Smith wants back on Knox commission

Former Knox County Commissioner R. Larry Smith, a Republican, this morning said he's running for the at-large commission seat No. 11.

Ed Brantley currently holds the post. The election isn't until 2018.

"I have always strived to be responsive and effective to the needs of my constituents, and I feel my leadership in the community will help me to serve on the (Knox) County Commission another term," Smith said in a release. "As an informed business and homeowner, I am aware of many of the concerns that the citizens face and will strive to make good and responsible decisions. I will truly be a voice for the people from across the entire county."

R. Larry to run for office again

R. Larry Smith

Former Knox County Commissioner R. Larry Smith on Monday will announce his "decision to run for an office in Knox County during the 2018 election cycle."

The announcement will come at 10 a.m. at the 640 North Building.

There's a lot of county offices that will be up in 2018 - mayor, sheriff, clerk, register of deeds, etc. - but I'm guessing he will seek an at-large commission seat.

Right now Bob Thomas and Ed Brantley hold the two at-large seats. But, Bob is running for county mayor and I'm hearing that Ed has no interest in seeking re-election. Further, word going around is that if Bob does win the mayoral post then Ed would be his chief-of-staff.

That would leave the two seats open.

Of course, I suppose R. Larry could run for mayor.

Next Ed & Bob Night Out on Nov. 16

These guys are gonna run out of restaurants.

Knox County At-Large Commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas are headed out to the Halls area for their next Ed & Bob Night Out in Knox County.

Ed and Bob will be at E. B.'s Eats & Treats, 4620 Mill Branch Lane, Wednesday, November 16th from 5p to 7p to meet the people of north Knox County and listen to their concerns.

The two feel that going out to the citizens eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings.

All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken; however, it is obvious where's there are "Eats & Treats" and Ed and Bob will be eating them!

https://www.facebook.com/EbsEatsandTreats/

Ed & Bob take the show to East knox

Commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas continue their efforts to meet and eat with everyone in Knox County.

The Ed & Bob Show will hold another "Night Out," this time in East Knoxville at Jackie's Dream, which served hot chicken, on McCalla Avenue from 5-7 p.m on Oct. 20.

These events, the commissioners say, give them a chance to listen to any resident's concerns.

"Ed and Bob feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings," the two said in a released statement.

For more on the restaurant click RIGHT SMACK HERE.

Next Ed & Bob luncheon at Archer's

The next Ed and Bob's "Night Out" in Knox County is downtown at Archer's BBQ on South Gay Street.

Knox County at-large commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas will be at the restaurant Sept. 21 from 5-7 p.m. to listen to any concerns of our citizens.

The two feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings.

All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a Commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken.

Ed & Bob to host another night out

The next Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County is in South Knoxville! We return to Love That Bar B Q on Maryville Pike.

Knox County At-Large Commissioners Ed Brantley & Bob Thomas will be at Love That Bar B Q, 1901 Maryville Pike, Wednesday, August 17th from 5p to 7p to meet the people of South Knox County and listen to their concerns. Ed and Bob feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings.

All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a Commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken. But Ed and Bob invite you to join them for a smoked bologna sandwich or some other delicious item from Boss Hog's List of Vittles! Come on in and enjoy some of the best BBQ you have ever tasted and have a little conversation with Ed and Bob!

Another Ed & Bob 'Night Out'

Time for another Ed and Bob Night Out in Knox County.

The two at-large Knox County Commissioners plan to eat ice cream with the public in Rocky Hills at Bruster's Real Ice Cream on South Northshore Drive June 22 from 5-7 p.m.

According to the duo, the two feel that "going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings."

The event is open to the public.

Also, Brusters provides free baby cones to children under 40" and free 'doggie sundaes' to your furry friend, so bring the entire family then Ed and Bob can "kiss some babies and shake some paws!"

Heh.

'Ed & Bob' to host May 18 event

The Ed & Bob Show continues on May 18, this time from 5-7 p.m. at the Time Warp Tea Room in the Happy Holler community.

The two at-large Knox County Commissioners will host their monthly "night out" event at the Central Street restaurant where they will meet residents and address their concerns.

Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas "feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings," the two said in a released statement.

Knox to discuss wrecker service fees

Knox County leaders are looking into whether to create a board that monitors local wrecker services, a move that comes months after a resident says he was charged more than $500 to have his damaged van towed a little under 15 miles.

“Some wrecker providers are great citizens – great companies – (but) some are shysters, and if you don’t know what you’re doing it could cost you your vehicle,” said Commissioner Ed Brantley, who is pushing for the discussion with officials.

“If you are a citizen of Knox County and you need a wrecker, there are three questions you need to ask,” he added. “No. 1: How much is it going to cost me to tow my vehicle? No. 2: What’s the gate fee, and No. 3 – what’s the daily rental charge because it’s not all the same?”

The Knox County Commission during its monthly work session on Monday is expected to talk more about the matter.

As it stands, if someone is involved in an accident or their vehicle breaks down in the county, the E-911 Center or the Sheriff’s Office can call a tow truck for them. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a list that officials say probably hasn’t been updated in 25 years. The county does not regulate how much the companies can charge.

The city, however, has a number of measures in place.

“It would be nice of people to be aware of what’s going on,” Brantley said. There are great wrecker services in Knox County, but some of them are out to get what they can get.”

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.

Ed & Bob Show heads to Corryton

Knox County commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas are headed back to Corryton for their next "Ed & Bob Night Out in Knox County" hob-nob event on Feb. 17.

The two will be at Henry's Bakery & Deli at 7231 Tazewell Pike, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to meet the people of north Knox County and listen to their concerns.

According to their release:

Ed and Bob feel that going out TO the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings. All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken. And while you're there join Ed & Bob as they have one of Henry's Famous "Build Your Own" deli sandwiches!

Ed & Bob to ring red kettle bells

The Ed and Bob Show continues, this time on Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the West Town Mall entrance near Camring Charlies where the two at-large Knox County commissioners will hold court.

They note, however, that this "night out" is a little different - they'll be ringing bells at the red kettle for the Salvation Army.

Folks are welcome to stop by and chat about concerns related to Knox County, or to say hello. But, it's also strongly encouraged to donate. To the kettle.

Commissioners Ed and Bob head West for Sept. 22 meeting with public

Thomas

Knox County at-large commissioners Ed & Bob (Brantly and Thomas, respectively) are again taking the "Night Out" show on the road, this time to Middlebrook Pike at Cedar Bluff Road to the Horn of Plenty!

The ol' Horn is a locally owned Market and Restaurant in West Knox County that serves country cooking and offers local products. They also sell seasonal plants, soils and mulch.

The two will meet with the public from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 22

Brantly

According to a release sent by Bob:

Ed and Bob feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings. All elected officials, media and public are welcome to attend. This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken. But Ed and Bob invite you to join them for some great country cooking and a little apple cobbler for desert!

Commissioners Ed, Bob to host event

The two at-large Knox County commissioners, Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas will host a community meeting next Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Henry's Bakery & Deli on Tazewell Pike.

"Ed and Bob feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance tot he City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings," a new release states.

Hammond, Brantley to take consulting gigs with Merle 96.7 FM in April

Hammond

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond and Knox County Commissioner Ed Brantley – both long-time radio executives – have each signed six-month agreements to do consulting work with Merle 96.7 FM (WMYL).

Both will start April 1.

Hammond, a Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee who stepped away from his job at WCYQ when he ran for office last year, will help the station with programming and music.

Brantley, who spent almost three decades at WIVK before leaving in 2010, will help with programming, sales and community relations.

Brantley

“Merle FM is a high-quality operation from the ground up,” Brantley said in a statement. “Merle sounds great, and it keeps strong relationships within the community among both listeners and advertisers. I am excited to begin working with the staff using the knowledge, experience, and relationships formed over the years and help move Merle FM to the next level.”

Brantley and Hammond each took office last September. The commission post is technically a part-time job. The criminal court clerk seat, however, is a full-time gig.

Hammond told WBIR 10News that his role with the station will not interfere with his elected duties and that he will consult only during the evenings and weekends when he is not at the City County Building.

He said the new role also wouldn’t require him to travel outside of Knox County.

"(The criminal court clerk job) is my focus each day, and I am proud of what our team has accomplished,” Hammond said in a statement. “Working with Merle on the weekends will be another extension of my public service as I work with artists and musicians to give them the chance to have their music heard on the radio.”

Hammond also will host a show on Sunday called “From Nashville to Knoxville.”

Commissioners Ed and Bob to host public meeting, eat tons of pizza

I got a chuckle out of this one. As is typically the case, whenever two Knox County commissioners meet to talk, hang out, go fishing, whatever, they send out a Sunshine notice, letting the media and public know that they are welcome to attend.

You know, just in case they talk about government stuff.

Anyhoo, commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas will host a community meeting on Feb. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Halftime Pizza and Grill on Emory Road in Powell.

In the notice, the two said they plan to "meet the people of Knox County and listen to their concerns."

The note ends with the following:

"This is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken; however lots of pizza will be consumed during the two hours."

And yes, it's open to the public. Now word on whether Bob and Ed are picking up the tab.

Ed, Bob not taking votes; will help de-wing some chickens on Nov. 13

The Ed and Bob show returns. Sort of. Heh. Commissioners Bob Thomas and Ed Brantley (notice how I switched their names around to be fair?) will host another "once-a-month community meeting with the citizens," this time from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 13 at Big Kahuna Wings on Kingston Pike.

Check out the flyer RIGHT SMACK HERE.

The two note that "this is not a commission meeting. There is no agenda. There will be no votes taken; however, many chicken may be injured and lose their wings during the two hours."

Heh.