.  Under grievances from citizens, H.R. Douglas of Woodvine Street brought forward a complaint about barking dogs in his neighborhood.  Council members told Douglas that they would work on that for him.  Council also agreed to get pricing for road markings to stripe Main Street.  It voted to incorporate into its building permits new pricing for electrical and plumbing inspections to meet state requirements.  Council agreed to get interest quotes for a capital outlay note for funding a fire truck and other equipment.  New library hours were expanded.  The Jacksboro Library now has expanded hours.  Its new hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Jacksboro policeman Wesley Mongar tendered his resignation.  Council voted to clean out reprimanded files on employees every six-months.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012, 4:30 PM)

New business opens in East La Follette

     WLAF welcomes a new business to town.  It's Designer Choice Consignment, and the grand opening is going on now.  DCC features quality furniture, home furnishings, antiques, custom constructed picnic tables.  They even provide firewood.  Designer Choice Consignment is open Monday through Saturday across from Food Lion on the General Stiner Highway east of La Follette. (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Early voting numbers not a record but close

     Long hours.  Long lines.  Lots of voting.  That's the short story of the latest round of early voting as it ended Thursday ahead of the November 6 election.  Carol Jo Nelson with the election commission office tells WLAF that 415 Campbell Countians cast ballots in person on Thursday.   Nelson notes that it was a busy day and, at least, 10 to 15 people showed up way too late yesterday to vote early.  So far, 5,684 people have voted early.  However, mail-in ballots continue to come in each day and will be added to the total.  Nelson says the record for early voting is beyond 6,000, and that this election is going to end up being the next best total.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012, 2:30 PM)


Campbell County Schools to receive nearly 1-million dollars

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE -- State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) said today he has been informed of four grants by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) that will benefit Scott, Fentress and Campbell Counties.

The Jamestown (Fentress County) Airport will receive two aeronautics grants. The first grant totals $95,000 and will be used for repairing the taxiway. The second is $55,000 and will be used for exterior improvements to the buildings.

The Oneida (Scott County) Airport will receive a $375,000 grant. Yager said the funds will be used for hangars.

"These airports are important tools for economic development and I was pleased to support the grants in committee and the full Senate," said Senator Yager. "It is very important that we keep up with needed improvements and repairs. I am sure these funds will be put to good use."

The THEC GEAR grant is for a Campbell County Collaborative and will help students in Campbell County "GEAR UP" for success in college. It provides students with direct services, including mentoring, tutoring, college visits, and financial aid counseling.

"I am very pleased to hear Campbell County was chosen for this post-secondary grant program," said Senator Yager. "This will help us in our efforts to give our students more opportunities to receive a college education. It also dovetails with our Complete College Tennessee goals to graduate more students from post-secondary schools. This will not only give students the skills they need to receive higher paying jobs, but is also a powerful economic development tool to bring new jobs to our communities."

Each GEAR UP TN Collaborative includes at least one priority high school, one middle school, a higher education institution, the local board of education, and at least two community-based partners. The Collaboratives were chosen through a competitive grant proposal process. Award amounts were determined by the number of students to be served in each direct service school. In total, Campbell County Schools will receive $984,847.50 over the next seven academic years to increase the number of students transitioning to and succeeding in higher education.(UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell Cougar Football 2012    3 & 7

DATE                           OPPONENT                  LOCATION        TIME

Week 0 August  17        Seymour                       Home                 Lost 30 - 20

Week 1 August 24         Cumberland County        Away                 Won 39 - 20

Week 2 August 30         Anderson County           Away                  Lost 36 - 00

Week 3 September  7    Karns                            Home                 Won 20 - 09

Week 4 September 14   Hardin Valley                 Away                  Lost 48 - 30

Week 5 September 21   Clinton                          Home                  Lost 24 - 8

Week 6 September 28   Bye

Week 7 October 5         Central                          Away                   Lost 21 - 07

Week 8 October 12        Powell                          Home                  Lost 20 - 13

Week 9 October 19        Halls                             Away                  Won 55 - 20

Week 10 October 26      Oak Ridge                     Home                  Lost 33 - 08

Jellico Blue Devil Football 2012    1 & 9

DATE                                     OPPONENT                  LOCATION        TIME

Week 0 August  17th               Williamsburg                  Home                Lost 62 - 00

Week 1 August 24th                North Greene                 Away                 Lost 29 - 00

Week 2 August 31st                 Bye

Week 3 September  7th            Kings Academy             Home                Lost 34 - 22

Week 4 September 14th           Sunbright                      Home                Lost 21 - 6

Week 5 September 21st            Midway                         Away                Lost 29 - 6

Week 6 September 28th           Oliver Springs                Homecoming     Lost 55 - 8

Week 7 October 5th                 Coalfield                        Away                Lost 54 - 06

Week 8 October 12th               Wartburg                       Home               Lost 47 - 16

Week 9 October 19th               Oakdale                        Away                Won 42 - 06

Week 10 October 26th             Oneida                         Away                 Lost 58 - 00

La Follette City workshop meets Tuesday

     With election day being on Tuesday, La Follette City Council moves its November meeting to Monday, November 5th at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.  Mayor, council, city administrator, and city attorney met Tuesday night for its rescheduled workshop.  Prior to the workshop, in a special called meeting, additional funds were allocated for the Freeman Park water feature and the renovation of the old library, and a payment of 55-hundred dollars was approved to purchase a sliver of property at 302 South Fifth Street.  The land on South 5th is part of a "straightening the curve" project on that section of the street where it meets Cherry and West Beech Streets.  There was also an executive session for the mayor, council, and City Attorney Reid Troutman.  The workshop started and finished in quick fashion.  La Follette Utilities General Manager Kenny Baird spoke at the meeting requesting council consider approving contracts to move forward with the engineering and grant administration portion of a half-million dollar Community Development Block Grant project.  Baird said bids for the work come later next year.  Two resolutions, an initial resolution and a bond resolution, crucial to a handful of LUB projects will also be placed on Monday night’s agenda.  Baird explained that the more than two-million dollar loan/grant would go toward several projects including installing nearly nine-thousand radio water meters, replacing old treatment units at the water treatment plant, and renovating the sewer lift station on Memorial Drive.  Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries asked for permission to work with City Attorney Reid Troutman in developing a contract for newly hired policemen.  The chief says the new officer would sign a two-year contract to work for LPD in return for the city paying the officer’s tuition to the police academy.  The contract would come into play after a six-month probationary period.  Council also talked with Jeffries about lowering the 30 mile per hour speed limit on Mullis Trail.  Council tossed around several options ranging from 15 MPH to 20 to 25 miles per hour.  Mullis Trail, in the Belle Meade Subdivision, is a street that is being widened to accommodate increased traffic flow from a newly constructed apartment complex.  Jeffries also asked council for the police departments share of the recent surplus auction funds in order to buy a new patrol car.  The work of Jimmy Arnold and Mark Hoskins on the new east La Follette ball fields was recognized.  Council discussed naming the new press box for Arnold and Hoskins while naming the park Frank Archer Field.  It’s believed that the field was named to honor Archer decades ago.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Governor Haslam, Senator Alexander Name Rocky Fork as Proposed Site for 55th State Park

ERWIN, Tennessee – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau today joined members of the General Assembly, local elected officials and members of the community for a special ceremony announcing the future conveyance of more than 2,000 acres in the Rocky Fork area of Unicoi County, that will eventually become Tennessee’s 55th state park. 

The property is part of the 10,000-acre tract acquired by The Conservation Fund and U.S. Forest Service in 2008, and will be conveyed to the state of Tennessee in the coming months. 

“Today’s announcement at Rocky Fork comes on the heels of a multi-year effort led by a coalition of both public and private partners,” Haslam said.  “I want to extend my congratulations to the citizens of Northeast Tennessee who rallied in support to preserve this beautiful property and to personally thank both Senator Alexander and The Conservation Fund for their ongoing efforts, passion and commitment to conserve this remarkable 10,000-acre tract, a part of which will eventually be home to Tennessee’s newest state park.”   

Located along the Appalachian Trail corridor and the Tennessee-North Carolina border near Asheville, Rocky Fork is named after the cool waters that run down its center. The property is adjacent to more than 22,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service-designated wilderness, including Sampson and Bald mountains.  Before Rocky Fork’s acquisition by The Conservation Fund and U.S. Forest Service, it was one of the largest unprotected tracts in the southern Appalachian Mountains. 

The future development of Tennessee’s 55th state park has been made possible through the leadership of Haslam, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and through the very generous support of The Conservation Fund and U.S. Forest Service. Federal funding for the Rocky Fork land acquisition was made possible through the extraordinary efforts of Senator Lamar Alexander and the Tennessee Congressional Delegation to secure support from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and through significant private contributions totaling more than $4 million.  Other key partners include TWRA, Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Unicoi and Greene counties, and the Upper East Tennessee Region. 

“A Tennessee State Park in the Rocky Fork area will attract anyone who enjoys the Great American Outdoors to come to beautiful Unicoi County, have a good time, and spend some money to build up the tax base,” Alexander said. “We have seen this happen in Maryville, Sevierville and Asheville, and there is no reason it can't happen in Erwin. Congratulations to Governor Haslam, The Conservation Fund and other state and local officials for their vision and leadership.”

The entire Rocky Fork wilderness area provides a wide range of world-class recreational opportunities, including hiking the popular Appalachian Trail, fishing more than 16 miles of blue-ribbon trout streams, and hunting bear, turkey, deer and grouse.  The area is also home to both state and federally endangered species, including the Peregrine falcon.

“Governor Haslam has emphasized a healthier Tennessee as one of his top Administration priorities, and a proposed state park at Rocky Fork will certainly play an important role in the state’s ongoing efforts to create healthier citizens,” said Martineau.  “I join the Governor and Senator Alexander in thanking all of the incredible partners – both public and private – who helped make today’s announcement happen.” 

The 2,000 acres to be conveyed by The Conservation fund offer a low-impact, financially feasible proposal for a new state park, which would also serve as a catalyst for economic activity in Unicoi County and surrounding areas.  While discussions are under way regarding the proposed park’s development, budgeting and appropriations will first need to be reviewed and approved by Governor Haslam and Tennessee’s General Assembly. However, preliminary plans for this “park in progress” include an access road, ranger station, primitive campground, picnic areas and trails, in addition to interpretive efforts to share the historic Revolutionary War-era battles site. 

“We applaud the leadership and foresight of Governor Haslam and Senator Alexander, who have championed a momentous conservation effort at Rocky Fork and secured this beloved place for continued public use for generations to come,” said Rex Boner, senior associate for The Conservation Fund. “This is truly a remarkable achievement made possible through the loyal support and devoted efforts of so many local, state and national groups and individuals for the recreational and economic benefit of the surrounding communities.”

Tennessee’s 54 state parks and 82 natural areas span the state from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River and offer an array of diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences, including hiking, camping, boating and golfing.  Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, the Tennessee State Parks system was established through legislation in 1937.  Today, there is a state park within an hour's drive of just about anywhere in the state, with features such as pristine natural areas and a variety of lodging and dining choices.  For more information, visit Tennessee State Parks' website at www.tnstateparks.com.   (UPDATED TUESDAY OCTOBER 30, 2012, 3:00 PM)

Name released in train fatality

     On Monday night, La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries released the name of the man struck and killed by a train early Sunday morning.  Jeffries tells WLAF that the body is identified as that of William Robert Dangerfield of East Chestnut Street in La Follette.  Dangerfield owned and operated Billy's Transmissions in La Follette across from the high school.  It was on the railroad tracks back behind his shop where CSX Railroad Officials told police they saw Dangerfield's body on the tracks in a fetal position when it was struck by the train.  The mishap took place soon after 2:00 a.m. Sunday.  Jeffries says the investigation continues.  Billy Dangerfield was 49-years old.(UPDATED TUESDAY 10/30/12, 6:00 AM)  

La Follette workshop tonight

     Monday's City of La Follette workshop was postponed until today.  The city's regular workshop meets today at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.  There is a special called meeting beginning at 5:00 this afternoon.  The special meeting is called to allocate additional funds for the Freeman Park water feature and the renovation of the old library, as well as approving a payment of 55-hundred dollars to purchase a sliver of property at 302 South Fifth Street.  The land on South 5th is part of a "straightening the curve" project on that section of the street where it meets Cherry and West Beech Streets.  There is also an executive session for the mayor, council, and City Attorney Reid Troutman scheduled for 5:30 today.  We'll have the story for you here tomorrow.  (UPDATED TUESDAY 10/30/12, 6:00 AM)

Pay tribute to military personnel and vote at the same time

Voting and paying tribute to our nation's active and retired armed services personnel are two of the most patriotic acts citizens can perform. A new program launched by the Secretary of State's Office allows you to tie the two together.  Secretary of State Tre Hargett announces the "Tennessee Honor Vote" program, which provides you with an opportunity to dedicate your vote to the servicemen and servicewomen of your choice. 

A new page has been developed on the Secretary of State's web site where people may sign up and dedicate a personal message to one or more active or retired members of the armed forces.  Once the messages have been reviewed, they will be posted online. Each participant in the program receives an "Honor Vote" button and a letter of appreciation from Hargett.  The program is already going for this election, and it continues for future elections as well.  Simply connect here www.GoVoteTN.com/honor or call 1.877.850.4959. (UPDATED FRIDAY OCTOBER 26, 2012, 6:00 AM)

WLAF's coverage of the Campbell County Commission Meeting-Monday, October 22, 2012

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Weekend mishaps take two lives; a visitor and a local business owner are killed

     A Kentucky man dies Friday in an ATV accident while a La Follette business owner is killed Sunday when struck by a train.  Daryl Chapman with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department tells WLAF that around 6:00 p.m. Friday, a man and his wife were traveling in an ATV side-by-side razor along Cell Tower Road in the Sunquist Wildlife Management Area.  The accident site is one of the ATV trails not far off I-75 near the north Caryville exit, 141.  Chapman explains that the man was driving in a level area of the road when the vehicle flipped.  The passenger was not injured, however, the driver was taken to the La Follette Medical Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival.  He is identified as 42-year old Dennis Lee White of Tompkinsville, Kentucky.  Meanwhile, on Sunday, a man is hit and killed by a CSX train.  In a report coming into the WLAF Newsroom from the La Follette Police Department, railroad officials tell police that soon after 2:00 a.m. Sunday a male was laying in a fetal position on the railroad tracks when struck by the train.  Within just a couple of minutes, police arrived on the scene to an area of railroad between the Skyway Bridge at the high school and Kitts Tires on old Jacksboro Pike.  Police tell WLAF that the body has not been officially identified, and in turn the victim's family has not been told the news.  Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries says the investigation is on-going.  However, reliable sources tell WLAF that the man, age 49 of La Follette, is a local business owner.   (UPDATED MONDAY OCTOBER 29, 2012, 6:00 AM)     

You voted WLAF as your favorite...again

     You've done it again.  You overwhelmingly voted WLAF as your favorite radio station for a fourth straight year.  And we here at the old radio station (turning 60 in May) say "thank you!"  Without you, there would be no need for a WLAF.  It is our pleasure serving you on the radio, television, and the web everyday.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Gross touched thousands of lives

     When most Baby Boomers dig back through their school memories, they have an image of the way the school teachers were in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.  Mary Evelyn Gross fits that memory to a tee. 

The longtime educator is laid to rest today.  She passed away Saturday after a brief illness with cancer.  Gross attended the same church, Cedar Hill, for more than 70-years and taught school in Campbell County for 42-years.  She taught at College Hill School and served as principal at Grantsboro School.  Mary Evelyn Gross was 87-years old.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Coats for the cold accepting donated coats

     Winter is just around the corner.  It’s easy for some of us to take getting a new cold weather coat for granted, and many of us get more than one coat each year.  Some folks, however, are not as fortunate, because they are facing winter without a coat.  If you would like to donate a gently worn or pre-owned winter coat, please drop it off at Jellico City Hall, Union Bank, Jellico High School, or the Save-a-lot Grocery Store in Jellico.  Coats will be given out on Saturday, November 10 from 10:00 to 2:00 in Veterans Park at Jellico.  The winter coat drive is sponsored by the City of Jellico.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Sheriff Goins Orders Americanism Documents Displayed at Office

Ten Commandments, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence

Jacksboro, Tennessee - Recently, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins ordered to be displayed in his office, documents of American history.  The Ten Commandments, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence was erected in the Office of the Campbell County Sheriff Robbie. K. Goins with the assistance of the employees of the sheriff’s office and a donation from Americanism Activist June Griffin. “We are proud and thankful for our employees for their support and to Mrs. Griffin for her donation of such a display to honor our freedoms, thankfulness and our way of life.

It is our honor to be able to display American history in our office and show our community and citizens our commitments to such great causes and freedoms.  We have, now and will continue to support Americanism in our profession and daily lives.” Campbell County Sheriff K. Goins said. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012, 10::00 AM) 

The Tennessee Titans tab a local teacher this week 

     Harold Sanders is the Titans “teacher of the week.”  Sanders teaches at Jellico High and learned a few days ago that he is this week’s Tennessee Titans “teacher of the week.”  During the NFL season, the Titans select a deserving teacher every week and award them with $400 in office supplies from American Paper and Twine.  Sanders is also up for a bigger bonus, a grand prize winner is recognized in December with $800 in office supplies.  To nominate a teacher, go here Click here to nominate   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Early voting on pace to pass 2008 totals

     "Campbell County voters are making it clear they want their voices to be heard in this election."  That's what Administrator of Elections Ann Ayers-Colvin tells WLAF.  The early voting numbers continue climbing.  As of close of voting Tuesday, more than 25-hundred Campbell Countians had cast ballots.  For the day, 444 early votes were cast yesterday.  That brings the total after six days to 2,586.  If you would like to early vote, here are the hours and locations.  On the south side at the Election Commission Office at Jacksboro, you may early vote Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and then Saturday's early voting times are from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  On the north side, early voting times at Jellico City Hall are 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Saturday hours run from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m.  Campbell Countians are voting in city, state, and national elections.  Election Day all across the county and the country is less than two-weeks away on November 6.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

 

Former police chief dies

     Jacksboro and Caryville's former chief of police passed away Monday at the UT Medical Center.  Jerry Dale Montgomery of Caryville was a 25-year U.S. Army veteran as well as police chief for the two towns.  During his military career, Montgomery was a sergeant first class and was awarded many medals.  Jerry Montgomery was 68-years old.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012, 3:30 PM) 

Norris Ridge Volunteer Fire Department approved; Habitat may shutdown next year

County commissioners avoided controversy in a meeting that lasted less than an hour Monday night, quickly moving through a routine agenda of budget amendments, department reports and announcements before adjourning to hold a series of committee meetings to elect committee chairs and vice chairs.

The commission did unanimously vote to approve Norris Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, the new entity that will replace the defunct Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department.

Commissioners also voted 12-3 to approve a resolution setting disposal fees for accepting used tires at the county recycling center. The fee amount will be re-evaluated on occasion according to the amount received from the State of Tennessee. Currently it costs the county $1.50 per tire to dispose of old tires with the State Waste Tire Grant paying 80 cents of that cost.

Marie Ayers, Thomas Hatmaker and Steve Rutherford all voted “no.” Hatmaker also questioned why Mayor William Baird had not brought the matter before the environmental committee before presenting it to the full commission. Baird responded that the resolution was brought up at the commission workshop. He then ruled.  It failed for lack of a second, a motion by Hatmaker to table the resolution and refer it to the committee.

The commission also voted 12-3 to approve a six-month reprieve on rent charged to TrailManor, Inc., a recreational camper manufacturing firm that is renting a county-owned building for $4,500 a month.

The TrailManor spokesman explained that the company, which nearly folded a year ago, is struggling but business is picking up and employment is up to 20 employees. He made it clear that the company will pay the county rent that is owed but needs to delay payment in order to meet some necessary production costs. Hatmaker, Beverly Hall and Sue Nance voted against the motion.

Mayor Baird also read a letter from Campbell County Habitat for Humanity, which stated that due to the aging of many of the board members and longtime leaders, Habitat needs new volunteers and new boards members to get involved.

If more newcomers do not help, Habitat will cease activities in Campbell Coyunty on June 30, 2013, the letter stated. Baird urged the public to get involved to save this worthwhile institution that has helped 29 families move into affordable homes since 1997.

Following the meeting, commissioners remained long enough to select chairmen for the various committees. New chairmen include Beer Board – Wendell Bailey; Building & Grounds – J. L. Davis; Education – Steve Rutherford; Jail Committee – Rusty Orick; Rules & Ethics – Rusty Orick; Cable TV – Sue Nance and Delinquent Tax – Bob Walden. Thomas Hatmaker was elected chair of the Environmental Committee earlier.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

It'll be weeks before blood test results are back in fatal hit and run  

     It’s been a week tonight since the fatal hit and run accident at Jacksboro.  Last Wednesday morning, Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Warren Crumpley explained in a report to WLAF that 33-year old Tiffney Ivey of Caryville came to police about the mishap.  Crumpley says Ivey was the driver of a 1999 Chevy C25 pick-up truck while 29-year old Eric Walden of Caryville was a passenger.  Just after 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 16, Crumpley says that 39-year old Terenia Grubbs of Middlesboro, in the area visiting, was walking across the four-lane in front of Jacksboro Middle School.  That's when she walked in front of Ivey's eastbound truck.  Ivey hit Grubbs and then left the scene.  Officials tell WLAF that it may be the better part of two-months before blood toxicology test results are back.  Charges are pending.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

A La Follette man dies from injuries sustained in a car wreck

     Just short of three weeks ago, Darrell Robinson crashed while driving his mini-van on old Middlesboro Highway.  Today, the 33-year old La Follette man died from the injuries he sustained on the morning of Wednesday, October 3.  The single-vehicle wreck happened just before lunch time that day near Sagefield Drive, which is between Maynard’s Auto Parts and Elm Grove Baptist Church.  According to reports, Robinson was traveling westbound when his van veered off the road, cut down a utility pole, took out a steel fence post, and then collided with a large cedar tree before flipping over and landing on its side.  It took more than an hour for first responders to free him from the wreckage.  Robinson was flown by Lifestar to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville where he died this morning. (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012, 3:00 PM)

Who needs the Smoky's leaves when there's Campbell County

     Few cars.  No crowds.  Just beauty.  That's the "leaf looking" scene here in Campbell County.  Leaves are at their peak, and right now is the time to take an extra look here and there along with an occasional double-take.  The Smoky Mountains have nothing on our corner of the world, except maybe for big crowds and traffic jams, when it comes to fall beauty. (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012, 6:00 AM)

County commission meets tonight

     The Campbell County Commission meets in its regular monthly meeting this evening.  That's at 6:00 at the courthouse.  We'll have the story for you first thing tomorrow morning right here.  (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Early voting enjoying a big turnout

     Early voting just started last Wednesday.  But already more than 1,000 Campbell Countians have cast ballots.  Today through Thursday, the hours to vote early are from 9:00 until 4:00 at the Election Commission Office at Jacksboro.  On the north side at Jellico, the hours are 9:00 through 2:00, Monday through Thursday, at Jellico City Hall.  The last day to early vote is next week, on November 1.  Election day is Tuesday, November 6.  WLAF provides complete coverage on election night.  (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Doubled up shifts, extra troopers and deputies - law enforcement is out in full force

     Right now is not the time to be breaking traffic laws.  Officers on motorcycles, in cars, and in SUVs are scouring every inch of main highways.  At this hour, Campbell County is saturated with law enforcement officers looking for violators.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that he’s called in extra deputies for every shift.  Goins notes that city police as well as the Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers are also adding to the force.  The sheriff says this DUI, traffic enforcement, and drug saturation started this morning at 10:00 and runs through daybreak Saturday.  And if that’s not enough of a crackdown on violators, Sheriff Goins, his and other agencies, conduct a sobriety checkpoint this evening from 7:00 until 9:00.  The checkpoint is at the Jacksboro Station Bridge at Towe String Road.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012, 2:00 PM) 

Almost 1,000 have early voted

     A beaming Ann Ayers says “almost one-thousand.”  Ayers, the Administrator of Elections for Campbell County, is referencing the big numbers of early voters through two days.  Early voting began Wednesday and runs through November 1st.  Early voting hours today are 9:00 until 7:00 at the election commission office at Jacksboro, and in Jellico, the hours at city hall are from 2:00 to 7:00.  Saturday hours are the same on the north and south sides from 9:00 until 1:00.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Thirty-nine years and then some – Golden retires

     Jerry Golden’s seen the world in his many years of service to his country and his county.  And after 39-years, the career lawman is retiring.  Golden’s resume’ reads from his sharpshooter days in the jungles of Vietnam to most recently serving with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  Sheriff Robbie Goins says everyone will miss Jerry and his service, and that we cannot thank him enough. Golden started with the sheriff’s department in 2008.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Historic tour of Bowman Cemetery set for Saturday

It’s the third weekend of October.  That means it’s time for the annual History in Stone Cemetery Tour.  Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 at Bowman Cemetery you have a chance to learn, share, and experience the past of Powell ValleyBowman Cemetery rests beneath a tree canopy surrounded by meadows with a view of Cumberland Mountain and offers an ideal setting for opening a window in to times past.  From La Follette, travel the General Car Wade Stiner Highway east and turn left onto Doak’s Creek Road to a private drive at 975 Doak’s Creek Road.  That’s about 10-miles or fifteen minutes from the heart of La Follette.  The event is open to the public.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Campbell County Board of Education Meeting from Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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Criminal charges pending against Caryville woman

       A Caryville woman came forward Wednesday morning after Tuesday night's fatal hit and run accident.  Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Warren Crumpley explains in a report to WLAF that 33-year old Tiffney Ivey of Caryville came to police about the mishap.  Officials with the Campbell County District Attorney's Office are waiting for blood test results in the case.  Crumpley says Ivey was the driver of a 1999 Chevy C25 pick-up truck while 29-year old Eric Walden of Caryville was a passenger.  Just after 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, Crumpley says that 39-year old Terenia Grubbs of Middlesboro, in the area visiting, was walking across the four-lane in front of Jacksboro Middle School.  That's when she walked in front of Ivey's eastbound truck.  Ivey hit Grubbs and then left the scene.  Charges are pending.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

National Teen Driver Safety Week to Raise Teen Awareness

Jacksboro, Tennessee – Statistics show that nearly 3,100 people were killed and an additional 416,000 were injured across the nation in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver during 2010. 

With more than 196 billion text messages sent and received just during June of last year alone, plus numerous other activities that can take a driver’s attention from the road, distracted driving continues to plague all drivers, but particularly teen drivers, here in Campbell County and across the country. 

That is one big reason the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is joining with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), State Farm Insurance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other partners across the nation for National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 14-20, to remind teens about the risks of the road and to think twice before driving distracted.

During a special week-long campaign, Drive by the Rules. Keep the Privilege, The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office will saturate high trafficked teen areas.   

“All drivers can be distracted by cell phones, adjusting the radio, using a navigation system, CD player, or MP3 device, but unfortunately, it is our most inexperienced drivers—teens—who are the most likely to put themselves and others in harms way by driving distracted,” said Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins. 

Despite the fact that 32 states—plus the District of Columbia—have passed legislation outlawing all cell phone use by novice drivers and 44 states have ban texting while driving by novice drivers, research shows that drivers under the age of 25 are two-to-three times more likely than older divers to send text messages or emails while driving.  In 2010, 11 percent of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as being distracted at the time of the crash.

The Drive by the Rules. Keep the Privilege. campaign was created to strongly remind teens of highway safety laws, to encourage safe driving practices, and to help inform parents and friends of ways they can help their teens be safer drivers.  

 “Friends and families should be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins. “It is important for parents to set a good example, to create and enforce driving rules with consequences at home, and to make sure not to add to the temptation by calling, texting or emailing when their teen might be on the road.”   

Sheriff Goins said that texting while driving takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds—the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field, blind at 55 miles per hour.  Moreover, driving while using a cell phone may reduce the amount of brain activity associated with driving by up to 37 percent.

“While all distractions are dangerous, text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted,” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins. “And, it’s against the law.”

Research shows that immaturity and inexperience, along with distractions, are primary factors contributing to deadly crashes by young drivers, and that’s one of the reasons the three-stage Graduated Driver Licensing laws were established. Young drivers are required to demonstrate responsible driving behavior at each stage of licensing before advancing to the next level, which has helped save lives, but even the most experienced drivers can be easily distracted, often resulting in tragic consequences.

There are some positive trends that teen drivers are getting the message.  Overall teen driving deaths and teen driver involvement in fatal crashes have declined during the last nine years, according to NHTSA.—In 2010, the number of fatalities in crashes involving a 15- to 19-year-old driver dropped 46 percent compared with 2001. Driver fatalities for this age group also dropped by 47 percent over the same period.

“Teens are getting the message, but we must continue to educate them on the risks of distracted driving to keep new drivers safe and to remind seasoned drivers of the law and the risks,” said Sheriff Goins.

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging teens and adults to take and keep the distracted driving pledge at www.distraction.gov. Remember, Drive by the Rules. Keep the Privilege.

For more information on distracted driving and to get more information on the distracted driving laws here in Tennessee, visit www.distraction.gov.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Frank Perry and staff at US Cellular snip the ribbon on their new location this morning

Early voting starts today

     Early voting is here.  Election day, November 6, is less than three-weeks away.  Early voting runs today, October 17 - Thursday, November 1.  At Jacksboro, the hours at the Election Commission Office are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and then Saturday's early voting times are from  9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  On the north side, early voting times at Jellico City Hall are 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Saturday hours run from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m.  Campbell Countians are voting in city, state, and national elections.  Caryville and La Follette hold city elections this fall.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012, 6:00 AM)

School board postpones some major decisions

The Campbell County Board of Education spent nearly two hours discussing agenda items and examining a series of budget amendments, but postponed some major decisions until after their October 30 workshop, including the question of an expanded work day for teachers.

The courtroom was nearly filled to overflowing as around 40 members of the local Zumba exercise class attended the meeting in support of continued use of the Caryville Elementary gym while members of Boy Scout Troop 423 were present to observe the board’s activities.

Zumba instructor Sharon Shepherd addressed the board, first voicing appreciation for the board’s agreement to allow Zumba classes to continue at Caryville. The fact that Zumba is a for-profit business had caused some board members to question the continuation of the group’s use of school facilities.

Shepherd then offered to “give back” to the school system by allowing school employees to take Zumba classes free of charge once a week for 30 days. She pointed out the obvious advantages of helping teachers and other school personnel to improve their health and fitness, with several participants also being introduced who have lost weight and experienced other health benefits from the classes.

The board gave their blessing to the offer, but Rector Miller cautioned that once the school system begins the TRANE energy efficiency evaluations next year, all use of school buildings after normal hours will be placed under increased scrutiny to avoid financial penalties.

In deference to new board member Danny Wilson, the board asked Finance Director Jeff Marlow to describe in detail each of ten budget amendments presented for approval.

Most of those amendments involved changes due to increases or decreases in anticipated grant funding from state and federal programs. Eugene Lawson at one point questioned the effectiveness of after-school tutoring programs such as LEAP, protesting that high school test results don’t show enough progress in student preparation.

“What were our average ACT scores, 17.1 for Campbell County and 15.2 for Jellico? Those are far below the state average of over 19.0,” Lawson pointed out. He asked if there are processes in place to evaluate how effective the tutoring programs have been.

Rita Goins addressed the board, pointing out that all of the after-school programs are carefully monitored for effectiveness and student progress.

Despite his skepticism, Lawson joined the rest of the board in unanimously approving the budget amendment for expansion of the after-school programs.

The board postponed action on two other questions, one involving an increase in the official workday for teachers from 7 to 7 ½ hours. Teacher’s union president Sharon Marlow had sent a written response to this proposal, pushed by the Tennessee School Board Association, in which Marlow questioned the legality of the change.

This resulted in a heated response from Lawson, who argued that the extra 30 minutes each day enables the school system to budget for 13 lost days due to snow during winter months.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow cautioned the board that under existing contracts, an increase in the length of the school day would mean an increase in costs that have not been budgeted. The question was then postponed until the board’s workshop, scheduled for October 30 at the Central Office meeting room.

Also postponed until the workshop was a discussion of changes in the school bus contracts, along with a proposal from Miller to hire a Finance Coordinator for the Board of Education.

“Much of Director Poston’s time is spent with budget matters, along with other Central Office staff. We need someone to take that responsibility so he can concentrate on educating children,” Miller argued.

Miller later aimed some criticism at the Finance Office, questioning a decision to approve a change order for work on the JROTC facility at Campbell County High School that cost an additional $7,000.

Marlow testily countered that Miller was aiming his criticism at the wrong place. “Our role was to present the problem with drainage and the options for solving the problem. The Director of Schools made the decision on how to proceed,” Marlow replied.

Poston then told Miller that when faced with a decision between approving a change order to an existing construction contract or seeking new bids on the work, he made the decision to approve the change order, a decision that was within his power.

Miller made a reference to the fact that the board no longer has a building committee, of which he had been chairman, to oversee construction. In September it was revealed that the board’s own policy manual forbids permanent standing committees and all committees were disbanded.

The board did finalize a few decisions, including an archery program at all county schools and final disposal of the vacant Ridgewood Elementary School.

Roughly seven-tenths of an acre of the Ridgewood property will be transferred to the Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department to provide permanent access across school property to a fire department facility. The building and remaining four acres of land will be sold by bid through Longmire Realty & Auction Company.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012, 6:00 AM)        

 

Cove Lake State Park Hosts Knap-In and Primitive Skills Festival Oct. 19-21

3rd-Annual Event features Demonstrations & More + Commemorates Tennessee Parks’ 75th Anniversary

CARYVILLE, Tennessee – Cove Lake State Park will host its Third Annual Knap-In and Primitive Skills Festival Oct. 19-21. Free and open to the public, the event will be held at the campground and will begin at 9 a.m. each day.

Demonstrations will include flint knapping, bow building, cordage, basket weaving, quiver making, blowgun and darts, fire making and atlatl. Visitors can also enjoy a nature walk, storytelling and displays taking them through a time tunnel of the past.  In addition, there will be a Tennessee State Parks 75th Anniversary cake for those visitors that arrive early. 

The Tennessee State Parks system was established through legislation in 1937, and those laws – with modifications and additions over the years – remain the framework for park operations today.  As in most states, Tennessee began in cooperation with federal programs that instigated individual parks. Later, Depression era recovery programs gave a boost to the idea and the possibility of creating parks. The Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration worked on land conservation, but also delved further into the actual planning and construction of what would become the first of 53 Tennessee State Parks.

Today, there is a state park within an hour’s drive of just about anywhere in Tennessee.  A 2009 University of Tennessee study highlights the positive economic impacts that state parks provide local communities, particularly in rural areas of the state.  The study found that for every dollar spent on trips to Tennessee State Parks, an additional $1.11 of economic activity was generated throughout the state.  When the direct and indirect expenditures were combined, the impact of Tennessee State Parks to the state’s economy was $1.5 billion in total industry output, supporting more than 18,600 jobs.

“Our vision statement highlights the inherent value of our natural environment, along with the value of the many physical reminders of Tennessee’s past,” added Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill.  “Tennessee’s state parks have played such an important role in our history, and they play a critical role in our health and quality of life, which will benefit Tennesseans well into the future.”

Tennessee’s state parks deliver a rich fabric of natural landscapes, wild places, preserved ecologies, outdoor recreational opportunities and protected historic scenes and resources – together representing the heritage of Tennessee in the landscape.

Tennessee's 54 state parks and 82 state natural areas offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups.  State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses.  For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free at 1-888-867-2757. For upcoming events in connection with the 75th Anniversary of Tennessee State Parks, please visit the state parks website at www.tnstateparks.com.

Located in the city of Caryville in Campbell County, Cove Lake State Park is 30 miles northwest of Knoxville, on U.S. 25 West and I-75, between LaFollette and Lake City. From I-75, take Exit #134, travel 1/2 miles on Veterans Memorial Highway and take the first left.  For additional details about the event, please contact the park office at (423) 566-9701.  For additional information about the park, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/CoveLake. (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2012, 4:00 PM)

Jay Walker’s Radio Recovery Call-In Show debuts today on WLAF

     The Jay Walker Recovery Call-In Program makes its WLAF radio debut this afternoon.  Walker, a recovering addict for more than 20-years, looks to create awareness, try to help save lives, and restore families.  At one time, he was using drugs or alcohol daily over a span of some 25-years, and through his radio show he encourages you to call in and share your history, stories, and hopes along the road to recovery.  Walker is brutally honest telling WLAF that besides recovery, there is only one other road the addict or the alcoholic can travel and that's the road of incarceration, being institutionalized, or death.  He adds that for those who prefer not to travel that way, there is the road of recovery, and that he’s here to help you get on that road and stay on that path going forward.  Walker notes that anonymity is a cornerstone of recovery and hopes you will call with your questions, concerns, and comments.  The one-hour show airs right after the Noon news today on 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Big day at Glade Springs

     Sunday was declared "Glade Springs Baptist Church Day."  Proclamations from Campbell County and La Follette designated Sunday "GSBC" day as more than 175 folks turned out for the church's annual homecoming.  However, this was not just another homecoming.  Sunday also marked the opening of the church's new family life center that's been almost two years in the making.  The church's 215th year was celebrated Sunday as well.  Glade Springs Baptist Church dates back to 1797.   (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2012, NOON)

 

   Flu vaccine clinics open for students, teachers, and staff

     It’s time for students, teachers, and staff to roll up their sleeves.  Beginning this morning, flu vaccine clinics are set up this week at Campbell County Schools.  Today’s locations are Valley View Elementary, La Follette Elementary and La Follette Middle Schools.  Flu vaccine clinics are scheduled for tomorrow at Campbell High and Elk Valley Elementary Schools and then on Wednesday, the 17th, at Jacksboro, Caryville, and Jacksboro Middle Schools.  Thursday’s flu vaccine clinics for students, teachers, and staff are scheduled for Wynn, White Oak, and Jellico Elementary Schools along with Jellico High School.  The flu vaccine clinics wrap-up the week on Friday, October the 19th, at the Alternative School and the Central Office.  According to county schools Nurse Manager Sharon Shepherd, Community Health of East Tennessee, also known as CHET, is providing the vaccines this flu season.   (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County to Participate in The American Medicine Chest Challenge

Jacksboro, Tennessee — The Office of the Campbell County Mayor, The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, LaFollette Police Department, The Campbell County Anti-Drug Coalition, CHET and DCS will be coordinating the American Medicine Chest Challenge in Campbell County, TN

The event will take place at the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office parking lot, on Saturday November 10, 21012 and in communities across the country. This initiative will challenge Campbell County, TN residents to take the Five-Step American Medicine Chest Challenge:

• Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.

• Secure your medicine chest.

• Dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine in your home or at an American Medicine Chest Challenge      Disposal site.

• Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.

• Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

To help combat this growing threat to our nation’s children, we are hosting the American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) on Saturday November 10, 2012 at the parking lot of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office in Jacksboro. Residents can find a local collection site on www.americanmedicinechestchallenge.com, with the AMCC RX Drop Mobile App from the Android or Apple Store, or dispose of their medicine at home, following the guidelines on the site.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled prescription drug abuse an epidemic, reporting that the death toll from overdoses of prescription painkillers has more than tripled in the past decade and more than 40 people die every day from overdoses involving narcotic pain relievers. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, 70 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers obtained them from friends or relatives, and, there has been a 400% increase in substance abuse treatment admissions for people abusing prescription drugs.

"This Challenge will raise awareness about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and reduce the availability of potent drugs that lead kids down a path to addiction,'' explained American Medicine Chest Challenge Chief Executive Officer Angelo M. Valente.

“With the American Medicine Chest Challenge we are calling on residents to see their medicine cabinets through new eyes -- as an access point for potential misuse and abuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people,” explained Valente.
“We are thankful we are going to be able to coordinate with our community partners and help rid our community of unwanted medication. This is a safe and effective way to team up with our partners and give our citizens a refuge and reason to clean out their medicine cabinet and get rid of unwanted medication.” said Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins. “We are excited to participate again this year and look forward to raising awareness and providing this service to our community.” Sheriff Goins concluded. 

The American Medicine Chest Challenge has gained the national support of PhRMA, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, The Partnership at DrugFree.Org, and the American College of Emergency Physicians.     (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012, 2:30 PM)

The year was 1797 for Glade Springs Baptist Church

     Two-hundred and fifteen years.  That’s how many years Glade Springs Baptist Church has been in existence.  To offer a comparison to bring that a little more into focus, the year was 1797 or about 100-years before La Follette became an incorporated city.  This weekend, members and friends celebrate the milestone with a homecoming and a ribbon cutting.  DeWayne Kitts with the church tells WLAF that after two years of construction, the new family life center officially opens Sunday morning.  Kitts notes that the current Glade Springs sanctuary and building were constructed in 1880.  That was after the original building was destroyed by fire.  Festivities begin Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  The church also hosts its 4th annual “5-K for Christ” this weekend.  The run/walk begins at 9:00 near the pool at Cove Lake Park.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Boomer's Corner is open for the weekend

     Boomer’s Corner is open for your amusement this morning.  Charles “Boomer” Winfrey weighs-in on the riff at the county animal shelter, the latest mud-slinging in one of the congressional races, and the latest in the Pat Summit saga.  Checkout Boomer’s Corner on our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Double-check those frosted mini-wheats before you pour them into your bowl

     We have some food recalls to tell you about this evening.  If you have Frosted Mini-Wheats at your house, you want to check the label.  That’s because Kellogg's is recalling packages of Frosted Mini-Wheats after a manufacturing glitch may have left pieces of metal fragments in some of the cereal packages.  The company announced the voluntary recall this week, saying metal mesh from a faulty manufacturing part may have made its way into select cereal products.  The recall affects frosted and unfrosted Bite-Sized Mini-Wheats in sizes from single-serve bowls to 70-ounce boxes. It affects boxes of cereal that are dated for use by April 1, 2013 to September 21, 2013.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Velvet Ice Cream voluntarily recalls some ice cream containing peanut products

UTICA, OHIO – Velvet Ice Cream has been notified that peanut products sold to their company from Sunland, Inc., which were used to make select peanut butter-flavored ice creams, may be contaminated with salmonella. Thus, the Ohio-based ice cream manufacturer is voluntarily recalling products that may contain contaminated nut products. The recalled products are only sold at convenience stores, small, independent retailers and ice cream parlors in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Not all peanut products sold to Velvet Ice Cream are at risk, consequently, only the items with corresponding code numbers are affected.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (ie:, infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The following products with specific code numbers are covered under the recall:

Code Number* Manufactured Date

Velvet Supreme Peanut Butter Cup – 1/2 gallon UPC #70682-10119 10181 6/30/2010

Velvet Peanut Butter Cup – 3 gallon UPC #70682-10539 10181 6/30/2010

Velvet Buckeye Classic – 56oz UPC #70682-10038 10193 7/12/2010

Velvet Buckeye Classic – 3 gallon UPC #70682-10519 10193 7/12/2010

Velvet Buckeye Classic – 3 gallon UPC #70682-10519 12207 7/25/2012

Velvet Buckeye Classic – 3 gallon UPC #70682-10519 12227 8/14/2012

Velvet Buckeye Classic – pints UPC #70682-10423 12251 9/07/2012

*Found on the bottom of 56oz and pint cartons, label of 3 gallon container and flap of half-gallon carton

Product descriptions:

Buckeye Classic ice cream (Creamy peanut butter ice cream swirled with thick chocolate fudge and chocolate-covered peanut butter candies ) 56oz carton, 3 gallon containers and pints

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup ice cream (Chocolate ice cream with peanut butter swirls) half-gallon cartons and 3 gallon containers

"The wellbeing of Velvet Ice Cream customers and the quality of our products is of the utmost importance to our company," said Velvet Ice Cream President Luconda Dager. "The moment we heard there were issues with nut products manufactured by Sunland, Inc., we took immediate steps to investigate all peanut products shipped to our company and voluntarily removed any product that may include tainted ingredients."  Customers who have purchased affected products can return them to the store of purchase for a full refund.

Located in Utica, Ohio, Velvet Ice Cream is a family-owned and operated business that has been making ice cream for nearly 100 years. Joseph Dager founded Velvet Ice Cream in 1914 and four generations of Dagers have since run the company.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Sheriff Announces First Ever Search and Rescue Team

This week Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins announced the office’s first ever Search and Rescue Team. On October 6th-7th, 2012, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office newly formed Search and Rescue Team completed its second training with the National Association of Search and Rescue. The Team now has 10 certified Search and Rescue Technicians (SARTECH LEVEL II). The training was conducted by NASAR Facilitator and Roane County Detective Art Wolff in Harriman, TN. The training consisted of two tough 16 hour days and nights, where deputies and investigators were trained in man tracking, grid searching, navigation, ropes and knot tying, searching, incident command systems, and equipment preparedness. The participants were required to camp and survive during the duration of the course. The course is designed to prepare the searcher for in-the-field operations when people go missing in a wooded environment or have outdoor related accidents. The team will work closely with the local fire, EMS, EMA, and rescue squads to facilitate the quick search for missing and injured individuals. Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins said ”With our mountains, lakes and area attractions I believe it is essential for us and it is our responsibility to provide trained members of our public safety force to be able to locate missing or injured people in an educated approach, in the environment we have been blessed to live in.” Sheriff Goins goes on to say, “We are also excited to be able to work side by side with our other public safety partners such as fire, rescue, EMS and EMA.  Our responsibilities continue to grow and our office will continue to step up to the challenges and provide the same dedicated service that our citizens expect and demand.”(Updated Wednesday, October 10, 2012, 5:45 PM)      

Devils dig, dump, & kill their way to district VB crown

     Add a District 4-A Volleyball Championship to Jellico Coach Mike Reynolds’ list of accomplishments.  Uh, yes, volleyball.   And, yes, that Mike Reynolds.  The district and region “basketball” championship coach is making waves on the court, but this time, it’s with his Lady Blue Devils’ Volleyball team.  Oh, he’s still the JHS boys basketball coach, but this season he’s directing the volleyball squad, too.  And he has the Lady Blue Devils headed in a championship direction.  Jellico took out the Coalfield Lady Yellow Jackets Tuesday night at Lindsey Gym in four sets, 25-23, 25-15, 22-25, and 25-20.  Coalfield swept Wartburg in three sets to make the title round.  Jellico hosts region action Tuesday.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2012, 11:00 AM)

 Cats-n-dogs, dollars & cents, and a new high school top the list at commission workshop

County commissioners heard from a group of animal lovers Monday night who are concerned about the operation of the county’s animal shelter.

Michelle Davis, speaking on behalf of a newly formed group, “Friends of Campbell County Animals,” told commissioners that the high kill rate at the Adrion Baird Animal Shelter is unacceptably high and a better job can be done of adopting animals out before they must be destroyed.

“Campbell County has a ‘high kill’ shelter, we need to make it a ‘low kill’ shelter,” Davis said, adding that the local shelter’s kill rate, 80 percent of animals brought in, is higher than most shelters that do not even have adoption programs.

She continued to list a number of recommendations that her group believes will help save more dogs and cats from being destroyed, including formation of a county commission committee to work with the “Friends” organization in improving shelter operations.

Those recommendations also include seeking and accepting sponsorships from donors to pay part of the fee charged for adoptions.

“The current fee of $95 is ridiculously high and is more than local veterinary clinics charge for spaying and neutering pets,” Davis pointed out.

Davis also called for an end to the county shelter’s policy of selling the bodies of cats that are put down to Boyd Kennedy Enterprises. The cats are used for dissection in college and high school biology classes. Although the practice earns revenue for the shelter, it also encourages the killing of animals without trying to find homes through adoption, she argued.

Other recommendations included a more proactive effort to encourage adoption by placing photos of animals on social media sites and setting up an active volunteer program at the shelter.

“Accepting volunteer help would enable the shelter to stay open for longer hours and volunteers would help clean the kennels, including removal of feces,” she added.

That remark was an apparent response to criticism from the shelter director’s complaint that “volunteers don’t want to do the dirty jobs like cleaning up feces.”

Mayor William Baird responded that some steps have already been taken in response to the group’s complaints in an effort to help encourage adoption. “We’re working on placing animal photos on social media and are looking to get photos placed on Channel 12’s Green Screen,” Baird reported.

Several commissioners had questions about shelter operations, particularly the practice of selling the remains of dead animals and Davis’ complaint that Campbell County’s shelter accepts Scott County animals.

“We don’t need to be accepting Scott County’s animals when we can’t keep our own animals alive for more than the minimum three days. Scott County needs to set up its own shelter,” she replied.

As with so many other issues, costs may be the elephant in the room as the commission looks at shelter operations. Money was certainly on their minds again during the Budget & Finance Committee session preceding he workshop.

After unanimously re-electing Marie Ayers to another term as Budget & Finance Chairman, the commissioners approved another group of budget amendments, including one that promises more financial pain in the future.

One amendment from the School Department will transfer $85,000 to pay for engineering design work at Campbell County High School. That engineering work is necessary to address structural problems at the high school that have been identified by the State Fire Marshall’s office and will have to be addressed, Finance Director Jeff Marlow pointed out.

The structural problems involve load-bearing walls that are pulling apart due to poor design by the original architect when the school was constructed in the 1970s. Marlow prepared commissioners for more fiscal pain to come, pointing out that the $85,000 only covers engineering costs, not actual construction.

“How much longer before we will need to build a new high school? It seems we’re pouring money down a rabbit hole,” Bobby White noted.

“You will not be building a new school until and unless this body is willing to find the revenue to pay the debt on a $40 million project. Until then these structural problems must be corrected,” Marlow pointed out.

While Ayers was elected by acclamation to again chair the Budget & Finance Committee, the selection of a vice chairman again revealed some of the divisions within the commission. Although Thomas Hatmaker was absent from the meeting, Beverly Hall nominated him for the vice chairman post. Rusty Orick then declined an attempt to nominate him but in turn nominated commission newcomer Wendell Bailey.

Hatmaker only received four votes, from Ayers, Hall, Sue Nance and Charles Baird. Bailey was then elected by a vote of 9-2 with only Hall and Nance voting “no.”

No commissioners offered any additions to the agenda for the upcoming regular monthly meeting, which will be held on the fourth Monday, October 22, instead of the third Monday this month.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)    

Plane crash?  Explosion?  Lifestar lands + the Knox Sheriff's chopper

    A plane crash?  An explosion?  Several reports came into the Campbell County 9-1-1 Center at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday that a fire was visible along State Route 297 in Elk Valley. Along with those reports were possible sightings of a possible plane crash, as well as, an explosion being heard.  When fire units arrived, firefighters found a house fire at 235 Meredith Lane not far from the New Canaan Baptist Church.  They assessed the scene and found no immediate evidence of a plane crash.  First responders kept responding to the scene when a car crash with injuries was reported near the same area of Elk Valley. The car crash investigation was turned over to the Tennessee Highway Patrol for investigation and reporting.  Life Star was called to the crash scene and transported at least one patient.  Sheriff Robbie Goins and members of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the scene of the house fire and met with fire officials.  While reports were still coming in of a possible plane crash, officials staged at a location with EMA, EMS, and fire officials to continue the investigation in order gather enough information to either confirm, find, or dispel those initial reports.  The Knox County Sheriff's Aviation Unit was also called to help.  They flew a helicopter over a wide ranging area for several minutes and reported no evidence other than a house fire.  There were also reports of a possible meteor shower in the area, but there is no confirmation.  Speaking from the scene of the staging emergency area Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins said,  "We have exhausted leads from every piece of information from this incident and completed every investigative action available to us at this point. From all indications the house fire and the car crash occurring nearly simultaneously, could have led to conflicting reports. I can say for certain and confirm that the emergency personnel, beginning with the 9-1-1 center, fire units, rescue squad, EMS, EMA and our deputies, performed professionally and without hesitation. I'm proud of all of them and want our community to know what committed professionals of public service and volunteerism we have all hours of the day and night."    (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Two Campbell Countians die in weekend car wreck at White Oak

     A Jellico man and a Duff man were killed in a Saturday afternoon car wreck on Highway 90 in northeast Campbell County near White Oak.  A report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol details that 58-year old Jimmy Pittman of Jellico and 42-year Robert Moore of Duff died at the scene of the single car accident just before 4:00 p.m..  Pittman was driving eastbound in his 2003 Cadillac, and along with his only passenger, Moore, lost control of the car.  The Cadillac left the right side of the roadway, struck a tree, and then traveled approximately 30-feet down an embankment.  The mishap took place about two miles east of the Highway 90 and Highway 25W intersection at Morley.   (UPDATED SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012, 6:30 PM)

     La Follette surgeon dies 

     Longtime La Follette surgeon James Crutchfield passed away earlier today.  Dr. Crutchfield practiced for 38- years in a partnership with his brother-in-law Dr. Burgin Wood.  Crutchfield was also a pilot and served 32-years as a Captain in the United States Naval Reserve.  Dr. James D. Crutchfield was 82-years old.   (UPDATED SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2012, 9:00 PM)

Young Leach is recovering

     If you were there or listened via WLAF Radio or watched here on 1450wlaf.com, you recall the long injury timeout at Thursday's La Follette-Jacksboro Middle School football game.  That's when emergency personnel were tending to JMS Eagle Dustin Leach.  Reports coming in to the WLAF News Room are that Leach, an 8th grader, suffered a broken femur.  He is recovering this morning in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville.  Jacksboro won the game 28-8, and you may see a replay of the game by clicking on the Cougar icon above. (UPDATED SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2012, 7:00 AM)

Lifestar’s getting a check-up in La Follette

     Lifestar is in the shop.  Right here in La Follette.  Just like your car sometimes breaks down along the side of the road, Lifestar deals with similar issues.  It just so happens that the flight crew was able to conveniently land Lifestar on the helipad next to La Follette Medical Center.  Today, and if needed, Saturday, three mechanics, with the help of a crane, continue working to replace the engine of a Lifestar medical helicopter.  Mechanics tell WLAF that this isn’t the most ideal spot to work on Lifestar, but it sure beats being out in a field in the middle of no where. 

There are four fully staffed Lifestar medical helicopters operated by the University Medical Center at Knoxville that are on-call around the clock.  In addition, there are two back-up choppers. 

Each Lifestar averages 750 flying hours a year which comes out to an average between 25 and 30 runs a month.  Naturally, Lifestar responds to more accidents in the spring and summer months.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012, Noon)

Falling leaves and flu season - it must be October

     October signals the time to roll up your sleeve.  Terry's Pharmacy and Cumberland Gap Medical are two locations in La Follette offering flu shots.  Terry's also offers flu shots at its Jacksboro pharmacy while Cumberland Gap Medical makes the shot available at its Harrogate and Blaine offices.  Rissa Pryse with Terry's Pharmacy explains that it takes a couple of weeks for the vaccine to go to work in your system and that now is a good time to get it done.  She says it only takes a few minutes, and that you will spend more time waiting to see if you have any reaction than you will to actually get the shot.  Pryse notes that the young and the elderly are most at risk for flu.  The flu can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.  The flu is different from a cold.  The flu usually comes on suddenly.  Flu season is the United States is basically from fall through winter.  For more details on flu, connect to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm  (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Disaster drill day at Elk Valley School

     It’s a busy morning around Elk Valley School.  A rather disastrous morning to be exact.  Several emergency agencies led by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the two county hospitals, and, of course, the Campbell County School System are hosting the mock disaster drill.  As a result, Elk Valley School is placed on lockdown for the duration of the drill.  Again.  We stress this is only a practice session, a mock disaster drill this morning at Elk Valley School (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Cougar Football is back in action

     Campbell County High Football gets back to action after its week away from a scheduled game.  CCHS visits the Central Bobcats at Fountain City this evening in a 7:30 kick-off.  Les Martin and Brent Allen have all the action over the WLAF Sports Network (1450wlaf.com and 1450 WLAF Radio) beginning at 7:00.  At Coalfield, Jim Freeman and Arnie Meredith send you all the radio coverage of Jellico visiting the Yellow Jackets.  That's over 1450wlaf.com for the Blue Devils and Coalfield starting at 7:30 this evening.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Robinson is critical

     Darrell Robinson is recovering this morning at the UT Medical Center.  His wife, other family members, and friends have spent a weary past 12-hours hoping for the best for the 33-year old La Follette man.  Officials were not able to locate Robinson's wife to get word to her on just what happened until 5:30 Wednesday afternoon.  Robinson and his yellow Labrador Retriever had quite a ride when their mini-van wrecked in a single-vehicle accident off Old Middlesboro Highway.  It happened just before lunch time Wednesday near Sagefield Drive, which is between Maynard’s Auto Parts and Elm Grove Baptist Church.  According to reports, Robinson was traveling westbound when his van veered off the road, cut down a utility pole, took out a steel fence post, and then collided with a large cedar tree before flipping over and landing on its side.  It took more than an hour for first responders to free Robinson from the wreckage while his dog paced around the van time after time.  Robinson was flown by Lifestar to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville where he is listed in critical condition this morning in intensive care.  One hospital official was cautiously optimistic when he told WLAF News that Robinson is extremely critical, but he offered a glimmer of hope saying he was fairly stable.(UPDATED THUR., OCT. 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Russell follows father's footsteps

     It's highly unlikely his initials are carved in the back of a church pew, but Tim Russell did grow up at Elm Grove Baptist Church.  These days, he's Reverend Tim Russell.  And last night, he was called to become Elm Grove's new pastor.  Russell's father, the late C.B. Russell, was minister there for almost 30-years.  The younger Russell leaves the First Baptist Church of Briceville to accept the post at Elm Grove Baptist Church.  (UPDATED THUR., OCT. 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Only the finest China for Campbell County

     She grew up at Fincastle.  But for the past 60-years she’s belonged to the State of Tennessee.  She is China Willoughby.  Last Saturday, the 29th of September, marked 60-years of service for her with the Department of Children Services.  She began not long after graduating from La Follette High School in 1949.  And before we go further, China tells WLAF that she has no plans to retire.  Anytime soon that is.  Although the upbeat blonde is taking it a day at a time.  She’s seen quite a bit over parts of seven decades starting with an initial staff of seven when she hired-in in 1952 at the Burnett Building in downtown La Follette.  That building once stood right about where the drive-up window traffic exits the main office of Peoples Bank of the South these days.  Her office is now located in its sixth location in 60-years in the Woodson Mall.  Congratulations, China! (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012, 6:00 AM)

La Follette City Council works quickly Tuesday night

     After a lengthy workshop last week, La Follette City Council sailed through its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night at city hall.  Two part time city employees, Donna Weaver ($20,800 annually) in administration and policeman Benjamin Lake Evans ($26,520 annually), were voted to be promoted to full time status with benefits beginning Saturday, October 6, 2012.  Fire Chief Gary Byrd noted that next week is National Fire Prevention Week, and that he and members of his department will be speaking at La Follette Elementary School as well as promoting the event around town at the city’s 30-some businesses.  La Follette’s getting eight new copy machines at a cash price of $44,186.00.  Nova Copy wins the bid and with the city paying cash, it is saving more than 14-thousand dollars by virtue of the low bid and the cash price.  Sealed bids are to be opened Friday for three roofing projects; Fire Hall Three and the East and West La Follette Community Centers.  Council adjourned in session and will reconvene Tuesday, October 9, at 5:00 p.m., to approve the roofing bids.  From an asking price of 22-thousand dollars down to 55-hundred dollars, council voted two-to-one to go ahead with the purchase of a sliver of land on South Fifth Street.  The land owner told members of council that he would not take less than 55-hundred dollars for a portion of his front yard that the city plans to cut back making for easier travel in the deep bend at the end of South Fifth Street where it intersects with Cherry and West Beech Streets.  Joe Bolinger cast the no vote with Stephanie Grimm and Hansford Hatmaker voting yes.  Bolinger wanted the city to make a counter offer of 48-hundred dollars.  Also approved last night was to go ahead with the application process with TVA for an energy lighting grant.  The grant allows the city to install new energy lighting at every building which will save thousands of dollars and repay the purchase price within only a few months. 

Mayor Stanfield and council agreed to move ahead with the improvements to Freeman Park.  The park’s fountain was recently removed, and now the city is going to take town the large tree on the property and replace it with another fountain in the center of the park.  Bill Bibler with Paradigm Concrete Artisans was given the go ahead to erect a ten by six hand carved fountain for some 15-thousand dollars.  Bibler told the audience that as soon as the tree comes down, he can go to work with a completion date of November 1 being a possibility.  Buying new radios for the police department at a cost of $3,735.00 was OK’d.  The city is facing an F.C.C. mandate to have radios with a more narrow band width.  The Trunk or Treat event coming up on October 31, 2012, is getting an extra $250.00.  With the additional money, organizers will now offer more games as well as a hay ride for the youngsters.  More than 3,000 children take part in the annual Halloween happening.  Eleven thousand, eight hundred dollars were approved to pave the parking lot at the East La Follette Community Center.  Parks and Recreations Director Johnny Byrge added that the Board of Education will contribute to the paving project.  Council also voted to move forward with applying for a 25-thousand dollar energy grant that goes toward helping buy a recycling truck.  The new truck costs right at 50 to 51 thousand dollars.  It was approved for Public Works to apply for a grant that will pay 100% for a new, big oil tank along with a shed to cover it.  Jim Mullins, Director of Public Works, mentioned that the oil furnace that heats the garage burns on regular motor oil.  He encourages anyone wanting to dispose of their motor oil to bring it by the shop on North Massachusetts Avenue. There was a first reading on a resolution to support Campbell County in its efforts to increase recycling, and the City Parks Ordinance passed on third and final reading as did an amendment to the zoning ordinance of the city’s highway business district.  There was no public input on the third and final reading of the two ordinances.  It was also mentioned that the renovation of the old library is ahead of schedule and under budget.  You may see Tuesday night’s La Follette City Council meeting in its entirety right here on our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012, 6:00 AM)

La Follette City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 2, 2012

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The Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, Hunter was a war hero 

     A World War II hero is laid to rest this week.  The best way to describe Edgar Hunter might be “highly decorated.”  To catch a glimpse of his life, his devotion and dedication to his country, you need look no further than just what he did in World War II.  Hunter served in the army and was a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and numerous other military awards and decorations.  Hunter lived in Pioneer and is laid to rest this week in Cincinnati with military honors.  Edgar Hunter was 88-years old.(UPDATED TUES., OCTOBER 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 La Follette City Council meets this evening

     La Follette City Council meets at 6:00 this evening for its regular monthly meeting at city hall.  A rather lengthy agenda follows a public hearing.  The public hearing entails ordinances to establish codes for city parks and amending the zoning ordinance for La Follette’s highway business district.  The city also plans to promote two part-time employees to fulltime.  They are Donna Weaver and Lake Evans.  Weaver works in administration while Evans is a police officer.  We’ll have the complete story for you right here tomorrow.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Boomer lays out of work on Monday

     Boomer’s Corner is late for last week.  Or early for this week.  Depending on your take.  The big man fesses up about calling in sick on Monday or was it just to see Hoda and Kathy Lee.  He also puts in his two-cents worth on Louie Bluie.  See Boomer’s entire story on our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Rissa Pryse and the staff at the La Follette Terry's Pharmacy open its drive-up window

Baker, wanted on child sex charges, turns himself in to authorities

     “I’m tired of life on the run.”  That’s reportedly what former La Follette Police Officer turned fugitive Michael Shane Baker told Claiborne County authorities in the wee hours of this morning.  Baker was indicted by the Campbell County grand jury on July 11, 2012, on 44 counts of internet sex crimes committed against a 13-year-old Georgia girl.  Since the indictment, Baker had not been seen until soon after midnight today at a home in New Tazewell.  After the investigation began, he was suspended without pay back on April 12.  Then  Baker was terminated on June 10 and later indicted on July 11, 2012.   

Baker, pictured at the top this morning sporting a beard and then below from the summer of 2012,  was number eight on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Top Ten Most Wanted list.  La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries says he’s happy that Baker is in custody, and he is happy that Baker’s arrest ended without incident.  Jeffries is adamant in saying that there are some things in life we do not do, especially police officers, and the crimes Baker committed are worthy of prison time.  Jeffries thanks his department as well as Sheriff David Ray and his officers with the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department.  Baker is being held at the Claiborne County Corrections Center while awaiting transportation to Campbell County to face the alleged charges.  (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012, 3:00 PM) 

Bikers caught drag racing down Bowlin Straight

     Jellico Police clock two drag racing motorcycles at more than 110 miles per hour.  Fast times on Friday night along Bowlin Straight in Jellico sent two young men to jail on multiple charges including drag racing in a 45-MPH zone.  Jellico Assistant Chief of Police J.J. Hatmaker tells WLAF that the stretch of road on the south side of town is where 22-year old Zach Davis of Newcomb and 21-year old Sean Morris of Jellico were spotted and clocked around midnight.  Hatmaker says the pair sped away attempting to hide behind a garage near Pine Mountain Road.  One biker slid trying to get behind the building while the other biker failed to turn off his headlight.  Both Davis and Morris are free, each on a two-thousand dollar bond.  (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012, NOON) 

The Terry's Pharmacy drive-thru is now open

     The wait is over.  Today signaled a milestone at Terry's Pharmacy.  Your locally owned pharmacy pulled the curtain on its new drive-thru window soon after  9:00 a.m. 

Owner Dr. Rissa Pryse tells WLAF that all the work that began back in the summer culminated this morning as she snipped the ribbon on the new addition, and that she is thrilled to be able to offer this extra service to all her patients.  (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012, NOON)

Brother shoots brother resulting in a tense standoff at Jellico

     A domestic incident leads to a shooting followed by a tense standoff.  Campbell County Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF that in the initial stages of the investigation, it appears that a possible domestic related incident in north Campbell County winds up with one person being shot.  Evans goes on to say that around 7:00 Sunday evening, Chris Zecchini arrived at the Jellico Community Hospital with gunshot wounds.  Zecchini was soon flown to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville said to be suffering from life threatening wounds to his upper body.  Jellico Police along with sheriff’s deputies went to the home of Steven Zecchini at 275 Brick Plant Lane in Jellico.  That’s where a standoff was developing with Zecchini who was not responding to outside requests and instructions from law enforcement. 

Steven Zecchini

The Sheriff's Special Weapons and Tactics Team, which includes a trained negotiator, arrived to diffuse the situation.  After several tense moments, 48-year old Steven Zecchini peacefully surrendered and then was taken into custody.  He remains in the county jail this afternoon facing attempted second-degree murder charges. His bond has not yet been sest.  Chief Evans confirms that the victim and the suspect are brothers.  From the scene, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins states to WLAF that he is very pleased with and proud of the outcome that resulted in the arrest of the suspect.  Goins adds that he is thankful that all involved were able to successfully accomplish this call and incident, with all our people, as well as the suspect, unharmed and safe.  Goins says that it is his prayerful hope that every call or incident, that we service, that our deputies and anyone else involved leave and go home or go to jail safely.  Chris Zecchini underwent surgery overnight and is being treated in the Neuro Critical Care Unit at UT Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition.  Family members say Chris is doing better, that he is alert, and is showing lots of improvement since last night.  (UPDATED MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012, 3:30 PM)

 

Caryville man dies while logging

     9-1-1 was called. Lifestar was on standby. But first responders were not able to save 55-year old Terry Phillips of Caryville.  Phillips died at the scene of a logging accident late Thursday afternoon. Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF that Philips' brother, Gary, called 9-1-1 around 4:00 p.m. saying that Terry was trapped underneath a tree. Evans goes on to say that Terry Phillips was cutting a tree and was not able to get out of the way when the tree fell. Phillips was logging timber in the Beech Fork area of Stony Fork. (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, 7:25 PM)

Flu shot day at the health department

     Flu shots have been available for a few weeks at Terry's Pharmacy and Cumberland Gap Medical.  Today, a special flu vaccine clinic is taking place at the Campbell County Health Department.  Officials with the department tell WLAF that it takes a couple of weeks to become protected from the flu after getting the shot.  It's expected that three strains of flu will circulate this year including the H1N1 flu.  Five to 20% of the population comes down with the flu every year and suffer from coughing, fever, and fatigue.  The disease can be deadly, especially for the very young and elderly.  Flu shots today at the health department are $25 per vaccine.  Uninsured patients may be eligible to pay on a sliding fee based on income and the size of their family, and Medicare will be billed.  However, no other plans or insurance providers will be billed.  The Campbell County Health Department is on old Highway 25W just south of Jacksboro.(UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Off road riders take off for Toys for Tots

     Toys for Tots sponsors a couple of big events this fall.  A 5K run/walk is set for next weekend.  However, this weekend is TFT’s “Off Road Ride.”  It all begins Saturday morning at Ride Royal Blue.  The cost is $10 or a new toy of equal value.  ATV, UTV, and dirt bike riders are encouraged to take part.  Registration is from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. , and the three-hour plus ride treks through the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area. (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Shepherd's Home Thrift Store celebrates one-year this weekend

     October 4th marks one-year.  One-year since the Shepherd’s Home Thrift Store opened its doors in Woodson Mall.  However, the celebration is this weekend.  Today through Saturday, Barbara Jo Sterrett and the staff invite you take part in the fun.  Each day of the big event, they are giving away two $50 gift certificates., and the thrift store runs discounts of some kind everyday, however, the mark downs are bigger through Saturday. 

 

Sterrett tells WLAF that the Shepherd’s Home Thrift Store serves hundreds of customers every week with its well organized, well stocked second-hand goods store.  The driving motivation to open the store last year was and remains to support the Shepherd’s Home.  The home helps women prevail over addiction.    (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

When Jellico High has a homecoming, it is literally a homecoming

     It's homecoming weekend at Jellico.  Friday and Saturday are a couple of big days for Jellico High School graduates who live in the area and for those who make their way back to the Gem City.  Every fall since 1986, the JHS Alumni Association has hosted homecoming for all its graduates, students, and friends.  The very first graduating class of Jellico High was in 1905.  This year's honorees are Lendon and Charlotte Welch from the Class of 1952 along with Elsie Bates Crawford who graduated from JHS in 1964 as well as current JHS Principal Harry Chitwood from the Class of 1967.  The Blue Devils host Oliver Springs in the Friday night football game which kicks off at 7:30 and is broadcast right here over 1450wlaf.com.(UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, NOON)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off road riders take off for Toys for Tots

     Toys for Tots sponsors a couple of big events this fall.  A 5K run/walk is set for next weekend.  However, this weekend is TFT’s “Off Road Ride.”  It all begins Saturday morning at Ride Royal Blue.  The cost is $10 or a new toy of equal value.  ATV, UTV, and dirt bike riders are encouraged to take part.  Registration is from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. , and the three-hour plus ride treks through the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area. (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office awarded Governor’s Highway Safety Grant

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins announces that his office has been awarded a $30,000.50 Governor’s Highway Safety Grant through the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office. The grant called “Knock out impaired driving in Campbell County” will allow for extra overtime, resources, training and manpower to prevent alcohol and drugged driving related fatalities, injuries and property damage.  The breakdown of the grant includes $26,500 for overtime and $3,500 for training, travel and other expenses.  “We want to train more deputies, conduct more saturation patrols, increase public education, increase DUI arrests and decrease fatalities, injuries and property damage.  We are fortunate and blessed that we now have a great working relationship with these fine folks at the GHSO.  We have also had tremendous support from the Campbell County Commission and the Campbell County Director of Finance Jeff Marlow on the inner workings of these funds and dispersing them to our employees,“ said Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins.  “With our major routes, population, seasonal tourism and new challenges of alcohol stores, the need for these funds are great.  “It is the commitment of the sheriff’s office to make neighborhoods, roadways and our county safer, ” Sheriff Goins concluded.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012, 8:00 PM)

 

A Harlan County, Kentucky man dies

     The name of the man killed in a freak mining accident is now known.  Authorities tell WLAF that 32-year old Jeremy Perkins of Wallins Creek, Harlan County, Kentucky, died when rock and a roof fell on him early this morning.  The tragedy happened at 5:30 a.m. inside a deep mine known as Double Mountain Mine, owned by Kopper Glo.  The mine was once called the Doublel Q and is on Rock Creek in Claiborne County.  That's just outside the Clairfield community which is about 15 miles east of Smoky's Market in White Oak.  It's believed no one else was injured.  The mine, off Highway 92, is until further notice.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012, Noon)

 

Here's your chance at part of six-billion dollars

     It's a six-billion, yes, that's with a "B," dollar project.  And it's developing in our backyard.  Campbell County businesses have a chance at federal dollars through selling goods or services to the United States Government.  At Oak Ridge, a Y-12 Uranium Facility is being constructed at a cost of six-billion dollars.  And the catch is that 40%, 2.4 billion dollars, is earmarked for small businesses.  So, how do you pitch your goods or services knowing that it can be time consuming and confusing in doing business with the government?  Well, there's a half-day seminar coming to Roane State College on Friday, October 12, designed to help you do just that.  Experts will be on hand to help you navigate through the process.  Partners for this Government Contracting Seminar are the county mayor's office and chamber of commerce, the Campbell County Small Business Incubator, and the UT Procurement Technical Assistance Center.  For more details and to register, contact Billie Russell at 423.562.2526. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012, 6:00 AM)

LUB's phones are back on

     All day and into the evening, the La Follette Utilities' offices were without telephone service on Tuesday.  But all the LUB phones are once again working this morning.  Officials with LUB tell WLAF that everything started working around 8:00 last night.  This is the second time in just a few months that the phone system has been entirely shutdown at LUB.  Each outage is not related.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Second Harvest Notifies Clients of Peanut Butter Recall

MARYVILLE, Tennessee – Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is notifying their clients of the Sunland Peanut Butter Recall.  Sunland, Inc. products manufactured between May 1, 2012, and September 24, 2012, may be contaminated with salmonella.  Illnesses from the peanut butter have been reported in 18 states; Tennessee is currently not listed.  Over 16,000 jars of the recalled product were distributed by the Food Bank.

“If you were given one of these products, do not eat them.  If the product has been opened please dispose of it or, if the container is still sealed it can be returned to the agency where it was distributed,” said Elaine Streno Executive Director of Second Harvest. 

·         Sunland Creamy Peanut Butter; UPC 4868726909

·         Sunland Natural Creamy Peanut Butter; UPC 4868767909

For more information call Second Harvest Food Bank at (865) 521-0000.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTMBER 25, 2012, 4:00 PM)

Road's closed at Davis Creek

     If your travel plans include White Oak in the next few days, you'll want to double-check your route.  That's because county road crews are working a slide this week at Davis Creek Road.  That's about six miles off Highway 25W.  So, if your regular route is Highway 25W and the Duff Road to White Oak, you'll want to go a little further on up 25W and take Highway 90 to White Oak.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTMBER 25, 2012, 3:00 PM)

LUB's phones are out...again

     If you have a utility emergency or outage, you'll need to call 423.562.8331 if your home and/or business is inside La Follette.  Outside La Follette, the number to call is 423.562.8055.  Josh Parker with La Follette Utilities tells WLAF that phones at LUB may be working here in an hour or two or they may not be working until this time tomorrow.  He just doesn't know.  Parker says this is the second such phone outage in the past couple of months.  The last time was because new poles were being set along Indiana Avenue.  He's not sure what's causing the problem today.  He adds that LUB is in the process of converting all its phones to another service, but the provider tells LUB that the conversion and today's outage are unrelated.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTMBER 25, 2012, 3:00 PM)

City rebids three roofing projects

     La Follette’s recycling program is exceeding expectations.  That’s the word from Jim Mullins who heads up Public Works for the city.  At Monday’s workshop, Mullins asked for permission, and received it, to apply for a matching grant in order to purchase a small garbage truck to use on the city’s daily recycling rounds.  He says that most days his crew makes two runs to the recycling center, because it’s currently using a pick-up truck.  Mullins explains that the grant is a 25-thousand dollar energy grant, an 80/20 match, and that the cost for the one-ton truck and small garbage body totals a little more than 30-thousand dollars.  He also said that there is free money available for his department to have a new tank and shed for its used oil container at no cost to the city.  The city burns used motor oil to heat its shop in the winter, and Mullins encourages anyone looking to dispose of motor oil to bring it by the Public Works office on North Massachusetts Avenue.  Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton held up the bid paperwork for three separate roofing projects in his left hand as he told the mayor and council that the bid specs will run in the two county newspapers this week.  The city is replacing and refurbishing roofs on Fire Hall Number 3, and the East and West La Follette Community Centers.  Director of Finance Terry Sweat announced the dollar amounts the city will spend on eight new copy machines as it replaces aging eight-year old copiers.  Each size copier the city needs was bid separately from four different companies with the final total cost coming to a shade more than 49-thousand dollars.  Sexton said the 15-hundred dollar appraisal on the sliver of property in the South Fifth Street project comes out to 38-hundred dollars.  Wes Dupuy represented the property owner at last night’s workshop saying the land owner agrees to take 55-hundred dollars.  The property is a portion of the curve on South 5th near Cherry and West Beech Streets.  The city wants to straighten the curve some and possibly lower that section of street.  It was speculated that the project could cost upwards of 10, maybe 15-thousand dollars once the grading, paving, fencing, and shaving of the curve is completed.  Mullins notes that by lowering the street they may also end up dealing with underground utilities.  The city’s Stan Foust told Sexton that renovations on the old library are on schedule and is just a few weeks away from completion.  It will be used mainly as a conference room.  Some city employees would like to expand its Trunk or Treat event and asked council for 250-dollars.  They would like to offer more games as well as a hay ride for the youngsters.  More than 3,000 children take part in the annual Halloween happening.  It was proposed that city workers volunteer their time to help.  The mayor and some council members are pitching-in a total of $500 from their discretionary funds to support this week’s annual Mine Rescue Contest at Cove Lake Park.  Mayor Stanfield made mention that the competition involves more than 300 people who will spend thousands of dollars with our local merchants for the better part of this week.  The city set October 20 for its auction where it will auction off anything that has not been used for the past two years.  A federal mandate that goes into effect at the end of the year is prompting the police department to buy nine new radios to accommodate a more narrow band width.  Chief Jimmy Jeffries adds that the low bid comes in at thirty-seven hundred dollars, and that he does not have those funds in his budget.  It was quickly mentioned by Councilman Hansford Hatmaker that the chief could have the funds from the auction to pay for the new radios.  Jeffries appeared relieved and appreciative.  Two part time city employees are proposed to be promoted to full time with benefits.  They are, in administration, Donna Weaver, who has been part time for a little more than a year, and on the police force, Officer Lake Evans.  Weaver’s pay will be $20,800 a year while Evans is to be paid $26,520 annually, and that’s effective on October 6th for both employees.  Human Resources Head Joy Ellison vouched for Weaver while Jeffries did the same for Evans.  A resolution supporting Campbell County in its efforts to increase recycling opportunities that involves a 2012 State HUB and Spokes Grant Application was also discussed.  Perennial candidate Virgil Kidwell spoke publicly for the third time to the mayor and council encouraging them to appoint a replacement for council member Wayne Kitts.  Kitts resigned last month in order run for mayor in the November election.  Kidwell is running for council and as well as state representative.  Hatmaker asked Sexton to look into how many full time city employees are also working part time somewhere else.  One of Hatmaker’s concerns is that those working a part time job may be using city equipment while doing so.  Sexton said he would look into the matter.  A local design consultant, Bill Bibler, proposed to construct the new fountain in Freeman Park offering to donate half of the total cost in order to give back to the community.  Bibler said a bid would come in right at 30-thousand dollars, and that he was willing to do it for 15-thousand.  In order to put in the new fountain, the huge tree in the center of the park, used at Christmas as a lighted Christmas tree, needs to come down.  Council meets in regular session Tuesday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTMBER 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

It's Louie Bluie week

Sounds Like Home:  A Night of Music from the Cumberlands

McNeely forced to cancel 

Tickets are on sale now for Sounds Like Home: A Night of Music From the Cumberlands, a bluegrass concert featuring Dale Ann Bradley and Steve Gulley and the Pinnacle Mountain Boys.  Larry McNeely was scheduled to perform with the PMB.  However, his wife writes in an email to Bradley Hanson on Sunday evening that Larry's health is not well enough for him to play this weekend.

When: Friday, September 28, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Gate opens at 6 p.m.

Where: Cove Lake State Park in Caryville

Cost: $10 advance, $12 at the door

Get tickets on www.louiebluie.org or at any of the following locations:

·                     Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, Jacksboro

·                     Peoples Bank of the South (all Campbell County locations)

·                     Hampton Inn, Caryville

·                     Rickard Ridge Restaurant in Cove Lake State Park

·                     Powell-Clinch Utilities, LaFollette and Lake City

·                     First Volunteer Bank (all Campbell County locations)

This concert kicks off the Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, September 29 at Cove Lake State Park. More information about Sounds Like Home and the Louie Bluie Festival can be found at www.louiebluie.org.

Also, enjoy fireworks by Pyro Shows after the concert.

For more information about the performers, http://louiebluie.org/louie-bluie-friday-concert/

Check out this video of Dale Ann Bradley talking about her music.  (UPDATED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2012, 6:00 PM)

Meth maker caught cooking

     It was so bad, we couldn’t go back inside.  That’s how La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries describes the scene Wednesday morning at a home on North 21st Street as hydrochloric gas was pouring out of one room.  That’s where he and LPD officers, acting on a tip, walked in on an active meth lab.  Jeffries tells WLAF that 33-year old Michael Todd Huckaby, on parole from prison, was cooking off meth in his bedroom when they arrived. 

 

 

The La Follette Fire Department provided air packs and white chemical suits for police to wear so they could re-enter the meth room. 

Officers add that Huckaby threw a gas generator out of the house before they entered.  A bottle of cooked meth was recovered along with drug paraphernalia right before the house was quarantined.  Chief Jeffries adds that this was a very good tip, and that anyone may call-in a tip without having to tell their name.  The number to call is 423.562.8331.  Jeffries says citizen tips are vitally important to the work the LPD does. 

 

Huckaby and, and his girlfriend, 38-year old Sheryl Lynn Letner of the same address, 306 North 21st Street, face multiple drug charges including meth manufacturing.  Huckaby and Letner remain housed this morning in the county jail each on a $25,000 bond and have court dates set for September 25.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Caryville issues distress warrant to Super 8 Motel

     The City of Caryville conducted a special called meeting Thursday evening at city hall.  A couple of items prompted the meeting; a motel’s delinquent tax status and a company looking to lease office space.  The Dasht Partnership, which owns the Super 8 Motel, owes more than 43-hundred dollars in back taxes from the year 2010.  One of the motel’s partners, Hemal Patel, attended Caryville’s regular council meeting on September 10 and said he would be in in a couple of days and pay.  He never did.  As a result, council voted Thursday night to issue a distress warrant to the Dasht Partnership.  Orica is a worldwide company that has a Campbell County location specializing in blasting for construction companies and rock quarries.  It came to terms Thursday night with the City of Caryville to lease land in the Ershall Collins Industrial Park where it plans to build an office.  Orica employs seven people here locally.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Avid photographer, beloved teacher dies

     The man who taught thousands of youngsters in area schools and snapped countless memorable pictures passes away.  Ernest Jones died Thursday afternoon around 4:00 o’clock after a long battle with cancer. He was many things to many people here in La Follette and all around Campbell County.  Johnnie Lou Reynolds Hickman, a former student of Jones, tells WLAF that every time she and former classmates got together Jones name always came up.  She says he was just a great teacher. 

 

Ernest Jones

An avid photographer, Jones and his father, Charlie, played a key role in the photographic history of the area.  La Follette Art Studio is the business the pair ran together in the 1950s and 60s, and that’s where many of the historic pictures we all still see today were developed.  Jones, WA4RLX, was active in amateur radio as well as being a Shriner.  He was a 1957 graduate of La Follette High School (see photo).  Walters Funeral Home of La Follette is handling the arrangements for Ernest Jones.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County Commission Meeting from Monday, September 17, 2012

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Press Release

September 19, 2012

Immediate Release

Re: Arrest of a Fed Ex delivery man for the sell and possession of Sch. 2 narcotics

Contact: Chief Deputy Aaron A. Evans 423-494-1939 or aevans@campbellcountygov.com
_____________________________________________________________________________

Drug Dealing Fed Ex Driver Busted In Ongoing Investigation

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins was able to announce today that last Friday afternoon, narcotics investigators from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office along with assistance from the 8th Judicial Drug Task Force conducted an operation that led to the arrest of a Fed Ex delivery man,

Chris Cole Dabney, 47 of 721 Sinking Springs Road in Clinton, TN. Information was obtained during an ongoing drug investigation, that Mr. Dabney, while operating in his capacity as a Fed Ex delivery man, was possessing, distributing and engaging in the sale of prescription narcotics, while operating as a delivery employee. During the investigation, investigators were able to arrange a meeting with Mr. Dabney and place their delivery order of morphine for $300.00. At the Exxon Station in Jellico just off of I-75 at exit 160, at approximately 3pm, narcotics investigators were laying in wait, where they were able to witness the drug transaction and immediately, without incident, place Mr. Dabney under arrest. Continuing their operation, investigators found evidence directly related to their investigation, recovering marked funds and what they believe are morphine pain pills. The route owners of the Fed Ex delivery van were notified shortly after the incident to retrieve their vehicle and cooperated fully with the investigation, praising the efforts of the investigators and the sheriff’s office. During the interview of Mr. Dabney, investigators were able to confirm through his admission that, in fact, what has been alleged against him was true. Mr. Dabney went on to confirm the investigators suspicions that he had been delivering and selling prescription pain medication approximately twice weekly for an undetermined amount of time. “This investigation traveled from Lafollette to Jellico and all over Campbell County. Today we can report that Mr. Dabney’s actions have ceased and will not be tolerated, period. At any given time, undercover drug operations take place on a daily basis in our office and we are proud when we are able to report them to the public.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 1:00 PM) 

A total of 63 bookings for two young men

     As intake reports come across the news desk here at WLAF, some numbers just jump off the page at you.  That’s the case with the latest reports on 32-year old Robert Steven Reynolds of Speedwell and 28-year old David Dewayne Cooper of La Follette.  Reynolds’ latest booking comes as a result of three capias bench warrants while Cooper is booked into the county jail for public intoxication.  This makes the 30th time Reynolds has been booked into jail.  It’s the 33rd time for Cooper.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 1:00 PM) 

Snorting Klonopin with a kid in the car

     Mumbled.  Thick tongued speech.  Very slow movements.  Slow blinks.  Given the impression of 42-year old Carl  Edward Rogers, La Follette Police Officers knew something was up when they pulled him over on West Jacksboro Pike for not wearing a seat belt.  The La Follette man told officers that his yellow powder caked left nostril was the result of snorting Klonopin, a controlled substance which has the ability to impair.  As a result, Rogers failed five field sobriety tests.  Rogers also had a passenger, an unrestrained minor child, a five year old girl.  Rogers is charged with driving under the influence, seat belt violation, failure to yield to blue lights and an emergency vehicle, and the child restraint law.(UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 1:00 PM) 

Wrong way ‘Roy, Leroy, is pulled over

     After five field sobriety tests, La Follette Police Officers determined Leroy Chiarini was most likely impaired.  The first clue was that Chiarini was traveling the wrong way on the four-lane in front of the IGA.  Police reports indicate that the 57-year old Loop Road man veered into the IGA parking lot without signaling where he parked at nearly a 45-degree angle.  Officers tell WLAF that Chiarini’s speech was slurred and his pupils were small.  He admitted to taking several impairing prescription drugs adding that his Chevrolet was not registered or insured.  Chiarini faces charges of driving under the influence (DUI), failure to maintain lane, violation of the registration law, and violation of the Tennessee financial law. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 1:00 PM) 

Boomer's Corner is now open

     This go-round, he's yappin' about the school board.  Oh, and the Middle East, too.  Catch Charles "Boomer" Winfrey's latest insults, insight, and entertainment on Boomer's Corner. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Next door neighbor offers an illegal hand

     The back door to her Loop Road apartment was found open.  And she saw a woman running from her apartment.  That’s what Carla Douglas tells La Follette Police after discovering her purse, money, and prescription drugs missing.  Along with the pills, she says she had $1,200 cash in the purse.  Douglas identified the woman as 21-year old Danielle Lea Jones of Pleasant Ridge Road in La Follette.  When police caught up with Jones, she told them that she and 26-year old Eric D. Shoupes, Douglas’s next door neighbor, hid the pills.  Jones took officers to the corner of Hickory Hills Drive and South 13th Street where the pills were found in a blue case, wrapped in plastic bags, hidden under leaves.  Jones is charged with theft of property of $1,000 to $9,999 and aggravated burglary.  While Shoupes faces charges of criminal conspiracy.  The report did not reference the $1,200 again. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Man admits to making, taking meth

     A La Follette Police Officer answers an “open” 9-1-1 call only to find a man on meth.  Dispatchers from 9-1-1 advised the officer that it may be a possible meth situation at 515 North 13th Street, and it was.  Upon arrival, a man, 39-year old Billy Pennington of Caryville, showed officers his room where there was an open grocery bag in plain view that contained three bent spoons and a set of digital scales.  When asked, Pennington said he’d been doing meth.  Also found were plastic tubing, a plastic container holding a plastic corner baggie that had a white powdery residue in the corner.  Pennington went on to say that the residue was meth that he’d cooked himself.  He added that the tubing was also his left over from the meth lab.  Pennington was charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of schedule II controlled substance. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Woman offers pills at community center

     A Summers Road woman is charged by La Follette Police with possession of schedule IV controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Officers tell WLAF that 31-year old Shelly Keith of La Follette was found offering pills to people at the Community Center on West Beech Street.  The report indicates that Keith was intoxicated but not to the extent that she was a danger to anyone.  Pills, two cut straws with white residue were found inside Keith’s purse. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Man, woman use false names to get pain meds

     His real name is Richard Joseph.  Her actual name is Michelle Tickle.  But, according to La Follette Police, each used false names to get prescriptions for pain medication from the ER doctor at La Follette Medical Center.  Joseph said he was John Joseph while Tickle identified herself as Holly Roberts.  Police also say that Joseph and Tickle signed falsely at a local drug store to gain the medication.  Joseph, age 45, who lives on West Chestnut Street in La Follette is charged with criminal impersonation, filing a false report or bomb threat, possession of schedule II controlled substance, and drug fraud.  The 33-year old Tickle lives at the same West Chestnut Street address as Joseph and is charged with criminal impersonation, giving false information to officer, and theft of property under $500. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

LPD cracks down on propositions, prostitution, and possession

     Twenty-four arrests. In less than a week. On a wide range of charges. Chief Jimmy Jeffries and his La Follette Police Force have just scratched the surface in their undercover sweeps.  The Chief tells WLAF that more than 24 arrests were made in just a few days ranging from charges of illegal possession of narcotics, to prostitution, to outstanding warrant arrests. Jeffers notes that seven arrests were made for drug possession leading to multiple vehicle seizures. Those arrested include 32-year old Jonnie Sue Saylor of La Follette on charges of prostitution.

Jonnie Sue Saylor

Saylor was approached on North First Street by an undercover officer asking how much she charged for sex, and Saylor told him that she gets forty-dollars for each sexual act.  Saylor is free on bond and is awaiting a September 21 court date.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012, 2:00 PM)    

“I ain’t done anything wrong”

     Officers with the La Follette Police Department tell WLAF that a Jacksboro man was slumped over his steering wheel creating a traffic snarl on Jacksboro Pike.  Thirty-two year old David Pigg of Jacksboro was leaning over the steering wheel of his car on the four-lane in front of Walgreens when LPD officers noticed traffic was having to go around him.  Once Pigg saw an officer walking up to his window, he sped away into the Walgreens parking lot.  Pigg parked in the lot, then jumped out of his car saying "I ain't done anything wrong."  Pigg gave police his brother's name and date of birth before it was learned who he really is.  Pigg was charged with possession of schedule IV controlled substance, criminal impersonation, impeding the flow of traffic, driving while suspended, violation of Tennessee financial law, violation of registration law, and two charges of violation of probation.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)    

Busted tail light leads to bust

     A non-working tail light leads to two arrests in La Follette.  When a car was pulled over in the 500 block of West Walden Street for a brake light violation, officers noticed a lot of pill bottles in the driver’s pocketbook.  The purse and the rest of the car were offered up for a search in which drug paraphernalia was found.  LPD officers charged 26-year old Amber Leeann Muse of Caryville with  possession of drug paraphernalia, violation light law, and the drivers license law address.  Her passenger, 31-year old Robert Allan Muse of La Follette, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession for resale.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)    

Proposed tax increase is on the November ballot

County commissioners spent much of last week’s workshop hearing a proposal for a “paperless” system for storing official courthouse records and debating a budget amendment to replace two garbage trucks and several decaying containers for the sanitation department.

At Monday night’s regular commission meeting, both topics were dispensed with in less than a minute. That was all the time it took for commissioners to vote down the paperless proposal from Imaging Technology Consultants and to reject the sanitation request when a call by Chairman William Baird for a motion on the amendment was met with silence.

The debate on the garbage trucks had already gone on for over a half hour at an Environmental Service Committee session that ran overtime and delayed the start of the regular commission meeting. The committee ended in a 2-2 tie on a motion to fund the equipment purchase by committing future capital outlay funds to pay off the note. They then deferred the question to the full commission with no recommendation.

Bobby White expressed the views of the majority on the record storage proposal from ITC, saying that he felt the commission didn’t know enough about the system to make a commitment. He then made a motion to reject the agreement, which passed unanimously.

“We need to hold a workshop with them to get a full explanation of how this works,” White added. The question of the garbage trucks may also come up again, after several commissioners agreed to meet at the environmental services facility to inspect the condition of the trucks in question.

County Mayor William Baird and Commissioner Johnny Bruce were both re-elected as chairman and vice chairman of the commission, while Baird’s recommended list of committee assignments was also approved with one addition.

Thomas Hatmaker asked to be added to both the emergency management and environmental services committees, but Baird denied his request because a motion had already been made to approve the list of committees as presented.

I already attend both committees and participate in the discussion. I just can’t vote,” Hatmaker observed.

Hatmaker then offered a separate motion that he be appointed to the two committees, seconded by Beverly Hall. That motion passed 11-2 with J. L. Davis and Alvin Evans both voting “no.”

No other changes were made to the committee list. Most committees consist of five commissioners with the exception of emergency management and environmental services, which with the addition of Hatmaker, have six members. Commissioners agreed to hold short meetings of all committees before and after the October 8 workshop to elect officers.

The commission also approved a resolution to place a half-cent sales tax referendum on the ballot for the November General Election. The sales tax increase, which was rejected by voters in the spring primary election, would indirectly be used to fund paving projects for county roads.

By law, Finance Director Jeff Marlow explained, the local option sales tax must fund only the education budget, but that would enable the county to divert wheel tax funds from education to the highway budget for paving projects.

The resolution placing the sales tax question on the ballot also commits one-half of the $45 wheel tax to the highway department in the event that the sales tax increase is approved by voters. The resolution passed 12-1 with Hatmaker casting the only “no” vote.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)                           

It's Homecoming week for the Cougars

     Sunday, just before dusk, homecoming signs for the Campbell Cougars were going up along Central Avenue.  Billie Jo Ralston, Lisa Lester, and members of the La Follette Fire Department were decorating downtown La Follette for Friday's big homecoming parade. 

Lisa Lester, Billie Jo Ralston, and members of the LFD hang signs for Friday's Homecoming Parade

Ralston tells WLAF that school dismisses at 12:30 Friday.  The parade starts at 1:30 or soon there after.  The Clinton Dragons are in town Friday for the football game with the Cougars which kicks off after the Homecoming 2012 festivities.  Ralston says that Homecoming ceremonies begin just a little bit before 7:00, and your best bet may be to be in place to watch by 6:45 or so at Dossett Stadium.  WLAF provides all the "live" coverage beginning at 6:45 Friday night.  You will be able to see the game and the crowning of the queen televised "live" over www.1450wlaf.com (UPDATED SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, 8:30 PM)

 

Campbell 30 at Hardin Valley 48           Sunbright 21 at Jellico 6                         

Middle School Finals

     Blue Devils 32 Robbins 26......Eagles 38 Norris 02......Owls 44 Horace Maynard 00 

Homecoming queens crowned at JMS and LMS

     It was a beautiful evening for a host of beautiful young ladies Thursday night at the south side middle schools.  Jacksboro and La Follette celebrated homecoming on the same night in front of big crowds at each school.  Jacksboro crowned Gracie Faulkner as its 2012 queen while Bryce Dossett is wearing the La Follette crown. (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Cougar telecast improvements

     The Cougars are 2 and 2 and so is the WLAF Sports Network.  After a very good broadcast season last year, technically, in particular, we've struggled with the past couple of broadcasts this season.  And we're not happy at all with the product we've presented to you the past two CCHS games.  As a result, our technical crew has worked all week to improve our radio and television coverage of CCHS Football.  As part of our adjustments, we've installed new software, tweaked it, revamped all of our commercials, and streamlined the game format in order to bring you the best coverage possible.  After all, we are pioneering here at WLAF where our live website telecasts are concerned.  The Campbell County Cougars are the only Knoxville-area football and basketball programs that have their games broadcast live on radio, televised live over the internet, over stadium casts at all venues, and shown over local cable television.  We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding with us, and we will continue to strive to do a great job for you every time out.  Go Cougars!!!  (UPDATED FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012, 6:30 AM)

Meth maker holds up in his quarantined meth house

     About a year ago, Daryl Overbay’s home in the McDeerman Road area was quarantined due to an active meth lab.  However, the meth making continued this week at the same house, the one still under quarantine, at 353 Cedar Circle in Jacksboro.  Deputies with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department were called to the house on Tuesday where they found 42-year old Daryl Overbay hiding in a closet.  And Overbay was not all they discovered.  The officers spotted one pot meth bottles, H-C-L gas generators, drain cleaner, vinyl tubing, coffee filters, ether, ammonia nitrate, lye, and various tools. 

Daryl Roland Overbay

Overbay told the deputies that he used all the items to make meth inside the house.  He went on to say that he knew that the property was quarantined, and that he was not legally supposed to be inside the structure.  According to county records, it is still Overbay’s home even though one realtor tells WLAF that it may be in the process of bank foreclosure.  Overbay faces multiple charges including initiation of procedure to manufacture meth and is being held in the county jail on a 14-thousand dollar bond.  This is the eighth time Overbay has been booked.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012, 10:30 AM)

Christmas Parade is Saturday...December 1st...that is

     Parade Committee Chairman Kelli Jo Wright tells WLAF that the date for the 2012 Christmas Parade is in place.  Wright says it's the year for a night parade with this one beginning at 6:00 on Saturday, December 1, and, as always, it travels through La Follette starting on the east end.  Wright also hosts the parade coverage over WLAF-TV 12.  Plans are to televise the parade live over 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Caryville continues talks with potential employer

     Talks of bringing one of the world’s leading mining services to Campbell County continue.  Officials with the City of Caryville tell WLAF that the possibility of Orica, USA, is still in the works.  Orica is now looking at two different tracts of land in the Ershall Collins Industrial Park with the possibility of leasing one of the tracts.  Orica is based in Australia employing more than 14,000 employees worldwide in more than 50 countries.  One of the partners with the Super 8 Motel told the mayor and aldermen at Monday’s Caryville City Council meeting that he would be in by Tuesday to settle up delinquent taxes.  He was a no show.  The Super 8 owes $4,307.16 for tax-year 2010.  It’s taxes are paid up for 2011.  However, it owes for May, June, and July of 2012, and will soon owe for August 2012.  The city approved purchasing a new phone system for $4,358.00 and adding a new line for the street department and a fax line for the fire department.  The city also approved a bid submitted by Gail Daugherty for janitorial services of $500.00 a month to maintain city hall, and it also approved paying for purchases for the $1,000.00 matching TML Safety Grant.  Council OK’d the purchasing of two radios for the street department from Professional Communications at $327.75 each and payment of $1,440.79 for the street department for repairs to a backhoe at Stowers Machinery Corporation.  Council approved to pay Disney Office Supply $547.95 for citation books, the street department purchase of pothole mix to Lowe’s in the amount of $661.50, and a police department invoice for $1,065.84 to Extreme Tactical Dynamics.  The police invoice is being paid by proceeds from the drug fund.  The city also passed Ordinance 2012-09 on first reading.  It’s a Residential Building Code which involves new home construction.  That ordinance is mandated by the state.  Caryville City Council also passed Resolution 2012-10.  It is a resolution supporting Campbell County in its efforts to increase Recycling opportunities that involves a 2012 State Hub & Spokes Grant Application.  Caryville City Council next scheduled meeting is Monday, October 8 at 7:00 at city hall.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County Board of Education meeting from September 11, 2012

 

Board required to select new chairman and vice-chair

     Every year about this time, school boards all across Tennessee are required by state law to elect a school board chairman and vice-chairman.  Campbell County did just that Tuesday night by electing Josh Parker as its chairman and Johnny Creekmore as its vice-chairman.  Mike Orick (outgoing chair) and Homer Rutherford (outgoing vice-chair) did not want a third term despite encouragement from Parker, Creekmore, and the other board members.  You may see the entire school board meeting on this page.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012, 8:00 PM)

Orick steps down as chairman, Parker steps up

     School Board Chairman Mike Orick steps down at Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting of the board of education.  Orick, who represents the Fourth District, served two years as chairman and successfully navigated Campbell County Schools through some very rough waters.  Orick was at the helm when former Director of Schools Michael Martin resigned under a cloud of controversy in 2010.  He then led the school system through the recruiting and hiring process of current Director Donnie Poston.  Josh Parker, from the Second District, takes over for Orick as chairman while Johnny Creekmore steps into the vice-chairman role taking over for Homer Rutherford.  Creekmore represents the Fifth District.  Both Parker and Creekmore were voted-in unanimously.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012, 6:00 AM)

School board meets again in executive session

For the second consecutive month, the Campbell County Board of Education spent as much time in a private executive session as they did during their public meeting, forcing a room filled with both school personnel and a large audience to wait 40 minutes before the meeting resumed.

The executive session, requested by board attorney Dail Cantrell to discuss undisclosed legal matters, was followed by the election of a new chairman and vice chairman.  The election of the new chairman and vice chairman had nothing to do with the executive session.

After two terms, chairman Mike Orick stepped down and Josh Parker was elected unanimously to succeed him. Johnny Creekmore was also elected unanimously as vice chairman, replacing Homer Rutherford.

At the outset of the meeting, Rector Miller presented a plaque of appreciation to instructor David Miller and his building trades class at Campbell County High School for their work in completing the new LaFollette Learning Academy in the remaining part of the former East LaFollette Elementary building.

Also known as the alternative school, the academy was completed at a cost of $200,000 by using the class and maintenance personnel rather than bidding the project out. Using a general contractor and outside labor would have placed a price tag on the building closer to $400,000, Miller pointed out.

The board promptly approved several budget amendments, including final costs associated with the learning academy, diversion of the proceeds from the sale of the former Stony Fork school to pay for surveillance cameras and equipment on school buses and the hiring of three additional teachers to meet state minimum teacher-student ratios.

The board spent a considerable amount of time, however, before finally approving another expenditure, to replace the damaged composite gym floor at Jacksboro Elementary.

The floor, which poses a physical danger and cannot be used according to Director Donnie Poston, was not specifically included in the capital projects budget. Because it was not listed, although sufficient funds exist in that category to cover costs, the board had to approve the project.

Eugene Lawson expressed his concern that too much money is being spent on athletics and not enough on academic needs, but in the end he joined seven other members in voting to approve the project. Rutherford and Sarge Collins both abstained from the 8-0 vote.

The board also finally voted to resolve a payment impasse with the contractor for construction work at Wynn School. Finance Director Jeff Marlow explained that since the Fire Marshall’s office refused to approve a ramp construction at Wynn, he could not pay the contractor for the work because it did not meet the specifications of the original contract.

Miller argued that the contractor had come back and worked with Wynn maintenance personnel to correct the problems, but Marlow explained that he could still not legally pay for the work since school department employees had to be used to correct the problems.

“I can pay this bill, but only if the board passes a motion to pay the bill despite the contractor’s failure to meet the original specifications on the project,” Marlow countered.

Poston recommended that the bill be paid, adding, “There was more involved in the project than just the ramp.”

The board then voted 9-1 to pay the bill in its entirety, the motion stating that the board recognized that not all work specifications had been met. Rutherford cast the only “no” vote on the motion. (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 County commission workshop

Most county offices could eventually go “paperless” if the Campbell County Commission and office holders agree to a proposal from a Knoxville technology firm.

Larry Sharp of Imaging Technology Consultants made a presentation at Monday’s commission workshop on a computer software system that would eliminate the need for storage of bulky paper records in offices varying from the judicial files kept by the Circuit Court Clerk to the billing and run records of the ambulance service.

ITC offers a lease option that would include document storage and retrieval, audit trails and security systems for all courthouse offices and departments, Sharp explained.

Despite positive comments from both Circuit Court Clerk Bobby Vann and Ambulance Director Danny Sheckles, commissioners were not ready to jump on board without further review of the plan. Rusty Orick suggested that commissioners and office heads need to have a more detailed presentation on just how the system would work before making a commitment.  

County Attorney Joe Coker had questions as well, such as whether county employees would have to interrupt their other work to help members of the public access public records once everything is restricted to computer storage. Sharp indicated that a separate computer terminal can be dedicated for public access.

Prior to the workshop the commissioners met for over an hour as the Budget & Finance Committee, giving routine approval to a number of budget amendments before getting bogged down on a request to transfer funds to purchase new garbage trucks for the Sanitation Department.

In the end, after over 40 minutes of discussion, questions and answers, the commission still couldn’t agree on whether the need is critical enough to warrant the expense. Two aging trucks are in danger of breaking down permanently at any time, Sanitation Supervisor T. Don Boshears explained, with one of those being a truck that makes the Jellico run.

Some commissioners suggested switching a newer truck to the high mileage Jellico service and using one of the aging trucks for shorter trips, while others suggested other makeshift approaches that would avoid buying new trucks.

Funds for replacement garbage trucks were among the items cut from the current county budget when commissioners decided to avoid a property tax increase last month. Finally the request was referred to the Sanitation Committee for further discussion before the committee meeting was adjourned. (UPDATED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012, 3:00 PM)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campbell County Commission Meeting Monday, August 20, 2012

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No surprises, no fireworks, county budget passes

The Campbell County Commission’s vote last week to reopen the budget debate before final passage turned out to be a mere hiccup in the process, as commissioners in a near-unanimous vote Monday night approved their earlier decision as a Budget & Finance Committee to pass a budget with several deep cuts and no property tax increase.

Thomas Hatmaker cast the only vote against approving the committee report that set the budget and tax rate. He later attempted to re-open discussion by “going back to the drawing board” on the budget, but his motion failed by a vote of 9-5.

Nine commissioners agreed in a straw vote at last week’s workshop to reopen the budget discussion, but one of the concerns of Jellico commissioners J. L. Davis and Alvin Evans, that the county was losing a chance to gain $400,000 in ARC grants to build a rail spur into Oswego Industrial Park, was handled by shifting around grant priorities.

Shifting the already-appropriated local match for CDBG water line grants to the railroad project will provide the local matching funds for the Oswego spur. The Campbell County Rural Fire Service will instead provide the local CDBG matching funds.

Ironically, the Fire Service can provide the matching funds from money it has accumulated from individual commissioners’ discretionary fund gifts. Among the victims of the stripped down, no-tax increase budget are those discretionary funds.

With Davis absent and the two other Jellico commissioners now voting for approval of the budget without further debate, Hatmaker could only muster support from Beverly Hall, Scott Stanfield, Sue Nance and Bob Walden.

Hatmaker came closer to success on his other effort, to finally convince the commission to ask the State Comptroller’s office for approval to establish an audit committee. Marie Ayers voted in favor of the resolution, although she voiced some reservations and first urged commissioners to delay the vote for another month while she polls local CPAs about whether one would agree to serve as the committee’s “financial expert.”

Ayers explained that the state requires any county audit committee to have at least one member with expertise in audits and complex accounting procedures, but those people she has spoken with so far are unwilling to donate the time.

Hatmaker persisted, however, expressing his view that the county can first go through the formalities of gaining permission from the state, then deal with details.

County Attorney Joe Coker added a word of caution as well, telling commissioners that the way in which the 2008 law is written, counties may establish an audit committee but there is no provision for disbanding such a committee if the commission changes its mind.

Hall, Stanfield, Walden, Ayers and Charles Baird voted with Hatmaker to pass the resolution asking for the comptroller’s approval, but the motion fell short by a vote of 8-6.   

James Slusher, who had leveled criticism at the commissioners during last week’s workshop for the projects that were being slashed from the budget, was forced to sit by quietly on Monday night.  Slusher maneuvered Chairman William Baird into allowing him to speak during the July regular meeting despite a commission policy that citizen comments would be invited only at workshops.

An item on the printed agenda titled “Citizens wishing to address the commission” was conspicuously absent from the updated agenda for the August 20 meeting.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Charlie Collins fiddle returns to East Tennessee 

     Campbell County native Charlie Collins’ fiddle has traveled many miles.  Saturday, the instrument was officially displayed at the Museum of East Tennessee History's "Voices of the Land" exhibit at Knoxville.  The fiddle once belonged to Country Music Hall of Fame member Roy Acuff.  Nearly 40-years ago, Acuff gave the fiddle to his friend Charlie Collins, a 25-year member of Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys band.  At age 78, Collins died back in January at his Nashville home after suffering a stroke.  Back in the spring, the downtown Knoxville museum acquired the instrument from Collins' widow, Mary Agnes Collins, who said she likes the idea of it returning to East Tennessee, where her husband, as well as Acuff, had deep roots.  Acuff grew up in Fountain City but was born in Maynardville in Union County.  The son of a coal miner, Collins, grew up in Clinchmore, in the 1930s.  Around 1944, the family moved to nearby Caryville, where Collins began developing his skills on fiddle and mandolin as well as guitar.  Collins was hired in 1966 to play with the Smoky Mountain Boys and was a member of the band until Acuff's death in 1992.  Collins enjoyed visiting flea markets, and that's where he bought a fiddle in Nashville, took it home and touched it up some.  Collins liked its tone and gave it to Acuff as a gift in May of 1975.  A few days later, Acuff gave Collins the fiddle that now belongs to the East Tennessee Historical Society Museum. (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell Cougar Football 2012

DATE                           OPPONENT                  LOCATION        TIME

Week 0 August  17        Seymour                       Home                 Lost 30 - 20

Week 1 August 24         Cumberland County        Away                 Won 39 - 20

Week 2 August 30         Anderson County           Away                  Lost 36 - 00

Week 3 September  7    Karns                            Home                 Won 20 - 09

Week 4 September 14   Hardin Valley                 Away                  Lost 48 - 30

Week 5 September 21   Clinton                          Home                  7:30

Week 6 September 28   Bye

Week 7 October 5         Central                          Away                 7:30

Week 8 October 12        Powell                          Home                 7:30

Week 9 October 19        Halls                             Away                7:30

Week 10 October 26      Oak Ridge                     Home                7:30

Jellico Blue Devil Football 2012

DATE                                     OPPONENT                  LOCATION        TIME

Week 0 August  17th               Williamsburg                  Home                Lost 62 - 00

Week 1 August 24th                North Greene                 Away                 Lost 29 - 00

Week 2 August 31st                 Bye

Week 3 September  7th            Kings Academy             Home                Lost 34 - 22

Week 4 September 14th           Sunbright                      Home                Lost 21 - 6

Week 5 September 21st            Midway                         Away                7:30

Week 6 September 28th           Oliver Springs                Homecoming     7:30

Week 7 October 5th                 Coalfield                        Away                7:30

Week 8 October 12th               Wartburg                       Home                7:30

Week 9 October 19th               Oakdale                        Away                7:30

Week 10 Octobber 26th            Oneida                         Away                7:30

Campbell County School Board Meeting from Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Encouraging news on Campbell County TCAP results

A brief Campbell County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night was dominated mainly by testimonials from fellow board members to David Lynch, who was attending his last meeting after losing a re-election bid on August 2.

Lynch humbly praised the board’s accomplishments of the past four years and then generously introduced Danny Wilson, the incoming board representative who defeated Lynch for his First District seat.

Much of the remainder of the evening was taken up outside the public gaze in an executive session with board attorney Dail Cantrell, with no explanation offered about the subject of the attorney-client meeting.

The board also agreed on criteria for evaluating the performance of Director Donnie Poston, and set August 23 at 5:00 p.m. as a date for the board to meet and discuss their evaluation of Poston.

Faye Comer presented a report on the status of the various activities funds at individual schools. All schools except Jellico High School have completed reports for the previous fiscal year and Comer reported that schools have a healthy balance to begin the current year, totaling close to $500,000.

She added that one troubling exception is a shortfall in the commissions from soft drink and juice vending machines, which total $9,323 less than the previous year.

Part of that can be accounted for by the loss of three months of revenue at Campbell County High School, where vending machines were disconnected for that period. Rector Miller also noted that in changing vendors last year, several schools had a delay in replacing vending machines by the new vendor. LaFollette Middle School, for example, took in $1,800 from vending machines in September, 2010, but zero in September, 2011 as the new vendor was changing machines, Miller pointed out.

More county schools may be eligible this year for the backpack lunch program, the board learned. Wynn and White Oak are already participating in the program, where eligible children are given a healthy carry-out meal to take home on Fridays.

This program, supported by Second Harvest Food Bank, may be expanded to include more schools in the current year. Some children, the board was told, receive their last hot meal on Friday and don’t have another until returning to school on Monday.

Director Poston reported briefly on the state evaluation results. No Campbell County schools are on the state’s priority list, which includes seriously under-achieving schools. “We have some gap closures to deal with,” Poston added, referring to wide gaps in test scores between low income or minority students and the average student body.

Before adjournment, Sarge Collins again broached the subject of completing work on the Jellico Elementary football field. “We’ve scraped up a couple of sets of bleachers from the old Caryville school, but steps don’t go all the way up for access and there are no restrooms at the top. We’ve got a cow pasture, not a football field, with no facilities,” Collins explained.

“Every school in the county has facilities, but at Jellico, nothing,” he complained.

School board members from Anderson and Scott counties also quietly attended the meeting as part of the Tennessee School Board Association’s evaluation program.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2012, 6:00 AM)   

Slusher stirs budget pot before next week's final approval

Just when the county commission appeared to have resolved the question of a 2012-13 budget with no tax increase, the entire document is again up for review before final approval at next week’s regular meeting.

The commission, meeting in late July as a Budget & Finance Committee, passed a budget without a property tax increase that included significant cuts to a number of projects to offset state-mandated increases in education spending and a shortfall in state revenues.

At a straw poll taken at Monday night’s workshop, nine commissioners indicated an interest in reopening the budget discussion before final passage and Commissioner Sue Nance formerly placed that discussion on the upcoming agenda.

Ironically, it was a tirade from James Slusher, who had criticized commissioners earlier for considering a tax increase, that led to their decision to revisit the budget before final passage.

After first telling commissioners in June that county property owners and voters wouldn’t stand for a tax increase, Slusher on Monday night criticized nearly every cut that the commission has made to avoid such an increase.

Slusher scolded the commission for eliminating the hiring of an industrial recruiter, arguing that the county needs to focus on recruiting industry and jobs. He then criticized their decision to cut Road Superintendent Dennis Potter’s request for more money to pave roads and the elimination of matching local funds for a railroad spur to Oswego Industrial Park in Jellico.

“You’re passing up a $400,000 grant by cutting the local matching funds,” Slusher pointed out.

He even attacked the commissioners’ decision to eliminate their discretionary fund, adding that the fund provides needed money for many worthwhile small groups and programs that in larger counties, have the support of United Way agencies. “Campbell County has no United Way to help these programs,” Slusher added.

This criticism received a predictable response from several commissioners. “A couple of months ago you were in here complaining about a tax increase. Now you want us to raise taxes to fund all these programs.” Rusty Orick complained. “You want us to start laying people off, send them to the house?”

Slusher replied that he was not suggesting the county lay off employees, but then went on to make a case for doing just that. “Government is not in the business of providing jobs, that belongs to the private sector,” Slusher argued. “Government is here to provide services to the public.”

Slusher added that the commission should take a closer look at places to cut spending without affecting vital services, and suggested that cutting out the $75,000 provided to the Chamber of Commerce would be a good place to start.

“Business should support itself, not rely on public funds,” Slusher argued.

Budget Chairwoman Marie Ayers later took Slusher to task on this point. “The commission enacted a hotel/motel tax on vacation rental property with the encouragement of the Chamber, in part to provide money to promote tourism. That is where their funding comes from,” Ayers pointed out. “Industry and employment are not limited to factories and industrial buildings but includes jobs provided by tourism and recreation.”

Whether they agreed with Slusher’s circular logic or not, several commissioners took the discussion as an opportunity to voice their own concerns about the budget. J. L. Davis and Alvin Evans were both concerned about the potential loss of a federal grant to build the Oswego railroad spur if the local matching funds are not provided. Davis was one of four commissioners to vote against the budget and the only one to oppose the motion to set the tax rate at last year’s level in the earlier meeting.

Slusher continued to push commissioners, asking for a straw poll show of hands by those willing to revisit the budget question before final approval. Nine commissioners raised their hands, with Nance adding the question to next week’s meeting agenda before the workshop was adjourned.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, AUG. 14, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Council meets in regular session this evening

     La Follette City Council meets in a rare first Monday of the month regular session today at 6:00.  The usual first Tuesday of the month meeting was moved up a night due tomorrow's National Night Out.  Here's a recap of last week's council workshop:  The city looks to fire-off its postponed 4th of July fireworks show on Labor Day Weekend as it talked of shooting the show on the night of Saturday, September 1.  Although the make-up date is not set in stone just yet.  Mike Malicote of Dixie Roofing presented council with plans for four roofing projects; one of which is a major undertaking, describing all four roofs as being in “bad shape.”  He “ballparked” the total cost right at three-quarters of a million dollars.  Malicote proposes new roofs and/or refurbishing of roofs for the municipal building and Fire Hall Number Three along with the former East and West La Follette Schools.  A proposed roof for the municipal building, including eight new HVAC units, and new drainage systems is in the neighborhood of $425,000.  Whether or not Malicote wins the bid, he is still going to oversee the projects for the city.  The police department is getting a new fulltime officer in that of Homer Herrell.  Herrell is moving up from part time while dispatcher Sarah Guder moves from part time to fulltime.  The 9-1-1 service is going to pay Guder’s salary while the city picks up the tab on her benefits.  Chief Jimmy Jeffries is also asking for Officer Brian Tiller to be promoted to sergeant.  Tiller would become the second-shift leader.  Councilman Hansford Hatmaker requested a copy of each person’s resume who is going to be promoted.  Hatmaker also questioned the status of overtime within the police department.  Chief Jeffries explained that overtime was not a problem since the new year is less than a month old.  The chief went on to say that overtime was also within budget for the fiscal year just ending.  Hatmaker brought up the idea of each council member serving as a liaison for individual departments.  Vice-Mayor Joe Bolinger reminded council that that’s the way it was years ago, and the city has moved away from that.  Hatmaker went on to say that having this type of arrangement would save having council and the mayor all checking in with all departments when it came to questions and the like.  Sexton said they would see where that comes in where the city charter is concerned.  Sexton updated council on the latest in a pending lawsuit that it hopes to settle.  He says that a woman who fell on a city sidewalk is willing to settle for five-thousand dollars.  Mayor Mike Stanfield said the settlement would come from the Tennessee Municipal League.  Public works director Jim Mullins and council are looking into the costs of straightening curves on South 5th Street at Beech Street and South Avenue near the top of the hill.  Talk of making that portion of South 5th a one-way street quickly faded.  A portion of land will need to be purchased, at least for the South 5th project.  Mullins told council that now is the time to replace sidewalks connected to the new walking trail that stretches from the north side of town to the south side mostly along Big Creek.  Mullins explains that matching grant money is available.  Mullins is looking into the city working with a new furniture store that will soon be opening in the Lyons Building.  Mullins says he’ll look at the numbers and scheduling for the city to possibly pave a portion of its right of way in front of the new store with the store paving its part of the lot.  City attorney Reid Troutman continues working on an all inclusive set of guidelines for city parks; something the city has never had.  Parks and Recreation Director Johnny Byrge notes that the guidelines take into account all city parks including the ball parks.  Gerry Myers with the historical society made a pitch for the city to buy the old post office.  At one time, the postal service was asking between five and six-hundred thousand dollars for the 76-year old downtown landmark.  The city looked into buying the former post office once before.  Also, coming up on next week’s regular monthly agenda is that when the city uses a catering service, it needs to do business with a caterer located within the city.  Council praised its new library that was dedicated last week.  It officially opens tomorrow on South 9th Street.  Local artists Curtis Wilson and Chris Hall made council aware that they are available to paint murals and other artwork around town.  A few years ago, Wilson painted a mural of Harvey La Follette on the side of a North Tennessee Avenue building near Peoples Bank.   (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2012, NOON)

More pills and drugs are off our streets

     Drugs, pills, alcohol, and other items are eradicated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  Sheriff Robbie Goins oversaw operations along with Evidence Technician Sergeant Ken Daugherty in the eradication of hundreds of items collected in criminal cases. Those items include hundreds of drugs, pills, alcohol and other items. The sheriff explains to WLAF that this evidence eradication is the direct result of hard work and dedication of deputies over the past several months.  Goins goes on to say that deputies are the work horses of crime prevention and community protection, adn that they have done an excellent job and have worked so hard on these cases related to the eradication.  Sheirff Goins adds that he’s proud of all of them and Campbell County should be proud of them as well.   (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2012, 6:00 AM)

WLAF loses one of its early-day announcers

     WLAF has had its share of great announcers over the years who have gone on to much larger markets.  But it was Jim Castleberry who set the pace way back in the 1950s.  He was the first to start a radio career at WLAF and then move on to a larger station setting a trend for years to come.  Castleberry began working on 1450 in the 50s during his high school days before leaving WLAF for WBIR-TV in Knoxville in the 1960s.  While at Channel 10, he hosted a Sunday afternoon talk show, among his other duties, all the while attending the University of Tennessee as a fulltime student.  Jim and his future wife are pictured above a few years before he married his then high school sweetheart, Lorenda Wheeler.  We lost Jim on Thursday after a lengthy illness.  Jim Castleberry was 71-years old.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012, 5:00 PM)

WLAF provides most comprehensive election coverage in county's history

     Thousands watched, listened, and Faebooked WLAF's election return coverage last Thursday evening.  Coverage with Brian Younce, Jim Freeman, and company was available on 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, www.1450wlaf.com, and on Facebook.  It's all brought to you by Robbins Guttering, Quik Stop Barbecue, State Representative Dennis Powers, Martin-Wilson Funeral Home, Powell-Clinch Utility District, David Bales Buick-GMC, Wender Furniture, Litho-craft Printing and Office Supplies, Gray Insurance, the Sugar Shack, First National Bank, and Terry's Pharmacy.  (UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2012, NOON)  

PROPERTY ASSESSOR                                                U.S. Senate - REPUBLICAN Primary

                                                                                  

Clark FORD      601                                                       Fred R. ANDERSON             135                

Tony KITTS    2,077                                                        Mark Twain CLEMENS         102

Brandon G. PARTIN    3,758                                           Bob CORKER                     2,383

                                                                                   

ROAD SUPERINTENDENT                                             Brenda S. LENARD                  92 

James Scott EVANS    2,112                                          Zack POSKEVICH                  184

Dennis POTTER          4,386                                          U.S. Senate - DEMOCRATIC Primary

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER                                           Mark E. CLAYTON    373

1st District                                                                    

 

David E. LYNCH      540                                                 Larry CRIM                42

Danny E. WILSON  757                                                 Gary Gene DAVIS     270

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER                                           Dave HANCOCK       168

2nd District                                                                   Park OVERALL        214

 

Clifford “Butch” KOHLMEYER    380                               T.K. OWENS              74

Homer A. RUTHERFORD          676                               Benjamin ROBERTS  104

                                                                                   

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER                                           UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

3rd District                                                                     2nd Congressional District - REPUBLICAN Primary

 

Johnny BYRGE  906                                                       Nick CIPARRO           21

                                                                                    John J. DUNCAN, Jr.  358

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

4th District                                                                     Joseph LEINWEBER,Jr.      35

 

Mike ORICK                         1,104                                 UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER                                           2nd Congressional District - DEMOCRATIC Primary

5th District

                                                                                    Troy Christopher GOODALE      181            

J.L. Sarge COLLINS         818                                       UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Elsie Bates CRAWFORD   517                                      3rd Congressional District - REPUBLICAN Primary

                                                                                    Ron BHALLA         23           

COUNTY COMMISSION                                                Chuck FLEISCHMANN   1,320

3rd District                                                                    

                                                                                    Scottie MAYFIELD          1,633 

Wendell BAILEY         683                     

Virgil KIDWELL            61                                              Weston WAMP                525

Scott STANFIELD      502                                             UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                                                                    3rd Congressional District - DEMOCRATIC Primary

TENNESSEE STATE SENATE                                       

12th Senatorial District                                                    Mary M. HEADRICK     636

 

Ken YAGER         3,156                                                  Bill TAYLOR         410

 

TENNESSEE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

36th District

 

Dennis POWERS     3,534

Courthouse is closed today as polls open this morning at 9:00

     It’s election day.  Polls open this morning at 9:00.  Regardless of the precinct where you vote, you’ll need your photo ID today to cast your ballot.  That’s a valid state or federal photo ID, and your driver’s license may be your best bet.  Many of the more than 22,000 (22,756) active registered voters in Campbell County vote today on two county-wide offices in the county’s general election while there are several names on the ballot for today’s state and federal primary election.  One is the road superintendent race between incumbent Dennis Potter and challenger James Scott Evans.  The other county-wide race pits incumbent Property Assessor Brandon Partin against Clark Ford and Tony Kitts.  There are three contested school board match-ups.  In the first district, Danny Wilson is challenging incumbent David Lynch while in the second district, incumbent Homer Rutherford is challenged by Clifford Kohlmeyer, and in the 5th district, Elsie Crawford challenges incumbent J.L. Sarge Collins.  Third District incumbent Johnny Byrge is unopposed as is School Board Chairman Mike Orick who represents the 4th District.  That’s the local portion of the county’s general election.  In the state primary elections, Ken Yager is unopposed as he runs for a second term as the 12th District’s state senator.  Incumbent State Representative Dennis Powers of the 36th District, and James Virgil Kidwell will meet in the general election on November 6.  Republican Powers and Independent Kidwell are unopposed in the primary.  With the realignment of the districts, Campbell County will have two congressmen come January 1.  On the north side, in the 2nd District, Democrat Troy Christopher Goodale is unopposed while Nick Ciparro, John Duncan, Jr., and Joseph Leinweber, Jr. vie for the Republican nomination.  Campbell County’s south side has four Republicans and two Democrats in the 3rd Distrct Primary for Congress.  On the Democratic ticket, it’s Mary Headrick and Bill Taylor while the Republicans are Ron Bhalla, Chuck Fleischmann, Scottie Mayfield, and Weston Wamp.  Incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Corker leads a long list of Republican challengers including Fred Anderson, Mark Twain Clemens, Brenda Lenard, and Zach Poskevich.  The Democrats for U.S. Senate are Mark Clayton, Larry Crim, Gary Gene Davis, Dave Hancock, Park Overall, T.K. Owens, and Benjamin Roberts.  There are two Criminal Appeals Judges on the ballot, Jeffrey Bivins from the Middle Division and Roger Page of the Western Division.  You will have a chance to vote to retain or replace both judges.  Early voting ended Saturday with 2,970 votes being cast early.  Polls at 21 county-wide precincts open this morning at 9:00 closing tonight at 8:00.  WLAF’s coverage begins election night at 7:30 over the radio, television, and the web.    (UPDATED THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

729,212,000 pounds of rock later, I-75 nears reopening

     The interstate re-opening here in Campbell County may be in sight.  Since March, I-75’s been down to only a lane or two, full of miles of backed up traffic, even totally closed at times, and it’s not been easy for those along Highway 25W.  However, TDOT’s Mark Nagi tells WLAF that the three mile stretch between Exits 141 and 144 may reopen to its “pre-slide” status within the next couple of weeks.  Nagi says tremendous progress has been made at the I-75 landslide and, weather permitting, it is possible for a second lane to reopen on I-75 South by the end of the week.  When this happens, one of the I-75 northbound lanes will then be closed on weekdays, and the second northbound lane will be reopened at night and on weekends.  Those lane closures are so that milling, paving, marking, and the like can continue.  With this work schedule in mind, I-75 could be reopen to its pre-landslide capacity, which is two lanes open in each direction.  Nagi adds that that could happen as soon as the week of August 13.  The original due date was September 28.  The 9.3 million dollar project included 205,453 tons of solid rock and another 159,153 tons of graded solid rock which totals to 729,212,000 pounds of rock.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Jacksboro's Caldwell gets big promotion

     Campbell County High School graduate and Jacksboro native Chris Caldwell gets a big promotion.  Since April, Caldwell has been serving as interim director of finance for Knox County.  Tuesday afternoon, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett announced Caldwell’s promotion to permanent director of finance.  Caldwell has worked in the finance department for 10-years.  Further down this page is the complete press release detailing Caldwell's promotion.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Longtime constable dies

     A retired Campbell County Constable died last week.  Dommer Paul Goodman passed away at the Lake City Healthcare facility on Friday.  He worked for years at the Caryville Elementary School and served as the 4th District Constable for many years.  Dommer Goodman was 79-years old.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012, 3:45 PM)                      

                                    Campbell Countian named Knox Director of Finance 

Mayor appoints Chris Caldwell director of Knox County Finance
    

Knoxville, Tennessee —  Ten-year Knox County Department of Finance employee Chris Caldwell will be the county’s new finance director, Mayor Tim Burchett announced today.

“Chris has done an outstanding job as interim finance director and has proven that he is fully capable of serving in that position on a permanent basis,” Mayor Burchett said.  “His work during the budget process, combined with the amount of respect he has earned from commissioners, employees in his own department and other financial professionals give me great confidence in this decision.”

“This is an amazing opportunity and also a humbling appointment,” Caldwell said.  “I am honored by the faith and confidence the mayor has shown in me.  I know how difficult this job can be, but I am committed to doing whatever work is necessary to make the citizens we work for proud of this office.   We are stewards of their money, and at the end of the day I want to do my part to make certain they feel good about their government.”

“As chair of the audit committee, I’ve been impressed with Chris’s knowledge, integrity and interpersonal skills. I know that Knox County and its citizens will be well served with Chris as Finance director,” Knox County Audit Committee Chairman Dr. Joe Carcello said.

Caldwell began working for Knox County as an accountant in June 2002.  Since that time he has worked his way up to the position of accounting and budget director, and has been serving as interim finance director since April.  He is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Tennessee Government Finance Officers Association (TGFOA).

Caldwell graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lincoln Memorial University with a Bachelor’s of Accounting.  He went on to earn a Masters of Business Administration from Bellevue University.     (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012, 2:15 PM)

Council works through lengthy agenda

     City Administrator Cade Sexton sized up Monday’s La Follette City Council workshop agenda as a big one.  And it was.  Validated by an hour and a half-meeting.  The city looks to fire-off its postponed 4th of July fireworks show on Labor Day Weekend as it talked of shooting the show on the night of Saturday, September 1.  Although the make-up date is not set in stone just yet.  Mike Malicote of Dixie Roofing presented council with plans for four roofing projects; one of which is a major undertaking, describing all four roofs as being in “bad shape.”  He “ballparked” the total cost right at three-quarters of a million dollars.  Malicote proposes new roofs and/or refurbishing of roofs for the municipal building and Fire Hall Number Three along with the former East and West La Follette Schools.  A proposed roof for the municipal building, including eight new HVAC units, and new drainage systems is in the neighborhood of $425,000.  Whether or not Malicote wins the bid, he is still going to oversee the projects for the city.  The police department is getting a new fulltime officer in that of Homer Herrell.  Herrell is moving up from part time while dispatcher Sarah Guder moves from part time to fulltime.  The 9-1-1 service is going to pay Guder’s salary while the city picks up the tab on her benefits.  Chief Jimmy Jeffries is also asking for Officer Brian Tiller to be promoted to sergeant.  Tiller would become the second-shift leader.  Councilman Hansford Hatmaker requested a copy of each person’s resume who is going to be promoted.  Hatmaker also questioned the status of overtime within the police department.  Chief Jeffries explained that overtime was not a problem since the new year is less than a month old.  The chief went on to say that overtime was also within budget for the fiscal year just ending.  Hatmaker brought up the idea of each council member serving as a liaison for individual departments.  Vice-Mayor Joe Bolinger reminded council that that’s the way it was years ago, and the city has moved away from that.  Hatmaker went on to say that having this type of arrangement would save having council and the mayor all checking in with all departments when it came to questions and the like.  Sexton said they would see where that comes in where the city charter is concerned.  Sexton updated council on the latest in a pending lawsuit that it hopes to settle.  He says that a woman who fell on a city sidewalk is willing to settle for five-thousand dollars.  Mayor Mike Stanfield said the settlement would come from the Tennessee Municipal League.  Public works director Jim Mullins and council are looking into the costs of straightening curves on South 5th Street at Beech Street and South Avenue near the top of the hill.  Talk of making that portion of South 5th a one-way street quickly faded.  A portion of land will need to be purchased, at least for the South 5th project.  Mullins told council that now is the time to replace sidewalks connected to the new walking trail that stretches from the north side of town to the south side mostly along Big Creek.  Mullins explains that matching grant money is available.  Mullins is looking into the city working with a new furniture store that will soon be opening in the Lyons Building.  Mullins says he’ll look at the numbers and scheduling for the city to possibly pave a portion of its right of way in front of the new store with the store paving its part of the lot.  City attorney Reid Troutman continues working on an all inclusive set of guidelines for city parks; something the city has never had.  Parks and Recreation Director Johnny Byrge notes that the guidelines take into account all city parks including the ball parks.  Gerry Myers with the historical society made a pitch for the city to buy the old post office.  At one time, the postal service was asking between five and six-hundred thousand dollars for the 76-year old downtown landmark.  The city looked into buying the former post office once before.  Also, coming up on next week’s regular monthly agenda is that when the city uses a catering service, it needs to do business with a caterer located within the city.  Council praised its new library that was dedicated last week.  It officially opens tomorrow on South 9th Street.  Local artists Curtis Wilson and Chris Hall made council aware that they are available to paint murals and other artwork around town.  A few years ago, Wilson painted a mural of Harvey La Follette on the side of a North Tennessee Avenue building near Peoples Bank.  Due to National Night Out being Tuesday, August 7, council plans to hold its next regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 6 beginning at 6:00 at city hall.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012, 6:30 AM)

 Wreck claims a life

     A Lake City man dies when his truck overturns.  Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Heatherly tells WLAF that around 4:30 Monday afternoon, 41-year old John T. Roberts was thrown from his 1995 Toyota pick-up truck as he traveled north along Highway 116 on the Briceville side of Lake City.  Roberts, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected.  According to Trooper Heatherly’s report, there were no obvious signs of drugs or alcohol use.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012, 6:30 AM)

Election day is Thursday; 13% vote early

     Of the 22,756 active registered voters in Campbell County, 2,970 voted early.  That’s 13-percent.  Local offices on the block are property assessor, road superintendent, five school board member positions, with two unopposed, and one third district county commission seat.  That’s in the general election portion of the ballot.  On the primary portion, Campbell Countians are helping decide who will be on the November ballot for U.S Senate and Congress while the state senate and state representative races are unopposed in the primary.  Polls at 21 county-wide precincts open Thursday at 9:00 a.m. closing Thursday night at 8:00.  WLAF’s coverage begins election night at 7:30 over the radio, television, and the web. (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012, 2:00 PM)

 Boomer's ready to read

     Election week opens with the latest ramblings from Boomer.  Boomer’s Corner is now open  on 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Cougars coach takes Clinton job

     Brad Collette is Clinton-bound.  Campbell County is searching for a new baseball coach this morning as Collette leaves the Cougars for the Dragons.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Sheriff's Department earns two national awards

     Two national awards are now home in Jacksboro.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF that Deputy Matt Howell and his partner K-9 Bronco are honored with two prestigious awards by the U.S. K-9 Association.  Deputy Howell and K-9 Bronco earned the Top Patrol and Top Detection Dog honors.  Goins points out that over the past 26 years, only one other time have both awards been given to the same recipient.  He says that this is a peer nominated award and everyone at the sheriff’s department is proud of Matt and his partner Bronco have accomplished, and we are fortunate to have them serving here in Campbell County.(UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Christmas in July for Nancy Green

     Christmas in July.  That’s how Librarian Nancy Green describes Wednesday’s ribbon cutting for the new La Follette Library.  The beaming 25-year librarian raves about more elbow room, more space for books, and computers.  Green says the new location even has restrooms, something the old library did not have.  Dignitaries from Mayor Mike Stanfield all the way to State Senator Ken Yager were on hand to celebrate the day.  Jerry Sharp remembers the day when La Follette did not have a library.  He adds that towns that have good libraries are generally more successful communities.  Sharp serves on the library board.  Opening day for the new library on South 9th Street is Wednesday, August 1.    (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012, 6:00 AM)

County Commission approves budget without tax increase

After rejecting a budget requiring a hefty tax increase last week, the Campbell County Commission voted to approve a pared down budget Tuesday night that leaves the property tax rate at the same level as last year, $1.76 for each $100 of assessed property value.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow, told by commissioners last week that a tax increase would be unacceptable and told to find ways to cut spending or find additional revenue without a property tax increase, did as directed.

Marlow explained that he was able to pinpoint more accurately some additional money sources after June 30 revenues were received from the state, TVA and other outside resources, while cutting back spending on a small scale in several departments.

The largest chunk of cost cutting, however, involves some pain for commissioners as their discretionary funds were eliminated, saving the county over $60,000 and offsetting a penny of the state-mandated increase in school funding.

The discretionary funds in past years have been used by individual commissioners to support various non-profit groups. Donations have supported a number of school activities such as sports programs, bands and special programs as well as money for volunteer fire departments, senior citizens, the Cancer Society and even cemetery upkeep.

Thomas Hatmaker was among a handful of commissioners who voted against the budget, arguing against eliminating the discretionary fund and pointing out that he still felt other cuts could be found.

David Adkins made the motion to approve the budget, pointing out that it accomplished the necessary savings to avoid a tax increase without the need to lay off any county employees. Adkins’ motion passed 11-4 with Hatmaker, Sue Nance, Scott Stanfield, and J. L. Davis voting “no.”

Davis was the only commissioner to also vote against the 1.76 tax rate, explaining that he feels some attention needs to be paid to the deteriorating condition of county roads.

The budget as passed eliminates all departmental requests for additional spending, including a $1 million request for money to pave roads, Mayor William Baird’s proposal to give non-school employees a 1.6 percent raise and a request for an additional garbage truck and extra driver from the Sanitation Department.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Beltone has new owners

     The Beltone Hearing Aid Center is under new management.  Husband and wife team Perry and Kathy Ebel now own and operate the La Follette Beltone Office, and it’s open to serve you today.  For a free hearing exam, simply call the office at 423.562.7562.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Note changes two time changes for CCHS students in bold

     Cougar Days are set for Wednesday, August 1 (Seniors 8:00-11:00; Juniors 12:00-3:00) and Thursday, August 2 (Sophomores 8:00-11:00; Freshmen 12:00-3:00).  Students will be able to pick up their class schedules; pay for parking passes if they are planning to park on campus during the school day ($25); and 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will have pictures made for the yearbook.

     When students receive their schedules, if there are any changes to be made, they must see their counselor PRIOR to August 13.  No schedule changes will be approved on or after this date.  Counselors will be at school and available to meet with students beginning Tuesday, August 7 at 8:00 a.m.

     Wednesday, August 8 is an an abbreviated day for 10
th, 11th, and 12th graders only with a dismissal time that day at 1:00 p.m.  Then on Friday, August 10, it is an abbreviated day for 9th graders only, and dismissal time that day for the 9th graders is 1:00 p.m.  Monday, August 13 will be the first full day for all grades at Campbell County High School. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2012, 6:30 AM)

 La Follette Press Sports Editor Dwane Wilder visits WLAF one last time        

  

 

2012 CCHS Graduation 

 

La Follette 2011

 

La Follette Area Then and Now

 

Campbell County Christmas Parade 2011

 

Hoops, hurdles, & hoopla surround both sides in proposed marina

     Bill Bennett is looking for a minor miracle.  Mark Hoskins is just waiting for the go ahead.  Bennett runs Camp Galilee Bible Camp which has been on Norris Lake dating back to 1958.  Hoskins hopes to develop a portion of Heatherly’s Point that’s been owned by the La Follette United Methodist Church since 1948.  That land sits on Norris Lake near Camp Galilee.  And that’s where the rub comes in between Bennett and Hoskins.  Bennett does not want a marina in the camp’s part of the lake and Hoskins does.  Bennett and a group of about 45 people met on Wednesday with a Channel 6 camera crew in attendance with hopes that political leaders would also attend.  None did. 

 

Galilee Bible Camp

     Bennett and the group, yet to be named, are now making one more big push.  Bennett tells WLAF that his group of concerned citizens is meeting Thursday (07/26/2012) at 6:30 p.m. at the La Follette Middle School Auditorium with a goal of attracting 3,000 people including U.S. Senator Bob Corker.  Both sides are doing a good job of staying positive in their plights.  Bennett calls it “the positive side of why we don’t want a marina.”  He says a floating restaurant serving alcohol and the wake from dramatically increased lake traffic are among his concerns.  Bennett doesn’t think the camp is close enough to the proposed marina to be able to benefit from the marina’s no wake zone instead being just far enough away by a few hundred feet to be forced to deal with the wake.  Hoskins, who paid a visit to the WLAF studio, is also very positive explaining that Pointe Marina will create a much safer environment compared to the uncontrolled usage now taking place on the land, virtually eliminate bank erosion, and he is requesting to make it a no wake zone.  Bennett says time is running out to stop the project, and Hoskins says it’s in TVA’s hands and that the agency is working on an undetermined time frame.  Hoskins notes, that to his knowledge, he’s jumped through more hoops and cleared more hurdles than anyone on record every trying to develop a marina on Norris Lake.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Nearly 1,000 have voted in early voting

     Early voting begins its 6th day of 14 days today.  So far, 968 Campbell Countians have cast ballots in the local general election and the state/federal primary election.  On Wednesday, a combined number of 191 folks went to the polls in Jacksboro and Jellico.  Locally, a road superintendent and property assessor are going to be elected county-wide.  In individual districts, school board posts are up for grabs in three of the five districts with two district offices being unopposed.  A third district county commission seat is also on the voting block.  Early voting hours today are at 9:00 to 4:00 at the election commission office in Jacksboro and 9:00 to 2:00 at city hall in Jellico.  Friday, you may vote from 9:00 to 7:00, then Saturday 9:00-1:00 at Jacksboro with hours at Jellico of 2:00 to 7:00 Friday and 9:00 until 1:00 p.m.  Saturday morning.  Early voting run through July 28.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Traffic lights on the four-lane at Elkins Road in Caryville go up this afternoon

Bike wreck leads to 24 charges against a Lake City man.

     Officers with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department just thought they were responding to a motorcycle wreck on Saturday.  But there was more.  On Pleasant Ridge Road is where Deputy Joshua Humphrey found the wrecked motorcycle but no rider.  However, near the motorcycle, there were two men standing beside a pickup truck, but when questioned, they said they did not know who was riding the bike.  Humphrey saw a man sitting in the pickup and asked him to step out.  That's when then the man slid into the driver’s seat and pulled away almost hitting Humphrey.  Humphrey was OK, but Deputy John Bruce was dragged about 15 to 20 feet before he was able to get free from the truck.  Behind the wheel was 38-year old Thomas Gene Wright of Lake City and with him were two more passengers.  Wright eventually drove the truck into a fence on East Elm Street in La Follette, jumped out of the truck, and started running on foot.  After a short foot chase, the deputies took Wright into custody and then on to the La Follette Medical Center where Wright confessed that he’d taken meth.  However, he refused to tell the officers who owns the motorcycle.  Wright remains in the county jail this afternoon on 24 charges.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Rooke was a local hero

     He was the best back-up officer I ever had.  That’s how Seargeant Darrell Mongar recalls Rooke, his 12-year K-9 partner.  Rooke, a veteran with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, died over the weekend after a two-month battle with Lymphoma.  Monger recalls when Rooke saved him from trouble after alerting him that two meth cooks he was dealing with were armed.  Rooke was also honored with the Medal of Valor for saving the life of a suicidal person.  Sheriff Robbie Goins says he has been around here so long he just became one of the family, and that Campbell Countains should be proud of the service of Rooke and the services he performed.  Goins adds that Rooke is another hero that will be sadly missed by all of us.  Rooke was a 14-year old Dutch Shepherd and was laid to rest in Mongar’s yard on Sunday.(UPDATED WED., JULY 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Owner of Minton Tires dies

     A local business man dies.  Mike Minton, who owned area businesses, including Minton Tires and La Follette Fitness, died Monday afternoon following a motorcycle accident.  Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Evans tells 1450wlaf.com that Minton wrecked his motorcycle on High Knob Road around 3:00 p.m.  When first responders arrived, Evans says Minton was alert and conscious.  However, he then suddenly collapsed.  Minton was then taken to the La Follette Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.  Mike Minton was 59-years old.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2012, NOON)

Fireworks, snakes, & dirt

Three television news crews showed up for Monday night’s Campbell County Commission, drawn by the promise of a debate over snake handling at a local church. The fireworks at the meeting, however, occurred before the snake handling question even came up.

Local blogger Jerry Chadwell and commission critic James Slusher apparently conspired to take advantage of the media attention to again push Slusher’s call for the county to set up an audit committee.

Slusher asked to speak and when told by Mayor William Baird that citizens wishing to address the commission were supposed to do so at the workshop, which Slusher had done already, he argued that an opportunity for citizens to speak was on the monthly meeting agenda.

Slusher then asked for a legal ruling from County Attorney Joe Coker. Coker explained that since the item was listed on the published agenda, commissioners had to either allow citizens to speak or vote to delete that item from the agenda.  

With three commissioners absent from the meeting, a motion to delete the requirement allowing citizens to speak only received seven votes, one short of the necessary majority.

Thomas Hatmaker then offered a motion to suspend rules and allow Slusher to speak, but Coker explained that since the motion to delete had failed, Hatmaker’s motion wasn’t necessary and Slusher should be allowed to address the commission.

Slusher predictably repeated the same list of complaints he had aired at the workshop, listing a series of findings from the comptroller’s audit that included being over budget on dirt moving for the jail, questionable bidding practices involving Valley View School when Dr. Michael Martin was School Director and a budget imbalance in the Sheriff’s Department among others.

He repeated his call for an audit committee and challenged Finance Director Jeff Marlow with a football reference, insisting, “The Director of Finance is on the defensive and I’m on the offensive. It’s always the offense that scores points.”

Slusher, apparently under the misconception that he will continue in future to be allowed to speak at regular commission meetings, added, “I guess we’ve set a precedent tonight.”

Marlow then asked to defend himself and the county against Slusher’s attacks. He pointed out that the audit findings had mostly focused on problems that have already been hashed out in public, such as the alleged bid-rigging by Doctor Martin in favor of a firm owned by former deputy Karen Bundren’s husband.

“I am the person who brought that problem to the attention of auditors,” Marlow pointed out, adding, “The Board of Education is presently in litigation in an attempt to recover the overpayments on that work.”

After Marlow concluded a point-by-point answer to each of Slusher’s charges, Hatmaker tried to keep the heat on Marlow, asking him how he could justify paying to move the same dirt three times in groundbreaking work on the Justice Center.

“We didn’t pay to move the dirt three times,” Marlow argued. “We got into that situation by trying to save money, as requested by the FMS Committee of which Mr. Slusher was a member, by having personnel from the county highway department move the dirt. We had to pay for the work when it turned out the county lacked the equipment necessary to do the job.”

Bobby White, having heard enough of this back-and-forth discussion, suddenly made a motion to adjourn the meeting, announcing, “We’ve got business to conduct, not waste time on this.”

Jerry Chadwell, sitting in the audience next to Slusher, then told White, “You ought to resign.”

“Up yours!” White blurted out, then challenging Chadwell, “Run against me.”

“I don’t live in your district,” Chadwell replied.

“Well move into it,” White shot back.

Mayor Baird then called for a five-minute recess to allow tempers to cool down.

When the meeting reconvened, White apologized to everyone for his outbreak.

Chadwell responded with another critical comment, at which point Mayor Baird warned, “The next comment from the audience and I’ll ask the Sheriff to take you outside.”

As things settled down at last, the commission heard from a law firm seeking clients for a class action lawsuit against federally supported finance giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

The attorney explained that the two financing entities had improperly been exempted from paying title and transfer fees on property when they foreclosed on mortgages. “The state has so far failed to take action to recover the fees. We’re seeking county governments willing to participate in a class action lawsuit,” he explained.

Attorney Joe Coker pointed out that the county’s share of such fees is a small fraction of that collected by the State of Tennessee, only 2.75 percent of the total fees. On a $100,000 foreclosure sale, the county would receive nine dollars,” Coker pointed out.

Bob Walden made a motion that Campbell County agree to participate in the lawsuit, adding, “If the state receives most of the fees, we depend on the state for much of our funding. Maybe it will help us,” Walden reasoned.

The commission voted 12-0 to join the class action suit, becoming the first county to do so.

The commission then debated a motion by Marie Ayers to withhold the monthly payments to the Jellico Ambulance Service until the budget is resolved. Alvin Evans voiced concerns that the county would be unable to provide quality ambulance service to that end of the county if Jellico Hospital suspends ambulance service after the county payments cease.

After further discussion about the possible implications of violating a contract, Ayers changed her motion to place the matter on the agenda for the next budget committee meeting.

Finally, the topic that had attracted all three Knoxville television news networks to Jacksboro was brought up on the agenda. Beverly Hall offered a motion that the commission pass a resolution asking Representative Dennis Powers to look into legislation that would repeal Tennessee’s law against handling poisonous snakes at religious services.

Hatmaker seconded the motion but suggested that such a repeal bill should include a requirement that churches must provide proof of insurance.

Several commissioners made comments supporting religious freedom but expressed problems with legalizing a dangerous practice. “We have a number of religions that condone practices that are not allowed by law,” Bob Walden pointed out. Muslims believe in having four wives. Rastafarians believe in using marijuana in their religion. Are we going to legalize every practice as a First Amendment right?”

Hall’s motion failed 10-2 with only Hatmaker supporting her. Four television camera crews quickly left the room to interview Reverend Andrew Hamblin, who sat impassively throughout the entire meeting with his wife and three children and other members of the Tabernacle Church of God. He quickly pledged to the TV reporters, “I will go and pray about it some more and then try again.”

He added that his church will continue the practice of handling poisonous snakes, whether the practice is legalized or not.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Good voter turnout - so far

     On what some folks in the Election Commission Office thought might be a heavy day, this first day of early voting is no heavy.  Administrator of Elections Ann Ayers-Colvin tells WLAF that it's a good day of voting though with more than 225 people voting as of 4:30 this afternoon.  That's the combined number from Jacksboro and Jellico.  Early voting polls are open until 7:00 this evening on both the north side and south side locations.  Hours of early voting for Saturday are 9:00 to 11:00 at Jellico at city hall and from 9:00 to 1:00 at the Election Commission Office at Jacksboro.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2012, 4:30 PM)

Discovery of child porn stash leads to arrest

     The recovery of a large quantity of child pornography from a local storage unit leads to the arrest of a La Follette man.  La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that it was that find that triggered his detectives to begin an investigation in November that eventually led to the arrest of Lonnie Ellison.  On Wednesday, the Campbell County Grand Jury handed down the 82-count indictment against the 52-year old Ellison after LPD detectives presented large quantities of evidence to the grand jury.  Ellison was taken into custody without incident at his North Massachusetts Avenue home this morning.  Ellison is charged with rape of a child, aggravated  sexual battery, especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, especially aggravated sexual exploitation, and sexual exploitation of a minor.  Jeffries adds that the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force assisted LPD in its efforts.  Ellison remains in the county jail this afternoon on a 150-thousand dollar bond.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2012, 2:30 PM)

Early voting begins today

     Regardless of when you decide to vote, you’ll need your photo ID.  That’s a valid state or federal photo ID, and your driver’s license may be your best bet.  Early voting began at 9:00 this morning at the Election Commission Office at Jacksboro.  In Jellico, the early voting polls open at the municipal building at 2:00 this afternoon.  You may early vote until 7:00 tonight at both locations.  The schedule is Monday-Thursday is from 9:00 to 4:00, Friday 9:00 until 7:00, and then on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. at Jacksboro.  In Jellico, you may early vote from 9:00 until 2:00 Monday through Thursday, Friday 2:00 p.m. ‘til 7:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 – 11:00.  Election day is Thursday, August 2.  The more than 22,000 registered voters in Campbell County will vote on two county-wide offices.  One is the road superintendent race between incumbent Dennis Potter and challenger James Scott Evans.  The other county-wide race pits incumbent Property Assessor Brandon Partin against Clark Ford and Tony Kitts.  There are three contested school board match-ups.  In the first district, Danny Wilson is challenging incumbent David Lynch while in the second district, incumbent Homer Rutherford is challenged by Clifford Kohlmeyer, and in the 5th district, Elsie Crawford challenges incumbent J.L. Sarge Collins.  Third District incumbent Johnny Byrge is unopposed as is School Board Chairman Mike Orick who represents the 4th District.  That’s the local portion of the county’s general election.  In the state primary elections, Ken Yager is unopposed as he runs for a second term as the 12th District’s state senator.  Incumbent State Representative Dennis Powers of the 36th District, and James Virgil Kidwell will meet in the general election on November 6.  Powers, a Republican, and Independent Kidwell are unopposed in the primary.  With the realignment of the districts, Campbell County will have two congressmen come January 1.  On the north side, in the 2nd District, Democrat Troy Christopher Goodale is unopposed while Nick Ciparro, John Duncan, Jr., and Joseph Leinweber, Jr. vie for the Republican nomination.  Campbell County’s south side has four Republicans and two Democrats in the 3rd Distrct Primary for Congress.  On the Democratic ticket, it’s Mary Headrick and Bill Taylor while the Republicans are Ron Bhalla, Chuck Fleischmann, Scottie Mayfield, and Weston Wamp.  Incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Corker leads a long list of Republican challengers including Fred Anderson, Mark Twain Clemens, Brenda Lenard, and Zach Poskevich.  The Democrats for U.S. Senate are Mark Clayton, Larry Crim, Gary Gene Davis, Dave Hancock, Park Overall, T.K. Owens, and Benjamin Roberts.  There are two Criminal Appeals Judges on the ballot, Jeffrey Bivins from the Middle Division and Roger Page of the Western Division.  You will have a chance to vote to retain or replace both judges.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

School budget passes another hurdle

     The biggest numbers in the 2012-2013 budget narrowly passed Thursday afternoon when the Budget and Finance Committee met for the second time this week.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com from the courthouse are that the 47-million dollar school budget was approved by the committee with a seven to five vote.  The seven yes votes were from David Adkins, Marie Ayers, Johnny Bruce, Alvin Evans, Rusty Orick, Steve Rutherford, and Bobby White.  The five no votes were cast by Charles Baird, J.L. Davis, Beverly Hall, Thomas Hatmaker, and Scott Stanfield.  Absent were Sue Nance, Terry Singley, and Bob Walden.  Once the total county budget is finalized, the school budget then goes before the full commission for the official vote.  The Budget and Finance Committee meets again Tuesday at 5:00 as the budget process continues.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Former presidential candidate headed to Campbell County

     A former presidential candidate is coming to Campbell County.  Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas and presidential candidate, and current Fox News host, will be campaigning for Chuck Fleischmann in Hamilton and Campbell Counties.  Huckabee’s visit is scheduled for Thursday, July 19. The events are open to the public.  More details will soon follow.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Big Green Egg;  funny name, unique look, great grill

     Tommy Robards favorite on the Big Green Egg is ribs.  Big Green Egg?  Sounds kind’a funny.  Doesn’t it?  That’s the name and the look of the newest grill in town.  And you’ll find the Big Green Egg right up front in the showroom window at Wender Furniture in La Follette.  Robards says it’s to grills sort of like what the Harley-Davidson is to motorcycles.  He explains that the Big Green Egg is as much a hobby as it is a grill. 

     Ribs.  Bread.  Pizza. Turkey.  Your favorite meat, of course, are just some of what you may want to grill on it.  Robards adds that the Big Green Egg is very efficient allowing you to get two or three burns out of a load of charcoal stretching a bag of charcoal for as much as two months.  And he says smoke flavored chips are available like hickory, oak, muskeet, pecan, cherry, and apple to enhance your grilling experience.  The Big Green Egg is ready to help you crack open a family grilling tradition.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012, 6:00 AM)

REPRESENTATIVE DENNIS POWERS

R-Jacksboro
District 36 — Campbell and Union County

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2012
Contact: Missy Marshall, Director of Public Affairs for DIDD

[Campbell County, Tennessee] – Representative Powers will meet with Commissioner Henry, and District Attorney Phillips on Friday, July 13, 2012 to discuss possible charges to be brought against the Illinois woman who abandoned her 19-year-old daughter who suffers from severe developmental disabilities at a bar last month in Caryville, Tennessee.

This meeting is extremely important because it will determine whether prosecutors have the ability to hold Lynn Cameron’s mother accountable for her actions under any of Tennessee’s current laws. It will also serve as a guideline for future legislation.

“I want to make sure that this doesn’t happen again, and that people like Lynn are protected by the state of Tennessee are treated with dignity and respect,” said Rep. Powers (R-Jacksboro). If it is determined no protection is afforded under Tennessee laws currently on the books, legislation will be introduced next session to deal with this unfortunate event and prevent it from occurring in the future.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012, 2:00 PM)

Cougars gearing up for 2012 season

Timber!  Tree down Wednesday afternoon on Wheeler Lane in La Follette

Clerk's office closes for Nance services

     It's been a sad couple of days around Campbell County since the death of longtime county official, Don Nance.  Nance, who passed away Monday night, served as county clerk for 24-years before retiring in 2010.  Debbie Wilson, who won Nance's post, tells 1450wlaf.com that the Campbell County Clerk's Office is closed beginning Noon Thursday and is reopening on Monday at 8:00 a.m.  The Nance family is receiving friends Friday at the First Baptist Church of Jacksboro from 5:00 until 7:00 with the funeral service at 7:00.  Interment is Saturday morning at 9:45 at Cumberland View Cemetery.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Has it really been 15 years ?

     It's been 15 years for the Class of 1997.  Campbell High grads from the Class of 1997 celebrate with a reunion Saturday night at 6:00 at Twin Cove Marina.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012, 9:30 AM)

School budget cuts leave little wiggle room

The Board of Education finally agreed Tuesday night to approve a budget that cuts over $400,000 in proposed new spending, but the decision didn’t come without some foot-dragging.

Facing a near-certainty that the commission would reject the original school budget requiring a ten-cent property tax hike, Finance Director Jeff Marlow and Director of Schools Donnie Poston proposed an alternative that would take advantage of $290,000 in savings from the current year’s utility costs due to the mild winter weather and also decrease the schools’ capital projects fund by $125,000.

Poston had already identified 21 positions that can be cut through resignations and retirements without requiring layoffs to offset cuts in state revenue. He admitted, however, that there is little room for error if more students are admitted than expected when school begins in August.

The proposed staffing plan is barely capable of meeting minimum student-teacher ratios, Poston explained, meaning that a hundred or so more children than expected could require hiring more teachers, with no money in the budget to pay them.

That didn’t sit well with board member Eugene Lawson, who also criticized several other spending proposals as wasteful, including the Jellico alternative school and the need for a county-wide athletic director. Lawson accused Marlow and Poston of “having some goodies set back” in the budget, suggesting that the budget had been padded to hide emergency revenue if it is needed.

A lengthy explanation of how the savings had been created did nothing to convince Lawson to support the new budget, however. Lawson, Johnny Creekmore, and Johnny Byrge all voted “no” but the revised budget was approved anyway by a vote of 7-3.

The board also voted unanimously to declare the former Stony Fork School property as surplus and sell it at auction in August. Also approved were motions to spend up to $2,000 for a survey of the property and $1,500 to David Longmire Realty to advertise the sale.

The board also heard a proposal from John Kemp of Earth Right Energy, who is interested in installing solar panels on the county’s school buildings and selling power generated from the panels to TVA through a special program.

The school system would receive a set lease payment or have the option to share in the revenue, Kemp explained. His company has signed up eight school systems to participate in the program, but has not yet begun installing panels, he added.

Kemp also explained that no panels will be placed on buildings if the roofs are not strong enough to bear the weight. “Generally, we won’t get approval to install systems on any roofs that are over ten years old,” he added.

Building Committee chairman Rector Miller responded that the board will need to ask board attorney Dail Cantrell to review the proposed contract before taking further action.

The board also approved, on first and final readings, a new discrimination, bullying and hazing policy, and passed on first reading a revised, more stringent attendance policy. “Many parents are not going to like this policy,” the attendance supervisor predicted.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Caryville City Council meets

Caryville City Council made quick work of its regular monthly meeting on Monday night.  The city accepted a $500 donation from B + W Y-12.  The donation goes toward funding children’s education needs at the Caryville Library.  Council voted to advertise for bids for cleaning services and for a new phone system.  It’s also going ahead with buying a tractor for mowing as well as applying for a Bullet Proof Vest Grant.  Caryville City Council next meets on August 13th (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2012, 6:30 PM)

Goins calls Nance fine and decent man

     "Just a wonderful man."  That's one of the many glowing Don Nance memories that a tearful Debbie Wilson shares with 1450wlaf.com this morning.  The man who so kindly and professionally ran the county clerk's office for 24 years died Monday night around 8:30 at the La Follette Medical Center.  Wilson, who is now clerk, winning in 2010 after Nance retired, says he battled illness since last fall.  She fought back tears saying how she'd known Nance since the days of Don Nance Gulf in Jacksboro and the time she worked for him from 1986 through 2010.  Wilson adds that memories of when her father died in 1999 and how that Nance was right there for her will always stay with her.  Sheriff Robbie Goins says our hearts are saddened by the passing of one of Campbell County's greatest public servants in that of Nance. The sheriff goes on to say that our prayers and thoughts will continue to pour out for Don and his family. "Campbell County lost a fine and decent man whose integrity was of the highest level.  We are truly saddened for the loss of the finest official who lived so generously," said Goins.  Don Nance was 76-years old.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2012, 12:30 PM)

School board meets this evening

     On the heels of Monday's county commission workshop and budget/finance meeting, the Campbell County School Board meets tonight in its regular session.  BOE Chairman Mike Orick tells 1450wlaf.com that he expects a routine meeting after commission did not send the school board's budget back for revision.  The school board meeting begins at 6:00 at the courthouse.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2012, 6:30 AM)

Snake handling, the school budget, obesity - workshop covers it all

What promised to be a lively debate over the proposed school budget didn’t happen at Monday night’s county commission workshop and budget meeting.

Instead, the commissioners received some good news in the form of a decreased request for funding from the school board that removes six cents from the proposed ten-cent property tax increase for schools.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow explained that by diverting $290,000 in savings from the current budget’s utility bills to other needs and decreasing the schools’ capital outlay budget by $120,000, the school system can present a balanced budget without the six-cent tax hike.

“Balanced” is a relative term, of course. The county still has to come up with an additional quarter million dollars to offset a decrease in state funding for education. That figure, representing a four-cent tax increase, cannot be avoided, Marlow pointed out, as state law requires the county to increase local tax revenue to make up the deficit in state money.

Marlow warned commissioners that they can look forward to more of the same in 2013. “This utility savings was made possible by our mild winter. It is one time money that will have to be made up next year,” Marlow pointed out. “In addition, the state Department of Education will continue to decrease the state’s share of education funding. They have provided 80 percent to the county’s 20 percent. We can expect that to change slowly until it is closer to 60-40.”

“This year has been a perfect storm for school budgets for local school boards across the state,” Director of Schools Donnie Poston added. “In a recent meeting, 18 out of 18 school systems represented were going through a funding crisis.”

Marlow also added that by making adjustments to the highway and general funds, he has found a way to cut two more cents from the potential tax increase for a total savings of eight cents, down from a projected high of 32 ¾ cents.

David Adkins offered a motion to defer action on the school budget until Thursday, giving the school board time to meet and approve the proposed decreases in the budget request. Before that motion could be voted upon, Thomas Hatmaker directed several questions to Marlow, requiring lengthy explanations about how the state funding formula works, the fuel supplement contract with bus owners and other items in the budget document..

Losing patience as the budget session ran over into time allotted for a beer board meeting, Adkins complained, “All this may be changed on Thursday.”

“You got a race to go to?” Hatmaker quipped back, and continued his series of questions.

The following workshop session was absent of budget fireworks, but offered at least one eye-opening presentation from Reverend Andrew Hamblin of the Tabernacle Church of God. Hamblin explained that the 40 or so members of his church believe in a “literal translation of the Bible.”

“We chant, speak in tongues and we take up serpents,” the young minister declared. “I am asking you to request the state to repeal the law that makes the practice of our religion a crime.”

He added that no members of his church handle poisonous reptiles if they do not wish, and nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to handle snakes, as “that would constitute child endangerment.” He asked commissioners to pass a resolution and present it to the local state representative to sponsor a bill in Nashville. His request was placed on the agenda for next week’s regular meeting.

Among other presentations, John Brown and Todd Fisher explained the operation of the county’s business incubator, Fisher pointing out that it is “a program, not merely a place.”  He added that the program’s personnel work with individuals who have ideas for starting a small business, helping them craft business plans, seek out markets and obtain financing.

James Slusher, who last month accused the commissioners of being a “failure” because they were prepared to raise taxes and accused the school board of being “corrupt,” leveled most of his criticism this month at Finance Director Marlow.

Slusher referred to the most recent state audit report, which contains numerous findings, most of them old news concerning separation of duties in various courthouse clerical offices, the spending of money for the parking lot and fencing at Valley View School that was carried out under a previous Director of Schools and failure to seek competitive bids for removal of dirt at the Justice Center site. He concluded with his often-repeated insistence that the county needs an audit committee to oversee the Office of Finance.

Finally, Jennifer Seals, a teacher at Campbell County High School, asked the commission to consider developing bike and walking trails along numerous county roads.

“In Campbell County, 13.2 percent of our population is diabetic and 33 percent suffer from obesity. We need to provide more opportunities for people to get physical exercise in their neighborhoods instead of having to drive somewhere such as Cove Lake,” Seals explained. “Bike and walking trails would provide exercise opportunities.”

She added that she is aware of the budget difficulties and controversy over proposed tax increases, but added that numerous grants are available from federal and private sources that Campbell County, with its high obesity and diabetes rates, could easily qualify to receive.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

 Sheriff to host "Fill up the Van Event" at Wal-Mart July 27

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announces that the CCSD is hosting a "Fill up the Van Event" on Friday, July 27 from Noon until Midnight at the Jacksboro Wal-Mart. The sheriff is asking anyone; shoppers, patrons or the general public to help fill up the van with school supplies to be given out to Campbell County children who can't afford to get all the supplies they need by the time school starts back.  The "Back to School Bash" will be at Caryville Elementary School on Saturday, August 4 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  "We are asking everyone to stop by and help us fill the van for our children.  If you are shopping or just driving by, we are asking for your help.  Stop by and donate anything you can.  We will take gift cards, cash or school supplies." said Sheriff Robbie Goins.    (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, 4:30 PM)

City park making progress

     Jacksboro’s new city park is on track for completion by mid-September.  Officials with the city tell 1450wlaf.com that Creekside Park features a play gym, walking trail, and a pavilion with picnic tables.  It’s across the four-lane from Jacksboro Middle School.  Also discussed at council’s July meeting is that two Jacksboro Police officers will soon be attending classes to learn more about dealing with meth.  Policies recommended by the Tennessee Municipal League were passed.  Even though the City of Jacksboro’s credit card policy and internal financial control policy are in line with the TML’s guidelines, Jacksboro did not have those policies in writing.  The city will now have written policies for credit card use and internal financial control.  Jacksboro City Council next meets Thursday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m. at city hall.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, NOON)

 Marlow headed south

     Chris Marlow’s heading home to Campbell County.  Family members tell 1450wlaf.com that doctors released Marlow this morning from the Cleveland Clinic.  Marlow, who suffered from cariodomyopathy, underwent successful heart surgery on Thursday.    (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, NOON)

                                  Temps moderate, rain settles in                                  

     Weather changes take us to average July highs.  It’s usually around 86 degrees for a high this time of year, but, as you know, we’ve been well above that average for several days now.  Shower and storm chances increase through the day today and bring the threat of strong to potentially severe storms with damaging wind and heavy rainfall being the main threats.  Highs not too off the pace of 85-degrees begin Tuesday.  In fact, by the time we get to Wednesday afternoon, Campbell County could end up with as much as an inch to two inches of rain for an almost three-day rain total.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Busy night ahead for county commissioners

     The Campbell County Budget and Finance Committee digs in this afternoon.  That committee meets at 5:00 at the court house and begins the task of trying to figure out a way around a tax increase as it prepares the  budget.  The county’s new year began a week ago without a budget as the county operates on a continuing resolution.  Third District Commissioner Rusty Orick tells 1450wlaf.com that more than likely they’ll work on the school budget to start the meeting.  Orick says this is just the first of what may be a several meeting series to come to a budget conclusion.  County Commission’s monthly workshop begins this evening at 6:00.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Caryville council meets

     Caryville City Council meets in its regular session this evening.  That’s at 7:00 at Caryville City Hall.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Basketball camp tips-off this morning

     Basketball Camp opens today at 9:00 AM at John Brown Gym.  Campbell High head basketball coaches host the annual event through Thursday.  The Lady Cougars Ryan Browning and the Cougars Matt Housley welcome area youngsters for four days of learning and fun. (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Campbell County may still get their fireworks show – at the courthouse

By:  Charles "Boomer" Winfrey (from Boomer's Corner)

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s hot. It’s still hot. But the timely rainfall last Thursday night accomplished two things, in addition to raising havoc over in the Smokies and parts east of here. 1) It saved local gardens, including my own, from completely burning up and 2) it encouraged my grass, which always seems to grow when nothing else can, to take off again, requiring mowing.

This weekend I bit the bullet and got out the lawnmower, despite the near-100 degree heat. As a prelude to a little minor surgery I have scheduled later this month, I must have an EKG. I just decided to self-medicate and do the EKG myself by mowing grass in this heat. I must have passed, as I’m still here to write about it, but it was brutal.

My personal approach to surviving the current heat wave while working outside is simple. Work or mow for ten minutes, cool down in the shade of the back porch for another ten, then go inside and cool off in air conditioned comfort with a glass of ice tea for another twenty. Then, if you don’t doze off on the couch, repeat the process.

I may get the whole lawn mowed sometime late next week, just in time for the next rainstorm.

Neither heat nor rain was a deterrent last week to Lake City’s July 4th festivities. While LaFollette cancelled their fireworks show due to the hot, dry weather, Lake City’s fathers couldn’t afford that luxury. One thing my small dysfunctional hometown gets right is the 4th of July. The music, carnival atmosphere and ball games are prelude to one of the best small town fireworks shows in East Tennessee.

The show attracts thousands of spectators into town from miles around, and gives local merchants a big financial boost. Any hint from City Hall that the show would be cancelled might result in a lynching of the mayor and board of aldermen. As a result, the show must go on regardless.

Lake City did make one concession to the heat and dry weather this year, hiring Pyro Shows to shoot off the fireworks instead of the local fire department, which left firefighters presumably better prepared to deal with any brush fires resulting from said pyrotechnics.

The Pyro Shows crew selected a different launching site as well, moving their mortars and shells further away from the maintenance yard of Powell-Clinch Utility District. For many years I sat in my back yard and awaited the “really big shew,” when a wayward rocket would slam into the Powell-Clinch propane tanks. Alas, those in the know tell me it could never happen, as the tank’s metal walls are much too thick to be affected by the explosive potential of mere fireworks. But one could always hope.

My back yard is arguably the best seat in town, as the launching pad for the show is behind the football bleachers, directly across Coal Creek from my garden and back yard. I always distribute caps to guests in case the wind shifts in our direction, as spent shells and debris sometimes rain down on our seats. This year the wind cooperated and the debris landed in the creek bed, so all we got was the show and the traditional ice cream and berries afterward.

Campbell County may still get its fireworks show on Monday night, when the county commission meets in the first of a series of budget meetings to try to figure out a way around a tax increase ranging from a low of six cents to a high of 32 ¾ cents.

The six-cent increase is pretty much a foregone conclusion, as most of it is mandated by state requirements to boost the local share of education dollars. The other 26 ¾ cents can be avoided if: 1) Campbell Countians don’t mind waiting around for that once-in-a-lifetime re-paving of the road leading past their front door (ten cents) 2) the sanitation department does not receive a new truck and additional truck driver as requested (1.5 cents) 3) county non-school employees do not receive the 1.6 percent raise proposed by the mayor (two cents), 4) the county does not hire an industrial recruiter (one cent) and 5) the school board’s request is denied for additional money for improvements to education not mandated by the state (six cents).

I’m sure the tax protesters will be out in force once again to threaten and cajole the squires to hold the line and deny all spending increases and promise that not a one of them will be re-elected two years from now if any tax increase is approved.

Meanwhile, I notice that Campbell County’s representative in the State Senate, Ken Yeager, and our representative in the House, Dennis Powers, both are running uncontested in their primary and will be uncontested in the general election, as no Democrats have stepped forward to challenge for the seats.

This can only mean one thing: the voters are one hundred percent in favor of what the General Assembly is doing down in Nashville, which is laying more and more mandated expenditures off on local county government while providing no additional state money to help with the funding.

I can only conclude from this that Campbell County taxpayers actually don’t mind paying higher property taxes because state government and the General assembly aren’t doing their job. They just enjoy coming down to the courthouse and giving the squires a hard time because it beats sitting at home watching reruns of CSI Miami.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Cougar & Lady Cougar Basketball Camp opens this morning

     Sure.  It's going to be hot this week.  But no 90s or 100s.  Just 80s.  And just in time for Campbell High's annual basketball camp.  Coaches Ryan Browning and Matt Housley host the Monday (today) through Thursday learning and fun sessions that run from 9:00 until Noon in the John Brown Gym.  Camp cost is $50 per camper.  (UPDATED SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Storms keep LUB crews out all night

     Thursday’s late afternoon storms wreaked havoc around Campbell County.  Leaves, limbs, and trees all came down here and there blocking roads, falling on buildings, and knocking out power.  La Follette Utility crews worked all night and into Friday restoring power.  LUB officials tell 1450wlaf.com that as many as 5,000 customers, scattered around the service area, were without power at the peak of the storm.  Winds in excess of 60 miles per hour, hail, and driving rain made for a rocky couple of hours as the entire county was under a severe thunderstorm warning.  Daryl Chapman with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department reports that two houseboats collided on Norris Lake at Flat Hollow Marina.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Food City becomes Freshville

     Your La Follette Food City becomes Freshville for a day.  Produce Manager John Ballard explains to 1450wlaf.com that not just every Food City gets to host a Freshville event.  And Saturday is La Follette’s turn to feature lots and lots of fresh produce not only in the store but under the big tent in the FC parking lot.  Manager Donnie Rector also invites you to Saturday’s Ribfest.  Rector says Mountain Man Don Reynolds will be on hand Saturday grilling ribs, and that you’ll actually be able to buy cooked ribs on site, take ribs home, or buy and take home and prepare yourself.  Ballard says you won’t find any better produce in town than at Saturday’s one-day Freshville Produce Event.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Dwane's last day

     You'll see him on the evening news today on WLAF-TV 12 at 5:30.  One last time.  One last time La Follette Press Sports Editor Dwane Wilder makes a stop by the old radio station.  After 20-years covering sports, Wilder's moving on to concentrate on news and photography with the Roane County News in Kingston.  Dwane puts the Lady Cougars 1991 state tourney team and the 2004 seven-win Cougar Football team at the top of his all-time highlights.  He places Kristin Chapman and Aaron Ausmus Track & Field state championships among the highlights along with Jellico's 2000 football team and Jellico's amazing softball run of 10 undefeated seasons in district games.  We wish you the best, Dwane, and we already miss you.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012, 7:00 AM)


Marlow gets a "thumbs up"

     Good news from Cleveland this evening.  Heart patient Chris Marlow is given a "thumbs up" from his surgeon.  Doctors informed the family that Chris came through the surgery quite well.  Chris's wife, Melissa, tells 1450wlaf.com that if all goes as is, Chris may be released from the hospital in a couple of days.  However, he will remain in Cleveland for several more days as part of the post-operation procedure.  The 36-year old husband and father of two under went about five-hours of surgery this morning to repair his heart from a condition called cardiomyopathy which is a form of heart muscle disease.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012, 6:30 PM)

Powers on ObamaCare


Last Thursday the U.S. Supreme Court handed down their Opinion on ObamaCare, upholding the
entire law, including the individual mandate. The most shocking part was conservative Chief Justice
Roberts siding with the left to uphold the law as a tax.


Legal scholar Ted Gaziano, with the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C., put forth his analysis of
the Supreme Court’s opinion, showing a small victory occurred for conservatives, despite the drastic
measures the Supreme Court took to legitimize the healthcare law and expand the government’s role
by making citizens purchase an item, and penalizing them if they don’t.


Gaziano spoke about how Chief Justice Roberts expanded the Congress’s taxing power to an
extreme proportion and “…despite their error in reading the individual mandate penalty as a tax, five
justices opined that the mandate, standing alone, cannot be justified under the Commerce Clause or
the Necessary and Proper Clause.” He continues by saying this “…is a serious blow to 90 percent of
the legal academics and about 90 percent of Congress, since these have been the clauses used to
justify so much of the modern administrative state.”


Another bright side to the recent ruling according to Gaziano, is that “…the majority’s ruling on the
onerous conditions attached to the Medicaid expansion is also helpful in limiting Congress’s power to
bribe states into submission or to threaten them with the loss of federal revenue in a long-run federal-
state program.” (
http://blog.heritage.org/2012/06/28/obamacare-silver-linings-a-limited-victory-for-


This is especially good news for Tennessee, being that if we were forced to expand Medicaid
further it would cause large budgetary issues for our state. This is also why in 2011 the House of
Representatives, including myself, introduced a bill to counterattack Obamacare, which was ultimately
signed into law by the governor in 2011. This bill was called the “Tennessee Health Care Freedom
Act.”


As the Tenth Amendment Center wrote in 2011, “…[The Act] does not seek to nullify the federal law
in its entirety, the goal of the new law is to ensure that Tennesseans are free to choose whether to
participate in the federal plan, choose another plan, or not participate in any plan at all.”


As originally introduced by the House of Representatives, the Tennessee Healthcare Freedom Act, or
HB0115, declared that it was the public policy of Tennessee that “(1) Every person within the state is
free to choose or to decline to choose any mode of securing health care services without penalty or
threat of penalty; and (2) Every person within the state has the right to purchase health insurance or
to refuse to purchase health insurance.”


The bill also declared that any law passed in violation of the policy is void from the beginning and any
public official imposing a penalty in Tennessee for these actions has effectively violated the public
policy.


The Senate later amended the bill, SB 0079, to include that public policy does not prevent courts from
ordering parents to provide health care coverage for their children in child support cases, or prevent
an employer from requiring that the employer's employees participate in a health insurance plan as a
condition of employment.


The Tennessee Healthcare Freedom Law, although signed into law by the governor in 2011 and
stating a clear purpose, may face challenges in the future from the federal government, however,
the Tennessee General Assembly has, and will continue to do everything in its power to protect
Tennessee citizens from the reckless behavior of the Supreme Court seen this past Thursday, by
legitimizing the mandatory health insurance plan Obamacare has created.


This bill declares it to be the public policy of Tennessee that:


(1) Every person within the state is free to choose or to decline to choose any mode of
securing health care services without penalty or threat of penalty; and
(2) Every person within the state has the right to purchase health insurance or to refuse to
purchase health insurance.


This bill prohibits the state government from interfering with a citizen's right to purchase
health insurance or with a citizen's right to refuse to purchase health insurance. This bill
declares any law passed in violation of the policy expressed in this bill to be void ab initio.
This bill prohibits any public official, employee, or agent of this state or any of its political
subdivisions from acting to impose any penalty in Tennessee that violates the public policy
set forth in this bill.


ON FEBRUARY 23, 2011, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENTS #1 AND #2 AND
PASSED SENATE BILL 79, AS AMENDED.


AMENDMENT #1 clarifies that it is not the public policy of this state that the right of citizens
to choose or decline to choose health care coverage prevents courts from ordering parents to
provide health care coverage for their children in child support cases.


AMENDMENT #2 clarifies that it is not the public policy of this state that the right of citizens
to choose or decline to choose health care coverage prevents an employer from requiring
that the employer's employees participate in a health insurance plan as a condition of
employment. 
(UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012, 3:00 PM)

Rep. Dennis Powers

POB 179, 

Jacksboro, TN 37757

dennis@dennishpowers.com

www.dennishpowers.com

Correction

     An entry error by the Campbell County Sheriff's Department on Monday, July 2, 2012, in the CCSD press release caused the charges to be incorrectly printed in the Arrest Report section of 1450wlaf.com.  Randall Lee McGlade, age 25, of 507 West Ash Street, La Follette was actually charged with "violation of probation" and "attachment for child support."  The charge of "possession of drug paraphernalia" was mistakenly entered and has since been corrected.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012, 1:00 PM)

La Follette fires two employees

     Two members of the La Follette Street Department were officially fired Tuesday night.  City Council convened in regular session for July and worked through a quick 10-minute meeting.  Street Department Director Jim Mullens tells 1450wlaf.com that Michael Lowe and Tim Rupp are the two employees who were let go.  Mullens would not comment further.  Beginning Monday, when street department crews erect a new speed limit sign, the speed limit on the dead end block of West Fir Street, which is the 600-block, is dropping from 30 miles per hour to 15 MPH.  Also at the July 3rd meeting, council approved the audit contract with Pugh & Company.  Council members voted 4-0 on all three items and also discussed an ordinance establishing guidelines for dogs in city parks.  City attorney Reid Troutman explained that since La Follette does not have a parks and recreation ordinance, it needs to create one in order to have a comprehensive ordinance that would also include guidelines for dogs in city parks.  Mayor Mike Stanfield said since the 4th of July Fireworks Show was postponed, the city would come up with another date to shoot the show in a week or two.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

New library opens July 26

     Librarian Nancy Green sets the opening date for the new La Follette Library.  Three weeks from today, July 26, is when the doors open.  The move to the 9th Street location begins July 9 when Lions Club Members and other volunteers pitch in to help in the transition.  The library will be closed beginning the week of July 9, and Green says that if you have any library materials due during that time to please return them to the book returns at the old library on South Tennessee Avenue.  Green tells 1450wlaf.com that an open house is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25 at 1:30.  Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Senator Ken Yager, Representative Dennis Powers, and others plan to attend.    (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Local man drowns on Norris Lake

     The body of a Speedwell man is pulled from Norris Lake.  Darryl Chapman with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department tells 1450wlaf.com that the body of 50-year old David Ausmus was recovered from the lake just before 6:30 Tuesday evening.  Chapman says members of the La Follette Rescue Squad were called to the Fox Cove Lane area of Norris Lake at 5:47 p.m.  Chapman and others with the CCSD are investigating what Chapman describes a possible drowning.  Scanner traffic reports are that friends say Ausmus and others were swimming near Big Creek when Ausmus went under water and never resurfaced.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Thunder leaves, George stays

     No more thunder at Caryville.  The fireman dubbed the big dragon, George, when they battled last May’s fire that destroyed Thunder Mountain Fireworks.  Today, George, the legendary Exit 134 icon stands alone as the lot where the fireworks store once stood is empty.  Thunder Mountain owner Lansden Hill tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s sold the lot and George.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Weather toys with transformers and power lines

     Chances are you or someone you know have been without power over the past four days.  Lendon Shelton with La Follette Utilities explains to 1450wlaf.com that the extreme heat has been rough on transformers.  Shelton goes on to say that transformers build up oil due to the excessive use and heat and eventually give-out creating spotty power outages.  Sunday night and Monday morning’s strong winds knocked out power to 11-hundred LUB customers in Speedwell alone.  Shelton adds that despite temperatures above 100-degrees, usage is still below the demands felt during winter months.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012, 11:00 AM)

Holiday traffic very heavy on I-75 north of Caryville

     Traffic snarls continue on I-75 in Campbell County.  Due to the busy summertime travel weekend, at times there are significant backups on both the north and south lanes of I-75.  On the southbound side, there is one lane open from Mile Marker 144-141 past the landslide, but at times, traffic is very slow reportedly all the way to Jellico at Mile Marker 160.  TDOT’s Mark Nagi tells WLAF that drivers should take alternate routes if possible.  High traffic volumes are expected throughout the July 4th holiday weekend. (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012, 11:00 AM)

 Museum curator is 80 today 

     Happy birthday, Jerry!  Jerry Sharp, the curator of our museum at the Historical Society turns 80 today.  You are invited to an informal reception to stop by and wish Jerry a Happy Birthday on Tuesday from 9:00 to 3:00 (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Hottest stretch of days ever?

     There are no official temperature records kept for Campbell County.  But if there were, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, more than likely, would go on the books as the three hottest consecutive days ever.  Each day shot above 100-degrees with heat indices from 105 to 110 degrees.  Little, but some, relief comes today in the form of a high just short of 100 degrees.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Law Enforcement Cracking Down On Impaired Drivers This Fourth of July

Jacksboro, Tennessee – Most Americans may not realize it, but the Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes.

That’s why this Fourth of July Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up enforcement efforts as part of the ongoing “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement crackdown to catch and arrest impaired drivers who put themselves and others at risk.

“The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays due to an increase in impaired-driving fatalities,” said Sheriff Robbie Goins.  “Too many people die behind the wheel each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our officers will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers.”

Impaired-driving crashes killed more than 10,000 people in 2010, accounting for 31 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States.  That’s an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 51 minutes.

But the percentage of fatalities from impaired driving spike around the Fourth of July. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 392 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday in 2010 (6:00pm July 2- 5:59am July 6.)  Of those fatalities, 39 percent were in crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

To save lives on our roadways this Fourth of July, local law enforcement will be cracking down on impaired driving through increased sobriety checkpoints, roving and saturation patrols, and other enforcement methods.

Often Fourth of July celebrations start during the day, but last well into the night – making the dangers from impaired drivers even higher at night.  

“The amount of alcohol that one can consume during a day-long party or celebration can drastically impair the motor skills needed to drive safely,” said Sheriff Robbie Goins. “Add the fact that many others may be out driving impaired, and that visual skills also decrease at night, and you have a recipe for disaster.” 

Impaired driving fatalities spike during nighttime hours. The proportion of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2010 was almost five times higher at night (6pm to 5:59am) than during the day (6am to 5:59pm) for the July 4th 2010 holiday period (6:00pm July 2 - 5:59am July 6.) In fact, more than 80 percent of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities took place at nighttime (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.)

“What is even more tragic about the statistics is we see a high number of fatalities among 18- to 34-year-olds,” said Sheriff Goins. “Forty-six percent of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities during the 2010 Fourth of July holiday period were within this age group. These are people who have their whole life ahead of them, but in one instant, one act of irresponsibility, they can lose it all. There is simply too much at stake to ever drive impaired.”

Sheriff Goins also said “that there are numerous consequences as a result of being caught driving impaired, such as the risk of killing or harming others, jail time, insurance hikes, potential loss of driver’s license, just to name a few.”

“Those who try to drink and drive this Fourth of July should be forewarned. We will be out in force looking for impaired drivers, and we will catch and arrest you.  No warnings. No excuses. If you drive impaired, you will be arrested,” Sheriff Goins continued.

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office recommends these simple tips for a safe Fourth of July:

·        Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;

·        Before drinking, designate a sober driver;

·        If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;

·        Use your community’s sober ride program

·        If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911

·        And remember, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

·        For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Fireworks show POSTPONED

     The City of La Follette's 4th of July Fireworks Show is postponed.  Mayor Mike Stanfield tells 1450wlaf.com that it's just not worth the risk right now with the heat and extremely dry conditions to have the event.  No re-schedule date is set just yet.  (UPDATED SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012, NOON)

It's grand opening week at Buckshot

     The grand opening at Buckshot, the hunting and fishing spot runs through July 7.  Jeff and Belinda Robbins welcome you to pay them a visit in Jacksboro across from the Eagle Market.  They're giving away a Dixie made custom rod made right here in Campbell County by DeWayne Wilson. 

                    Jeff Robbins with Buckshot

     Buckshot is now selling those handsome Dixie rods along with "live" bait; red worms and night crawlers.  During the grand opening all Zoom bait is 10% off the regular price.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012, 9:00 PM)

La Follette's budget passes

     La Follette passes its budget, on third and final reaading, just in time for the new fiscal year.  Council unanimously voted-in the new figures for 2012-2013.  Mayor Mike Stanfield tells 1450wlaf.com that it’s a “bare bones” budget that does not have room for any pay raises for city employees.  At Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting, the mayor says Family Dollar is moving forward with plans to open a store on the four-lane.  It will be located next to Ayers Real Estate on the Jacksboro side.(UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Early voting is two weeks away

     Ads are running on WLAF and Channel 12.  It’s almost time to vote.  In fact, early voting is two weeks from today.  Administrator of Elections Ann Ayers-Colvin tells 1450wlaf.com that early voting begins July 13 and runs through July 28.  Election Day is Thursday, August 2.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012, 6:00 AM)

  Troopers, local police ready for the big holiday weekend

     Troopers and local police are out in full-force for the 4th of July holiday.  THP Lieutenant Don Boshears reminds you to keep a couple of simple tips in mind that may save your life like buckling your safety belt, driving the speed limit, and no drinking and driving.  Since the 4th falls right in the middle of the week, the official Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 8.  There’s a Tennessee Highway Patrol driver license safety checkpoint today.  Look for troopers on Cherry Bottom Road at the Cherry Bottom Church on the south side of Campbell County.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Dwane's last day is next Thursday

     It's not Dwane Wilder's last day after all.  I thought when he called this afternoon that maybe he'd had a change of heart.  Not so.  Dwane says he learned late Wednesday that's he'll not move to his new gig at Kingston until the week of July 9th.  So, we get one more week of Dwane Wilder Sports in next week's La Follette Press.  (SEE RELATED STORY AND PHOTO FURTHER DOWN THIS PAGE - UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012, 4:00 PM)

  First offices open today in new justice center

     The first offices in the new Campbell County Justice Center open today.  Phase 1 of the new structure nears completion, and the sheriff, his administrative staff, and administrative clerks are open for operation in the new location.  Look for them in the new justice center, so, when entering the jail, use the door directly to the left and you’ll see these offices. Sheriff Robbie Goins thanks our citizens and staff for having patience during the move and transition, and that he and his staff feel honored and fortunate to be the first administration to occupy new offices within the jail in many, many years.  The sheriff goes on to say he appreciates everyone involved in the construction and move and looks forward to total completion of the justice center.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012, 6:00 AM)

  Campbell County names three new principals

     Nine changes have taken place in administration for next school year.  Campbell County Schools has three of its 12 schools with new principals while half have new assistant principals.  At Campbell High, Vijaya Morton takes over an assistant principal’s post while Craig Ivey leaves an assistant’s job at CCHS to become assistant principal at Valley View Elementary School.  Principals Dixie Crouch and Steve Rutherford swap schools with Crouch stepping in at Valley View, and Rutherford moves to Jacksboro Middle School.  Nikki Bumgardner is Rutherford’s assistant principal at JMS.  At Jellico Elementary, Bob Walden is the principal with Stephanie Stratton as assistant.  La Follette Elementary has a new assistant principal in that of Heather Smith while Joey St. John leaves JMS to take over as assistant principal at La Follette Middle School.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Administrators for all county schools

Campbell County High School

Principal – Jamie Wheeler

Assistants – Sherry Chapman

                    David Jones

                    Vijaya Morton*

                    Sandi Wilson

Caryville Elementary

Principal – Lori Adkins

Assistant – Vickie Heatherly

Elk Valley Elementary

Principal – Nancy Lay

Jacksboro Elementary

Principal – Joan Crutchfield

Assistant – Jennifer Fields

Jacksboro Middle School

Principal – Steve Rutherford*

Assistant – Nikki Bumgardner*

Jellico Elementary School

Principal – Bob Walden*

Assistant – Stephanie Stratton*

Jellico High School

Principal - Harry Chitwood

Assistant – Robert Angel

LaFollette Elementary

Principal – Meredith Arnold

Assistant – Heather Smith*

LaFollette Middle

Principal – Robbie Heatherly

Assistant – Joey St. John*

Valley View Elementary

Principal – Dixie Crouch*

Assistant – Craig Ivey*

White Oak Elementary

Principal – Allison Poston

Wynn Elementary

Principal – Donna Singley 

*Change from 2011-2012 School Year

La Follette is ready to vote on its new budget

     La Follette City Council is closing in on passing a balanced budget.  Monday was workshop night, and council discussed next year's budget for about 20-minutes.  For the better part of June, Finance Director Terry Sweat has been carving into a half-million dollar overage that is all but gone now.  Sweat tells 1450wlaf.com that some of the departments trimmed their budgets a little while revenue figures were increased some.  The finance director outlines that the city is using a fund balance of some 250-thousand dollars to balance the new budget.  According to Sweat, the city can do this, because the fund balance from June 30, 2011, is a little more than four-million dollars, and that includes capital outlay proceeds which means deducting the quarter-million dollars leaves the fund balance at 3-millon dollars plus.  Sweat says you have to have that in the cash account, too, and the city does, allowing it to use the fund balance if it has to use it.  Balancing the city budget is old hat to Sweat who is presenting his 16th annual city budget to council on Thursday evening.  The fiscal year ends Saturday. 

     Terminating two public works employees was briefly mentioned Monday night and is going to be placed on the agenda for July's meeting.  Mayor Mike Stanfield did not publicly say the names of the two men who are going to be let go.  The termination comes on recommendation from Public Works Director Jim Mullins.  Councilman Hansford Hatmaker brought two unpaid invoices to the attention of council.  Invoices that were billed to the city a few months ago.  The invoices are for two contractors, Davenport Construction and Jim and Tim Oris, who have done work on the city's new library.  Sweat explained that interim City Administrator Cade Sexton, who is on vacation this week and missed the meeting, previously instructed him to hold off paying the invoices for now.  Hatmaker asked for the invoice matter to be placed on July's agenda.  Mayor Stanfield tells 1450wlaf.com that it's not certain if the two contractors' work is complete, and he feels Sexton had reason to wait to deliver payment.  It was announced that La Follette's annual fireworks show is set for next Tuesday, the third, at dark, at Woodson Mall.  Council meets Thursday evening at 6:00 at city hall to vote on the budget in its third and final reading.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012, 7:00 AM)

The La Follette Terry's Pharmacy is getting a drive-up window

     Terry's Pharmacy is moving some dirt.  You may have seen the heavy equipment at Terry's La Follette store on Monday.  Pharmacy President Rissa H. Pryse tells 1450wlaf.com that a drive-up window is being constructed.  Terry's drive-up window should be finished within a few weeks.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2012, 7:00 AM)

It's basketball camp time at CCHS

     Boys and girls basketball camp is just around the corner at Campbell High.  Cougar Coach Matt Housley and Lady Cougar Coach Ryan Browning tell 1450wlaf.com that camp dates are Monday, July 9th through Thursday, the 12th, from 9:00 a.m. until Noon each day.  Camp cost is $50 for each player, and that includes every camper receiving a T-Shirt.  If you have any questions, just call Coach Housley at 423.494.7046.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

The Campbell County Dixie Youth League All-Stars (11-12)

Successful day for Katelyn

     They were hoping for a hundred.  But they ended up with 107.  That's 107 units of blood.  Katelyn Norman and her family say “thank you” for all those of you who took time Saturday to donate blood on her behalf during MEDIC’s Campbell County Blood Drive.  As most of you know, Katelyn is a 13-year old cancer patient, and her family members tell 1450wlaf.com that the 107 units of blood go a long way in helping her.  After needing two units of blood on Friday, Katelyn’s now gone through 76 units during her 14-month battle.  In the event you were not able to make it out Saturday, you may donate in Katelyn's name at the MEDIC office in Knoxville or any MEDIC mobile location.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Roane County News 7 - La Follette Press 0

     The Roane County News just defeated the La Follette Press.  And it’s a big loss.  The RCN wins the Dwane Wilder Bowl.  The well liked and respected 20-year Press sports editor writes his last sports column next Thursday, and then it’s off to Kingston.  Wilder tells 1450wlaf.com that it’s a little more money, a different sort of gig, and a lot of bitter-sweet.  Bitter in that he’s leaving an entire generation of school kids he’s covered, and sweet that he’s excited about what’s around the corner in his career. 

 

     Dwane says it’s basically a transfer within the Landmark Group, which owns both papers, to the three day-a-week publication.  The 46-year old Wilder’s been with the La Follette Press since August 17, 1992, and will now cover more general news with lots of photography opportunities.  His last day at the Press is Friday, June 29, and his first day on the new job is the 4th of July where he’ll cover Roane County’s “Big 4th Festival.”  Congratulations on the move and on your new born grandaughter, Dwane.  We will miss you, and we wish you the best in Kingston (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012, 4:00 PM)

Cumberland Gap Medical opens in grand fashion

     A delicious cake.  Pizza, prizes, plenty of people.  Friday's grand opening at Cumberland Gap Medical in La Follette was a dandy as David and Amanda Brown and staff snipped the ribbon on the new Cumberland Gap Medical in the big Riggs on West Central Avenue

Amanda Brown left and David Brown right are the owner operators of Cumberland Gap Medical

     The new facility schedules appointments (423.201.9799) and welcomes walk-ins as well as works with patients who have and don't have insurance.  CGM also has one of the best cash-pay programs in the region.  Cumberland Gap Medical has offices in Claiborne and Grainger Counties.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Old radio guy getting a mini-massage during Cumberland Gap Medical's grand opening

Campbell unemployment up

     Unemployment is up slightly in Campbell County.  Labor force numbers just out indicate that nearly two-thousand Campbell Countians are out of work.  That’s up four-tenths of one-percent from April to May standing at 10.6%.  The Campbell County workforce is made up of 17,080 people with 15,260 of those employed while 1,820 remain without work.  Across Tennessee the unemployment rate for May rose to 7.9 percent from 7.7% making the statewide numbers nearly 3% lower than in Campbell County.  Nationwide unemployment for May is 8.2%.  Lincoln County tops Tennessee with the lowest unemployment numbers while neighboring Scott County has the highest.  Scott’s numbers double the state average with 15.9% compared to 7.9%.  Knox County has the lowest rate among Tennessee’s metropolitan areas at six-percent.  See all the unemployment numbers for Tennessee at http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/LaborForceEstimates_May12.pdf   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Phillips says thank you

     Professionalism.  Integrity.  When asked about retiring District Attorney General Paul Phillips, those are the first words from John Vanover.  And Vanover would know.  He’s worked as a Crime Scene Investigator for Phillips for some 17-years.  Vanover goes on to say that Phillips is approachable and is sincerely interested in the district.  Phillips toured the five county district last Friday to say thank you to all those he’s worked with for the past 35 years in Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott, and Union Counties. 

     The General, without hesitation, tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s proud of the great staff in Campbell County and across District 8 and beams when talking about the new justice center calling it a great step forward and that the DA’s office will be a part of the new center.  Phillips may be most proud of the strides made over the past five decades in Child Support Enforcement.  District-wide collections are at 10-million dollars compared to zero-dollars in the beginning.  Seeing the Campbell County Childrens Center completed leaves Phillips pleased with how children who are victims of crimes are now treated.  He says his biggest disappointment is the drug epidemic here in Campbell County.  Although Phillips lauds the local police chiefs and the sheriff saying they and their staffs are doing an outstanding job, and that the addition of more jail cells will further help them in the war on drugs. 

     Phillips last official day in office is August 31st.   Lori Phillips Jones takes over for Phillips September 1st.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Deputies seize drugs & guns in I-75 arrest

     A Louisville man is back home in Kentucky this afternoon after a long, unexpected stay in the Campbell County Jail.  Chief Aaron Evans tells WLAF that  37-year old Chris Wise is free on a 35-thousand dollar secure bond after being arrested in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday.  Evans says Wise was parked on the side of Interstate 75 in Jellico and was not using his emergency flashers when he was noticed by deputies.  The report outlines that Wise was unloading a four-wheeler from the bed of his pick-up truck.  When officers stopped, Wise got back in his truck.  Once the deputies asked Wise if he needed any help, he began acting extremely paranoid and looking around the premises of his truck.  Wise told them that he was out of gas and did not need their help that he was going to ride his four-wheeler down the shoulder of I-75 to get gas.  When police asked for his drivers license, Wise began reaching under the seat of the truck.  That’s when he was told to put both hands on the steering wheel.  After being asked if he had any weapons in the truck, Wise answered no.  Wise was then asked to step out of the truck.  Officers noticed a green leafy substance in a clear container in the left front seat.  Asked if he had any narcotics or other illegal items, Wise said he had a loaded 380 semi-automatic pistol under his truck seat.  Deputies saw a pill cutter, snorting straws, and razor blades in plain sight, and then were granted permission to search the truck.  That’s when cocaine, meth, large amounts of synthetic marijuana, marijuana, Oxycontin, Ecstasy, heroin, along with 15 bottles of assorted pills were found.  Officers described Wise as intoxicated, because he could not speak clearly, was unsteady on his feet, and was not able to stay awake.  Other weapons recovered include a 22 semi-automatic long rifle, a semi-automatic tech 9 assault pistol as well as a three-feet long sword.  Wise faces 12 charges including possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.  The complete list of charges is found at the Arrest Report link.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Tax increase not mentioned

     After such a heated workshop in front of a packed house on Monday, the 11th (June 11, 2012), the mention of a property tax increase was not brought up at the County Commission’s regular monthly meeting on Monday night (June 18, 2012).  Coming up on June 28, County Commission reconvenes to make any adjustments necessary to balance the current budget before the fiscal year ends June 30.  Since there was no discussion at all about tax increases on Monday night, commission is putting off that unpleasant topic until the first Budget and Finance meeting on the new budget scheduled for July 9.  See the Monday, June 18, meeting by clicking the video box found further down this page.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Ridenour was more than a glass man

     He was a Marine, a Vietnam Vet, and a business man.  But above all Jerry Ridenour was a grandfather.  His little ones called him “Bucka.”  And it caught on as others also tabbed him Bucka.  Bucka passed away Sunday after battling illness for a couple of years, possibly stemming from exposure to Agent Orange during his war days some 40-years ago.  Ridenour and his wife Rita founded La Follette Glass in 1985 after opening City Glass in Clinton in 1981.  Services are this evening at Jones Mortuary in Clinton.  Jerry Ridenour was 65-years old.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Summer's almost here

     Today at 7:09 p.m. That marks this year’s summer solstice, the exact time when the sun is the farthest north in the sky and directly above the Tropic of Cancer.  In short, that’s when summer officially begins even though we’ve already had some 90 degree days this spring.  Even though the summer solstice is the longest day of the year and the first day of summer, it doesn’t tend to be the warmest.  While those of us here in the Northern Hemisphere cover up with sunscreen and sport short pants and short sleeves, folks in the Southern Hemisphere are wrapping up in their warm clothes in response to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Nearly a half-million dollars spent annually for inmate healthcare

Just when county commissioners thought the upcoming budget could give them no more headaches, Finance Director Jeff Marlow was forced to give them another dose of bad news at Monday night’s meeting.

Marlow brought an additional budget amendment to the commission, pulling $100,000 from the county’s fund balance to pay for the increased costs of providing health care for prisoners in the county jail.

The county has a contract with Correctional Health Corporation to cover hospitalization and other medical costs of inmates but that contract has a $50,000 cap – anything over $50,000 must be paid entirely from county funds.

“We have never been below the cap,” Marlow told commissioners. “The first contract we had included no cap and cost the provider $100,000 in the first year. A second provider was found that required no cap and they went out of business in three months.”

Hospitalization, dental and other medical costs for inmates now amount to nearly $500,000 a year and the county’s share continues to grow with little help from state government, Marlow pointed out.

“In 1994 the General Assembly passed a budget that provided $64 for each state board inmate. That rate was then cut to $35. This year it will cost one million dollars to house state prisoners but we’ll receive only half of our real expenditures,” Marlow continued.

“The state pays nothing for prisoners held in jail awaiting trial,” he added. “The county is losing one million dollars by housing state prisoners.”

“If we think another $100,000 is bad now, what will it be like when the new jail is finished?” Thomas Hatmaker asked.

“We now house 225 inmates. If the new jail becomes filled to its capacity of 400 inmates with a proportional number of state prisoners . . .” Marlow replied without finishing the obvious conclusion.

The commission, however, found itself between a jail cell and a hard place and had no choice but to approve the additional $100,000 expenditure. Hatmaker cast the lone vote against the motion to accept CHC’s contract renewal.

Another vote by the commission was far from unanimous. A proposal from Mayor William Baird to rent office space from Community Trust Bank for the business incubator program nearly failed to pass, despite the fact that the money for a matching federal grant has already been appropriated.

Hatmaker argued during a Building & Grounds Committee meeting that the county should look into using an existing county-owned building instead of renting space. His motion failed 3-2, but he brought up the same objections in the regular meeting with more success.

David Adkins amended the lease motion to enable the county to void the lease if the incubator program fails to be re-funded or for some other reason is ended, rather than paying $2,700 a month for empty office space.

The vote on the amended motion ended up in a 7-7 tie, with Bob Walden not being present at the meeting. Mayor Baird was forced to cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of renting the space.

The commission agreed unanimously on several other motions, including one by Sue Nance to release the remaining funds held for volunteer fire departments without stipulations requiring matching grants if those funds are used for capital projects. While all seven fire departments will be affected by the vote, Nance pointed out that her intent was to allow Ridgewood VFD to have access to the money to help pay for a new roof on the station.

The commission also approved the recommendation from the Insurance Committee to accept the bids for the county’s casualty and worker’s comp coverage, despite increases in both the bids from the Local Government Insurance Pool for the county general fund and Tennessee Risk Management for the Board of Education.

“Were these the low bids?” Hatmaker asked insurance agent David Rutherford.

“They were the only bids. We solicited bids from other carriers but none were interested,” Rutherford replied.

On that depressing note, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the bids and recessed their meeting until June 28, when they will reconvene to make any adjustments necessary to balance the current budget before the fiscal year ends.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

“When I’m 64” – McCartney turns 70

     A milestone for us Baby boomers.  Paul McCartney is 70 today.  I’m not sure any of us were thinking 64 or even 70 when we first heard McCartney and the Beatles “When I’m 64” on the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album way back in 1967.  It was speculated that McCartney may have thought of the song when recording began for Sgt. Pepper in December 1966 because his father turned 64 earlier that year.  Six years down the line, the former Beatle turns 70 riding high, with his reputation as one of Britain's best loved musicians intact. He performed for Queen Elizabeth II for the concert this month to mark her Diamond Jubilee and will star in the London Olympics opening ceremony on July 27.  The other living Beatle, Ringo Starr, turns 72 on July 7th.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012, 1:00 PM)

Houck dies hours after turning 24

     Ryan Lee Houck had barely turned 24 on Friday before he tragically died a few hours later.  Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Warren Crumpley reports to WLAF that Houck of Norris died at the scene of the accident just before 3:30 a.m. in a one-car wreck.  Crumpley says Houck was alone when his 2000 Jeep left Lake City Highway, between Kesterson’s Market and the Medford Volunteer Fire Department, went airborne hitting an embankment. 

Jacksboro woman slapped with 14 charges

     The charges stack up quickly for a Jacksboro woman in the wee hours of this morning.  Jacksboro Police pulled 46-year old Kimberly Collette Shilts over just before 2:30 a.m. on Butter and Egg Road, and charged her with 14 violations.  This list of charges include felony evading arrest, driving left of center, unlawful use stolen registration plates, aggravated assault, driving while revoked, theft of property under $500, driving under the influence, open container law, violation of Tennessee financial law, leaving the scene accidental death/injury seatbelt law, driver license violation, and failure to carry registration.  This is the third time Shilts has been arrested.  The other two times were back in 2003; once for public intoxication and the other on a driving under the influence charge.  Shilts remains in the county jail this afternoon.  Sheriff’s deputies charged 37-year old Chris Wise of Louisville, Kentucky, with a dozen charges over the weekend.  Wise was charged with three counts of possession of a schedule II drug, two counts of possession of a schedule VI and schedule 1 controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a psycho-active drug (salvia divinorum) for resale, public intoxication, and possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony.  Wise is being held in the Campbell County Jail.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012, NOON)

Campbell County Cancer Association has big weekend

     It was a successful weekend for the Campbell County Cancer Association.  Hazel with Hazel’s Hairstyles and Stuff held her 6th annual Case Knife Event Saturday, and more than 11-thousand dollars was raised.  Organizers tell WLAF that by the time all the donations come in, the total may go beyond 12-thousand dollars.  Around 300 people took part with all the money raised going to benefit the local cancer association.  All toll, Hazel’s events have generated around 75-thousand dollars since the fundraiser began in 2007.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Paquette takes Friends of Cove Lake 5K again

     The oldest is 93.  The youngest; two-years.  And there were 226 other participants ranging in ages in-between taking part in the 14th annual Friends of Cove Lake 5-K Run/Walk.  John Smartt (48:28) pushed a walker the 3.1 miles as the oldest participant while Archie Waddell was the youngest.  Waddell was pushed around the course in a stroller.  Smart is from Knoxville, Waddell from Lenoir City.  Twenty-seven year-old Max Paquette (16:21) won for a second-straight year while Jasmine Keller (20:28) took the women’s title.  Both hail from Knoxville.  There was some local flavor as recent Campbell High Grad Bradley Paul came in third and Jacksboro’s Terry Gray (27:00) claimed the Grand Master crown.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Former Cougar quarterback passes

     The man who was the first quarterback in the history of Campbell High Football has died.  Family members tell 1450wlaf.com that Stan Lester just didn't wake up on Thursday morning at his home in Corbin, Kentucky.  Lester was one of the bright spots on the first-ever Cougar football squad that debuted in 1975.  Stan Lester was 53-years old.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012, 5:00 PM)

Talk of tax increases, grumblings, elections, & such - it's time for Boomer's Corner

     Charles "Boomer" Winfrey's not had to go far this week for material.  Monday's unhappiness over a looming property tax increase along with Tuesday's 45-million dollar budget passed by the school board have left the Boom with bunches to write about which he did in this week's installment of Boomer's Corner.  Enjoy!  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012, 9:00 AM)

Injured DeRoyal worker returns home

     The woman flown out by Lifestar on Thursday is back home this morning.  Reports to 1450wlaf.com were that a worker at DeRoyal Industries was injured on the job yesterday morning.  Emergency personnel tell WLAF that Becky Rose suffered an injury to her right hand apparently when coming in contact with a conveyer belt.  Rose was treated and released from UT Medical Center.  DeRoyal’s La Follette plant, located in East Central Avenue in the former shirt factory building, and manufactures surgical and surgical and medical instruments and apparatus.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is today

     Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  County Mayor William Baird placed a purple ribbon at the courthouse in Jacksboro in remembrance and recognition of abuse victims in Campbell County.  The mayor says that we need to be aware of our elderly neighbors and report abusive situations to Adult Protective Services.  Signs of abuse include unexplained bruises, isolation, or no money for food or medicine.  Other signs include belittling or threatening the elder, bedsores and unattended medical needs; strained relationships can also be a tipoff as to abuse.  If you think someone you know is being subjected to elder abuse, call the Tennessee Elder Abuse line at 1-888-277-8366.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012, 6:00AM)    

Two early morning meth operations busted

     La Follette Police shutdown two active meth operations in the wee hours of this morning.  Six people, with ages ranging from 22 up to 59-years of age, are being held in the county jail at this hour, each, on multiple drug charges.  The labs were operating in mobile homes, one at 518 West Walden Street, near the underpass, and the other just up the street at 113 Sunshine Circle.  The common charge all six are facing is initiation of procedure intended to manufacture meth.  Which means police caught all of the suspects in the act of making meth.  Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries tells WLAF that soon after midnight, officers saw two men carrying items in and out of the West Walden mobile home, detained one them, and then discovered a one-pot meth cook bottle along with every component needed to make meth.  He says soon after the first bust, it was a call reporting someone making meth that tipped officers off to the operation on Sunshine Circle.  Jeffries goes on to say that meth was actually cooking when officers arrived.  Those picked up by La Follette Officers are 30-year old Brandon Lee Leach, Eddie Dean Morrison age 51, 59-year old Vickie Jean Morrison, Patricia Ann Reese, age 43, and 45-year old Thomas Stephen Reese all of La Follette along with 22-year old Savannah Bryce Bailey of Jacksboro.  Leach was arrested at the West Walden Street address, the others on Sunshine Circle.  Each person’s charges in detail are found at the Arrrest Report link found to your upper left on this page.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2:30 PM) 

Tennova, Cigna are negotiating

     Nobody’s mad.  Nobody’s upset.  That’s what Mark Cain, the CEO at Tennova La Follette Medical Center, says to 1450wlaf.com.  Cain explains that Tennova and Cigna are simply carrying through with the terms and conditions of their contract.  The contract states that Tennova must give notice near the end of the contract, and it did.  However, both sides are currently in negotiations with the same objective; to continue to do business with each other.  Cain says it’s in the best interest of the community and is mutually advantageous for Tennova and Cigna to come to an agreement.  Hundreds of state workers in Campbell County carry the Cigna plan for their health insurance, and that includes 320 school teachers.  Cain closes by saying that one of the reasons Tennova and Cigna extended the deadline from July 14 out to August 31 is to allow more time to hammer out details of a new contract.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 12:30 PM)

Tennova and Cigna parting ways

     Disturbed.  That was the reaction at this week’s conference call for local counties when Tennova announced it’s no longer in the Cigna health insurance network.  Beginning August 31, area Tennova Hospitals, including La Follette Medical Center, will no longer be accepting Cigna insurance.  Pat Ward with the Department of Finance Payroll and Benefits Division says Tennova’s decision soon leaves hundreds of state workers in Campbell County without a hospital that takes their insurance.  That includes 320 school teachers currently on the Cigna plan.  Ward notes that the Jellico Community Hospital is in the Cigna Network.  Aside from Jellico, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, Fort Sanders, Park West, and UT Medical Center all accept Cigna.  After an open season in October, Ward tells WLAF that the soonest a school teacher could be on a new plan is January 1st.  Patients involved in on-going treatments such as cancer or pregnancies may be granted permission to remain in the network but must request permission.  Ward is optimistic saying negotiations continue, and that she’s seen it happen before where providers manage somehow to work it out to continue doing business with each other.  La Follette Medical Center CEO Mark Cain was not available for comment.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 6:00 AM)

Crews straightening Hunters Branch Road

     Work on Hunters Branch Road continues.  Crews with the Campbell County Road Department are in the process of taking out the bulging curve and straightening the road that connects the four-lane with Demory Road.  Some trees are also coming down along that stretch of road which will allow the sun to shine on a previously heavily shaded area.  One crew member tells WLAF that that will be a big help during snowy and icy conditions.  Hunters Branch Road is a favorite short cut to College Hill and the lake from the four-lane, but right now it’s closed during the day as the project continues.  Work is expected to finish up before the month is out.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 6:00 AM)

Property tax increase looms

After county commissioners faced a room filled with angry taxpayers on Monday night, the Board of Education did not make commissioners’ lives any easier on Tuesday, voting 9-1 to approve a school budget of over $45 million that would require a ten-cent property tax increase to fund $670,000 in additional local spending.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow pointed out to board members that $250,000 of that increase cannot be avoided, as it represents increases mandated by the State of Tennessee. The balance of the increase covers the rising costs of operating the school system, from rising fuel and utilities costs to higher insurance rates.

Director of Schools Donnie Poston pointed out that his office has done everything possible to keep costs down, eliminating 21 full-time positions by not replacing teachers and other employees who have retired or resigned.

“At this point we’ve eliminated these positions without costing anyone their job,” Poston said.

The school board’s challenge is to find ways to meet increasing demands from state and federal government to improve the quality of education while receiving less help in dollars. Revenue from the federal government, as an example, has significantly decreased from last year, the Director of Federal Projects explained, adding hopefully, “We may receive some of that money at year’s end.”

Marlow cautioned the board, if county commission rejects the budget, to look at every possible way to cut spending rather than balancing the shortfall out of the fund balance.

“You can’t borrow your way out of debt,” Marlow warned. “Using permanent fund balance reserves to pay for ongoing costs will come back to haunt you when you need those reserves and they’re not there.”

Scott Hill moved finally to accept the budget as presented, with Josh Parker seconding his motion. Johnny Creekmore cast the only vote against the budget, as well as a series of budget amendments, without explaining his reasons.

Marlow also discussed changes in accounting programs that will enable the board to track per pupil costs for each school. “I’ve been wanting that for a long time, to see which schools are costing $900 to educate a student and which ones are educating students for $300,” Eugene Lawson commented.

Rector Miller asked about the status of the coal severance tax, once a significant source of school revenue.

“It’s non-existent,” Marlow replied. “The only reason that category is listed in the budget is that we have reason to believe Anderson County received around $120,000 in previous years that was supposed to come to Campbell County and have asked the state to investigate and make adjustments if we’re proven correct.”

In other action the board voted unanimously to approve a property transfer to Norris Ridge Volunteer Fire Department so that Norris Ridge, which is replacing the heavily indebted Pinecrest VFD, can use the fire station owned by the Board of Education as collateral to re-structure debt.

The board also agreed to discuss a vaccination program that would be administered by Community Health of East Tennessee to vaccinate school employees for various illnesses including the flu at no cost to the school system. Employees’ insurance would cover the costs completely, John Craig, representing a vaccine firm providing the drugs, explained.

The board also agreed in principle to allow the Chamber of Commerce to locate a tourist welcome center on the strip of land between Shoney’s and the former Caryville Elementary School site. TVA must be consulted and give permission before any temporary structure can be placed on the site.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012, 1:00PM)   

     Caryville finalizes new budget 

     Caryville clears the final hurdle passing its new budget.  A near capacity crowd settled in at city hall as council made quick work of what was mostly a routine meeting lasting about half-an-hour.  At Monday night’s regular monthly meeting of the Caryville City Council, the 2012-2013 budget passed on second and final reading.  During the May meeting, the mayor and aldermen voted to approve on first reading a new ordinance, 2012-06, regarding outdoor sales, garage sales, and yard sales.  The ordinance stipulates that if it is a situation of a residence running a sale like a business, the person would have to purchase a business license and permit.  However, on second reading last night, the ordinance failed.  Caryville now has the go ahead to establish a fund balance policy after Ordinance Number 2012-04 was approved.  The council voted-in Freddie Wright to serve on the Caryville-Jacksboro Utilities Commission Board.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012, 10:00AM)      

Newspaper story stirs up Monday's workshop

A packed house greeted Campbell County commissioners Monday night at the commission’s monthly workshop, and the crowd was in an ugly mood.

Residents, many of them from expensive neighborhoods around Norris Lake, were upset by a newspaper article in the Journal-Leader that quoted a letter from Finance Director Jeff Marlow warning commissioners that a hefty property tax increase would be necessary to meet all of the budget requests from various departments, along with mandatory increases in utilities, gasoline and state matching education funds.

Although Marlow’s memo simply laid out the commissioners’ options for balancing the pending budget, those citizens who filled the courthouse Monday reacted as if a tax increase was already being planned.

James Slusher was first to address the commission, referring to Marlow as a dictatorial manager of county finances, referring to the uncompleted Justice Center as a “boondoggle” and “monstrosity,” and the commission as inept, singling out David Adkins for his absence from the last couple of meetings.

“We need a complete change of leadership. You are a failure,” Slusher told commissioners. Don Feeney followed Slusher, simply adding “Me too,” before arguing that roads out around the lake are in need of patching and the county needs to commit some of its resources to serve those residents who, he inferred, carry a larger share of the tax burden.

After a couple of other spokesmen followed in the same vein, Mayor William Baird told the audience that the commission was just beginning to look at the various budget requests and had not yet begun deliberations on a budget or tax rate.

As if to underscore the challenge faced by commissioners, one subsequent discussion involved a request from the former Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department for guarantees that the county will continue to provide financial support and would allow the newly-organized Norris Ridge Volunteer Fire Department to commit $8,000 received from the county each year to pay off debts to First Volunteer Bank.

Former Pinecrest Chief Jerry Moat, who is no longer associated with the department, apparently signed off on more than $200,000 in debt to various financial institutions, debt that cannot be paid off. First Volunteer has agreed to work with a newly-organized VFD to help them consolidate enough of the debt to keep the department active and capable of providing fire protection in the areas it served, much of it around the lake.

Several commissioners indicated that they want to help, but cannot make a long-term promise that county funding will always be available while many in the audience watched in silence, possibly realizing that their demands to cut spending and avoid tax increases could also affect their future fire protection.

Before the workshop, commissioners got a preview of the challenges they face when they were told in a Budget & Finance meeting that the county’s casualty insurance and workman’s compensation rates will increase in the upcoming year, workman’s comp by nearly nine percent.

Still, this is less than anticipated, as Marlow had already warned commissioners that rates could increase by as much as 12-15 percent due to casualty losses and excessive worker’s comp claims in past years.

Scott Stanfield brought up another matter, pointing out that a number of properties around the county that have been foreclosed by banks are being poorly-maintained, with high grass and undergrowth. He asked if the county could do anything to force owners to clean up their property.

Beverly Hall asked if the County Powers Act passed last year by the commission could be used to address the problem. County Attorney Joe Coker replied that the Act in itself did nothing, but it enabled the commission to pass a resolution, if they should choose, that could require owners to maintain their property or face some type of punitive action by the county. 

County Commission meets in regular session Monday night at 6:00 at the courthouse. (UPDATED TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012, 6:00AM)        

Proud day for Shayla

     Relief.  It was a day for CCHS multi-sport star Shayla Goins to exhale.  But not before she signed to compete collegiately at King College.  The award winning Campbell High Lady Cougar basketball and track and field standout is taking her shot put and discus prowess to Bristol, Tennessee.  This afternoon in the high school library, Goins joined the ranks of Logan Hunter, Nick Litton, Tyler Chapman, Courtney Morris, Corey Bray, and Kristin Chapman to earn college scholarships and continue their athletic careers.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012, 4:00 PM)

Apartment fire more smoke than fire

     A Saturday night blaze was put out quickly by La Follette Firefighters.  LFD Fire Chief Gary Byrd tells WLAF that his men responded to an apartment fire in the heart of town at the Lindsay Apartments in the first block of East Central Avenue.  The 9-1-1 call came in at 8:20 p.m., and Byrd describes the scene being in a middle apartment with an old couch, with a lot of foam, on fire on the second floor of the two-story structure.  He says the one apartment was heavily damaged, and that smoke filtered into the other eight apartments leaving a lot of residue and fumes.  Even though firemen had the fire out in less than five-minutes, Byrd sent all 22 occupants of the complex to the old Rec Center gym for the night just as a precaution.  Everyone, except the one tenant, Michael James Dilbeck, of the unit that was burned was allowed back to the apartments Sunday afternoon.  He adds that Dilbeck was not in his apartment at the time of the fire and has no idea what caused the fire.  Byrd notes that it may be one of those fires that the cause is never determined.  There were no injuries.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012, 10:00AM)

Man loses apartment to fire is charged

     On top of losing his apartment to fire, a La Follette man is also arrested.  Police had to remove 44-year old Michael James Dilbeck from the scene of Saturday night’s fire on East Central Avenue.  Fire Chief Gary Byrd explained that Dilbeck was hampering his men from doing their job prompting La Follette Police to step in and arrest Dilbeck.  Dilbeck was charged with disorderly conduct and later released from the county jail.   (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012, 10:00AM)

Goins going to King, Cougar football camp begins

     Another Campbell High student-athlete signs scholarship papers.  Multi-sport standout Shayla Goins says yes to King College this afternoon at CCHS.  She will participate in track and field events at the Bristol, Tennessee, school.  Goins is fresh off a 2nd place finish in the shot put at the state meet.  She was also an all-district performer in basketball.  King is an NCCA Division II School and is a member of Conference Carolinas.  Goins and her Tornado teammates compete against conference foes Lees McRae, North Greenville, and Belmont Abbey among others.  Also in sports, it’s Cougar football camp time.  CCHS Head Football Coach Justin Price and his staff are conducting the two-day camp starting this evening at 6:00.  The cost is $30 per camper, and there’s still time to make it on up to the high school for the first session.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012, 10:00AM)

This week's meetings

     Caryville City Council meets Monday at 7:00.  That'll be at Caryville City Hall.  The School Board conducts its regular monthly meeting Tuesday at 6:00 at the courthouse.  (UPDATED SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2012, 7:00PM)

The secret of our dysfunctional county revealed

     Boomer's figured it all out.  Check this week's Boomer's Corner for all the sobering details.  Oh.  And enjoy!  (UPDATED SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2012, 7:00PM)

Mississippi Couple Hospitalized After Motorcycle Crash

    Thursday(June 7, 2012) afternoon a couple from Brandon, Mississippi, Richard Fischer and Gloria Bishop, were traveling west bound on HWY 25 in Jacksboro when their Honda Goldwing motorcycle was struck and wrecked by a Geo Prism driven by Kayla Hubbard, 16. The crash left both riders of the motorcycle with life-threatening   injuries. Both Richard and Gloria Bishop were flown by Lifestar to UT medical center. As of last night, 1450wlaf.com is told by Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman that Richard Fischer has been moved to a room and is doing well. Gloria Bishop has been moved off of the critical list and is doing better in the Intensive Care Unit. Charges are pending.(Updated Saturday, June 09, 2012, 9:30 AM)

 RAM Serves Nearly 900 at its LMU Clinic

    Big numbers.  Big results.  LMU hosted RAM, Remote Area Medical, Saturday and Sunday for its sixth such event.  Dentist Dr. Tim Hall and dental hygienist Christina Hall both of Jacksboro were among the more than 400 volunteers.  The Halls were a part of dental cleanings, 181 dental fillings and 1,341 tooth extractions.  Medical doctors saw 297 patients while 353 pairs of glasses were distributed.  All-in-all, the expedition provided free medical, dental and optical care to 884 individuals over the weekend at Tex Turner Arena. During the free RAM Clinic, more patients than ever received a range of free medical, dental and vision care. These individuals accounted for a total of 1,012 patient contacts.  These patient contacts equaled nearly 300-thousand dollars in free medical services rendered.  RAM’s next clinic in the region is this Saturday and Sunday at Pikeville, Kentucky.  For more information about this weekend’s free RAM clinic, visit http://www.ramusa.org/expeditions/schedule.htm(Updated Wednesday, June 6, 2012, 6:00 AM)

TDOT Hosts Ribbon Cutting

    TDOT Commissioner John Schroer, State Representative Dennis Powers, and others will be on hand to snip the ribbon.  It’s celebrating the recent completion of Phase 1 of Highway 33 in Union County.  The $13 million project has widened a nearly five-mile section of State Route 33 from two lanes to five lanes. This project has increased traffic capacity and improved safety in the area.  The ribbon cutting begins at 11:00 at Union County High School.(Updated Tuesday, June 5, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Southbound lanes of I-75 reopen

     I-75 traffic is back on I-75 this morning.  All southbound travelers were detoured through La Follette and Jacksboro and then back on the interstate in Caryville overnight.  It was a planned closure from 8:00 Sunday night until around daybreak this morning as crews erected guardrails and opened a second northbound lane.  It all stems from a landslide that happened back in March near Mile Marker 143.  September is the timeline TDOT hopes to have all lanes of I-75 in Campbell County reopened.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012, 9:00 AM)

    Workshop is Tuesday before council meeting

     La Follette City Council continues its work on carving out a budget for next year.  A workshop is where the next step is taken in trying to balance the 2013 numbers that, as of right now, are over by a little more than a half-million dollars ($527,000).  Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton tells WLAF that these numbers don’t even include any salary increase for city employees.  Sexton points out that insurance is the biggest cost.  He notes that La Follette will be paying an extra 8% for health insurance and workers comp.  The city is already getting a better workman’s comp rate since it pays any claims of a thousand dollars or less itself.  The workshop begins Tuesday at 5:00 as council meets in regular session Tuesday at 6:00 at city hall as it works toward a June 30 budget deadline.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012, 11:30 AM)

Weekend crash claims life

     An elderly Lake City man dies in a car crash on the south side of Campbell County.  Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Warren Crumpley reports to 1450wlaf.com that 75-year old Joe Wheeler died just after 7:00 Fridayt evening when his 2001 Ford Explorer ran 220-feet off Della Lane and struck a tree.  Crumpley explains that it was a one-car crash, and that Wheeler was the lone occupant.  Wheeler, who was not wearing a seat belt, was traveling east on Della Lane, near Lindsay Mill Circle, and was attempting to turn north onto Oak Grove Road when he crossed over Oak Grove Road and ran off the roadway.  The mishap took place close to the Oak Grove Church.  (UPDATED MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012, 6:00 AM)

     

CCHS State Champ Kristin Chapman clears 5-9

 

Haslam among friends in Campbell County

     Governor Bill Haslam was among friends Thursday night in Campbell County.  Tennessee’s 49th governor tells 1450wlaf.com that he campaigned so much here for governor that he now has a lot of friends in Campbell County.  An almost standing room only crowd of more than 400 packed into the Myers’ party barn to rub elbows with the likes of Haslam and other notables.  It was the annual Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner hosted by the Republican Party and ended up being one of the largest such events in the history of Campbell County.  Haslam glowed when asked what he liked about the area, and he quickly pointed out that La Follette has special meaning to him and his family.  The governor’s father began his business empire here straight out of the University of Tennessee way back in the 1950s.  In fact, the elder Haslam began his career in the Fleet Building right next to the WLAF studios in those days.  Haslam adds that he loves being governor and considers it an honor.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Congrats to the 4-H Clover Bowl winners

     Campbell County is home to the Eastern Region 5th grade 4-H Clover Bowl Winners.  The winners were personally congratulated Thursday night by Governor Bill Haslam. 

Winning team members include Forrest Cottrell of Elk Valley Elementary School, Blake Ivey and Elliott Lay of Caryville Elementary, and Zachary Sulfridge representing Jacksboro Elementary School.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Free medical care this weekend

     Free medical care comes to our region this weekend.  RAM, Remote Area Medical, hosts a free clinic that includes dental exams and cleanings, vision, medical, and women’s health check-ups.  Last weekend Tex Turner Arena on the LMU campus at Harrogate hosted the Campbell High graduation.  This weekend, the RAM Clinic is there at the lower level of Tex Turner Arena, which is behind the building.  Doors open at 6:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, however, organizers urge you to arrive by 3:30 a.m., bring snacks and water, and be prepared for a long wait.  RAM’s services are on a first come first served basis.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Buy a Best of Times brick

     Sandra Brady is heading up the La Follette High School “Best of Times” 2015 reunion.  First of all, you may be asking who is Sandra Brady?  We all knew Sandra as “Chig” Cole back in the day from the Class of 1973, and she’s the newly elected LHSAA president.  The LHSAA officers have come up with a fun idea of selling engraved bricks between now and the June 4, 5, 6, and 7, 2015 reunion.  The bricks will replace the

the sidewalk around the gazebo in Seargeant’s Park.  Jeff Cole whipped up this beautiful sketch so you can see where the bricks will go.  If you’d like an engraved brick ($50 each) or bricks, contact Chig at 865.258.2233 or natechig@comcast.net  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012, 6:00 AM)

CCHS 3-peat State High Jump Champion Kristin Chapman sets new Campbell mark

Boomer's Corner is already open

     Well, when Boomer's early, something's up.  He's hitting a serious note this week.  Check out Boomer's Corner that heads straight for the heart this Memorial Day Week.   Enjoy!   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012, 11:00 AM)

Another drop in gas prices

     Gas prices are down again this morning.  Only down a penny since Tuesday though.  However, at 3-13 for a gallon of regular unleaded self-service gasoline, prices locally have taken a 57-cent dip since early April.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)

La Follette street closings

     East Beech Street at the bridge is closed today and tonight.  The intersection of Beech and Tennessee is closed on Thursday.  The reason.  Finishing touches on the walking trail including a stamp like the one under traffic light number 8 on East Central Avenue are going to be completed.  Look for slow downs on East Elm Street in the near future while that street is repaved.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Budget off by a half-million dollars for La Follette

     “It doesn’t look good at all.”  That’s how interim City Administrator Cade Sexton sizes up La Follette’s 2013 budget.  All special funds are balanced.  However, the general budget is out of balance by more than a half-million dollars ($527,000).  And that’s without any salary increase for city employees.  Sexton points out that insurance is the biggest cost.  He notes that La Follette will be paying an extra 8% for health insurance and workers comp.  The city is already getting a better workman’s comp rate since it pays any claims of a thousand dollars or less itself.  Sexton shrugged his shoulders saying he doesn’t see any fat to cut.  Time is not on council’s side as one member figured another two or three workshops may be needed to iron out a budget that must be passed by June 30.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Caryville's budget passes first reading

     While La Follette looks at more budget numbers, Caryville is on its way to approving its budget.  After some tweaking, the numbers appear to finally be in line for the City of Caryville.  Tuesday night, Caryville City Council passed its 2013 budget on first reading.  A second and final reading, to set the budget in stone, is coming up in a few days.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Library set to open in July

     January became February.  February turned into March.  And here we are on the doorstep of June and the new La Follette Library is yet to open.  Work to turn the South 9th Street Recreation Center, built in 1970, into the library is not yet completed.  Council devoted nearly a half-hour at Tuesday’s workshop on just how it can wrap up the project and open the doors.  Project coordinator Paul Begley, who quit leading the renovation efforts in April, spoke at the workshop saying he was still owed $540 for work along with around $400 in expenses.  Council told him to submit an invoice for his work as well as receipts for the items he paid out of his pocket, and that he would be paid.  Begley presented interim City Administrator Cade Sexton with a list of what needs to be done to finish the new library.  A few minutes were taken up while Begley and Sexton swapped different versions of what transpired during Begley’s resignation process.  In the end, it was agreed that those handling the electrical work, painting, plumbing, and the hand rails need to be brought back in to finish things up.  It was noted that unfinished hand rails is the number one hold-up.  Librarian Nancy Green said it would take about a week to move all the books, get the phones up and running, and computer cataloging system online.  Council set July 25 as the library’s grand opening

Longtime property assessor dies

     It’s a somber day not only at the Property Assessor’s Office but around Campbell County as well.  Longtime property assessor Bill Hicks has died.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com are that Hicks passed away Monday after a lengthy illness.  Current Property Assessor Brandon Partin calls it a sad day around his office having himself worked with Hicks for some six years.  Partin describes his dear friend and mentor as an awesome person and credits with him being where he is today due to Hicks.  He adds that he was astounded at the level of professionalism Hicks brought to the Property Assessor’s Office saying that Hicks did not take his job lightly, and that he works everyday to carry on Hicks example.  Bill Hicks served Campbell County for 16-years before retiring in 2008.  Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Walters Funeral Home.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2012, 9:30 AM)

  Thank you Veterans

     Thank you.  Thank you to all our veterans on this Memorial Day from 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and 1450wlaf.com.  Without your sacrifices, we might not be able to broadcast.  When you connect to 1450wlaf.com, you'll see that today's top story is a reprint of a personal story about a fallen Campbell County soldier.  The story is titled "My Hero Across the Street."  It's a story of Sergeant Robert "Corky" Huddleston.  Corky was a 1968 graduate of La Follette High School and died in combat in South Vietnam on May 12, 1970.   (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012, AT 6:00 AM)

Corky Huddleston's car

My Hero Across the Street

     That's Corky Huddleston. He just waved at me. I quickly waved back. Yep, that was a big deal to an 11-year old for a senior to notice a skinny white haired kid. Corky just graduated from LHS (1968), and I was getting ready for 7th grade at La Follette Junior High, a stone's throw from our houses that sat across the street from one another on West Central Avenue.

     The Vietnam War was raging, and Uncle Sam was drafting youngsters left and right. I don't remember when Corky was called up, but I do remember seeing him all dressed up is his uniform a few times. And he was still waving to me. It was 1970, almost spring, when I heard Corky was heading off to war. It was only a handful of weeks later when word came that Corky was killed in South Vietnam. Up to that day, May 12, spring of 1970 in 8th grade was a great time for me.

     I don't recall the date, but I remember heading to Liberty Park with my P.E. classmates to play ball when the crowd was gathering for Corky's funeral. One of the fellows asked what was happening. I really wished I didn't know, but I did. And I told him that that was my neighbor Corky's funeral about to start.

     It was the summer of 2000. We were visiting up east, and the trip included a stop where I was born, Washington, D.C. Memories of Corky came rushing back when we visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Emotions piqued when I finally found Corky's name on the wall. It's up pretty high, and the caretaker keeps a ladder close by. I was able to take the slip of paper and pencil to shade the engraving of Corky's name. It was at that moment I wanted to write a story about Corky, but I didn't.

     The little white frame house where Corky lived is gone now, taken down when First Baptist Church bought it to make way for a new addition. My old house still sits across the street from where Corky's was. Every now and then, especially on this Memorial Day some 41-years later (2011), I still think of Corky. That's Sergeant Robert Joseph "Corky" Huddleston, my hero across the street.  (UPDATED MODAY, MAY 28, 2012, AT 6:00 AM - REPRINTED FROM MAY 30, 2012)

date even though it may open a couple of weeks ahead of that date.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012, 6:30 AM)

Money budgeted for fulltime La Follette administrator

     Is La Follette hiring a full-time city administrator?  Dollars to do that are going into the new budget.  Cade Sexton is serving in that capacity on an interim basis and has been for more than two years.  In September 2009, David Young was ousted as administrator when council voted 3 to 2 to fire Young.  The question of hiring a fulltime administrator came up at Tuesday night’s La Follette City Council workshop when council talked about putting fulltime dollars for that position in the 2013 budget.  Sexton explains to WLAF that a fulltime salary of 80-thousand dollars in the budget serves as an insurance policy for the city.  He goes on to say that should he not be able to serve or if the city decides to go the fulltime route, then the money is in place to cover.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012, 6:30 AM)

 

Simple step of buckling-up saves lives

     Tennessee Highway Patrol Lieutenant Don Boshears says seat belts save lives.  The THP veteran knows first-hand and by the numbers as well.  Boshears explains to 1450wlaf.com that even though Saturday and Sunday are over for the Memorial Holiday weekend, today is a major travel day for returning vacationers.  He cautions you to buckle-up and save your life.  Boshears notes that the THP is diligent in its efforts to crack down on those driving under the influence or impaired, but it is also focusing on seat belt activity.  As part of the "Click it or Ticket" Campaign, Boshears says wearing a seat belt in a car boosts your chances of survival in a serious crash up to almost 50%.  He adds that that survivor number jumps to nearly 60% when you buckle-up in a van, pick-up, or SUV type vehicle.  Boshears reminds you not just for this Memorial Day, but for everyday, to wear your seat belt, don't follow too closely, allow extra travel time, and obey the speed limit.   (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012, AT 6:00 AM)

Largest class ever graduates

     The largest graduating class in the history of Campbell County Schools received diplomas Saturday.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston tells 1450wlaf.com that the 297 seniors is the most students to ever graduate in a single year at CCHS.  Another first for the 37th graduating class from Campbell County High School is that the ceremonies were held off campus.  A rain, heat-free Tex Turner Arena on the LMU campus at Harrogate was this weekend's venue.  You may see the graduation today at Noon on WLAF-TV 12.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012, AT 6:00 AM)

Boomer's Corner is open

     It's time for another Boomer rant.  Perfect for a pause from the holiday weekend heat.  It's about "planes, trains and automobiles" this week.  Enjoy !   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012, 4:00 PM)
                                                    New Burger King coming to town

     La Follette’s getting a new Burger King.  The planning commission OK’d the new structure for a lot on Jacksboro Pike across from Wendy’s.  Burger King is presently housed with Cumberland Crossing BP near Lowe’s  The new Burger King will sit on the former Dan Marsee Motors car lot.  A bee pollination business is looking to locate on Loop Road.  However, the planning commission moved that item of business to its June meeting.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012, 4:00 PM)

100 year old "Zie" is laid to rest Saturday

     La Follette loses a centurian.  Ozias Muse died Tuesday at a local nursing home after being sick for a few months.  You may know him better by his nickname of Zie or from one of the books he’s written, “The Truth Shall Make You Free” and “The Joys and Sufferings of a Poor Mountain Family.”  Zie Muse was a retired coal miner, and with a life that lasted 100-years, he leaves behind a lot of friends.  On one particular day in the coal mines, Zie became lost.  Swollen knees from crawling around for seven hours didn’t hamper him from finding his way out.  Zie’s daughter, Betty Johnson, describes her father as a loving man who cherished their family time.  She adds that he loved playing the fiddle and was a regular at church.  Zie was the 5th child in a family of 12 children.  Ozias “Zie” Muse was born December 25, 1911.     (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012, 4:00 PM)

Chapman is first 3-time state champ

     It was a record setting day for Campbell High’s Kristin Chapman.  The ETSU-bound senior set a new school high jump mark of five-feet, nine-inches on her way to the state high jump championship.  Thursday at MTSU in Murfreesboro, Chapman became the first CCHS athlete to ever win three state championships.  She did it with a 5-7 mark as a sophomore and a 5-8 clearance last year.  Senior Shayla Goins finished an outstanding high school career taking second in the state in the shot put. (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Docks gear-up for busy weekend

     Rooms are rented.  And so are boats.  Local marinas gear up for a big holiday weekend.  One dock worker tells 1450wlaf.com that folks plan to enjoy the unofficial start to summer despite gas prices.  This weekend generally signals the start to increased lake traffic.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 CCHS graduation ceremonies Saturday at LMU

     Today is rehearsal day.  Tomorrow is the real deal for 297 Campbell County High School Seniors.  It’s graduation weekend.  Graduation ceremonies begin at 10:00 Saturday morning at Tex Turner Arena on the campus of LMU at Harrogate.  With the first-ever change of venue for a CCHS graduation, there are some changes.  A couple right up top are no heat, humidity, and rain threats for this year’s event.  In a letter this week from CCHS Principal Jamie Wheeler, she reminds parents that LMU has strict rules for graduates while in the arena; no glitter, silly string, and the like or the damage deposit is forfeited.  Wheeler cautions that if a student is caught with any such items, they will be held responsible for the deposit of $500.00.  You may see the graduation televised live over 1450wlaf.com and then airing again Sunday at 6:00 and Monday at Noon on WLAF-TV 12.(UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Big night for CCHS football

     A big crowd was on hand for last night’s spring football game at Dossett Stadium.  The game, seen live over 1450wlaf.com, went the way of the Blue team.  Final score is Blue 38 the Orange 29.  From all indications, it was the largest spring game crowd ever.    The Cougars open the season August 17 at home with Seymour.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012, 6:00 AM)

State Representative Dennis Powers May 2012 Legislative Recap

Back-ups, delays expected on I-75

     TDOT Officials know the back-ups and delays are inevitable this Memorial Holiday Weekend.  Friday may be the worst day.  About a three-mile detour on I-75 is at the crux of the traffic jam.  That's where north and south lanes narrow to a single lane.  However, there are alternate routes as outlined here from TDOT.

Detour Route for I-75 Southbound wide loads to destinations to and West of Knoxville: From I-75 South, Take Exit 62 (Mt. Vernon) in Kentucky and follow U.S. 25 to State Route 461 to State Route 80 to State Route 914 (Bypass) to U.S. 27 into Tennessee and follow State Route 63 back to I-75 at Exit 141 (Oneida -Huntsville).

Detour Route for I-75 Northbound wide loads from Knoxville: Take Exit 141 (Oneida/Huntsville) in Tennessee and follow State Route 63 to U.S. 27 into Kentucky. Then take State Route 914 (Bypass) to State Route 80 to State Route 461 to U.S. 25 back to I-75 at Exit 62 (Mt. Vernon).

Detour Route for I-75 Southbound Wide Loads to destinations East of Knoxville: From I-75 South, Take Exit 29 (Corbin) in Kentucky, follow US25E into Morristown, Tennessee, to I-81 South at Exit 8 (US25E/Morristown/White Pine) and follow to its junction with I-40.

Detour Route for I-75 Northbound Wide Loads to destinations East of Knoxville: From I-40, Take I-81 North to Exit 8 (US25E/Morristown/White Pine) and follow US25E into Kentucky and onto I-75 at Exit 29 (Corbin).

* These directions also provide an Alternate Route for I-75 passenger motorists.

 (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2012, 11:30 AM)

Chapman & Goins aim for state championships 

     It’s championship day at the state meet for two Campbell County High School Athletes.  Seniors Kristin Chapman and Shayla Goins have a full day today at the state meet at MTSU in Murfreesboro.  Chapman is going for her third-straight state high jump championship while Goins aims for titles in the discus and shot put.  Chapman’s also looking to take the triple-jump as well.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Orange-n-Blue coverage for you

     It’s time for the spring football game, and WLAF has the coverage.  Adam Smith brings you the play-by-play of this evening’s Campbell spring intra-squad game beginning at 7:00.  Look for the game televised over 1450wlaf.com and hear it on radio, 1450 WLAF.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Click it or Ticket

     “Click it or Ticket” is in full swing.  The 2012 “Click it or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign rolled out this week.  Sheriff Robbie Goins says that “too many drivers and passengers on the road at night are not wearing their seatbelts, and it so often ends in tragedy.”  Goins goes on to say that their goal is to save more lives, so Campbell County deputies are out around the clock enforcing seat belt laws.”  The Sheriff notes that there are no warnings and no excuses; “Click it or Ticket.”  The campaign runs through June 3rd, however officers enforce seatbelt laws all year.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Are you missing Channel 12 today?

     Well, if you’re missing Channel 12 on your Comcast Cable this morning, there’s a reason.  As of midnight last night, WLAF-TV Channel 12 is no longer available in analog.  In simple terms, if you don’t have a small or large black Comcast box to go with your television, then you are not able to receive Channel 12.  Just call Comcast to sign-up for a receiver.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Powers on WLAF radio and TV today

     Tennessee’s budget is balanced as the 107th Legislative Session is now history.  State Representative Dennis Powers tells 1450wlaf.com that a smaller, more efficient government is in place, and that over the past two years, two-billion dollars have been cut from the state budget.  That includes the elimination of more than one-thousand jobs.  Powers credits the Jobs for Tennessee Program for boosting the state’s economy by promoting existing businesses through cutting red tape and regulations.  Powers goes on to say that Tennessee’s improved economy includes a lower unemployment rate for the past seven months.  Listen for Powers’ end of the session recap following the CBS news today at Noon on 1450 WLAF Radio and again at 5:30 during the WLAF-TV 12 News.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Talks for local VA Clinic resumed today 

     You may recall last year’s public meeting on the topic of a local VA Clinic.  A VA Clinic for Campbell County that is.  Well, after it was all said and done, it looked like the county will not get the clinic.  However, after about a six-month hiatus, talks picked back up today.  This time around, there’s something else on the bargaining table; a brand new building.  The VA may be able to lease as opposed to having to build a new building.  CHET CEO Teresa Dabney and CHET’s Scott Hill along with retired Four-Star General Carl Stiner, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, and State Representative Dennis Powers met today and resumed those talks about a local VA Clinic  Fleischmann and Powers stopped by the 1450wlaf.com studio after the meeting.   Fleischmann explains that there is potential for a local VA Clinic and that the CHET building is suitable to fit those needs.  He calls it an excellent idea adding that he has an excellent working relationship with the chairman and vice chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee in Congress.  Powers tells 1450wlaf.com that leasing space in CHET’s new four story medical building offers a positive alternative.  Powers notes that there’s a total of five-thousand veterans in Campbell and Claiborne Counties Fleischmann closes by saying the process is just starting. For now, Knoxville offers the closest VA Clinic.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2012, 8:30 PM)

Jacksboro Metals, beer permits top topics

     Jacksboro Metals was the hot topic at last week’s county commission workshop.  And it was again at Monday night’s regular monthly meeting.  The Campbell County Commission was unable to find a way to legally meet demands by a group of citizens to shut down the recycling center off Towe String Road. That did not stop several commissioners from trying, however, to find another way to slow down activity at Jacksboro Metals.

     A motion to erect guard rails on the public road that might have made it difficult for large trucks to turn into the recycling center was narrowly defeated Monday night, as other members of the commission feared the county’s possible liability in the event that the company’s business suffered.

     Road Superintendent Dennis Potter reported to the commission that in order to erect the guard rails on Lawson Lane, the county would need to obtain a right-of-way easement from the Rogers Group. The company had offered to donate the land if commissioners agreed to go through with the idea.

     When the motion was put to a vote, however, only six commissioners were willing to risk the legal entanglements that might result. Thomas Hatmaker was joined by Scott Stanfield, Beverly Hall, Sue Nance, Charles Baird and Rusty Orick in supporting the guard rails, but the motion failed 7-6 with Adkins and Evans absent from the meeting. 

     Commissioners quickly ran through the rest of a routine agenda without controversy, but did split over a budget amendment that would commit money to purchase a service truck and boom for the Sanitation Department. With the two commissioners absent, the motion to approve the expenditure failed to receive the necessary eight votes, as Hatmaker, Stanfield, Nance, and Hall were joined by Bob Walden and Marie Ayers in voting “no.”

     The Beer Board, meeting before the regular commission meeting, changed a long-standing requirement that applicants for a beer permit must present a valid Tennessee drivers’ license.

     “This is a change that is overdue. Some of the marina operators that request beer permits live out-of-state when the tourist season ends on Norris Lake,” Chairman Sue Nance pointed out.

     Once the drivers’ license requirement was expanded to include out-of-state licenses, a new challenge presented itself, however. Beer permit applicants cannot have a felony on their record within ten years of applying, but the county only has the capacity to do background checks within Tennessee.

     A Sheriff’s Department spokesperson explained that the FBI will conduct national background checks for criminal investigations but not for beer permits. An independent background check comes with a price tag, so committee members agreed to delay action on changing the requirement until they can consult with the County Attorney.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Chapman, Goins at state meet this week 

     Campbell County’s first day at the state involved only Kristin Chapman.  The Senior finished 7th in the pentathlon.  Chapman was 4th entering the final event, the 800 meter.  The other Lady Cougar at state is Shayla Goins.  Goins competes Thursday in the shot put and the discus.  Goins enters state competition ranked first in the state in the shot put.  Chapman begins defense of her back-to-back state championships in the high jump on Thursday coming in as the top ranked high jumper in Tennessee.  She’ll also take part in the triple jump Thursday.  Chapman runs in the prelims of the 300 meter hurdles Wednesday night.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Stormy mid-day 

     Strong storms create early afternoon challenges.  Storms ripped through the area for a couple of hours with reports of a house hit by lightning on Dogwood Drive on Pleasant Ridge.  Trees came down on Quail Run Road and Davenport Road while nuisance flooding from the heavy rains created hazards in low lying areas.  Spotty power outages were reported from High Knob to Golf Hill Road.  Josh Parker with LUB estimates around 120 customers were without power, including the LUB offices, for brief periods of time this afternoon.  Parker notes no lines are down, and that most outages are from lightning knocking out fuses.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012, 3:00 PM)

 Jacksboro, Caryville call emergency budget meetings

     It’s budget crunch time.  The city councils of Jacksboro and Caryville meet this afternoon to iron out budgets.  Jacksboro continues tweaking its budget while Caryville looks to vote on its budget again today.  Caryville’s budget did not pass when voted upon last week.  Both meetings are considered emergency called meetings.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012, 3:00 PM)

May 21, 2012

Ballard earns national honor

     The La Follette Food City's produce manager receives a national honor.  John Ballard, produce manager for the La Follette Food City is named among the 2012 Retail Produce Manager of the Year Award Winners.  Each year, the United Fresh Produce Association recognizes the top 25 produce managers within the industry during its annual convention.  This year’s honorees were recognized at the Chairman’s Reception & Annual Awards Banquet on May 1, in Dallas.  United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel says Ballard represents the "best of the best" in our industry. 

Ballard is called an exceptional merchandiser who coordinates with his fellow department managers to create unique and innovative displays and cross merchandising opportunities.  He is a strong advocate of locally grown produce and works extensively with local growers to ensure his customers receive the freshest product possible.  Ballard regularly works with local bee keepers to help ensure the adequate pollination of area plants and trees.  He has implemented a number of creative community related programs, including “Breakfast with Santa.”  Dressed as Santa, Ballard hands out bananas to Campbell County children during the Christmas Holiday.  He also hosts an in-store Watermelon Eating Contest in the summer.  Ballard is active within the community, serving as a long-time certified foster parent, working with the local Department of Child Services and assisting with fundraising efforts.  Ballard was selected from hundreds of nominations from across the country.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012, 6:00 AM)

OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES AT

CAMPBELL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR 2012

THESE STUDENTS HAVE TAKEN THE MOST RIGOROUS COURSES OFFERED AND MANAGED TO MAINTAIN A 4.0 GPA OR BETTER

1       CLAY WILLIAMS (VALEDICTORIAN)

2       OLIVIA FREDERICK (SALUTATORIAN)

3       LAUREN EVANS

4       DAVID HICKMAN

5       NATHAN BOLTON

6       COREY BRAY

7       TIFFANY HOPKINS

8       CHASE LINDSAY

9       CLAY WILBURN

10 MARIA GREEN

11 LEIGH SHEPHERD

12 BRANDON JOHNSON

 LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

1       Sergeant Lopez, United States Marine Corps, recognized Daniel Peach with a special award.

2       Staff Sergeant O’Donnell, United States Army, recognized Jody Lake.

3       Laura Byrge presented the First Volunteer Bank $500 scholarship to Alishia Bailey.

4       Phyllis Clingner presented the Business and Professional Women’s Scholarship of $500 toKarla Vazquez.

5       Debbie Petree from the Tennessee Technology Center at Jacksboro, presented a special award and scholarship toTaylor Lynn.

6       Carrie Harris presented the Steven Thornton Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 to Landon Brackett.

7       Shirley Fox Rogers presented the Rotary Club Scholarships of $1,000 to Tiffany Allen and $1,000 to Halea Wilson.

8       Logan Hickman presented The Peoples Bank $500 Scholarship to Tyler King.

9       Brenda Dossett  presented the Campbell County High School Relief Fund/Ken Bruce Memorial Scholarship of $1,500 to Olivia Frederick, Education and $1,500 to Mary Hickman, JROTC.

10 Joe Ayers presented the $1,000 J.P. Ayers Memorial Scholarship to Corey Bray.

11 Connie Crutchfield here presented the $100 Professional Educators of Tennessee Scholarship to Joey Goins.

12 Mary Ann Cummins  presented Beta Club State Convention Awards to Clay Wilburn – Acrylic Painting Contest, Runner-Up; Megan Higgins – Colored Pencil Drawing Champion.  Ms. Cummins also presented the $1,000 Beta Club Scholarship to Meghan Byrge.

13 Katherine Ayers presented the $500 Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship to Olivia Frederick; The A.W. and Wilma Sharp Scholarship of $500 to Mary Hickman and $500 to Maria Green; the Rusty Claiborne Memorial Scholarship of $1,500 to Ben Mahooty; the Myrtle W. Foster Scholarship of $1,000 to Lindsay Lowe; the $1,000 Gretchen Wells Memorial Scholarship to Maria Green, and the $2,500 Friends of Norris Lake Scholarship to Nathan Bolton.

14 Sandi Wilson presented the Cross-Smith Funeral Home Scholarships of $500 to Corey Bray, $500 to Olivia Frederick, and $500 to Corey Byrge; the Walters Funeral Home Scholarship of $500 to Megan Bostic, $500 to Ben Mahooty, and $500 to Clay Wilburn; the $500 Martin-Wilson Funeral Home Scholarship toCaleb Marlow; and the $1,000 Louis Henry and Beatrice Sturm Memorial Scholarship for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to Tyler King.

15 Tracy Powers from Roane State Community College presented the Tennessee Scholars Scholarship to Halea Wilson for $750 for two years, totaling $1,500.

16 Dora Wilcox presented the $1,000 Dorsey and Betty King Scholarship to Corey Byrge.

17 Melody Compton presented the $1,000 Dorsey and Betty King Scholarship to Ragan Compton.

18 Renee Poteet from Lincoln Memorial University presented the following students with scholarships: 

SARAH LAY:  Provost Scholarship; $7,000 per year for a total of $28,000

FELICITY GEORGE:  Founder’s Scholarship; $5,000 per year for a total of $20,000

TIFFANY HOPKINS:  Provost Scholarship; $7,000 per year for a total of $28,000

KRISTEN LAWSON:  Founder’s Scholarship; $5,000 per year for a total of $20,000

KENISHA HUDDLESTON:  Railsplitter Award; $3,000 per year for a total of $12,000

MARY HICKMAN:  Founder’s Scholarship; $5,000 per year for a total of $20,000

JESSICA OSBORNE:  Founder’s Scholarship:  $5,000 per year for a total of $20,000

BRYCE ROACH:  Founder’s Scholarship:  $5,000 per year for a total of $20,000

BRYCE ROACH:  The Dorothy Teague Bruce Memorial Scholarship.

Mr. David Jones announced other scholarships, and presented certificates to:

KRISTIN BEATY

2       Tusculum College

1.    Academic Scholarship:  $7,000 per year for a total of $28,000

2.    Merit Scholarship:  $6,000 per year for a total of $13,000

NATHAN BOLTON

3       The University of Tennessee

1.    Volunteer Scholarship:  $3,000 per year for a total of $12,000

COREY BRAY

4       Carson-Newman College

1.  Presidential Scholarship:  $12,000 per year for a total of $48,000

2.  Honors Merit Scholarship:  $2,000 per year for a total of $8,000

3.  Albert Myers Scholarship of $500

4.  Carson-Newman Grant of $1,000

5.  Golf Grant-in-Aid of $500

ANTHONY CHAMBERS

5       The University of the Cumberlands

1. Academic Scholarship:  $6,400 per year for a total of $25,600

KRISTIN CHAPMAN

6       East Tennessee State University

6.  Athletic Scholarship (Track and Field)

TYLER CHAPMAN

7       Alice Lloyd College

1.    Appalachian Leaders College Scholarship:  $8,100 per year for a total of $32,400

LAUREN EVANS

8       The University of Tennessee

7.  Academic Scholarship:  $1,500 per year for a total of $6,000

9       Tennessee Wesleyan College

1.    Academic Scholarship:  $15,000 per year for a total of $60,000

1       Belmont University

1.  Academic Scholarship:  $18,500 per year for a total of $74,000

OLIVIA FREDERICK

10 The University of Tennessee

1.    Volunteer Scholarship:  $3,000 per year for a total of $12,000

BRANDON JOHNSON

11 East Tennessee State University

8.  Provost Scholarship:  $4,000 per year for a total of $16,000

ANDY HICKMAN

12 Mississippi State University

1.    Academic Scholarship:  $8,865 per year for a total of $35,460

DAVID HICKMAN

13 The University of Tennessee

9.  Volunteer Scholarship:  $3,000 per year for a total of $12,000

14 Mississippi State University

1.    Academic Scholarship:  $10,865 per year for a total of $43,460

MARY HICKMAN

15 Carson-Newman College

1.    Academic Scholarship:  $8,000 per year for a total of $32,000

LOGAN HUNTER

16 Tusculum College

1.    Academic Scholarship

2.    Athletic Scholarship for football

SONJA LAY

1       Tusculum College

1.  Academic Scholarship:  $11,000 per year for a total of $44,000

NICK LITTON

2       Alice Lloyd College

2.  Appalachian Leaders College Scholarship:  $8,100 per year for a total of $32,400

CORY MARTIN

3       Walters State Community College Athletic Scholarship for Golf

LEANNE MATTIE

4       Carson-Newman College

3.  Academic Scholarship:  $6,000 per year for a total of $24,000

4.  Music Scholarship:         $1,500 per year for a total of $6,000

5       The University of the Cumberlands

5.  Christian Leadership Scholarship:  $500

COURTNEY MORRIS

6       Alice Lloyd College

6.  Academic Scholarship of $25,000 per year.  Also an optional $20,000 per year for two years for graduate study at the University of Kentucky

TUFFY SHOUPE

7       Maryville College

7.  Athletic Scholarship:  $13,000 per year for a total of $52,000

8       Tusculum College

8.  Athletic Scholarship:  $4,000 per year for a total of $16,000

DESTINY WELDEN

9       Knox College, Galesburg Illinois

9.  Ellen Browning Scripps Scholarship

10.         Knox Founders Scholarship

CLAY WILLIAMS

10 The University of Tennessee

11.         Accepted into the Chancellor’s Honors Program

12.         Volunteer Scholarship:  $4,000 per year for a total of $16,000

13.         TVA Power Distributors Scholarship of $4,000

14.         College of Engineering Scholarship at the University of Tennessee for $1,000

SENIORS 2011-12 WITH PERFECT ATTENDANCE

2 YEARS:                                             Mary Hickman (certificate)

13 YEARS:                                           Kendra Critchett (plaque)

TOP STUDENTS IN SUBJECT AREAS

These students have been selected by their teachers as the top student or students in the named subject area (each student received a medal).

Art III:                       Kenisha Huddleston:  2nd place in State Duck Stamp

                                  Competition; 2nd place in State Wildlife Forever Fish

                                  Art Contest; 2 pieces chosen in the top 10 in the 4th

                                  Congressional District Art Competition sponsored

                                  by Rep. Scott Desjarlais; Louie Bluie Art Contest 1st

                                  place – Wildlife; 3rd place – Portrait; 3rd place –

                                  Acrylic.

Art IV:                       Megan Higgins:  3rd place in State Wildlife Forever

                                  Fish Art Contest; 1 piece in top 10 in the 4th

                                  Congressional District Art Competition sponsored

                                  by Rep. Scott Desjarlais; 1st place in Louie Bluie Art

                                  Contest.

AP Chemistry:                                      Olivia Frederick

AP English:                                           Lauren Evans

AP U.S. History:                                   Andy Hickman

                                                              David Hickman

Calculus:                                               Andy Hickman

                                                              David Hickman

Algebra 2:                                             John Gross

Physics:                                                          Corey Bray

English 12:               Tiffany Hopkins, Chris Hutson (Kerr); Corey Bray,

                                  Shayla Goins, Ashley Wallen, Halea Wilson

                                  (Copeland); Chris Gentry (Bowman).

U. S. History:            Sarah Holloway, Tyler Smith, Clay Wilburn,

                                  Adam Wallace

                                  (Ronnie Smith); Tyler Chapman, Maria Green,

                                  Tiffany Hopkins, Leigh Shepherd, Gabby Vazquez

                                  (Margaret Smith)

Theatre Arts II:                                     Phoenix Asher

Theatre Arts IV:                                    Catrin Christian

Vocal Music:                                         Amber Long

Marching Band:                                    Tasha Nelson

Concert Band:                                      Dakota Lobertini

Spanish:                   Mary Hickman (Ivey); Maria Green, Kyndra Price

                                  (Hunley)

JROTC:                    Mary Hickman, Brandon Johnson, Zach Kitts

Agriculture:                                           Kendra Shepherd

Education

Business Technology Education:       Andy Hickman

Business Management:                       Tiffany Mancini

Personal Finance:                                Colten Monday

Yearbook Editors:                                Sara Lema, Aaron Spurlock 

eBusiness:                                            Emily Ballard

Graphic Design:                                   Alexandria Leverton    

Cosmetology:                                       Alishia Bailey, Kara Campbell

Criminal Justice:                                   Josh Dozier, Alaina McCarty

                                                               (Hammac); Brance Baird (Bolton)

Culinary Arts:                                        Gether McGlone (Grimm); Tyler

                                                              Garland (Taylor)

First Responder:                                  Maria Green

Medical Terminology:                          Kristin Chapman

Health Occupations Students of

America:                                               Corey Byrge

Machining and                                      Taylor Lynn

Manufacturing:                  

Marketing:                                             Emily Ballard

School Store:                                       Dylan Curnutt

Construction Core:                               Victor Henderson (Miller); Kelly

                                                              Meadows (Goins)

Physical Education:                              Sara Lema

SPECIAL AWARDS, presented by Sandi Wilson

The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award is given to outstanding seniors who achieve excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.  We would like to recognize the 2011-12 CCHS High School Heisman Winner, Wrylin Snodgrass.

The Clinch Bend Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution have selected Maria Green as the DAR Good Citizen from Campbell County High School.

In February, 60 seniors took the High Schools that Work Assessment.  CCHS had 10 students surpass the national benchmarks on that exam:

1.    Alex Cavins

2.    Travis Chapman

3.    Christa Heatherly

4.    Andy Hickman

5.    David Hickman

6.    Brandon Johnson

7.    Alexandria Leverton

8.    Kody Rowley

9.    Isaac Ward

10. Austin Whedbee

Terry’s makes difference with diabetic classes

     If you suffer with diabetes, Terry’s Pharmacy offers support.  Rissa Pryse, President of Terry’s Pharmacy, tells 1450wlaf.com that this week’s diabetic classes focus on carbohydrates or carbs as they’re often called.  The classes, called “The Sweet Spot,” are set for the Jacksboro location of Terry’s Pharmacy Tuesday evening at 6:00.  The Wednesday class starts at 2:00 at the La Follette Terry’s Pharmacy.  This month’s class teaches a simple way to stay on  track with your carbs.  Classes are free.  For more information, call Terry’s Pharmacy at 423.563.7455.  Dr. Raewyn Snodderly teaches the classes.   (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 14, 2012, 10:30 AM)

 

Stiner honored

     Campbell County’s Career Center is officially named for Tommy C. Stiner today.  The former county executive and mayor was full of funny quips as well as being humbled by the honor.  He was quick to point out that there are 15 other names on the plaque that is bolted to the outside of the building. 

Stiner notes that the 15 commissioners along with him helped make the Career Center a reality.  Current Mayor William Baird told the large audience that not every county has such a facility, and that through Stiner’s efforts, Campbell County does.  The center was built in 2001.  Stiner served in the top spot for ten years from 1992 until 2002.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012, 3:00 PM)

 

 

Potter's plan pondered

     TDOT Regional Director Steven Borden calls it the state's largest slide in 30-years. Borden and other TDOT officials attended a press conference Thursday afternoon at the county garage where Road Superintendent Dennis Potter presented a plan for an alternate detour route for I-75 traffic. Nearly 30-thousand vehicles come through Campbell County everyday on the interstate, and since a March landslide on I-75, most of that traffic is coming right through La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville when north and/or south lanes of the interstate are closed. Right now the south lanes are closed until at least Monday. Potter's idea would send southbound car traffic off at Exit 144 down Stinking Creek Road over to Howard Baker Highway 63 and then back onto the interstate at Exit 141. That's about a five-mile side route compared to the current 30-mile detour.  Trucks would stay on I-75 and pass by the slide on a single lane. Potter says that graveled stretch of Stinking Creek Road needs to be paved, have some trees cleared, and work done on some curves first. Borden and Senator Ken Yager, who was also on hand, were receptive of the idea. However, Borden explains to WLAF that there are environmental and TWRA hurdles to clear. Yager describes the traffic's effect on the local economy as chilling and says it's his job to help clear the path for TDOT.  Work to repair the slide on I-75 continues through September, and Potter closes by saying there will be times that traffic will again need to be detoured to side routes making his idea even more valid.    (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 Cougar football looking good

     The Campbell Football Team whipped South Doyle last night at Knoxville. Coach Justin Price's Cougars blanked the Cherokees 13 to nothing in the spring scrimmage. An excited Price shares thoughts of the match-up with 1450wlaf.com by saying his team competed well. He goes on to say that the Cougars' attitude and effort were at a high level. Price adds that that's what it's going to take to get to the next level. The Cougars conclude spring drills Thursday night at 7:00 on Pat Kerr Field with the Orange and Blue intra squad game.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 MTSU's loss is Pikeville's gain

     Cody Malicoat has a change of plans. Jellico's two-time all-state basketball player officially announced at Thursday night's All Sports Banquet that he is going to play his college basketball at the University of Pikeville (Kentucky). Malicoat originally signed with MTSU during the early signing period last fall. A full house packed the JHS Auditorium as the football, golf, cheerleading, and basketball teams were honored. Retiring JHS Coach Vic King was also honored.  Malicoat's new college coach, Kelly Wells, was the featured speaker at last night's banquet. Pikeville won the NAIA National Championship in 2011.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Little Theatre's performance set for Saturday 

     The Little Theater pulls its inaugural curtain this weekend. Saturday night at 7:00, "A Wish for Campbell County" is performed on the Dottie Rogers Stage at West La Follette School, now the La Follette Community Theater. Members of the Campbell High Junior Chamber wrote and are producing as well as performing its first play. Tickets are $10. Teens pay $5 while pre-teens get in free.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Potter proposes plan to TDOT

      “It's killing our local businesses.”  That’s what Road Superintendent Dennis Potter says about the current detour of I-75 traffic due to a landslide on the interstate.  Potter proposed to TDOT this afternoon the idea of using Exit 144 at Stinking Creek rather than Exit 160 at Jellico for car traffic.  Potter tells 1450 WLAF.COM that what would be required is re-working 2 to 3 curves and cutting down a handful of trees.  Potter says the gravel road will need to be paved and that’s where he will need help from TDOT.  By using Exit 144, Potter says it's only a 5-mile detour taking two lanes of one-way traffic down Stinking Creek Road to Howard Baker Highway (Highway 63) and traffic will go right back up to I-75 via the entrance ramp of Exit 141.  Potter suggests that all cars will be directed to get into the right lane on top of the mountain on I-75 and then take Exit 144.   All trucks would go to the left lane and continue southbound on the interstate by the slide area.  Whether or not TDOT decides to take Potter up on his idea remains to be seen.  We will continue to follow the story for you here on 1450wlaf.com. (updated Thursday, May 17, 2012, 2:45PM) 

Riggs Drugs is robbed

     Riggs Drug Store on Emory Road in Knoxville was robbed this morning.  Witnesses tell 1450wlaf.com that police chased the robber on foot and caught up with him in a residential area further east of the store on Emory Road. (updated Thursday, May 17, 2012, 2:45PM)

59 & not holding as WLAF celebrates

     The old radio station's getting older.  Today marks 59 years on the air for 1450 WLAF.  The first radio station in Campbell County aired Sunday, May 17, 1953.  The list of names and voices that've graced the 1450 airwaves is long.   And here are the few we can pull up on the spur of the moment.  Denny Walker.  Jack Miller.  Jim Castleberry.  Jim Rouse.  Dick Jones.  Hillard Mattie.  Billy Joe Fox.  Frank Payne.  Elmer Longmire.  Larry Bolton.  Paul Wright.  Jim Westcott.  Coach Ron  Murray.  Cliff Jennings.  Frank Epperson.  Adele Hausser.  David and Alan Fogelsanger.  Jim Wilson.  Larry Skeen.  Don Martin.  Ron Meredith.  David Bolton.  Denny Orick.  Emma McCarty.  Terry England.  Dean Branam.  Jim Stair.  Jerry Monday.  Mike Woodward.  Stacey Terry.  Steve Pebley.  Mark Payne.  Harold Branam.  Kim Miller.  Terry West.  Jim Bunch.  Karina Miller.  Dan Sansone.  Bill Waddell.  DeWayne Kitts.  Jordan Colley.  Josh Etter.  John David Broyles.  Jason Shockley.  Les Martin.  Greg Brackett.  David Graham.  Adam Smith.  Carl Pierce is the longest running advertiser on WLAF.  The 86-year old businessman takes us back with a quick story about his first radio program.  He says a group of singers, Troy Ivey, Carlos Henderson, and John L. Miller, sang live each day from the then Fleet Building studio during his radio show on WLAF.  Jerry Sharp recalls that Sunday almost 60-years ago.  He was a student at Hiwassee College and was home for the weekend.  Sharp was driving over to Ray Burns' ham radio shack when he saw something falling from the sky.  It was postcards being tossed out of an airplane.  Attached to each card was a penny and a message that read "Like pennies from heaven, 1450 WLAF Radio is on the air."  Sharp says he dialed over to 1450 and has been listening ever since.  He adds that the community thought it was in high cotton by finally getting a radio station.  The closest towns with radio stations in those days were Middlesboro, Oak Ridge, and Knoxville.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012, 6:00 AM)

WLAF's Frank Payne takes you "inside the slide"

     Massive.  That's how Frank Payne describes the landslide on I-75 here in Campbell County.  Payne spent much of the day Wednesday on top of the mountain to bring you inside the slide.  Click on the video box below.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012, 7:30 PM) 

     Traffic troubles taking toll

     There's no such thing as just running out for a gallon milk these days.  And it's not getting any better anytime soon.  Our traffic woes continue.  Extra heavy traffic is expected through La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville today.  And for the next several days.  It stems from the shutdown of I-75’s southbound lanes in Campbell County.  La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries and his department are doing all they can do to move the traffic on through as efficiently as possible.  The chief offers some suggestions for locals who are trying to just get around.  He says exercising patience, along with allowing yourself extra travel time will help.  Jeffries notes that spacing is critical and urges you to leave some space between you and the car in front of you as well as to keep an extra eye on traffic.  TDOT’s Mark Nagi adds that Campbell Countians are facing at least two more weekends including 11 days of heavy traffic from the detour.  Nagi says the new target date for reopening I-75 south through Campbell County is Monday, May 21st.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Town hall meeting called

     A town hall meeting is set for Tuesday at the county court house.  The topic is the scrap yard on Towe String Road is at the heart of the called meeting.  The meeting starts at 6:00.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

May 10, 2012

 Work Continues on I-75 Landslide in Campbell County 

Target date for one lane of I-75 South to reopen is May 21st

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – In order to repair the massive landslide that has occurred near mile marker 143 on I-75 in Campbell County, I-75 South will remain closed, and one lane of I-75 will remain open.

The target date for one southbound lane and a second northbound lane to reopen is Monday, May 21st.  TDOT will continue to monitor the situation, and adjust the schedule accordingly.

Contract crews are excavating and constructing a soil nail wall, which will require nails to be drilled as many as 50 feet beneath the interstate.  This is being done in order to stabilize the rock slope.

Currently, a three mile stretch of I-75 North is down to one lane of traffic, from mile marker 141 to mile marker 144.

Motorists should expect potential long delays and use extreme caution while traveling through this area.

Detour Route for I-75 South: Take Exit 160 in Jellico, follow US 25W to LaFollette and back onto

I-75 South at Exit 134 in Caryville.

Wide Load Detour Route for I-75 South: Take Exit 160 in Jellico, turn right and follow SR 297 West to SR 63 and back onto I-75 South at Exit 141.

Suggested Alternate Route for I-75 North: Take Exit 134 in Caryville, follow US 25W to LaFollette and back onto I-75 North at Exit 160 in Jellico.

For travel and TDOT construction information, please visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway, or call 511 from any landline or cellular phone.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets. Smart phone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.

Lady Cougar Courtney Morris signs with Alice Lloyd College

     Courtney Morris takes her long-ball game to Kentucky.  The long range shooter signed today to play for the Alice Lloyd College Eagles in Pippa Passes, Kentucky.  Her high school coach, Ryan Browning, and college coach, John Mills, joined her on signing day with her parents. (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012, 5:00 PM)  

Special night for the ROTC

     Dress blues and tie.  Class A uniform.  That’s the attire for this evening’s ROTC Spring Awards Ceremony.  The Campbell County High School Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corp hosts its annual banquet.  The festivities begin at nineteen-hundred hours on the CCHS campus.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Today's donut winner from WLAF & the Sugar Shack is Terry's Pharmacy

Bid on a collectable can

     The “Can-It Paint” Project kicks off today.  It’s that time of year when art students from Campbell and Jellico High Schools creatively paint up 20-gallon galvanized trash cans.  The “anti-litter” theme not only generates support for Campbell County’s war on litter, it also serves as a fund raiser.  You may go online to http://cougarsrock.net/can-it-project.html or visit the Green Screen on Channel 12 TV, see all the painted cans, and then make a bid to buy one.  Proceeds benefit the war on litter and the art classes.  Bidding runs through May 24, and you may place a bid on a particular "Collectable Can" by simply emailing Debi at: debi@campbellcountygov.com  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012, 6:00 AM)                                  

Morris packing her bags for Kentucky

     Sharp shooting guard Courtney Morris commits to Alice Lloyd College.  The Lady Cougar becomes the fourth Campbell County basketball player this year to sign with the Pippa Passes, Kentucky, school.  Jellico's Ethan Shelley along with Campbell County High's Nick Litton and Tyler Chapman signed with ALC a few weeks ago.  CCHS Coach Ryan Browning tells 1450wlaf.com that Morris plans to sign with Alice Loyd College Thursday at 1:00 at the high school.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, 1:00 PM)  

Gibson, Ivey, & Ivey keep deputies busy

     Gibson, Ivey, and Ivey get nabbed while working together.  No, Gibson, Ivey, and Ivey is not a law firm, but it is a partnership that’s been accused of stealing around the county.  The trio of men is charged with multiple counts of theft by officers of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  Ivey is 35-year old Vernon Lee Ivey of 249 Vernon Mountain Drive and 48-year old Ernest Lee Ivey of 145 Frontier Road both of La Follette.  The two Iveys are charged with stealing William Workman’s 1990 pick-up truck from Workman’s Cliffside home in La Follette.  Both Iveys were then caught on tape at N.E.T. Recycling in Speedwell selling Workman’s truck for scrap.  Gibson is 26 year old Sherman Douglas Gibson of 272 Sagefield Drive in La Follette.  Gibson is accused of stealing more than three-thousand dollars worth of property from James Madison on Old Highway 63 in Caryville.  Gibson told authorities that he sold Madison’s items to Jacksboro Metals.  Gibson and Vernon Lee Ivey are also charged with stealing  property from Jimmy Ivey’s Demory Road home.  Gibson and Vernon Lee Ivey have a combined 30 bookings.  That’s 15 each.  The pair remains in the county jail.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, NOON)  

Detective's keen eye catches court watcher

    Jeffery Allen Dople was in the audience at General Sessions Court last week.  And it got him arrested.  An alert detective noticed Dople and knew Dople was wanted in Kentucky on an outstanding warrant.  The 39-year old Dople of  706 Woolridge Lane in Jellico was taken into custody and sent on to Kentucky.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, NOON)    

Boyfriend charged with beating girlfriend at church

     A boyfriend is charged with beating up his girlfriend in the parking lot of a church.  Ashley Bowlin of Jellico told police that her boyfriend, 24-year old Josh Bowlin of 182 Dale Lane in Jellico, punched her in the face several times.  Police reports are that the female has visible injuries and that the altercation happened at the Wooldridge Church (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, NOON)    

 Neighborhood spat sends neighbors to jail

     Neighbors help send each other to the county jail.  Sheriff’s deputies called to a dispute between neighbors in the Shady Cove area of Caryville discovered that both men had active warrants.  Keith Pittman, 23 years old, of 1795 Shady Cove Road, had an active warrant while 23-year old Dustin Bolton of 2003 Shady Cove Road had an active capias bench warrant.  Both have since been released from jail.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, NOON)  

Principal suspension approved

A hearing officer has approved the ten-day suspension without pay of Jellico Middle School principal John Crawford in a case involving alleged sexual harassment of a female employee by a former coach and school board member.

Crawford was suspended by Director of Schools Donnie Poston for neglect of duty and insubordination after he refused to take disciplinary action after a February incident in his office and failed to apologize to the employee.

In a report submitted to the Board of Education on Tuesday night, board attorney Dail Cantrell outlined the facts involved in the incident. According to the report, Crawford was meeting with Delbert “Bo” Buckner, head football coach at Jellico Middle School, in Crawford’s office on February 16 to inform Buckner that he would not be retained as coach for the upcoming season.

While the meeting was underway, school secretary Debbie Douglas entered the room to hand a written message to Crawford.  As she passed Buckner, the former coach struck her on the backside with a paddle he was holding in his hand.

Crawford’s later recollection of the incident varied, he at one point admitting he witnessed the incident and at another time saying he did not see it.  Douglas reported the incident the next morning to School System Athletic Director Johnny Bruce and Director Poston.

Poston apologized to Ms. Douglas and following an investigation, instructed Crawford to send Buckner a letter barring him from school grounds and to apologize to Douglas.  When Crawford failed to follow either directive, Poston suspended him without pay.

In the April 5 hearing, held in Kingsport with both parties represented by attorneys, hearing officer J. Michael Billingsley ruled that even though Buckner was no longer a school employee subject to reprimand, the instructions to Crawford were clear and failure to obey them amounted to insubordination. He upheld the ten-day suspension without pay.

Jellico High was the subject of another discussion involving the ongoing improvements to the athletic fieldhouse.  Board member J. L. “Sarge” Collins asked Finance Director Jeff Marlow to explain why changes had been made to the plans, eliminating restrooms on the upper levels and a concession stand.

Marlow replied that he had no role in the work being carried out or plans at Jellico, but Building Committee chairman Rector Miller responded, saying that the committee overseeing the construction hoped to solicit enough donations to add the restrooms but they have not yet been added to the plans.

Collins protested that without the added restrooms, fans would have to descend 80 or 90 steps to reach field level restrooms.  Miller added that a meeting was being planned to discuss how to finish the project.

With the exception of those two topics, the board meeting was brief and routine. Poston initiated the meeting by reading a letter of appreciation from Anderson County Director of Schools Larry Foster, expressing the heartfelt appreciation of everyone in Anderson County for the outpouring of support from Campbell County students over the automobile accident that seriously injured five ACHS students.

Poston also explained a budget item to spend $2,224 from the capital outlay fund to change exterior locks at LaFollette Middle School.  “There are over 200 keys out there to the school, too many unaccounted for, and security is jeopardized,” he explained.

In future, all keys will be signed for and monitored, Poston added.  An even greater expense will need to be undertaken to change locks at Campbell County High School, the next security upgrade on the schedule.

Other expenditures that were approved included $4,470 for fencing at LaFollettre Elementary School and outdoor restroom facilities at LaFollette Middle School at a cost of $18,000.  Also approved was an executive action awarding Fritts Refrigeration the bid for a HVAC system at East LaFollette Alternative School at a cost of $49,985.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, 7:00 AM)    

 LPD handles I-75 traffic

      "The guys are really great."  That's how La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries sums up the way the men and women of the LPD in their response to moving visiting I-75 travelers and locals through the log jam of cars and 18-wheelers.  Jeffries himself is in the rotation of traffic directors at the Lobertini Bridge, Indiana Avenue and Central. Towe String Road, and Tennessee and Central.  The Chief advises local travelers to give yourself a little extra time,  watch traffic closely, and don't follow too closely.  The latest from TDOT is that one southbound lane of I-75 is expected to be open by Thursday.  In the meantime, plan on delays from Jellico all the way to Caryville.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

La Follette Middles School Golf Team

Jacksboro Middle School Golf Team

Middle school golfers state-bound

     Campbell County is well represented at Monday's middle school state golf tournament.  Individual matches start May 14 in Blount County and include Will Paredes and Aubree Cahill of Jacksboro Middle School along with La Follette Middle School's Weston Sharp, Austin Phillips, and Kassie Kibler.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Jacksboro Middle School Golf Team
                La Follette Middle School Golf Team                  
 
 Here we slow again

    North Indiana Avenue (Hwy 25W) is bumper-to-bumper...again (05/08/2012)

May 8, 2012 

I-75 South in Campbell County closed until at least Thursday

I-75 North will still be reduced to one lane

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – Interstate-75 South will remain closed until at least Thursday, May 10th, so that crews can continue to stabilize a section of rock slope near mile marker 143.  A section of embankment collapsed in that area on March 8th.

Interstate-75 North will have one lane of traffic open for approximately three miles, from mile marker 141 to mile marker 144.

Soil nails will be launched about 20 feet into the ground underneath the southbound lanes, towards northbound lanes, in order to stabilize the rock slope.

Motorists should expect potential long delays and use extreme caution while traveling through this area.

Detour Route for I-75 South: Take Exit 160 in Jellico, follow US 25W to LaFollette and back onto I-75 South at Exit 134 in Caryville.

Wide Load Detour Route for I-75 South: Take Exit 160 in Jellico, turn right and follow SR 297 West to SR 63 and back onto I-75 South at Exit 141.

Suggested Alternate Route for I-75 North: Take Exit 134 in Caryville, follow US 25W to LaFollette and back onto I-75 North at Exit 160 in Jellico.

For travel and TDOT construction information, please visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway, or call 511 from any landline or cellular phone.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets. Smart phone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2012, 11:30 AM)

Gas is now $3.49
     Gas prices have dropped a little here in Campbell County.  The price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is now down to $3.49.  That’s down 21-cents over the past three weeks and down 8-cents since yesterday.  Local gas prices spiked at $3.70 a gallon and stayed there for several weeks during the early part of spring.  The recent price drop began in April.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2012, 11:30 AM)
School board meets tonight
     The board of education meets in regular session this evening.  Campbell County School Board Chairman Mike Orick describes the agenda as ‘light’.  Among some of the items up for discussion and approval is a bid of 50-thousand dollars for the heating and cooling system at the East La Follette Alternative School.  Fritts Refrigeration of Clinton submitted the low bid.  A group of CCHS students is requesting permission to travel to Iowa State University later this month to compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Competition, and the athletic committee is expected to recommend placement of coaches.  The meeting begins at 6:00, and we’ll have the story for you first thing in the morning right here.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2012, 6:00 AM)
Heavy Traffic Overnight

     I-75 south through Campbell County is closed. And one-lane north is all that's open. At 7:00 a.m. Tuesday is when one southbound lane is expected to be reopened. Expect heavy traffic through Jellico, Duff, La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville. (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012, 8:30 PM)

School bus accident

     A Campbell County School Bus is involved in an accident at this hour.  Reports from the sheriff's office coming in to 1450wlaf.com are that a bus (Number 28) with students onboard wrecked with another vehicle just before 4:00.  The accident happened on Cade Springs Road which is between Pleasant Ridge Road and Long Hollow Road.  Officials with the CCSD say no injuries are reported.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012, 4:30 PM)

CCHS spring football practice begins

     A year ago, the Cougars were without a head football coach.  A handful of coaches chipped-in and carried out spring drills.  And in the year since, Head Coach Justin Price and staff have been in place since early June and open spring practice this afternoon.  Price tells 1450wlaf.com that CCHS plans to scrimmage South-Doyle at Knoxville on May 17 at 6:00.  The Blue-n-Orange intra squad game is May 24 at 7:00.  You may want to mark your calendar for August 9th.  That's when the Cougars play at Neyland Stadium in their preseason jamboree.  The regular season begins at home on August 17 with Seymour.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012, 9:00 AM)

Remembering with roses

     Saturday's honoring and remembering of 28 Campbell County coal miners took place at Peabody Cemetery some 69 years to the hour and day later.  Each miner was remembered with a rose.  DeWayne Kitts coordinated the event, and WLAF contributor Frank Payne captured it all as you may see in the video box below as we look back to the Nu Rex Mine Explosion of 1943.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012, 6:00 AM)

 

Big 75-K day for Relay

     Seventy-five thousand dollars!  That's the amount Robin Proffitt tells 1450wlaf.com that RFL is going to end up with after it's all said and done.  Relay for Life Co-Chairs Maria Hooks and Proffitt along with Traci Ayers Dower tell WLAF's David Graham that the Campbell County event had $40,000 going in to Friday's Relay.  See David's interview with the trio below.  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Ben's bound for Tusculum College

Chris, Ben, Mary Wynn, and Blake Arnold  (photo by David Graham)

Cumberland Gap's all-time scorer signs to play at Tusculum

     One of three college-bound cousins commits today.  Skyler Winchester of Bearden High is headed to be a part of the UNC-Asheville Track & Field program, Webb's Bower Arnold is being watched by several college baseball coaches, and their cousin Ben Arnold of Cumberland Gap High is bound for Greeneville, Tennessee, to play basketball. 

With family, friends, and his high school coach, Ernie Mac Clawson, on hand, the Panthers' all-time leading scorer and assist leader signed with Tusculum College this afternoon.  Arnold is expected to play a combo position of point guard and shooting guard for the Pioneers.  He graduates as the Class Valedictorian later this month.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012, 4:00 PM)

69 years since Etna mine tragedy

     The mine across the road from his house exploded.  May 5, 1943, about 1:00 o’clock is when the Nu Rex Mine took ten lives on that Wednesday afternoon.  Harold Branam was just a 10-year old boy, but the memories of that day and night still play vividly in his mind some 69-years later.  Branam tells 1450wlaf.com that the large crowd of onlookers and emergency personnel left a lasting impression.  He recalls it as a day of happiness and sadness; happiness for 18 families and sadness for 10 families.  Branam speaks sadly of Ancil Ayers of Duff who lost his son, Oscar, and his son-in-law, Albert Kitts, that day.  For a young Warren Kitts, he lost a father, and for Warren’s son, DeWayne, Albert was a grandfather he never knew.  A memorial service is planned Saturday at 1:00 at Peabody Cemetery to honor the 10 miners who lost their lives as well as remember the 18 survivors.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Nu Rex Mine Disaster

May 5, 1943

As some went down the entry,

They didn’t even dream,

Working, toiling, and sweating,

Their last daylight they’d seen.

                   - Joseph A. Riggs,

           The Blast of the Etna Mine

 10 KILLED IN MINE EXPLOSION; 18 ESCAPE INJURY

     This is the Associated Press account of the Campbell County, Tennessee, mine disaster.  This story comes from the Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, North Dakota, May 6, 1943.

La FOLLETTE, TENNESSEE - (AP) -  Eighteen coal miners, huddling behind a hastily erected canvas barrier nearly 2,000 feet underground, survived an explosion that rocked the Etna Coal and Coke company mine and suffocated ten of their companions.  The miners, fighting against the deadly fumes of "black damp" for more than eight hours, stumbled and crawled from their barricaded cell Wednesday night as rescue parties freed them.  Two other miners, who had joined the barricaded group, became panic stricken and dashed from their enclosure to death from carbon monoxide fumes 400 feet away.  The explosion thundered through the East Tennessee soft coal mine Wednesday afternoon, rocking it from tipple to the deepest seam.  The dead miners were identified as Cecil Foust, John Pelezzari, Dan Garrett, George Douglas, Lawrence Hale, Albert Kitts, Lewis White, Homer Martin, Oscar Ayers and Ernest Riggs.  Two miners who were almost outside the mine tunnel when the blast occurred were burned critically.  Three others in another section of the mine escaped injury.  Earl Turner, one of the first entombed  men to reach the outside, said he herded his companions into an enclosure and erected a cloth canvas barricade to keep out the fumes.  Jim Raines, 38, said the survivors "held out hope until 7 o'clock."  "The air was getting bad," he said, "and the oxygen was just about gone, there was so much dust we couldn't see.”  Then the rescuers found us at 8:30. Some of the boys were so weak, they were crawling on their hands and knees".  Herman Gilbreath related how Albert Kitts and Oscar Ayres "decided to make a break for it" from the protected tunnel, only to collapse 400 feet away and die.  A coal mine official said the disaster, the worst in Tennessee since 1926, probably resulted from ignition of gaseous fumes. However, Mine Bookkeeper, R. B. Parrott said a test by inspectors Wednesday morning revealed no traces of gas.

Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, North Dakota, May 6, 1943 (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012)  

Jacksboro is getting a new park

     A new park is coming to Jacksboro.  Council voted Thursday night at May’s regular monthly meeting to spend $8,725 for a pavilion and equipment in the construction of a city park on Cove Street.  Jacksboro is partnering with the county and the city of Caryville on a new radio repeater for communication purposes.  The city’s share of $3,000 matches what Caryville is pitching-in while the county’s portion is nine-thousand dollars.  The street department now has summer hours of 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and council also approved spending $425 with La Follette Tree Trimming to remove a tree on Valley Street.  Jacksboro’s new police car is ready to be equipped, and council agreed to spend $5,000 to get the new Dodge Charger ready for the road.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012, 10:30 AM)  

Cedar Hill Baptist hosts National Day of Prayer

     It’s the first Thursday of May.  And it marks the National Day of Prayer.  In keeping with the church's tradition, Pastor Ronnie Arnold and the congregation of Cedar Hill Baptist Church are hosting the National Day of Prayer for Campbell County Arnold tells 1450wlaf.com that the church chapel is open for prayer today from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.  The prayer luncheon begins at Noon at Cedar Hill Baptist and is open to the public. (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Shoney's celebrates 65 great years

     Shoney’s has been around 65 years.  As of today that is.  And to celebrate its 65th anniversary, Shoney’s signature burger is a mere 65-cents.  Today only, from 11:00 a.m. until close the All-American Burger is just 65-cents.  The Campbell County Shoney’s is at I-75 in Caryville and opened in 1991.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Benefit set for young Turner's family

     Southern Sons Motorcycle Club is hosting a benefit fundraiser for Bradley Turner’s family.  Bradley is the 15-year old boy who died last week on his way to Philadelphia for a heart and lung transplant.  The fundraiser is at the American Legion in La Follette on Saturday (May 5th) from 2:00 until 5:00.  There’ll be an auction with many items including a Pat Summitt autographed basketball plus free hamburgers and hot dogs.  You may also drive up to the Legion and drop off a donation.  There’ll be someone outside to take your donation.    (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012, 4:30 PM)  

Pain clinic ordinance passes

By:  Megan Colley

     Council members met in regular session Tuesday, May 1st and approved ordinance 2012-02 amending the text of the Code of ordinances of the town of LaFollette, on pain management clinics.

     In the workshop last week, Daniel Smith was recommended for promotion to Sergeant. Smith has over ten years of experience as a police officer. Now Sergeant Smith, because the promotion was approved in session, his pay will be raised $1,500 effective 5/5/12.

     Also in last week’s workshop, the Police department recommended Jimmy Albertini be hired to work as a full time officer. Albertini has been a police officer for six years. Council members voted to approve the recommendation and the salary increase to $26,520 a year plus benefits.

     A full time maintenance position for the East LaFollette School Building was approved. All of the costs will be split 50/50 with the Campbell County Board of Education.

     The next workshop will be held on May 29th at 6:00 p.m.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)   

Meth makers caught in the act

     Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputies shutdown an active meth lab.  A call came in Thursday to the sheriff’s department about a possible meth lab in a vacant home off Glade Springs Road.  Upon arrival to 126 Beals Lane, deputies smelled a strong chemical odor coming from the house.  Once inside, a one-pot meth lab was found in the living room floor in a black back pack.  Arrested were 47-year old Jerry Allen Wening of Springs Lane along with 32-year old Rhonda Gayle Poston of Tyson Lane.  A third suspect, 33-year old Russell Charles Sebby of Bethlehem Road, was found hiding under a pile of clothing.  After attempting to fight officers, Sebby was taken into custody.  All three are from La Follette, face meth related charges, and remain in the county jail this morning.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Arnold hits the books and the threes

      He scores big in the classroom and on the court.  And he’s riding that success on to Tusculum College.  Cumberland Gap High School Senior Ben Arnold said “yes” to joining the Pioneer basketball team where he’s expected to play a combo position of point guard and shooting guard.  The 6-3 Arnold leaves big shoes to fill for the Panthers where he set school marks in career points (1,942) and assists (625) all the while ranking among the elite scorers in the state his senior year averaging more than 21-points a game.  Arnold was the Region 1-AA Player of the Year as well as the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference’s Player of the Year.  As the CGHS Valedictorian, he has a 4.0 GPA and posted a score of 30 on the ACT.  Arnold, who plans to major in medicine at Tusculum, chose the Pioneers over King, Union, and Maryville.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Pain clinic public hearing tonight

     La Follette City Council meets this evening at 6:00 at city hall.  A public hearing opens the meeting when council discusses the “pain management clinic” ordinance.  The ordinance comes up for final reading in this evening’s regular council meeting.  If a pain management clinic plans to open in La Follette, it will soon face tougher standards.  City council approved an ordinance on the first reading at April’s regular monthly council meeting.  The ordinance, if passed on final reading, means that when a pain clinic looks to move inside the La Follette City Limits, it must meet very high specifications in order to be able to set up.  One pain clinic recently closed while La Follette still has one pain management office open.  That clinic is open on the four-lane in the former La Follette Equipment Rental building.  City officials tell Channel 12 that the pain clinic is not facing tougher standards, because it is grandfathered in ahead of the new ordinance.  The May agenda also includes promotions of three employees, including two policemen.  Daniel Smith is expected to be approved as an LPD Sergeant while Jimmy Albertini is up for a fulltime officer’s position.  Darian Foust is in line for a fulltime position with the public works department.  The recreation department is looking for approval of a fulltime maintenance position for the East La Follette School Building.  That employee’s costs are to be split 50-50 with the board of education.  (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012, 11:00 AM) 

    

ust after 3:00 this afternoon, Perkins and her car ended up in one of the operating rooms of Dr. Mark Collins, and in the process, totally destroyed a dental chair.  Collins' office is located in the same building as Terry's Pharmacy at Jacksboro.  The pharmacy was not damaged.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012, 6:30 PM)  

McGlone's OK after Friday fire

     An injured La Follette Firefighter is back on the job this morning.  LFD’s Shawn McGlone was overcome by heat exhaustion as he and fellow firefighters battled a Friday afternoon blaze.  The 24-year old McGlone, who passed out from fatigue and dehydration, was treated and released from La Follette Medical Center and is at work today.  The fire damaged a home on East Kentucky Avenue.  McGlone has been a fulltime member of the La Follette Fire Department for two years.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012, 10:30 AM)  

General Assembly looks to end today

     Trying to come to an agreement on money.  That’s one element of what made for a late night Friday for the state legislature.  And rather than ending its session, it continues today.  In fact, lawmakers gathered Sunday night at Nashville getting ready for a big day today.  State Representative Dennis Powers called 1450wlaf.com from the floor of the house Sunday night saying that four or five committees are meeting this morning, and that the legislature is to convene this afternoon.  Powers thinks the budget will be resolved and the 107th General Assembly will end sometime later today.  He goes on to say that the budget is again cut for a second straight year.  Powers says the cuts total to a little more than 500-million dollars.  State Representative Powers will have a complete recap of this year’s session in a few days here on 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Busy day for spring sports

     Lady Cougar Softball hosts Jellico today.  David Graham has all the radio fun beginning at 6:00 over 1450 WLAF.  Campbell Tennis visits Clinton with matches starting at 4:30, and CCHS Baseball takes on Union County at Maynardville in a 7:00 p.m. first pitch.   (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)   

Big weekend for the Diamond Cougars

     The Cougars take second place in the West High School Baseball Tournament.  David Graham has all the details on his Sports Report which is found to your upper left on this page.  Cougar Baseball plays at Union County today at 7:00 to wrap up the regular season.   (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Cougars win !

     Campbell Baseball wins Thursday at Knoxville.  The Cougars outpaced home standing West 8 to 4 in the opening round of the West Tourney.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012, 3:00 PM)  

Boomer's Corner is open for the weekend

     It's the weekend.  Boomer's Corner is ready for your reading enjoyment.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012, 3:00 PM)  

CCSD hosts the “Harvard" of SWAT schools

     Entry tactics, team work, and shooting skills.  Those are just some of the areas local police are focusing on this week as Campbell County hosts a highly accredited SWAT school.  Sheriff Robbie Goins calls it the “Harvard” of SWAT schools and says 25 officers, including eight of his, wrap up a week of intense training today.  The clinic takes place at three venues with classroom work at the Career Center, inside training at Ridgewood School, and outdoor work is on the shooting range at the 141 Exit off I-75.  Goins notes that shooting skills have improved by 50% in just a couple of days.  The sheriff says it’s all a part of continuing education for county officers, and that this is the third school the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department has hosted.  This week’s SWAT school is taught by FBI agents.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Baseball, track, and softball in action

     Baseball plays again in the West High School Tourney at Knoxville while Lady Cougar Softball is home today with West in a doubleheader that begins at 5:30.  CCHS Track and Field is at Anderson County taking part in the Legg Invitational.  Those events begin at 5:00.  Jellico Baseball travels to Knoxville to face Austin-East.  First pitch at 5:00.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Fifty-five trees down on area roads

     It’s been an extra busy day for first responders, utility workers, and road crews.  This morning’s pre-dawn storms hit hardest in the Oak Grove, Cherry Bottom, and Pinecrest communities according to officials with the Campbell County Road Department.  Reports are that Dennis Potter’s crews cleared at least 55 trees from county roads today while crews with the La Follette Utility Board worked anywhere from 15 to 20 power outages.  Snapped power poles and downed lines kept LUB workers busy for the balance of the day.  Rescue Squad first responders rescued a man from his home just before 7:00 a.m.  Squad members answered a call on Lindsay Mill Circle where a tree fell on the roof of the man’s home trapping him inside.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com are that the man was freed and suffers only minor injuries.  A couple of trees brought down power lines on Highway 25W North of La Follette this morning.  That knocked out power to Iveydell and the trees across the road kept traffic at a standstill for the better part of an hour.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012, 1:30 PM)  

Busy morning for many

     Campbell County is in the “slight risk” category for severe storms today.  And we’ve already had some rounds of strong storms.  Just ask first responders or anyone with La Follette Utilities.  LUB crews have been working for hours to restore power in many parts of the county where wind, rain, and fallen trees have wreaked havoc.  Things began on a “rocky” note around 6:30 this morning.  Trees down, debris on the roads, and power outages highlighted the woes of the early of part of this Thursday.  The worst of the storm appears to have hit on the south side of the county.  Although, those in areas just north of La Follette may take issue with that.  Iveydell and Big Creek Gap were hit pretty hard, too.  Rescue Squad first responders rescued a man from his home around daybreak.  Squad members answered a call on Lindsay Mill Circle where a tree fell on the roof of the man’s home trapping him inside.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com are that the man was freed and suffered only minor injuries.  A couple of trees brought down power lines on Highway 25W North of La Follette this morning.  That knocked out power to Iveydell and the trees across the road kept traffic at a standstill for the better part of an hour.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012, 11:00 AM)  

Isolated tornadoes are possible today

     Campbell County is in the “slight risk” category for severe storms today.  Expect a cloudy day with breezes and highs around 75 along with rounds of rain and storms.  After early morning storms, more are likely again this afternoon and evening.  Strong to severe storm potential looms with the main threats from the stronger storms being damaging wind, large hail, and heavy rainfall.  Isolated tornadoes are also possible.   (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012, 11:00 AM)  

 DARE takes center stage at LMS

     The DARE Program makes a stop at La Follette Middle School on Friday.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that it’s a joint effort with the sheriff’s department, the Stanfield Church of God, the Campbell County Drug Coalition, and Steve Collett of the movie Appalachian Dawn.  Goins adds that it’s the third school the team has visited so far this year, and the main objective is to just tell students the truth about drugs.  Goins says there’s no one better to deliver that message than Collett, a man who has lived the drug life and is now free from addiction.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

 Shrine’s mini-clinic this weekend

     Kebela Shrine Temple hosts its annual mini-clinic Saturday at Knoxville.  The screening is free and is held to identify children who can benefit from expert orthopedic and burn care.  If you have a child or know of a child who needs to attend the clinic, just call the Campbell County Shrine Club at 423.566.5119.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012, 6:00 AM)  

Capital has Campbell County flavor this week

     Campbell County is well represented at the state capital this week.  Dr. Duane Mills of First Baptist Church of La Follette was not only the chaplain of the day on Monday, the pastor also gave legislators a taste of his signature bagpipes.  Mills and his wife Karen were guests of State Representative Dennis Powers who serves with Mills on the Campbell County Anti-Drug Coalition.  Powers tells 1450wlaf.com that the legislature is on track to finish its session this week which would be the earliest wrap-up since 1996. See Pastor Mills in action here http://tnga.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=110&clip_id=5398 (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

 Poston pledges his best in final two years

     Director of Schools Donnie Poston tells WLAF that he pledges to continue his best.  The DOS sat down with WLAF TV-12 reporters on Monday and talked about his first year at the helm of Campbell County Schools.  Poston said “My contract will end on June 30, 2013, and unless the Board sees the need to make a change prior to that date and my health and that of my family remains OK, I pledge to our children and parents to give my best possible efforts to guide our system to hopefully higher standards and an improved quality of education.”  Poston concluded by saying, “At that time on June 30, 2013, I will step aside and willingly help transition a new leader into the position of Director of Schools.”  See and hear Poston’s entire address by clicking on the video box below.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012, 10:00 AM) 

Director Donnie Poston - State of the Schools Address

 

La Follette's gaining a fulltime police officer

By:  Megan Colley

     City council members met on Monday, April 23rd in a workshop session to discuss several things to appear on the agenda in the next meeting.

     First, a representative of Pugh & Company presented the audit report for this past year. There was no mention of any discrepancy. There is a good fund balance and there were no errors to report.

     From the police department, one man was recommended for promotion and another for a full time position. Daniel Smith, a policeman in good standing for over ten years, is being recommended for promotion to Sergeant with a salary increase of $1,500 a year effective May 5th of this year. Jimmy Albertini, now working part time, has been an officer of the law for six years. He is being recommended for a full time position with a yearly salary of $26,520 effective May 5th this year.

     Over the next several weeks, the library will be receiving its finishing touches as carpet, shelving, furnishings, fixtures, and hand railing will be installed. Council members are projecting the opening to be anywhere from the early part of June to the first days of July now. It’s getting closer, but no date has been definitely decided on.

     The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 1st.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Poston presents a "first"

     Campbell County has a first.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston delivered what’s believed to be the first-ever “State of the Schools Address.”  In a recap of his first year as director, Poston covered a lot of ground including his thoughts on all the state mandates in education.  Poston took over the reigns of Campbell County Schools on April 15 of last year, and you may see the entire address by clicking on the video box below.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Lady Cougar Softball next Monday on WLAF

     It's Monday, the 30th, for CCHS Softball on the radio.  David Graham's broadcasting all the action beginning Monday at 5:30 over 1450 WLAF and right here on 1450wlaf.com. (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012, 7:00 PM) 

TCAP week starts today

     It’s the week for the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program Achievement Test in Campbell County.  Best known as the TCAPs, students grades three through eight are tested in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  Officials with the state department of education offer a few tips to help you have your student at the top of his game.  Providing a healthy breakfast, getting your student to school on time and relaxed as well as encouraging your child to do the best work possible are a few ways to improve the chances of success.  (UPDATED MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012, 6:00 AM) 

Boomer's Corner is now open

     Delinquent taxes and floating houses, don’t forget the sunscreen, Brandon, he covers it all this week.  Enjoy the latest edition of Boomer's Corner here on 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012 7:00 PM) 

1st Vol 5-K successful

     First Volunteer Bank's annual 5-K run/walk went well.  Chris Chadwell with FVB tells 1450wlaf.com that there were 110 participants.  A total of 22-hundred dollars was raised with it all benefitting Relay for Life.    (UPDATED SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012 8:30 AM)

Bray set to sign with C-N

     CCHS golfer Corey Bray plans to compete collegiately.  The Cougar senior is set to sign with Carson-Newman Monday morning at the high school.  WLAF Sports Director David Graham will have the story and photos Monday afternoon.  (UPDATED FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012 9:00 AM)

Jacksboro teen continues battle against cancer 

     It’s back to Vanderbilt Medical Center today for a young Campbell Countian.  About a year ago we introduced you to Katelyn Norman.  She’s the teenage cancer patient who discovered she had the disease after a friendly punch to the arm by her best friend, Micala Greenwood.  It was last May, while 7th graders, Katelyn and Micala were in class at Jacksboro Middle School when the light hit by Micala shot a sharp pain through Katelyn’s arm.  From there, Katelyn’s journey of beating cancer began.  About two-weeks later, it was discovered that the then 12-year old had a cancerous tumor in her upper right arm.  Along the way, Katelyn’s bone transplant was a success to her arm, and she’s now rehabing that arm.  Katelyn is in Nashville today talking with specialists about future lung surgeries and is expected to undergo chemo between the two lung procedures while she battles an aggressive form of bone cancer.  Her mother tells 1450wlaf.com that Katelyn has at least one more year of chemotherapy following her lung surgeries.  If you’d like to help Katelyn’s cause, you’re encouraged to attend this weekend’s baseball tournament at Asbury Park in Caryville.  It’s set for Friday and Saturday.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 6:00 AM)

Downtown jam & cruise-in coming

     Spring time signals the start to downtown jams and cruise-ins.  The La Cruizers Car Club Downtown Jam & Cruise-in cranks back up beginning April 27.  All the fun runs every second and fourth Friday night through November from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. on North Tennessee Avenue.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 6:00 AM)

Changes atop Rocky Top

     Our sports contacts told 1450wlaf.com that they've been on "high alert" since the Lady Vols season ended.  And rightfully so with the news of Lady Vols Head Coach Pat Summitt coming off Rocky Top this afternoon.  Read the detailed story here http://www.utladyvols.com/sports/w-baskbl/tennw-w-baskbl-body.html  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012 2:00 PM)

New library opens late this spring

     La Follette City Council wrapped up its “adjourned in session” meeting Tuesday evening.  The April third meeting was picked back up and finished yesterday as council decided how to pay for the final work on the new La Follette Library.  As it stands, the new home for the library, the former Ninth Street Recreation Center, is expected to be open in late May or early June.  A public auction is set for Saturday where some of the city’s surplus items go on the auction block.  Several vehicles including five trucks, six cars, a van, an ATV, and a couple of motorcycles are up for sale.  Council’s April workshop is Monday, the 23rd, at 6:00.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

I-75 on target to fully reopen in September

     The time line for all four lanes of I-75 to reopen is September.  Kentucky based Elmo Greer & Sons is handling the nearly 10-million dollar project.  Officials with TDOT tell 1450wlaf.com that work to repair that landslide which closed both southbound lanes of I-75 last month has officially begun.  This week, 24-hundred linear feet of soil nails will be inserted about 20 feet deep into the ground to stabilize the slope.  During repairs, contract crews will excavate the unstable ground underneath the southbound lanes of I-75 South, fill the area with new rock and dirt, and add new pavement to the reconstructed area.  This project also includes the resurfacing of the northbound lanes of I-75 between mile markers 141 and 144 in Campbell County.  A section of embankment collapsed on I-75 South on March 8.  TDOT completed construction of one crossover lane for southbound traffic on March 14.  The landslide repair contract was awarded to Elmo Greer & Sons, LLC. which submitted a bid of $9,334,340.  The project is expected to be complete by September 2012.  Incentives are in place for early completion.  (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012, 6:00 AM)

Here's the latest from TDOT on I-75 repairs

April 17, 2012

Work Begins on I-75 South Landslide Repair Project in Campbell County

KNOXVILLE, TennesseeWork has begun on the repair of a landslide on I-75 in Campbell County, which closed both southbound lanes last month.

This week, 2,400 linear feet of soil nails will be inserted about 20 feet deep into the ground to stabilize the slope.  During repairs, contract crews will excavate the unstable ground underneath the southbound lanes of I-75 South, fill the area with new rock and dirt, and add new pavement to the reconstructed area. 

This project also includes the resurfacing of the northbound lanes of I-75 between mile markers 141 and 144 in Campbell County.

A section of embankment collapsed on I-75 South on March 8. TDOT completed construction of one crossover lane for southbound traffic on March 14.

The landslide repair contract was awarded to Elmo Greer & Sons, LLC. which submitted a bid of $9,334,340.  The project is expected to be complete by September 2012.  Incentives are in place for early completion.

For travel and TDOT construction information, please visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway, or call 511 from any land-line or cellular phone.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets. Smart phone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012, 11:49 AM)

Floating house tax coming

Thanks to a new state law, Campbell County will soon be adding "floating houses," along with boat docks, marinas and other non-movable floating structures, to the county property tax rolls.

The county commission, however, voted Monday night to table a resolution that would have put the changes into effect immediately, heeding words of caution from Property Assessor Brandon Partin.

"We have a good deal of work ahead of us before the law takes effect in 2013," Partin pointed out, "The county has never assessed floating houses before. We have to go out and determine whether a structure is capable of moving through the water on its own power. If that’s the case it is technically a boat and not subject to property tax."

Partin added that the problem of floating houses has accelerated in recent years as more and more permanent structures have appeared on Norris and other TVA lakes.

"The selling point for these houses in the past has often been that they are exempt from property taxes. The builder constructs a six, eight, ten room house on floats, attaches a motor mount to one side and calls it a boat," Partin pointed out. "Under the new law, the structure has to actually be able to move on its own power to be considered a boat."

Partin added that as a first step, his office sent questionnaires to the eleven marina operators on Norris Lake, asking them to identify floating houses docked at their marina and the owners.

"We have received responses from six so far. Three marinas said they have no floating houses docked on their property, only one has so far provided us with a complete list of houses and owners. Another challenge is to identify the owners since these houses are not connected to a real property deed," Partin added.

The resolution drawn up by the commission would have adopted a policy "assessing boat docks, boat houses, marinas and other similar structures as improvements to the real property as defined by Tennessee Code Annotated," with the policy becoming effective immediately.

After Partin explained the challenges his office faces and that the state law does not go into full effect until 2013, the commission voted unanimously to table the motion.

The rest of the regular commission meeting consisted of routine business with nothing on the agenda that generated controversy. The commission voted unanimously to approve a federal public safety grant to the Sheriff’s Department after determining that no local matching funds are involved.

The commission also approved a lease agreement with the City of Jellico to lease city property for a county-funded recreational facility. This motion was the only vote of the night to receive less than unanimous support, as Beverly Hall, Scott Stanfield and Sue Nance all voted "no."

The commission also voted to allow the county to opt out of bidding, at the delinquent property tax sale in May, on three houses that have been quarantined as meth houses. The county normally buys, for back taxes, any property that does not receive a bid at the sale. County Attorney Joe Coker, however, advised the commission to leave meth houses in the name of the delinquent taxpayer so that the county does not assume responsibility for clean-up.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012, 6:00 AM)

New White Oak principal takes over today

     Today is the new principal’s first day at White Oak Elementary School.  Allison Justice Poston’s official start as principal is today.  The former 3rd grade teacher at Jacksboro Elementary School was selected from a pool of five applicants and replaces Lynn Ray who is going into private business.  (updated  Monday 04/16/2012 8:30 a.m.)

Campbell County's Caldwell to lead Knox County Finance

     A quiet Friday ended in a whirlwind for Chris Caldwell.  When the phone rang at Caldwell’s Jacksboro home, little did he know just how much change took place from when he left work that morning until that afternoon.  The call was from Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett telling Caldwell that he had just fired the county’s recently hired finance director, Burton Webb.  The move came Friday afternoon after Burchett learned that Webb faces a felony indictment in Kentucky.  Burchett then phoned Caldwell to tell him that he needs him to take over as interim director of finance.  The 1997 Campbell High graduate tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s content with his role as Knox County Director of Accounting and Budgeting and will return to that role once a new director of finance is hired. 

Caldwell (far right) helps with recent Cancer Association Telethon

In the meantime, Caldwell says he’ll do whatever the mayor needs while the hiring process plays out.  Caldwell got away Friday evening to run some stress off at Cove Lake Park and adds that he’s ready for a very busy week starting right out of the gate this morning.  June marks 10-years for Caldwell as a member of the Knox County Department of Finance.  He quickly notes that he’ll continue as president of the CCHS Football Booster Club as well as stay on as a volunteer with Friends of Cove Lake Park and the Campbell County Cancer Association.  Chris Caldwell has degrees from Roane State and LMU along with an MBA from Bellevue University of Nebraska.  (updated 04/16/2012 6:00 a.m.)

 

Campbell County School Board Meeting by Megan Colley

 The Campbell County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, April 10th.

     Permission was requested for the Campbell County High School Special Education class to attend the Holiday World of Santa Claus in Indiana on May 21st through the 24th this year.

     On the agenda, approval of contract renewals for:

Humitech Company for humidity control, Cox Septic Service for grease pumping, Campbell County fire equipment for hood inspection and cleaning, Merita Bakery for bread products for the 2012-2013 school year, Flav-O-Rich for milk products for the 2012-2013 school year, Mayfield Dairy for ice cream products for the 2012-2013 school year, and Cook’s Pest Control for the 2012-2013 school year.

     Also on the agenda, approve a notification letter to parents regarding the TCAP/EOC achievement test as part of the student final semester grade. And approve the seamless summer feeding program at Elk Valley, Jellico High, and Campbell County High School.

     The Board of education also received reports from the committees of Education, Building, Athletics, Finance, and Marketing.

Campbell County Board of Education Meeting Productive

     The C.C. Board of Education met in their monthly meeting yesterday; some items on the agenda included approving a trip for the Campbell County High School Special Education class to attend Holiday World of Santa Clause in Indiana this May, renewing contracts for businesses involved in school facility upkeep, and approving a seamless summer feeding program at Elk Valley, Jellico High, and CCHS. All topics were approved unanimously with no contest. You can see that meeting at the bottom of the page. (updated 4/11/12 12:00 a.m.)

Campbell Cougars beat by Hardin Valley

     It was another tough loss for Cougar baseball; yesterday our Cougars faced off with the Hardin Valley Hawks and lost 4-0. The Cougars play again today against the Powell Panthers at Powell at 6:00 p.m. (updated 4/11/12 12:00 a.m.)

Beltone Free Hearing Exam Day

     Each Wednesday is Free Hearing Exam Day at Beltone in La Follette; you can visit them at 310 West Central Avenue (across from Cross-Smith Funeral Home) and to contact them you can call 423.562.7562.(updated 4/11/12 12:00 a.m.)

 

One of La Follette’s most colorful characters is laid to rest today

 

     Ted Hollingsworth died on Friday morning at a Florida hospital. When news spread around Campbell County of Hollingsworth’s death, many who knew him, had a humorous "Ted" story or two to share. Those of us here at WLAF remember Ted as free spirit who was highly intelligent and had a real knack for making people laugh. Ted once unsuccessfully ran for mayor of La Follette back in the 90s. He had a flare for drawing attention from sporting a half-bald head and half of a beard to parking his convertible with the top down and laying on the back of the car waving as traffic passed by. Ted Wayne Hollingsworth was 66-years old. (updated 4/10/12 12:00 a.m.)

CCCA telethon a success

     It was quite a night for the Campbell County Cancer Association.  The association’s annual telethon on WLAF-TV 12, WLAF Radio, and 1450wlaf.com generated a shade more than 25-thousand dollars in pledges on Saturday night.  Clarence Lowe with CCCA tells 1450wlaf.com that he continues to be amazed, pleased, and impressed with the way Campbell Countians come through in support of our local cancer patients.  The Campbell County Cancer Association is a volunteer based group that offers support and distributes the donated funds to local cancer patients to help with expenses like gasoline, ensure, and prescriptions.  If you would like to donate or if you are a cancer patient and in need of support, call the CCCA office at 423.562.2246.  (updated 04/09/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Prettiest girl in the house at Saturday's CCCA telethon on WLAF-TV 12

CCCA number crunchers Josh Parker, Clarence Lowe, & Chris Caldwell

Mark Honaker, Sheila Falls, & Elmer Summers perform at the CCCA telethon

Meetings tonight and Tuesday

     Caryville City Council meets tonight at 7:00.  The Campbell County School Board’s regular monthly meeting is Tuesday at 6:00.  We’ll have the stories for you here.  (updated 04/09/2012 6:00 a.m.)

 Spring sports crank up a new week

     Cougar Baseball hosts a tough Powell team today at Brown-Archer Field while Lady Cougar Softball plays at Halls.  Jellico hosts Oliver Springs in softball this evening.  All three games start at 6:00.  Jellico Baseball is home this afternoon with Oliver Springs in a 5:00 p.m. start.  (updated 04/09/2012 6:00 a.m.)

 

Expect heavy traffic through town

     La Follette.  Jacksboro.  Caryville.  Jellico.  Elk Valley.  Duff.  No matter which is your corner of the world, traffic through your area is likely to be heavy over the Easter weekend.  The expected highway congestion stems from that landslide that broke loose back in March near Mile Marker 143 on Interstate 75 here in Campbell County.  I-75 is down to one-lane north and south around the slide construction zone prompting two huge bottle necks on heavy traffic days.  The Tennessee Department of Transportation warns that during holiday and peak travel times, major delays and traffic backups in excess of 20 miles are expected along the stretch of the roadway near Mile Marker 143.  Drivers are being encouraged to seek alternative routes, such as following Highway 25 W through LaFollette.  Wide-load vehicles must take Highway 297 through Elk Valley.  TDOT crews and contractors are suspending the I-75  construction as well as all interstate construction work in the rest of the state starting this afternoon until Monday morning.   (updated 04/05/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

Busy day for Cougars & Lady Cougars

     The CCHS baseball team plays at Oneida today at 5:00.  The Lady Cougars are also in Oneida today for a 5:00 p.m. softball game with the Lady Indians.  CCHS Track and Field competes at Anderson County High in a 5:00 o'clock meet.  Anderson and Grace Christian compete with Campbell.  (updated 04/05/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Pain clinics facing tougher standards

     If a pain management clinic plans to open in La Follette, it will soon face tougher standards.  City council approved an ordinance on the first reading at Tuesday night’s regular monthly council meeting.  The ordinance, if passed on final reading, means that when a pain clinic looks to move inside the La Follette City Limits, it must meet very high specifications in order to be able to set up.  Second and final reading of the ordinance takes place at the May council meeting.  There will be a public hearing prior to that meeting.  One pain clinic recently closed while La Follette still has one pain management office open.  That clinic is open on the four-lane in the former La Follette Equipment Rental building.  City officials tell 1450wlaf.com that that pain clinic is not facing tougher standards, because it is grandfathered in ahead of the new ordinance.  (updated 04/04/2012 9:00 a.m.)

Utility vehicle purchase is a "no go"
By:  Megan Colley

     On Tuesday, April 03, LaFollette City council members met in session with several important items to discuss.

     In the last few meetings, council members discussed the purchase of a utility vehicle for the police department. This would allow police officers to patrol the entire LaFollette walking trail twice every shift. Police Chief Jeffries, in the last workshop informed the council that it took 58 minutes to walk the trail, and that they just didn’t have the man power to do that twice a shift. One of the council members pointed out that there isn’t much trouble out on the walking trail and that it seems to be unnecessary to purchase a vehicle for the sole purpose of patrolling that one route. The placing of cameras along part of the trail was suggested instead. Most of the council seemed to be in favor of the purchase of the vehicle at the time so bids were taken for it. Tommy’s Motor Sports offered a bid of $13,653.99 for a vehicle that would fit the needs of the Police department. In session a motion was made to accept this bid and to purchase the vehicle. The motion died for lack of a second. Cameras were not mentioned.

     The work on the East LaFollette ball field will begin soon. In the last meeting, it was determined that the current East LaFollette ball field will become a sports complex. A bid for fencing and labor came in at $6,500. This will include the removal of the old fencing and installation of a new one. Council members approved this bid.

     A misunderstanding has put the furnishings and fixtures for the new library a bit over budget. There was a fee that council members supposed was included in the quote of $60,000 for furnishings but was, in fact, in addition to the allotted amount. Also the furnishings themselves cost a bit more than expected. With help from the Friends of the Library, the fee will be taken care of and the city will help cover the other extra cost.

     April has been declared “Spring Fix-Up Month.” Bins will be available for citizens to use in getting rid of large appliances and the like. Also, if you need a special pick-up, you can contact the city for help with that.

     The meeting was adjourned in session and will reconvene on April 17th at 6:00.  (updated 04/04/2012 6:00 a.m.)

 Fleischmann visits Campbell County

     Republican Congressman Chuck Fleischmann visits WLAF.  In the redistricting plan, Fleischmann would represent Campbell County next year if he's reelected.  Until the end of this year, Campbell County has only one congressman in that of Scott DesJarlais. With the change of districts, Republican Congressman Jimmy Duncan would represent the northern part of the county with Fleischmann handling the south side.  Fleischmann tells 1450wlaf.com that a lot of what he's hearing from Campbell Countians is that they want to pay less at the pump and they want more jobs.  He goes on to say that he is strongly against President Obama's healthcare plan.  Fleischmann will be challenged in August by several candidates including Scotty Mayfield and Weston Wamp.  Monday's visit for Fleischmann is his fourth to Campbell County since redistricting.  (updated 04/03/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Open Arms Ministry telethon struggles
     Only three-thousand dollars were raised.  The actual pledge total at the end of Saturday 
night’s telethon is $3,510 for Open Arms Ministry.  The local food bank is still accepting 
donations.  You may bring your donation by the WLAF studio on North Fifth Street.  (updated 
04/02/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Falcons nip Cougars

     It was one the Cougars would liked to've had in the win column.  On a night when it sprinkled rain a time or two, the CCHS Baseball team could never seem to make it rain hits at Brown-Archer Field.  Fulton holds off the Orange and Blue 5 to 4.  Campbell next plays at home on Monday.  (updated 03/31/2012 5:00 p.m.)

Grace Rehab partner dies

      “Everybody knew George.”  That’s how Elaine Smith quickly sizes up her longtime co-worker at Grace Rehab.  “And he was well liked, too.”  She goes on to say.  George McFarland, a partner with Brian Leach at Grace Rehabilitation Center for the past 12-years, died late Friday night.  Smith tells 1450wlaf.com that McFarland had been sick for the better part of a month.  Before coming onboard with Leach at Grace Rehab, McFarland was a teacher, administrator, and department head for the Campbell County School System for nearly 40-years.  George Folton McFarland was 78-years old.  (updated 03/31/2012 5:00 p.m.)

Slow going on I-75

      It’s a taste of what’s to come this summer travel season; bottle necked traffic on I-75 and heaver traffic through La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville.  With lots of travelers ahead of the Easter holiday, traffic snarls on Campbell County’s portion of Interstate 75 are cropping up.  At the crux of the delay is the single-lane stretch of I-75 near the 143 mile marker where construction crews are working.  Crews need the crossover lane to repair a slide that broke loose earlier this month on the south lanes side.  (updated 03/31/2012 5:00 p.m.)

Business as usual for the PVFD 

     The word on the street Friday was that the Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department is shutting its doors at midnight tonight. Not so according to Campbell County Mayor William Baird. Baird tells 1450wlaf.com that the PFVD is operating as usual even though the department is suffering some financial issues where two of its fire trucks are concerned. The two fire engines are on the verge of being repossessed. Even given that, Baird goes on to say that the all volunteer department still has enough fire trucks to cover its service area. In a Friday afternoon meeting, Baird and other officials discussed the PVFD's dilimma and decided the department should continue operating for the time being. Baird adds that the Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department is still answering calls, has money in the bank, and is current with its bills with the exception of the two trucks. Out of three fire stations and around a dozen or so volunteers, PVFD serves nearly a 100 square-mile area just outside Jacksboro. Baird explains that another meeting is planned for next week when he, County Attorney Joe Coker, a member from the USDA and Campbell County Rural Fire Service along with an officer from the board of directors with the Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department will meet. Baird says that turning the service over to the Campbell County Rural Fire Service remains an option. (updated 03/31/2012 11:00 a.m.)

Boomer's Corner is now open

     Boomer offers his two-cents-worth on the new voter ID law.  He also responds to Dennis Powers' recent newspaper article on the new law as well as weighing-in on Frank Nicely and the video voting bill.  (updated 03/30/2012 4:00 p.m.)

La Follette opens beauty trails at 10:00 a.m.

     There's good weather for this morning's ribbon cutting on South Tennessee Avenue in front of the library.  The spring driving trail begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m.  Refreshments will be provided, and the Campbell County High School Band will be there at the start of the trail.  Pink flowers and arrows will guide anyone interested in a beautiful, flowery drive along the best route to see the many sights of this time of year.  See you there!   (updated 03/30/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Cougars, Lady Cougars win 

     It’s a sweep of wins for Cougar Baseball and Lady Cougar Softball.  First softball.  The Lady Cougars clawed back from four-down to ring up their first win of the season.  CCHS came from behind for a 6 to 4 win at home over Cumberland Gap.  The Lady Cougars host Claiborne County in a Saturday doubleheader starting at Noon.  The Cougars earn a key district win on the road at Karns in a two-oh shutout of the Beavers and return home today for a 6:00 p.m. game against Fulton.  Hear the Cougars and Falcons this evening over 1450 WLAF Radio and 1450wlaf.com.  The Voice of the Cougars, David Graham, has the call.  CCHS Track and Field takes part in the Hardin Valley Invitational starting in the morning at 9:00.  Jellico Baseball and Softball host Oakdale this afternoon.  The Blue Devils’ first pitch is set for 5:00 with the Lady Blue Devils starting at 6:00.   (updated 03/30/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Demory Road is reopened

     A section of Demory Road, near the White Bridge, was closed Wednesday for the better part of eight hours.  Darryl Chapman with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department tells 1450wlaf.com that all traffic was rerouted over High Knob Road.  Chapman explains that 42-year old Stacey Ann Lidman of La Follette was driving an SUV and ran off Demory Road around 1:00 this afternoon taking out a telephone pole and a couple of trees as the SUV went over the bank and into the creek that empties into Norris Lake.  Lidman, who was not injured, was the only person involved and was taken away by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and placed in the county jail.  She was charged with driving under the influence and released Wednesday night on citation.  Chapman says Lidman's SUV was ripped to shreds, and it took a Lyk-Nu crew the better part of two hours using two tow trucks to pull the SUV back up to Demory Road.  (updated 03/29/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Cougars, Devils back in action today - CCHS on radio Friday

     It's a busy day for spring sports around the county.  Campbell has baseball and softball games with the Cougars playing in a 5:00 p.m. start at Karns.  This comes on the heels of a difficult 16 to 2 loss at home to Halls on Wednesday.  The Lady Cougar Softball Team hosts Cumberland Gap at 5:30.  Jellico Baseball and Softball tangle with the Eagles beginning at 5:00 at Oakdale in District 4 matchups.  Campbell High Tennis takes on Karns at 4:30 at the West Hills' Courts in Knoxville.  Listen for the Cougar Baseball game with Fulton on Friday over 1450 WLAF radio and here on Dot-Com.  David Graham's broadcast time is 6:00 tomorrow evening.   (updated 03/29/2012 6:00 a.m.)

City council meets in workshop session

By:  Megan Colley

     LaFollette City Council members met Monday evening to discuss the items to go on the agenda for next Tuesday’s council meeting.

     They talked at length about acquiring a Utility Vehicle for the police department to use on the LaFollette walking trail. Police Chief Jeffries and another officer timed themselves as they walked the trail. It took them 58 minutes to walk the entire length of the trail.  “We don’t have the man power to walk it twice a shift,” Chief Jeffries told council members. Vice Mayor Hatmaker suggested that cameras be posted along the new section of walking trail, which is only about 1,100 ft. in order to save money. Several voiced their concern that the cameras would be stolen and by having to replace them, perhaps over and over again, the city would not actually save anything. A bid came in for the utility vehicle for $13,653.99 from Thompson’s Yamaha. This will be voted on in the next council meeting.

     The spring driving trail begins this Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m.  Refreshments will be provided, and the Campbell County High School Band will be there at the start of the trail.  Pink flowers and arrows will guide anyone interested in a beautiful, flowery drive along the best route to see the many sights of this time of year.

     Spring cleaning time is here and the City of LaFollette is jumping right in to help. Trees in front of the city building are getting their summer hair-cuts with some being taken down altogether. Also this April, to help with your spring cleaning, bins will be put out for anyone who is looking to get rid of large appliances or furniture.

     Back in the January workshop, Council Members discussed sending in an application for the Tiger Grant, which is a federal grant program designed to help areas at an economical disadvantage to complete large projects. The project in mind for the grant was the replacement of the bridge on East Beech Street.  The grant application was turned in on time and all requirements were met.  An answer to the application is expected in June or July this year.

     The next regular monthly council meeting is Tuesday, April 3rd at 6:00 at city hall.  (updated 03/28/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Just a swingin’…

     She was asleep.  On the porch.   Drunk.  In a swing.  That’s what sheriff’s deputies tell 1450wlaf.com.  Officers say 31-year old Robyn Lynn Goins was found asleep in a porch swing on someone’s porch who didn’t even know Goins.  The CCSD report explains that Goins of 308 East Chapman Road did not know where she was, had slurred speech, and then became irate.  Goins was cited for public intoxication.  (updated 03/28/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

Hide-n-seek in the creek

     Despite hiding from police in a creek, he was still caught.  In a report from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, officers saw 25-year old Donald Ray Hicks of Pioneer walking along Little Elk Creek Road.  When questioned where he came from, Hicks explained that he’d been hiding in the creek from the law.  Hicks was charged with public intoxication.  (updated 03/28/2012 6:00 a.m.)

TBI ARRESTS FORMER CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT FOR STEALING FROM

CAMPBELL COUNTY FACILITY’S PATIENT TRUST FUNDS

Knoxville, Tennessee – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation yesterday arrested a former certified nurse assistant of a Campbell County healthcare facility on multiple charges for stealing from patient trust funds while she was employed there last year.

Last week, Hope Williams- Smith, 28, of LaFollette, Tenn. was indicted by a Campbell County grand jury on 32 counts of theft, 32 counts of willful exploitation of an adult and one count of forgery. TBI launched an investigation into allegations against Williams- Smith after the Sunbridge Healthcare’s Cumberland Village Care and Rehabilitation Center in Jacksboro, Tenn. conducted an internal audit. Williams- Smith worked at the front desk at Cumberland Village and handled patient trust funds until she was fired in September 2011. Williams- Smith stole more than $4,000 from ten victims between April 2011 and September 2011. She was employed there for a five year period.

Williams-Smith was booked into the Campbell County Jail on $100,000 bond.  (updated 03/27/2012 6:30 p.m.)

Halls halts Cougars

     Halls is tough in baseball.  And it showed Monday at Knoxville.  The Red Devils won 13 to 2 over the Campbell Cougars in a District 3 match-up.  CCHS is now 6 & 4 in all games with a 1 & 4 district mark.  Halls visits Brown-Archer Field Wednesday.  First pitch from the Cougars goes out at 6:00.  (updated 03/27/2012 6:30 a.m.)

Jellico votes on beer sale lines

     Jellico votes to move the beer lines closer to churches and schools.  Monday afternoon, Jellico City Council voted on second reading to narrow the distance on just where beer can be sold within the city.  The old ordinance prohibited the selling of beer within 2-thousand feet of a church or school.  Jellico Mayor Les Stiers broke the tie, and now beer may be sold as close as 300-feet from a church or school.  Until Monday's vote, gas stations near the I-75 exit could not sell beer because they are too close to Crouches Creek Baptist Church.  At issue is revenue for Jellico.  City leaders feared losing revenue to nearby Corbin, which is now selling beer, if the law was not changed.  The owner of the two gas stations nearest the church estimates his stores could generate as much as 60-thousand dollars in annual revenue for Jellico.  (03/27/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Services set for Violet

     Services for long time Campbell County school bus driver Charles Violet are finalized.   Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 this evening at Llewellyn Funeral Home on Main Street in Jellico.  The funeral follows at 8:00 with interment scheduled for Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Campbell Memorial Gardens in Jacksboro.   (03/27/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Jellico man drove a school bus for more than 50 years

     Fond memories of long time Campbell County School Bus Driver Charles Violet are being shared all around the county today.  The man who drove Bus 24 for students from Morely, Wynn, White Oak, and Jellico, died over the weekend.  Ned Smiddy is a School Resource Officer at Jellico High School, and during his school days as a student and ball player, recalls Charles Violet being behind the wheel taking him and others to school as well as the Blue Devils’ to football and basketball games.  Smiddy adds that Violet never let a youngster off the bus hungry or without a way home on ball game nights.  JHS Principal Harry Chitwood notes that Charles was always good to his passengers.  Chitwood says that on the extra warm days, Violet always had a cooler filled with ice and bottled water for the students.  Aside from driving Bus 24, Violet drove a coal truck and taxi for a living.  He also served on the Jellico City Council for several years.  School officials tell 1450wlaf.com that Bus 24 did not make its rounds today but is expected to be back on the route by Tuesday morning.  Llewellyn Funeral Home of Jellico is in charge of the arrangements.  Charles Violet was 80 years old.  (updated 03/26/2012 Noon)

News from Nashville

Death Tax Repeal Moves Out of House Finance Subcommittee

Death tax would be phased out by 2016

     On Wednesday (03/21/2012), the House Majority took a major step towards accomplishing a long-time goal of everyone who is concerned about economic growth in Tennessee by advancing a bill that will ultimately do away with the death tax in the State.

     The Speaker praised the House Finance, Ways and Means Chairman and several Representatives for their leadership and hard work to repeal the State’s death tax. House Bill 3760 passed the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee and will be heard in the full committee in the coming weeks.

     “Without their leadership, this full repeal of the death tax would not have been possible,” said the Speaker. “I appreciate their passion for this issue. We know this tax drives people, capital, and jobs out of the State. We know this tax splits up family farms that have been in the family for generations. I commend everyone’s hard work on this very important issue.”

     The bill has been amended to now include a full repeal, with the death tax phasing out gradually over the next four years. By 2016, the tax will be completely eliminated. Tennessee is one of only two States in the South with a death tax.

     State Representative, Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro), cosponsor of the measure to repeal the death tax and vocal proponent for small businesses, immediately applauded the move. “With this action, we are ensuring families and small businesses won’t be harassed by government with harmful taxes after a loved one passes. Not only is this legislation pro-business, it is also pro-family. I will do everything that I can to help the Speaker and Chairman get this to the Governor’s desk as soon as possible.”

State Remembers Lost Soldier with First TN Fallen Heroes Medal

     The Governor and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner posthumously awarded Sergeant First Class Dennis Murray the first Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medal. SFC Murray’s mother accepted the medal on behalf of the Murray family. Representatives and Senators sponsored House Bill 1019/Senate Bill 0541 to honor and recognize service members killed in the line of duty.

     “We are grateful and humbled by SFC Murray’s heroism and sacrifice,” said the Governor. “On behalf of Tennesseans, we want to express appreciation to his family for his service and to let them know he won’t be forgotten.”

     Murray was killed when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device (IED) November 21, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Murray is survived by his mother, Wanda Maxey, wife, Shelee Murray, and his two children, Sebastian and Savannah.

     “We want surviving families to know that Tennesseans are grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of the service members who represent our state and country,” stated State Representative, Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro).  “This medal is a token of our sympathy, gratitude and continued respect for the commitment of our fallen Tennessee heroes.”

     Future Tennessee Fallen Heroes Medals will be presented to surviving families at the time of visitation or memorials of service members killed in action.

In Brief

     FastTrack Jobs Bill Coming to the Full House — This week, the House Calendar & Rules Committee scheduled an important economic development bill for a full House vote on March 28th. The legislation creates the FastTrack economic development program, which would provide grants and loans to local governments or to their economic development organizations. These grants would then be utilized to facilitate economic development activities that are not eligible for infrastructure development or job training assistance funds. Such activities include retrofitting, relocating equipment, purchasing equipment, building repairs and improvements, temporary office space or other equipment related to relocation or expansion. These economic development funds will only be used in exceptional circumstances when the funds will make a proportionally significant economic impact on the affected community.

     Legislators Pass Resolution Directing Education Dept. to Follow through on Evaluation Feedback — On Monday (03/19/2012), lawmakers passed House Joint Resolution 520 directing the Tennessee Department of Education to follow through on its publicly stated plan to provide multiple opportunities for feedback about new teacher evaluations. House leaders wanted to ensure all viewpoints are given time to provide constructive opinions about the impact of new teacher evaluation requirements implemented this school year.

     House Passes Legislation Allowing Public Display of Historically-Significant Documents in Public Buildings — Early in the week, the House passed a bill that will give local authorities the opportunity to display historically-significant documents, such as the Ten Commandments or Declaration of Independence, in public buildings. The bill passed the Chamber unanimously and has been sent to the Senate for its approval.  (updated 03/26/2012 2:30 p.m.)

City council workshop in La Follette

     It's workshop night.  La Follette City Council meets in workshop session this evening beginning at 6:00 at city hall.  (updated 03/26/2012 9:30 a.m.)

CCHS Spring sports in action today

     The Cougar Baseball Team takes on Halls at Knoxville this afternoon.  First pitch is set for 5:00.  Lady Cougar Softball visits Karns for a doubleheader starting at 6:00.  Jellico hosts Sunbright in baseball and softball.  Lady Blue Devil Softball with the Lady Tigers begins at 5:00 while Blue Devil baseball with Sunbright starts at 5:30.  (updated 03/26/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

White Oak Principal going into private business

     Lynn Ray is leaving his post as principal at White Oak Elementary School.  That’s the word from officials with Campbell County Schools after a posting for Ray’s position was released Thursday.  1450wlaf.com learned this morning that beginning in April, Ray is going into the insurance business.  Applications for the White Oak principal vacancy must be received by April 2.  Interviews take place the next day, on the third, with a decision on who will be the new principal made by the fifth of April.  Ray's last day with the school system is April 13.  (updated 03/23/2012 10:00 a.m.)

Cougars dominate at Tazewell

     Win six is in the books for CCHS Baseball.  The Orange and Blue jumped on Claiborne County on the Bulldogs' home diamond with a 17 - 2 non-district win Thursday afternoon.  Cougar ace Andy Hickman goes the five-inning distance in recording the win while Tucker Cain, Landon Brackett, Joseph Williams, and Bo Farris dominate at the plate.  Cain was two- for-three with Brackett, Williams, and Farris going two-for-four.  CCHS is 6 & 3 with a home game against Heritage, weather permitting, today at 6:00.  (updated 03/23/2012 1:00 p.m.)

Boomer's Corner is open for the weekend

     It's not the funniest of Boomer's Corners, but this one is a dandy.  Boomer weighs-in on school prayer, TCAPs, and keeping teacher evaluation results private.  Find the Boomer's Corner link to your left and enjoy!   (updated 03/23/2012 9:00 a.m.)

Updated story as qualifying deadline approaches for August election

     Interest in the August election grows.  Time to qualify for the race narrows.  Officials with the Campbell County Election tell 1450wlaf.com that 19 petitions have been picked up so far. Dennis Powers plans to defend his post as State Representative while Virgil Kidwell picked up a petition.  Powers is running as a Republican while Kidwell is an Independent.  Here’s who else plans to run in August, for property assessor Brandon Partin and Tony Kitts, for Road Superintendent Dennis Potter and Scott Evans. Evans looks to unseat Potter. Three people have petitions for the Third District County Commissioner position that has two years remaining after Melvin Boshears retired in December. They are Scott Stanfield, Wendell Bailey and Virgil Kidwell.  Stanfield is filling the vacancy until the election.  In the School Board race, District One, incumbent David Lynch and Danny Wilson, from district 2  Homer Rutherford, who now holds the post and Clifford Kohlmeyer, who is yet to return his petition, out of the 3rd district, School Board Member Johnny Byrge may have opposition from Gary Seale, in the 4th district, Mike Orick is yet to be challenged, while the 5th district has two challengers for incumbent J. L. Collins with Elsie Crawford, and Terry West picking up petitions.  Those who have returned petitions are Potter, Evans, Partin, Kitts, Lynch, Wilson, Rutherford, Byrge, Collins, and Crawford.  Deadline to qualify for the August election is Thursday, April 5 at Noon.  (updated 03/23/2012 9:30 a.m.)

Elite 8, CCHS sports

      Louisville, Syracuse, Ohio State, and Florida win Thursday night and advance to the Elite 8 in the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Weather permitting, there are lots of CCHS teams set to get into action today.  Cougar Baseball hosts Heritage at 6:00 while Lady Cougar Softball entertains Scott County at 5:30.  The CCHS Track and Field team takes part in the William Blount Invitational starting at 5:00.  Jellico Lady Blue Devil Softball hosts Monticello in a doubleheader with the first pitch going out at 6:00.  (updated 03/23/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Hatfield’s are suing CCSD & others

     The fallout from a Labor Day Weekend crash involving an off-duty deputy makes another turn.  Robert and Janice Hatfield are suing the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and others after Deputy Jason Henegar crashed his pick-up truck into their Imperial Heights home.  As a result, Mrs. Hatfield suffered a broken collarbone and the Hatfield home was damaged.  Within days, Sheriff Goins fired Henegar and Chief Deputy Jonathan Finley for violating department policy in connection with the crash.  Goins, Henegar, and Finley are named in the lawsuit.  The Hatfield’s lawsuit claims sheriff’s department employees tried to cover up what happened and goes on to claim negligence and assault.  Knoxville Attorney Gregory P. Isaacs represents the Hatfields and is asking for a jury trial and an unspecified amount of damages.  (updated 03/22/2012 6:00 p.m.)

Tyler Chapman inks with Alice Lloyd College to play basketball

CCHS Cougar Nick Litton signs to play for the ALC Eagles

More Cougars heading off to play college sports

     The list of Cougars playing at the collegiate level grew by two today.  Add Tyler Chapman and Nick Litton's names to that special list.  The pair of CCHS post players signed with Alice Lloyd College.  ALC finished 15 & 16 this season with close losses to a couple of NCAA Division I-A teams in that of VMI and Gardner Webb.  Alice Lloyd College is located in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, and is a member of the NAIA competing in the KIAC (Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) against the likes of Berea, Cincinnati Christian, and Indiana University Southeast to name a few.  (updated 03/22/2012 4:30 p.m.)

Proud day at Jellico High School

     Ethan Shelley's an Eagle again.  The Jellico High Senior signed this morning to play basketball for the Alice Lloyd College Eagles of Pippa Passes, Kentucky.  The long time Clairfield Eagle and Jellico Blue Devil tells 1450wlaf.com that he's looking forward to the challenge of playing basketball and hitting the books at the collegiate level.  The 6-4 Shelley is the second Blue Devil to sign college scholarship papers this season.  Cody Malicoat inked with MTSU last fall.  On the front row, Ethan is flanked by his parents Brenda and Donald while JHS Director of Athletics Deno Oakes and JHS Head Coach Mike Reynolds  along with ALC coaches Dalton and Adams and JHS Principal Harry Chitwood are on the back row.  (updated 03/22/2012 3:30 p.m.)

CES student's flown out by Lifestar

     All’s well that ends well.  At least that was the case Wednesday afternoon at Caryville Elementary School.  However, that was not the case initially as concern grew when a third-grader was flown out by Lifestar.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com are that the eight-year old boy jumped out of a swing and landed on his bottom.  The problem on the CES playground began when the youngster lost feeling in one or both of his legs.  An ambulance was called taking him to the Caryville ball field, next to the former Caryville School property.  That’s where Lifestar picked him up and flew him to the University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville.  School officials tell WLAF that the young man came home Wednesday night and appears to be OK.  (updated 03/22/2012 9:00 a.m.)

Severe weather potential is back in the picture

     It’s only been three weeks since severe weather hit our region.  And strong to severe storm potential returns to our weather.  As it stands right now, Friday, Friday night, and Saturday pose a slight risk of severe weather.  The main threats are hail and damaging wind.  As usual, tune to 1450 WLAF Radio, 1450wlaf.com, or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest updates should severe weather potential develop.  (updated 03/22/2012 6;00 a.m.)

 

Southern Sons ride for local war hero Saturday

     Marine Lance Corporal Cody Evans lost his legs fighting for our country.  Saturday, members of the Southern Sons Motorcycle Club show their respect for the wounded war hero with a benefit bike ride.  Eddie Silcox with SSMC tells 1450wlaf.com that all riders are   

welcome, and even if you don’t ride, you may still donate.  Evans is a Speedwell native and lost both his legs when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in December.  Sign-up for riders is tomorrow morning at 10:00 in the Grace Rehab parking lot with kick stands going up at Noon.  (updated 04/06/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

Orick honored by constituents’ vote of confidence
     
     The Chairman of the Campbell County Board of Education, Mike Orick, is humbled 
by the voters of the 4th District.  Orick is one of two candidates on the August General 
Election Ballot who will not face opposition.  The Chairman tells 1450wlaf.com that he is 
pleased and honored for the vote of confidence for the job he’s done the past four years 
representing the 4th district.  He goes on to say that he’ll continue to do a good job and be 
available for Campbell Countians regardless of district.  Third District School Board Member 
Johnny Byrge is also running unopposed in August.   (updated 04/06/2012 6:00 a.m.) 
Poston is new White Oak Principal

     Allison Justice Poston is the new principal at White Oak Elementary School.  The 3rd grade teacher at Jacksboro Elementary School was chosen from a pool of five applicants and takes over as principal on April 16.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s looking for stability at WOES and believes Poston will provide that.  White Oak Elementary School has gone through several principals in just a few years.  Poston, no relation to the director of schools, replaces Lynn Ray who is leaving education to enter private business.  (updated 04/06/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

 What's open, what's not

     Good Friday means some closings.  The offices for the cities of La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville are closed while the banks and post offices are open.  With the exception of police, sheriff’s and fire departments and ambulance service all other city and county departments are closed.  The court house is closed today as well.  Most businesses are open.  However, Litho-Craft Printing and Office Supply is closed.  Calling ahead may save you some time.   (updated 04/06/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

CCHS versus CCHS in baseball & tennis today

     Cougar Baseball takes one on the chin Wednesday night.  At Clinton, Anderson County wins 12 to 2.  The Cougars look to return to the winning track today at Tazewell.  It’s a 5:00 p.m. start for CCHS and CCHS.  It’s a sports doubleheader at Claiborne County High.  The Cougar and Lady Cougar Tennis Teams tangle with the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs on the courts.  Matches begin at 4:30.    (updated 03/22/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Campbell Board of Education meets

     The shortest meeting in a long, long time.  That’s how Board of Education Chairman Mike Orick quickly sums up Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting.  In fact, the chairman says had it not been for a 20-minute executive session, the meeting would’ve been completed in less than half-an-hour.  All toll, the meeting ran well under an hour.  Orick tells WLAF that a discussion surrounding pending litigation was the purpose of the executive session.  A few bids and routine business made for quick work of the March meeting.  Bids for commodity processing, school nutrition equipment, and a new roof for the East La Follette Alternative School were reviewed.  The board also requested permission to advertise bids for the Jellico High School dining room furniture plan.  And the board approved the elementary final grade policy along with the revised CCBE graduation requirement policy 4.605 first reading.  (updated 03/21/2012 6:00 p.m.)

Cougars win again

     It was Whitley County this time.  And this time on the mound, it was the combo of Freshman Andrew Evans and Senior Andy Hickman that sent the Colonels packing.  Evans earns the win while Hickman records the save as the Cougars dispatched Whitley 11 to 7.  Joseph Williams and Bo Farris handled the hitting with a double apiece against the Kentuckians.  The Cougars are now 5 & 2 with a 1 & 2 district mark.  CCHS plays at Anderson County this evening and then takes on the Bulldogs of Claiborne at Tazewell Thursday at 5:00.  (updated 03/21/2012 6:00 p.m.)

Career opportunity

     If you're looking for work, we have a career opportunity to mention.  Cumberland Gap Medical needs help in its Campbell County location.  CGM is seeking a Family Nurse Practitioner to manage its soon opening La Follette office.  Interested parties are encouraged to call 423.869.3332.   (updated 03/21/2012 10:00 a.m.) 

Breakfast, meth, bust

     Around 8:00 Tuesday morning, when some enjoy a second cup of coffee, La Follette Police were busy dismantling an active meth lab.  At 306 West Walden Street, within sight of First Baptist Church, is where first responders with LPD, the La Follette Fire Department, and the Meth Task Force were called.  Reports from neighbors, though unconfirmed with authorities, are that a dog apparently died in the house and that the Department of Human Services took two children from the home.  The three adults booked into the county jail are 22-year old Joseph Fox of Jacksboro along with 41-year old Juden Eugene Neland and 42-year old Marsha Neland.  Fox’s address is 780 Queener Road and both Nelands’ addresses are listed at the house on West Walden Street.  All three are charged with initiation of procedure to manufacture meth.  (updated 03/21/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

 

 

Free meal day

     Trinity Baptist Church hosts its monthly free meal this evening.  From 5:00 to 6:30, everyone is invited to enjoy dinner at the church on South 12th at East Beech Streets.  (updated 03/21/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

CCHS teams take to the diamond 

     It’s a diamond day for Campbell baseball and softball teams.  The Cougars visit Anderson County in a 6:00 p.m. start.  The Orange and Blue look to rebound from Monday’s home loss to the Mavericks.  At Jellico is where the Lady Cougars play softball today at 5:00 against the Lady Blue Devils.  It’s the third straight day of action for the CCHS softball squad.   (updated 03/21/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

New Market biker is killed, Metzler remains serious

     A New Market man dies when his motorcycle hits a guard rail.  The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports to 1450wlaf.com that 49-year old Ron Atherton was killed Monday afternoon in Sevierville on New Center Road.  Trooper John Pedigo reports that Atherton was negotiating a right turn when his right foot peg hit the pavement.  That kicked Atherton’s Honda Gold Wing to the left across the east bound lanes into the guard rail.  Here in Campbell County, a motorcycle rider remains hospitalized.  Officials at in the Surgical-Critical Care Unit at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville tell 1450wlaf.com that John Metzler remains in serious condition this morning.  Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputies tell 1450wlaf.com that Metzler is recovering from injuries he sustained when he lost control of his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle while traveling south on Mount Paran Road.  Just before 6:00 Sunday afternoon is when reports came in that Metzler laid down his bike and slid into a Chevy pick-up truck.  The truck, driven by Josh Monday, was also pulling a boat.  As a precaution of internal injuries, Metzler was flown out by Lifestar.  Deputies say Metzler wrecked in the "S" curve on Mount Paran Road.  The Tennessee Highway Patrol worked the accident.   (updated 03/20/2012 9:00 a.m.) 

Summer is here...uh, I mean spring

     Spring is here.  Or is it summer?  With another day of 80s on tap, you might think it's June rather than March.  Spring officially arrived here in Campbell County a little after 1:00 this morning.  Highs in the 80s are forecast for the next couple of days.   (updated 03/20/2012 6:00 a.m.) 

Baird, Bruce out while Singley's in

With both the chairman and vice chairman missing, the greatest challenge before the Campbell County Commission on Monday night was simply finding a way to bring the meeting to order.

Once that was accomplished, negotiating the new electronic voting system proved an equally imposing task, as a few commissioners are still getting the hang of it. Finance Director Jeff Marlow, who was operating the system, had to back up on a couple of occasions when commissioners inadvertently counted themselves as "absent" and were removed from the rolls.

County Clerk Debbie Wilson took the chair long enough to ask commissioners to nominate and elect a temporary chairman to open the meeting. Mayor William Baird was in Washington, helping to lobby Congress for the funds needed to continue the services of the East Tennessee Human Resources Agency.

When Vice Chairman Johnny Bruce also failed to show up for the meeting, a temporary chair had to be nominated and elected. That chairman turned out to be Jellico commissioner Terry Singley. The reluctant chairman was elected by a vote of 12-1, the solitary "no" vote being cast by Singley himself.

The commission quickly approved reports and a series of budget amendments from last week’s budget & finance committee session. They then approved a series of resolutions from the Mayor’s office, along with new pricing guidelines for the ambulance service, increasing mileage rates from $10 to $12 and setting a $50 fee for ambulance calls where patients decline transportation to a hospital.

Mayor Baird’s two nominees to replace Melvin Boshears and Eddie Wheeler on the Planning Commission were also approved unanimously – Charles Baird replacing Boshears and Luke Kirkland replacing Wheeler.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow informed the commission that the county will not pursue a controversial matching federal grant for energy efficiency in county buildings this year. Marlow explained that the School Department is also eligible for the grant and because money has already been appropriated in the school budget to upgrade energy efficiency, no additional local expenditures would be necessary to earn the federal matching grant.

"Only one entity from the county can apply in the same year, and the schools can do it without costing additional money," Marlow pointed out.

The only matter to generate any disagreement among commissioners was a counter-offer from the owner of a tract of industrial land in the county-owned Oswego Industrial Park near Jellico. That land was sold by the county to Proto Circuits over 20 years ago, but the company never did develop the promised computer circuit factory that would have provided badly-needed jobs in Jellico.

The commission recently voted to offer the owner the appraised value of the land, $66,500, to return ownership to the county. Proto Circuits countered with a "final price" of $73,500.

"I really don’t enjoy giving him anything – he’s done nothing with the land – but I’ll go along with that to get the property back in county hands where we can market it to someone who will use it," J. L. Davis urged.

A majority of commissioners, however, voted to call the company’s bluff on the "final" part. The $73,500 price tag was rejected 7-6 and the commission then voted 9-4 to offer $68,000 as a compromise. Beverly Hall, Thomas Hatmaker, Sue Nance and Scott Stanfield all voted against offering anything above the original $66,500 price.   (updated 03/20/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Anderson stings Campbell, Lady Cougars at home today

     Cougar Baseball had a tough-go with Anderson County Monday night at Brown-Archer Field. The Mavericks put up five runs in the first inning en-route to an 11 to 1 victory. Campbell travels to the Mavs' home field for a rematch Wednesday at 6:00.  The Lady Cougars open their home schedule today.  First pitch for CCHS hosting Oak Ridge goes out at 6:00. (updated 03/20/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Goodbye to Gladys

     She was one of the few left. Gladys McCulley, who began working at the shirt factory at the tender age of 13, passed away over the weekend.  WLAF News caught up with Gladys last summer as she was helping promote the shirt factory's annual picnic reunion.   Even then she said that it may be the last get together since so many who worked at the factory have either gone on or were too sick to make it.  Gladys worked at the shirt factory for almost 50-years. In fact, she fibbed about her age, saying she was 15 rather than 13 so she could start work way back in 1937.  Gladys McCulley was laid to rest today at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.    (updated 03/20/2012 6:00 a.m.)

East All-Star Cody Malicoat

Malicoat shines, Manning changes horses, Vols finished

     Cody Malicoat plays his last high school basketball game. Jellico High's Malicoat took part in the BCAT all-star game over the weekend and took part he did. The MTSU signee knocked down six of the game's first 10-points to spark his East team. Malicoat ended up with a dozen points as the West won the shootout 113-108 at Murfreesboro’s Middle Tennessee Christian School.  Peyton Manning is now a Denver Bronco.  The Lady Vols (26-8) defeat DePaul advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 while MTSU ends the Vols’ (19-15) season in the NIT.   (updated 03/20/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Biker remains serious

     A motorcyclist is in serious condition at this hour.  John Metzler is being treated in the Surgical-Critical Care Unit at the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  Officials tell 1450wlaf.com that Metzler is recovering from injuries he sustained when he lost control of his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle while traveling south on Mount Paran Road.  Just before 6:00 Sunday afternoon is when reports came in that Metzler laid down his bike and slid into a Chevy pick-up truck.  The truck, driven by Josh Monday, was also pulling a boat.  As a precaution of internal injuries, Metzler was flown out by Lifestar.  Deputies say Metzler wrecked in the "S" curve on Mount Paran Road.  The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.   (updated 03/19/2012 11:45 a.m.)

Boomer's Corner goes soft

     Boomer couldn't find much to rant about this go-round.  So, this week's column brings out his "grandfather" side.  Enjoy !  (updated 03/19/2012 11:00 a.m.)

Lifestar lands in Campbell County

     It was a motorcycle versus a pick-up truck Sunday evening.  As a precaution of internal injuries, Lifestar flew out the bike rider to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells 1450wlaf.com that the rider of a black Harley was traveling south on Mount Paran Road just before 6:00 p.m.  That’s when Evans says the bike rider lost control laying the motorcycle down sliding into a gold Chevy pick-up truck pulling a boat.  The name and condition of the biker are not yet known.  (updated 03/19/2012 6:00 a.m.)

It's back to the classroom 

     Spring Break is over for those in our county schools.  So, it’s back to school today as the countdown to TCAP testing, graduation, and the last day of school (June 1) begins.  A busy week for county government is ahead.  The county commission meets tonight at 6:00 at the court house while the school board’s regular monthly meeting is set for Tuesday night.  We’ll have the stories for you right here.  (updated 03/19/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Spring "officially" arrives Tuesday

     It's felt like Spring for quite a while.  However, it does not officially make its way to Campbell County on the calendar until Tuesday morning at 1:14.  Sunshine and 80s highlight tomorrow's forecast.  (updated 03/19/2012 6:00 a.m.)

CCHS, Vols, & Lady Vols in action tonight

     Baseball and softball tonight!  Campbell High's Lady Cougars christen the 2012 softball season at Clinton today.  First pitch is set for 6:00.  The Cougars are home with Anderson County this evening in a 6:00 o’clock start.  David Graham and Greg Bracket have the call over 1450 WLAF Radio and here on 1450wlaf.com.  Our Campbell Cougars split with Central in a double-header that was moved to Brown-Archer Field on Saturday.  Central clawed back from four runs down to claim the first game 6 to 4 while the Cougars took game two 6 to 5.  CCHS is now 4 & 1 on the season and now 1 & 1 in District 3-AAA.  It’s a Tennessee Basketball doubleheader tonight on ESPN.  The Vols (19-14) host Middle Tennessee (26-6) at 7:00 at Thompson-Boling Arena in the second round of the NIT.  ESPN has the telecast.  The Lady Vols (25-8, a two seed, take on 7th seeded Depaul (23-10) on the Lady Blue Demons home court in Chicago.  It’s a 9:30 tip for the 2nd round NCAA Tourney game also on ESPN.  DePaul has never defeated the Lady Vols.  (updated 03/19/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Claiborne businesses and individuals get assistance

      Neighboring Claiborne County is getting disaster aid.  Governor Haslam tells 1450wlaf.com that individuals in Claiborne, along with folks in nine other Tennessee Counties, are now eligible for federal assistance.  Those who sustained losses from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from February 29 through March 2 may begin applying for assistance today.  The other counties eligible for Federal Recovery Assistance are Bradley, Cumberland, DeKalb, Hamilton, Jackson, McMinn, Monroe, Overton, and Polk.  For assistance, simply register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1.800.621.3362.  (updated 03/19/2012 6:00 a.m.)

I-75 south and north lanes open

     The orange cones are gone from East Central Avenue.  And that’s a good thing for all travelers.  It signals the opening of north and south lanes of I-75.  That "crossover" lane, that's taken almost a week to construct, is now ready, and southbound traffic through Campbell County is able to remain on I-75 rather than taking a detour through La Follette. Just after dark Wednesday night is when one southbound lane opened.  So, now, there are two lanes heading north and one lane for those driving south.  That's only for a short stretch of interstate, though.  This all began last week when TDOT Crews discovered that a big chunk of earth collapsed beneath part of "75" near Mile Marker 143.  That prompted workers to close one lane on Thursday before closing both lanes on that south side on Friday after a large "crack" developed in the middle of the lanes along the dotted white lines.  The switch to one-lane on the south side begins near Mile Marker 144, the Stinking Creek Exit, and runs to near Mile Marker 141, the Huntsville-Oneida Exit.  TDOT officials say that wide-loads still need to take Highway 297 from Jellico through Elk Valley for their detour.  Mark Nagi with TDOT tells 1450wlaf.com that extra travel time is needed no matter how you travel south through Campbell County and to expect a bottle neck where south lanes narrow to one-lane on I-75.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/15/2012)

Cougars go to two & oh

     The Campbell County Cougars are now 2 & 0. Coach Brad Collette's Cougar Baseballers battled back after giving up four runs in the first inning to defeat Lenoir City 11 to 7 Wednesday evening at Brown-Archer Field. The Orange and Blue was scheduled to travel to Williamsburg today for a 5:00 p.m. game with the Yellow Jackets. However, the Jackets have a problem with their field, so the game is going to be played, instead, at Brown-Archer Field this afternoon.  Listen for the Cougars' game with Anderson County Monday at 6:00 over 1450 WLAF Radio and 1450wlaf.com.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/15/2012)

Free meal night

     Tonight is "Meals in a Pinch" night. Beginning at 6:00, members of the Jellico Highway Church of God provide a complete meal in a box while supplies last. The church is about 10-minutes north of La Follette on Highway 25W. Look for the church on the right.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/15/2012)

Friday is commodity day in La Follette

     Friday is commodity day in La Follette. They'll be handed out beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the La Follette Community Center, formerly West La Follette School.  It's on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please bring a box and someone to help carry your food.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/15/2012)

The crash was near mile marker 134. (submitted to 6 News Facebook page)   

I-75 North open following fatal crash

     A Greenback man dies in a fiery 18-wheeler crash on I-75.  The call came in just before 4:00 Tuesday afternoon that there was a big rig collision northbound on the interstate, a driver was trapped, and one truck was on fire.  According to reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, there were three tractor trailer trucks involved.  Due to road construction, two of the trucks were traveling slowly in the right lane near mile marker 138, which is between the two Caryville Exits.  The first rig, a 2000 Peterbuilt, was hauling grain and was driven by 28-year old Mark Montgomery of Shelbyville, Illinois.  Right behind Montgomery was a Mattoon, Illinois, man, 55-year old Brian Collins, operating a Kenworth loaded with auto parts.  THP Sergeant William Bruce tells 1450wlaf.com that Steven Wright was behind the wheel of an International tractor also carrying auto parts.  Bruce explains that Wright failed to slow down and rammed Collins’ Kenworth shoving it into the truck in front of it.  Wright was trapped in his cab when his truck burst into flames.  Eyewitness accounts are that Montgomery and Collins pulled fire extinguishers from their cabs, ran to Wright's rig, and tried to save the Tennessee man.  The 48-year old Wright later died.  The accident immediately sent traffic into a standstill with vehicles right behind the crash sitting for more than four hours before they were able to move.  Lake City, Caryville, Jacksboro, and La Follette became mobile parking lots until about 9:00 p.m. when one northbound lane of I-75 was reopened.  The other lane opened this morning a little after 3:00.  Southbound I-75 traffic continues traveling through La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville back to the interstate at Exit 134.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/14/2012) 

Caryville City Council meets

     Plans for a new hotel in Caryville are moving right along.  That’s one of several topics discussed at Monday night’s Caryville City Council meeting.  Holiday Inn Express owner Jay Patel brought blueprints for council to see, and says he hope to have the new hotel open by December.  Patel is renovating the one-time Family Inn/Thacker Christmas Tree Inn at Exit 134.  Council voted to zone Pain Management Clinics and expand the definition of clinics and adding methadone.  Representatives with Ride Royal Blue asked to use city land near Exit 141 to host a summer concert.  Mayor Robert Stooksbury explained that he and the aldermen need to learn more about just what, if anything, the city can do to lease the land for the concert.  April is again designated as “clean up month” in Caryville and council voted to donate $1,000 to Relay for Life.  At Caryville’s Beer Board meeting, Caryville Food Market was approved to sell beer while Road House Shell is given a second chance after having its license suspended last year for selling to a minor.  The Shell’s license is reinstated.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/14/2012) 

Cougars return to the diamond

     It’s a beautiful day for Cougar Baseball.  The CCHS baseball team hosts Lenoir City today at 6:00 at Brown-Archer Field.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/14/2012) 

Free hearing exams today

     Wednesday means free hearing exam day at the La Follette Beltone Hearing Aid Center.  Simply stop by the office on West Central Avenue across from First Baptist Church.  The telephone number is 423.562.7562.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 03/14/2012) 

 

I-75 comes to La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville

I-75 remains shutdown at this hour

       All traffic lights in La Follette are flashing except for the Towe String Road and Tennessee Avenue traffic lights.  A fatal tractor trailer accident shutdown I-75 northbound just after 3:30 this afternoon when an 18-wheeler rear ended another big rig trapping the driver inside one rig as the cab caught fire.  (updated 6:30 p.m. 03/13/2012)

Truck on fire driver trapped

I-75 north of Caryville is shutdown

     Reports coming in to WLAF are that two tractor trailer trucks collided just after 3:30 today.  Mile marker 138 on I-75 North, between the two Caryville exits, is where Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells 1450wlaf.com that an 18-wheeler rear ended another 18-wheeler.  Evans says one truck is fully engulfed and that its driver is trapped.  More details as they become available. (updated 03/13/2012 4:15 p.m.)

Two Cougars are Kentucky-bound to play college ball

     They’ve been on the same basketball team for years.  And the trend continues for friends and teammates Tyler Chapman and Nick Litton.  The up-front duo that led Campbell High to an 18-win season plan to sign and play basketball for Alice Lloyd College.  After years as Owls and Cougars, Chapman and Litton sign next week to become ALC Eagles.  Alice Lloyd College is in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, and plays in the KIAC, Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, against the likes of Berea, Cincinnati Christian, and Indiana University East along with six other colleges.  (updated 03/13/2012 2:00 p.m.)

Community Prayer Service is tonight

     Tuesday means Community Prayer Service time.  Tonight at 7:00 is when local pastors and many other folks around the area gather for a community prayer at the La Follette Community Center (the West La Follette School).  You may see previous prayer services right here on 1450wlaf.com.  Look for the link to the left on this page.  (updated 03/13/2012 2:00 p.m.)

 Cougar Baseball opens on winning note

     The Cougars are off and running.  CCHS Baseball continues what it started last year,  winning.  Monday at Brown-Archer Field, the Orange and Blue defeated Williamsburg 6 to 3 in its home and season opener.  Next up is a home meeting with Lenoir City.  First pitch is 6:00 Wednesday.  (updated 03/13/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Zumba zaps stress, burns calories

     “I get to wind down here after work.”  That’s Tracy Campbell’s take on Zumba.  Sandy Gaylor says it helps her control stress.  For upwards of 70 women, and a brave man once in a while, Zumba is a three-night a week oasis from the everyday challenges of life.  It’s not your mother’s aerobics.  No Beetles.  No Dolly.  Certified instructor Sharon Shepherd describes it as Latin style dance aerobics full of cardio and a lot of moving all to the beat of some of the latest tunes.  Shepherd and her counter-part Dianna Evans celebrate a year of Zumba in Campbell County this month though the first official class of just 16 began back on June 9.  Numbers are key.  Campbell’s dropped 30-points on her cholesterol reading while Evans says you’ll burn anywhere from six to 800 calories a session.  Zumba meets Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6:00 at the Caryville Elementary School Gym.  For the dedicated Zumba goers, there’s a one Saturday a month master class that runs 90-minutes.  That’s an extra half-hour above the weekly workouts.  Gaylor and Campbell both applaud Sharon and Dianna saying their personalities and encouragement are difference makers.  Shepherd and Evans add that they are grateful to the Board of Education for allowing them to rent the gym and be able to offer such a service to Campbell Countians.   (updated 03/13/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Workshop night for county commission

New county commissioner Scott Stanfield got his first taste of action Monday night at the monthly budget committee and workshop. He won’t be blamed if he has second thoughts about serving.

The budget & finance committee went on for over an hour and a half, reviewing a group of mostly routine budget amendments to adjust departmental budgets for increased fuel costs and move around enough money within the sanitation budget to replace two worn out garbage trucks.

The length of the committee session was due mainly to Thomas Hatmaker, who took the opportunity to ask numerous questions about a recent state comptrollers audit that included several criticisms, two of which have been included in every state audit for the past decade.

Those comptroller’s criticisms, that courthouse fee offices do not have sufficient separation of duties between employees handling money and those keeping records, and a recommendation that the county establish an audit committee, have been repeated numerous times. Hatmaker has continued to push the topics despite little support from the rest of the commission.

Stanfield joined Hatmaker and Beverly Hall in voting against an amendment to appropriate matching money for a state clean energy grant to improve energy efficiency in county-owned buildings. Hall had earlier explained that she opposed the motion because Mayor William Baird had misled commissioners, telling them that the grants would be 100 percent without requiring local matching funds.

Baird later explained that the grants come in several versions. A matching grant of 50-50 having the greatest chance of being approved by the state while grants with local matching funds of only 10 or 20 percent have less chance of being funded.

Baird said the county was trying for a 20 percent local match, and the budget appropriation passed 6-3 with several members absent from the meeting.

The commission workshop, starting nearly 45 minutes late, was over quickly. Former Financial Management Committee member James Slusher was the only citizen to address the commission, offering what has become his regular and predictable criticism of any attempt to raise taxes. Slusher repeated the audit findings that Hatmaker had already brought up in committee and insisted that enough money could be saved by cutting waste in other areas to pay for road paving.

The rest of the workshop took no more time than Slusher’s lecture, as only eight commissioners remained and with the exception of Hatmaker, most had no agenda items to bring up for next Monday’s regular meeting.    (updated 03/13/2012 6:00 a.m.)     

Nagi notes new crossover opening date

     First it was Monday.  Then Tuesday or Wednesday.  Now, TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi says it'll be Friday before the crossover lane is complete on I-75.  That means southbound I-75 travelers must take two-lane Highways 25W or 297 for a few more days.

     In order to assist travelers in Campbell County, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is constructing a crossover lane on Interstate 75.  Last Friday, both lanes of I-75 South were closed following the collapse of a section of embankment near Mile Marker 144.

     When the crossover is complete, one lane of southbound I-75 traffic will be shifted to one northbound lane. There will be two lanes for northbound traffic, and one lane for southbound traffic. This temporary traffic pattern will remain in place until repairs to the slide area can be completed.

     The I-75 crossover lane is expected to be in place by Friday, March 16th.

     There is no timetable as to when I-75 South will re-open to normal traffic patterns.

     Until the crossover lane is complete, two detour routes remain in place:

·         Motorists are advised to detour at Exit 160 in Jellico and turn left to follow US 25W to LaFollette, then back to I-75 South at Exit 134 in Caryville.

·         Wide loads must exit I-75 at Exit 160 in Jellico and turn right to follow SR 297 West to SR 63, then back to I-75 South at Exit 141.  (updated 3:00 p.m. 03/12/2012)

LPD busts drug dealers in action

     It was a drug deal that went bad.  Bad because unexpected members of the La Follette Police Department's Detective and Narcotics Division showed up.  In the Bread Box parking lot, across from La Follette Middle School, is where detectives tell 1450wlaf.com that they walked up to what appeared to be a drug transaction.  And it was.  Officers say 35-year old Dion Stagnolia and 34-year old Wayne Rosser, both of La Follette, were taken into custody along with a large stash of drugs.  Large amounts of OxyContin, Roxycodone, and other pain pills were recovered.  Several hundred dollars in cash were also seized.  Stagnolia and Rosser face multiple drug charges including "violation of the drug-free school zone act" by being within one-thousand feet of LMS.  The pair was released from the county jail on a $2,000 bond for Stagnolia and a $1,500 bond for Rosser.  LPD Chief Jimmy Jeffries urges you to please continue calling the drug hotline at 423.562.0488.  Jeffries emphasizes that all calls are confidential.  (updated 03/12/2012 1:30 p.m.)

 

 

 

 

 

Thumbs down on sales tax increase

     Super Tuesday is complete.  And the big question locally is how did the proposed sales tax referendum go?  Well, the sales tax increase fails.  The voting comes out this way.  There were1,214 “for” and 2,297 “against.”  That gap in the final tally looks even more one-sided when you break it down into percentages with nearly 65 ½% “against” and almost 35% “for” as the proposed increase in the sales tax fails.  County commission’s objective with the proposed 2.5% increase in the county’s local portion of the state sales tax was to use it for road repair and repaving.  There were rumblings that commission did not properly promote the sales tax referendum, and it showed.  Only 3,511 votes were cast in the sales tax referendum.  So what’s the next move to make sure that county roads are repaired and repaved?  Many think the burden will eventually be shifted to property owners.  Time will tell.  Rick Santorum wins in Campbell County outpacing Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.  Santorum  takes 1,229 votes compared to 904 for Romney.  Santorum nearly doubles third-place finisher Gingrich who ends up with 728 Campbell County votes.  (updated 2:00 p.m. 03/07/2012)

Lady Cougars are District 3-AAA Champions

     In the end, Campbell County took home the big trophy.  And it was sweet.  Coach Ryan Browning's Lady Cougars claimed the 2011-2012 regular season district crown, and then Monday night at Oak Ridge, laid claim to the tournament title.  Campbell's Kristin Chapman sank two free-throws with 3.2 seconds to go in the game to push the Lady Cougars slim one-point lead out to three.  Then Anderson County executed a perfect play as Cayla Oglesby knocked down a three sending Lady Maverick fans into a frenzy and the game into overtime.  Chapman's free throws were Campbell's only points the final 4:40 of the game.  Once to the extra period, the Lady Cougars broke open the 50 - 50 deadlock to outscore Anderson 9 to 4 and win it 59 - 54.  Courtney Morris and Maria Foust made the all-tournament team while Chapman takes home the MVP award.  The only other time Campbell won the tournament and had a player named MVP was when Jill Cox Browning led the Lady Cougars during the 1991 season.  CCHS takes a 24 & 6 mark into the Region Tournament which begins Friday at 7:00 at John R.W. Brown Gym when William Blount (13-16) visits.  It's the same time and day as Anderson (19-10) hosts Maryville (17-11) in the regional.  (updated 02/21/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Man dies in 18-wheeler crash

     First responders were called to I-75 for a second straight day.  This time, a life was lost.  Just after 1:30 p.m. Monday, reports came in to WLAF that an 18-wheeler crashed through a guard rail, and the driver was trapped on the southbound side near the 141 mile marker.  It's since been learned that the big rig tumbled down an embankment after going through the rail.  Dispatchers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol tell 1450wlaf.com that it's believed the driver is local to the Knoxville area and may have actually suffered a a fatal heart attack before wrecking.  The THP is yet to release any more information.  (updated 02/21/2012 6:00 a.m.)

19-car pile-up on I-75

     Those traveling I-75 through Campbell County on Sunday had a rough go.  Across Jellico Mountain, multiple accidents occurred including one 19-vehicle mishap near the Rarity Mountain Exit.  There were 10 vehicles, 8 18-wheelers, and even a Greyhound Bus involved with several people being taken to area hospitals.  Sunday's frazzled day on I-75 even made the national news on the CBS Radio Network here on WLAF Radio.  Dispatchers at 9-1-1 tell 1450wlaf.com that Jellico Hospital was slammed.  In all, there were close to 60 patients in the pile-up with one serious injury.  Along with snow and ice, fog was also a hazard dramatically limiting visibility as some drivers also said that snow fell so hard, it created a white-out.  Upwards of 75 calls came through the 9-1-1 Center from Noon to about 3:30 Sunday afternoon.  More than 20 churches called in to WLAF cancelling Sunday night services.  Since today is Presidents Day, students and teachers already have a scheduled day off from school.   (updated 02/20/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Saturday scores (02/18/2012)

Campbell Lady Cougars 60 - Hardin Valley Lady Hawks 46

Campbell Cougars 46 - Karns Beavers 69

Jellico Blue Devils 63- Wartburg Central Bulldogs 80

Thursday scores (02/16/2012)

Jellico Blue Devils 70 - Coalfield Yellow Jackets 59

Campbell Cougars 64 - Halls Red Devils 55

 

More election petitions are picked up

     The list of names is slowly growing for the August ballot.  Fourteen men and one woman have picked up petitions with three already being turned back in to the election commission office.  Officials at the ECO tell 1450wlaf.com that Dennis Powers picked up a petition and plans to defend his post as State Representative.  Property Assessor Brandon Partin and challenger Tony Kitts are yet to return their paperwork as are Road Superintendent Dennis Potter and Scott Evans.  Evans looks to unseat Potter.  Two people have petitions for the Third District County Commissioner vacancy.  They are Wendell Bailey and Virgil Kidwell.  Five school board seats are open and all five incumbents have picked up petitions.  They are David Lynch of District One, Homer Rutherford from District Two, District Three’s Johnny Byrge, Mike Orick of District Four, and J.L. “Sarge” Collins out of the Fifth District.  Gary Seale plans to challenge Byrge while Terry West and Elsie Crawford vie for Collins’ Fifth District seat.  Lynch, Rutherford, and Collins have already returned their petitions to the election commission.  Qualifying deadline is Thursday, April 5 at Noon.  The August election is set for Thursday, August 2.  We stay on elections but shift gears to the March 6 Presidential Primary Election.  It also includes that yes/no vote on whether or not to raise the local portion of the state sales tax from 2.25% to 2.75% to pay for county road repairs.  Early voting hours run through 7:00 this evening at Jacksboro and Jellico.  As of last check today,  a combined 100 people have voted at both locations since early voting began on Wednesday.  Early voting times for tomorrow are 9:00 to 1:00 at each early voting poll.  Early voting hours at the Election Commission Office at Jacksboro are Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 4:00, Friday 9:00 – 7:00, and Saturday 9:00 – 1:00.  In Jellico, you may vote early at city hall Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 2:00, Friday 2:00 – 7:00, and Saturday 9:00 – 1:00.  Early voting ends February 28.  (updated 02/17/2012 4:00 p.m.)

School’s starting even earlier next year

     August 15, 2011.  That was the first day of classes this school year.  August 10, 2012, is the proposed “first day of classes” for next school year.  So, what happened to the idea that was so hot a year ago in Nashville to start school in late August?  State Representative Dennis Powers tells WLAF that many counties sent a resolution to opt out of the new start date.  Powers adds that the legislature decided to postpone it until it could come up with a uniform date that could be agreed upon by everyone.  The new school calendar is posted further down this page.   (updated 02/17/2012 6:00 a.m.)

 Mild flu season...so far

     Very mild.  That’s how Anita Seiber with La Follette Medical Center sizes up this year’s flu season.  She emphasizes very mild, “so far.”  Seiber tells 1450wlaf.com that they even see some stragglers who wind up with the flu as late as April.  Whether you’ve had a flu shot or not, doctors say to always wash your hands before you eat or touch food.  You should use warm water and soap and rub your hands together for about 20-seconds and dry thoroughly.  Another tip or two is to eat right, sleep tight, and exercise.  That keeps your immune system strong.  For more ways to keep yourself healthy from the flu, click here:  http://www.puffs.com/en_US/helpful-tissue-advice/index.shtml (updated 02/17/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Tennova looking for RNs

     Nurses are needed.  Officials with Tennova Health Care tell 1450wlaf.com that Tennova is hosting an RN Career Fair next month.  Physicians Regional Medical Center is growing and is ready to meet with experienced RN’s who desire a change.  Positions are available on various units and shifts.  Physicians Regional Medical Center is on East Oak Street next to Fulton High School in Knoxville.  The RN Career Fair is set for March 1, and you may complete an online application prior to attending the job fair at tennova.com.  You may also call Tennova 865.546.6670.  (updated 02/17/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Middle school tourney results

     At Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge, two Campbell County teams move on while two finish for the season.  The Jacksboro Eagles and La Follette Lady Owls win with JMS outscoring La Follette and the LMS Lady Owls defeating Clinton.  Robertsville outpaced the Jacksboro Lady Eagles to stay alive in the postseason.  (updated 01/28/2012 5:30 p.m.) 

Boomer's Corner is open for the weekend

     The weekend's here.  So is Boomer's Corner.  Sit back, relax, and read, scratch your head a time or two, laugh, and enjoy!  (updated 01/28/2012 6:00 p.m.)

Lady Cougars 47 - Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats 30

Cougars 53 - Oak Ridge Wildcats 56

Jellico Blue Devils 51 - Oakdale Eagles 37
Falls starts cancer support group
     Where do you turn when you hear the news?  Shelia Falls knows first-hand the whirlwind your life faces when you’re told you have cancer.  The young breast cancer survivor celebrates one-year this week.  One-year to the day from taking her first chemotherapy treatment, Falls shed her wig yesterday and says it feels good.  Her next move is organizing “Pink Pals,” a breast cancer support group, something new to our area.  It stands for positive, attitude, love, and support.  Falls tells 1450wlaf.com that Pink Pals (423.494.7080) meets the second Thursday of each month, and the next meeting is February 9, 7:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church in La Follette.  Falls is in her 25th year of banking and is a customer service representative at Community Trust Bank.  (updated 01/27/2012 6:00 a.m.)

CPD catches two meth makers

     Caryville Police nab meth makers under I-75.  Suspicious activity behind the Family Inn in Caryville leads police to arrest a pair of meth makers.  CPD Chief Johnny Jones tells 1450wlaf.com that his officers along with Jacksboro Police arrested 32-year old Kirk Snodderly and 22-year old Katlynn Willoughby, both of La Follette.  Jones says officers chased the duo through a drain tile underneath the interstate.  It’s reported that Willoughby stripped off her clothes before running through the drain.  Meth components were recovered in a wooded area close to I-75.  Multiple charges are levied against Snodderly and Willoughby including promotion of meth.  The pair is housed in the county jail.  (updated 01/26/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Fake pot found on store shelf

     Synthetic pot is still showing up around Campbell County.  An undercover agent with Caryville Police bought legal bud or fake weed as it’s called at the Main Street BP at I-75 in Caryville.  Caryville Police Chief Johnny Jones tells 1450wlaf.com that even though a letter was sent to area merchants requesting that the synthetic pot not be sold, it still is showing up.  Some of the names the fake pot is packaged under are Blueberry Haze, Genie, Nitro, Panama Red Ball, and Voodoo Spice.  (updated 01/26/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Social security benefit statements return in 2012

     If you’ve wondered where those projected social security benefit mailouts have been lately, we know.  As with many things, it’s about money and saving money.  Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue says that reducing the number of statements sent out is expected to dramatically cut costs.  And the numbers are staggering.  By not sending out as many statements, the cost is trimmed down from 70-million dollars a year to just under four-million dollars.  Annual social security benefit statements will begin being sent starting as soon as next month to people age 60 or older who are not yet receiving benefits.  Astrue adds that one-time mailings to 25-year old workers introducing them to the entitlement program and their potential benefits are coming.  Those mailings are set to go out before the end of this year.  (updated 01/26/2012 6:00 a.m.)

Local banking veteran switches banks

     Rhonda Longmire has a new banking home.  The La Follette native joins American Trust Bank of East Tennessee.  Longmire held key positions at the former First National Bank of La Follette, First Volunteer Bank, and First National Bank of Oneida.  She tells 1450wlaf.com that she is joining people she’s worked with before and has known for years in Ed Wheeler and David Craig.  Longmire adds that she’s proud to make the move and to come back home.  At American Trust, she is the executive vice-president and chief financial officer.  Longmire may be reached through the La Follette office at 423.562.2800.  American Trust also has locations in Lenoir City and Knoxville.  (updated 01/25/2012)

MATIX celebrates 90 years, 20 in Tennessee

     Increased sales are forecast for a Campbell County manufacturer.  Company officials of MATIX Corporation of America, located in Pioneer, announced that its overall sales forecast for 2012 – 2013 shows steady to significant increases.  That’s mainly due to the rebound in Japanese automaker global sales and a strong Japanese “Yen” prompting the resourcing of production parts currently produced in Japan to the USA.  The announcement was made Friday at a meeting with Campbell County Mayor William Baird, MATIX President Shinji Yamada, Plant Manager Will Trent, and others attending onsite at MATIX.  Trent tells 1450wlaf.com that MATIX is poised for a year of record sales.  Trent adds that the plan is to gradually increase MATIX permanent employment base throughout 2012 to approximately ten percent above current levels.  Trent says he expects to see more hiring and machinery needed within the first half of 2013 when MATIX crankcase business exceeds the capacity of our current lines.  In addition, MATIX commented that their sales department is working to secure future business that will allow possible expansion of the plant beyond 2013.  MATIX Corporation of America is a wholly owned subsidiary of MATIX Company, Limited, with headquarters and facilities located in Japan.  In 2012, MATIX begins its 11th year at its Caryville location in the Ershell Collins Industrial Park.  Trent says MATIX of Campbell County employees around 100 people.  (updated 01/25/2012 5:00 p.m.)

     PACA closes Caryville plant this morning

    It's all but closed.  Officials with the Campbell County PACA Body Armor plant told employees first thing this morning that the plant is closing immediately.   And it did.  Except for 20-employees, that will stay on for another 60-days, the PACA Plant is basically closed.  According to records with the county mayor’s office, PACA had been in Campbell County since 1975.  As of October 2010, PACA was employing 180 people at its plant located in Caryville.  Those employment numbers have not been quite as robust as of late.  However, PACA was down to 86 employees as of this morning.  Sixty-six of those workers are now out of work.  County Mayor Baird tells 1450wlaf.com that PACA, recently bought out, is consolidating its plants to just one location in Florida in an effort to cut costs.  Baird goes on to say that the owners of the Caryville building want to find another tenant in order to keep these folks employed, because they’re like family and they do good work.  PACA is known as the world's leading manufacturer of body armor.  The 66 employees who were sent home this morning were told that they will receive pay through March 3, 2012, as outlined in their contract. (updated 01/04/2012 1:30 p.m.)

 

It's the end of an era

     Almost 30-years ago, Peoples Bank expanded to the valley by opening its Valley Branch a few miles east of La Follette.  Today at 5:00 p.m. marks the closing of that Valley Branch office.  Peoples Bank of the South President David Reynolds tells 1450wlaf.com that the closing comes with a heavy heart.  The bank opened on April 26, 1982, and was the site for the bank’s very popular Easter egg hunt for many years.  Peoples Bank of the South’s main office is in downtown La Follette.  It has branches in three counties including the towns of Jacksboro, Clinton, and Oneida.  Peoples Bank was founded in 1917.  (updated 12/30/2011 6:00 a.m.)

The day after the FNB fire

     This picture is from the December 30, 1971, edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel, which  was the afternoon paper in those days.  You can barely see the name of the photographer  But this picture was was taken by former La Follette Mayor Max Stiner.  Thanks to Harold Branam for providing this clipping.  (updated 12/29/2011 4:30 p.m.)

Today marks forty-years since flames destroyed FNB

     The clock stopped at 3:58 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 1971.  The clock that hung on the outside corner of First National Bank of La Follette quit running once flames knocked out the electricity.  It was 40-years ago today when fire destroyed First National Bank’s only offices, at the time.  Cathy Foster, now a professor at Canisius College, was working as the night clerk just across Tennessee Avenue at the Russell Hotel in the wee hours of that morning.  She tells 1450wlaf.com that after calling the fire department, (no 9-1-1 in those days) she saw the whole thing from the Christmas tree on fire in the lobby to the building burning all the way to the ground.  Foster was also a stringer for WBIR-TV and shot footage on Super 8 film sending it out later that morning by way of a Greyhound Bus.  One couple staying at the hotel totally “freaked” she recalls, checked out, and left town in a hurry.  The rest of the guests, including the owner, Mrs. Icy Russell, sat in the lobby watching the bank burn.  Foster remembers Mrs. Russell in her nightgown, being very distressed.  In the end, Deputy State Fire Marshall Marion Wampler of Knoxville ruled out arson as the cause of the First National Bank fire.  Wampler pointed to the Christmas tree in the main lobby of the bank as the cause of the fire.  At the time, there were strong doubts from local bank and public officials that the tree was to blame for the fire.  Speculation and rumors linger to this day. 

     First National Bank reopened within days on North Tennessee Avenue and later rebuilt in 1979 at the site of where the bank once stood.  First National Bank of La Follette was acquired last year by Community Trust Bank.  (updated 12/29/2011 4:30 p.m.)

Popular line dance leader passes

     The popular and well-liked Pat Garner has died.  Garner, who made her home in Caryville, was President of the Senior Citizen Center and was very active as its line dance instructor.  You’ve heard us talk about Pat’s Line Dance over the years here on WLAF, and Pat was its leader.  She also was director of the Folk Art Class.  Services are set for this weekend, and details are found on 1450wlaf.com.  Pat Garner was 67-years old.   (updated 12/29/2011 6:00 a.m.)

 Cougars play Columbia for championship tonight

     The winning streak is up to three-straight.  And that last win is the one that puts the Campbell County Cougars in tonight’s championship game of the Lenoir City Christmas Tournament with the Columbia Central Lions.  The Cougars led from wire-to-wire Wednesday evening in their 8th win of the season which came at the expense of the Smith County Owls.  The Orange-n-Blue claimed the 56 to 48 win setting the stage for tonight’s title game.  The Lions won over Lenoir City to reach tonight's title round.  Coach Matt Housley tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s looking to match last week’s Lady Cougar win in the Smoky Mountain Classic Championship and the Cougar Freshman team’s championship at the recent Anderson County Tourney.  The Cougars take an 8 & 4 record into tonight’s game at Lenoir City.  The WLAF Sports Network provides the coverage with Adam Smith’s call beginning at 9:00.  Jellico nipped the Grainger County Grizzlies 80-79 in overtime at the Seymour Holiday Classic.  The Blue Devils take on Kings Academy tonight at 8:00.  The broadcast of the Blue Devils starts at 8:00 with Danny Oakes calling all the action over 1450wlaf.com.   (updated 12/29/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Campbell Cougars 56 - Smith Co. Owls 48

Jellico Blue Devils 80 - Grainger Co. Grizzlies 79

 

Jellico Wins in Seymour Holiday Classic

     Jellico beat Grainger County in today's 3:30 p.m. showdown 80 - 79 in overtime. Jellico plays again Thursday against Kings Academy at 8:00 p.m. You can listen to the game live by clicking the link above. (updated 12/28/11  7:30 p.m.)

Drive sober or get pulled over

     Drive sober or get pulled over.  That's this holiday season's theme at the Campbell County Sheriff's Department. The CCSD, in cooperation with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and our local police agencies, is conducting saturation patrols throughout the holidays.  Sheriff Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that he has extra hands on deck and deputies working overtime this New Year's Eve to combat drunk or drugged driving.  Goins says that there are two choices, drive sober or get pulled over, and that it's about saving lives, period.  (updated 12/28/2011 6:00 a.m.)

CCHS wins, Blue Devils lose heartbreaker

     Cougars and Jellico continue play in holiday tourneys today.  Tuesday at the Lenoir City Christmas Tournament, Campbell whipped Greenback 65 to 47 and plays the Smith County Owls at 5:30 today.  Last night at the Seymour Holiday Classic, the host Eagles of Seymour hit a shot at the buzzer in overtime to nip Jellico 89 to 87.  Jellico plays Grainger County this afternoon at 3:30.  The WLAF Sports Network provides coverage of today's CCHS and JHS games over 1450wlaf.com as well as the Cougars on 1450 WLAF Radio.  (updated 12/28/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Cougars ready to face the Smith County Owls

     Smith County blitzed Walker Valley in much the same fashion Campbell raced past Greenback on the opening day of the Lenoir City Christmas Tournament.  The Mustangs never got out of the gate against the high-flying Owls from Carthage as Smith County advances to Wednesday's semifinals.  The Cougars and Owls meet up at 5:30, and we'll have live televised coverage right here with the radio broadcast over 1450 WLAF.  (updated 12/27/2011 4:45 p.m.)

CCHS races to semifinals at LC Christmas Tourney

     Greenback could not keep pace with Campbell.  The Cougars regained the lead at 4 to 3 and never looked back.  At the start of the second quarter, the Orange-n-Blue took control stretching a 30 to 6 run into the early part of the third quarter.  With the 65 to 47 win over Greenback's Mighty Cherokees, CCHS faces the winner of the Smith County Owls - Walker Valley Mustangs game Wednesday at 5:30.  All the action of the Cougars in the Lenoir City Christmas Tournament is televised live right here with the radio broadcast over 1450 WLAF.  (updated 12/27/2011 3:45 p.m.)

Two wrecks on I-75 this morning

     It's been a messy morning on I-75.  Two wrecks happened within about an hour of each other, one northbound and the other southbound each on the north side of Caryville.  The first mishap was around 5:30 a.m. when reports of a Chevy Trailblazer overturning at the 144-mile marker (which is the Stinking Creek Exit) were received.  Reports are that it was a single-car wreck with the lone passenger being transported to a Campbell County hospital with what's believed to be non-life threatening injuries.  The other wreck is a non-injury accident just north of Caryville Exit 134 on the southbound side.  (12/27/2011 7:00 a.m.)

Jump at the pump

     The price of a gallon of gasoline jumped 17-cents on Monday.  If you filled up your gas tank in La Follette on Monday morning, you paid $2.97 a gallon, or very close to that.  Not filling up until Monday afternoon meant you paid $3.14 a gallon or slightly more.  (updated 12/27/2011 6:00 a.m.)

CCHS & JHS return to the hardwood

     It’s back to the hardwood for the Cougars and Blue Devils today.  After several days away from action, Campbell plays at Lenoir City while Jellico visits Seymour.  The Cougars open the LC Holiday Tournament against Greenback this morning at 11:30.  The Blue Devils take on host Seymour in the Eagles' Holiday Classic tonight at 8:00.  The WLAF Sports Network provides all the coverage of all the Cougars and Blue Devils' holiday games.  (updated 12/27/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

    At the bottom of this page is where you will find the Christmas Parade, the latest WLAF-TV 12 Newscast along with La Follette City Council, Campbell County Commission and School Board meetings.  Just select the video box of the event you wish to see.

Lady Cougars claim Classic crown

 

     Four wins in three days. That's just part of what the Campbell Lady Cougars accomplished on the way to the Smoky Mountain Classic "Blue" Bracket Championship Friday night at Gatlinburg.  The 63-52 win over host Gatlinburg-Pittman boosts the Orange & Blue's record to 10 & 4.  The winning streak is now up to eight-straight. Coach Ryan Browning's bunch now gets a chance to enjoy the remainder of their holiday break before returning to action January 3 at Clinton.  The Cougars return to play on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Lenoir City against Greenback.  Jellico opens play in the Seymour Tournament Tuesday.  The WLAF Sports Network has coverage of the Cougars and Blue Devils' games live right here next week. (updated 12/24/2011 12:30 p.m.)

Lady Cougars play for Smoky Mountain Classic Crown

     The Campbell Lady Cougars claw past another Kentucky opponent.  Last night it was Belfry.  Wednesday it was Fleming County and South Floyd County.  The Orange and Blue rang up 60 points to Belfry's 27 (only 10 points in the second-half).  The win marks CCHS's seventh-straight and boosts its overall record to 9 & 4.  The Lady Cougars face-off against the host Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders this evening at 6:00 for the Smoky Mountain Classic "Blue" Bracket Championship.  WLAF's Adam Smith sends you all the action over 1450 WLAF Radio and 1450wlaf.com. The Cougars return to play on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Lenoir City against Greenback.  (updated 12/23/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Big three days for Cougar Frosh

     Scott County was no match for the Campbell County High School Freshmen Cougars. CCHS claimed the eight-team tourney title Thursday afternoon at Anderson County High School.  Three of the Cougar Frosh are also key contributors on the CCHS varsity Darin Gillenwater, Rossi Letner, and Trey Torres.  The Cougars defeated Lenoir City and William Blount on their way to the championship game with Scott High.  (updated 12/23/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Teacher evaluation system is up for review

     Some teachers and principals say it's confusing, unfair in some respects, and takes too much time away from classroom instruction.  "It" is the teacher evaluation system which went into effect earlier this year.  On Wednesday Governor Bill Haslam called for a new study of the state's new teacher evaluation system before any changes are made by the state Legislature. Haslam said in a news conference that an independent review would be conducted by SCORE, the State Collaborative on Reforming Education.  The State Board of Education is also conducting a review.  Haslam says the SCORE review will separate the anecdotes from the flaws and report back June 1.  Legislative leaders expect to be finished by then.  Jamie Woodson, a former Republican state senator from Knoxville, is President of SCORE and says SCORE will make recommendations for change after gathering robust feedback from all interested parties. Haslam adds that the initial evaluation results this year will not be used in determining a teacher's eligibility for tenure.  Last week the governor announced that he wants legislators to take no action on starting a school voucher system in Tennessee until after a year-long study of the matter.  The 2012 legislative session begins January 10.   (updated 12/22/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Lady Cougars battle Belfry at Gatlinburg

     It's semifinal day at the Smoky Mountain Classic.  The Campbell High Lady Cougars square-off against the Belfry Lady Pirates of South Williamson, Kentucky.  Join the Voice of the Cougars, Adam Smith, for all the action of Campbell and Belfry beginning at 6:00 this evening right here.  (updated 12/22/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Lady Cougars advance to semis

     Two wins in one day. And the winning streak is up to six. The Campbell County Lady Cougars advance to the semi-finals of the Smoky Mountain Classic "Blue" Bracket with an 80 to 36 win over the South Floyd, Kentucky, Lady Raiders. The Lady Cougars held SFHS to 16 second-half points enroute to their 8th win of the season. The 80 points marks the most points in a single game this season for the Orange and Blue as every Lady Cougar played and all point up points. Join Adam Smith on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. for CCHS and the Belfry Lady Pirates from Gatlinburg on 1450 WLAF Radio and 1450wlaf.com.

Lady Cougars 60 Fleming 46

     The winning streak is now up to five-straight.  And Fleming is no longer undefeated.  The Lady Cougars led from wire-to-wire in their first round game with the Fleming County, Kentucky, Lady Panthers to win it, 60 to 46.  Campbell faces the South Floyd, Kentucky, Lady Raiders around 8:00 this evening in the Smoky Mountain Classic at Gatlinburg.  We'll have the audio play-by-play here tonight.  Win or lose, Campbell's broadcast and game begins Thursday at 6:00 right here.  Campbell is now 7 & 4 while Fleming is 5 & 1.  (updated 12/21/2011 6:30 p.m.)

County commission meeting is online here

     Monday's county commission meeting is now posted here on 1450wlaf.com.  See the meeting in its entirety right here.  Look for the "commission" video box further down this page.  (updated 12/21/2011 6:00 a.m.)

La Follette - Mongar settle 

     La Follette City Council votes to approve a mediation settlement.  Council voted 3 to 1 Monday night approving a settlement with Darrell Mongar.  Hansford Hatmaker cast the no vote.  In late August of 2009, La Follette attorney David Dunaway filed a 100-thousand dollar complaint in circuit court on behalf of Mongar.  Mongar, in the legal document, alleged the LaFollette City Council passed on hiring him for a position with the LaFollette Police Department due to his age and handicap.  Terms of the settlement were not released to 1450wlaf.com.  (updated 12/21/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Vote on pothole tax coming in August

     Keep dodging potholes or pay more.  It's our choice, and it'll be on the August ballot. County commission is offering a resolution that places a question on the ballot increasing the local option sales tax by a half-cent.  If approved, all of the half-cent increase will be used for maintenance and improvement of county roads.  Most of the local portion of sales tax that is currently collected is designated for the county school system.  After passing several routine motions accepting reports, budget amendments and applications for notaries, the commission again took on the topic of appointing a new commissioner to replace the retired Melvin Boshears.  A push by Tom Hatmaker and others to automatically appoint the runner-up from the 2010 election appeared to be off the table.  The commission instead approved a motion by Bob Walden to hold one round of voting on all nominees and a final round between the two persons receiving the most votes.  The motion passed 11-1 with Beverly Hall declaring a conflict before voting "no," since her brother was the runner-up in the 2010 election. All twelve commissioners in attendance approved a second motion, setting the order of voting in the same order that candidates are nominated.  The commissioners did not set a date for voting on the appointment, however, before adjourning for the last time in 2011.  The clock is ticking on replacing Boshears.  Commission now has less than 120 days to fill the vacancy.   (updated 12/21/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Pebley makes bond
 
     Steve Pebley is out on a 6-thousand dollar bond. That's the latest from officials at the county jail. A detailed story on why the former coach and teacher was arrested is further down this page. (updated 12/20/2011 7:30 p.m.)

 Commission decides on process to fill Boshears' vacancy

     Campbell County voters will have an opportunity during the next general election to decide if they want to pay higher taxes and have better roads or keep their money and continue to dodge potholes.

That at least is the choice that county commissioners are offering the public after they passed a resolution Monday night calling for a sales tax referendum in 2012. The resolution would place a question on the ballot increasing the local option sales tax from 2.25 % to 2.75 % which is the maximum allowed by state law.

If approved, the resolution would call for all of the half-cent increase to be used for maintenance and improvement of county roads. Most of the local portion of sales tax that is currently collected is designated for the county school system.

Thomas Hatmaker cast the only “no” vote on the resolution, arguing that another option for raising money to pave roads would be to allow the Campbell County Highway Department to sell stone from the county quarry to other county highway systems.

“Dennis Potter said he could fund a paving project just by selling stone, even without an asphalt plant,” Hatmaker added.

It is currently not legal for counties to sell stone or asphalt to each other, however, and that option would be contingent on a change in state law. Whether the legislature would approve such a law is questionable, given the strong political influence of highway contractors in Nashville.

The commission meeting got off to a festive start, as recently-retired commissioner Melvin Boshears showed up with a red bag over his shoulder and distributed gifts to his former colleagues and other county officials, complimenting them all for their work on behalf of Campbell County.

Boshears’ theatrics did little to advance progress on appointing his replacement, however. After passing several routine motions accepting reports, budget amendments and applications for notaries, the commission again took on the topic of appointing a new commissioner to replace Boshears.

A push by Hatmaker and others to automatically appoint the runner-up from the 2010 election appeared to be off the table, as the commission instead approved a motion by Bob Walden to hold one round of voting on all nominees and a final round between the two persons receiving the most votes.

The motion passed 11-1 with Beverly Hall declaring a conflict before voting “no,” since her brother was the runner-up in the 2010 election. All twelve commissioners in attendance approved a second motion, setting the order of voting in the same order that candidates are nominated.

The commissioners did not set a date for voting on the appointment, however, before adjourning for the last time in 2011.  (updated 12/20/2011 4:30 p.m.)          

La Follette City Council holds its workshop

By:  Megan Colley

     City Council members held a workshop on Monday evening to discuss a number of topics.

     They discussed at length the new early warning system offered to Campbell County cities by the company called Code Red. Code Red provides warning to those in the path of storms, floods, tornados, fires, and other predictable natural disasters. In addition to disasters, people are also notified about inconveniences such as road blockages and school delays. Those whose homes and businesses may be affected are telephoned and emailed about the disaster or delay. The cost for this service is estimated at five cents per resident per month.

   Plans for the amphitheater will go ahead as soon as a contour map is drawn up for the selected build site. It was suggested and agreed upon that the site which is not near the ball field would be the best option.

    The other items touched upon were the need for a city credit card, the replacement of the old gas pumps (costing $5,000 each), the need to create a debt management policy in accordance with the state mandate, and the transfer of $60,000 from Community Service funds to help with the completion of the new library. The police department recommended that one of their part time officers be given a full time position beginning January 16th. These items were added to the agenda for the next meeting. The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2012.  (updated 12/20/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

PCUD investigation completed

The following is a release from Powell-Clinch Utility District

     The District Attorney has finally completed the investigation into the alleged misappropriations of funds by the District’s former manager, Del Roberts. Mr. Roberts was terminated by the District nearly two years ago, when his alleged misappropriations were first reported. The District has fully recovered all funds allegedly misappropriated and its ratepayers have suffered no financial loss as a result of this unfortunate incident.

     Internal controls were in place to detect and prevent the alleged misappropriation from occurring. The most troubling aspect surrounding the failure of those controls is that individuals inside and outside the District, with fiduciary obligations to the District and its board, apparently were aware of the misappropriations and failed to report them to the District’s board so that action could be taken sooner. In cooperation with the State Comptroller’s Office in 2010 the District implemented revised policies and procedures to strengthen its internal controls.  (updated 12/20/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Son threatens to shoot his mother in the head

     It was a tense half-hour.  Campbell County Sheriff's Deputies defused a potentially deadly stand-off just before lunch time this morning.  Officers were called to the Sawmill Hollow neighborhood.  That's behind the Peoples Bank - Mall Branch.  Deputies explain to 1450wlaf.com that Joshua Stokes called his mother to the basement of their Big Springs Lane home and shoved a shotgun in her face.  Deputies say Stokes told her he was going to shoot her in the head.  The woman ran outside and called police.  Officers surrounded the home and talked Stokes into coming outside where he was taken into custody without further incident.  (updated 12/19/2011 5:00 p.m.) 

Former CCHS football coach arrested

     In the parking lot at Jacksboro Middle School.  Shooting up drugs.  That's where and what police tell 1450wlaf.com that former Campbell High Football Coach Steve Pebley was arrested for doing this afternoon.  Officers with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department tell 1450wlaf.com that SRO Shane Wolfenbarger was doing his job when he spotted the 62-year old Pebley and another man, Corey Overton, in a car at JMS.  Wolfenbarger saw the unusual behavior in the parked car near the football field and checked it out.  DARE graduation had just concluded about two-hours before the arrests were made.  In fact, the arrests took place around 3:30 while students were still leaving school grounds.  Pebley and Overton are charged with possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of the drug free school zone act.  Overton is Pebley's son-in-law.  (updated 12/19/2011 4:30 p.m.)

County Commission meets in regular session tonight

     First it’s how do we go about replacing Melvin Boshears on county commission?  Then it’s who will replace the retired Boshears on commissionThe process of how to fill the vacancy created by the longtime public servant is on tonight’s regular monthly meeting agenda.  And if the past few meetings are any indication, much of tonight’s time will be spent on just that.  The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. at the courthouse.  We’ll have the story for you first thing tomorrow morning right here.  (updated 12/19/2011 5:00 a.m.)

Investigation continues in Dollar General robbery

     The investigation continues into Friday night’s armed robbery at the Valley Dollar General Store.  Reports from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department are that several leads are being investigated as well as evidence in the area from the scene.  Sheriff Robbies Goins tells 1450 WLAF that around 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening an employee of the Dollar General Store along General Carl Stiner Highway was threatened with a knife and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash.   (updated 12/19/2011 5:00 a.m.)

JHS is champ, CCHS sweeps, holiday schedule

     Jellico is champion of the Bowman Memorial Basketball Tournament played over the weekend at Corbin.  Cody Mailcoat is the tourney MVP as the Blue Devils whipped host Lynn Camp 74 to 51 on Saturday night.  Next up for the Devils is the Seymour Holiday Classic on December 27.  The Cougars and Lady Cougars sweep Central on Friday night at John Brown Gym.  The Cougars return to action December 27 at the Lenoir City Christmas Tournament against Greenback.  The Lady Cougars are at Gatlinburg this week for the Pittman Christmas Classic.  CCHS plays the Fleming Lady Panthers out of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, in an 11:30 a.m. game on Wednesday.  We’ll have the coverage for you here on WLAF and 1450wlaf.com.   (updated 12/19/2011 5:00 a.m.)

Settlement likely tonight in Mongar case

     The Darrell Mongar vs. the City of La Follette case has been going on for more than two-years.  It may be settled as early as tonight.  The City of La Follette Mayor and Council have a special called meeting scheduled for 5:30 at city hall.  The purpose of approving the mediation settlement agreement in the Mongar vs. the City of La Follette case.  Mongar is represented by La Follette Attorney David H. Dunaway.  The regular monthly council workshop immediately follows.  We'll have the story for you here first thing Tuesday morning.    (updated 12/19/2011 5:00 a.m.)  

La Follette City Council meets in special session Monday

     The Darrell Mongar vs. the City of La Follette case has been going on for more than two-years.  It may be settled as early as Monday night.  The City of La Follette Mayor and Council have a special called meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, the 19th, at city hall.  The purpose of approving the mediation settlement agreement in the Mongar vs. the City of La Follette case.  Mongar is represented by La Follette Attorney David H. Dunaway.  The regular monthly council workshop immediately follows.  We'll have the story for you here first thing Tuesday morning.  (updated 12/17/2011 6:00 p.m.)

Dollar General robbery update   

     Here's an update from the Campbell County Sheriff's Department about Friday night's armed robbery at the Valley View Dollar General Store:  

    Reports came in to 9-1-1 around 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening that an employee of the Dollar General Store along General Carl Stiner Highway was threatened with a knife and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash.  Deputies were dispatched to the scene along with the Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Division and K-9 units.  Sheriff Robbie Goins and Chief Deputy Aaron Evans also responded to the scene.  Several leads are currently being investigated as well as evidence in the area from the scene.  "We are certain that our quick response, investigative actions, and our persistence will pay great dividends in the coming hours and days," Sheriff Goins said.  (Updated 12/17/2011  12:00 p.m.)  

Litton lifts Cougars, Lady Cougars win 4th straight

     Nick Litton made sure the eighth lead change of the night was the last.  And it was.  On Friday night at John Brown Gym, the CCHS senior scored a bucket with just under 20-seconds to play lifting the Cougars (6 - 4, 2 - 2) past Central 42-41.  The win also snapped a 3-game losing skid for the Orange-n-Blue.  The Lady Cougars (6 - 4, 4 - 0) rang up their 4th straight win, fifth in the last six outings, with a convincing 68-47 victory over the Central Lady Bobcats.  CCHS remains unbeaten and on top of the District 3-AAA ledger.  MTSU signee Cody Malicoat lit up the scoreboard at Lynn Camp High School near Corbin on Friday night in the Bowman Memorial Basketball Tournament.  Malicoat's 27-points vaulted the Blue Devils past the Owsley County, Kentucky, Owls 71 to 46.  Jellico plays host Lynn Camp Saturday night at 9:00.  We'll have the live coverage right here on 1450wlaf.com.  Holiday Tournaments are ahead for Campbell County.  The Lady Cougars play Fleming County, Kentucky, Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School.  The live telecast airs for you over 1450wlaf.com with the radio portion of the coverage being joined in progress at Noon.  The Cougars take a Christmas break and swing back into action Wednesday, December 27 at Lenoir City High School.  Greenback plays the Cougars in an 11:30 a.m. meeting.  The coverage is found here.  (updated 12/16/2011 11:45 p.m.)

Valley Dollar General robbed

      A man armed with a knife robbed the Valley View Dollar General Store and then left on foot.  Chief Aaron Evans with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department tells 1450wlaf.com that a man entered the Dollar General around 8:00 Friday night, threatened clerks with a knife, and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.  Evans says he has a solid lead including locating a pair of gloves the robber left behind.  (updated 12/16/2011 11:30 p.m.)

Heavy traffic on Boomer's Corner

     Boomer's Corner is now open.  It's Friday.  Time to start the weekend and enjoy a trip to Boomer's Corner here on 1450wlaf.com.  (updated 12/16/2011 4:30 p.m.) 

P-o-t-a-s-s-i-u-m is money in the bank for Hank

     Hank Hamblin, III, repeats as La Follette Middle School’s Spelling Bee Champ.  This morning at LMS, the 7th grader spelled-out the word potassium and, in the process, defended the title he won last year as a sixth-grader.  Beginning Monday, Hamblin spelled his way through about 100 other spelling bee participants en-route to today’s final round.  Linda Prim is the Guidance Counselor at LMS and tells 1450wlaf.com that young Hamblin spent hours on end preparing for last year’s bee as well as this one.  Eighth-grader Samuel Kennedy is runner-up with Weston Sharp (8th), Patience Bellamy (7th), Luke Bolton (6th), and Jessica Hutson (6th) rounding out today’s field of spellers.  Hamblin, who won on his father’s birthday today, advances to the News-Sentinel Southern Appalachia Regional Spelling Bee on March 10, 2012, at the University of Tennessee.   (updated 12/16/2011 1:15 p.m.) 

Full house for JMS - LMS games 

     The Battle of the Birds did not disappoint.  A packed house at Jim and Linda Agee Gymnasium along with exciting games made for a fun night at Jacksboro Middle School Thursday night. The Lady Eagles won over La Follette 29 to 22 while the Owls won the nightcap in overtime 31 to 25.  The staff at WLAF expresses its appreciation to Joey St. John, Justin Chapman, and Noah Smith who were so kind to pinch hit with outstanding coverage.  The trio stepped in while WLAF's regular broadcast crew attended the memorial service of WLAF's Dan Sansone. Last night at Corbin, Jellico whipped the Harlan Green Dragons 64 to 49.  The Blue Devils take on the Owsley County Owls tonight at 7:30 in night two of the Bowman Memorial Invitational Tournament at Lynn Camp High School.  Coach Danny Oakes and Robert Angel will have the live broadcast for you over 1450wlaf.com.  Campbell County's back in action this evening when the Central Bobcats come to town.  Live televised coverage begins at 6:30 on 1450wlaf.com with the radio call on 1450 WLAF from the Voice of the Cougars, Adam Smith.  (updated 12/16/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

Free flu shots available

     Flu season is here.  Free flu shots are now available.  If you are age 19 or older, you are eligible for a free flu shot at the Campbell County Health Department.  County Director Charles Turner tells 1450wlaf.com that vaccination is the best protection against the flu.  Turner goes on to say that appointments must be made to receive the free flu vaccine and are now being scheduled at the clinic in Jacksboro.  For an appointment, please call 423.562.8351.   (updated 12/16/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

Who sits in Melvin’s chair for the next 8 months?

     Who’s going to replace Melvin?  Recently retired 3rd District County Commissioner Melvin Boshears.  We’re not quite sure yet.  In fact, it’s not even been determined just how the county mayor and commission will go about selecting a replacement.  We here at WLAF have picked up on a few names swirling about.  Former 3rd District Commissioner Mike Freeman, is the name we’ve heard the most.  Other names circulating are Wendell Bailey and Scott Stanfield.  Bailey and Stanfield were among the nine candidates vying for the 3rd district commission post in August 2010.  Bailey finished sixth with 550 votes while Stanfield just missed making the top three by a mere six votes.  A top-three finish would’ve put Stanfield on the commission.  Stanfield’s total was 644 votes.  The commission meets in regular session Monday, December 19, and you can bet that more talk about the process of filling the opening left by Melvin Boshears will be discussed.  Officials with the commission tell WLAF that there is a 120-day time frame in which to fill the vacancy.  It’s expected that the third member from the Third District will be in place no later than late February.  Whomever it is, that person will serve until the August 2012 election, about seven, maybe eight months all toll.  Based on what we learned from one official, it will be a while.   (updated 12/15/2011 6:00 a.m.)  

Officers respond quickly to Jacksboro Elementary School

     The day just kept getting worse for Hubert Marlow last Thursday.  In a report from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, it all began when a call came in to the Sheriff’s Office that  a man, possibly under the influence, was at Jacksboro Elementary School attempting to pick up a student.  After hearing Marlow’s slurred speech and seeing that he was having trouble just standing, Captain Brandon Elkins determined that Marlow was under the influence.  36-year old Hubert Matthew Marlow of Fairview Circle in Jacksboro told Captain Elkins that he’d taken a hydrocodone pill that was actually prescribed to his wife.  Upon further investigation, officers learned that Marlow had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, a prescription pill bottle, in his front pocket, that belonged to someone else, along with suspected marijuana and rolling papers.  Marlow is charged with multiple drug charges including public intoxication.  He remains in the county jail on a four-thousand dollar bond.  Counting Sheriff Robbie Goins, six officers responded to Jacksboro Elementary School.  The Sheriff tells WLAF that the reason that so many officers were on hand is because our children are our main priority.  Goins goes to say that he wanted that presence of law enforcement to be a deterrent to anyone who thinks it’s OK to bring drugs to a school.  Goins expresses his thanks to the administration at Jacksboro Elementary School for performing their duty with diligence.  (updated 12/15/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

  Who replaces Melvin Boshears?

     Monday night was workshop night for county commission.  The committee approved routine budget and finance matters.  It also presented awards to three Jellico art students who won out of 10 entries in the anti-litter competition.  Students creatively painted trash cans that will be displayed at area banks.  However, the most lengthy discussion surrounded the topic of how to replace retired 3rd district commissioner Melvin Boshears.  Thomas Hatmaker proposed electing the person who received the next highest vote in the last election.  That person is Scott Stanfield.  Bob Walden made a motion to allow commissioners to vote for as many nominees as they wish, with the top three vote-getters moving on to a second-round of voting where commissioners could again vote for one, two, or all three candidates.  The top two candidates then would advance to a final round of voting with Mayor William Baird having the deciding vote if commission deadlocked at seven-seven.  In the end Monday night, no decision was made on how the replacement should be made.  The commission's monthly meeting is next Monday (12/19/2011), and the topic of how to replace Boshears will again be brought up.   (updated 12/14/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

Recap of La Follette City Council December 6 meeting

By Megan Colley

     City Council members met in session the evening of December 6 to vote on the issues discussed in their last workshop, November 28.

     On November 28, the police department recommended that Josh Hill be moved to the Detective Division and be given a salary increase effective December 17.  In session, the motion was made to approve the change and was unanimously carried.

     In the same November 28 workshop, the fire department proposed that Michael Medley and Blake Kitts be appointed full time firefighters with salary increase, effective December 17. In session December 6, the motion was made and unanimously carried that these changes be approved.

     One thing that was not mentioned was the creation of the City Hall blueprint. There is not currently one in existence. The issue came up in the workshop because of the installation of a new phone system in the building. Even though it never came to a vote, the council members were in agreement during the workshop that the creation of the blueprint would be unnecessary at this time and not worth the cost.  (updated 12/13/2011 4:00 p.m.) 

Remember this day?  That's Big Josh's car under the snow.  12/13/2010

     Snow.  A year ago today, a couple of inches of snow began our December 13.  Not so today as temperatures open in the dry and mild 40s.  Check out a couple of last December 13’s snow pix on 1450wlaf.com  (updated 12/13/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

Friday is commodity day

     Friday is commodity day.  Doors open at 8:30 a.m. at the former West La Follette School.  Hours run until all the food is gone.  ETHRA distributes commodities at the Jellico Library on Wednesday from 10:00 until Noon.   (updated 12/13/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

Blood Shortage

     Blood donations are down this holiday season.  And MEDIC has a way for you to double your giving power all December.  Through the 31, MEDIC encourages you to donate blood.  And when you do, simply decline the usual T-shirt MEDIC offers you.  MEDIC then donates the value of that shirt to Second Harvest Food Bank.  Christi Fightmaster with MEDIC explains to 1450wlaf.com that the donation equals nine-meals for Second Harvest.  MEDIC’s next stop in Campbell County is December 22 at Walmart.  We here at 1450wlaf.com encourage you to mention Katelyn Norman's name when you donate.  Your donation goes toward the teenage cancer patient's replacement account.   (updated 12/13/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

A Cut Above owner plans to reopen

     A Cut Above Restaurant remains closed.  The La Follette Fire Department was called to the recently opened eatery on South Avenue around 1:00 Monday morning.   

    LFD fire fighters soon snuffed out the blaze. The structure still stands, however, Fire Chief Gary Byrd tells 1450wlaf.com that the inside of the restaurant was gutted by the flames.  Owner Donnie Burress tells 1450wlaf.com that he plans to rebuild and reopen.  The LFD  continues its investigation of the fire.   (updated 12/13/2011 6:00 a.m.) 

Two Lifestar choppers land in Campbell County

     Three Campbell Countians are rushed to UT Medical Center.  On Saturday night around 9:30, Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputies along with other first responders, answered a call to a one-car crash on Towe String Road.  Deputies tell 1450wlaf.com that the car ran off the road near the Ridge Real Estate office and it hit a utility pole dead-center.  The driver, Anthony Wayne White, and one passenger, Elana Raines, were air lifted to the UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  A third passenger, Daniel Raines, was taken by ambulance to UT Medical Center.  All three are from La Follette and being treated for non-life threatening injuries.  (updated 12/12/2011 11:30 a.m.)  

    Just Sports moves to new time

     Campbell County's favorite sports talk show is now on the air earlier.  Enjoy "Just Sports" on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 9:00 over WLAF-TV 12, 1450 WLAF Radio, and www.1450wlaf.com.  However, this week's Thursday program will not air in observance of the Dan Sansone memorial service.  (updated 12/12/2011 8:30 a.m.)  

County tourney recap

     The county basketball tournament just wrapped up an exciting week of action on Saturday.  Catch all the highlights of the tournament on David Graham’s Sports Report over 1450wlaf.com.  (updated 12/12/2011 6:00 a.m.)  

Memorial service set for Big Dan

     A memorial service for Dan Sansone is Thursday.  Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. that day with the memorial service beginning Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Walters Funeral Home.  Ronnie Sharp pays tribute to Big Dan on www.lafollettenews.com.

Cross Mountain 100-years later

By  Joe Stephens, 1450wlaf.com contributor

    One hundred years to the day after the Cross Mountain mine blew taking the lives of eighty-four men and boys, a memorial service was held at the 1888 Welsh Church in Briceville.  Many descendants and other relatives of those who perished in the mine were in attendance. Although not a direct descendant, both of my parents had relatives who died that day.
 
     The program was organized by Barry Thacker and Carol Moore of the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation.  Thacker presented a brief history of the disaster.  Several descendants of miners spoke of their connection to the Cross Mountain Disaster.
 
     After the memorial service, we traveled to the New Circle Cemetery where many of the miners are buried.  Having been recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, a plaque was installed by Briceville Elementary School students.  The cemetery is situated on a side of a mountain.  Many of the plots are terraced with retaining walls-reminiscent of something one might expect to find in the orient.
 
     The miners are buried in a circle surrounding an obelisk.  On the base beneath the obelisk are inscribed the names of all eighty-four of the miners who died that day.  It is thought that the burial circle might be related to a Welsh burial custom as many of the early miners in the Coal Creek area were Welsh or of Welsh descent.  Like most old East Tennessee families, my relatives, the Robbins Brothers, and the Ridenour Brothers, who died in the Cross Mountain Disaster, were of Scotch Irish or Scotch Irish and German descent.
 
     Dave and Ewins Robbins are buried at the Miner's Circle.  Their father, James Robbins, also died in the Cross Mountain disaster, and is buried there as well.  Joseph and Francies Ridenour are buried at the Sharp Cemetery of Caryville.
 
     Our last stop was the site of the Cross Mountain Mine.  Long since abandoned, the site was later used as a staging area for the transportation of coal from other mines.  The entrance to the mine itself was closed years ago.  A sediment pond fronts the formal entrance.  A great-granddaughter of H.H. Irish, who perished as a result of the 1911 explosion, brought flowers to throw on the pond in his memory.  At that moment, I very much wanted to throw out flowers in honor and memory of my relatives, but was hesitant to ask as I could have brought my own.  In her generosity, she offered to share her flowers with me.  The moment, the place and time, were all quite poignant.  Soon the veil between past and present would seem to grow thin. 
 
     The rail spur that served the Cross Mountain Mine is still there, although no longer in use. The concrete bin, where the coal was dumped at the top of the tipple is still there as well.  On this day, the site held an eeriness about it as the site of tragic events often does.  Slack coal and wet coal dust covered the ground a reminder of what our forebearers must have drudged through six days a week one-hundred years ago. (updated 12/09/2011)

Joe Stephens is a local historian, and the staff of 1450wlaf.com wishes to express its appreciation to Joe for his story and photos.

Miners Circle at New Circle Cemetery Briceville

Graves of brothers, Joseph & Francies Ridenour, at Sharp Cemetery in Caryville

The 1888 Welsh Church at Briceville

 

CCHS splits at the Ridge & Corbin nips JHS

     A win for the Lady Cougars.  A loss for the Cougars.  The Lady Cougars clawed back from a 15-point 2nd quarter deficit on Friday night to defeat Oak Ridge in district action.  CCHS outscored the Lady Wildcats 44 to 22 over the last 18-minutes to finish with a 59 to 52 win on Jill Prudden Court.  The Lady Cougars are 5 & 4 overall and atop the District 3-AAA Standings at 3 & 0.  The Cougars drop their third-straight as they were not able to overcome Oak Ridge’s dominating second quarter when the Wildcats poured through 29 points.  The ‘Cats win 73 to 38 as CCHS slips to 5 & 4 with a 1 & 2 district mark.  Next outing for CCHS is Friday, the 16th, at John Brown Gym where the Orange and Blue hosts Central.  WLAF brings you all the action on radio and web channel.  Always tough Corbin nips Jellico by one, 53 to 52, on Friday night to keep the Blue Devils reeling.  JHS plays the Bobcats at Oliver Springs on Tuesday night.  We'll send you the action right here.  (updated 12/09/2011 10:00 p.m.) 

Sad day at WLAF

     Big Dan is gone.  Our very own Dan Sansone, your host for the Channel 12 TV Birthday Club and 5:00 p.m. news hour on WLAF Radio, died in his sleep this morning.  He was our big happy man who did everything from the birthdays on the TV and radio to producing our evening newscasts and many other duties in-between.  Dan was born and raised in Los Angeles and was the starting center on his Paramount High School football team that won the 1988 state title his junior year.  His family has roots in East Tennessee and moved here for his senior year in high school.  He graduated from Campbell County High School in 1990 and played on the Cougar football and baseball teams.  Dan also played junior college and semi-pro football in California.  Soon after high school graduation, he began working part-time at WLAF and was here much of the next 20-years.  Dan was also a graduate of Tusculum College.  Plans for a memorial service are in the works for Big Dan, and as soon as they are complete, we’ll let you know.  Dan Sansone was 39-years old.  (updated 12/09/2011 4:30 p.m.) 

Moving video tribute to Cross Mountain miners

     Ronnie Sharp's outdone himself.  See his moving account from that fateful day at Briceville some 100-years ago today when the Cross Mountain Mine exploded www.lafollettenews.com
(updated 12/09/2011 9:00 a.m.)

Boomer's Corner is now open

     Boomer's Corner is ready for the reading.  This week, he offers up his two-cents worth on last night's school board meeting and the change of venue for the 2012 CCHS graduation ceremonies.   (updated 12/09/2011 8:00 a.m.)   

CCHS's 2012 graduation to be held at LMU

     Campbell County High School is set to hold its May, 2012 graduation ceremony at Lincoln Memorial University following a 9-1 vote Thursday night by the Board of Education. A majority of CCHS graduating seniors voted to petition the board for the change in location from the CCHS football stadium.

     Brandon Johnson, president of the CCHS Student Council addressed the board, explaining that seniors would prefer to hold graduation at LMU’s indoor Turner Arena because the site is more accessible to elderly and handicapped family members and many guests have suffered from the heat at the past couple of outdoor ceremonies at the stadium.

     He added that for those students and guests who cannot make the drive to Harrogate, the school could provide transportation on two buses for a cost of $500. “The high school recently sold two drivers’ ed cars for $2,400 and that money can go into a graduation fund to pay for the buses and the $1,000 rental cost of the arena,” Johnson pointed out.

     Although Johnson told the board that a vast majority of graduating seniors who voted were in favor of the change, a few students were present at the meeting who opposed moving graduation from the high school stadium.

     “I’ve attended Campbell County High for four years but I’ve never been to LMU. It’s not our school,” one female student told the board, adding that she fears that the trip will be too far for the friends and family of many students.

     Board member Eugene Lawson argued passionately for the change, however, reminding the students that past graduations have been “chaotic,” interrupted by balloons, air horns and other disruptive behavior.

     Rector Miller argued that he would have to vote against the change if the board voted at this meeting, and would prefer waiting to receive input from parents.

     School officials pointed out that it might be difficult to wait until January, as LMU could only reserve the arena for a short period before allowing another school to book the space. Miller ended up being the only board member to oppose the motion by Josh Parker to hold graduation on May 26 at LMU.

     The board also voted to contract with the Troutman law firm to conduct title research to determine what properties are owned by the school system. County Attorney Joe Coker had told school officials that his staff is too stretched by other duties to research all property that has been deeded to schools.

     “This is going to be more complicated than we imagine,” Chairman Mike Orick pointed out. “Reid Troutman says that some titles on earlier deeds were made not to the Department of Education or the school board but to individual board members or chairmen. We need to get all of our property sorted out and identified.”

     The board also agreed to establish a safety committee to look into school security policies. The committee will include the five SRO officers, high school principals, Director Donnie Poston and two board members to be appointed by the chairman.

     Most other business on the agenda was routine, including the approval of funds for weightlifting equipment and to pay TSBA to update the board’s policy manual. The board also hired the Weeks, Ambrose & McDonald architectural firm to design the Jellico Alternative School project.

     Orick announced that in January, board members would all receive Ipads as part of a change to paperless agenda materials. An electronic voting screen is expected to be installed in the courtroom by February at the latest, Orick added.   (updated 12/09/2011 8:00 a.m.)   

Younce remembers friend Fowler

     A “true blue friend.”  “Very fortunate to have him as a friend.”  That’s how Brian Younce sums up his friendship with Les Fowler.  The long time banker at First National Bank, and most recently Community Trust Bank, died Wednesday at a Houston hospital with his family by his side.  Fowler had been in Houston for a few months awaiting a heart transplant that never materialized.  Younce says he will always remember Fowler’s strong nature.  Fowler and Younce were golfing buddies and through moist eyes, Younce describes Fowler as the kind of Christian we want to be and the kind of friend we want to have.  Les Fowler was 50-years old.  His funeral arrangements will be announced later by Cross-Smith Funeral Home and will be posted here on 1450wlaf.com.  Another story on Les Fowler is found in the video newscast box below dated 12/08/2011.   (updated 12/09/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Cats vs. Cats & Devils-n-Dogs tonight

     It's a big basketball night for our county teams.  Campbell visits Oak Ridge in a big District 3-AAA showdown.  At 6:30, see the boys' and girls' games live over www.1450wlaf.com and hear the Cougars and Wildcats live on1450 WLAF Radio.  Take along your radio to the game and hear the broadcast over 107.1 FM in our arena-cast.  Jellico has a tall order at Corbin.  That's where the Blue Devils take on the Redhounds.  Hear the JHS game live over www.1450wlaf.com starting at 8:00.   (updated 12/09/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Friday marks 100-years since Cross Mountain explosion

     It was 100 years ago tomorrow, December 9, 1911.  It was a Saturday.  Tomorrow marks 100-years since the 7:20 a.m. explosion at Cross Mountain Mine in Briceville.  Local historian Joe Stephens tells 1450wlaf.com that 84 miners died that day while five others were rescued.  A memorial service is scheduled for 9:00 Friday morning at the Welsh Church in Briceville.  The New Circle Cemetery, where most of the miners who died that day are buried, is now on the National Register of Historic Places.  A plaque will be installed at the cemetery tomorrow morning by students from Briceville Elementary School(updated 12/08/2011 3:00 p.m.)

Sketch of the Cross Mountain Mine

This drawing appeared in the 12/12/1911 edition of the Knoxville Journal

     This story is taken from the front page of the Knoxville Sentinel, an afternoon paper in those days, dated Saturday evening, December 9, 1911.

 His wife’s dream may have saved his life

 “Mrs. Hugh LaRue appealed to her husband not to enter mine today, as she had had vision of disaster, and headless forms being brought from cavern – wife’s tears of joy.”

                                                   (By Staff Correspondent)

     Briceville, December 9 – Hugh LaRue, a miner employed in the Cross Mountain mine where an explosion occurred today, may owe his life to a dream which his wife had last night.  Upon awakening this morning, Mr. LaRue was approached by his wife, who told him that she would not prepare dinner for him to carry to the mines, as she did not want him to work today.  She then recited a dream she had, giving this as her reason for asking that her husband stay out of the mine.

     Mrs. LaRue said that last night she dreamed she saw scores of miners with their heads blown off, being carried out of the mine entrance.  That she and her little children, and she has several, stood at the mine’s mouth watching the unfortunate coal diggers being carried out.  She feared for the life of her husband today she said.  Despite the fact that he has not missed a day from his work for many months, he was prevailed upon today to remain out of the mines.  It was only a short time after Mrs. LaRue recited her story until the explosion was announced.  With tears of joy streaming down her face, she embraced her husband, and thanked God that she had had the dream last night.  Their little children are gathering about them rejoicing too that their father is yet alive.  They joined in sympathizing with the little children who are gathered around the mine entrance wondering if their fathers have been killed.

     Mr. LaRue is doing everything possible to comfort those whose relatives have been entombed.

Goes to join his brother

     Havey La Rue, whose brothers are employed by the Knoxville Iron company in the Cross Mountain mine, where an explosion occurred today, left the city for Briceville this morning, immediately after hearing of the disaster.  When leaving the city, he had not been told that his brother, Hugh LaRue, had been kept out of the mines today by his wife who dreamed last night that she saw miners with their heads blown off, being carried from the mines.  It is feared that another brother, Luther La Rue, was in the mine when the explosion occurred.  Harvey LaRue and W.L. LaRue are employed in the Coster shops.  W.L. LaRue is out of the city.  His son, Lawrence, went to Briceville today.  No word has been received by the members of the family from the LaRues at Briceville.  (updated 12/08/2011 3:00 p.m.)

  A friend to all dies

     The Facebook comments are countless.  Condolences are pouring in via social media in the wake of the death of Les Fowler.  Les was a friend to all.  And he was just a person who was easy to like.  The long time banker at First National Bank, and most recently Community Trust Bank, died Wednesday at a Houston hospital with his family by his side.  As many of you know, Les had been in Houston for weeks awaiting a heart transplant that never materialized.  We’ll have more on the life of Les Fowler coming up in this evening’s 5:30 news on WLAF-TV 12 and here on the radio.  (updated 12/08/2011 6:00 a.m.)

 It's Christmas band concert night

     A Campbell County High tradition continues this evening. Tonight marks the 38th annual Christmas band concert at CCHS. Band Director Don Hendricks and students host the annual event beginning at 7:00 in the commons area. Middle School, Beginner, Advanced Bands, and the CCHS Band all perform. Hendricks, the school's only band director, began the holiday concert in 1975, the first Christmas at Campbell High.  (updated 12/08/2011 6:00 a.m.)

School board meets this evening 

     The school board meets tonight. Six p.m. is the start time at the courthouse. Channel 12 cameras will be there as usual, and we'll have the story for you first thing Friday morning with the telecast at 9:00 a.m. Keep in mind, the county commission, school board, and La Follette City Council meetings may also be seen on www.1450wlaf.com on a delay basis.  (updated 12/08/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Tuesday Basketball Finals

Campbell Lady Cougars 37 - Powell Lady Panthers  30

Campbell Cougars 38 - Powell Panthers 48

Jellico 54 - Wartburg Central Bulldogs 57

Bitter Bus Stop Wait

      An air temperature of 26 degrees. A "feels like" reading of 11 degrees (wind chill). That's what students are up against as they wait for the bus on Thursday morning. Black ice and freezing fog are concerns for both car and foot travelers. Watch that first step. Thursday weather stays on the cool side with a high of 43 under sunny skies. (updated 12/07/2011 8:30 p.m.)

Winter Weather Advisory

    Black ice. That's going to be the biggest challenge for us here in Campbell County come early Thursday.  There is a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 7:00 p.m.  A WWA means that light snow accumulations are possible.  On the north side of the county, light accumulations of snow are likely.  By daybreak, we could see two-to-three inches of snow on the ground in places like Caryville Mountain and areas above 1,800 feet.  The coldest night of the season, so far, is ahead as temperatures continue falling through the 30s this afternoon on their way to 24 by sun-up on Thursday.  A warm ground is to our advantage, but that won't be of any help once we make it to the mid-20s after midnight.  That's when we'll encounter areas of black ice on roads, bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, parking lots, and the like.  As you drive, it's a good idea to slow down and allow extra travel time.  Watch that first step as you walk.  Your back step, driveway, and sidewalk may have a slick spot or two.  (updated 12/07/2011 Noon)

Not one, but two flat tires on Tuesday

     Right up top.  We apologize for our lack of presence on your computer for about 20-hours on Tuesday.  We had not one, but two major issues with www.1450wlaf.com.  First, our service provider’s server went kuh-foo-ee.  Then the software we use to update our site crashed and burned.  Fortunately, with the great help of our Frank Payne and Steven McCullah, we were back in business by about midnight last night.  Hopefully, we’re good to go for a while.  A long while.  Fingers crossed.  (updated 12/07/2011 1:00 p.m.)

See the Christmas Parade on Channel 12

     Look for the Christmas Parade on WLAF-TV 12.  This week's schedule is today at 4:00 p.m.  (updated 12/07/2011 1:00 a.m.)

A taste of winter

     Cold north winds with rain this morning.  Becoming colder through the day as temps fall into the 30s by late afternoon.  Rain changes to snow after lunch as snow showers persist until late tonight.  Except for car tops, roof tops, and grassy surfaces, little, if any, accumulation is expected here on the south side of Campbell County.  Winter Weather Advisories are issued for Bell County Kentucky, Lee County Virginia and the Smoky Mountains where accumulating snow and ice are expected.  Cold north winds continue howling as skies gradually clear after midnight while lows fall to the coldest of the season, so far, to 24.  Weather details are found to the right of this page.   (updated 12/07/2011 1:00 a.m.) 

Council is in and out in a handful of minutes

     Three-minutes and 26-seconds.  That’s how long it took La Follette City Council to work through its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.  There were four items and all four passed without opposition.  Council approved bid advertisements for Splash Park features for the LPRF Grant and also hired a detective and two firefighters.  Josh Hill was appointed to detective with a salary of just over 28-thousand dollars.  Michael Medley and Blake Kitts were appointed to fulltime firefighter.  Medley and Kitts salaries are a tad more than 23-thousand dollars each.  All three take on their new duties December 17.  (updated 12/07/2011 1:00 a.m.)

 Beltone's free hearing exam day is today

     It’s Wednesday.  That means it's free hearing exam day at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center in La Follette.  Simply stop by the office on West Central Avenue across the street from the First Baptist Church.  Beltone’s telephone number is 423.562.7562.  (updated 12/07/2011 1:00 a.m.)

The battles at Brown Gym were ugly

     It was a tough night at John Brown Gym for Campbell Basketball.  The Lady Cougar JVs clipped Powell 42 to 25.  The Lady Cougar Varsity Squad (4 - 4, 2 - 0) struggled its way to an ugly 37 to 30 win.  Powell held off the Cougars (5 – 3, 1 – 1) to take the boys’ varsity game 48 to 38.  Jellico lost a tight one at Wartburg to the Bulldogs.  Wartburg Central came from behind to nip the Blue Devils 57 to 54.  Jellico returns to action Friday at Corbin with a date against the Red Hounds while Campbell visits the Wildcats at Oak Ridge.  The WLAF Sports Network provides the coverage right here.  (updated 12/07/2011 1:00 a.m.) 

Monday Basketball Finals

Campbell Lady Cougars 73 - Cumberland Gap Lady Panthers  57

Campbell Cougars 64 - Cumberland Gap Panthers 65

Jellico 59 - Knox Central (Kentucky) 70

     CCHS and Jellico are back in action tonight. After the Panthers slipped past the Cougars Monday night 65 to 64 at Cumberland Gap and the Lady Cougars won 73 to 57, it's back to work this evening. Powell's in town to battle at Brown Gym in a District 3-AAA match-up. Jellico had a tough night at Barbourville, Kentucky, as Knox Central outpaced the Blue Devils 70-59. JHS travels to Morgan County for a re-match of last season's district championship when it faces Wartburg in a key District 4-AA showdown. Connect to 1450wlaf.com for all the action of the Cougars, Lady Cougars, and Blue Devils. You may also hear the CCHS games over 1450 WLAF Radio.  (updated 12/06/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Grand jury decides on Finley & Henegar

     A no true bill is returned on former Campbell County officers Jonathan Finley and Jason Henegar.  It was a long day on Friday as the grand jury met until after 9:00 p.m., and among its findings was that there is no probable cause to decide that a crime was committed by the pair.  So, it returned a no true bill.”  Henegar was dismissed after he crashed his personal vehicle into the living room of a La Follette couple's Imperial Heights home late Labor Day Night.  Finley, the first on the scene, was let go after Sheriff Goins said Finley did not handle the incident properly.  Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that his stance remains and he affirms his decision to terminate Finley and Henegar on policy violations.   Goins adds that the sheriff’s department is committed to providing and procuring what is in the best interest of the office and for the citizens to whom he and his department answer.  Finley was chief deputy and Henegar headed up the child abuse division for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  Former Tennessee Highway Patrolman Aaron Evans was hired in late September to replace Finley while Sheriff Goins named Ricky Jeffers, a one-time Scott County detective, as Henegar’s replacement in early October.  (updated 12/05/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Bad Hair Bandit's behind bars

     His name is Jason Fox.  But you more than likely know him as the “Bad Hair Bandit.”  Regardless.  He’s been caught.  Fox was nicknamed the “Bad Hair Bandit” because he wore ladies wigs during robberies.  Police tell 1450wlaf.com that the 30-year old Fox robbed a credit union in Williamsburg Thursday night.  They say he didn’t get much money, so they figured he’d hit again.  Officers patrolled nearby banks on Friday when they spotted Fox, who’s from Williamsburg, and pulled him over around 1:30 p.m. in Barbourville.  Fox reportedly confessed to holding up seven banks in Tennessee and Kentucky stretching from La Follette to Corbin and including Pine Knot, Williamsburg, and Barbourville.  It’s thought that Fox is the man who was wearing a woman’s wig when he held up the First Volunteer Bank in Jellico on June 9 and the Y-12 Federal Credit Union in west La Follette on October 28.  Fox is in the Whitley County today, waiting to be taken into custody by the FBI.  (updated 12/05/2011 6:00 a.m.)

La Follette City Council meets Tuesday

     Tuesday is regular monthly meeting night for the La Follette City Council.  Tomorrow evening at 6:00 is when council meets at city hall.  We’ll have the story for you first thing right here Wednesday morning.  See the telecast at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday on WLAF-TV 12.   (updated 12/05/2011 10:00 a.m.)

  Full slate of games this week for CCHS & JHS

     The Cougars play three in five.  That’s three games in five nights beginning with a trip to Claiborne County this evening where CCHS faces Cumberland Gap.  The Cougars play the CG Panthers tonight, then the Powell Panthers at home Tuesday and close the week at Oak Ridge on Friday.  Jellico hits the road for three games in five nights this week, too.  JHS plays at Barbourville against Knox Central tonight before it travels to Wartburg Tuesday and then Corbin on Friday.  See all the CCHS games over www.1450wlaf.com and hear them on 1450 WLAF Radio.  Listen for every Jellico game on www.1450wlaf.com.  (updated 12/05/2011 6:00 a.m.)

 

December 2, 2011

Immediate Release from Sheriff Robbie K. Goins

Statement on Grand Jury Decision

“It was made aware to our office that after an attempt to prosecute, the Campbell County Grand Jury returned a “No True Bill” today on Jonathan Finley and Jason Henegar. We appreciate the hard work of the Grand Jury and respect their decision. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Hatfield family and all parties involved. We also appreciate the tireless efforts of the District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney General Paul Phillips. We have and will continue to cooperate on matters that involve the public and their interests. My stance remains and I affirm my decision to terminate them on policy violations. We are committed to providing and procuring what is in the best interest of this office and for the citizens who we are responsible to. We have life changing decisions to make in this office on a daily basis, concerning not only our employees but the citizens we serve. We have to move forward together and conduct their business accordingly and professionally.”(updated 12/02/2011 10:30 p.m.)      

 

Boomer's Corner is now open

     Let the weekend begin.  Boomer kicks it off in fashion as he weighs-in on Newt.  See Boomer's link to the left on this page.   (updated 12/02/2011 3:00 p.m.)  

Blood drive for Katelyn

     Teenage cancer patient Katelyn Norman needs our help.  Tomorrow at Jacksboro Middle School between 9:00 and 5:00, MEDIC hosts a blood drive for Katelyn.  All we’ll need to do is take thirty-minutes or so out of our day to donate a pint of blood for Katelyn.  (updated 12/02/2011 6:00 a.m.)  

Sheriff Goins announces next Crime Watch Meeting

     Sheriff Goins announces the next Neighborhood Watch meeting.  It’s set for Tuesday at the Davis Chapel Community Center.  Goins says he can’t stress how important meetings like these are when it comes to serving the county and keeping lines of communication open.  The Crime Watch meeting starts Tuesday night at 7:00.   (updated 12/02/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Saturday is Christmas Parade Day

     Tomorrow is the big day.  It’s the annual Christmas Parade.  Kelli Jo Wright is this year’s chairman and tells us that all the fun begins in La Follette at 2:00.  Look for the first telecast of the parade Saturday night at 8:30 on WLAF-TV 12.   (updated 12/02/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Campbell & Jellico return to the court tonight

     It’s rematch night for the CCHS cagers.  Farragut’s in town tonight to take on the Cougars (4-1, 1-0) and Lady Cougars (2-3, 1-0).  The JVs play at 5:00 followed by the Lady Cougars and then the Cougars in this non-district match-up.  The Lady Cougars lost and the Cougars won in the first meeting with the Admirals at Knoxville a couple of weeks ago.  Jellico plays at Coalfield tonight in a big District 4-A showdown with the Yellow Jackets.  The Devils play again without starters Cody Malicoat and Matt Bolton.  WLAF radio and 1450wlaf.com provide the broadcasts of all the Campbell and Jellico action.  Take along your radio to all the CCHS games.  You’ll be able to hear our “arena cast” of the game over 107.1 FM.   (updated 12/02/2011 6:00 a.m.)

More on the cat worth finding

     Five-hundred dollars.  That's the reward for a missing cat.  Yes, $500!  Her name is Kayli, and she's missing two-miles north of the I-75 Caryville Exit 134 (southbound side).  Kayli is 10-years old and weighs about 12-pounds.  She’s a Calico and will answer to her name.  If you find Kayli, please call 810.599.6074.  Good luck.  (updated 12/02/2011 6:00 a.m.)

CASA gets big boost

     Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA, was “that” close to closing its doors.  That’s what CASA Director David Ayers tells 1450wlaf.com.  Ayers goes on to say that if not for a 20-thousand dollar grant from the La Follette Medical Foundation, CASA was days away from disbanding.  The grant gives CASA new life and renewed hopes.  Ayers explains that CASA volunteers represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings.  If you would like to donate or volunteer, Ayers welcomes your call at 423.562.2700.  (updated 12/01/2011 6:00 a.m.)

LHS grads remember Elizabeth Stanifer

     “She was my favorite and funniest librarian.”  That’s how Gail Stout Herrin, LHS Class of ’68, recalls Elizabeth Stanifer.  The longtime La Follette High School Librarian died yesterday at her daughter’s home in Knoxville.  Herrin describes her as a fantastic and caring person.  La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield, a 1970 LHS grad, calls Stanifer a true friend and class A act.  Coffey Funeral Home of New Tazewell handles the arrangements.  Elizabeth Stanifer was 93 years old.  (updated 11/30/2011 12:45 p.m.)

 Big night for the Little Theater

     The Little Community Theater's fund raiser is this evening. You are invited to the La Follette Community Center, formerly the West La Follette School, for Family Movie Night. Appalachian Dawn is the presentation and admission is free with donations accepted. Billie Russell is with the County Mayor's Office heads up the Little Community Theater venture and explains that its purpose is to provide extra curricular activities for Campbell County youth. Showtime is 6:30.  (updated 11/30/2011 6:00 a.m.)

 Cougars sweep Devils stumble

     It was a triple-header win Tuesday night at John Brown Gym. Clinton was in town for District 3-AAA basketball match-ups with the Cougars.  CCHS won the Cougar JV game 58 to 52 while the Lady Cougars (2-3 1-0) dispatched Clinton 68 to 34.  In the nightcap, the Cougars (4-1 1-0) blew past the Dragons in the boys game 57 to 41.  At Barbourville, Kentucky, the Tigers won over a short-handed Jellico Blue Devil (1-4 1-0) squad 86 to 48.  The Devils are still playing without starters Matt Bolton and Cody Mailcoat.  Malicoat is an MTSU signee and was MVP of District 4 and Region 2 last season.  Next up, Farragut visits Campbell on Friday in a non-district game while Jellico travels to Coalfield for a District-4A battle.  WLAF has all the coverage of the Cougars and Devils this season.  (updated 11/30/2011 6:00 a.m.)

  City Council meets in workshop session

          The LaFollette City Council held a workshop the evening of November 28th. They discussed the possible need to have a blueprint made of City Hall. When the phone company in charge of the installation of the new phone system asked for the blueprints of the building, none was found. The cost for the creation of the prints was guessed at well over $2,000. It was the general opinion of the council members that no blueprints would be needed for the project.

     The Police Department recommended moving Josh Hill to the Detective Division with a salary increase of $1,500, effective December 17th. Currently, there are only two other detectives. For the last several months, Hill has been working with the Detective Division and has done well as a detective.

     The Fire Department has two full time positions open and has proposed moving Michael Medley and Blake Kitts from part time to full time with benefits, effective December 17th. Both men are said to be experienced and able fire fighters.

     Nothing definite was decided for either the Police or Fire Departments. The next City Council meeting will be held December 6th.  By - Megan Colley  (updated 11/29/2011 6:00 a.m.)

La Follette City Council meets

     Health insurance rates are increasing for City of La Follette employees.  City council decided at last night's meeting to hold a workshop November 8th to talk about its options as it faces a 19-percent rate increase in its premiums.  Mayor Mike Stanfield says he wants input from every city employee when it comes to their health insurance and that the city may end up staying with its present provider, because it is a very good plan.  Stanfield adds that La Follette is unique in this day and time, because it pays for all of its employees insurance.  Right at 100 people are employed by the city.  A Campbell County pop-up trailer manufacturer is considering moving its operation from outside the city to La Follette at a building on North Indiana Avenue.  The unnamed small industry employees 15 people and potentially could increase its workforce up to 80.  Negotiations continue.  Council adjourned in session and meets again November 14 to continue its regular monthly meeting.  (updated 11/02/2011 6:00 a.m.)

  Newborn's death case goes to grand jury

     A preliminary hearing in the death of a La Follette infant was held Tuesday at Jacksboro.  Judge Joe Ayers listened to more than two-hours of testimony before 39-year old Wanda Kay Cieslak’s case was bound over to the Campbell County Grand Jury on first degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and neglect charges.  Cieslak's week-old child's body was discovered in a garbage bag at a home in the Beverly Hills Subdivision on Hatmaker Drive in the early morning hours of October 21st.  The grand jury will hear the case on December 2nd.  A more detailed story is coming later today right here on 1450wlaf.com.  (updated 11/02/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Cieslak's case goes to grand jury in newborn's death

     The woman accused of killing her newborn baby made her first court appearance today.  At Jacksboro, a female officer stood behind her the entire time.  The slender 39-year old Wanda Cieslak sat at the defendant’s table wearing a pink jump suit and shackles.  It was in Judge Joe Ayers’ General Sessions Court Room where Cieslak quietly listened to testimony that would determine whether or not her case goes to the grand jury.  Testifying first was William Davis, an acquaintance of Cieslak, who was one of the first people to discover the body of a newborn baby boy at his home on Hatmaker Drive in La Follette.  Next came Captain Brandon Elkins with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  Elkins recounted his discoveries at 126 Hatmaker Drive and 500 South Indiana Avenue as well as saying what he remembered Cieslak told him during her interview.  Knox County Medical Examiner Dr. Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan explained that all of the autopsy results are not back and that she has no definitive cause of death.  The doctor did, however, express concern over a stress fracture to the soft top portion of the newborn’s skull.  Taking all the testimony, photos, and evidence into consideration, Judge Joe Ayers then sent Cieslak’s case on to the Campbell County Grand Jury.  The grand jury next meets December 2nd.  A more detailed story is coming tomorrow on 1450 WLAF Dot Com.  (updated 11/01/2011 2:00 p.m.)

Man Arrested for Allegedly Shooting at Son

    R.L. "June Bug" Cooper Jr., 53, was arrested Sunday afternoon after deputies were dispatched to 405 Glade Springs Road where they were met by a man that said he was shot at by his father. Numerous Deputies & Detectives went to 405 Glade Spring Rd. where Sgt. Darrell Mongar concluded that there was a total of three shots fired. Sgt. Mongar determined that "June Bug" was, in fact, a convicted felon. Deputies confiscated several firearms at the location for evidence and arrested Mr. Cooper on charges of domestic violence by aggravated assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, and convicted felony possession of a firearm. (Updated 11/01/11 1:15 p.m.)

Cieslak Bound Over to the Grand Jury

     The case of the woman charged with killing her newborn baby boy is sent to the Grand Jury. The Campbell County Grand jury meets December 2nd and will hear the charges and evidence against 39-year old Wanda Cieslak. Related stories are found to the left at the news archives. A more detailed story is coming to 1450wlaf.com. (Updated 11/01/11 12:30 p.m.)

Woman charged with killing her newborn is due in court today 

     A mother charged with killing her newborn baby is scheduled to be in a Campbell County Court Room this morning.  Wanda Cieslak appears before Judge Joe Ayers in General Sessions Court for a preliminary hearing.  This court date for the 39-year old Cieslak is to determine if probable cause or sufficient evidence exists to bind her over to the grand jury for its consideration.  La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries and Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins charged Cieslak with 1st degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and neglect in connection with the October 21st discovery of the body of a week old baby boy birthed by Cieslak.  Related stories are found in the News Archives section here on 1450wlaf.com(updated 11/01/2011 6:00 a.m.)

New Skyway Bridge expected to open this month

     Maybe. Just maybe. The new Skyway Bridge opens before Thanksgiving.  That's the latest word from officials at TDOT.  November 22nd is the expected finish date.  Mid-August of 2009 is when work began to dismantle the old bridge and begin building the new one, and it looks like the project life-span is heading toward 27-months all tol.  TDOT's Mark Nagi explains that a few more finishing touches are needed.  When finished, there'll be five 12-foot lanes including a turn lane, plus 10-foot shoulders. The new bridge price tag is just short of 5-million dollars.  (updated 11/01/2011 6:00 a.m.)

City council meets

     La Follette City Council meets this evening. Six o'clock is when the regular monthly meeting begins.  We'll have the story for you first thing tomorrow right here with the telecast airing at 9:00 a.m. over WLAF-TV 12.  (updated 11/01/2011 6:00 a.m.)

See Joyce Long's comments on her last day at LMS

     Joyce Long retired Monday.  You may see the full story of Joyce on her special day further down the page in the replay of WLAF-TV 12's Monday newscast.  (updated 11/01/2011 6:00 a.m.)

Joyce Long's last day at LMS

     If you’ve ever called La Follette Middle School, you know her voice.  If you taught or teach at LMS, you know her well.  For students who came through or attend La Follette Middle, you’ll never forget her.  She is Joyce Long.  And today is her last day on the job in the front office at LMS.  From all of us here at WLAF, Joyce, we wish you the best, and thank you for giving us your best all these years.  How will we manage without you?   (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/31/2011)

It's Halloween 

     It’s Halloween.  Cool 50s and dry for trick-or-treaters.  Trick or treating hours are from 5:00 ‘til 8:00, and those are the same hours for Trunk or Treat which is behind the police station in La Follette.  Have fun and play it safe.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/31/2011)

Having trouble watching TV?

     Having trouble with your Comcast Cable TV Box?  You’re not by yourself.  Simply turn on your TV.  You’ll see a black screen with a centered message show up.  Then just select Channel 111.  Five.  Maybe ten-seconds later, you’ll be back in the TV watching business.  (updated 6:00a.m. 10/31/2011)

Search continues for bank robber    

     Still working on it.  That’s what La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com.  Working on catching a man for robbing the West Y-12 Federal Credit Union last Friday afternoon.  FBI reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com are that one suspect entered the Credit Union at 1:25 p.m., displayed a handgun, and verbally demanded money.  Witnesses describe the suspect as a white male in his mid-to-late 20s, approximately 5’6” to 5’8” tall, and weighing between 185 and 190 pounds.  After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene.  There were no injuries  If you have any information, you are asked to call the La Follette Police Department at 423.562.8331.  It’s a joint investigation by the FBI, the Safe Street Task Force, and LPD.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/31/2011)

Y-12 West robbery update

     Word from the manhunt is that the two bank robbers are not on foot but are still driving.  That's what one officer in the field tells 1450wlaf.com.  Police have not found the car abandoned as we first heard and reported earlier.  However, an officer did actually hear a gunshot fired near the old Ingles Building (next to Taco Bell).  He searched but was not able to find anyone near the sound of the shot.  Lockdowns at both the Jacksboro Elementary and Middle Schools were lifted a little after 3:00 this afternoon.  Officers are looking for two white males, an older and a younger, with the younger wearing gray pants and a hoodie.  The immediate search area is the mile around the Y-12 Federal Credit Union - West on the Jacksboro side of La Follette.  The hunt carries into surrounding counties as well although police believe the robbers headed toward Anderson County. Reports from the scene coming in to 1450wlaf.com are that the last time any policeman saw the get-a-way car was right after the robbery as it headed down Mullis Lane.  Mullis Lane is the street between Po-Ho's Ice Cream and the Y-12 Credit Union.  (updated 4:00 p.m. 10/28/2011)

God was with me 

     “I have a guardian angel, and I’m going to make it.”  That’s what an enthusiastic Catherine Foust says as we visited with her by telephone from her private room at UT Medical Center this afternoon.  The 68-year old Foust continues recovering from a terrifying crash that hurled her out of her pick up truck through the windshield and then sent her airborne, some say, landing as far as fifty-feet away in the wet grass.   The Pennsylvania native makes no bones about it saying that God was with her as she came away with broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and other various bumps and bruises.  That’s after her blue ’84 GMC hydroplaned on General Carl Wade Stiner Highway and into the path of a loaded 18-wheeler.  Upon impact, the tanker filled with rock dust split Foust’s truck into two pieces.  Foust says she was headed toward town when she was not able to stop on the rain-slick road for a van that was turning near the metal T-DOT Office.  The driver of K.J. Trucking of Middlesboro’s big rig was not injured.  Foust wasn’t far from her home on Howard Road when her life was put on-hold.  Doctors tell Foust that she’s still a couple of months away from returning to her old self, but the best news she’s heard is that she will be able to garden again.  Gardening may be more than just a passion for Foust.  It’s a way of life.  A life that is so thankful and grateful to all her friends who have offered their outstanding support over these past nine days.  Catherine Foust says she’s glad her address is La Follette, Tennessee.  We, are too, Catherine.  (updated 1:30 p.m. 10/28/2011)

La Follette attorney speaks out on that obnoxious odor

     Dave Dunaway is upset.  La Follette Attorney Dave Dunaway spoke to 1450wlaf.com this morning expressing his anger as well as concern over the week-long sickening odor that's overtaken his office.  Dunaway's comments are available in the box below.  At publication time, 1450wlaf.com was waiting for a return call from officials with La Follette Utilities on the test results taken by an outside environmental firm as well as a response to Dunaway's comments.  Officials at LUB were extended an invitation to speak on-camera in response to Dunaway's comments but declined our offer.  (updated 2:15 p.m. 10/13/2011)

 

News & Birthdays and Anniversaries

 

Andy, Barney & David

 

2011 CCHS Homecoming Parade

 

 

More “fire bug” arrests expected 

     Two mobile homes.  Shelly Lowe’s home.  The old Douglas Store.  Those are the structures 18-year Chris Dobson tells Sheriff Robbie Goins that he set on fire.  Dobson is a White Oak Volunteer Fireman, and is free on a 15-thousand dollar bond.  Goins tells WLAF that the investigation continues into the string of fires.  At last count, arson fires destroyed more than a dozen buildings along the northern border of Campbell County with most of those fires coming in the White Oak community.  Goins is looking for two more persons of interest and adds that he and his detectives continue following leads.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/28/2011) 

La Follette Medical Center cuts 15 jobs

     Systemwide restructuring at Tennova Healthcare cuts jobs here at home.  Newly appointed La Follette Medical Center Administrator Mark Cain tells 1450wlaf.com that 15 employees were told they are losing their jobs yesterday.  He says it's something he doesn't like. However, he adds that severance packages and job placement are being provided.  Cain explains that as part of the severance package the now former La Follette Medical Center employees continue receiving their salary or wages as well as full medical for one year.  Every Tennova owned hospital was impacted. The biggest hit came at Physicians Regional formerly St. Mary's Medical Center just off Broadway in Knoxville. Tennova-wide, 130 jobs were eliminated.  Health Management Associates acquired Mercy Health Partners on September 30 for a little more than a half-a-billion dollars.  La Follette Medical Center employs around 400 people and is among the group of seven Knoxville area hospitals HMA now owns.     (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/28/2011)   

23-year old goes to jail for the 16th time

     Dustin Dewayne Boshears is been a busy man.  The 23-year old Boshears was just nabbed after an almost two-month investigation by the sheriff’s department.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells WLAF-TV 12 Boshears had a hay day at a boat storage facility on Old Middlesboro Highway where he’s charged with taking 26-hundred dollars of equipment as well as 21-hundred dollars of fishing gear.  And that’s not all.  He’s also charged with stealing a motorcycle from a home on Flat Hollow Road.  Though Dustin Dewayne Boshears is only 23-years old, he’s already been booked through the county jail 16 times.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/28/2011)   

A new home in 35 days

     It's open house night. You are invited to the opening of the Mary Walker home this evening from 6:00 until 8:00. Walker's previous home only had half-a-roof and was on its way to falling apart.  So, over the past 35 days, volunteers, mostly from seven area churches, came in and dozed it down and built back a new home with all donated materials.  Organizer Allen Shepherd tells 1450wlaf.com that Mary Walker and her daughter Eva Everson move in tomorrow.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/28/2011)   

10 arrests, 3 days, lots of drugs

      Sheriff Robbie Goins and deputies stay busy fighting the war on drugs.  They’re coming off a three-day stretch of 10 drug related arrests.  Hypodermic needles, spoons, drinking straws tailored to snort drugs, and a pill crusher are among the confiscated drug paraphernalia.  Drugs range from marijuana to meth to pills.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/28/2011)    

Arrest is made in infant death

     In a release from the Chief of La Follette Police Jimmy Jefferies, Jefferies announced that on October 25 his office with the assistance of Sheriff Goins' Criminal Investigation Division has charged Wanda Cieslak (Sea-slack) with 1st degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and neglect.

     

       Wanda Cieslak

     On October 21 at approx. 1:15 a.m. La Follette Police Officers and Campbell County Sheriff's Office Deputies were dispatched on a possible deceased infant. When officers arrived at 126 Hatmaker Drive just outside of the La Follette City limits (in the Beverly Hills Subdivision) they discovered a garbage bag there. The bag contained a deceased full-term newborn baby boy wrapped in a blanket. The investigation revealed that the death occurred within the corporate limits of La Follette at 500 South Indiana Avenue which was quarantined for methamphetamine production on October 11 by LPD. The birth occurred inside the quarantined house on October 13. 

     Chief Jefferies and Sheriff Goins felt the need to activate the Major Crimes Task Force due to a multi-jurisdictional case. The investigation recieved information that a person of interest, Wanda Kay Cieslak, was residing at a house in Scott County, Tennessee. La Follete Police Officers Daniel Smith and Charles Duff went to Scott County and arrested her on an outstanding capias/bench warrant from Campbell County. She was brought to the Campbell County Jail. There Cieslak was interviewed by Det. Sgt. David Muse of LPD and Captain J. Brandon Elkins of CCSO on October 24.

     Chief Jefferies states that an autopsy was performed at the University of Tennessee. The final results are still pending. However, a preliminary report, by the doctor performing the autopsy, revealed there was no reason to believe that it was not born alive and healthy.

     The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called to perform polygraphs on persons attached to the case. Chief Jefferies states, "This case is still being being worked to full investigation and did not stop with the result of Cieslak's arrest. I would like to personally thank the officers of my department for their efforts in this case and would extend my gratitude to Sheriff Robbie Goins. Sheriff Goins' detectives were very helpful in this matter."  (updated 3:00 p.m. 10/25/2011)

Two meth makers arrested

     An active meth lab lands two in jail.  La Follette Police are called to an apartment on Claiborne Road not long after midnight this morning.  Initially, LPD was answering a domestic disturbance call.  Upon arrival, officers found a meth lab inside an apartment as well as meth materials in a dumpster.  Neighbors tell police they heard a couple arguing about a meth lab, and then the couple started throwing parts of an active lab into the dumpster.  The couple was decontaminated at the scene as 34-year old James “Jamie” Daniel Carroll was arrested at apartment number 115 along with 33-year old Judy Lynne Bohrer.  Both are being held in the county jail on meth charges.  (updated 9:00 a.m. 10/24/2011)

LPD arrests person of interest

     A person of interest is arrested in last week’s infant death investigation.  That person is 39-year old Wanda Kay Cieslak who was found on Saturday night in Scott County.  Authorities report to 1450wlaf.com that La Follette Police acted on a tip coming from a man supposedly living with Cieslak.  Cieslak is believed to have delivered a full-term baby boy that was found dead in the predawn hours of Friday morning.  According to authorities, a call came in soon after 1:00 a.m. on October 21 that an infant body was found in a garbage bag.  Officers responded to the Beverly Hills Subdivision to a home at 126 Hatmaker Lane in La Follette where people there say they received the bag from someone at a quarantened meth house at 500 South Indiana Avenue.  The child is thought to have been less than a week old.  LPD Chief Jimmy Jeffries and Sheriff Robbie Goins activated the major crimes task force in order to bring all hands and resources on-deck to handle the investigation since both agencies are working through this together, because the crime scene looks to be in the two jurisdictions.  CCSD Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells 1450wlaf.com that they've arranged a maximum security cell for Cieslak.  Chief Jeffries tells WLAF that the investigation is in the preliminary stages, and that autopsy results are due back this week.  (updated 8:00 a.m. 10/24/2011)

Brown laid to rest today

     Longtime La Follette business man John R.W. Brown is laid to rest today. The well-liked Brown died Friday evening at a Knoxville hospital after a brief illness. Known as Coach Brown to many, he was the local State Farm Insurance Agent for 51-years. He also was the head coach during the most successful years of La Follette High School Basketball where his teams won more than 200 games in an eight-year span. There's a photo tribute to Brown on our web channel 1450 WLAF Dot Com. The complete obituary is to the left on this page under the Obituary Link.  John Reynolds Woodson Brown was 87-years old. (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/24/2011)

The Coach is gone

      Legendary La Follette basketball coach and businessman John R.W. Brown died at 6:00 this evening at Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville. "John was just John." That's how his daughter-in-law and longtime coworker Terina Brown sums him up. She tells 1450wlaf.com that John always said that he would work until he died, and he just about did. Bottom line, Terina calls John a wonderful man. The family took John to the hospital late Wednesday morning not knowing that he was dealing with double-pnuemonia all the while suffering what, in the end, wound up being a massive heart attack. Brown was the local State Farm Insurance Agent dating back to the mid-50s. However, Brown may best be known and remembered as the head coach of the most successful La Follette High School Basketball teams that won more than 200 games and finished as state runner-up in 1954. WLAF's Jim Freeman recalls that John always carried schedule cards from his coaching days in his wallet. And, yes, the wins and losses were marked. Brown's teams lost fewer than 30 games in his eight seasons as head coach of the Owls. He became head coach at LHS at the tender age of 23. That's when the school was next to First Baptist Church. Brown leaves behind his wife Jean, sons Tony and wife Terina, Tim, and daughter Connie Brown Prickett. John Reynolds Woodson Brown was 87-years old. (Updated 8:00 PM 10/21/2011)

Farmer, carpenter, friend

     On Red Bullard's 100th birthday, we had to wait to come over to do a story on him.  He told us not to come by until he was finished weed eating his yard.  As you can tell, Red didn't coast to the century mark, he ran.  Sadly, we must let you know that Red died this morning.  His delightful run through life lasted 101 years.  We miss you already, Red.  Clyde E. "Red" Bullard's complete obituary is found at the link on the left side of this page.  (updated 5:30 p.m. 10/21/2011)

Fireman charged with arson

     An arrest is made in a string of arson fires.  Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that a fireman is charged with setting some of the fires.  He is 18-year old Christopher Dobson of Duff.  The Sheriff says Dobson, a member of the White Oak Volunteer Fire Department, is charged with three-counts of arson.  At last count, arson fires destroyed more than a dozen buildings along the northern border of Campbell County with most of those fires coming in the White Oak community.  Reports are that these structures have all burned in less than three weeks mainly on Highway 90.  Fire officials say that it’s mainly old abandoned houses or abandoned stores.  The latest fire destroyed a structure on Tuesday night on Highway 90 in the Roses Creek community.  Officials say all the fires happen in the wee hours of the morning between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m.  Claiborne County sheriff's deputies are also investigating a rash of arsons.   Claiborne Sheriff David Ray says they arrested two Springdale volunteer firefighters earlier this week on arson charges.  (updated 4:30 p.m. 10/21/2011)

Foul play suspected in death of new born baby

     A less than a week old full-term baby boy is found dead.  According to authorities, a call came in around 1:15 this morning that an infant body was found in a garbage bag.  Officers responded to the Beverly Hills Subdivision to a home at 126 Hatmaker Lane in La Follette where people there say they received the bag from someone at a quarantened meth house at 500 South Indiana Avenue.  An autopsy on the body of Baby Doe is being conducted at Knoxville.  La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries and Sheriff Robbie Goins activated the major crimes task force in order to bring all hands and resources on-deck to handle the investigation since both agencies are working through this together, because the crime scene looks to be in the two jurisdictions.  Chief Jeffries tells WLAF that the investigation is in the preliminary stages, and that there is a person of interest he, officers with LPD and the Sheriff’s Department are searching for at this hour.  That person is 39-year old Wanda Kay Cieslak.  Cieslak is a white female, six-feet tall weighing 145 pounds with long brown hair and green eyes.   

Cieslak has a lengthy arrest record. Jeffries says if you have seen this woman or know of her whereabouts, to please call him at 423.562.8331 or the Sheriff at 423.562.7446.  (updated 2:30 p.m. 10/21/2011)

Foust in serious condition

     An 18-wheeler split the pick-up truck she was driving in half.  Cathy Foust miraculously survived and is listed in serious condition this morning in the Critical Care Unit at UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  The accident happened Wednesday morning on General Carl Wade Stiner Highway just east of La Follette.  Officers tell 1450wlaf.com that Foust's 70s model Chevy pick-up collided with an 18-wheeler tanker truck that was loaded with rock dust.  Foust was headed toward town while the tanker was rolling up the valley as the collision happened near the turn-off at the metal T-DOT building.  Reports from the scene are that Foust was not wearing a safety belt and was thrown through the windshield landing some 50-feet away from the crash scene.  Weather conditions prevented Lifestar from flying in, and Foust was quickly taken by ground to UT Medical Center.  (updated 5:45 a.m. 10/20/2011)

A Woman is injured in a Two-Vehicle Accident

     There was a wreck involving a gas tanker truck and a blue Chevy pick-up truck Wednesday afternoon by the State Garage at Crown Road on General Carl Stiner Highway. According to reports to 1450wlaf.com, the woman was not wearing a seatbelt at the time and was thrown 50 feet from her truck. The east-bound lane was closed for nearly 3 hours while county officials and police cleared the wreck. The condition of the woman or the tanker driver is not known at this time, so we will continue to relay news as it becomes available. (updated 2:50 p.m. 10/19/11)

For senior prescription drug plan questions, Terry's has answers

     Are you a senior?  Over age 65?  Feeling overwhelmed with all the choices when it comes to selecting your 2012 plan?  Each fall, seniors have the opportunity to explore new choices and select the health and drug plans that work best for them.  Dr. Rissa Pryse at Terry's Pharmacy reminds you that open enrollment runs through December 7, 2011.  She suggests you take time to review your options, make notes, and write down questions and then come to the pharmacy for further assistance.  A licensed multiple insurance agent is available today to answer your questions at the La Follette location of Terry’s Pharmacy.  The hours are today from 9:00 to 5:00.    (updated 7:00 a.m. 10/17/2011)

Temp swings this week

     Noticeable weather changes take place this week.  Rain moves in late Tuesday night.  That sets the stage for a wet and chilly Wednesday which will be the coolest day of the season, so far.  Highs hold steady in the 50s Wednesday.  Now.  That said.  As it stands on this Monday, it looks as if we could see frost on the mornings of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as lows dip into the 30s under mostly clear skies.  We'll keep you posted as we work toward those mornings.  But we just wanted you to have a heads up.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/17/2011)

County Commission meets

     County commission meets.  The October regular monthly meeting of the Campbell County Commission starts this evening at six at the courthouse at Jacksboro.  This is the first meeting of the commission since David Young was hired by Mayor William Baird to replace Ann Ayers-Colvin as deputy mayor.  Colvin replaced Dean Sexton, who recently retired as Administrator of Elections.  The Animal Control Committee meets at 5:00 today followed at 5:30 by the Beer Board meeting.  We’ll have the commission story for you first thing Tuesday morning right here as well as televised coverage starting at 9:00 a.m. over WLAF-TV 12.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/17/2011)

School Board approves raises 

The Campbell County Board of Education, forced by an ongoing trial to move their monthly meeting from the courthouse to the Jacksboro Municipal Building, spent less than an hour Thursday night dispensing with routine business that included approval of budget amendments that will provide 3.5 percent raises for the lowest-paid school employees - janitors and cafeteria cooks.

Before the meeting, however, the board conducted a workshop session with all of the county’s school principals to discuss shortcomings and changes in individual schools’ activity funds.

Audit findings at each school were addressed, and possible solutions to problems were discussed. Chairman Mike Orick informed the principals that the board was going to assume paying for each individual school’s telephone bills instead of leaving phone bills to be paid from activity funds.

The changes are necessary in part because of changes in state law and policies that restrict individual schools’ ability to solicit fees from parents or raise money by means other than voluntary donations.

Another major expense at schools that was a topic of discussion was copying costs, which ranged from less than $1,000 a year to over $ 12,000 a year at different schools. The reason is that each school has been left to negotiate copier leasing or purchase agreements with widely varying results.

“We will now handle all copying agreements from the central office. That way the costs will be uniform and by negotiating for a larger contract, we should be able to trim costs considerably,” Orick predicted.

Only one board member objected to the plan for the school system to begin paying individual schools’ phone bills. Eugene Lawson warned, “Some teachers go back to work at schools after classes. They’ll end up making their personal long distance calls on school phones if we don’t police the use.”

How Lawson expected that this would be more likely if phone bills are paid from the general school fund was not made clear, but one principal pointed out that at her school, an access code has to be used to make calls, that can be traced.

The budget amendment to provide an initial $45,000 in funding for the centralized telephone was unanimously approved during the regular meeting, along with acceptance of a $48,325 bid for a new electronic sign at Campbell County High School.

To help principals and bookkeepers more effectively handle money in individual schools’ activity funds, accountant Steve Morgan was contracted to hold two training workshops for principals and bookkeepers.

“We want to set high standards for the way we handle finances, rather than attract attention from Channel 6 and Channel 10 for mismanagement of funds,” Director Donnie Poston told the principals before the workshop concluded.

Orick announced that a Campbell County teacher is also in line for some regional honors, and offered the board’s congratulations to Christie Jones, a teacher at Elk Valley Elementary. Jones has been selected as WBIR-TV’s “Teacher of the Week” and will be featured on the station’s evening news program next week.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/14/2011)    

New Chief's on the Job

     Campbell County's newly hired chief deputy is on the job.  Former Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Aaron Evans began his duties Monday morning.  The 31-year old Evans was born and raised here in Campbell County and is a 1999 graduate of CCHS.  Evans explains that there is a mandate to renew and maintain public confidence, and that ethics and integrity training is going to be stepped up.  He says the training simply makes good deputies better.  The new chief also plans to implement a crime mapping system adding that it's going to allow the department to concentrate its efforts in the trouble spots.  Evans takes over for Jonathan Finley.  Finley was fired last month after Sheriff Robbie Goins discovered that Finley did not follow policy while investigating an accident involving another deputy.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/04/2011)

Preliminary results are in at LUB

     Onsite Environmental releases its early findings.  Onsite is the company La Follette Utilities called to help determine just what is in the tainted liquid mix that was pumped into LUB's sewer lines last week.  Jim Dossett with LUB explains to 1450wlaf.com that preliminary results indicate that halogen levels in the liquid do not warrant the matter to be determined a "hazmat" situation.  Halogen is considered any of a group of five chemically related nonmetallic elements including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.  Onsite continues testing samples to determine the identity of the liquid and how much of it that was dumped into LUB's system.  1450wlaf.com continues following this story for you.  (updated 4:00 p.m. 10/13/2011)

Stink stays for some 

     Dave Dunaway left work with a headache.  The secretaries’ purses wreaked with it.  Herman Bailey’s shoes stunk.  By the end of the day, that was the scene at the Dunaway Law Office in La Follette on Thursday.  And the office is closed today because of it.  “It” is that obnoxious odor that’s plagued many of us since early Thursday morning.  Kenny Baird with La Follette Utilities Board tells 1450wlaf.com that the hardest hit areas are in the immediate downtown area of La Follette.  Baird says that’s one of the lowest points of the sewer system in around Liberty Park.  Baird says the odor also overtook the West La Follette School.  Angie Martin at First Baptist Church of La Follette says the odor remains very strong in the sanctuary and that members are working to help ventilate it in time for Sunday services.  On Wednesday night, sewer lines under the new bridge at the high school were closed so the lines could be strengthened.  As a result there was no sewage flow from the lower end of LUB’s service area to the Pleasant Ridge treatment plant.  LUB contracted tankers from the bridge contractor, Potters SE, to haul sewage from the new bridge to the pumping station near Lyk-Nu Auto Collision Center.  Baird says the problem stems from the fact that one of the tankers had traces of crude oil in it.  Baird says it was a routine procedure that was complicated by the presence of the crude oil.  (updated 4:30 p.m. 10/07/2011)

Reverend Emerson Sweat Dies

     A fixture on Saturday morning radio dies. Reverend Emerson Sweat died Thursday afternoon at UT Medical Center from injuries suffered in a fall at his home in Victory. Sweat's preaching and singing have been heard every Saturday from 11:00 until Noon on WLAF Radio since his program first aired on his birthday, June 17, 1972. A carpenter and electrician by trade, Sweat also pastored churches along the way including a long stint at Fordtown Baptist Church. After his ordination in 1968, his first church was Murrayville Baptist. A special tribute broadcast airs Saturday morning at 11:00 featuring an hour of music from Sweat here on WLAF. Cross-Smith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Emerson Sweat was 84-years old.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/07/2011)

   Obnoxious, not toxic odor

     Doors are open.  Windows are up.  What’s that obnoxious odor?  Jim Dossett with La Follette Utilities tells 1450wlaf.com that last night, LUB crews installed a liner in the sewage pipes around the new bridge at the high school.  As part of the process, lift stations were shut down.  To by pass the lift stations, sewage was hauled away all night in pumper trucks and taken to the pump station.  That station is located near Gibson Lane and Old Jacksboro Pike across from Lyk-Nu Auto Collision and Service Center.  Dossett, as well as officials with Powell-Clinch Utility District, reassure you that the odor is only stinky, not harmful, and that there is nothing in the system that is toxic.  Robin Proffitt with PCUD adds that crews have checked to make sure that there are not any natural gas leaks in the La Follette area.  Proffitt reminds you that they are on-call around the clock should you suspect a natural gas leak.  The number to call to report a suspected natural gas leak is 423.562.2795.  Dossett says the odor should dissipate in a day or so.  (updated 4:00 p.m. 10/06/2011)

Trial date set for dynamite man

     An indictment’s handed down in the dynamite case.  A federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a one-count indictment charging 49-year old Randall Lynn Osborne of La Follette with possession of explosives.  We reported to you in August when Sheriff Robbie Goins’ deputies arrested Osborne on what began as a domestic call.  Goins says it's still not known just what Osborne planned to do with all the dynamite he had stored in an out building near his home, but Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that Osborne admitted to stealing the explosives.  Goins says Osborne worked for the Robert Clear Coal Company for almost 20-years, and that he stole the dynamite about six-years ago.  Osborne told Goins that he kept one-piece of explosive each time he blasted which eventually ended up being more than 600 pounds of commercial explosives, blasting caps, and blasting wire.  It was when authorities answered a domestic call at Osborne’s 445 Miller Fork Lane home that they found the explosives after Osborne's estranged wife, Sherry Osborne, notified them of the dynamite.  The immediate area was evacuated and the road was closed as local residents were sent to Coolidge First Baptist Church for hours while the Knox County Bomb Squad and FBI bomb technicians destroyed the explosives.  Osborne was released pending trial which is set for December 12 in the U.S. District Courthouse at Knoxville.  (updated Noon 10/13/2011)

Stinky air test results due today

     Test results are due back today.  Results on just what is in that stinky air that's invaded homes and businesses around La Follette for the past week.  The firm hired by La Follette Utilities is expected to release those findings after pulling 300 gallons of the tainted liquid out of a lift station on Tuesday afternoon for inspection.  Affected businesses have made adjustments in dealing with the obnoxious, and possibly dangerous odor, including Pastor Duane Mills and his congregation at First Baptist Church of La Follette where Wednesday night services were cancelled.  Mills hopes FBC is able to conduct Sunday services.  WLAF news is working through the day today to obtain those test results and share them with you on this evening's 5:30 radio, TV, and web newscast. (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/13/2011)

School Bus involved in accident

     School bus Number 44 is involved in an accident.  No students were onboard at the time of the accident which happened just after 2:00 p.m. on West Central Avenue in the block just west of 9th Street in La Follette (that's near the big Riggs).  The bus driver is OK while the driver of the small car that collided with the bus was taken to the La Follette Medical Center.  As a result, Bus 44 is not making its usual rounds this afternoon nor Thursday morning.  (updated 3:15 p.m. 10/12/2011)

For senior prescription drug plan questions, Terry's has answers

     Are you a senior?  Over age 65?  Feeling overwhelmed with all the choices when it comes to selecting your 2012 plan?  Each fall, seniors have the opportunity to explore new choices and select the health and drug plans that work best for them.  Dr. Rissa Pryse at Terry's Pharmacy reminds you that open enrollment begins this Saturday, the 15th.  She suggests you take time to review your options, make notes, and write down questions and then come to the pharmacy on Monday.  Every Monday, through December 5th, a licensed multiple insurance agent is available to help and answer your questions at the La Follette location of Terry’s Pharmacy.  The hours are Mondays from 9:00 to 5:00.    (updated 11:00 a.m. 10/12/2011)

Stink worsens at FBC

     And the stink goes on.  Only half of the staff at Dunaway Law Offices was able to work yesterday.  Offices closed Tuesday and remain closed today at First Baptist Church of La Follette.  Angie Martin with FBC tells 1450wlaf.com that the odor was worse Tuesday throughout the church than in the beginning last Thursday.  Jim Dossett with La Follette Utilities says that a crew from On Site Environmental Services out of Nashville is testing the tainted liquid at the lift station in which it was dumped. Test results are due back Thursday.  Dossett adds that the next step is to dismantle that station and clean it thoroughly.  The obnoxious odor of oil overtook several downtown offices, buildings, and homes early October 6th.  The night before, is when crews hauled sewage in pumper trucks so repairs could be made to a main sewer line that runs under the new bridge at the high school.  Reports from officials at La Follette Utilities are that one of the pumper trucks previously hauled crude oil.  Remnants of that oil haul continue wreaking havoc for some homes and businesses.  First Baptist Church of La Follette is cancelling tonight’s prayer service and AWANA activities.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/12/2011)

Stink closes FBC offices

     "The stink is worse today than it was Thursday."  That's how Angie Martin with First Baptist Church of La Follette describes the odor that's regained strength throughout the building.  As a result, Pastor Duane Mills tells 1450wlaf.com that he's closed the church office today and again Wednesday.  The big stink forces tomorrow night's prayer service and AWANA activities to cancel.  Jim Dossett with La Follette Utilities explains that On Site Environmental Services out of Nashville is testing the tainted liquid at the lift station where it was dumped.  Results are due back Thursday.  (updated 4:30 p.m. 10/11/2011)

Rain forces Dunaway staff indoors

     They worked outdoors Monday.  Today's rain forced them back indoors.  With that sickening odor.  Herman Bailey with La Follette's Dunaway Law Firm tells 1450wlaf.com that a cleaning crew is working to rid the offices of the terrible odor that invaded it last Thursday morning.  He says it's still bad but not as bad as Monday.  The crew is using charcoal filters and fans as part of its efforts to clear the air.  The obnoxious odor of oil overtook several downtown offices and buildings early October 6th.  Wednesday night, the 5th, is when crews hauled sewage in pumper trucks so repairs could be made to a main sewer line that runs under the new bridge at the high school.  Reports from officials at La Follette Utilities are that one of the pumper trucks previously hauled crude oil.  Remnants of that oil haul wreaked havoc for some like Dunaway's office staff when the stinky fumes began infiltrating their workspace.  Bailey says only half of his co-workers were able to make it in to work today, because the odor's made them sick.  Related stories are found further down this page.  (updated 1:00 p.m. 10/11/2011)

Stink forces office workers to work outside

     That terrible odor made some workers sick last Thursday.  The staff at 1st Baptist Church of La Follette just had to leave the church.  Dave Dunaway's Law Office was even forced to close on Friday.  And now, today, it’s forced the staff in that office to work outside.  La Follette attorney Dave Dunaway and his staff worked outside their South Fifth Street office today, because the nasty odor’s not gone away.  As doors and windows were propped open while fans hummed, they used picnic tables for desks.  Cell phones were used while one office phone was able to be strung outdoors to a picnic table.  Dunaway tells 1450wlaf.com that it all goes back to the repairs made on the sewer line last week under the new bridge at the high school.  Kenny Baird with La Follette Utilities explains that a contractor hauled raw sewage from the new bridge to the Lyk-Nu Auto Collision and Service Center pumping station.  Baird adds that one of the tanker trucks had at one time hauled crude oil, and that's what's creating the odor.  Dunaway fears long-term health issues for he & his staff after breathing those fumes all day on Thursday thinking it was just a bad odor.  That is until he learned they were breathing crude oil fumes.  Dunaway says that crude oil contains a cancer causing agent known as benzene.  Dunaway adds that Baird and other LUB personnel are doing all they can to help in the matter while officials with the company that was contracted to haul the sewage, Griffith Service Company of Scott County, refuse to talk.  Dunaway wonders how this is going to affect the rest of the population here since the crude oil went through the city treatment plant.   (updated 3:00 p.m. 10/10/2011)

David G. Young is the new deputy mayor

     Surprised.  That’s how David Young describes the way he felt as he listened to a message on his answering machine last night.  It was nine o’clock, when he heard the message from County Mayor William Baird telling him to report for work this morning.  Young’s on the job today as deputy mayor and tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s excited to be back in a position where he can apply his skills to help the people of Campbell County.  Young says he and Baird make a good team and that a lot of people suggested that the two team up last year during the campaign when Young finished second to Baird in the mayor’s race.  Baird explains that Young is knowledgeable of the workings of the commission and county government and is a good fit in the office.  Baird goes on to say that Young will play a positive role as we grow Campbell County through education and tourism.  When asked about running against Baird when election time rolls around, Young tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s not concerned about votes anymore, and that he will not pursue the mayor’s post again.  Young, who replaces Ann Ayers-Colvin, the newly appointed administrator of elections, was hired from a short list of six candidates.  (updated 3:00 p.m. 10/07/2011)

Young is deputy mayor

     David Young is Campbell County's new deputy mayor.  Mayor William Baird tells 1450wlaf.com that he's selected the former county executive as the replacement for Ann Ayers-Colvin.  Ayers-Colvin replaced the retiring Dean Sexton on Monday as administrator of elections.  Young has extensive experience in city and county government.  He's served as a county commissioner and was also the city administrator for La Follette.  Young finished second to Baird in the 2010 election for county mayor.  (updated 8:00 a.m. 10/07/2011)

 

Scam alerts

     Here’s a heads up.  Sheriff Robbie Goins cautions you about a phone scam involving a supposed law firm.  The sheriff says someone is placing calls around Campbell County claiming they are with a law firm saying that if you pay them, they can keep you from going to court.  Elsewhere.  Jenelle Jones with First Baptist Church of Jacksboro tells 1450wlaf.com that the church is not hosting a fish fry.  Jones goes on to say, however, that someone is selling tickets claiming they are to a fish fry at the church.  Sheriff Goins says if you receive such a call or request, to please call him at 423.562.7446. (updated at 11:30 a.m. 10/06/2011)

 Eagles - Owls battle tonight...see the game "live" right here

     It's the first-ever live radio and televised world-wide Jacksboro - La Follette football game. Hear the game here on 1450 WLAF Radio and see and hear the game live over 1450wlaf.com. Adam Smith handles the play-by-play chores while Dan Sansone provides color. Air time is 6:45.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/06/2011)

CCSD releases mission statement

     The Sheriff's Department releases its mission statement. Newly appointed Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells 1450wlaf.com that he believes this is the first time in the history of the department that a mission statement has ever been drafted. Sheriff Robbie Goins released the statement to 1450wlaf.com today, and says the department must have purpose and have it in writing. Everyone in the department gets a copy of the mission statement, and it'll be posted as well.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/06/2011)

Campbell County Sheriff's Department mission statement

     “It is the mission of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce the incidence of fear of crime and to enhance public safety, while working with every community to improve quality of life.  Our mandate is to do so with professionalism and integrity, while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards, to renew and maintain public confidence.  Our values will evolve around and with Leadership, Service, Performance and Discipline.”   (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/06/2011)

 Campbell left out of state dollars

     Campbell County gets left out of state farm innovation dollars. Tennessee Ag Commissioner Julius Johnson is handing out nearly a million dollars in Producer Diversification cost share awards and none of those dollars is coming to our farmers here in Campbell County. In its seventh year, the Producer Diversification cost share opportunity is helping farmers expand or improve their operations through production of varied agricultural products. Diversified agricultural products include agritourism, aquaculture, fruits and vegetables, honey bees, horticulture, organics, value-added products, viticulture and others as approved by TDA. A total of 173 projects are funded this year. Three producers in neighboring Anderson County receive a combined dollar amount of 11-thousand while $6,000 go to one producer in Claiborne County. The largest share in the immediate area goes to one producer in Union County, a total of more than 10-thousand dollars. You may see the entire breakdown of the 63-counties that are receiving funds further down this page.   (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/06/2011)

Boomer's ranting right now

     Boomer's Corner is now open on 1450wlaf.com. Go ahead. Give yourself a break and take a look at Boomer's latest rant.   (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/06/2011)

Tennessee Invests in Farm Innovation, Diversification Projects

-Diversification projects give economic options for farmers-

 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson today announced Producer Diversification cost share awards totaling nearly $900,000.  The funds will help 173 Tennessee farmers invest in new or expanding areas of agriculture.

 The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program was established in 2005 and supported by the General Assembly to increase farm income by helping farmers invest in better farming practices and by encouraging diversification and innovation.

 “More than ever, it is important for farmers to look at ways to diversify their operations to ensure profitability,” Johnson said. “These business investments and opportunities will not only help farmers keep their operations profitable but they will help strengthen our rural economy in communities across the state.”

 In its seventh year, the Producer Diversification cost share opportunity is helping farmers expand or improve their operations through production of varied agricultural products. Diversified agricultural products include agritourism, aquaculture, fruits and vegetables, honey bees, horticulture, organics, value-added products, viticulture and others as approved by TDA.

 “This program is making a real difference for producers who want to be farming in the future, and have continued success. We’re proud to be able to help them achieve their goals and to help support local communities that depend on agriculture,” Johnson said. 

 The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program also includes cost share funding aimed at cattle improvement, hay and feed storage and animal health improvement. Through the Producer Diversification cost share opportunity, Tennessee farmers can apply for reimbursement of 35-50 percent, up to $15,000 in some instances, for eligible cost share activities. 

 The dollars are meant to help farmers who want to install farm infrastructure, purchase specialty equipment and market their diversified farm products. Applications are then reviewed for eligibility, ranked and approved on a competitive basis, based on project plans and the potential to increase farm income.   

The 173 projects funded this year represent a wide range of new and emerging agricultural investments.  Funding by project category for this year breaks down as follows:

 

·         Agritourism – 32

·         Fruits and Vegetables – 45

·         Honey Bees – 45

·         Horticulture – 23

·         Organics – 10

·         Value-added Products – 8

·         Viticulture – 10

Farmers interested in submitting a proposal for funding will have a chance to apply again next year. For more information on TAEP, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture/enhancement/. For more information about specific projects in your area, contact Jon Frady at 615-837-5344 or Producer.Diversification@TN.gov

###

 Producer Diversification – FY ’12 Projects/Farmers Funded by County 

County

Producers

Funds Allocated

ANDERSON

3

$11,050

BEDFORD

2

$9,949

BENTON

1

$2,725

BLEDSOE

2

$12,239

BRADLEY

1

$4,010

CANNON

1

$10,000

CARROLL

1

$3,380

CARTER

1

$1,836

CHEATHAM

1

$7,923

CLAIBORNE

1

$6,065

COFFEE

2

$2,566

CUMBERLAND

3

$11,411

DAVIDSON

3

$15,554

DICKSON

2

$11,453

FAYETTE

3

$4,802

FENTRESS

3

$20,006

FRANKLIN

2

$24,590

GIBSON

2

$12,797

GILES

2

$1,987

GRAINGER

12

$48,862

GREENE

6

$22,816

GRUNDY

3

$13,988

HAMBLEN

1

$926

HAMILTON

3

$22,045

HARDEMAN

2

$10,291

HAWKINS

1

$3,349

HENRY

2

$19,311

HICKMAN

6

$15,954

JEFFERSON

2

$15,944

JOHNSON

2

$16,090

KNOX

4

$30,612

LAUDERDALE

1

$6,496

LAWRENCE

1

$995

LEWIS

1

$5,700

LINCOLN

5

$42,752

LOUDON

4

$22,730

MACON

1

$6,002

MADISON

4

$22,203

MAURY

6

$30,661

MCMINN

3

$19,522

MONROE

1

$9,635

MONTGOMERY

3

$12,687

OBION

1

$2,412

OVERTON

4

$14,191

POLK

1

$15,000

PUTNAM

6

$22,230

RHEA

1

$596

ROBERTSON

6

$35,730

RUTHERFORD

3

$18,614

SEVIER

1

$2,708

SHELBY

1

$1,487

SMITH

2

$3,251

STEWART

1

$1,598

SULLIVAN

5

$19,521

SUMNER

4

$16,730

TIPTON

1

$702

UNION

1

$10,484

WARREN

9

$58,827

WASHINGTON

3

$10,925

WEAKLEY

1

$927

WHITE

1

$12,773

WILLIAMSON

4

$27,497

WILSON

7

$38,554

TOTAL

173

$888,671

Pryse says it's time for your flu shot

     October signals the start to flu season.  And it runs through March.  Rissa Pryse with Terry's Pharmacy tells 1450wlaf.com that the sooner you get your flu shot the better.  She says it takes two weeks for the shot to actually work, and that everybody age six-months or older needs a flu shot.  Getting a flu shot not only helps you, but it helps the community, because flu is so contagious.  Pryse explains that there are myths that surround the flu shot with the most common being that it will give you the flu.  She says that the flu shot is actually a dead virus, so there's no way it could possibly make you sick from the flu.  Pryse goes on to say that if you come down with the flu within two weeks of receiving the shot, it means that you were already getting the flu.  Terry's Pharmacy offers flu shots at both the Jacksboro and La Follette locations.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/05/2011)

La Follette City Council meets

     Finished in under 30-minutes.  La Follette City Council’s October meeting held Tuesday night was very efficient.  Every item on the agenda was approved.  A good amount of discussion took place surrounding how council could pay for Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton’s health insurance.  At question was Sexton’s part-time status as well as the cap on his earning potential as he receives social security retirement benefits.  Council voted four-oh to pay for Sexton’s insurance of $221 a month and earmark it as a reimbursable allowance.  Council approved Mayor Mike Stanfield to continue representing the city on the Medical Foundation Board.  Budget amendments were approved making way for renovations around the city including the East La Follette School.  The meeting airs this morning at 9:00 on WLAF-TV 12.   (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/05/2011)

Campbell County loses a war hero

     You may have known him from Shelby's Warehouse.  He may have brought you groceries on the Rolling Store truck.  However you knew Silas Grant, you may not have known he served our country in World War II and in the Korean War.  He was also a prisoner of war in World War II.  Grant died Tuesday at the age of 86.  His complete obituary is found to the left on this page on the Obituary link.   (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/05/2011)

Andy, Barney, & David…David?  Part II 

     The response was so great, it’s coming back.  Many of you told us how much you enjoyed David Graham’s story on Mt. Airy, North Carolina, that we’re showing it again.  It’s a thumbnail visit to Andy Griffith’s hometown, the town Andy based his television show upon.  See it in the 5:30 news on WLAF-TV 12 later today.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/05/2011)

 

Candlelight Service Tonight

     Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault come together tonight. The 14th annual Candlelight Service is at 7:00 at the Cove Lake Pavilion. The service honors victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/04/2011)

 What's Next for Davis Chapel Center

     The future of the Davis Chapel Community Center is the topic.  There's a meeting scheduled for tonight at 7:00 at the center to discuss what's ahead for what was originally a school house.  You're encouraged to bring ideas or suggestions on what you would like to see the community provide at the center. Stephanie Fraley is one of the organizers.  She tells 1450wlaf.com that she would like to see the center establish programs for the young and old alike and for it to become a hub again for the Davis Chapel community.  There's a pot luck dinner at 6:30 followed by the meeting at 7:00.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/04/2011)

 La Follette City Council Meets

     La Follette City Council meets this evening.  It's the regular monthly session starting at 6:00 at city hall. WLAF-TV 12 has the telecast Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., and we'll have the story for you right here first thing tomorrow morning.  (updated at 6:00 a.m. 10/04/2011)

Payne Makes Memories

     He's making memories.  Local style.  With a worldwide audience.  Former WLAF Radio personality Frank Payne put his talents behind the camera to use over the weekend.  Look for Frank's sights and sounds from Louie Bluie on You Tube.  And, yes, Frank did capture the popular Gloryland Boys reunion.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/03/2011) 

Services Tonight for Former Campbell School Superintendent

     Campbell County loses a two-time school superintendent. Everett Jones died Friday morning at his Jacksboro home. The well known Jones is remembered by most as the superintendent of schools in Campbell County from 1974 until 1976 and again from 1980 to 1984.  Kenneth “Smiley” Miller, a former school superintendent for Campbell County and one-time principal during the Jones’ era, recalls Jones was one who worked to have a good school system.  Services for Jones are tonight at 8:00 at Walters Funeral Home.  His complete obituary is found to the left here on 1450wlaf.com.  Everett Jones was 84-years old.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/03/2011) 

New Administrator of Elections Takes Over Today 

     Friday was the last day on the job for Campbell County’s long time Administrator of Elections.  Dean Sexton served as A-E since 1996.  Sexton hands the reigns over to Ann Ayers.  Ayers leaves her post as the county's deputy mayor and replaces Sexton beginning today.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/03/2011)  

Pioneer Man Dies in Cycle Crash

     It was a busy 90-minutes for first responders on Friday evening.  Three accidents with injury were called in within an hour-and-half span of time beginning with a wreck on I-75.  At 6:30, on the southbound side of the interstate at the top of Vasper Hill is where a vehicle pulling a trailer crashed.  That mishap forced the temporary closure of both southbound lanes and one northbound lane.  As a spin-off, there were a few rubber necker fender benders.  There was another wreck with injury on 25W north of La Follette.  Then around 8:00 is when a motorcycle ran off the road killing its rider.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com from the Tennessee Highway Patrol are that 26-year old Alaric Johnson was headed east on Highway 297 in Elk Valley on a 2004 Suzuki motorcycle when he passed a car.  After passing, Johnson’s cycle ran off the right side of the road, struck a sign, and ended up in a ditch near the New Canaan Baptist Church.  Troopers say Johnson, who was from Pioneer, died at the scene before Lifestar arrived.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/03/2011) 

Louie Bluie is Cool 

     No heat.  No humidity.  Just a cool time had by all.  The fifth edition of the Louie Bluie Festival was held Saturday in hopes of avoiding the hot temps experienced in the first four events that were held in June.  Mission accomplished.  It was bit on the chilly side for most festival goers, however, one LB attendee tells 1450wlaf.com that he thinks the numbers may be the best yet.  There was lots of music on three stages.  On the Community Stage, there were several local favorites with a few of the performers who got their start on WLAF back in the day.  Among those entertainers, the Gloryland Boys reunion rekindled lots of memories.  The GL Boys also received a standing ovation.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 10/03/2011) 

A Former Campbell School Superintendent Dies

     Campbell County loses a two-time school superintendent. Everett Jones died this morning at his Jacksboro home. The well known Jones is remembered by most as the superintendent of schools in Campbell County from 1974 until 1976 and again from 1980 to 1984. However, Jones may have had his greatest influence as a teacher and principal. One former student tells 1450wlaf.com that in her days at Valley View School, Jones was not only her teacher but also doubled as school principal. She recalls that Jones made learning exciting not boring, and that he treated each student special.  Kenneth “Smiley” Miller, a former school superintendent for Campbell County and one-time principal during the Jones’ era, remembers Jones as a hard worker for the school system and says Jones was one who worked to have a good school system.  One close friend calls him a true Southern Gentleman and a straight shooter. Jones' complete obituary is found to the left at the obituary link. Everett Jones was 84-years old.  (updated 7:00 p.m. 09/30/2011)

Louie Bluie Weekend is Here

     It's Louie Bluie Weekend. And you're invited. It all begins this evening with the second annual Sounds Like Home: A Night of Music from the Cumberlands concert. It takes place beginning at 6:00 on the Louie Bluie festival grounds at Cove Lake Park. Several of the people who'll be performing were first heard right here on 1450 WLAF. People like Charlie Collins and the Pinnacle Mountain Boys. In fact, Collins is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and will leave right after his Saturday performance to get back to Nashville in time to play on the Saturday night opry. A full day of fun, music, food, and more kicks off at 10:00 Saturday morning. The first music begins at 10:30. There'll be music to suit almost any taste on three different stages. WLAF is promoting the community stage which features Carl and Mason Capps, members of the Tennessee Jamboree, as well as a reunion of the Gloryland Boys, to mention a few. The festival is organized by the Campbell Culture Coalition to honor the late Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong whoe grew up in La Follette. This is the fifth year for the Louie Bluie Festival, and is the first time it's been held in the fall.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/30/2011)

 Dean Sexton Retires Today

     Campbell County loses its long-time Administrator of Elections to retirement today. Dean Sexton's last day on the job is today. Sexton began as the AE for Campbell County in 1996, and state of the art changes took place under her leadership almost immediately. Sexton and her staff moved to electronic voting machines in 1997. Then in 2006, Campbell County began using the "turn page" computerized voting machines. Administrator Sexton tells WLAF that she’s loved her time at the Election Commission Office and plans to enjoy retirement. Election Commission Chairman Mark A. Wells tells 1450wlaf.com that Sexton did a tremendous job over the years and will be missed. Joining Wells on the five-member election commission are Lucy Lobertini, Marshall McKamey, Greg Myhall, and Patsy Teague. Ann Ayers is leaving her post as the county's deputy mayor and replaces Sexton beginning Monday. The courthouse is closed from Noon until 2:00 today as the community takes time to honor and say goodbye to Dean Sexton.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/30/2011)

SMMC becomes La Follette Medical Center on Saturday 

     12:01 a.m.  October 1st.  That’s Saturday.  That’s when the new owners of the La Follette Hospital officially take over. And the first change is a name change.  The President of St. Mary’s Medical Center of Campbell County, Jim Heitzenrater, tells 1450wlaf.com that the new name is Tennova Healthcare - La Follette Medical Center.  Heitzenrater goes on to say that noticeable changes will be simply the name, but as far as quality and all the services they provide, that will not be changed.  Heitzenrater adds that we'll continue to do what we're doing, and the same great staff will be taking care of everybody.  Heitzenrater's excited about the change and says La Follette Medical Center will work, probably, even more diligently and will continue developing its relationships with physicians.  As a new month begins on Saturday so, too, will a new era with La Follette Medical Center. (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/28/2011)

Free Meal Night

     It’s “free meal” night in La Follette. The Trinity Baptist Church hosts this monthly event that is open to the public from 5:00 until 6:30 this evening. Trinity is at the corner of South 12th and East Beech Streets.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/28/2011)

Free Hearing Tests Today

     Free hearing exam day is today.  Beltone in La Follette offers free hearing exams today at its office which is located on West Central Avenue across from First Baptist Church. Beltone’s telephone number is 423.562.7562.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/28/2011)

Is an Amphitheatre in La Follette's Future?

     A handful of items was discussed at last night’s La Follette City Council workshop.  Among some of those items was providing interim City Administrator Cade Sexton with health insurance.  The sticking point is that Sexton is a part time city employee.  There was also talk of a proposed amphitheatre to be constructed near West La Follette School and the new library.  These items and a couple more come before council and mayor next week during the regular monthly meeting which is set for Tuesday, the 4th, at the municipal building beginning at 6:00 p.m.  (updated Noon 09/27/2011)

CCSD is Fully Vested

     It'll even stop a 44-magnum.  And they're made right here in Campbell County.  It's the highest threat level vest on the market, and every Campbell County Sheriff's officer has one. And is required to wear one.  Sheriff Goins says it's not a guarantee, but it dramatically increases the odds for his officers to make it home safely for supper each night.  Goins credits and thanks the county commission for buying the vests.  For the first time in the history of the department, everyone has a vest from deputies to detectives to the sheriff.  Goins says the Blue Steel ballistic vest is made by PACA Body Armour of Caryville.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/27/2011)   

"Free" Flu Shots Saturday

     October first is "Free Flu Shot Saturday." From 8:00 until Noon at the La Follette Church of God is where you may get a free flu shot this weekend. This is open to the community and made possible by St. Mary's of Campbell County. You're encouraged to bring a can of food, and you're invited to shop the gigantic flea market and bake sale. Proceeds from the bake sale and flea market benefit the Church of God's "Feeding Kidz Ministry."  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/27/2011)

 Martin and Bundren Plead Guilty 

     Official misconduct, falsifying records, and theft are the charges to which two former school administrators plead guilty.  Michael Martin and Karen Bundren appeared before Judge Shayne Sexton this morning in Campbell County Criminal Court.  Martin is the former director of schools while Bundren was supervisor of federal programs.  Each abruptly resigned last October amid a cloud of controversy surrounding Bundren’s credentials and salary.  According to the T.B.I., Bundren was collecting five-thousand dollars more in pay than she was actually due, because she claimed to have a doctorate from the University of Tennessee.  Court records show that both Martin and Bundren pleaded to theft greater than one-thousand dollars, which is a Class D Felony, and official misconduct, a Class E Felony.  The pair also pleaded to tampering with government records, a Misdemeanor, and falsifying education and academic records, which is considered a Class A Misdemeanor.  The remaining counts were dismissed.  Martin and Bundren received four-years unsupervised probation on two counts and were ordered to pay 75% restitution.  The pair was also sentenced to judicial diversion for eight years, meaning if they keep a clean record during that period, they will receive no further penalties.  Martin was appointed Director of Schools of Campbell County in 2007.    (updated 1:30 p.m. 09/26/2011)

Cougar Band Takes Top Honors

     Congratulations to the Cougar Marching Band.  Band Director Don Hendricks and his Campbell County High School band earned outstanding honors in their first competition of the season.  On Saturday at Jefferson County High School, the Cougar band and drum major scored the highest score possible, a one.  The color guard and percussion scored a two, the second highest score possible.  This marks the 37th year of band at Campbell High, and Hendricks has directed every year.   (updated 8:00 a.m. 09/26/2011)

Ramsey Rambles to Knoxville

     Dave Ramsey, heard mornings on 1450 WLAF Radio, makes a stop in Knoxville tomorrow.  Tuesday at 6:00 at Books-a-Million on Kingston Pike is where the personal finance guru signs copies of his new book, “EntreLeadership:  20 Years of Practical Business Advice from the Trenches.”  Ramsey’s going to give away two-thousand dollars in cash, and he says that you don’t have to buy anything to have a chance at winning.  However, Ramsey says you must be present to win.   (updated 10:30 a.m. 09/26/2011)

Walk Right In, Sit Right Down

      Domestic calls keep officers busy.  Deputies tell 1450wlaf.com that they took Bo Brown’s stolen vehicle report and then promptly put him in jail.  53-year old Floyd Eugene “Bo” Brown was wanted on a domestic violence by assault warrant.  Knowing that, when Brown stopped by the Sheriff’s Department to report that his car had been stolen out of his drive way on Lynn Lane in La Follette, deputies took the report and then put Brown in jail.  A Jacksboro man, 57-year old Charles Vaughn, was sitting on his front porch when deputies escorted him back to jail.  Vaughn was just let out of jail and went straight home to his wife.  This came after Vaughn appeared in court answering charges of domestic assault, false imprisonment and resisting arrest that involved his wife.  Vaughn is now awaiting his court date on two separate arrests including charges of stalking and conditional release.  (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/26/2011)

Wet & Windy as September Winds Down

     Wet and windy on this final Monday of September. Rain's likely, heavy at times, today. We can't rule out strong thunderstorm potential with damaging wind being the main threat. As it stands right now, expect sun and 60s for Saturday's Louie Bluie Festival at Cove Lake Park.  Your complete weather forecast is to the right on this page. (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/26/2011)

It's Workshop Night in La Follette

     It's workshop night for the La Follette City Council. Tonight at 6:00 is when council meets at the La Follette Municipal Building.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/26/2011)

Community Health Telethon a Success

     Thrilled. That's how Becky Carr-Kirklin describes how she and others with CHET feel about their Saturday night telethon on Channel 12 and WLAF Radio. The telethon raised $10,000 in pledges during a four-hour span. Those dollars go toward completion of the first phase of the new Community Health Clinic. Carr-Kirklin is chairman of the board of directors for Community Health of East Tennessee and thanks those of you who pledged. She adds that if you would still like to donate, simply stop by the CHET office in Jacksboro or call 423.562.1156.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/26/2011)

Football Final

Campbell County Cougars 28 - Clinton Dragons 23

  •                               Midway Green Waves 56 - Jellico Blue Devils 12

Queens Crowned

     Homecoming queens are crowned Thursday night.  The 2011 Jacksboro Middle School Football Homecoming Queen is Shelby Hale.  La Follette Middle School crowned Hannah Wilson as its 2011 homecoming queen last night.  David Graham has the complete story and all the pictures at the David Graham Sports link located to your upper left on this page.   (updated 11:00 a.m. 09/23/2011)

Baseball Bats, Beer Bottles Used to Break Car Windows

     It was not the way to start the day.  La Follette Police Officers tell 1450wlaf.com that 14-people started their day with a broken windshield on Thursday morning.  The Indian River Village, High Knob areas are where the attackers struck.  A hole in a van's back window.  A huge shattered spot on a pick-up truck windshield.  A totally broken out back window in a pick-up.  That was the scene before 9:00 a.m. Wednesday where officers say vandals took baseball bats and beer bottles to bash glass.  The only upside is that police caught the culprits on camera.  (updated 9:00 a.m. 09/23/2011)

Once a Golden Eagle, Still a Golden Eagle...50-years Later

     Has it really been 50-years?  That's what Johnny Cain asks when he thinks about his high school reunion that's coming up this weekend.  For the jolly Cain, JHS Class of '61, an evening of fun is ahead.  Lake View Baptist Church in Caryville is the site of the Jacksboro High School Class of 1961 50-year gathering tomorrow (09/24/2011).  Hospitality starts at 3:00 with photos being snapped at 4:30.  Cain says the dinner and program begin at 6:00.   (updated 9:00 a.m. 09/23/2011)

Squires Try to Give Citizens Good Value for Their Tax Dollar – in Entertainment

     That's Boomer's headline this week.  He fills in the rest on Boomer's Corner.  It's Friday.  Go ahead, exhale and enjoy a chuckle straight from Charles "Boomer" Winfrey's keyboard.  (updated 8:00 a.m. 09/23/2011)

Cougars Travel to Clinton Tonight

     A hungry, winless Clinton football team awaits the Campbell High Cougars this evening.  Coach Justin Price’s team is coming off its best game of the season, so far, and readies to face an improving Dragon squad.  Kick-off is set for 7:30 at Clinton with coverage beginning at 7:15 over 1450 WLAF Radio.  You may actually watch the game live over 1450wlaf.com.  Les Martin and Greg Brackett are your radio, TV, and web channel hosts.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/23/2011)

Community Health Clinic Telethon is Saturday

     CHET’s telethon to benefit the building of the new Community Health Clinic is Saturday.  It all begins at 7:00 on WLAF-TV 12, and you have a chance to donate toward completing the new health clinic.  You’ll also be able to catch a sneak peak at who will be performing at next weekend’s Louie Bluie Festival.  Some of those musicians plan on playing during tomorrow night’s telethon.  Teresa Dabney is the C.E.O. with Community Health of East Tennessee, CHET, and adds that all the fun runs from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on Channel 12.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/23/2011)

Fall is Officially Here

     Can you feel it?  Fall is here.  It arrived in Campbell County at 5:04 this morning.  Your first weather forecast of Fall is to the upper right of this page.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/23/2011)

LPD Arrests Jessie on Meth Charges

     La Follette Police destroyed a big meth lab Wednesday afternoon.  The lab was located near the underpass on North 13th Street, a block behind the Corner Market.  Chief Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that 44-year old Brian Scott Jessie is in the Campbell County Jail this morning after being arrested on meth charges.  The raid happened around 1:00 yesterday afternoon at Jessie’s home at 204 B North 13th Street.   (updated 8:30 a.m. 09/22/2011)

Dense Fog Advisory

     A head start's not a bad idea.  Dense fog dominates the landscape this morning making extra travel time and a slower pace key parts of your morning routine.  Please drive safely especially during this DENSE FOG ADVISORY.   (updated 6:30 a.m. 09/22/2011)

LPD Takes Down Big Meth Lab

     La Follette Police destroyed a big meth lab Wednesday afternoon.  The lab was located at a home near the underpass on North 13th Street.  Chief Jimmy Jeffries is releasing the names of those involved later today.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/22/2011)

Deputies Battle a Cane & Gun Wielding Man

     Deputies fight to diffuse an escalating domestic incident.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that in the middle of the night (September 14, 2011), deputies dealt with a father-daughter domestic dispute.  A 42-year old man was talked out of his Cove Norris Road home around 3:30 a.m. and appeared to have a shotgun as he walked onto the front porch.  Officers repeatedly ordered James Rutherford to show his hands as Rutherford shouted over and over for them to shoot him.  Instead of a shotgun, deputies realized he was holding a walking cane.  Rutherford soon dropped the cane, then pulled out a pistol, and pointed it at the deputies all the while continuing to scream for them to kill him.  Rutherford took the ammo out of the pistol, and Deputy Joe Marlow charged Rutherford and knocked the gun from his hand.  Then it was a fight to subdue Rutherford.  Officers were injured as they took him into custody.  Rutherford remains in the county jail today on multiple charges including aggravated assault.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/22/2011)

 

Driver's Name Released in Wednesday Morning Accident

     A 58-year old Illinois man dies in a late morning wreck.  THP Trooper Larry Skeen tells 1450wlaf.com that Alan Moomey of Decatur, Illinois, died at the scene of this morning's crash on the northbound side of I-75.  It happened just after 10:30 with mist and fog hanging low over the road as Moomey made his way northward at the 153 mile marker on Pine Mountain in Campbell County.  Skeen says Moomey's 2011 Honda Civic left the right side of the road and struck a guardrail.  The car then veered back onto the roadway.  Moomey's car then left the interstate on the right side of the road for a second time and over turned.  Moomey was wearing a seatbelt.   (updated 5:30 p.m. 09/21/2011)

Accident with Injury East of La Follette

     Two cars.  Three injured people.  That's the story on a wreck that happened just before 4:00 this afternoon on Old Highway 63 near Carr-Wynn Road east of La Follette.  The injured have been taken to St. Mary's Medical Center of Campbell County.  (updated 4:15 p.m. 09/21/2011)

LPD Busts Meth Lab

     Lafollette Police are cleaning up a big meth lab at this hour. Chief Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that he and meth clean-up techs are working at a home off 13th Street near the Corner Market. More details as they become available right here. (updated 3:00 p.m. 9/21/11)

Morning Crash Claims a Life

     Troopers are still on the scene of a fatal one-car crash.  It happened soon after 10:30 this morning between mile markers 152 and 153 on Pine Mountain.  A single car and its male driver (only occupant) wrecked in the northbound lanes of I-75 as mist and drizzle fell.  The mishap occurred near the Rarity Mountain Exit here in Campbell County.  The man had no vital signs when first responders arrived and later was pronounced dead at Jellico Community Hospital.   (updated 1:00 p.m. 09/21/2011)

Secretary of State Stops in Campbell County

     The Tennessee Secretary of State made a stop here on Tuesday.  One of his topics of discussion was on the new voter photo ID law.  Tre Hargett explains that any valid photo ID, current or outdated, qualifies as a legal photo ID when you go to the polls.  Hargett says that could be anything from a passport to a gun carrying permit.  Hargett adds that you may have a free voter ID photo card made at the local driver license office behind Marsee Motors.  Anyone age 65 or older may still vote absentee.  The law becomes valid with the March elections in 2012.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/21/2011)

                                        Price Pleased with Progress
     It's the midway point of the high school football season.  And the Cougars continue improving.  Head Coach Justin Price tells 1450wlaf.com that he and the coaching staff see a lot more improvement than the players do, because all they see is the one and four record.  However, Price continues seeing the same fire from his players as he did in preseason camp.  He calls that a credit to the Cougars' character and their desire to win.  Campbell visits a winless Dragons' team on Friday at Clinton.  WLAF provides all the live coverage for you.  Action starts at 7:15 with Les Martin and Greg Brackett on radio, 1450, and televised coverage over 1450wlaf.com.  
 (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/21/2011)

                                     Terry's Hosts the Sweet Spot Today
     You're invited to "The Sweet Spot."  Terry's Pharmacy presents a program on diabetes education for everyday living known as "The Sweet Spot."  Today's class time is 2:00 p.m. at the original Terry's Pharmacy on East Central Avenue in La Follette.  
 (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/21/2011)

                                 Beltone Offers Free Hearing Exams Today
     It's Wednesday.  That means it's free hearing exam day at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center in La Follette.  The office is on West Central Avenue across from First Baptist Church, and the telephone number is 423.562.7562
 (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/21/2011)

Crushing for Cash not Friendly

     What are friends for?  In this case, crushing your truck for cash.  Officers with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department tell 1450wlaf.com that Donald Lee Helton of Jacksboro borrowed a friend’s truck.  When the friend began looking for his truck, he couldn’t find it.  Officers say Helton took the truck to Bunch’s Recycling in Caryville and sold it for scrap even though the 33-year old Helton’s didn’t have permission.  Helton is charged with theft of property over one-thousand dollars.  (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/20/2011)

Woman Charged with 34-Counts

     Thirty-four counts.  Sheriff’s detectives charged 30-year old Amanda Lynn Lyttle with a total of 34 counts.  Seventeen of those charges are for fraudulent use of a credit card while the other 17 are for theft of property under $500.  Lyttle was discovered on electronic media using the card at several locations in and around La Follette.  (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/20/2011)

Roxey 30s’ Addiction Leads to Arrest

     She told officers she has a drug problem and wants help.  That’s what 23-year old Courtney Elizabeth Wilson told Campbell County Sheriff’s Department detectives when they arrested her on 12-counts of fraudulent use of a credit card.  The Jacksboro woman was also charged with 12-counts of theft of property under $500.  Wilson explained to officers that she used another person’s credit card without their permission to purchase Roxey 30s.  (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/20/2011)

Commission Elects New FMS Committee...Eventually

For awhile Monday night, it looked as if the county might have to do without a financial management (FMS) committee, as county commissioners seemed unable to agree on any nominations to fill the four appointed positions that expired this month.

After unanimously approving Mayor William Baird for another term as chairman of the commission and Johnny Bruce for another term as vice chairman at the outset of Monday night’s meeting, the commission split votes evenly when time came to appoint the new FMS Committee.

Baird offered four nominations among his suggestions for new committee assignments – commissioners Bobby White, Terry Singley, David Adkins and school board chairman Mike Orick. James Slusher, the only member of the committee not a county official, was left off the list.

That slate of four nominations failed to gain a majority of commission votes, however, as Marie Ayers, Melvin Boshears, Charles Baird, Beverly Hall, Thomas Hatmaker, Sue Nance, J. L. Davis and Bob Walden all voted “no.”

Ayers explained that she had nothing against any of the nominees but felt that someone from the general public should continue to serve on the committee, then seconded Boshears’ nomination of Slusher for a second term. That nomination also failed 8-7, as Davis shifted his vote to side with the other seven commissioners.

Beverly Hall then nominated Thomas Hatmaker to serve on the committee, but his nomination failed by the same 8-7 vote, with Adkins, Davis, Bruce, Singley, White, Steve Rutherford, Rusty Orick and Alvin Evans all opposing the nomination.

Evans then nominated Davis, and that nomination was finally approved 11-3. Hall, Hatmaker and Nance continued to vote “no” while Davis abstained from the vote.

Mike Orick was then nominated, the commission having agreed in principal at an earlier meeting to add the school board chairman to FMS at the request of that board. Hatmaker and Hall appeared to disagree with that principal and voted against Orick, but his nomination was finally approved 13-2.

Appearing to grow tired of the controversy, the commission then fell into lockstep on the final two nominations. Bobby White was again nominated and this time received an unanimous 15-0 vote, while Adkins was again nominated and approved 14-1 with only Hatmaker voting “no.”

Ayers was then unanimously approved by a voice vote for another term as chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee, but both Davis and Hatmaker were nominated as vice chairman. Davis’ nomination was voted upon first and approved by a narrow 8-6 margin, Walden, Nance, Hatmaker, Hall, Baird and Ayers voting “no” while Boshears abstained.

Most other actions taken by the commission met with little disagreement. The final change in voting districts, needed to align voters with the new census numbers, was approved 12-2 while a motion by re-districting committee chairman Bobby White to disband his committee now that its job was finished passed 13-1.

The commission also voted unanimously to renew the county’s employee health insurance coverage with Blue Cross/Blue Shield after that company offered to renew coverage at the same rate as the previous year, and to increase the county’s insurance contribution for non-certified employees to the same percentage currently paid for teachers.

The commission also voted 15-0 to approve a motion by Steve Rutherford to set a 25 mph speed limit on Demory Road between the LaFollette city limits and the county’s Lonas Young Park.

Bobby White then asked if the commission could set a countywide speed limit on all county roads, but County Attorney Joe Coker threw cold water on that suggestion.

“The law requires that you must set speed limits road by road, and section by section,” Coker explained.

“You must also post the speed limit at every intersection,” Finance Director Jeff Marlow added. “That would run into a considerable cost.”  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/20/2011)

Secretary of State Visits Today

     The Tennessee Secretary of State visits today.  Tre Hargett is scheduled to speak to the La Follette Rotary Club at lunch.  Among his morning stops is WLAF.  We'll hear from Hargett here on the radio, and you'll be able to see our interview with him on this evening's Channel 12 news at 5:30.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/20/2011) 

Terry's Pharmacy Welcomes You to the Sweet Spot

     You're invited to "The Sweet Spot."  Terry's Pharmacy presents a program on diabetes education for everyday living known as "The Sweet Spot."  Today's class time is 6:00 p.m. at the Jacksboro Terry's Pharmacy.  Wednesday's time is 2:00 p.m. at the La Follette location.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/20/2011) 

New P-R Bridge Officially Opens

     A new bridge is officially opened.  Monday’s ribbon cutting signals the start to safer travel on Pleasant Ridge Road.  Road Superintendent Dennis Potter tells 1450wlaf.com that the Pleasant Ridge Bridge is not only new, it’s straight.  Potter adds that it better accommodates today’s SUVs, boats, and larger vehicles as compared to the horses, buggies, and Model-Ts the previous bridge was built to transport.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/20/2011)

Evans Named Chief Deputy

     Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that he's tabbed Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Aaron Evans as his new chief deputy.  Goins says Evans', who briefly served as Chief Deputy during the Perkins' administration in 2006, takes over in October.  Evans last day with the THP is October 1.  The new number two man replaces Jonathan Finley who was dismissed as chief almost two weeks ago following fallout from the Jason Henegar incident.  Henegar, a former CCSD detective, was let go after he crashed his pick-up truck into a house in an off-duty mishap.   (updated Noon 09/19/2011)

 

First Day of Fall

     In case you're wondering.  The first day of Fall comes to Campbell County on Friday (the 23rd) at 5:04 a.m.  (updated 8:30 a.m. 09/19/2011)

See the Homecoming Parade Tonight

     Homecoming 2011 continues.  Sort of.  Look for the telecast of the Cougars' Homecoming Parade today at 6:00 p.m. on WLAF-TV 12.   (updated 6:30 a.m. 09/19/2011)

Two School Buses Not Making Rounds This Morn'

     Two Campbell County School buses are not able to make their rounds this morning.  Busses 15 & 4 are not running this Monday morning.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/19/2011)

Wreck Victims Airlifted to UT Medical Center

      It didn’t look good for two people trapped inside an overturned car.  Just before 10:00 a.m. Saturday is when witnesses say a Jacksboro-bound car drove into the grassy median, hit a concrete culvert, and flipped on its top.  The entire road was shutdown for the better part of an hour as two Lifestar helicopters landed on the four-lane highway between Elkins Road and Jacksboro on Saturday morning and transported an adult male and female to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.  Sheriff’s deputies tell 1450wlaf.com that the man was pulled from the car while the woman had to be cut out of the car.  Both patients are in stable condition.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/19/2011)

 New Home's a Coming

     It's barely been a week.  That's how long it took to begin building a house from scratch to almost finished.  Seven churches, some private businesses, and lots of volunteers tore down the old house on East Chestnut Street at Indiana Avenue a few weeks ago.  Then they began building the new one just days ago.  Allen Shepherd, pastor at New Life Ministries, tells 1450wlaf.com that it's one faith, one love, one vision.  If you'd like to help, in any way, please call 423.562.0011  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/19/2011)   
 

                                           State Official to Visit Tuesday
     Campbell County's had visits from two state leaders over the past couple of weeks.  And another's on the way.  On Tuesday, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is scheduled to speak to the Rotary Club of LaFollette.  State Representative Dennis Powers will introduce Secretary Hargett at the Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon at noon tomorrow at the LaFollette Methodist Church.  Secretary Hargett's expected to provide overviews of his job responsibilities as well as some new initiatives that are being offered by departments under his leadership.  Secretary Hargett also plans to make a stop here at WLAF tomorrow morning. 
 (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/19/2011)

FOOTBALL FINAL

Campbell County High School  20 - Hardin Valley High School 26

 

Parade's at 1:00, Central Avenue Closes Earlier

     La Follette’s main street closes down.  For a little more than an hour, Central Avenue, the primary traffic artery through La Follette is going to be closed to thru traffic this afternoon.  La Follette Chief of Police Jimmy Jeffries says that he and his officers will close Central Avenue just like they do for the Christmas Parade.  The Chief expects the shutdown to take place about 12:30 or a little after and remain shutdown until around 2:00.  He adds that all side streets will be open.  The Campbell High Homecoming Parade begins at 1:00 with the parade route stretching from the Methodist Church to the Sonic Drive-In with the parade ending at the Sonic.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/16/2011)

Update on the New Skyway Bridge

     It’s been more than two years since work began on the old bridge in front of the high school.  The work to dismantle it and build a new bridge is near completion even though it is past its projected completion date of September 1.  The contractor has requested an extension, which is currently under review by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.  T-DOT’s Mark Nagi tells 1450wlaf.com that there will be five, 12-foot lanes including a turn lane, plus 10-foot shoulders when the project is completed.  Nagi adds that the concrete overlay over about half of the bridge still needs to be finished.  However, Nagi explains to 1450wlaf.com that steel is showing on the East side of the bridge, the side that is unfinished.  Nagi says he doesn't know if it’s because it wasn't "set" properly or if something came loose to cause the steel to float up.  Nagi adds that T-DOT’s bridge and structures people provided the contractor with two alternatives to correct the problem.  The contractor is reviewing those plans and will soon be choosing one of them.  Even months ago, some thought the new bridge might open in November, and Nagi says they could be right.  The winning bid came in at four-million, seven-hundred, five-thousand, eight-hundred, ninety-five dollars, and 27-cents.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/16/2011)

Marlow Keeps 'em Laughing While Battling Cancer

    The odds for surviving were not good.  That’s the news Greg Marlow heard last year when he was diagnosed with Cancer.  The baby boomer, who grew up in White Oak, had so much to tell his son, Luke, and feared he would run out of time.  Almost 150 pages and lots of pictures later, Marlow’s stories, family memories, and funny tales are squeezed into a wire bound publication.  Thinking only family and friends might want a copy or two, Marlow only printed a handful initially.  Upwards of 300 copies have been printed and sold, and more are coming.  Marlow’s book is entitled “My Version of the Truth,” Growing up in the Mountains of East Tennessee.  Copies are available at the Historical Society and at Katy’s Carry-Out.  Greg says to look for him and his book at the Louie Bluie Festival on October 1st   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/16/2011)

How Electronics Affect Youngsters Sleep

     Kid’s today are not getting enough sleep.  That’s according to a new report that looks at children and their amount of time they spend inside – plugged into electronics – and how this over-stimulation affects their sleep. Kevin Coyle with the National Wildlife Federation authored the report. He says a generation ago, kids spent hours outdoors playing and interacting with others. But today the average child and teen in Tennessee spends about 7 to 8 hours per day on the computer, on their cell phone, playing video games or watching television. Coyle says on average, kids 8-18 are losing between ten and fourteen hours of sleep per week because they are over-stimulated by electronic  use. He says some ways parents can help kids obtain more balance is to make sure they’re getting exercise outdoors – the natural light helps promote sleep – and try to get kids unplugged from computers, cell phones, and TVs at least an hour before bedtime.  For tips on how to get kids to spend more time outside and ways to help reduce time spent in front of screens, a new online guide is available for parents at www.beoutthere.org   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/16/2011)

Name in Fatal Fall Released

     The name of the man involved in Wednesday’s fatal fall is released.  La Follette Chief of Police Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that the man was from Knoxville and that his name is Ed Elphee.  Reports from 9-1-1 dispatch are that the call came in minutes after 11:00 yesterday morning saying a man laying brick had fallen from scaffolding about three floors up.  It was later reported that the 50-year old Elphee actually fell from a height of four stories landing in a pile of gravel, brick, and block.  The accident happened at the future Community Health Clinic, which is behind the CVS.  Chief Jeffries adds that foul play is not suspected though the investigation continues.   (updated 12:30 p.m. 09/15/2011)

Commodity Day is Tomorrow

     ETHRA’s distributing commodities on Friday.  Tomorrow is commodities day in southern Campbell County at West La Follette School from 8:30 a.m. until the supply runs out.  You’re asked to bring a box and someone to help you carry your food.  Details are available at 423.562.2948.  (updated 8:30 a.m. 09/15/2011)

Construction Death Under Investigation

     Still no word on the identity of the brick mason who fell to his death Wednesday morning.  La Follette Chief of Police Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that the family of the 50-year old, white male, from Knoxville, who fell from scaffolding, is yet to be notified.  The call came in to 9-1-1 dispatch around 11:00 Wednesday morning from the construction site of the future Community Health Clinic, which is behind the CVS.  Dispatchers tell 1450wlaf.com that the caller told them the worker fell from a height of four stories.  Chief Jeffries adds that though the investigation is ongoing, foul play is not suspected.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/15/2011)

                                      100 Candles for Jacksboro Woman

  
  It doesn't happen very often.  Only a select few make it.  Make to age 100.  As of today, Marie Byrd Allred of Jacksboro has reached that special plateau.  Five children, plus grandchildren, great grand children, and great-great-grandchildren, she loves them everyone.  One of Marie's daughters, Anna Allred Lay, tells 1450wlaf.com that her mother finally gave up working her garden and flower beds.  Last year.  Aside from being Corb Allred's wife for 56-years and raisin' all those young 'uns, Marie put in 30-years at the shirt factory.  Marie, we here at WLAF, wish you a great big ole happy 100th birthday.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/15/2011)

Parade's at 1:00

     Time change.  The Campbell County High Homecoming Parade is scheduled to begin at 1:00 Friday afternoon.  The time was changed earlier this week, and it's listed as starting at 2:00 or 1:00 depending on where you read or what sign you see.  Start time is officially changed to 1:00 with the parade beginning at the Methodist Church and ending at the Sonic Drive-In.   (updated 3:30 p.m. 09/14/2011)

Man Falls to his Death in La Follette

     A man fell to his death this morning.  It was a tragic scene around 11:00 a.m. at the construction site of the new Community Health Clinic behind the CVS.  Dispatchers from 9-1-1 tell 1450wlaf.com that a brick layer fell off scaffolding, some four stories up, landing in a pile of gravel, brick, and block suffering severe head trauma among other serious injuries.  As the man was being loaded onto Lifestar, his condition worsened.  That’s when he was then transported by ground to St. Mary’s of Campbell County where he later died.  La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries describes the victim as a white male, age 50, from Knoxville.  Jeffries adds that though the investigation is ongoing, he does say that foul play is not suspected.  Next of kin is yet to be notified.  (updated 3:30 p.m. 09/14/2011)

Chief Jeffries Announces Traffic Shift

     La Follette’s main street closes down.  For a little more than an hour, Central Avenue, the primary traffic artery through La Follette is going to be closed to thru traffic on Friday afternoon.  La Follette Chief of Police Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that he and his officers will close Central Avenue just like they do for the Christmas Parade.  The Chief expects the shutdown to take place about 12:30 or a little after and remain shutdown until around 2:00.  He adds that all side streets will be open.  The Campbell High Homecoming Parade begins at 1:00 with the parade route stretching from the Methodist Church to the Sonic Drive-In with the parade ending at the Sonic.  (updated 2:00 p.m. 09/14/2011)

Chairman Orick, V-C Rutherford Re-elected by School Board

     The school board chooses its chairman and vice chairman.  At Tuesday night's meeting, Chairman Mike Orick and vice-chairman Homer Rutherford were unanimously re-elected to serve another term.  The board then got down to the business of approving the energy efficient schools program as outlined at a joint meeting with county commissioners two weeks ago. Under the program, Trane Corporation will conduct an energy efficiency survey of the county’s schools. Trane will then present their findings and set an energy-savings goal that will be guaranteed if the county agrees to go through with the program, at a cost of roughly $4 million.  Trane’s guarantee means that if annual energy savings fall short of their published estimates, they will reimburse the county for the difference. Over the period of the contract, the county school system can expect to save up to $200,000 a year in energy savings over the annual cost of paying off the $4 million, which will come from an interest-free federal loan fund.  The board also approved retiring a $628,000 capital outlay note to free up money needed to overhaul heating and air systems at Jellico High School and Valley View Elementary.  In a move designed to cut down on the mountains of paper that the board has to plough through each month, the board also approved a motion to purchase Ipads for each board member.  Chairman Orick pointed out that the money to buy the Ipads could come from a surplus in board travel.  The board also discussed a proposal to reinstate drivers’ education at both Campbell  and Jellico High Schools.  Then agreed to study the proposal at a later time, since driver’s education could not be reinstated before the beginning of the next school year anyway.  Orick, on behalf of the board, presented Sharon Ridenour with a plaque of appreciation for her service as Interim Director, praising the job she did while the board searched for a replacement for Dr. Michael Martin.  (updated 6:00 p.m. 09/14/2011)

Free Hearing Exam Day  

It's Wednesday.  That means free hearing exam day at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center in La Follette.  Simply stop by the office on West Central across from First Baptist Church or call 423.562.7562 (Updated 6:00 a.m. 09/14/2011)   

Commodity Days

     ETHRA’s distributing commodities Wednesday and Friday.  At the Jellico Library is where commodities are given out on Wednesday from 10:00 until Noon.  Then, Friday is commodities day in southern Campbell County at West La Follette School from 8:30 a.m. until the supply runs out.  You’re asked to bring a box and someone to help you carry your food.  Details are available at 423.562.2948.  (updated 3:30 p.m. 09/13/2011)

Caryville City Council Meets

    Routine is how Caryville’s Monday night city council meeting is described.   Recently hired police officer T.J. Gentry, still in his 90-day probation period, tendered his resignation.  Gentry explained that he had a better offer.  Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director E.L. Morton spoke to the council for about half-an-hour, a few bills were paid, and the meeting was adjourned.  (updated 1:30 p.m. 09/13/2011)

Scrap Thief’s in Scrape with Deputy

     A La Follette man planned on taking items from a local salvage operation.  However, he hadn’t planned on police watching his every move.  Sheriff’s Sergeant Matt Wasson caught 40-year old Jessie Herron of Parrott Lane loading scrap metal and rims into his pick-up truck at JR’s Salvage Yard on West Carr Drive.  Herron told Wasson he had permission.  The owner said he didn’t.  Wasson charged Herron with theft of property under $500, and then discovered that there was an outstanding warrant for Herron. (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/13/2011)

Wrong Place, Wrong Time for Mills

     Mark Mills’ timing could not have been better for police.  Nor worse for him. A Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Deputy spotted Mills walking on South Tennessee Avenue in front of the La Follette Police Department. The problem for the 41-year old Mills of West Forrest Street came about when the deputy realized Mills had an outstanding warrant against him. Mills was taken into custody.  (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/13/2011)

Man Jumps Out of Second Story Window 

     Sheriff’s deputies say Jerry Stidham had a little too much to drink.  Officers were dispatched to Stidham’s home on Sugar Hollow Road on a domestic disturbance call.  Deputies explain that the 30-year old Stidham got into a verbal argument with his wife and he then jumped out of a second floor window landing in the yard.  Stidham was taken into custody for his and the public’s safety.  Deputies charged Stidham with public intoxication.  (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/13/2011)

 Walters’ Weaving Ends at Jacksboro

     A weaving driver draws attention.  Sheriff’s deputies watched Melissa Sue Walters of Newcomb cross the white fog line three times as she made her way north on Jellico Highway.  In the end, the 31-year old Walters was taken to the county jail after not being able to produce a driver’s license.   (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/13/2011)

Campbell County Loses Another War Hero

     You may remember him from the lake in the days when he owned Whitman Hollow Boat Dock.  Or you worked with him at Furtex.  However, you may not know that Everett Miller was a war hero.  Miller, who proudly served his country during the second World War, died on Friday.  The Purple Heart, the Medal of Honor, and the Bronze Star are among the decorations bestowed upon the Coolidge native.  He was a staff sergeant in the Air Force and was a nose gunner and bombardier on the B-24 Bomber.  Miller loved to fish and often took one of his sisters, Trula, along.  Trula tells 1450wlaf.com that one of Everett’s favorite fishing holes was the Loyston Sea area of Norris Lake.  Staff Sergeant Everett Miller was 85-years old.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/13/2011)

School Board Meets Tonight

     It’s time for the school board’s monthly meeting.  Tonight at 6:00 is when the school board meets at Jacksboro.  We’ll have the story for you first thing Wednesday morning over 1450 WLAF dot com and 1450 WLAF Radio.  Look for the telecast tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. over WLAF-TV 12.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/13/2011)

Jellico High Cross Country Runs to Success

     Bolton paces the Blue Devils at the first major meet.  Jellico cross country runner Matt Bolton placed third with a time of 21:03 in the first major cross country meet of the season Thursday evening at Oneida.  Teams from Oneida, Scott High, Cumberland Gap, Sunbright, J. Frank White and McCreary County Kentucky, competed in the first full 5-K for the Blue Devils.  Despite a nagging pulled muscle, Ovi Kabir still ran finishing 16th at a pace of 23:22.  Cumberland Gap, a regular at the state meet, dominated the girls race with seven of the top 10 runners. Olivia Veach of Jellico finished 10th and teammate Venessa Troxell followed at 12th at 28:36.  The next meet for the Blue Devils is Saturday at Hardin Valley in Knoxville.  (updated 10:00 a.m. 09/12/2011)

CCHS Students Ready to Bring the Good Times Back

      Campbell High’s Homecoming is going to be extra special this year.  Aside from the usual festivities, the homecoming parade returns to downtown La Follette Friday afternoon at 2:00.  Businesses, church groups, and civic organizations are encouraged to participate with an entry in the parade.  Trophies will be awarded for the high school’s “Best Class Float.”  There’ll also be “Best of Show” and “Best Organization” entries.  Entries don’t necessarily need to be floats.  Company vehicles are welcome, as are groups wishing to walk in the parade.  The parade starts at 2:00 at the La Follette Methodist Church and continues to the Sonic.  To place an entry, please call Billie Jo Ralston at 423-562-8308.  (updated 9:00 a.m. 09/12/2011)

It's a Workshop Day for Commissioners

     It’s workshop afternoon and evening at the court house.  The Environmental Committee begins its meeting at 4:30 while the Budget and Finance committee convenes at 5:00.  Coming up at 6:00 at Jacksboro is the County Commission workshop.  The Campbell County School Board meets Tuesday night at 6:00 at the court house.  (updated 8:00 a.m. 09/12/2011)

More Than 400 Attend FBC's 911 Remembrance

     Nine-eleven remembrances are held all across America.  Campbell County included.  Though none in our area, perhaps, was bigger than the service observed at First Baptist Church of La Follette.  There was not a seat to be had as one of the largest crowds to ever assemble at FBC La Follette gathered and gathered early.  More than 400-worshippers filled the sanctuary with the remembrance beginning at 11:00, however, people began showing up before 9:00.  La Follette’s own Retired Four-Star General Carl Wade Stiner was the featured speaker, and FBC Pastor Duane Mills played the bagpipes as the Campbell County Honor Guard presented the colors.  A special encore presentation of Sunday’s service airs after the Noon news today on 1450wlaf.com.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/12/2011)

It's National Assisted Living Week  

     It’s National Assisted Living Week.  La Follette Court Assisted Living is celebrating all this special week through Saturday with daily festivities open to the public from 9:00 until 2:00.  There’ll be prizes, surprises, and lots of fun.  On Saturday, La Follette Court Assisted Living wraps up National Assisted Living Week with a big Cruise-In.  La Follette Court Assisted Living is located on North Massachusetts Avenue in east La Follette.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/12/2011)

Football Finals From September 9th

Karns 35 Campbell 0 - Kings Academy 33 Jellico 10

Motorcycle Rider Dies from August 19th Injuries

     A Campbell County man dies from injuries suffered in a motorcycle versus car accident.  It was almost three-weeks to the day, when 61-year old Donald Hicks was riding his Suzuki Motorcycle near the fire station and Big Creek Market.  Hicks was riding east on East Beech Street in La Follette around three o’clock on Friday, the 19th of August.  That’s when La Follette Police say 54-year old Margaret Sue Walden of Duff was traveling opposite of Hicks and cut her Buick hatchback left in front of the motorcycle.  Walden told Patrolman Brian Tiller that she did not see the motorcycle until it was too late.  Hicks, who was airlifted to UT Medical Center, died from his injuries Wednesday night.  Friends say Hicks was a retired auto worker who recently moved to the area from Ohio.   (updated 10:30 a.m. 09/09/2011)

Fatal Accident Update

     A Scott County man died.  A Campbell County woman battles for her life.  Timothy Byrge of Huntsville died at the scene of the Thursday morning head-on crash on Highway 63, near the Pioneer Post Office.  (see two related stories further down this page)  The THP says Byrge's Blazer crossed the center line and hit a pick-up truck driven by 39-year old Gloria Goad of Pioneer.  Goad is in critical condition this morning at the UT Medical Center in Knoxville.  Goad underwent surgery just hours after the collision.   (updated 7:30 a.m. 09/09/2011)

FBC of La Follette Remembers

     Sunday marks 10-years.  SOT Ten years since that awful Tuesday morning we soon began referencing as 9-eleven.  First Baptist Church of La Follette is marking the day with a special remembrance service.  Retired four-star General Carl Stiner is the featured speaker.  Pastor Duane Mills expects a large crowd, and he reminds you to arrive early for the 11:00 a.m. service.  The FBC remembrance airs live over 1450wlaf.com and 1450 WLAF Radio.(updated 6:00 a.m. 09/09/2011)

 Cougars Visit Beavers - See the Game Here "Live"

     It’s a big night for the Cougars.  This second road test of the season takes them to Knoxville to tangle with the Karns Beavers.  Campbell is 1 and 2 while the Beavers are 2 and 1.  KHS has impressive wins over Corbin and Clinton with a one-touchdown loss to South-Doyle.  The Cougars whipped Cumberland County while falling to Seymour and Anderson County.  See the game televised live over 1450wlaf.com, and hear the game live over 1450 WLAF Radio.  Broadcast time is 7:30.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/09/2011)

Boomer's Take on this Active Week

     You knew he'd be weighing-in on this week's happenings.  As usual.  Boomer's Corner is open for your snickers, head scratches, and disappointments.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/09/2011)

Another State Official Visits 

     Last week, it was the state comptroller.  This week, it’s the state tourism commissioner.  Justin P. Wilson toured Campbell County last Tuesday.  Today, State Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker makes a stop.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/09/2011)

Sheriff's Statement on the TV this Evening

     Sheriff Robbie Goins addressed the media this afternoon.  Goins talks about Monday night's truck wreck involving an off-duty CCSD detective.  You may see Goins' complete statement on the 5:30 TV news today on WLAF-TV 12.   (updated 3:15 p.m. 09/08/2011)

Huntsville Man Dies in Morning Crash

     A grinding head-on collision claims the life of a young Scott County man.  Just after 8:00 this morning is when Trooper Aaron Evans says 24-year old Timothy Byrge's 2000 Chevy Blazer crossed a double-yellow line hitting a pick-up truck head-on.  In the stretch of Highway 63, almost to the Pioneer Post Office is where 39-year old Gloria Goad of Pioneer was traveling toward Caryville in a 2011 Ford F-150 pick-up truck.  Byrge, heading west toward Huntsville in his Blazer, veered into Goad's lane, collided with the state truck, and then became airborne clearing a guard rail.  Byrge was not wearing a seat belt.  Goad was.  Evans tells 1450wlaf.com that alcohol and drug test results are pending.  Goad is in surgery at this hour at the UT Medical Center.  (updated 2:45 p.m. 09/08/2011)

Fatal Wreck this Morning in Pioneer

     One person died this morning in a head-on crash on Highway 63.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com from the Campbell County Sheriff's Department are that a Chevy Blazer crossed the double-yellow line and hit an F-150 pick-up truck head-on.  The driver of the Blazer, a male, died at the scene.  The pick-up is a State of Tennessee truck and its female driver is seriously injured.  Upon impact, the Blazer went airborne crossing over a guard rail.  The wreck happened around 10:00 a.m. on the stretch of 63 just before you get to the Pioneer Post Office.  More details later.  Here.  (updated 10:45 a.m. 09/08/2011)

CCSD Dismisses Finley, Henegar

      Fall out from Monday night’s accident bottoms out.  Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that on Wednesday afternoon, he dismissed his right hand man, his Chief Deputy, Jonathan Finley.  Earlier Wednesday, Goins relieved Jason Henegar of his duties as Detective Sergeant.  It was the actions of Henegar that started the unraveling.  The sheriff says that an off-duty Henegar plowed his personal vehicle into the home of Robert and Janice Hatfield on Imperial Heights just before midnight on Monday.  Sheriff Goins believes the mishap is alcohol related.  A stunned Goins explains that the fact that Chief Finley did not handle the incident properly is why he, too, is dismissed.  He says this is a tough blow to the department, and it puts progress on-hold momentarily.  He and Finley go way back together in law enforcement, and Goins says that Finley was a key part to a successful first-year in office.  Henegar handled the child abuse division for the department serving as CCSD’s child specialist.  Both Finley and Henegar are veteran lawmen and returned to the department when Goins became sheriff a little more than a year ago.  The investigation continues and is being conducted by the TBI and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.  Sheriff Goins holds a press conference today at 1:00.  We’ll televise that press conference during the evening news on WLAF-TV 12 today at 5:30.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/08/2011)

Tourism Commissioner Visits

     Last week, it was the state comptroller.  This week, it’s the state tourism commissioner.  Justin P. Wilson toured Campbell County last Tuesday.  Tomorrow, State Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker makes a stop.  Executive Director for the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce E.L. Morton tells 1450wlaf.com that it’s a chance for us to showcase for Whitaker all the beauty, attractions, and geographic location of what makes our area so appealing.   (updated 8:30 a.m. 09/08/2011)

Details of Crash Probe Released

     “It just struck powers lines.”  That’s what spokesman Randy Harris says happened earlier this summer on July 9 when an Air National Guard helicopter crashed here in Campbell County.  Harris goes on to say that, “The aircraft was conducting a routine training mission in an established area near the Royal Blue Recreation Area at a spot about a mile and-a-half behind Camel Manufacturing which is to the right of I-75 as you approach Exit 141 heading north when it struck power lines resulting in the catastrophic accident.”   26-year old First Lt. Thomas Joseph Williams, Jr., and 41-year old Chief Warrant Officer 4 Daniel Cole were killed in the crash.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/08/2011)

 Shirt Factory Reunion is Saturday

     A lotta fun.  A lotta food.  And a lot of talking, telling big tales.  Gladys Braden McCulley says that’s the plan for this weekend.  It’s the annual shirt factory reunion set for Saturday.  Gladys hired in at the old shirt factory on Mill Street when she was a mere child of 14.  Since her start, she’s seen a lot of changes like when the factory quit making shirts and began making jeans.  McCulley remembers around 1,300 people working at the factory in its prime.  “In the day,” the shirt factory was quite a going concern as Gladys tells 1450wlaf.com that it ran three shifts around the clock.  McCulley looks forward to the reunion which begins at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Cove Lake Park shelter number 5.  The shirt factory, which was last housed in what is now DeRoyal, closed operations around 1990.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/08/2011) 

SWAT Team ends Stand-off

     It was almost an hour’s worth of tense moments.  Neighbors call it "scary."  Around 6:00 Tuesday evening, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team along with officers from Jacksboro and La Follette responded to a home on Jane Way, which is near Walmart.  That’s where police say 33-year old Kevin Lynn Wilson brandished a firearm and cursed them from inside his home.  Officers say that a domestic dispute between Wilson and his wife escalated into the stand-off.  Wilson reportedly took a hammer to the windows of his wife’s car.  Neighbors add that they heard gun shots fired, though police aren’t confirming that, and say that police evacuated them from their nearby homes during the almost hour-long ordeal.  Deputies tell Channel 12 that they were able to talk Wilson out without anyone being injured.  Wilson faces multiple charges including possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony.  The complete list of Wilson’s charges is coming up later in our newscast in the Sheriff’s Report.    (updated 8:30 a.m. 09/07/2011) 

CCSD Detective Involved in Alcohol Related Accident 

     An off duty Campbell County Detective crashes his car into a home.  According to reports, around midnight on Monday is when Jason Henegar crashed his personal car into the living room of a La Follette couple's Imperial Heights home.  Imperial Heights is just off Middlesboro Highway across from the Food Lion Shopping Center.  Robert and Janice Hatfield were home at the time of the accident. Mrs. Hatfield sustained non-life threatening injuries, was treated at St. Mary's of Campbell County, and is recovering at home today.  Officials with the sheriff's department tell 1450wlaf.com that this is an alcohol related incident and that the TBI and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are conducting the investigation.  The Hatfields declined to comment, as did Sheriff Robbie Goins, while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.  Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that he has strict rules and policies for his staff, and that Henegar faces a possible suspension and could even be terminated.  Henegar, a veteran officer, served with the La Follette Police Department before becoming a detective with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/07/2011) 

Free Hearing Exam Day  

It's Wednesday.  That means free hearing exam day at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center in La Follette.  Simply stop by the office on West Central across from First Baptist Church or call 423.562.7562 (Updated 6:30 a.m. 09/07/2011)   

La Follette Council Let's a City Employee Go

     It was business as usual at Tuesday night's La Follette City Council meeting.  Finished in under 40 minutes.  Routine business.  Routine except for one item, the recommendation from the City Administrator of a Public Works employee.  It was recommended by Interim City Administrator Cade Sexton and Public Works Director Jim Mullins that Ronnie Ray Bostic be terminated.  Mayor Mike Stanfield listed falsifying records and conducting personal business on city time as two of the reasons Bostic was let go.  The vote to terminate Bostic ended in a tie as council members Wayne Kitts and Stephanie Grimm cast no votes while Joe Bolinger and Hansford Hatmaker voted yes.  The mayor broke the tie with a yes vote.  Bostic was a 16-year employee with the city.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/07/2011) 

Almost Toy Ride Time

     The Caryville Civil War Council’s big benefit toy ride is coming October 22nd.  Mark down that date.  We’ll have more details in a few weeks.   (updated 4:00 p.m. 09/06/2011) 

Longtime Campbell Educator Dies

     He had a tremendous laugh.  That’s how Clarence Lowe recalls Bob Sharp.  Sharp, a longtime Campbell County educator, died Saturday at Knoxville.  Lowe goes on to tell 1450wlaf.com that Sharp liked to have a good time, and that the two of them enjoyed talking politics.  Lowe calls Sharp ‘one of the last’ since Sharp always wore a coat and tie to teach.  Sharp taught many of his 36-years in education at Campbell County High School, where he also served as an assistant principal.  A funeral Mass is Saturday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Neumann Catholic Church in Farragut.  Robert “Bob” Sharp was a 1960 graduate of La Follette High School.   (updated 12:45 p.m. 09/06/2011) 

Pot Pair 'Spills the Beans'

     A Stone Ridge Road couple fesses up about their marijuana.  A tip led Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputies to 175 Stone Ridge Road in La Follette over the weekend.  That’s where they found a pot plant growing in a white bucket near the front porch of the home.  When asked about the marijuana, 56-year old William McClain and his 57-year old wife, Ann Elizabeth, said it was their plant.  And that wasn’t all.  The McClains went on to tell deputies that they had some dried marijuana and a pipe in their home.  And they did.  Deputies promptly charged the couple with cultivating marijuana, possession of schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.    (updated 10:45 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

CCSD Answers 177 Calls

     It was a busy 72-hours for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department.  The Labor Day Holiday was not a holiday for deputies with the CCSD.  Here’s how the busy weekend adds up.  There were 177 total answered calls.  Deputies investigated 19 traffic crashes where a total of six people were injured.  Sheriff Robbie Goins considers the high volume of traffic along with the rain as the main reasons for all the accidents.  (updated 10:45 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

Trees Down - Power Outages

     Strong wind is already creating challenges.  Reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com from area dispatchers are that two trees have been reported down on Hwy 297 and at Red Ash on Hwy 63.  The 297 tree's been removed while crews are still working to clear Hwy 63 at the Turley Cemetery.  La Follette Utility crews are working several, spotty in nature, power outages.  LUB Dispatch tells 1450wlaf.com that outages are not in high numbered clusters but in small spotty areas.  High wind remains a concern the balance of the day.  (updated 6:15 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

Flood Concerns Continue

     A Flash Flood watch continues through this evening.  Patches of heavy rainfall coupled with steady rain creates the potential for flash flooding of area streams, low lying areas, street flooding, and mud slides here in Campbell County.  In addition to the rain and potential flooding concerns, the wind is creating other issues.  Through much of the day, blustery conditions may down additional trees or tree limbs as well as power lines.  Your complete weather forecast is a click away to the upper right of this page.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

WLAF's Giving Away Tix to See Bill Anderson 

     Bill Anderson celebrates 50-years on the Opry this year and WLAF continues the celebration.  If you’re a Bill Anderson fan, you’ll want to be watching our Channel 12 local newscast this evening at 5:30.  That’s when Bill Waddell will tell you more about Bill Anderson’s amazing career, and will also be giving you a chance to win tickets to see Bill Anderson in concert right here in East Tennessee.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

                                       Man Hit by Car on I-75 Improving
     The Anderson County man hit by a car on I-75 is improving.  Law enforcement officials say Ronald Williams of Clinton was hit by a car as he staggered into heavy traffic near the old weigh stations near the Campbell - Anderson County line on Saturday.  UT Medical Center officials tell 1450wlaf.com that Williams is out of the critical care surgical unit and is in a private room at the hospital.
 (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

 La Follette City Council Meets

     La Follette City Council meets in regular session.  The meeting begins this evening at 6:00, and Channel 12 cameras will be on hand.  We’ll have the story for you first thing Wednesday morning right here.  The telecast begins Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. on Channel 12.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

Special Called Meeting Today at Jacksboro 

     There’s a special called meeting this afternoon at the courthouse.  The Recreation Committee meets at 5:30 to talk about such topics as the park bench program, park fees, as well as a hold harmless agreement.  Also on the agenda is the finalization of the La Follette Little League Program for the 2012 season.   (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/06/2011) 

                                                    Flash Flood Watch

     A Flash Flood watch continues through Tuesday.  Locally heavy rainfall coupled with steady rain creates the potential for flash flooding of area streams, low lying areas, street flooding, and mud slides here in Campbell County.  A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, which is a very dangerous situation.  Should a flash flood warning be issued, we will announce it here on 1450wlaf.com.  (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/05/2011) 

Longest Running Reunion this Weekend

     One of the longest running family reunions in the history of Campbell County is this weekend.  Around 100 members of the Heatherly family unite on Saturday and Sunday for their 60th annual reunion.  Joe Stephens, the family historian, tells Channel 12 that relatives from as far away as Florida and Texas plan to make the trek to Campbell County.  Stephens says the most loyal attendees come from Ohio, and that they all still consider this their home.  Saturday at 6:00, is a pizza party at West La Follette School followed by a cemetery tour at 8:30 at the old public burial ground, also known as the Douglas Cemetery, which is behind the Baptist Association Offices in La Follette.  Stephens adds that there’ll be re-enactors from the Heatherly family’s past featuring Lucinda Heatherly, George Heatherly, and Jamaica Heatherly Rose.  Lucinda Heatherly was Captain Kate Summers’ partner during the capture of Confederate Troops at the mouth of Cedar Creek while Union Corporal George Heatherly was a member of the First Tennessee Infantry.  Corporal Heatherly was born at Heatherly’s point and later raised his family there.  George’s oldest child was Jamaica Heatherly Rose.  Jamaica was born right after the war in 1868 and became the first wife of Dr. William B. Rose.  The actual reunion is set for Noon on Sunday September 4, under Shelter 6 at Cove Lake Park.  To contact Stephens, call 865.457.2931.    (updated 6:00 a.m. 09/01/2011)

 

Five Die in Area Wrecks

     It was a deadly day on area roads Tuesday.  One crash takes the life of a Campbell County man. 65-year old Ralph Williams of the Powell Valley Marina Community died overnight from injuries he sustained in the early afternoon wreck.  Reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol indicate Williams was La Follette-bound in his 1994 GEO on old Highway 63 just before 2:00 p.m.  That’s when troopers say 25-year old Richard Spahn, driving a 1995 Dodge pick-up, pulled out of Bethlehem Road and into the pathof Williams’ SUV.  Williams was airlifted to UT Medical Center where he later died.  Spahn is charged with failure to exercise due care and for not wearing a seatbelt.  No criminal charges will be filed, and no further investigation is planned.  Just after 6:00 Tuesday evening, four people died in a fiery head-on collision on Highway 61 in Harriman.  THP reports that an SUV driven by 31-year old Stephanie Brown of Harriman crossed the center line hitting an 18-wheeler head-on.  Brown and her three passengers, all under the age of 10, were killed. (updated 6:00 a.m. 08/31/2011)

    F

 1450 WLAF is home for CBS Radio News

CBS Radio News

 1450 WLAF is home for CBS Radio News

CBS Radio News

 1450 WLAF is home for CBS Radio News

CBS Radio News

 

 1450 WLAF is home for CBS Radio News

CBS Radio News

                                        

 1450 WLAF is home for CBS Radio News

CBS Radio News

1450 WLAF is home for CBS Radio News

CBS Radio News

                                               

   La Follette Hospital Sells

     The La Follette hospital sells again.  What began as the La Follette Community Hospital in 1957 was sold to St. Mary’s in April 2000, and, now, the hospital is being sold to new owners.  The Florida-based company Health Management Associates, Inc. has reached a definitive agreement to purchase Knoxville-based Mercy Health Partners, at a cost of approximately $525 million.

     In a press release issued Friday (07/01/2011) morning, HMA says it will acquire or lease all seven of Mercy's hospitals, which include a total of 1,323 licensed beds and continuum-of-care services.

     Those hospitals include: Mercy Medical Center St. Mary's and Mercy Medical Center West in Knoxville, Mercy Medical Center North in Powell, St. Mary's Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Jefferson City, Baptist Hospital of Cocke County in Newport, St. Mary's Medical Center of Campbell County in La Follette, and St. Mary's Medical Center of Scott County in Oneida.

     The acquisition also includes Mercy's ancillary health care operations and the former Riverside hospital campus in South Knoxville.

     The proposed acquisition is subject to review and approval by appropriate authorities, including the Vatican, as well as other conditions customary to closing.

     This transaction is expected to be completed by October 1.

     If the sale becomes final, the Mercy hospitals would become for-profit.

     Bartley May Soon Be Home

     Kenneth Bartley, Junior, may soon be home.  Bond for the school shooter is set at 850-thousand dollars.  However, according to the Knoxville Sentinel, Bartley's attorney, Gregg Issacs, filed a motion on Friday in Campbell County Criminal Court asking for a lower bond.  On June 2, Special Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood set aside Bartley's 2007 guilty plea and granted Bartley a new trial.  The 20-year old Bartley is entitled to bond since he is no longer considered a convicted criminal but an accused suspect.  A hearing on Issacs' bond motion as well as Bartley's new murder trial have not been set. 

City Council Expected to Pass Budget Tonight

     La Follette City Council finalizes its budget tonight.  Council adjourned in session June 7th and, in the mean time, has been fine tuning next year’s budget by trimming some 160-thousand dollars from it.  The meeting continues this evening at 6:00 at the Municipal Building.  The purpose is to approve the budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 in a third and final reading.  Mayor Mike Stanfield tells 1450wlaf.com that despite the cuts to make next year’s numbers fit, city employees will still be receiving annual raises of at least two-percent.  WLAF-TV 12 provides the telecast of tonight’s La Follette City Council meeting Tuesday morning at 9:00.

                                         Woods Interment Today
     Funeral services are today for a Norris Lake drowning victim.  Family members say that 45-year old Kim Woods of La Follette never resurfaced after going underwater while on an inner tube on Friday afternoon.  The drowning happened at Lonas Young Park near the White Bridge on Norris Lake.

Swimmer drowns at Lonas Young Park near White Bridge

    A 46 year old man from Lafollette was an apparent victim of a drowning at the Lonas Young Park near White Bridge. The victim was Kim Woods of 204 Kenwood Lane, La Follette. At approximately 3pm family members said that Woods was floating in an inner tube and went down and resurfaced twice, but the third time he went underwater he never resurfaced. The family was spending the day at the recreational area. A crew from the Campbell County Rescue dragged the lake bottom before finding the body around 5 p.m. Also present was the Campbell County Sheriff's Office, LaFollette Fire Department who aided the Campbell County Rescue Team.

Billy Minton is Lotto Winner

     We now know who won the $200,000 jackpot on Monday night.  It's Billy Minton.  Billy lives out on High Knob and bought his winning ticket at Big Creek Market and Deli in La Follette.  Billy won playing the Tennessee Cash game.

Weekend Weather

     It's more of the same.  We may have a little change in our Saturday weather as today (06/24/2011) and Sunday feature partly sunny skies, highs way up in the 80s, and a slight chance of rain and storms.  It looks like we may catch a break from the threat of rain on Saturday as we stay mainly dry, sunny, and hot as we work toward 90 for the high.   

 It's 5K Weekend

     It’s Cove Lake 5-K weekend.  The annual run for fun in the park “for” the park is set for 8:00 sharp Saturday morning (06/25/2011).  Clarence Lowe is the race director and tells 1450wlaf.com that more than 300 runners/walkers will participate.  The course features a beautiful view of nature on paved trails through the woods and along the lake shore.  Proceeds benefit the Friends of Cove Lake Park.

Tornado WATCH

     There's a TORNADO WATCH until 9:00 p.m. (06/23/2011)  A watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado.  In addition to the threat of a tornado, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall are possible.

Gun Shot Kills Campbell County Man

     A Newcomb man is dead this afternoon (06/23/2011).  Questions remain surrounding the shooting death that took place around lunch time just outside Jellico.  Robert Angel with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department tells 1450wlaf.com that 37-year old Robert Stidham, Junior, apparently took his own life.  Angel goes on to say that some of the eight people who were on the scene at the time of the shooting say that just before Noon this morning, Stidham came to the Creekmore Trucking Company which is off Highway 297.  CTC is on Wooldridge Pike to the southeast of Jellico.  Angel adds that onlookers outline that Stidham walked outside of a garage building, took out a handgun, and shot himself.  Stidham has a checkered past that includes a long list of offenses as well as being named a sex offender. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and Jellico Police continue the investigation.

Boomer's Latest is Ready to Read    

     Boomer calls it the Melvin and Johnny Show.  Don't ask.  I can't explain.  Regardless.  Boomer's Corner is open for your reading pleasure.  Enjoy !

A Real Life War Hero Dies

     He was a real life American hero.  And he was from Campbell County.  When Bo Brown died on Tuesday (06/21/2011), not only did Campbell County lose a war hero but so did a nation.  Former Sheriff Ron McClellan was close friends with the longtime pilot.  Mac tells 1450wlaf.com that Bo was a “man’s man,” and that he looked up to Bo and considered him a big time war hero.  The Bronze Star tops the long list of medals awarded Brown for his heroics and service.  Brown, who lived in Jacksboro, served three tours of duty in Vietnam and was in the Army serving for a total of more than 26-years.  Bo Brown was 83 years old.  The complete obituary for Ulyess Veldon Brown is available on 1450wlaf.com.

CBS News Debuts Today on WLAF

     Campbell County now has a major news network on radio.  It's CBS.  And it's on 1450 WLAF Radio and here on 1450wlaf.com.  The newscasts began today (06/23/2011), and soon features like The Osgood Files with legendary radio and television broadcaster Charles Osgood will also be airing over WLAF.

It's Free Meal Night

     Dinner is served.  Tonight is “free” meal night at West La Follette School.  Lighthouse Food Ministry is serving its regular monthly dinner this evening from 5:00 until 7:00.  It’s open and free to the public.  If you would like to donate or volunteer, please call 865.617.6317.

Severe Weather Potential Exists             

     Strong to severe storm potential remains in our weather.  The Storm Prediction Center at Norman, Oklahoma, places Campbell County and surrounding counties in the "slight risk" category for severe weather the next three days.  Damaging wind is the main threat in today's storms.  On Tuesday night, winds knocked out power to a few hundred LUB customers mainly in Jacksboro and Speedwell.  For Thursday, damaging wind and hail are the main storm threats.  Your complete weather forecast is to the right of this page.

Lotto Winner in La Follette

     A La Follette lottery ticket buyer is a lot richer this morning.  A ticket sold here in LaFollette for the lottery game Tennessee Cash hit Monday night's $200,000 jackpot.  The winner is yet to step forward and claim the cash so the Tennessee Lottery will not release any other information about the winner until the prize is claimed.  This is the second drawing in a row for this in-state game when the winner got the jackpot.  Two workers for the city of Alcoa split a one-million ticket last week. 

Neighbors Against Crime

     Another successful "Neighbors Against Crime" meeting.  Sheriff Robbie Goins tells 1450wlaf.com that Tuesday night's meeting was great.  The sheriff says more than 50 folks attended the neighborhood watch meeting at Oak Grove Baptist Church.  Goins adds that meetings like these continue strengthening the bond between citizens and law enforcement in the fight against crime.  Sheriff Goins reminds you that he will help you schedule and organize a "Neighbors Against Crime" meeting in your area by calling 423.562.7446.

 Free Hearing Tests Today

     It’s free hearing test day.  Beltone in La Follette offers free hearing tests today.  The office is located on West Central Avenue across from First Baptist Church.  Beltone’s telephone number is 423.562.7562.  

Tennessee Crime Numbers Since 2001

     Drug violations and fraud numbers have skyrocketed in Tennessee since 2001.  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation recently compiled a study on the last ten years of crime statistics in Tennessee dating back to 2001.  The report is by agencies across the state through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS).  The TBI’s Crime Statistics Unit published report provides a ten year review of Group A offenses, Group B Offenses as well as crimes against persons, property and society.  The report shows mixed results of certain categories of crime increasing and certain categories decreasing over the ten year period.  However, violent crime is at its lowest level in ten years after hitting its highest level in 2007.  Group A offenses include 47 offense types such as murder, sex offenses, assaults, burglaries and drug/narcotic violations. Group B offenses contain 11 offenses including DUI, liquor law violations, trespassing and disorderly conduct.  Specific information for violent crimes, credit card fraud, impersonation, drug/narcotic violations, DUI, domestic violence, hate crime and law enforcement officers killed or assaulted in the line of duty is also included.  Here's a rundown of the 10-year crime trends in a quick facts format.  Crimes against persons increased by 8%.  Crimes against property decreased by 9%.  DUI decreased by 13%.  Drug/Narcotic violations increased by 45%.  Credit card fraud increased by 135%.  Hate crime decreased by 50%.  To view “Ten Year Crime Trends 2001-2011” in its entirety, go to the TBI website at www.tbi.tn.gov. Click on Tennessee Crime Statistics from the homepage for a link to the Statistical Analysis Center web page. The report is listed under “Specialized Reports.” The most recently reported crime statistics can also be accessed at www.tncrimeonline.com.

                                           Commission Passes Budget

      The Campbell County Commission wasted little time in approving a $75 million budget Monday night (06/20/2011) along with a $1.76 tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, representing no increase over the current property tax rate.

As always, education represents the big dollar ticket with $38,119,952 of the total spending going to the general purpose school fund. The school federal projects fund gets another $5,660,320, all funded by the federal government, while the central cafeteria fund represents another $3,383,227.

The $12,639,089 budgeted for the county general fund covers the cost of most government services, including courthouse offices, finance and accounting, health services, county commission and public safety. The single most expensive item in the general fund is operation of the jail, at an annual cost of $2,440,716, and the Sheriff’s Department budget of $1,988,568.

Servicing the county debt costs $3,948,386 while the Highway Department budget is $3,539,829, the solid waste/sanitation fund costs $2,424,367 and the ambulance service $2,118,964. The two capital projects funds cost a total of $2,445,732 with nearly half of that total ($954,416) going for public safety.

Despite the continuing decline in state and federal revenues, the spending was covered with only one modest tax increase, a hike in the county litigation tax from $29 to $35 to cover the increased costs of operating General Sessions Court.

The commission unanimously approved the litigation tax increase as well as the budget and tax rate quickly with no debate before turning their attention to other matters, including Rule 13, Mayor William Baird’s recommended changes in the commission’s guidelines for allowing public input at meetings.

After some discussion, an amendment was adopted to empower the commission by majority vote to allow citizens to speak at the regular monthly meeting as well as the workshop. The new rules were then approved unanimously as amended.

The only close vote of the night involved a motion by Sue Nance to name the new justice center in honor of Judges Asbury, Troutman and White and to name the courtroom in honor of late County Mayor Jeff Hall.

Rusty Orick moved to table that motion until later, contending that he had no objection to the honors but felt it was inappropriate to dedicate a building when the first block had yet to be laid. The commission split evenly, 7-7 on the tabling motion, with Steve Rutherford being absent from the meeting.

Mayor Baird then voted to table the motion, breaking the tie and leaving the justice center unnamed, at least until the roof is finished.

Another honoring motion also generated some good-natured commentary, when the commission approved a motion to name the baseball field at Lonas Young Park in honor of Commissioner Melvin Boshears.  Bobby White was the only member to vote “no,” explaining that he felt dedicating public buildings and parks should be a posthumous honor.

White did not clarify whether he favored delaying the naming of the field until after his fellow commissioner’s demise, or if he was suggesting that Boshears should be killed in order to qualify for the honor. Others, naturally, suggested the field should be named “Doctor No Park.”

The commission also voted to instruct the Clerk & Master to forgo entering a bid from the county when four delinquent tax properties are offered for sale on June 28. Normally the county must bid automatically to purchase delinquent tax property for the amount of taxes owed, if no other bidders make an offer equal to the minimum bid.

These properties are an exception, County Attorney Joe Coker explained, as each has been condemned as an environmental hazard due to the manufacture of meth on the premises. Coker explained that if the county buys the property, it will be responsible for the clean-up costs. The alternative is to allow the property to remain on the tax roles or another year, still under the ownership of the current owners, and hope that someone else decides to buy and clean up the property.

The commission also voted to designate the commission’s re-districting committee to consist of all 15 commissioners. CTAS will work with the committee to re-draw voting districts to reflect changes in population as shown from the 2010 Census.

They then recessed the meeting until June 30, when the commission will reconvene to vote on any necessary last-minute spending changes that need to be approved in the current fiscal year.

                                              CCSD Nabs Burglar
     Caught on camera and then arrested.  Weeks of work by officers with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department pay dividends.  Because of the evidence, Detective Lieutinent Brandon Elkins and Sergeant Darrell Mongar make a traffic stop that leads to an arrest and a confession.  The arrest comes after a home in the Bethlehem area of Campbell County was repeatedly burglarized.  As a result, 40-year old Greg Walden of Henderson Lane in Jacksboro was picked up during a traffic stop (06/16/2011) and charged with theft over one-thousand dollars.  Elkins tells 1450wlaf.com that construction materials were part of what was stolen, and that the suspect had already started building a house with the materials.

                                      Applicants Needed to Fill Jobs           

     Twenty-three.  That’s how many people applied for openings at the Aisin plant in Clinton on Monday.  Gem Care was in town recruiting workers for the car parts manufacturer.  Today, there’s a job fair at the Career Center from 9:00 until Noon (06/21/2011).  Applications are being accepted to fill machine operator openings.  Interested applicants are asked to stop by the Career Center at Jacksboro this morning.  It’s next door to the health department.

                                   Chaniott's Hearing Rescheduled
     A former school principal's hearing is re-set.  A status hearing scheduled for June 20 for former Jacksboro Elementary School principal Sandra Chaniott is continued.  The new date is July 25.  Chaniott was arraigned back on May 23 when she appeared before Judge Shayne Sexton in Campbell County Criminal Court.  Chaniott's attorney Rob Asbury entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf. The long-time educator is charged with official misconduct and theft of property from $1,000 to $9,999. Chaniott was released on a five-thousand dollar bond. It was March 17, 2011, when Chaniott was removed as principal at JES.

                                             Summer 2011 is Here

     It's the first day of summer.  Even though we've already sweltered through half-a-month of 90 degree days, summer officially begins today (06/21/2011). 

                                Neighborhood Watch Meeting Tonight
     And the beat goes on for Sheriff Robbie Goins and the Campbell County Sheriff's Department. The crime beat that is. The sheriff holds another "Neighbors Against Crime" neighborhood watch meeting this evening at Oak Grove at 7:00 (06/21/2011). That meeting is at Oak Grove Baptist Church and is open the public. Sheriff Goins says to call the office for more details or to schedule a watch meeting in your neighborhood. The number is 423.562.7446.

                                       Little League Game of the Week

     Purple outscores Blue.  It was a match-up of the 10 and 11-year old all-stars against the

11and 12-year old all-stars last night at Liberty Park.  The Purple put up more runs to win it

10 to 3 in a five-inning game (06/20/2011).

 

                                             Jobs Starting at $9.00 an Hour
     Jobs starting at $9.00 an hour are available today.  If you’re looking for a job and possess at least a high school diploma or G.E.D., today may be your day. Aisin of Clinton is hiring. As a result of the tsunami hitting Japan, job demands are up including our area.  Gem Care is heading up the recruiting process and is in Jacksboro today looking for automotive-production assembly workers.  Angie Shoemaker with Gem Care says starting pay is $9.00 an hour and shifts could run 7-days, 12-hours a day. Shoemaker adds fulltime potential is there. And that positions could start immediately. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply in person today (06/20/2011) between 9:00 and 1:00 at the Campbell County Career Center which is next to the Health Department in Jacksboro. Shoemaker notes that background checks and drug screenings are required, and that you must have two forms of ID.


                                             Storms Front & Center
     Downed trees.  Nuisance flooding.  Power outages.  Nothing major and no injuries are the reports coming in to 1450wlaf.com from area dispatchers.  The chances for showers and storms were in the weather forecast heading into the weekend, however what ended up happening on Saturday and Sunday was a bit beyond those expectations.  Strong storms, heavy rainfall, cloud-to-ground lightning, swollen creeks and streams as well as ponding of water on roadways ended up being the main weather story for much of Saturday and especially during the overnight into Sunday.  There were no 90s anywhere in sight as first forecast on Friday.  Highs only reached 83 Saturday and then 82 on Sunday with more than an inch of rain here in Campbell County.  However, the 90s return today (06/20/2011) as temps shoot up to 91 by early afternoon.  There is a "slight" risk of strong to severe storms today (06/20/2011) with hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall being the main threats. 
                                     All-Stars Shine Tonight on WLAF
     The Little League Game of the Week features all-stars this evening.  Folks will fill the Liberty Park stands as well as the front row of spaces in the First Baptist Church parking lot to catch a glimpse of the action.  It's a match-up of the 10 and 11-year old all-stars taking on the 11 and 12-year old all-stars.  And it should be an exciting night.  Johnny Letner and Jim Freeman provide all the fun on the radio.  The first pitch is thrown at 6:00 (06/20/2011) over 1450 WLAF Radio.
                            

Jobs Jobs Jobs

    Aisin of Clinton is hiring.  As a result of the tsunami hitting Japan, job demands are up including our area.  If you’re looking for a job and possess at least a high school diploma or G.E.D., Monday may be your day.  Gem Care is heading up the recruiting process and will be in Jacksboro on Monday looking for automotive-production assembly workers.  Angie Shoemaker with Gem Care says starting pay is $9.00 an hour and shifts could run 7-days, 12-hours a day.  Shoemaker adds fulltime potential is there.  And that positions could start immediately.  Interested applicants are encouraged to apply in person on Monday (06/16/2011) between 9:00 and 1:00 at the Campbell County Career Center which is next to the Health Department in Jacksboro.  Shoemaker notes that background checks and drug screenings are required, and that you must have two forms of ID.

                               May's Unemployment Numbers Released

    Unemployment in the Volunteer State is up slightly.  Tennessee's unemployment rate in May increased to 9.7%, up 0.1% from the April rate.  Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Karla Davis said in a news release on Thursday that the slight increase is a result of "significant growth in the labor force" because of optimism in the improving economy.  According to a survey of businesses, monthly employment increases came in leisure and hospitality, up 5,700 jobs; manufacturing, up 2,000; and mining, logging, and construction, up 1,900 jobs.  Declines occurred in private educational and health services, down 3,100 jobs; government, down 2,000; and professional, scientific and technical services, down 2,000.  On the heels of Thursday's unemployment numbers, comes news that the recruiting of Campbell Countians for work in Clinton begins Monday (06/20/2011).

                                     LUB Spends Day Completing Repairs

     La Follette Utilities Board crews turn on the water.  It took all day (06/16/2011) for repairs to be made, but LUB employees were able to supply customers with water in about two hours after a water main break.  The break happened in the wee hours of Thursday morning where Towe String Road meets the four-lane (at American Trust Bank and Walgreens).  The first call about "no water" came in around 4:30 Thursday morning, and crews hustled to get water flowing to customers by 7:00 a.m.  One crew member tells 1450wlaf.com that they were able to temporarily tap into the Jacksboro water supply to get water flowing again to about 1,500 customers in an area from Pinecrest, to Wier Woods, to V-More Estates, and the neighborhood behind the CVS.
                                        Woman Arrested for Abuse

     An Anderson County woman is arrested for abuse.  On Thursday (06/16/2011) morning, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrested an Oak Ridge care taker for abusing an elderly adult she was paid to look after.  The arrest comes after a Knox County Grand Jury indicted her last month on one count of willful abuse of an adult.  TBI spokeswoman, Kristin Helm tells 1450wlaf.com that the TBI arrested 54-year old Linda Holley at her Oak Ridge home Thursday without incident. Holley is a former caregiver for the East Tennessee Personal Care Services of Knoxville.  The charge stems from an incident involving an 89-year-old male that occurred in May of last year while he was in her care. The Knoxville Police Department assisted TBI’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in its investigation.  Holley was booked into the Knox County Jail.

 

                                                 Water Main Break

     You may be without water this morning (06/16/2011).  According to dispatch at La Follette Utilities Board, there is a water main break where Towe String Road meets the four-lane (at American Trust Bank and Walgreens).  The first call about "no water" came in around 4:30 this morning, and crews have been working since just before 5:00.  LUB officials say about 1,500 customers are without water from the break area to Pinecrest, Wier Woods, V-More Estates, and the area around Lowe's.

 

                                             New Skyway Bridge Update
     Late fall.  Almost 5-million dollars.  For most, that answers the questions asked about the new Skyway Bridge.  TDOT Official Mark Nagi tells 1450wlaf.com that the project is still on target to open in late fall, likely around Thanksgiving.  Nagi says the undertaking was bid in July of oh-nine with work starting in mid-August of that year.  From that, it looks like the project life-span is heading toward 27-months all tol.  There will be five 12-foot lanes including a turn lane, plus 10-foot shoulders when the project is completed. The bridge beams are in place for Phase Two and preparations are now underway to construct the bridge deck for the second half of the bridge.  To the penny, the winning bid came in at four-million, seven-hundred, five-thousand, eight-hundred, ninety-five dollars, and 27-cents. 
                                             CCBE's New Office Opens
      The new central office is open.  The Campbell County Board of Education now has some breathing room.  And parking space.  The new office is on Valley Street where Liberty Street ends in Jacksboro.  Tammy Lay is the supervisor for elementary education, and along with other staffers is glad to be settling into the new digs Board of Education Chairman Mike Orick explains that it's going to be another couple of weeks before the basement of the building is complete.  In order to pay for the new CCBE offices, the board is auctioning the former Caryville Elementary School site at I-75 in mid-July.  Orick adds that a tentative date of July 8 is set for the ribbon cutting on the new building.
                                          Neighbors Against Crime Meet
     And the beat goes on for Sheriff Robbie Goins and the Campbell County Sheriff's Department.  The crime beat that is.  The sheriff holds another "Neighbors Against Crime" neighborhood watch meeting.  This one is set for Oak Grove on June 21 at 7:00.  That meeting is to be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church and is open the public.  Sheriff Goins says to call the office for more details or to schedule a watch meeting in your neighborhood.  The number is 423.562.7446.
                                                  King Still Coaching
     Vic King remains Jellico's Basketball Coach.  King, who assisted Coach Mike Reynolds, helped lead the Blue Devils to their best season in school history this past season.  It was incorrectly reported on 1450wlaf.com in a story of Tuesday night's (06/14/2011) school board meeting that King is no longer coaching.  King was granted tenure at the meeting.

                                     Boomer’s Corner Ready for Reading

     Boomer’s latest take on county government has a funny twist (06/16/2011).  He’s not sure what to make of a possible budget for next fiscal year that appears to be ready to go before the June 30 deadline.  Boomer calls it “historic,” and he’s right on.  Give Charles “Boomer” Winfrey a read at 1450wlaf.com.

Strong to Severe Storm Potential Today

Storms are likely today.  Showers and thunderstorms develop this afternoon into the early evening hours.  Some of these storms have the potential to become strong to severe capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and locally heavy rainfall.  The best time frame for storm development is from 4:00 p.m. until sunset.

School Board Approves Budget 

The Campbell County Board of Education, having already worked out all the details in a series of budget workshops, approved a $51 million school budget with little discussion on Tuesday (06/14/2011) night. The board’s approval sets the stage for a rare event this year – passing of a final budget by the county commission by June 30 with no need to pass a continuing resolution.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow pointed out that this will be only the third time in his lengthy tenure as head of the Finance Department that the county has been able to approve a final budget by the beginning of the fiscal year.

The board made only one major change to the budget as proposed earlier, adding a modest 50-cent raise and establishing a pay scale for maintenance personnel. The increase was the smallest of three options, but one that can be covered by transferring funds within the budget category as proposed without increasing revenues.

The board also approved a budget amendment to spend $608,000 on the first stage of a school energy efficiency program to improve energy efficiency in all schools and eventually provide for central control of energy use. The money will come from a zero interest state/federal loan totaling around $5 million over a twelve-year period, with savings to heating and air costs guaranteed to offset the cost of the program.

In the first phase, work will proceed to replace the aging heat & air system in the old section of Valley View Elementary School, along with work at Jellico High, Jellico Elementary and the older sections of LaFollette Middle School.

The board, in an especially agreeable mood, voted unanimously to approve all spending motions and budget resolutions with the exception of a motion to approve a building committee recommendation to replace a gym floor at Jellico. Eugene Lawson, stating his preference to use the money to repair the vacated school at Ridgewood, cast the only “no” vote of the night.

The board also briefly discussed the need to hold a workshop on changes in state law that replace the right of teachers to collective bargaining with a new process termed “collaborative conferencing.”

Director of Schools Donnie Poston reported that the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents is prepared to provide an expert on the new law to lead a training session for Campbell County. The board voted to schedule a workshop following a recessed meeting on June 28.

The board was also informed that the auction for the former Caryville Elementary School site will be held on July 16 at 10:00 am. A committee consisting of three board members – Chairman Mike Orick,  building committee chair Rector Miller and first district board member Eugene Lawson – was approved to attend the auction and vote on behalf of the entire board to accept or reject the terms of the sale. Poston and former board member Mark Wells were added as non-voting members of the committee.

The board also voted to grant tenure to two teachers, including former coach Vic King at Jellico High School. Lawson questioned why King is being granted tenure after only two years back in the Campbell County school system when the normal policy is to require teachers coming from another school system to work three years before achieving tenure.

It was explained that the conditions under which King was recruited to return as basketball coach had included an agreement to grant tenure after only two years, a commitment that has not changed despite the fact that King is no longer coaching. Lawson then joined the rest of the board in approving tenure.

The board then recessed the meeting until 6:00 pm on June 28, when they will need to reconvene to deal with year-end budget matters.

                                                  Our String of 90s Ends
     86 degrees.  That was it on Monday as our string of days of 90 degrees or better snaps.  Drier air is making the difference creating lower humidity levels which in turn provides a more comfortable feel.  After 15-straight days in the 90s, we're now trending with 80s for highs.  And in case, you're wondering, the record is 30 days in a row of 90s.  Your complete weather forecast is to the right on this page.
                                   Cougars Fired Up at First Workout
     Intense. That’s the way it was on day one of the Justin Price era at Campbell High. Off season workouts were impressive Monday morning in the weight room and on the track. Coach Price tells 1450wlaf.com that he was pleased with the good attitude of the more than 50 Cougars that turned out. Price had players running from station-to-station during weight lifting.  New coaches Jason Swiney and Cody Seiber join Price’s staff along with Josh James and Price’s twin brother, Matt. Cougar Football opens at Seymour on August 19 against the Eagles. We’ll have the broadcast over 1450 WLAF Radio and the telecast over WLAF-TV 12 and 1450wlaf.com.
                                    Protecting Yourself from a Dangerous Dog
     How do you protect yourself during a dog attack? After last week’s attack on a Paradise Cove resident and eventual killing of the dog, what should you do if you are faced with a similar situation?   Here are some suggestions.  Never try to outrun the dog. Keep a safe distance between yourself and dogs being walked on leashes. Never approach a barking, snarling, sleeping, eating, or nursing dog. Do not stare the dog in the eyes. Put an object such as a tree, post, or bench between you and the dog. Speak softly and gently to calm the dog. Stand still or maintain a constant slow pace out of the dog’s territory. If charged, get something between you and the dog’s mouth, like an umbrella, back pack, jacket, or stick. If you are attacked, curl up in a ball and protect your face, neck, and head.  If you think a dog may attack, remain motionless with hands at your sides. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until the dog is out of sight. For more information, please visit this website http://www.notelay.com/articles/how_to/how_to_avoid_dog_attack/.
                                         Homers Spark Rockies
     And in the Monday Night Little League Game of the Week, the Rockies win again.  The first inning lasted almost an hour.  The Rockies batting order batted through twice before the Cubs were able to get to the plate.  Aaron Sanders three-run homer started the Rockies scoring barrage.  Nate Stevens knocked a three run homer over the left centerfield fence in the second inning.  Dylan Dilbeck provided the Cubs bright spot with a towering two run shot in the first inning.  We'll wrap up the season with our Monday night finale' from Liberty Park when the Braves face-off with the undefeated Rockies here on 1450 WLAF.

 

 

 

                                              String of 90s Snaps Today
     Fifteen straight days of 90s ends (06/13/2011).  The record is 30 consecutive days of highs of 90 degrees or higher.  Today's high does not make it to 90.  Your complete weather forecast is found to the right of this story.

                                Shooting Investigation Continues
     Little if anything else is developing in the case surrounding an unusual weekend (06/11/2011) shooting.  Lots of questions remain.  Few answers are known. That's the story surrounding an odd exchange in the wee hours of Saturday morning just inside the Campbell County line. The details from Campbell County Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer Robert Angel go like this. Around midnight, barely Saturday, on Highway 63 east of La Follette, close to Lee's Market, a vehicle flashed its lights at the car in front of it. Both vehicles were traveling toward La Follette as the front car driven by Jason Osborne of Knoxville, formerly of Claiborne County, pulled to the shoulder. A pick-up truck stopped behind it. The driver of the pick-up got out, went to the car in front of it, and asked Osborne if he was Jason Osborne. Osborne said yes. That's when the unknown driver shot Osborne.  SOT1  Before a third shot could be fired the gun, possibly a 38-hand gun, jammed. Osborne was taken to UT Medical Center, treated for what Angel describes as two puncture-type wounds and then released.  The description of the shooter is white male, in his 40s, sporting either a beard or a mustache and wearing an orange cap with a white T on it. He was driving a late model, white GMC or Chevy pick-up truck. Detective Freddy Stagnolia, who leads the investigation, is asking that if you have any information to please call the CCSD at 423.562.7446.

                                          Hazel and Case Great Hosts
     It was a good time had by all.  And, in the process, cancer patients gain support.  Hazel's Hair Styles & Stuff along with Case Knives hosted their annual fundraiser for the Campbell County Cancer Association on Saturday (06/11/2011).  Treasurer for the Association, Clarence Lowe, calls it eventful and successful and says right at 16-thousand dollars were raised.  Opportunities to make a donation or to volunteer to assist the CCCA are available by calling 423.562.2246.  All money donated to the Campbell County Cancer Association goes directly toward helping cancer patients in Campbell County.

                                        KPD K9 Killed at Paradise Cove
     We've learned more about the killing of the Knoxville Police Department K-9 since we first told you about it Thursday (06/09/2011) afternoon.  While getting out of her car in the garage of her Paradise Cove home, Gora Watts, attempted to run the dog away as it hung around her car.  When she did, it attacked her locking on to her right upper arm.  Watts' husband, Fred, beat the dog away with a pole tree pruner.  Campbell County Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer, Robert Angel, tells 1450wlaf.com that the dog hung around and was pacing back and forth in the Watts' yard.  When Animal Control Officer Otis Poore arrived on the scene, Angel says Poore shot and killed the dog.  Mrs. Watts received several stitches and was then released from St. Mary's of Campbell County.  According to KPD spokesperson Darrell Debusk, the K9, was a five-year old Belgian Malinois, (mel-in-wah) and stayed at its handler's residence, Officer Jonathan Chadwell, about seven houses down from the Watts' home in Paradise Cove.  It's widely believed that when the K9's kennel overturned during a severe thunderstorm, the dog named Elko escaped.  Knoxville Police continues an internal investigation.

                                            FBC Votes-in New Pastor
     First Baptist Church has a new pastor.  Duane Mills is voted in to serve as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of La Follette on Sunday.  Mills received 96% of the total votes.  Dr. Mills is on the job today and will deliver his first sermon Sunday morning at 11:00 with the broadcast airing over 1450 WLAF.

                               Little League Game of the Week Tonight
     The undefeated Rockies take on the Cubs.  That's tonight's match-up at Liberty Park in WLAF's Little League Game of the Week.  First pitch is at 6:00 with the broadcast airing over 1450wlaf.com and 1450 WLAF Radio.  Johnny Letner, who coached La Follette's Little League All-Stars to the 1965 state championship, will be on the broadcast.

                                    Price is Right for Campbell High
     Just in case you haven't heard.  The Cougars have a new head football coach.  He is Justin Price.  Coach Price was introduced to a crowd of about 100 on Friday morning at Dossett Stadium.  Price comes to CCHS after serving as offensive coordinator at Anderson County High for the past four seasons.  His past two teams averaged almost 35-points per game and went deep into the playoffs.  Price's twin brother, Matt, was the defensive coordinator during the same time and joins him Jacksboro.  The Cougars open the 2011 season against the Eagles at Seymour on August 19. WLAF Radio, TV, and the web provide coverage this season with Les Martin handling the play-by-play chores while Greg Brackett adds color.

                                          Man Shot at Close Range

     Lots of questions.  Few answers.  That's the story surrounding an unusual exchange in the wee hours of Saturday morning just inside the Campbell County line.  The details from Campbell County Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer Robert Angel go like this.  Around midnight, barely Saturday, on Highway 63 east of La Follette, close to Lee's Market, a vehicle flashed its lights at the car in front of it.  Both vehicles were traveling toward La Follette as the front car driven by Jason Osborne of Knoxville, formerly of Claiborne County, pulled to the shoulder.  A pick-up truck stopped behind it.  The driver of the pick-up got out, went the the car in front of it, and asked Osborne if he was Jason Osborne.  Osborne said yes.  That's when the unknown driver shot Osborne twice at close range before the gun jammed.  Osborne was taken to UT Medical Center, treated for what Angel describes as two puncture-type wounds and then released.  Osborne describes the gun as possibly 38-caliber.  The description of the shooter is white male, in his 40s, sporting either a beard or a mustache and wearing an orange cap with a white T on it.  He was driving a late model, white GMC or Chevy pick-up truck.  Detective Freddy Stagnolia, who leads the investigation, is asking that if you have any information to please call the CCSD at 423.562.7446.

                                     He is now CCHS Head Coach Justin Price
     He’s played and coached at several schools, but this school is home. That’s one of the reasons Justin Price considered and was considered as the next football coach of the Cougars. Now, it’s CCHS Head Football Coach Justin Price. The 27-year old Price, the youngest man to lead the Orange and Blue in football, addressed a crowd of more than 100 on-lookers.  Among those in the crowd were bank presidents, other business leaders, along with lots of moms and dads including Price's parents, Jeff and Cindy, as well as the rest of his family.  Price played at Jacksboro Middle School for Coach Johnny Bruce, high school football at Campbell County, and finished his high school career as an Anderson County Maverick. As a Maverick, Price was the 2001 Class 3-A Mr. Football Back of the Year winner.  At the college level, he was a Buccaneer under Coach Davy Gillum at East Tennessee State University.  He also suited up as a Pikeville College Bear before playing for the Maryville College Scots. For the past four seasons, he’s been the offensive coordinator for Gillum and the Anderson County Mavericks. Price’s offense averaged almost 35-points a game the past two seasons via a spread offense.  His twin brother, Matt, was the defensive coordinator and will join him on the Cougars’ staff. The twins take their game and skills just up I-75 to Jacksboro with hopes of rebuilding the Orange and Blue after a 1 and 9 season last year.  Price becomes the 14th head coach of the Cougars as the 37th season in the school’s history nears.  In November, DeWayne Wells stepped down after 10-years at the helm.  Jerry Mynatt was hired as head coach in February but resigned in May.  Coach Gillum, who is very close to the Price brothers, tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s happy for them, and that though he hates losing them, he has coaches in the wings ready to step in at ACHS.  The Cougars open the 2011 season against the Eagles at Seymour on August 19.  And in case you're wondering, the Cougars host the Mavericks on September 2 on Pat Kerr Field.  You'll be able to see all the games live on 1450wlaf.com, then on the weekend on WLAF-TV 12 as well as hear all the games over the original outlet for the Cougars, 1450 WLAF Radio, with Les Martin handling the play-by-play chores with Greg Brackett on color.

                                   Car Crash Claims a La Follette Woman
     A single car accident takes the life of a La Follette woman Thursday (06/09/2011) afternoon.  According to reports, a car hit a utility pole in front of a car lot on East Central Avenue at the Indiana Avenue traffic light in  town around 5:00 p.m.  Officials tell 1450wlaf.com that 52-year old Jill Halcomb died aboard LifeStar enroute to UT Medical Center at Knoxville.  Halcomb's son, Rick, was riding with her at the time of the crash but only received minor injuries.  La Follette Police continues its investigation.  Dispatchers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol report four accidents on I-75 in Campbell County occurred Thursday afternoon.  None involved life threatening injuries.

                                        First Volunteer Bank is Robbed
     A Campbell County bank is robbed.  Law enforcement officials tell WLAF that the First Volunteer Bank in Jellico was hit just before 11:00 a.m. Thursday (06/09/2011) by a lone assailant.  Witnesses say a white man approached one teller, handed her a note demanding money, and then ran on foot from the downtown bank on Fifth Street with an undisclosed amount of money.   It's still not known if the robber was armed.  The suspect is described in his twenties, approximately 5'6" tall with a stocky build.  He was wearing a white t-shirt, khaki shorts, flip flops, and a shaggy, reddish-brown wig at the time of the robbery.  The robber was also wearing sunglasses and carrying a turquoise colored, cloth diaper bag. No one is injured as officials say that for some reason, this bank has been hit several times over the years.  Jellico Police and the Campbell County Sheriff's Department along with the FBI  and Safe Streets Task Force continue the investigation into Thursday morning's robbery of the First Volunteer Bank in Jellico.  It's too early to know if there may be a connection to the April bank robbery at Peoples Bank of the South in La Follette.  This link http://www.fbi.gov/knoxville/press-releases/2011/fbi-kpd-and-the-kcso-as-part-of-the-safe-streets-task-force-sstf-and-the-jellico-police-department-are-searching-for-an-individual-suspected-of-robbing-the-first-volunteer-bankshows the robber leaving the bank on camera.  Anyone with information is asked to please call the JPD at 423-784-6123.

                                     KPD K9 Killed at Paradise Cove
     A Knoxville Police Department K9 is shot and killed after attacking a Campbell County woman.  Robert Angel with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department tells 1450wlaf.com that soon after 3:00 Thursday afternoon, an elderly woman was attempting to get into her car when a dog came around.  There in the driveway of her Paradise Cove home, she tried to run the dog off and it attacked her.  Angel says the dog locked on and mauled her.  Angel says an officer with the Sheriff's Department, an ambulance, and county animal control responded.  Angel explains that Otis Poore with Animal Control shot and killed the dog.  The woman was treated and released from St. Mary's of Campbell County.  According to KPD spokesperson Darrell Debusk, the K9, which was a Malinois, (mel-in-wah) and was at its handler's residence in Paradise Cove when the kennel overturned during a sever thunderstorm that rolled through.  Knoxville Police is conducting an internal investigation.

                                                   Synergy Successful
     Synergy Expo 2011 was a success.  More than 25 local businesses gathered Thursday afternoon (06/09/2011) at Jacksboro Middle School.  Business, Education, and Services came together as a community.  The Campbell County Chamber of Commerce hosted the event with the goal of creating a teamwork atmosphere being accomplished yesterday under one roof.  The Chamber's Executive Director E.L. Morton plans on having the same event again next year, but says he's going to need more space.

                                     New CCHS Coach to be Introduced
     This morning at 9:00, Justin Price is going to be named the new head football coach of the Campbell County High School Cougars. Sources close to the Cougar football program and to Price tell 1450wlaf.com that Price will be introduced to the media at Dossett Stadium. Price is currently the offensive coordinator for the Anderson County Mavericks.  WLAF will carry the news conference live.

Boomer's Corner is Open for Reading

     Boomer has it all figured out this week.  Read about Boomer's idea on how to retire in style with plenty of money.

Capps in Concert

     Carl and Mason Capps perform in concert tonight (06/09/2011).  See the father-son duo this evening at 9:00 on WLAF-TV 12.

Community Comes Together at JMS Today

     Synergy Expo 2011 is today (06/09/2011).  From 2:00 until 8:00 at Jacksboro Middle School, Business, Education, and Services come together as a community.  The Campbell County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event with an objective of achieving teamwork within the county.  Chamber Executive Director E.L. Morton considers it a time to learn what the Chamber, businesses, education, and services do.  Morton makes special mention of how well Campbell County students scored on AYP.  He explains that it’s a chance to learn how our schools prepare students to create our future.   Morton encourages you to shop, network, build business, or even volunteer and for job seekers to bring resume’s.  Synergy Expo 2011 is presented by the Chamber of Commerce, La Follette Utilities, Powell-Clinch Utility District, Jellico Community Hospital, the La Follette Press, and 1450 WLAF Radio. The event is free and open to the public.

                                   Price to be Named New CCHS Coach

    Justin Price is expected to be named the new head football coach of the Campbell County High School Cougars by the end of the week.  Sources close to the Cougar football program and to Price tell 1450wlaf.com that Price will be introduced to the media on Friday at 9:00 a.m. at Dossett Stadium.  WLAF will carry the news conference live.

Luallen and Young Appear on WLAF-TV 12

     They’re better known as the “I Hate Meth” guys.  Their given names are Jonathon Luallen and Toby Young.  Thanks in-part to the grass roots efforts of these young men, meth users face tougher penalties in Campbell County and across Tennessee as soon as July 1st.  Luallen considers it worth all the hard work.  Governor Haslem signed the bill, I Hate Meth, into law earlier this week in honor of Luallen and Young.  In fact, it was a bill co-sponsored by State Representative Dennis Powers of Jacksboro.  Young seems surprised at how much they’ve been able to accomplish in such a short time.  The law covers several areas including electronic tracking of the sale of products containing Pseudoephedrine, increased penalties and minimum mandatory fines on offenders.  Luallen and Young are featured in this evening’s (06/09/2011) 5:30 news on WLAF-TV 12.

THP Checking DLs Today & Friday

     Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers set up driver license roadside safety checkpoints today (06/09/2011) and Friday.  Troopers are stationed today on Highway 63 East of La Follette at one of the intersections with Old 63.  For Friday, troopers will be set up on Towe String Road at Lawson Lane.  That’s near the bend in the road between the railroad tracks and the quarry.  Recognizing the danger present to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws in Tennessee. The THP has found these driver license roadside checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

                                     "Council Keeps Carving on Budget"                 

     La Follette City Council keeps whittling down next year's proposed budget.  Council adjourned in session Tuesday night (06/08/2011) and continues its meeting on Monday, June 27, at which time the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget will be approved.  Mayor Mike Stanfeld tells 1450wlaf.com that coming into last night's meeting the budget was more than 200-thousand dollars over, and after some carving, it's now only around 160-thousand dollars over.  Stanfield says they'll keep fine tuning it until it's ready for the third and final reading on the 27th.  The Mayor adds that even though they are tightening the city's financial belt, city employees will still be getting annual raises of at least two-percent.  Prior to the budget meeting, council held its regular monthly meeting which started and finished in under 45-minutes.  Everything on the evening's agenda passed including voting four - oh to keep Kent Younce serving on the La Follette Utility Board for five more years. Council voted to close five accounts at Community Trust Bank while approving the opening of three accounts at Peoples Bank of the South.  The extra money needed for concrete on the Pleasant Ridge Bridge project was approved with that total of approximately 13-hundred dollars to be split equally with the County.  The Annual Appropriations Ordinance for the 2011-2012 fiscal year and an Ordinance amending the Zoning Map of the City of La Follette involving various properties on South Cumberland Avenue and East Kentucky Avenue both passed without opposition on the first and second readings.   
                                "Johnson in Select Group at West Point"
     A young Campbell Countian is at West Point this week. Rising CCHS Senior Brandon Johnson is a very busy man these days. Two weeks ago, he attended Boys State at Cookeville. Last week, it was a week at ROTC Camp. Through Friday (06/10/2011), Brandon’s attending SLS, the Summer Leaders Seminar at the United State Military Academy.  It’s a week-long immersion in academic, military and social life for those considering West Point. Attendees explore West Point from all angles, including some intense military training and athletic activities. Officials at West Point describe this week as the best way to gauge the challenges potential cadets will encounter as a cadet. Brandon Johnson tells WLAF that being accepted to the U.S. Military Academy is his goal. The 17-year old sports a four-point-oh grade point average. Aside from his summer job at a local marina, Johnson devotes multiple hours each week to community service, including tutoring middle school students.   Coming up in today's WLAF-TV 12 news at 5:30, we'll share all the pictures Brandon has sent us this week during his time at West Point.
                                    "Cougars Still Without a Coach"

     The search process continues.  The Campbell County Board of Education is close to naming a new head football coach at Campbell County High School.  As soon as we know, we'll let you know right here on 1450wlaf.com.

                                   "Must Be Legal to Work in Tennessee"
    Legislation making sure Tennessee employees are legal is signed into law Tuesday (06/08/2011).  Gov. Bill Haslam signed the legislation that seeks to make sure Tennessee employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S.  The measure is a weaker version of its original, which mandated all employers use the federal E-Verify program to prove their employees are legally in the country. The proposal the Republican governor signed into law yesterday exempts employers with five or fewer employees and allows them to keep a copy of the new hire's driver's license instead of using E-Verify.  Opponents say it could cost businesses time and money, while supporters say the legislation is needed to crack down on illegal immigration.
                                        

                                                "I Hate Meth is Law"

       It’s official.  “I Hate Meth” is law in Tennessee.  Beginning July 1, tougher penalties for those wanting to do meth go on the books.  The new law, named in honor of two Campbell Countians, was signed Monday (06/06/2011) at Greeneville by Governor Bill Haslem.  Toby Young and Jonathan Luallen are the driving forces behind the law in what’s been a very successful grass roots campaign that’s been a year in the making.  The law covers several things including electronic tracking of the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine, increased penalties and minimum mandatory fines on offenders.  Both Young and Luallen have relatives addicted to the drug that is targeted by the new law.   

 "Talk of Phony 20s"

     A counterfeit bill warning goes out.  Officials with Community Trust Bank cautioned local businesses on Monday (06/06/2011) to keep an eye-out for phony 20-dollar bills.  Tellers use a black light to determine if a bill is real or fake.  But what should other businesses do?  A local teller explains to us here at WLAF there is a "counterfeit" pen available.  Merchants simply swipe the bill with the "counterfeit" pen.  If the swipe is the correct color, the bill is authentic.  If it's a different color, then the bill's a phony.

"Talan Telethon Successful"

     "Telethon for Talan" is successful. Talan Hooks should be at the height of acting out as a terrible two-year old. Instead, he's battling an aggressive disease that will eventually take his life. His family and friends worked another fundraiser this weekend to help off-set Talan's mounting medical bills. Saturday (06/04/2011) night's telethon on WLAF-TV 12 generated a little more than two-thousand dollars during its three-hour run.  One of Talan's grandmothers, Rachel Myers, expresses her appreciation.  The family motto is “never give up,” and they are doing just that. If you would like to donate, please call 423.494.4770.      

     "Budget Talks for Tonight's Council Meeting"

      La Follette City Council meets.  The regular monthly meeting of council is tonight (06/07/2011) at 6:00 at the municipal building.  Routine business is on this evening’s agenda.  However, after the regular meeting, there’s a budget meeting where council plans to iron out the wrinkles before the 20-11, 20-12 budget takes effect July 1st.  WLAF-TV 12 cameras will be on hand, and we'll have the telecast Wednesday morning at 9:00.  And, we'll have the full story right here.

 "Interviews for CCHS Coach Continue"


   Interviews continue (06/07/2011) for a new Cougars'  football coach.  It's down to four candidates for the coaching vacancy created when Jerry Mynatt abruptly resigned in early May.  Mynatt replaced DeWayne Wells who stepped down in November after 10 seasons at the helm, including CCHS's only winning season as well as the only Cougar teams to make it to the post season.  Candidates include a coach who led his Knoxville team to a state title within the past few years, a coach who often had his teams in the Tennessee state playoffs, and two assistant coaches from successful programs in Knox and Anderson Counties.  As soon as a new coach is hired, we'll let you know right here.


     "Rockies Keep Rolling"

     The Monday Night (06/06/2011) Little League Game of the Week went the way of the Rockies.  Last night's match-up of the Rockies and the Braves at Liberty Park over 1450 WLAF was all Rockies.  Logan Orick's three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning was all the Rockies needed to start rolling.  A 15-run second inning pushed the lead out to 18 to nothing forcing an early ending after only two and a half innings.  Next week's game of the week on the radio begins at 6:00 on 1450 WLAF.

                              Roger Byrd has Winning Number from Kash & Karry

     The person holding ticket number 8 8 7 0 7 3 is a winner, and his name is Roger Byrd.  J.B. Leach and the folks at Kash & Karry Building Supply are giving away a grand prize of a 50-inch plasma flat screen television to Roger who claimed his grand prize this morning. The big TV serves as the culmination of Kash & Karry's 25th Anniversary as well as Customer Appreciation Days.  Congratulations to Roger Byrd of Byrd Roofing !

                                      Campbell High Has New Principal
     Campbell County High School has a new principal.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston tells WLAF that some changes were made on Friday around the county with regard to principals and assistant principals.  Jamie Wheeler exits her post as principal at Jacksboro Middle School to take over the reins as principal at CCHS.  Robbie Heatherly moves from principal at the high school to principal at La Follette Middle School.  Joey St. John leaves the assistant principal position at Jellico High School to handle the same spot at LMS.  Robert Angel leaves the classroom at La Follette Elementary School taking over for St. John at Jellico High.  Harry Chitwood remains principal at JHS. The only other change aside from Principal Wheeler stepping in at Campbell High is Bob Walden leaving La Follette Middle to assume an assistant principal slot while the other assistant principals at CCHS remain the same in Sherry Chapman, who is also the Director of Athletics, Craig Ivey, and Sandy Wilson.  Other changes include Dixie Crouch moving from Elk Valley's principal to replace Wheeler at Jacksboro Middle School while David Jones becomes Crouch's assistant after serving in a similar position at CCHS.  Nancy Lay replaces Crouch at Elk Valley.  Joan Crutchfield continues as principal at Jacksboro Elementary School after Sandra Chaniott was removed as principal there back in March.  Nancy Leach, assistant principal at Jacksboro Elementary, is promoted to Mediation Liaison and is replaced by Jennifer Fields.  Ronnie Lasley is principal of the Alternative Learning Academy.  Principal and assistant principal positions remain unchanged at La Follette, Caryville, Valley View, White Oak, Jellico, and Wynn Elementary Schools.  Director Poston closed by saying that this is how it all stands right now.

                      Powers' Co-sponsored Meth Bill Becomes Law Today

     House Bill 1050, better known as the "I Hate Meth Act" is signed into law this morning.  Governor Bill Haslem signs the bill named after the Campbell County group of the same name today in Green County.  The bill, co-sponsored by State Representative Dennis Powers, is designed to try to end meth production.  The act calls for the use of a statewide electronic log to track the sales of over-the-counter cold and allergy products that contain pseudo-ephedrine.  The measure also calls for felony charges for manufacturing meth in front of children, and increases the penalties for meth-related offenses.

                                         Car Wreck Kills Jellico Man

     A one-car wreck takes the life of a Campbell Countian over the weekend.  According to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 39-year old Ron Herrell of Jellico was killed when the vehicle in which he was a passenger left the road and overturned.  The accident happened just after 3:00 a.m. on Saturday on Baird Creek Lane which is between Newcomb and Elk Valley.  THP reports that the 1988 Jeep Cherokee driven by 66-year old Donald Herrell was traveling east bound when it left the south side of the narrow roadway.  The driver, Donald Herrell, was not injured.  Trooper Jonathan Scott confirms that both men had drugs and alcohol in their systems and that neither was wearing a seatbelt.

                                Local Story on Front Page of Sentinel

     There’s a real treat in today’s News Sentinel.  It’s a front page story with a local connection.  Look for the story titled “Chaplain Serves Country by Tending Military Flock.”  It’s a story about Lieutenant Jason Ragain, who is the grandson of the late Rev. Ralph Cordell and the nephew of Paul Cordell at the La Follette Eye Clinic.

CCHS Could Have a New Football Coach Today

     The Cougars may have a new football coach before the day is out.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston says he hopes to wrap everything up by close of business.  Four candidates interview today for the coaching vacancy created when Jerry Mynatt abruptly resigned in early May.  Mynatt replaced DeWayne Wells who stepped down in November after 10 seasons at the helm, including CCHS's only winning season as well as the only Cougar teams to make it to the post season.  Candidates include a coach who led his Knoxville team to a state title three years ago, a coach who regularly had his teams in the Tennessee state playoffs, and two assistant coaches from successful programs in Knox and Anderson Counties.

                                       Little League Game of the Week
     It's Monday.  That means baseball tonight on 1450 WLAF.  Listen for the Little League Game of the Week when the Braves and the Cubs take to the diamond.  First pitch goes out at 6:00 from Liberty Park over 1450 WLAF.

                                         Talan's Telethon a Success

     "Telethon for Talan" is successful.  Talan Hooks should be at the height of acting out as a terrible two-year old.  Instead, he's battling an aggressive disease that will eventually take his life.  His family and friends worked another fundraiser this weekend to help off-set Talan's mounting medical bills.  Saturday night's telethon on WLAF-TV 12 generated a little more than two-thousand dollars.from 7:00 until 10:00.  The family motto is “never give up,” and they are doing just that.  If you would like to donate, please call 423.494.4770.

Read Boomer's Take on Bartley's New Trial

     Boomer's Corner takes a very serious turn this week.  See his take on Kenneth Bartley, Junior's news of a new trial for the 2005 school shooter.

                                                  New Trial Opens Old Wounds
      Not sure what to say and not wanting to say the wrong thing is what Jo Bruce said to me Thursday night.  The widow of Ken Bruce, like, perhaps many in Campbell County, was still sorting through what happened earlier Thursday(06/02/2011) in a Jacksboro courtroom.  By now anyone wanting to know knows the outcome of Kenneth Bartley, Junior's latest attempt to get a new trial.  And a new trial the Campbell County High School shooter, who's now 19, he will get.  Bartley's third and latest attorney, Gregory P. Issacs, orchestrated Thursday's lengthy hearing that resulted in Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood giving Bartley the opportunity for a new trial.  Under the terms of Bartley's plea deal in 2007, he was sentenced to 45 years for killing Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and wounding school administrator Jim Pierce and Principal Gary Seale. The sentences were structured in such a way that the teenager could be eligible for parole in roughly 25 years.  Blackwood tossed out that plea paving the way for a new trial.  Bartley remains jailed but could seek bond pending trial.  A trial date is yet to be set.
  

 

                                                          Hot 90s Continue

     Dangerously hot weather continues.  Today, not waiting for July or August, is the day to put your "keep safe from the heat" practices to use.  Wearing loose, light colored clothing, limiting your time outdoors, and drinking plenty of water are the keys to keeping safe from the extreme early season heat and humidity.  More 90s are on the way as well as "feels like temperatures" into the mid-to-upper 90s.
                                           Talan's Telethon is Saturday Night
     "Telethon for Talan" is tomorrow night (06/04/2011).  Talan Hooks should be at the height of acting out as a terrible two-year old.  Instead, he's battling an aggressive disease that will eventually take his life.  His family and friends are working another fundraiser this weekend to help off-set Talan's mounting medical bills.  A couple of weeks ago, it was a benefit basketball game.  Saturday night, it's a telethon on WLAF-TV 12 from 7:00 until 10:00.  The family motto is “never give up,” and they are doing just that.

                                                 THP Checking Driver License
     Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers set up driver license roadside safety checkpoints again today.  Troopers are stationed in La Follette on South 4th Street at East Hemlock Street. That’s just above the bend at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church. Recognizing the danger present to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws in Tennessee. The THP has found these driver license roadside checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

Bartley Gets New Trial

     Kenneth Bartley, Jr. has been wanting a new trial for more than four years.  And he's getting it.  The school shooter, now 19-years old, spent the balance of today (06/02/2011) in a Jacksboro courtroom.  It paid off for Bartley and his new attorney, his third, prominent Knoxville lawyer Gregory P. Issacs.  After several witnesses took the stand, including Bartley's first attorney, Mike Hatmaker, Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood ruled that Bartley is getting a new trial.  Today's point of emphasis that Bartley did not have good representation nor good advice was hammered home by Issacs.  It was Hatmaker who represented Bartley and advised him before Bartley left Hatmaker for Bruce Poston who was replaced by Issacs.  At age 15 in 2007, Bartley took Hatmaker’s advice and accepted a plea deal that brought him a 45-year prison sentence with possible parole in 25 years. In the petition, Issacs writes that Bartley agreed to the plea deal on the first day of his trial in April 2007 without hearing it read in full or having a "meaningful opportunity" to discuss it with his parents. A trial court denied a motion for Bartley to withdraw his plea a month after the agreement. The Court of Criminal Appeals denied an appeal by Bartley in 2009. Bartley was 14 in November 2005 when he was accused of felony murder in the shooting death of Campbell County High School Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and the wounding of Principal Gary Seale and Assistant Principal Jim Pierce.  After today's good news for Bartley, his nearly 300-mile trek back to Tiptonville will not be quite as long as the drive over earlier in the week.  He's being housed at the Northwest Tennessee Correctional Complex.  The new trial date for Bartley is yet to be set.

It’s Federal Prison for Fake Bomber

     Chaos was rampant as he ran from the Walgreens Pharmacy last fall.  That was the scene on an October afternoon in La Follette.  And James Wesley Wells is paying for the chaotic situation he created at the Towe String Road pharmacy with prison time.  According to court reports, on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Tom Varlan ordered Wells to serve a little more than four years in a federal prison for his actions.  Actions which include threatening the pharmacy with a device Wells said was a bomb that could be triggered to explode with a cell phone.  Wells ran from the pharmacy with the painkillers he demanded, the pharmacy was evacuated, and a bomb squad was called.  The supposed bomb turned out to be fake, and Wells was chased down and caught within about an hour of the robbery.

Campbell High School Shooter in Court Today

     Kenneth Bartley, Jr. is in court today with a new attorney.  Prominent Knoxville lawyer Gregory P. Isaacs. The school shooter, now 19 years old, is being held today in the Campbell County Jail awaiting an appearance in Campbell County Criminal Court. Officials tell 1450wlaf.com that Bartley is seeking post conviction relief and is asking Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood for a new trial. This is not the first time Bartley has asked for a new trial. And Issacs is not his first lawyer. In fact, he’s his third. Issacs succeeds Bruce Poston who took over for Jacksboro attorney Mike Hatmaker. Hatmaker represented Bartley in his first trial where Bartley, at age 15 in 2007, took Hatmaker’s advice and accepted a plea deal that brought him a 45-year prison sentence with possible parole in 25 years. In the petition, Issacs writes that Bartley agreed to the plea deal on the first day of his trial in April 2007 without hearing it read in full or having a "meaningful opportunity" to discuss it with his parents. A trial court denied a motion for Bartley to withdraw his plea a month after the agreement. The Court of Criminal Appeals denied an appeal by Bartley in 2009. Bartley was 14 in November 2005 when he was accused of felony murder in the shooting death of Campbell County High School Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and the wounding of Principal Gary Seale and Assistant Principal Jim Pierce. Bartley is serving his sentence at the Northwest Tennessee Correctional Complex in Tiptonville. Tiptonville is in northwest Tennessee near the Missouri border.  We'll have more details on the Bartley story in the 5:30 news on WLAF Radio, TV, and the web.

Kash & Karry Celebrates 25 Years


     1986.  Ronald Reagan was president.  Gas was 93-cents a gallon.  And the Bears won the Super Bowl.  1986 was also the year Kash & Karry Building Supply opened its doors.  This weekend, J.B. Leach and staff are celebrating with a huge customer appreciation sale today, Friday, and Saturday.  More details through the day here on 1450wlaf.com.

                                              Trooper Checkpoints Today & Friday

     Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers set up driver license roadside safety checkpoints this week. For today, Troopers are stationed on Demory Road at the White Bridge. Then Friday, the checkpoint’s location is in La Follette on South 4th Street at East Hemlock Street. That’s just above the bend at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church. Recognizing the danger present to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws in Tennessee. The THP has found these driver license roadside checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

                                          Synergy Expo 2011 is a Week Away
     Synergy Expo 2011 is one week from today. Your Campbell County Chamber of Commerce combines business, education, and services all under one roof. That’s Thursday, June 9 at the Jacksboro Middle School from 2:00 until 8:00. You’re encouraged to bring your resume’, shop, network, build business, or even volunteer. Chamber Director E.L. Morton tells 1450 WLAF that it’s a chance to learn how our schools prepare students to create our future. Synergy Expo 2011 is presented by the Chamber of Commerce, La Follette Utilities, Powell-Clinch Utility District, and 1450 WLAF Radio. The event is free and open to the public.

                                       Bartley’s in Town Seeking a New Trial

      Kenneth Bartley, Jr. has a new attorney.  Prominent Knoxville lawyer Gregory P. Isaacs.  The school shooter, now 19 years old, is being held today (06/01/2011) in the Campbell County Jail awaiting an appearance tomorrow in Campbell County Criminal Court.  Officials tell 1450wlaf.com that Bartley is seeking post conviction relief and is asking Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood for a new trial.  This is not the first time Bartley has asked for a new trial.  And Issacs is not his first lawyer.  In fact, he’s his third.  Issacs succeeds Bruce Poston who took over for Jacksboro attorney Mike Hatmaker.  Hatmaker represented Bartley in his first trial where Bartley, at age 15 in 2007, took Hatmaker’s advice and accepted a plea deal that brought him a 45-year prison sentence with possible parole in 25 years.  In the petition, Issacs writes that Bartley agreed to the plea deal on the first day of his trial in April 2007 without hearing it read in full or having a "meaningful opportunity" to discuss it with his parents.  A trial court denied a motion for Bartley to withdraw his plea a month after the agreement. The Court of Criminal Appeals denied an appeal by Bartley in 2009.  Bartley was 14 in November 2005 when he was accused of felony murder in the shooting death of Campbell County High School Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and the wounding of Principal Gary Seale and Assistant Principal Jim Pierce.  Bartley is serving his sentence at the Northwest Tennessee Correctional Complex in Tiptonville.  Tiptonville is in northwest Tennessee near the Missouri border.

                                               And the Heat Goes On...
     June keeps May's 90s streak alive.  Dangerously hot conditions continue for the next several days.  This many days with temperatures in the low 90s and the "feels like" temperatures closer to 100 degrees are almost unheard of in early June.  Regardless.  The first order of business is your personal safety from the heat.  And you'll hear us saying this a lot, limit your time outdoors and drink plenty of water.  If you don't have a fan or air conditioner, go somewhere where there is one.

School's Out

     School's out today.  That's music to the ears of students, teachers and administrators.  And it's a tune that never seems to grow old.  After picking up report cards this morning, students aren't due back to class until August.
                                      Thunder Mountain Fireworks Update
     The fire is out.  The area is safe.  So what's next for Thunder Mountain Fireworks?  Routine investigations by the State Fire Marshall, the insurance company, and the release of the premises.  After the release, owner Lansden Hill tells 1450wlaf.com that his first order of business is to clean up the property.  As Hill looks ahead, he figures that the clean up time frame may not allow enough time to be ready to sell fireworks from the Thunder Mountain location this 4th of July.  There is some upside, George, the dragon, survives the flames.  Hill says firefighters trained a water hose on the legendary Caryville exit landmark making sure the dragon survived.  Hill expresses his appreciation for all the support and commends all the first responders on a job well done.

Trooper Checkpoints Thursday & Friday

      Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers set up driver license roadside safety checkpoints this week.  For Thursday, Troopers are stationed on Demory Road at the White Bridge.  Then Friday, the checkpoint’s location is in La Follette on South 4th Street at East Hemlock Street.  That’s just above the bend at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church.  Recognizing the danger present to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws in Tennessee. The THP has found these driver license roadside checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists. 

                                                 City Council Workshop
     Tuesday night was workshop night for the La Follette City Council.  City officials tell 1450wlaf.com that the preliminary budget is still a work in progress as council reviewed it.  The new year for the city begins July 1.  Though discussion remains on the rezoning requests for various properties on South Cumberland and East Kentucky Avenues, it appears the requests will go through.  Trusses for the new library arrived Tuesday as plans for the library continue on course.  The La Follette Library will soon be housed in the former Recreation Center building on South Ninth Street.  Council meets in regular session next week.

                                   Saturday Telethon for Tiny Talan
     The family motto is “never give up.”  As tiny Talan Hooks battles an aggressive disease, his family and friends continue their support.  There has been some help with the two year old's mounting medical bills.  Most recently, a benefit basketball game raised more than 36-hundred dollars.  This weekend, Talan's family and friends host a telethon on WLAF-TV 12.  From 7:00 until 10:00, the Singing Hambys along with Ken Andrews sing along with other special guests.  Talan's telethon is this Saturday night on Channel 12.

                                                Rockies Remain Undefeated
     The Rockies blank the Cubs in Tuesday night's Little League Game of the Week on 1450 WLAF Radio.  Aaron Sanders' two-run homer over the left centerfield fence came in the top of the fourth and was the offensive highlight of the night.  Coach Gregg Tackett's Rockies win 10 to nothing over the Cubs to improve to 5 and oh.  Brady Orick endured the heat to throw heat as he fanned batters in every inning finishing with nine strikeouts.  The Braves and the Cubs take to the diamond on Monday in WLAF's Game of the Week.  Broadcast time is 6:00 p.m. over 1450 WLAF.
                

 Fire at Thunder Mountain Fireworks

Updated at 8:00 a.m. 05/31/2011
     Fire crews are called to the scene of a pre-dawn fire at Thunder Mountain Fireworks in Caryville (05/31/2011).  9-1-1 dispatch reports to 1450wlaf.com indicate the first call about the fire came in around 2:30 at the popular fireworks store next to I-75 on John McGhee Boulevard.  Dispatchers say the fire was contained around 4:30 a.m. and put out soon after.  Initially, five different fire fighting agencies responded as I-75 was temporarily shutdown as a safety precaution, and local motels and homes were evacuated (75 to 100 people).  However, the interstate is reopened, and people have been allowed to return to their rooms and homes.  Cause of the fire at Thunder Mountain Fireworks is not yet known, and there is no report of any injuries. 

                                 Little League Baseball Tonight on 1450 WLAF
     The Monday Night Game of the Week is tonight on Tuesday night this week on 1450 WLAF.  First pitch at 6:00, and you'll hear all the action with Jim Freeman and Johnny Letner.  Letner coached the 1965 La Follette All-Stars who went on to claim the Little League State Championship with all of those games airing on 1450 WLAF.
                                            Big Weekend for the Marinas
     "A great weekend."  "Up over last Memorial Day."  "Very busy."  Those are a few of the responses we heard this morning from some of the local marina operators.  Carolyn Farwick with Flat Hollow Marina and Resort tells 1450 WLAF that once it looked like the weather was going to be fantastic, they received a lot of last minute bookings.  Farwick calls it a good weekend overall, and that it was better than last Memorial Day weekend.  Folks at Shanghai Resort say Sunday was especially busy, and that their 24-room motel was booked.  Courtney Ward at Twin Cove Marina is quick to point out that all of their boats and pontoons were rented-out well in advance, and that Twin Cove is definitely up over last year.  At Sugar Hollow Dock, Charlie Stoudt sizes up the holiday weekend as pretty busy, a great weekend that is up over the 2010 holiday.  July 4th falls on a Monday this summer, and it's now less than five-weeks away.
                                    Typical Weekend for Law Enforcement
     Quiet on the law enforcement front.  Robert Angel with the Campbell County Sheriff's Department says it was "quiet" for a holiday weekend.  He adds that that's a good thing.  Angel describes the weekend as a typical weekend as opposed to what you might expect on a warm weather holiday weekend.  We'll have the press release from the Campbell County Sheriff's Department a little later in our newscast.
                                               Heat Takes Center Stage
     It's an early taste of summer for Campbell County.  Which makes "hot weather safety" very important.  A summer time weather pattern is locked in place with near record temperatures forecast everyday through Sunday.  The average high for La Follette, Jacksboro, and Caryville is 79 degrees for late May, early June.  While readings in the 90s aren't unheard of this time of year, they, however, are well above average.  With such a prolonged hot spell so early in the season, be careful not to be caught off guard.  We here at 1450 WLAF urge you to exercise normal hot weather precautions a little early this year.  Safety measures include avoiding prolonged exposure to the heat and drinking plenty of water.  Daytime highs are expected to range from 89 to 94 degrees this week with a higher heat index.  Heat Index or H-I is the index that combines air temperature and relative humidity.  It's an attempt to determine the human-perceived equivalent temperature.  Basically, how hot it feels to the skin, termed the "felt air temperature" or "feels like temperature."  The Heat Index is expected to stay around 95 and slightly above on through Sunday.  For the temperature and "feels like" temperature anytime, simply connect to our web channel, 1450wlaf.com.  You'll see the weather information on the right side of the front page.  Can't miss it.
                                    Three-Vehicle Accident Monday Afternoon
     Two cars and a motorcycle collide.  According to reports from the Campbell County Sheriff's Department, two cars had to be towed away from the accident scene, but there were no life-threatening injuries to all involved.  The motorcycle appeared to be ride-able after the three vehicles met right under the traffic light in front of the Eagle Market on the four-lane.  First responders from Jacksboro Police and Fire worked the accident that happened just after 6:00 p.m. on Memorial Day.

My Hero Across the Street

     That's Corky Huddleston. He just waved at me. I quickly waved back. Yep, that was a big deal to an 11-year old for a senior to notice a skinny white haired kid. Corky just graduated from LHS (1968), and I was getting ready for 7th grade at La Follette Junior High, a stone's throw from our houses that sat across the street from one another on West Central Avenue.

     The Vietnam War was raging, and Uncle Sam was drafting youngsters left and right. I don't remember when Corky was called up, but I do remember seeing him all dressed up is his uniform a few times. And he was still waving to me. It was 1970, almost spring, when I heard Corky was heading off to war. It was only a handful of weeks later when word came that Corky was killed in South Vietnam. Up to that day, May 12, spring of 1970 in 8th grade was a great time for me.

     I don't recall the date, but I remember heading to Liberty Park with my P.E. classmates to play ball when the crowd was gathering for Corky's funeral. One of the fellows asked what was happening. I really wished I didn't know, but I did. And I told him that that was my neighbor Corky's funeral about to start.

     It was the summer of 2000. We were visiting up east, and the trip included a stop where I was born, Washington, D.C. Memories of Corky came rushing back when we visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Emotions piqued when I finally found Corky's name on the wall. It's up pretty high, and the caretaker keeps a ladder close by. I was able to take the slip of paper and pencil to shade the engraving of Corky's name. It was at that moment I wanted to write a story about Corky, but I didn't.

     The little white frame house where Corky lived is gone now, taken down when First Baptist Church bought it to make way for a new addition. My old house still sits across the street from where Corky's was. Every now and then, especially on this Memorial Day some 41-years later (2011), I still think of Corky. That's Sergeant Robert Joseph "Corky" Huddleston, my hero across the street.

Thank you Veterans

     Thank you.  Thank you to all our veterans on this Memorial Day from 1450 WLAF Radio, WLAF-TV 12, and 1450wlaf.com.  Without your sacrifices, we might not be able to broadcast.  When you connect to 1450wlaf.com, you'll see that today's top story is a personal story about a fallen Campbell County soldier.  The story is titled "My Hero Across the Street."  It's a story of Sergeant Robert "Corky" Huddleston.  Corky was a 1968 graduate of La Follette High School and died in combat in South Vietnam on May 12, 1970.


Memorial Day in Campbell County

     Memorial Day events begin this morning at 11:00 at Jacksboro.  A tribute to the living as well as the soldiers who gave all in defending America's freedom will be honored and remembered today at the Veterans Memorial next to the courthouse.  Carol McDonald sings the National Anthem with Kevin Walden serving as today's keynote speaker.  Walden is retired from the Air Force and is service officer for the county's Veterans' Affairs Office.  The Campbell County Honor Guard presents the colors.  A 21-gun salute, taps, and the presentation of wreath are also planned.

Today’s Closings

     In observance of Memorial Day, all banks, post offices, and most government agencies are closed today.   There’s no garbage pick-up either.  Tonight’s Monday Night Little League Game of The Week is actually going to be Tuesday night this week.  That’s tomorrow night at 6:00 right here on 1450 WLAF.

                                              300+ Alumni Added

     Campbell County and Jellico High Schools have more alumni this morning.  It was graduation weekend with Jellico High School handing out 106 diplomas to its senior class members on Friday night.  On Saturday morning, nearly 300 Campbell High seniors received diplomas in front of a packed Dossett Stadium crowd.  This year's CCHS valedictorian is Campbell Reynolds with Jessica Robins earning salutatorian honors for their classroom achievements.  Reynolds spoke and then Senator Ken Yager delivered the graduation address.  The telecast of graduation 2011 airs today at Noon and then every Saturday at Noon and Sunday at 6:00 during June on WLAF-TV 12.
 

                                            Boomsday Makes Top 10
     Locally owned Pyro Shows receives national recognition.  Even though Boomsday is a Knoxville event, La Follette based Pyro Shows is the driving force behind the Labor Day Weekend fireworks bonanza.  Boomsday is listed as one of the top 10 picks for family friendly summer festivals by Road Trips for Families.  That's an online travel magazine that focuses on road trip travel.  Other newcomers to this year's list are Artsphere in Arkansas and Brat Fest in Wisconsin.  Pyro Shows is owned and operated by Lansden Hill.

                                                 I-75 Slowdown
    Paving on I-75 begins this week.  Be prepared for delays traveling to and from Knoxville for the next few nights.  Starting at 8:00 p.m. paving crews shut down north and south bound lanes of I-75 at times.  Most of the work takes place between the Raccoon Valley and Emory Road exists.

Chapman Champion Again

     It's back-to-back state championships for Kristin Chapman.  The Campbell County High School Junior cleared a height of 5' 8" today (05/26/2011) at Murfreesboro to claim her second straight Class AAA State High Jump Championship.  Junior Shayla Goins takes 5th in the shot put at MTSU's state championships.  Goins distance is 36 feet.  Then Goins threw the discus 101' and 6" to claim 10th place in the state.

Sheriff Encouraged By Neighborhood Watches

     Encouraged. That's how Sheriff Robbie Goins describes how he and members of the Campbell County Sheriff's Department feel following last night's (05/26/2011) neighborhood watch meeting at Davis Chapel. Nearly 40 people turned out for what was the fourth in a series of start-up meetings for the county watch program. The sheriff tells 1450wlaf.com that this team effort brought in folks from the Camp Ridge Road, Chapel Heights, and Davis Chapel. Goins says those in attendance are eager to get started with the Neighborhood Watch.  He adds that the team effort along with open communication between the Sheriff's Department and the neighborhoods are two key components in making the county safer.  Sheriff Goins and staff are planning another Neighborhood Watch start-up meeting for June. If your neighborhood is interested in a watch program, you are encouraged to contact Officer Glennis Monday at 423.562.7446

Youth Helps Vets This Weekend

     A Campbell County High Schooler is working this Memorial Day.  CCHS Junior Courtney Weldon is working on her Gold Award. In doing so, she's out to help hospitalized and homeless veterans by collecting trial size personal care items. Weldon will be set up at the Veterans Memorial on the courthouse lawn on Memorial Day (05/30/2011) beginning at 11:00 a.m. She tells 1450wlaf.com that she's asking for trial size products like soap, shampoo, deodorant, combs, toothbrushes and paste among similar items. Weldon says to call her to have your items picked up or for more details. 423.494.5303.

Higher Holiday Travel Numbers Expected

     AAA estimates 34.9 million people will travel more than 50 miles this Memorial Day holiday, reflecting a slight nationwide increase. Of this number, AAA predicts that 30.8 million Americans will travel by car. Here in Tennessee, AAA projects 603,397 will travel by automobile and 66,023 by air, which is an 11.5% increase over Tennessee's 2010 travel numbers. Road construction won't slow motorists down as they travel the Volunteer State's highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at Noon today through 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day (2011) weekend. However, motorists will still encounter some lane closures on long term construction projects.

Boomer's Latest is Online

     Boomer's pickin' on Pachyderms and a preacher this week (05/26/2011).  Oh, and he's also weighing in on the UT Athletic Department among others.  Enjoy !

Car Show This Evening

     Weather's going to cooperate for this evening's big car show. A fun night's ahead in downtown La Follette. The city is closing off North Tennessee Avenue for the huge event that's open to the public at no charge.

Town Hall Meeting Tonight

     Town Hall meeting this evening (05/27/2011).  County Commissioners Melvin Boshears and Thomas Hatmaker host a Town Hall meeting tonight at 6:00 at the La Follette Municipal Building.  The event is open to the public.

              State of Tennessee            

 Justin P. Wilson, State Comptroller

For Immediate Release:  May 26, 2011

     A former Campbell County elementary school principal faces theft and official misconduct charges as a result of an investigation by the Comptroller’s Division of Municipal Audit. A Campbell County grand jury indicted Sandra Chaniott, the former Jacksboro Elementary School principal, last week.

 

     Auditors determined that Chaniott made a deal to sell her school 33 air purifiers, but she actually delivered only 12. The school paid more than $8,000 for the undelivered air purifiers.

 

     Chaniott made a profit of more than $2,000 for the air purifiers she did deliver, which allowed her to personally benefit from a school contract.

 

     Auditors also learned that when Chaniott served as principal at Caryville Elementary School, she sold that school 47 air purifiers. Assuming all of those air purifiers were delivered, Chaniott would have personally gained almost $7,000 from those sales.

 

     The investigation also revealed that Chaniott had hired her son and another individual to paint the school without putting the work out for bid, which violated the Campbell County Board of Education purchasing policy. Chaniott also failed to report payments made to the painters to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

     Also, auditors noted that the school’s bank account shrank from $44,000 to $4,000 during the first 13 months Chaniott served as the school’s principal.

 

     “It is not acceptable for people in positions of trust to divert public money for their own personal gain or the gain of their family members or friends,” Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said. “Money spent at schools should directly or indirectly benefit the students. It seems clear from our auditors’ report that wasn’t necessarily happening in all cases at Jacksboro Elementary School.”

 

To view the report online, go to:

http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/repository/MA/Investigative/jacksboroelementaryschool.pdf

Here is the Letter that is Found at the Above Mentioned Web Site

STATE OF TENNESSEE

COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY

DEPARTMENT OF AUDIT

DIVISION OF MUNICIPAL AUDIT

Justin P. Wilson BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA Dennis F. Dycus, CPA, CFE, Director

Comptroller of the Treasury 414 UNION STREET, SUITE 1100 Division of Municipal Audit

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37243-1402

PHONE (615) 532-4460

FAX (615) 532-4499

May 26, 2011 

Donnie Poston, Director of Schools

and Members of the Board of Education

Campbell County School System

P. O. Box 445

Jacksboro, TN 37757

Director and Members of the Board of Education: 

     We have concluded our investigative audit of selected records of the Jacksboro Elementary School, Campbell County School System. The investigative audit focused on the period July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. However, when warranted, this scope was expanded.

Unaccounted for air purifiers

     Our investigative audit revealed that between August 2009 and January 2010, the school purchased 33 air purifiers  1  from the principal, Sandra Chaniott; however, when the state auditor requested to inspect those items, Ms. Chaniott was able to locate only four units in use at the school and one unit in storage. She advised the state auditor that the others were at her home.  The following day, Ms. Chaniott provided a total of only 28 purifiers for review. However, the auditor found that, based on the serial numbers on the purifiers, 16 of the units Ms. Chaniott presented actually belonged to Caryville Elementary School.  2  Therefore, Ms. Chaniott apparently never provided at least 21 purifiers, totaling $8,523, to the school.  This matter was referred to the local district attorney general. On May 20, 2011, the Campbell County Grand Jury indicted Sandra Chaniott on one count of Theft over $1,000 and one count of Official Misconduct.

Conflict of interest – principal buying air purifiers from herself – making a profit

     Our investigative audit revealed that the principal personally sold equipment to Jacksboro Elementary School. As noted above, it appears that Ms. Chaniott never delivered at least 21 of

1.  The principal sold two types of air purifiers to the school – EcoBox units with a retail cost of $349, and Fresh Air units with a retail cost of $747.

2.  Ms. Chaniott had sold at least 47 air purifiers to Caryville Elementary School during the 2008 and 2009 school years, while she was principal there.

the units for which she was paid $8,523. However, of the remaining 12 units that she eventually delivered to the school, Ms. Chaniott personally profited at least $2,138 from those sales. In addition, our investigative audit found that Ms. Chaniott was paid for at least 47 air purifiers by Caryville Elementary School while she was principal there.  3  Assuming Ms. Chaniott actually delivered all those purifiers to Caryville Elementary School, she would have personally profited $6,898 from those sales.

     Campbell County Board of Education policy, 5.601, states: 

     Administrative and supervisory personnel shall have no financial interest, directly or         indirectly, in supplying books, maps, school furniture, or apparatus for the schools or act as agent for any author, publisher, bookseller, or dealer in school furniture or apparatus, however a spouse or family member of a principal, teacher or other school administrative employee may participate in business transactions with the school system where a sealed competitive bid system is used, provided that the employee does not have discretion in the selection of the bids or specifications.…

     Employees of the Board will not engage in, or have financial interest in, any activity that raises a reasonable question of conflict of interest with their duties and responsibilities as members of the school staff. This includes but is not limited to the following:…

     4.  The board shall make no purchase of supplies, materials, or equipment from a school system employee.

Conflict of interest – hiring her son to paint at the school

     Our review revealed that the principal, Ms. Chaniott, hired her son and another individual to provide painting services at Jacksboro Elementary School, paying them $7,002 and $3,799, respectively. The painting project was not let out for competitive bid; instead, the principal selected the painters. Our investigative audit also found that that Ms. Chaniott endorsed the back of each check payable to the painters. She told the state auditor that she cashed the checks on behalf of the painters because they did not have bank accounts.

3.  The state auditor and Caryville Elementary staff were only able to locate 13 units on school property in March 2011.

     Campbell County Board of Education policy, 5.601, states:  Administrative and supervisory personnel shall have no financial interest, directly or indirectly, in supplying books, maps, school furniture, or apparatus for the schools or act as agent for any author, publisher, bookseller, or dealer in school furniture or apparatus, however a spouse or family member of a principal, teacher or other school administrative employee may participate in business transactions with the school system where a sealed competitive bid system is used, provided that the employee does not have discretion in the selection of the bids or specifications.…

[Emphasis added.]

     Employees of the Board will not engage in, or have financial interest in, any activity that raises a reasonable question of conflict of interest with their duties and responsibilities as members of the school staff.

Failure to properly report payments

     The school failed to report the payments made to the two painters to the Internal Revenue Service on the required federal Form 1099. Section 6041A, Federal Tax Code, requires anyone in business (which includes governments and schools) who paid one or more noncorporate recipients $600 or more in a calendar year to report those payments to the Internal Revenue Service.

Additional comment

     Auditors also noted that, from July 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, during Ms. Chaniott’s first 13 months as principal at Jacksboro Elementary School, the school’s activity fund bank balance went from $44,000 down to $4,000.

     If you have any questions concerning the above matter, please contact me.

Very truly yours,

Dennis F. Dycus, CPA, CFE, Director

Division of Municipal Audit

DFD/RAD

Pesky Morning Storms Hit

     Storms hit all over Campbell County starting around 3:00 this morning.  9-1-1 dispatch describes the storm’s strength was spread all over the county with trees down from Jellico to Caryville.  Dispatch goes on to say that you’ll see scattered debris as you leave out today with leaves and tree limbs blown across some roads.  No injuries are reported.  Officials with La Follette Utilities tell 1450wlaf.com that a few hundred customers were without power from the storm’s winds.  There were spotty outages in eight or nine different parts of the service area.  Strong to severe storms are forecast for this afternoon.  Complete weather details including your Memorial Day forecast are found at the weather link to your right.

LMS Principal Out 

     A state audit describes it as "irresponsible spending" by the principal.  The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that a state audit of La Follette Middle School reveals that the school was unable to meet its financial commitments because of "irresponsible spending" by the principal.  According to a letter to the board of education from auditor Dennis Dycus, the Campbell County Board of Education had to pay at least 56-hundred dollars of the school's necessary expenses.  The audit outlines that Principal John Turnblazer made several cash payments to school employees from unreceipted, undeposited collections, and used student activity funds to buy gifts for teachers and staff.  The audit examined records from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010.  Director of Schools Donnie Poston describes Turnblazer as a good principal, but he is being removed because this is the second time he has had these financial problems.  A call to Turnblazer was not immediately returned. 

Zoning Meeting Today

     The City of La Follette Board of Zoning Appeals meets.  The board hosts a public hearing this afternoon at the La Follette Municipal Building on South Tennessee Avenue.  The hearing starts at 4:30 and is open to the public.  The reason for the public hearing is in regard to the rezoning of properties from R-2 Residential to C-3 Commercial located on corner properties of East Kentucky Avenue and South Cumberland Avenue.

Bluegrass on the way to Channel 12

     Bluegrass on the TV is coming to Channel 12 two weeks from tonight.  On Thursday, June 9 at 9:00, look for Carl and Mason Capps performing on WLAF-TV 12.  Mark your calendars for the Capps in concert “live” on the TV June 9. 

THP Checks DLs Today

     Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers are checking driver’s license.  Troopers have a license roadside checkpoint set up today on Highway 25W at Tussey Cut.  That’s near Drip Rock just north of Morley at the Highway 90 intersection.  Recognizing the danger present to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws in Tennessee. The THP has found these driver license roadside checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists. 

Sheriff Hosts Neighborhood Watch Tonight

        Another Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled.  Sheriff Robbie Goins and members of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department host the meeting tonight at 7:00 at the Davis Chapel Community Center.  The Neighborhood Watch meeting is open to everyone in particular those of you in the Davis Chapel and Coolidge communities.  A meth and litter presentation is also on the program.  For details, call the sheriff’s department at 423.562.7446. 

Word of Warning from JPD

      Here’s a word of warning from Jacksboro Police.  Because of an increase in break-ins, JPD Chief Danny Chapman urges you to watch out for your neighbors especially when they are away from home.  The chief encourages you to tell a neighbor or friend if you plan on being away for like the weekend or for vacation.  Chief Chapman adds that if you see any strange activity to please call 9-1-1. 

Free Meal Night

     It’s “free meal” night in La Follette.  The Trinity Baptist Church hosts this monthly event that is open to the public from 5:00 until 6:30 this evening.  Trinity is at the corner of South 12th and East Beech Streets.

Cougars Spring Game Friday

     The Orange and Blue game is set.  The spring football game for the Campbell Cougars is Friday at 9:00 a.m. at Pat Kerr Field on the CCHS campus.

Thursday Weather Has Strong Storm Potential

     Still hours away.  Though Thursday features a day of potentially strong to severe storms.  We'll follow the weather and keep you up-to-speed right here.

 Judge Says Young’s Firing Stands

     A judge rules David Young’s firing stands.  Young is the former administrator for the city of La Follette, who was fired in September 2009, and then sued the city.  And won.  However, according to reports in today’s edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel (05/24/2011), on Friday, the state Court of Appeals overturned Campbell County Chancellor Billy Joe White’s decision.  The court’s opinion is that the La Follette City Council had every right to fire Young in the wake of sexual harassment allegations by City Clerk Lynda White.  State Appellate Judge D. Michael Swiney writes that “Every salient fact in the record shows that La Follette had the right to terminate Young’s employment by a majority vote of the City Council.”  Swiney also wrote that “No public hearing, let alone a formal trail, was necessary for La Follette to remove Young as city administrator.”  Young could ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to weigh in, but he has no automatic right for such review.  The state’s High Court rarely grants discretionary appeals.  La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield tells 1450wlaf.com that given the ruling, the city will continue to use Cade Sexton as interim city administrator.  Sexton came onboard while Young’s legal action was pending.  Stanfield says that Cade’s done a great job and figures he would like to resume his retirement.  The mayor expects the city to begin looking for a fulltime replacement to fill the city administrator’s position within the next year.

 Former Principal Arraigned

     Former Jacksboro Elementary School Principal Sandra Chaniott was arraigned Monday morning (05/23/2011).  Chaniott appeared before Judge Shayne Sexton in Campbell County Criminal Court, and her attorney Rob Asbury entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf.  The long-time educator is charged with official misconduct and theft of property from $1,000 to $9,999. Chaniott was released on a five-thousand dollar bond.  A status hearing date of June 20, 2011, is set.  It was March 17, 2011, when Chaniott was removed as principal at JES. 

Later School Start Date’s On-Hold

     Talk of pushing back the start date for school is put on-hold. Earlier in May, State Representative Dennis Powers told 1450wlaf.com that the education committee passed a bill that will require the school year to begin no earlier than the fourth Monday in August. However, that was about as far as it made it.  Powers is confident the later school start date will come back around in January.

National Safe Boating Week is May 21-27 

     Heading into the Memorial Holiday, it’s National Safe Boating Week. All across Tennessee and the nation, it’s the week to make sure you and your boat are ready for a safe boating season. U-S Coast Guard boating statistics show on-average that 80% of all reported fatalities occur on boats where the operator has not received safety training. Here in Tennessee, most boaters must have a "boater education card." Anyone born after January 1, 1989, must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam. No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law. And those born after January 1, 1989, must also take a TWRA classroom course. A helpful website on boating safety is http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/ 

Hoops for Hooks Goes Well 

     Family and friends say "Hoops for Hooks," the weekend fundraiser, went well. Two-year old Talan Hooks is battling an aggressive disease that will eventually take his life, but not even the thought of that dampened the latest fundraiser for the little man. A benefit basketball tournament held Saturday at Valley View School raised more than 36-hundred dollars. A telethon to help Talan and his family is coming up on Saturday night, June 4 from 7:00 until 10:00 on WLAF-TV 12.

Severe Weather Potential Today

     There's a slight risk of severe weather this afternoon.  Strong to potentially severe storms are possible today after 2:00 p.m.  The main threats are damaging winds, large hail, and cloud-to-ground lightning.  Stay connected here for the latest Campbell County weather information.

Mayes Interim CCHS Football Coach

     Chris Mayes is interim head football coach of the Campbell County High School Cougars.  Coach Mayes tells 1450wlaf.com that he’s accepted the position to help the Cougars through spring practice until a new head coach is hired.  Mayes served as an assistant coach for DeWayne Wells for seven seasons and is also the Cougars’ assistant baseball coach.  Mayes played football at West High School and baseball at Milligan College, and says the Cougars will be in full pads all week.  No spring game is planned.  Mayes' interim position came about after newly hired head coach Jerry Mynatt resigned unexpectedly on Monday, May 16.

                                             State Lawmakers Finish Early

     The state legislature wrapped up just before midnight Saturday.  In the process, the early wrap-up saved Tennessee taxpayers almost a half-million dollars.  State Representative Dennis Powers tells 1450wlaf.com that this is the earliest a session's finished in more than 10-years.  Powers joins us today at Noon on 1450wlaf.com, WLAF-TV 12, and on 1450 WLAF Radio with a re-cap of the week as well as a report on the entire year's legislative session.  Powers will be telling about new jobs that are headed to Campbell County.

 County Committee Meeting Tonight

     Budget and Finance meet this evening.  At 6:00, there’s a scheduled Budget and Finance Committee meeting set for the courthouse at Jacksboro. 

Makenzie’s Home in Caryville

     Makenzie’s home.  The past week has been a whirlwind for three-year old Makenzie Peavley.  The little girl from Caryville’s been to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and back.  In the meantime, Makenzie had 80-percent of her colon removed during surgery on Tuesday.  By Thursday, she was eating solid food, and by Saturday, she was back home in Campbell County.  Test results from Makenzie’s surgery are due back in about a month at which time she’ll learn if she has Crohn’s Disease or Colitis.  Doctors have been treating her as if it is Colitis.  Makenzie’s doctors say she is doing much better than expected, and that she could face more extensive surgery before the year is out.  Makenzie’s grandmother, Samantha Peavley, expresses appreciation for all the thoughts and prayers.  You may follow Makenzie on Facebook at ”Praying for Makenzie.”

May 17th Special for WLAF


     
    You and your stories made the day for the old radio station.  May 17th, marked WLAF's 58th birthday, and the turnout Tuesday afternoon was very touching.  In addition to the station's birthday, it was also a day for recognizing and honoring long-time announcer Harold Branam.  SOT Several hundred of WLAF and Harold's closest friends turned out on what felt like a winter's day at the former Lee Ford lot in La Follette. 

 Mayor Mike Stanfield kicked off the afternoon proclaiming May 17, 2011, as Harold Branam Day. 

R & R along with Carl and Mason Capps entertained with great songs.  And there were lots of stories including Charlie Woods recounting his work as a teenager helping carry in equipment when WLAF was building its studio in the Piedmont Hotel in 1953.  WLAF's owner and general manager, Bill Waddell, expresses his thanks and appreciation to the station's friends, you the listener.

Community Loses Businessman, Friend

     "We were the best of friends."  That's how Jack Reynolds with Peoples Bank of the South describes his relationship with Carlock Myers.  Myers, a well known businessman, real estate developer, and petroleum business operator, died late Thursday night at his home after a lengthy illness.  Reynolds quickly calls Myers "his buddy" dating all the way back to their school days at La Follette High.  Myers may best be known for his event barn called "The Stables."  "We ate lunch together two, three, sometimes four times a week," Reynolds says.  He remembers as far back as school that Myers was always anxious to work, and that when he got an idea, he put it into action.  Reynolds says, "Carlock would get right on a project without delay."  Aside from all of Myers' success as a businessman and community leader, Jack Reynolds quietly says, "I'll miss his friendship most."  The complete obituary is found at the link in the upper left side of this page.  Carlock Myers was 82 years old.

     Local Businessman Dies

     A La Follette businessman passes.  Those close to Carlock Myers tell 1450wlaf.com that the highly successful businessman died around 10:00 last night at his home.  Myers may best be known by most as the owner of "The Stables," located up the valley.  Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later here on 1450wlaf.com by Walters Funeral Home.

The Well Known Victor Jennings Dies

     Victor Jennings took a turn for the worse Tuesday afternoon. Friends of Victor tell 1450wlaf.com that it appeared he was improving since being upgraded to serious condition on Monday. However, Jennings experienced complications around 3:00 o'clock yesteday and passed away at UT Medical Center. Last Thursday night, friends say he experienced what they term as some sort of medical event causing him to crash the truck he was driving into a utility pole just east of Terry's Pharmacy in La Follette. Later that evening, Jennings was sent by LifeStar to UT Medical Center. The well known Victor Jennings was the long time radio voice of Campbell County High School football and basketball and the younger brother of former La Follette Mayor Cliff Jennings. 

RAM’s Clinton Clinic’s This Weekend

RAM’s back in our area this weekend.  Remote Area Medical’s next clinic is close to home.  Clinton.  If you are in need of vision, dental, or medical care, Saturday (04/30/2011) and Sunday (05/01/2011) at First Baptist Church in Clinton offer you a chance to be treated for free.  The staff at RAM reminds you to arrive early, and that lines can be long and start early in the morning.  Doors open at 6:00 a.m., and patients are seen on a first-come, first served basis.  Another RAM reminder is to be prepared for rain and cool weather and to bring along snacks.  And even after you are registered, there will likely be a long wait until you see a doctor.  First Baptist Church is on Main Street in Clinton.

Time for Rabies Shots

     Rain or shine, rabies clinics are this weekend.  State law requires current rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats over three months of age.  A one-year vaccine is $10, and it’s cash only.  Here’s where you may take your dog and/or cat for a rabies vaccination.  On Saturday, April 30, the clinics will be held at West La Follette School from 1:30 until 2:00, Valley View School 2:30 ‘til 3:00, and then at Jacksboro Elementary School from 3:30 until 4:00.  There is also a vaccination time for Ridgewood School from 4:15 until 4:30.  All dogs are to be on leashes and cats in pillowcases.  All pets should be accompanied by an adult.  The three-year vaccinations are also available.  For more information or to report any potential rabies problem, please call the Campbell County Health Department at 423.562.8351.

Hear Powers Here Today at Noon

     It's time for an update from Nashville.  State Representative Dennis Powers' early week report airs today (04/26/2011) at Noon here on 1450wlaf.com.

PNB Surveillance Video Further Down the Page

A Week Later, Bank Robbery Investigation Continues

     It’s been a week since the robbery at Peoples Bank, and the investigation continues this morning.  No arrests have been made.  However, La Follette Chief of Police Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that his department along with the F.B.I. continues following leads and taking tips.  Jeffries said last week that he’d received several phone calls of leads and tips and continues encouraging anyone who might have any information to get in touch with L.P.D.  The number for the La Follette Police Department is 423.562.8331.  At approximately 9:30 last Monday morning (04/18/2011), the suspect entered the People’s Bank of the South located at 2300 Jacksboro Pike near Woodson Mall here in LaFollette, displayed a black semi-automatic pistol and verbally demanded money.  Witnesses describe the suspect as a white male, in his 40s, with a very slender build, approximately 6’ tall, and weighing approximately 150 pounds.  The tip line again is 423.562.8331.

JMS Hosts "Relay for Life" May 6 at 6:00 p.m.

"Relay for Life" is Less than Two Weeks Away

     If you like walking or having a fun time with friends, you’ve got to try this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life. It’s an all-night, action-packed event to fight cancer. The event is held at Jacksboro Middle School on May 6th starting at 6:00 pm.  Come join the fun!  Visit relayforlife.org.

City Council Workshop Tonight

     It’s workshop night for the City of La Follette.  Up for discussion this evening… for the recreation center new doors for the gym, for the fire department, the list of purchases to be taken from the Capital Outlay Note, and also up for discussion, the re-bidding of heating and air units for the library.  Discussions surrounding the police department include the hiring of Brian Tiller as a fulltime policeman with benefits with a starting salary of 26-thousand dollars and a starting date of May 7.  Council will also talk about appointing Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries to hire a narcotics officer for the position that was approved at the regular council meeting in April.  This evening’s workshop begins at 6:00 at the La Follette Municipal Building.

Beautiful Easter in Campbell County

     Easter sunrise services conclude to a sunny backdrop.  From La Follette to McCloud's Mountain from Jellico to Jacksboro, it was a near perfect opening to Easter during many area sunrise services.  Temperatures as well as a mostly clear sky could not have been any more cooperative by the time Sunday morning's 6:52 a.m. sunrise came around.  Thousands attended morning services around Campbell County and several churches featured Sunday morning musicals.  The First Baptist Church of La Follette performed its Easter special live Sunday morning on 1450wlaf.com.  By most accounts, Easter came late this year.  However, next year brings another April Easter though some 16 days earlier on April the 8th.

It’s Spring Break Week

     It’s Spring break week for Campbell County students, teachers, and staff.  Friday signaled the first day of the break for students, and today the break begins for teachers and staff members.  The annual week away from school comes later than in most years given TCAP testing dates and a later than usual Easter.  When classes begin next week, only four weeks of school remain.

Boomer's Corner is Open for Reading

     The latest from our resident master, Charles Winfrey, is ready for your reading enjoyment.  Sit back.  Relax.  And enjoy the latest "Boomer's Corner."

 

La Follette Sears Receives National Recognition

     A Campbell County business receives national recognition.  The Sears Hometown Store in Woodson Mall is named a 2011 Sears Hometown Store “Premier Dealer.”  Sears in La Follette is locally owned and operated by Linda Morris.  Morris explains that this annual award recognizes Sears stores nationwide that consistently offer the greatest customer service, outstanding performance and standards.  She says that exceptional community involvement is also a key component.  Morris adds that her Sears Hometown Store was the only one out of 190 locations around the country to receive national recognition.

                                           C-S-I Campbell County is a Success

            It’s been a very successful week for one Campbell County High School class.  Amy Hammock’s Criminal Justice Class just finished a three-day C-S-I state competition at Chattanooga.  And the results are in… second place in the state for the outstanding efforts from this group from CCHS.  The three-man team finished first in the regionals back in February qualifying for a run at the state title.  Seniors Logan Hammac, Olivia Hembree, and Garret Hatmaker spent three days investigating a mock murder scene.  Hammock specializes in sketching while Hembree is best at documentation, and Hatmaker showcases his photography skills.  The CCHS trio competed with nine other teams from across Tennessee.  Thursday was job fair day at the high school.  Students spent time visiting with local businesses, schools, and organizations.  The guests ranged from La Follette Utilities to the Tennessee Technology Center to the La Follette Rescue Squad.  And, yes, even the old radio station was on hand to chat with students to talk radio, TV, and the web.

THP Driver License Checkpoints Today & Saturday 

            The Tennessee Highway Patrol conducts roadside checkpoints today and tomorrow.  Today, officers will set up a driver license safety checkpoint in La Follette on South Fourth Street at East Hemlock.  That’s near the Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in East La Follette.  Then on Saturday, Troopers will be stationed on Long Hollow Road at the Long Hollow Church near Davis Chapel Road.  Recognizing the danger present to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws in Tennessee.  The THP has found these driver license roadside checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists. 

Campbell Cancer Association

Donations and fulfilled pledges keep coming.  Clarence Lowe with the Campbell County Cancer Association tells 1450 WLAF that the total keeps increasing.  The treasurer explains that the total now exceeds 22-thousand dollars.  Lowe adds that if you would like to make a donation or drop off your pledge, you may do so at the Association office in the West La Follette School.  Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 until 1:00.  For more information or for assistance from the Campbell County Cancer Association, call 423.562.2246.

CCSD Closes Down a Meth Lab on Wheels

     A Campbell County officer puts the brakes on a rolling meth lab.  Officials with the CCSO tell 1450wlaf.com that around 3:00 Wednesday afternoon, Officer Darrell Mongar pulled over a vehicle on the four lane in front of the former Big George's.  As it turned out, Mongar stopped a rolling meth lab that was in full operation.  The cookers were taken to the county jail, and Mongar, along with several other officers, spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up the site.
  The CCSO report indicates that the trio of meth makers is comprised of 48-year old Billy Ray Bunch of Lake City, 21-year old Lauren Ashley Jones, and 25-year old William Leander Salyers, both of Salyers Lane in La Follette.

  Hollywood Comes to Campbell County

   Hollywood comes to Campbell County.  In fact, a Hollywood star and Tennessee’s biggest Vols’ fan,all rolled into one person, is coming to La Follette next week in the form of David Keith.  The Campbell County Children’s Center brings Keith to town for its annual “Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon.”  And you’re invited David Keith, who makes his home in Knoxville these days, is known for several memorable rolls.  Keith starred in “An Officer & a Gentleman,” Men of Honor,” and Behind Enemy Lines” on the big screen.  On television, he’s recently been seen on C-S-I Miami and N-C-I-S.  Born in Knoxville, and a graduate of UT, he owns a cattle ranch in Tellico Plains and serves on the National Advisory Board for the National Association to Protect Children.  Tickets to see, hear, and meet David Keith are $ 25 each and are available by calling the Campbell County Children’s Center at 423.562.4190.  The luncheon is Friday, April 29th at Noon at the La Follette Church of God.  All proceeds benefit the Campbell County Children’s Center Building Fund.

 Driver License Roadside Safety Checkpoints

             The Tennessee Highway Patrol conducts roadside checkpoints this week.  On Friday, officers will set up a driver license safety checkpoint in La Follette on South Fourth Street at East Hemlock.  That’s near the Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in East La Follette.  Then on Saturday, Troopers will be stationed on Long Hollow Road at the Long Hollow Church near Davis Chapel Road.  Recognizing the danger present to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws in Tennessee.  The THP has found these driver license roadside checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuing the protection of all motorists. 

La Follette’s Younce Maintains State Post

            Campbell County continues to have a voice on the state election commission.  In a joint session of the House and Senate this week, Kent Younce was voted to return to serve on the new Tennessee State Election Commission.  Younce just wrapped up a two-year stint after being voted-in back in 2009 when the commission expanded from 5 to 7 members.  This time around, Younce’s term runs for four years lasting until 2015.  Part of his duties is to appoint local election commissioners.  Younce, who lives in La Follette, oversees 24 counties, including Campbell.

La Follette Loses Its 2nd Carden Brother This Year

     La Follette loses another longtime leader.  Robert “Bob” Carden died Tuesday at Mercy Medical Center in Knoxville.  Carden was an educator in Campbell County for more than 30-years, and may best be remembered as principal of the old junior high when it was on West Central Avenue next to First Baptist Church.  Even though the one-time principal devoted his career to education, he also earned a law degree from the University of Tennessee.  One of Carden’s brothers, Joe, died earlier this year.  Carden’s complete obituary is listed at the 1450wlaf.com Obituary link.  Bob Carden was 84-years old.

Authorities Continue Working Monday's Bank Robbery Case

     The follow-ups continue.  La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that he and his department continue working leads and tips this morning following Monday's robbing of the Peoples Bank of the South "Ridenour Lane" branch.  Chief Jeffries says that many tips have been called in, and that, if you have any information, you are encouraged to call LPD at 423.562.8331.  See the complete description of the robber along with the full story and surveillance video from inside the bank further down this page.

Powers Co-Sponsors Meth Legislation

     Another step in the fight against meth is taken.  Strong legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Dennis Powers to stop the scourge of meth in Tennessee advances in the House Health & Human Resources Committee.  The bill requires all pharmacies to log the sale of products made from pseudoephedrine into an electronic tracking system.  Pseudoephedrine is the main component used by drug users to produce meth, a highly-addictive and destructive drug.

     The electronic database is known as the National Precursor Log Exchange. Additionally, the legislation strengthens penalties for drug charges. Should the bill pass, an individual arrested for meth production in the presence of a child under 8 years old will be classified as a Class A felony while “smurfing” will now be classified a Class A misdemeanor.  Smurfing is when several buyers are sent to multiple locations to by pseudoephedrine products.

     The electronic database will not be funded by taxpayer dollars and, instead, will be paid for by the cold medicine manufacturers.

16 Days & Counting Until Relay for Life

     Relay for life is only 16 days away on May 6th.  And the events keep coming.

     Linda Kilgore’s State Farm Office will be holding a 2 day yard sale benefiting Relay 4 Life on Friday, April 22nd from 830-500 and Saturday, April 23rd from 9-12.  This will be held at the State Farm Office located next to Home Federal Bank.

     The Walmart Relay 4 Life Team will be selling Peanut Butter Easter Eggs and Coconut Easter Eggs as well as selling Hot Dog’s  from 10-2 on Saturday April 23rd at Walmart in LaFollette.

It's a "No Go" for the Lighthouse Lodge

County Commission says “no” to the Lighthouse Lodge & Convention Center. After seven years of on-again, off-again debate, the controversial Lighthouse Lodge & Convention Center near Norris Dam no longer has the official support of Campbell County government.

Despite the fact that the complicated funding plan for construction of the lodge never fell into place, the project continues to pop up on occasion, most recently in the current session of the State Legislature.

Monday night, Thomas Hatmaker asked fellow commissioners to approve a resolution that formally opposes the construction of the lodge on land granted by TVA to Norris Dam State Park. Previous commissions had voted support for the project, despite opposition from the state park, TVA, the Norris Lake Homeowners’ Association and various other groups.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow explained that the original proposal left Campbell County with no liability if the lodge failed to succeed as a business, but he added that the entire project depended on finding an institution willing to purchase the high-risk bonds.

Marlow pointed out. “We have heard nothing on this project since 2006, and the economy went into recession shortly after that.”

Following discussions during previous committee meetings, Mayor William Baird, County Attorney Joe Coker and Marlow drew up several questions that were sent to CTAS for clarification on the limits of taxpayer liability, but have not yet received a response.

Hatmaker insisted that there was no need to wait for an answer from CTAS, arguing, “Norris Dam is closing some of the cabins and motels in the area are at half capacity. There’s no demand for this lodge and no need to risk taxpayers’ dollars.

Although some commissioners voiced their opinions that the lodge could benefit the county if it is correct that taxpayers aren’t responsible for the cost, others shared Hatmaker’s skepticism. J. L. Davis quipped about the complex proposal for paying for the project.   “Sounds like a lot of manipulation, was Bernie Madoff involved?”

When the discussion ended, most commissioners supported Hatmaker’s motion, if for no other reason than to put a project that seems all but dead behind them once and for all. Only Bob Walden and David Adkins voted “no,” with the motion passing 12-2 amid a scattering of applause from the audience.

Robert Henson was again in attendance to debate the County Powers Act, but did not get the chance. Instead, the commission spent a considerable amount of time discussing new rules for public comment that are considerably more restrictive than in the past.

Mayor Baird proposed a set of rules based on other county commissions, to limit public comment to three minutes at either the commission workshop or regular meeting with those seeking to speak informing the mayor’s office five days in advance.

Sue Nance moved to table the discussion until the next workshop but that motion failed 10-2. Commissioners then added several amendments, expanding the comment period back to five minutes and giving citizens until the beginning of the workshop sessions to sign up to speak. The amended motion then passed 12-2 with only Nance and Beverly Hall voting against the motion.

The remainder of the meeting involved mostly routine business, as the commissioners unanimously passed a resolution honoring the late former commissioner Carl Baird, approved a swap-out of mobile homes with the school department and approved the bond for newly-appointed Director of Schools Donald Poston.

Finally, the commission voted to approve a funding plan to provide health insurance benefits for retired school department classified employees such as cooks and janitors until they qualify for Medicare benefits. All other county employees including teachers already have retiree insurance benefits.

FBI Knoxville News Release

 The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF), the LaFollette Police Department, and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office are searching for a suspect who robbed a People’s Bank of the South today (04/18/2011)

 The Knoxville division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Chief Jimmy Jeffries of the LaFollette Police Department (LPD), and Sheriff Robbie Goins of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the man who robbed a People’s Bank of the South today.

 At approximately 9:30 this morning, the suspect entered the People’s Bank of the South located at 2300 Jacksboro Pike in LaFollette, Tennessee, displayed a black semi-automatic pistol and verbally demanded money.  Witnesses describe the suspect as a white male, in his 40s, with a very slender build, approximately 6’ tall, and weighing approximately 150 pounds. The suspect was wearing a camouflage hoodie-style jacket with the hood up, and underneath the hood, the suspect was wearing a dark colored baseball hat. Additionally, suspect was wearing a black jacket over the hoodie.  Witnesses further describe the suspect as wearing black pants and a black glove on his left hand.

 After obtaining an undetermined amount of money, the suspect fled the scene on foot. A reward is being offered for any information which leads to the arrest of this individual.  Anyone with information is asked to please call the La Follette Police Department at 423.562.8331.  This matter is being investigated jointly by the FBI SSTF and LPD.

 All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

CORRECTION  Robber's Clothes Found On Roane State Campus  CORRECTION

     La Follette Police Chief Jimmy Jeffries tells 1450wlaf.com that even though a Roane State College security officer told 1450wlaf.com that the suspects' clothes were found on the RSCC Campbell County campus, it was a miscommunication within the RSCC security department.        Authorities say he will surface.  He, being the suspected bank robber, from this morning's hold-up at Peoples Bank of the South Ridenour Lane branch (across from Tindell's/Woodson Mall) will more than likely show up.  However, as of 2:00 o'clock this afternoon, officials have wrapped up this portion of the search.  A security officer with Roane State College tells 1450wlaf.com that most, if not all, of the suspects black clothing was found on the RSC Campbell County Campus, not far from the bank and within the initial marked off search area (from the bank stretching along the north side of the four-lane to the former Big Lots).  A person inside the bank tells 1450wlaf.com that the robbery suspect demanded money, was handed an undisclosed amount of money, and then ran from the bank on foot wearing the black clothing that he shed about a mile away on the Roane State campus.   The suspect is believed to be a white male around six-feet tall with a slender build.  The F.B.I. is on the scene and has closed the bank for the day.  No injuries were reported.  As a safety precaution, Roane State College, Calvary Christian Academy and Day Care, Jacksboro Elementary School, Jacksboro Middle School, and Campbell County High School were on lockdown for almost three hours.  Lockdowns have since been lifted.  

Robber is Armed and Still on the Loose

     We're into hour number four as the hunt continues for a man officials say is carrying a small caliber pistol.  It follows a 9:30 a.m. armed robbery at Peoples Bank of the South Ridenour Lane branch (across from Tindell's/Woodson Mall), local authorities are scouring an area on the north side of the four-lane.  The U.S. Marshall Service along with Anderson and Knox County officers have joined the hunt.  Officials tell 1450wlaf.com that lots of officers, along with canines, as well as air support from the Knox County Sheriff's Department Helicopter are working an area from the bank stretching all the way back to the old Big Lots building.  A person inside the bank tells 1450wlaf.com that the robbery suspect demanded money, was handed an undisclosed amount of money, and then ran from the bank on foot.   The suspect is believed to be a white male around six-feet tall with a slender build and is wearing all black including a mask.  The F.B.I. is on the scene and has closed the bank for the day.  No injuries were reported.  As a safety precaution, Roane State College, Calvary Christian Academy and Day Care, Jacksboro Elementary School, Jacksboro Middle School, and Campbell County High School are on lockdown.

Peoples Bank of the South Robbed - Three Schools on Lockdown

     An armed robber is on the loose.  Local authorities tell 1450wlaf.com that the Peoples Bank of the South Ridenour Lane (across from Tindell's/Woodson Mall) branch was held up by a lone robber just after 9:30 this morning (04/18/2011).  Officials say the man, wearing all black, left the bank on-foot, and that the search continues around the Ridenour Lane area.  As a result, Jacksboro Elementary School, Jacksboro Middle School, and Campbell County High School are on lockdown.

Donnie Poston is Campbell County's New DOS

     "I just want to find out where the keys are and where my desk is,” Donnie Poston exclaimed on Thursday evening in a little west side conference room off the main courtroom.  Donnie Poston is voted-in as the new director of schools for Campbell County.  Poston inked a two-year contract a handful of minutes after he was named the DOS on Thursday night. Before a standing room audience, Poston received seven votes with Johnny Byrge, Sarge Collins, and Eugene Lawson casting the only no votes.  Chairman Mike Orick explained that it took a super majority vote, seven votes, to declare a new DOS.  Voting was done in alphabetical order with Poston going first.  Poston’s first words to the media after signing the contract were, "I've listened to a lot of people, done a lot of praying. I feel strongly that these kids need all the attention given to them that all of us can give, and there's a lot of healing that needs to take place. There's a lot of relationship building that needs to take place. But we can make a difference in this county."  A busy "day one" is scheduled for Donnie Poston's first day on the job as the new director of schools. Poston says he understands there are interviews scheduled for today and decisions that need to be made in filling some of the positions vacated in the county. One such position is filling that of the head basketball coach of Campbell High as that interview process begins today.  Poston has been an educator for 39-years with 36 of those in school administration.  Most recently, he’s served as director and administrator of Christian Academy of Campbell County since oh-two.  Before that, he was Elementary Supervisor with the Campbell County School System for eight-years.  The largest portion of his 39 years was spent as principal of Valley View School for 19-years.  The two-year agreement pays Poston an annual base salary of $88,000 with bonus incentives for AYP, graduation rates, and attendance.  Poston is selected from a short list of three finalists, including Eunice Reynolds and Sharon Ridenour.  Three years ago, Poston finished second to Michael Martin who abruptly resigned under a cloud of controversy in October, and now Poston’s the county’s top educator reporting for work first thing this morning.

 

 

 














The State General election and Local elections for city will be held on November the 2nd. The last day to register to vote in the November election, is October 4th 2010
Early voting begins Wednesday, October 13 and ends Thursday, October 28

Below are the candidates for the city elections

La Follette City Council
Joe Bolinger
Jay Huddleston
Stephanie Grimm
Scott Kitts
Wayne Gregg
(5 running, only 2 will be elected)

Caryville City Council
Ward 1: Vickie Heatherly
(2 year term running unopposed)
Ward 1: Chris Stanley
(4 year term running unopposed
Ward 2: David Eric Smith
              Michael F. Miller
Ward 3: Mark Stanley
(running unopposed)

Jellico Mayor
Ramona Ivey
Tim Huckaby
Jeff Partin
John Lewis
Michael P. Johnson
Les Stiers

Jellico Alderman
Pamela Scarbough
Venitta Johnson
Tommy R. Bowlin
John Davenport
Alvin Evans
Charles Vermillion
Cecil LeForce