More qualify for March elections

Marleen Davis

First, here's an updated list (as of Monday) to see who has picked up a qualifying petition to run for county/school office. Right HERE.

Second, as expected Jim Weaver, who is currently property assessor Phil Ballard's right hand man is in, as is former assessor John Whitehead (who gave Ballard a heck of a run last time around) and Andrew Graybeal.

If all three actually run, Graybeal presents a wild card. A Weaver v. Whitehead race would be interesting because Weaver is essentially running as Ballard 2.0 but without the overall name recognition. Whitehead - like him or not - is well known.

Third, Law Director Bud Armstrong has some competition. This is a guy who beat an incumbent and has a strong base support. Nathan Rowell will have his work cut out for him.

Fourth, I got a release from a Democrat (not a lot of them in this neck of the woods willing to run) who is interested in the 4th District Commission seat, currently held by Republican Jeff Ownby, who has his own work cut out for him in the March primary.

Here ya go:

Marleen Kay Davis has announced that she will enter the 2016 Democratic Primary seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the District Four seat on the Knox County Commission. 

Davis is known in Knoxville primarily for her work related to downtown issues and development.  She is currently a member of the Downtown Knoxville Design and Review Board as well as a board member of the East Tennessee Community Design Center. She had previously been a member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Theater Foundation and a Co-chair of the Downtown Knoxville Task Force from “Nine Counties, One Vision. ” She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

Davis states, “As a career educator and as an architect, I understand the importance of our neighborhoods, schools, commercial districts, and parks in creating a great quality of life, which also improves the economic well-being of the county. “ 

Davis is currently the ASCA Distinguished Professor in the College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee. She formerly served as dean of the college from 1994 – 2003.  At the time she was named dean, she was the fourth woman ever appointed dean in a college of architecture. This past spring, she received the college’s Patrick Lawson Teaching Award, as determined by student organizations.

Davis also states, “I look forward to learning more about constituents’ views on these issues, and I look forward to finding common ground in preserving and advancing the quality of life in Knox County.”

As always, send me your political stuff for publication consideration.

Tony Norman plans run for BOE seat

Tony Norman

Today was the first day to pick up qualifying petitions to run in the March 1 Knox County primary. RIGHT SMACK HERE to see who has so far. The deadline is noon Dec. 10.

Now, so far former County Commissioner Tony Norman has not picked up one. But, he told me the other day that he fully intends to run for the 3rd District seat currently held by BOE Chairman Doug Harris. (Doug has said he doesn't plan to seek re-election.)

This does not bode well for current Superintendent Jim McIntyre nor the current KCS administration.

Here's the deal:

Four of the current nine BOE seats are up next year. Currently, the board voting block is, on average, 5-4 with a pro-administration majority. The seats that are up are currently held by Harris, Karen Carson, Mike McMillan and Tracie Sanger.

Of those four, McMillan is the only one not in the so-called pro-administration voting bloc. He's also the only one pretty much guaranteed to win re-election.

That means the folks who don't approve of the administration's current direction need only one seat to gain the majority.

In the meantime, Carson has said she doesn't plan to run, so if she doesn't change her mind, expect a dogfight between new candidates for that seat. Expect a dogfight for Sanger's seat. Someone will take her on. That's pretty much a given.

And Doug's seat? Well, Tony Norman is a pretty popular guy in that district. And he's not a McIntyre supporter. Someone will more than likely run against him, but I don't see them winning. Of course, we're still a little more than five months away from Election Day.

Still, this is going to be a long five months for McIntyre whose name along will become a campaign issue.

And, it could be even longer. There's also a general election in August.

Judge tosses Hornback libel suit

Hornback

A judge has dismissed the libel lawsuit filed by former Knox County GOP chair Ruthie Kuhlman against local political blogger Brian Hornback, also a former local Republican Party chair who owns and writes for “Shock and Awe.”

Kuhlman initially sued Hornback in October 2013 for $100,000, accusing the long-time blogger and former Knox County school board member of posting six false statements attributed to her and that he did so out of malice.

For example, she said that Hornback, on his blog, suggested that Kuhlman – whom he never actually named – verbally attacked a Young Republican Club leader; said that he resign from the club; and said he was blackballed “by the money in the party”.

She also said that Hornback asserted that she stated: “If we are to ever achieve elected superintendent status that we have to vote out Rep. Harry Brooks and Sen. Becky Duncan Massey.”

The two state leaders support electing a superintendent, rather than voting in one, something that is a hot issue among many local Republicans.

RULING: Link to summary judgement

Kulhman’s attorney, Herbert S. Moncier, asked for a retraction and public apology from the blogger, but Hornback refused.

Hornback then secured sworn affidavits from a number of his sources who said they heard Kuhlman make the statements.

In the end, Senior Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood, who presided over the case after a number of local judges recused themselves, said Kuhlman failed to establish malice – a key component needed to win a libel case.

Malice, he noted, connotes more than personal ill will or desire to injure, but rather “it is limited to statements made with knowledge that they are false or with reckless disregard to their truth.”

Kerry said that part of Kuhlman’s argument focused on attempting “to portray Mr. Hornback’s habit of publishing false statements,” and “that she believes (Hornback) belongs to a political breakfast club that dislikes her.”

“Much of this evidence is inadmissible such as (Kuhlman’s) beliefs about being disliked or that (Hornback) harbors ill will,” Kerry wrote in his judgment. “(Kuhlman) cannot rest upon supposition, but must state with clarity factual issues that establish actual malice.” (Kuhlman) has failed to carry this burden . . . .”

Blackwood also said Kuhlman is responsible for court costs. Hornback, though, is responsible for his own attorney costs.

Kuhlman can still appeal.

Workshops, tour set to discuss East Knox Co. Midway business park

The Knox County Development Corporation is recycling an old proposal – one that officials say will turn empty East Knox County fields into jobs.

To do that, though, local leaders say they’ll need public buy-in.

That starts with two public meetings to talk about what residents would like built there, and one public bus tour of the already operational West Knox County business parks, so residents can see just how they might look.

The two workshops are set from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 17 and Oct. 8 at Carter Elementary School.

“(This) is to get down to talking about the concept of a business park,” said Todd Napier, the president and CEO of the Development Corporation of Knox County. “What will be palatable, what would not be, what would someone want to see, what would that look like, what type of uses would be acceptable versus unacceptable, what kind of public amenities would people want.”
Napier said he want residents to tell the corporation “what is about business parks that get people concerned, (and) what is it about business parks that excites them.”

The bus tour, hosted by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, is set for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 15, and concludes in East Knox County with a barbecue meal for the public. The event will include Knox County Commissioners. At this point, officials say there are probably 30 or so open seats on the bus for the public. To book a seat, call 865-215-HELP.

“The Development Corporation’s property at Midway Road has the potential to be a significant economic development asset for East Knox County,” the mayor said. “There are many steps to get to a developed, useful site, but they all begin with seeking public input. The bus tour and cook-out will begin that process. I want to hear the concerns of the community around Midway Road and then work with The Development Corporation, the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Knox County Commission to address those concerns so we can grow jobs in our region.”

For more, RIGHT HERE.

10 years later: Return to Bay St. Louis; a look at what's happened

We wrapped up a week-long series on the Hurricane Katrina aftermath and recover of Bay St. Louis. As you might recall, WBIR 10 News and East Tennessee donated a ton of time, money and volunteers efforts to help the small coastal Mississippi town.

The storm absolutely devastated the city.

We sent two reporters and two photographers down several weeks ago to talk with the residents and local leaders to hear their stories. It's a pretty amazing piece of work. Check it out RIGHT HERE.

Local mom objects to 'controversial' book on KCS summer reading list

A controversial book is generating buzz among some Knox County Schools parents.

The book is called The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Published in 2010, this New York Times bestseller details the true story of a poor black woman who had a sample of her cells taken for research in 1951 without her knowledge or consent, while she was in the hospital with cervical cancer. Those cells have led to major medical breakthroughs, and for decades Lacks' family had no idea.

The book addresses issues of medical ethics and race inequality. It also contains themes of infidelity and violence, and some local parents say it's unsuitable for teens.

Jackie Sims' 15-year-old son is a sophomore at Knox County Schools' L&N STEM Academy. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was a book on his summer reading list, and Sims said it didn't come with any parental warning or permission form.

Sims' son brought the book to his mother recently, when passages he read made him uncomfortable.

"I was shocked that there was so much graphic information in the book," Sims said.

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.

KCSO to donate seized baby formula

Seized baby formula

The Knox County Sheriff's Office will be donating over 200 cans of baby formula to a local charity today at 10 a.m.

The formula was left over from a June 2015 baby formula raid will be donated to the Fish Hospitality Pantries, located at 122 West Scott Avenue. 

The baby formula being donated includes 210 cans that were donated by Kroger ORC Division and the manufacturers during an illegal baby formula investigation led by the Knox County Sheriff's Office in June 2015.

The KCSO raided Wee Care and Rugrats on Chapman Highway and Penney's on Broadway, and arrested five people for selling stolen baby formula. The cans being donated to the FISH Hospitality Pantry were not used during the investigation, and both Kroger and the manufacturer asked that the KCSO donate them to a local charity of its choosing.

All of the formula seized during the search warrant execution of the three businesses is being held as evidence for the pending court cases.

FISH Hospitality Pantries is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that operates four pantries in East, South, Northwest, and West Knoxville. The organization currently provides food to more than 11,000 needy families each month.

Mayor's former wife charged with multiple felonies, computer crimes

Burchett

Allison Burchett, the so-called former first lady of Knox County, has been charged with 13 counts of identity theft, computer crimes and tampering with evidence.

Seven of the charges are felonies, including six identify theft charges, and one tampering with evidence charge, a Class C crime, which carries three to 15 years imprisonment. The other six charges - computer crimes - are misdemeanors.

Her arrest is tied to a May raid by the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Knoxville Police Department at Bandit Lites corporate headquarters on Sycamore Drive and it's Captains Way home, which is owned by company CEO Michael Strickland.

Presentment: Allison Burchett's charges

At the time, Strickland was living with Burchett at the house. Strickland will not be charged, according to police.

Burchett, 33, is the former wife of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.

Rest of the story RIGHT HERE.

Harris, Sanger to lead Knox Co. BOE

Doug Harris

Congratulations to Doug Harris and Tracie Sanger, the new chairman and vice chairwoman, respectively, of the Knox County Board of Education.

The two were voted in last night during the board meeting. Harris, who served as vice chair the past year, replaces Mike McMillan.

The seats are good for a year.

Harris, after the unanimous vote, said he would serve with "humility," according to Lydia's Twitter account (My Kid My School), and is looking forward to being just one of nine members (except he'll be in charge).

He also noted that he is willing to work with all board members even when they disagree.

Both Doug and Tracie are up for re-election next year. Doug has previously stated that he will not run again. Tracie does from what I understand.

Wright to serve as commish chair

Dave Wright

The Knox County Commission appointed Commissioner Dave Wright to lead the 11-member board. Commissioner Bob Thomas will serve as vice chairman.

The vote took place Tuesday during the board’s annual reorganization.

Wright, who represents East Knox County and is up for re-election next year, succeeds Brad Anders, who held the seat two years.He was previously the vice chairman.

“I’d like the commission to have a seamless transition from Brad to me,” Wright said.

The new chairman added that he “has no set agenda,” other than “wanting to take good care of the county’s business.”

Wright said he won’t seek the chairmanship next September when the spot comes open again.

Bob Thomas

The positions generally are 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 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.

Wright, a longtime Corryton resident, was appointed to the commission in February 2008 and won the 2010 race for the 8th District. He’s a University of Tennessee graduate who earned a degree in management. He also served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He later worked for AT&T.

Thomas, an at-large commissioner, was elected to his seat last year. He’s a well-known community figure. At one point during his 30-year career in media, he had the highest-rated midday radio show in America for 16 years, according to his official board bio.

Lunch with Mayor set for Thursday

Looks like the "Lunch with da Mayor" gigs have returned.

The public is invtied to hang and complain with Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Thursday at Sam & Andy's Restaurant in Fountain City (located at 2613 West Adair and has been locally-owned and operated since 1946).

The event - you're paying for your own, buddy, cause the mayor ain't buying it for you - will feature a  lunch special of grilled pork tenderloin and two sides for $7.99. Obviously, you can eat what you want.

The entire menu is available online RIGHT SMACK HERE.

The restaurant accepts cash, credit and debit cards.

Alcohol on tap for non-UT events? Officials to discuss the issue

State lawmakers are expected to push the University of Tennessee into tapping what many believe could be new revenue – by serving beer and wine at big concerts and other non-school related events.

Officials say the university’s ongoing stance against selling alcohol at Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena is hurting the school’s bottom line, and that early estimates suggest UT is missing out on at least $500,000 a year in sales.

State Rep. Martin Daniel, R-Knoxville, said he plans to meet with UT President Joe DiPietro and Chancellor Jimmy Cheek in the coming weeks to discuss the matter further.

He said top school officials have “talked a lot about the business model at UT being broken,” which means they “can’t continue to implement steep tuition increases.”

Daniel said he’ll ask school officials to “look at all sources of revenue,” including “efficient use of their facilities.”

“Selling beer and wine at non-university events is just part of maximizing the revenue and lightening the load on Tennessee taxpayers,” he said. “We hope the university would take the action on their own. It’s part of the overall picture whether the university is maximizing their facilities.”

The Tennessee General Assembly again in January.

School leaders, however, said they should reach a decision before then.

Cheek said officials began talking about the matter during a retreat last winter, but said the decision ultimately will be up to the university’s Board of Trustees.

Full story RIGHT HERE.