Sheriff Jones for mayor? Possibly

Word traveling around the City County Building is that Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones is contemplating a run for the county mayoral post.

Jones is term-limited and cannot run for sheriff again. He can, however, run for mayor. Incumbent Mayor Tim Burchett also is term-limited.

As it stands, county commissioners Bob Thomas and Brad Anders, and local GOP Chairman Buddy Burkhardt, who works for the sheriff's office, are set to square off in the May 2018 Republican primary.

If Jones does decide to run, expect an announcement in the next couple of months.

Commish candidate Ashley fires first shot in campaign against Anders

John Ashley, who is running for County Commission to represent the Northwest Knox, Hardin Valley, and Karns areas against 6th District Commissioner Brad Anders, sent out a release on Friday.

I talked to him briefly. He's a Knoxville native, married with two children. He's 36, works for a payroll company, and said he wanted to run because he doesn't think "we have proper representation for someone listening to the community."

He said Brad has his own agenda and it's "time for someone to step up and listen to what the community wants."

"We're being too reactive - we need someone who will make decisions and not pass on votes."

 

In his press release, he noted a reprimand Brad received back in the summer of 2013, but then asked me not to include it to; instead, he wanted to focus on more current issues. Er, OK.

Here's the rest of the release.

Then this year (2015) alone two instances have come up to question the current commissioner’s decision-making abilities.  Elected officials are put into office to make tough decisions on issues that are facing our county.  They are elected to make those tough decisions.  

The rezoning proposal was dismissed before anyone could take a stance, given the opportunity I would have taken a stance to stop the rezoning.  The dismissal was wrong and done without the communities input.   There was no strategic plan for the placement of the proposed building to be built.  I believe as a leader you step up and take your place when something is not right.   

More recently the Knox County E-911 Board has spent nearly $40,000 on a study that concluded the $8.9 million proposal by the Harris Corp., which was recommended by the board and a private consulting group appointed by the board. Your commissioner declined to vote because he didn’t feel the initial bidding process was “clean”. We are spending our tax dollars for a decision to be made.

I think it is time we start getting some accountability and answers to these questions. What really happened in 2013? Where does the current County Commissioner stand if the rezoning issue arises again?  What will he do when it comes time to vote again on the 911 communication issue and the same result is the Harris Corp. recommendation?

The rezoning John mentioned was tied to the proposed land swap at Nicholas Ball Park that would have potentially led to a new Walmart.

I'm not sure what he's complaining about. The deal is dead.

In regards to the E-911 board vote, yeah, Brad is going to be answering that one for a long time to come.

Anyhoo, send me your political/election stuff for publication consideration.

I'm out.

E-911 Board declines radio contract

The Knox County E-911 Board on Monday declined to sign off on an almost $9 million contract to replace the county's antiquated emergency radio system. Again.

The 11-member board voted 5-5. Panel member Brad Anders, who is also a Knox County commissioner, declined to vote, saying he didn't feel the initial bidding process was "clean."

Now, the board is expected to start the whole process over when it meets again in January.

At issue was months of debate that started when a selection committee picked Harris Communications and then the board refused to award the company an almost $9 million contract.

Instead, a number of members suggested the county should stick with Motorola Solutions, which has served the E-911 Center for more than 25 years.

Then members started talking about joining a state-operated system.

The board in mid-September agreed to pay Blue Wing almost $40,000 to determine the best direction to take the system.

The review concluded that the state option is at least $934,467 more costly during the course of the systems’ 11-year life cycles.

Further, the report noted, the county would not charge a radio system user fee of $28 per radio, per month, under the state system.

The lost revenue during the lifecycle adds up to almost $2 million.

Officials with Motorola Solutions - the equipment the state system uses - disputed much of the findings and said Harris actually would cost more money. In a handout provided to board members, Motorola questioned why the county wouldn't charge a user fee, and suggested that the Blue Wing report was tainted because it used "incorrect data and left out additional costs."

In the end, the vote to hire Harris failed.

Board members Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, E-911 Board Chairwoman Linda Murawski, Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, and Knoxville Fire Chief Stan Sharp voted in favor of the proposal.

Board members Ken Knight, Russell Frazier, Bill Cole, Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones and Daron Long voted against Harris.

Jones, an advocate of joining the state system, said it is "the wave of the future," and that "if we do this standalone it seems to me we're an island in the middle of the ocean."

He also said he didn't want "a blue light special."

"These men and women are putting their lives on the line every day," he added.

Shortly after the vote, the board quickly adjourned without talking about the next step. Members, though, said they expect some discussion during the next meeting, which is in January. At that point, the board will probably restart the bidding process, Burchett said.

"We'll follow the process and that end result is what we'll have," he said.

Anders, who declined to vote, said he was concerned that prior to the bidding process,  E-911 Center Executive Director Bob Coker met with Harris officials to talk about sole sourcing the project. He questioned the transparency of such a move. He wants what he called a "clean" process the next time.

Early look at Commish chair vote

Dave Wright

The Knox County Commission will meet Sept. 1 to reorganize its board, appointing committees and naming a chair and vice chair.

At this point it appears that current vice Chairman Dave Wright will be nominated to lead the 11-person board. Current chairman Brad Anders, who has held the gig for two years, said he won’t seek it, nor does he plan to seek the vice chair seat, which he’s also held in the past.

I’ve heard from a couple of commissioners that Bob Thomas might be nominated, although I've also heard that he's not actively/personally seeking the seat (Hey, the guy has a big 2018 mayoral campaign he’s got to launch).

Typically, though, commissioners like to see a choice, so expect someone, if not Thomas, to get a nomination.

I suspect if the vote was taken to day, Dave would get it. Folks on the board do like Bob, but I know some commissioners last year promised Dave their vote this time around so I think the numbers weigh in his favor.

As for vice chairman, the only name I’ve heard at this point is Randy Smith. Last year, Amy Broyles threw her name in. I don't see if happening this time around. She's missed way too many meetings.

Bob Thomas

Dave, who represents East Knox County, is up for re-election next year, so leading the board would look good going into a campaign. That said, I don’t believe Dave will muster a serious challenger. (Thomas, who holds an at-large seat, won office last year.)

All this said, we’re still a little

The 11-member board selects the chair and vice chair seats during its annual reorganizational meeting, which typically takes place in early September each year.

The seats are generally symbolic, although the chairman runs the commission meetings and sets the monthly agenda. He or she also oversees the board's three-member staff, determines how the board's public meetings will be handled, and often serves as the liaison between the public and the board.

The chair by default also serves on a number of boards, including the Great Schools Partnership and usually the pension board.

Commissioners can hold the seat twice during a term.

The vice chair carries out the chair's duties when he or she is not available and helps run board meetings.

Broyles seeks commish vice chair

Broyles (Photo: KNS)

Later today, the 11-member Knox County Commission will pick a chair to lead the board. In addition, members will pick a vice chair.

At this point, current chairman Brad Anders will more than likely take on Dave Wright for the gig. I expect a close on here, but I think Brad will eek it out with a 6-5 vote.

Also, Amy Broyles has thrown her name in the pot for the vice chair.

She made the official announcement over at the board's online forum:

After serving the past six years on Commission, I feel I am well qualified to serve you in this capacity. I have served on almost every committee of the Commission, and have served as Chair or Vice-Chair of many. I have also represented the Commission on several outside boards and committees. I am well versed in the rules and procedures of the Knox County Commission, and am studying to become a certified parliamentarian.

For those who have worked with me, you know that I am not overly influenced by any individual or group; I take each issue individually and on it's own merits. I also have a reputation for doing extensive research on the matters before us and reaching out to the constituency I serve - regardless of party affiliation or position - as well as to my colleagues on Commission, not only as fellow Commissioners, but also as individuals. My particular skills are in coalition-building and collaborative problem-solving, encouraging fair and open communication and seeking a win-win for all sides in a difficult situation.

I have also spent the past few years delving deeply into the study of leadership (good and bad) and have observed both at close range. I am also a graduate of the highly competitive National Association of Counties Leadership Institute, for which only 5 individuals from Tennessee have ever been accepted. I have served on National Boards as well as local ones. In short, I feel I have a great deal to offer you in this position.

You can read the rest, RIGHT SMACK HERE.

Work to begin on Karns senior center

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County Commission Chairman Brad Anders and others will break ground at the site of the soon-to-be constructed Karns Senior Center on Wednesday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m, according to a news release.

The center will be located on the Knox County Sportspark property at 8050 Oak Ridge Highway at the intersection with Karns Valley Drive.

The 8,000-square-foot center is expected to cost $1.2 million.

State weighs in on Kincannon BOE seat; timing will be everything

Indya Kincannon

The state’s top election official has weighed in on the upcoming vacancy on the Knox County Board of Education, and timing is everything.

Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins said if the Knox County Commission accepts school board member Indya Kincannon’s resignation by Sept. 5, then the seat will appear on the November ballot.

Otherwise, it will appear on the August 2016 ballot.

Goins, in a letter sent to the Knox County Election Commission on Friday, notes that once the commission accepts the resignation, it is binding and cannot be withdrawn.

The Sept. 5 date is tied to the state’s “60-day rule,” which gives candidates sufficient time to qualify for a race.

Goins letter RIGHT SMACK HERE.

Earlier this week, Kincannon, who is in her third term on the school board, announced that she will step down Aug. 6 to accompany her family to Slovenia where her husband was recently awarded a Fullbright U.S. Scholar grant.

She has served the 2^nd District since 2004.

At this point, the Knox County Commission is expected to appoint someone to take over for her.

Further, the commission more than likely will accept her resignation by August, thus setting the stage for a Nov. 4 election, said commission Chairman Brad Anders.

The commission has a July voting meeting set for the 28^th and an August one set for the 25^th. During one of those meetings, members are expected to accept Kincannon’s resignation and appoint her replacement.

On a side note, there's already been a couple folks who have called commissioners and expressed interest in the seat. Traditionally, the board doesn't appoint folks who want to run for the position later on.

We'll see.

County budget facing $3 million hit; school system could experience cuts

The Knox County School system will get $2.9 million less than it initially expected in state funding, according to new estimates.

That now means Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett has to either revise his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year or find more money to fill the gap.

He said Wednesday that his staff is looking over the numbers and didn’t elaborate. In the past, he has said the county would fund only a revenue-neutral budget for the school system.

According to new estimates, funding from the Basic Education Program dropped $2.9 million because of lower than expected revenues to an overall $176.67 million.

Other school system also will see a decrease.

State BEP funding along with revenues from property and sales taxes make up the brunt of the school system’s budget.

This year, Burchett proposed an overall $730 million spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which included $427.8 million to cover the school system’s portion.

That could now change.

“The mayor will propose an amendment and we’ll have to figure it out from there,” Knox County 

Commission Chairman Brad Anders said. “To add back the money you will need a revenue source and we don’t know where that revenue source would be until we have more discussions.”

The Knox County Commission on Monday will talk about the mayor’s budget. The school board and the commission will also hold a joint work session on Tuesday to talk more about it.

The school system already was already expected to ask the commission to increase the mayor’s spending plan by additional $4.55 million, which they initially requested to cover a 1.8 percent raise for teachers.

The commission will vote on the overall plan on May 27.

Commish-BOE retreat to talk budget

Knox County commissioners and school board members will meet next Tuesday to talk about the mayor’s proposed spending plan.

The work session, which will be held at Ijams Nature Center on Island Home Avenue, is open to the public and starts at 5:30 p.m.

It will come a day after the commission plans to hold its own public meeting to talk about Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Commission Chairman Brad Anders said the meeting stems from an agreement made earlier this year between the two boards that they would get together more often to talk about county finances.

He said this one focuses on the budget and gives each side a chance to fire off questions.

Anders and school board member Lynne Fugate will moderate.

The commission will vote on the budget on May 27.

School board members during the joint work session are expected to ask the commission to increase the mayor’s spending plan by additional $4.55 million, which they initially requested to cover a 1.8 percent raise for teachers.

Earlier this month, the mayor unveiled his proposed plan, a $730 million budget that gave the school board everything it asked for that would keep it revenue neutral. He said the additional $4.55 million would require dipping into the reserves, something he’s not going to do.

Expect the commission to stick by him. He’s got his six votes.

Board to talk about hiring lobbyist

Amy Broyles

The Knox County Commission during its work session in a couple of weeks will talk about whether the board needs to hire a lobbyist to keep it informed of the comings and goings in Nashville.

The proposal, spearheaded by Commissioner Amy Broyles, is designed to make officials more aware of laws that can affect local governments. Broyles said the position would probably earn $30,000 to $40,000 annually.

“There’s so much stuff going on in the state that’s affecting local government and there’s a lot to keep up with,” she said. “If we had a lobbyist who was an employee of the commission they could keep us up to date on the issues going on at the state level.”

Broyles said years ago the county had one, but it caused problems when the administration and the commission didn’t agree on an issue. (This person, by the way, would work only for the commission.)

suggested that the proposal probably wouldn’t pass.

“There are some people on the commission who want to be better informed and there are some who are fine with the way things are,” she said, adding that maybe someone would have a better idea.

“That’s fine with me but I want to feel like we’re doing everything we can,” she said.

Commission Chairman Brad Anders said he, too, would like to bring in a lobbyist, but only under certain conditions.

“It would have to be a monitoring contract – not a heavy contract – but something to monitor the bills going forward and how they affect county government,” he said.

Anders, though, added that the proposal would have to be given to Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett to include in his annual budget, and it’s probably too late to do that for this year.

Speaking of Burchett, I asked him about the proposal and, as expected, he was against it.

He said to get a decent lobbyist "you have to get into at least the $40,000 range or you'll end up failing."

"You can pay your third cousin $20,000 but they'll probably spend it in some bar in Nashville and you'll never know what's going on," he added

Officials looking into whether Commish Vice Chair violated policy

UPDATE: Smith says he did nothing wrong.

Knox County Commission Chairman Brad Anders this morning asked the law department to look into whether the board’s vice chairman, R. Larry Smith violated any county ethics policy when he asked a county employee to email a release to fellow commissioners and the media Tuesday afternoon to “discuss the upcoming school board race.”

The discussion will take place today at a 10 a.m. “press conference” at the 640 Building on Greenway Drive.

In the release, which was on county letterhead, Smith noted that “concerned citizens are encouraged to attend.” He did not go into details.

He asked Jolie Bonavita, who works in the commission’s office, to email the release to officials and the media. Smith, by virtue of his position on the board, is technically Bonavita’s boss.

Smith, who is term-limited as a commissioner, is a candidate in the District 7 Board of Education race and is expected to challenge Andrew Graybeal and Patti Lou Bounds in the non-partisan May primary.

Other county officials say they do not use county supplies to discuss their campaigns.

For example, County Mayor Tim Burchett on Monday used his own personal Facebook page to announce that he would no longer accept campaign contributions. Burchett will not face a challenger in his re-election bid.

When a reporter called county Communications Manager Michael Grider to talk about the announcement, Grider forwarded him to the mayor.

Grider said he would not discuss campaign-related issues during county time.

“We play it safe - we never come close to that line,” Burchett said.

Commissioner Smith says pretty much nothing about disparaging remarks

Knox County Commission Vice Chairman R. Larry Smith sort of issued an apology to fellow board member Amy Broyles tonight. He kind of muttered something anyway.

(For the background, click right smack here.)

I tried to get clarification from him, but he ran like a chicken (bawk, bawk, bawk), first to the bathroom, then to his cell phone, then to a group of people (who ignored him) before finally stopping and saying “not to you,” when I asked if he’d comment.

Heh.

Later he told another reporter that he’d make a comment about his weak apology and the disparaging remarks he made about women’s issues. But, only out of earshot of me! 

That’s funny.  

But, look, if you don’t want to tell me why you hate or don't hate women, that’s cool. I don’t care. It makes my job waaaay easier to say “declined to comment.”

But, maybe you can answer the almost 30 people who emailed the commission office about the comments. (Right smack here for the emails. Heh.)

Whatever.

The board next Monday will take up the matter of commission travel. R. Larry, who proposed it, didn’t want to talk about it tonight. He wanted to wait until Commission Chairman Brad Anders was there. 

That’s kind of funny.

Awhile back, Anders asked to move a commission meeting because he knew he would be able to attend. Smith sent an email to the commissioners, saying that it would be the job of the vice chairman to take over.

Guess that’s not the case anymore.

Court clerk facing more challenges

Yesterday evening (and before anyone else - heh), we put out our latest story into the investigation of the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk's Office, one that touches on department head Joy McCroskey's frequent absenteeism, County Commissioner Mike Hammond's political bid to challenge her, and commission Chairman Brad Anders' request that she attend Monday's board meeting.

The story also includes a timeline of the WBIR investigation. You can find the bad a$$ report, right smack here.

I did want to note that with all the recent reporting, it should be pointed out that the office, which includes Sessions Court, Fourth Circuit Court and Criminal Court, does have some good employees in it. I think that often gets lost. Now, I'm not sure if they're too fond of the media right now, but my experience with the employees has always been positive, and the folks who were there have always been pleasant.

I do, however, think that there are a number of employees who do need more training. I think some have been thrown into new jobs and are expected to know everything right away. The office also needs an upgrade, at least into the 1990s. I think I saw a stone tablet and chisel the last time I was done there.

Commission to address CTAS bonuses

Knox County Commission Vice Chairman R. Larry Smith wants the county to cut its bonus payment program for employees who complete the state's certified public administrator training initiative.

Instead, he added, employees should receive bonuses based on promotions – not completing educational coursework.

"Constituents are telling me that they don't want to pay these bonuses just because they took a two-day refresher course when they, themselves, take continuing education," Smith said. "Look, I don't mind if the county pays them to take the course, but the problem I have is that some businesses pay people to take continuing education but they sure don't give them a bonus."

The commission is expected to address the matter during its October 21 work session.

"I don't know if I've formed an opinion about it yet," said commission Chairman Brad Anders. "I think on one hand that it sounds excessive, but what concerns me is that the commission would tell another completely separate officeholder what they can do with their payroll."

You can read the complete bad a$$ story right smack here.

County to seek new internal auditor

The Knox County Audit Committee on Tuesday in a 4-0 vote recommended to the Knox County Commission that the county should hire a new internal auditor and not outsource the position to a private company.

The move comes a couple of weeks after officials offered former auditor Richard Walls a severance package that included about $31,000 and medical coverage for 18 months. Walls’s last day on the job was Sept. 3.

The commission is expected to talk more about the audit committee’s recommendation later this month. Officials then are expected to advertise the job posting. From there, the county’s human resources department will select three candidates who will interview before the audit committee.

The county commission will make the final decision.

Officials during Tuesday’s meeting talked briefly about the position, but said they still want to collect more data.

For now, though, officials said they would like someone who has at least six years of experience, a college degree, and “appropriate certification.”

Additionally, Commissioner Amy Broyles, a committee member, said officials will “still need to talk about what expectations we want in place and whether they staff the office to meet those expectations.”

The internal audit department, which reports directly to the County Commission, operates on $257,000 a year and has three employees, although it’s short-staffed by one since Walls stepped down.

Commission Chairman Brad Anders said the two employees will keep their jobs, and help run the office.

Anders added that he also wants officials to annually review the new internal auditor, something that wasn’t done with Walls.

“I want a more clear path for the incoming auditor, so we don’t get where we are today,” he said

Audit Committee Chairman Joe Carcello also suggested that county increase the pay for the position. Walls earned $92,700 annually.

The Audit Committee, in a 4-1 vote, on July 9 initially recommended firing Walls. Only Mary Kiser, who resined in the wake of the decision, dissented.

Committee members called Wall’s work “limited” and said he only conducted three audits last year. Kiser, though, said the accusations were unfair and that Walls was never given a chance to defend himself. She also pointed out that his last review came in 2009, so the panel held some culpability, since it didn't provide him better feedback.

Last month the County Commission opted not to fire Walls and instead offer him a buy-out package, so long as he didn’t seek legal action against the county.

Knox School board picks new chair

The Knox County School Board unanimously picked Lynne Fugate to serve as its chair for the next year, and Gloria Deathridge to serve as vice chair.

Fugate replaces Karen Carson.

I'm not really sure what this means. The commission just picked Brad Anders to lead it, and R. Larry Smith to serve as vice chair. Anders says he'll work a little more closely with the school board, but they all say that.

Heh.

We'll see. The Education Committee meets tomorrow.

Bring a book. Or pillow.

Anders to serve as commission chair

Brad Anders (by Dan Andrews)

Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders was picked Tuesday in a close vote to serve as commission chairman, a position he sought this time last year and narrowly lost.

He’ll replace Tony Norman, who stepped down from the spot but will continue to serve as a commissioner.

Anders, who will wield the gavel for the next 12 months, said one of his top priorities include reaching out to top leaders on the Knox County School Board “and try to have open dialogue and improve the public perception of ‘us against them.’”   

He added that he would continue holding monthly work session and monthly commission luncheons, which give officials a chance to meet with department heads and other local leaders to talk more about county business.

The board picked Anders over R. Larry Smith, the vice chairman for the past year, in a 6-4 vote during its annual reorganizational meeting.

Commissioners Sam McKenzie, Amy Broyles, Anders, Mike Brown, Mike Hammond and Ed Shouse   supported Anders. Commissioners Dave Wright, Jeff Ownby, Tony Norman, Smith and picked Smith.

Commissioner Richard Briggs, a surgeon, was out of town on a medical trip.

 “Brad is going to do a great job and I look forward to working with him,” said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.

The commission chairman runs the meetings, sets the monthly agenda and oversees the board's three-member staff. The position also works closely with the county's law department, mayor, school superintendent and the chairperson for the Knox County Board of Education.

Click right smack here for the complete bad a$$ story.

Anders, Smith set for chair vote

Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders said he more than likely will run for the board’s chairmanship, a decision that will pit him against current board Vice Chairman R. Larry Smith.

“I think I fully intend to put my name in the hat on Sept. 3,”he said Monday morning during a small public meeting with three other commissioners.

For the past few weeks, local politicos have been trying to figure out who – if anyone – would challenge Smith, who announced his intentions for the seat some time ago.

Current  Chairman Tony Norman, who doesn't want another shot at the title, said the board will decide on Sept. 3.

Last year, Anders, who has served as vice chairman, narrowly lost to Norman. A candidate will need six votes from the 11-member board to win. However, Commissioner Richard Briggs, a surgeon, will be on a medical trip and won’t attend the meeting.

Commissioners Mike Brown, Ed Shouse and Mike Hammond attended the Monday meeting. Brown and Shouse expressed public support for Anders. Hammond didn’t say which way he leaned.

The commission chairman runs the meetings, sets the monthly agenda and oversees the board's three-member staff. The position also works closely with the county's law department, mayor, school superintendent and the chairperson for the Knox County Board of Education.

Anders mulling run for commish chair

Brad Anders

Looks Like Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders is mulling another run for the board's chairmanship.

"I'm going to try to meet with a few commissioners, probably Monday, and discuss it with them and see what their feeling is on it," he told da Porch today. "I'll probably make a decision at that time."

For the past week or so, the local politicos have been calling around, trying to figure out who will challenge Aaaaarrr Larry Smith for the position and just how many votes could they garner. (Smith, the term-limited vice chairman announced his intentions for the seat awhile ago.)

Most folks - if it comes down to just the two of them - have the winner winning in a 6-5 vote.

Just who they have winning, however, changes every day.

(That was some Charlie Sheen-like use of the word "winning," wasn't it? Heh.)

Anyhoo, current Chairman Tony Norman, who doesn't want another shot at the title, said the board will decide on Sept. 3.

Last year, Anders, who has served as vice chairman, narrowly lost to Norman.

The commission chairman runs the meetings, sets the monthly agenda and oversees the board's three-member staff. The position also works closely with the county's law department, mayor, school superintendent and the chairperson for the Knox County Board of Education.

UPDATE: I have now been told that Commissioner, War hero, doctor and overall bad a$$ Richard Briggs is on a medical mission trip and won't attend the Sept. 3 meeting, so someone has to win this sucker in a 6-4 vote.

Archer's BBQ to open Karns restaurant

I don't normally plug restaurants, but I'm making an exception here.

Archer's BBQ is hosting a ribbon cutting tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the new Karns location on 7650 Oak Ridge Highway.

These folks used to set up shop every other Thursday in the KNS parking lot. Good stuff. They stopped, though, after they got a permanent location on Kingston Pike.

Mayor Tim Burchett, who ate regularly with us, and commissioner Brad Anders will attend the event.

If you're in the area, you should drop by for a sandwich.

That's my good deed for the day. Hawking BBQ. Heh.