The recently elected (and re-elected) Knox County officials will take the oath of office at 9 a.m. on Sept. 1 in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.
A reception with light refreshments will follow in the Small Assembly Room. The event is open to the public.
Political newcomers on the County Commission include: Michele Carringer, Evelyn Gill, Hugh Nystrom and Carson Daily. In addition, John Schoonmaker, Brad Anders and Dave Wright won re-election.
Newcomers to the Board of Education include Jennifer Owen, Susan Horn and Tony Norman. Mike McMillan won re-election.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Knox County expects $2.2M surplus
Some 2,000 Knox County government employees and members of the
Sheriff’s Office are set to receive a $500 bonus thanks to an expected
$2.2 million in surplus revenues and savings as local leaders officially
close the financial books on last year’s budget.
In addition, surplus monies will cover 400 bullet proof vests for deputies and $200,000 for the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The Civil Sessions Clerk will receive $70,000 for equipment and software maintenance and the Karns Volunteer Fire Department will pull in $75,000 to fulfill equipment needs.
The county also is prepared to give the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley $100,000 and the health department $135,000 for records remodeling and signage.
"By operating in an efficient manner, we are able to use these surplus funds for one-time expenses,” Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said. “This surplus was possible thanks to the hard work of our employees, and I'm happy we are able to offer them a one-time bonus as a show of our appreciation.”
As the county closes its books on the recently wrapped up fiscal year, the administration says it expects between $2.2 million to $2.5 million in surplus for its general fund, which covers much of the government’s day-to-day operations.
The money comes from an uptick in tax collections and overall departmental savings.
The county plans to spend most of it on a number of items that officials say will benefit the courts, emergency personnel and the health department.
The county also plans to use some $50,000 of the surplus to build a park in Karns for those who are disabled and $282,000 at the Foote Mineral site in southwest Knoxville for a park and horse trails.
“Thanks to their work and a fiscally responsible approach to government, we are able to also better protect our deputies by purchasing life-saving vests, purchase needed equipment, make facility improvements and support various emergency services,” Burchett said. “And best of all, we've been able to do this without raising taxes and while also reducing the county's overall debt."
The Knox County Commission will talk more about the surplus during its meeting on Monday.
Rest of story HERE.
In addition, surplus monies will cover 400 bullet proof vests for deputies and $200,000 for the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The Civil Sessions Clerk will receive $70,000 for equipment and software maintenance and the Karns Volunteer Fire Department will pull in $75,000 to fulfill equipment needs.
The county also is prepared to give the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley $100,000 and the health department $135,000 for records remodeling and signage.
"By operating in an efficient manner, we are able to use these surplus funds for one-time expenses,” Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said. “This surplus was possible thanks to the hard work of our employees, and I'm happy we are able to offer them a one-time bonus as a show of our appreciation.”
As the county closes its books on the recently wrapped up fiscal year, the administration says it expects between $2.2 million to $2.5 million in surplus for its general fund, which covers much of the government’s day-to-day operations.
The money comes from an uptick in tax collections and overall departmental savings.
The county plans to spend most of it on a number of items that officials say will benefit the courts, emergency personnel and the health department.
The county also plans to use some $50,000 of the surplus to build a park in Karns for those who are disabled and $282,000 at the Foote Mineral site in southwest Knoxville for a park and horse trails.
“Thanks to their work and a fiscally responsible approach to government, we are able to also better protect our deputies by purchasing life-saving vests, purchase needed equipment, make facility improvements and support various emergency services,” Burchett said. “And best of all, we've been able to do this without raising taxes and while also reducing the county's overall debt."
The Knox County Commission will talk more about the surplus during its meeting on Monday.
Rest of story HERE.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Harrington to oversee schools' PR
Knox County interim Superintendent Buzz Thomas has hired former KNS business reporter Carly Harrington to serve as the school system's new director of communications and public affairs.
She replaces Melissa Tindell, who recently stepped down. Carly starts Sept. 1 and will earn $90,000. (If I'm not mistaken Melissa pulled in around $95K to $98K.)
To put that in perspective, the county's communication director earns $76,000 - after six years on the job.
And a teacher makes around $40,000.
In a letter, to school board members, Thomas says Harrington was recommended by Mike Cohen (himself), Amy Nolan (Knoxville Chamber) and David Keim (ORNL).
I actually worked with Carly for awhile over at the Sentinel. She's a good pick.
In addition, Thomas announced that Sara McElfresh will serve as the school system's new open records coordinator.
"Sara's job will be to promptly and accurately respond to all requests for public records," Thomas wrote to board members in an email sent last Thursday. "As you know, this has been a challenge for us."
Heh. He's not kidding about that one.
She replaces Melissa Tindell, who recently stepped down. Carly starts Sept. 1 and will earn $90,000. (If I'm not mistaken Melissa pulled in around $95K to $98K.)
To put that in perspective, the county's communication director earns $76,000 - after six years on the job.
And a teacher makes around $40,000.
In a letter, to school board members, Thomas says Harrington was recommended by Mike Cohen (himself), Amy Nolan (Knoxville Chamber) and David Keim (ORNL).
I actually worked with Carly for awhile over at the Sentinel. She's a good pick.
In addition, Thomas announced that Sara McElfresh will serve as the school system's new open records coordinator.
"Sara's job will be to promptly and accurately respond to all requests for public records," Thomas wrote to board members in an email sent last Thursday. "As you know, this has been a challenge for us."
Heh. He's not kidding about that one.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Dems to name Armstrong replacement
The Knox County Democratic Party next week will nominate a candidate to replace long-time state Rep. Joe Armstrong on the November ballot.
Armstrong, who was found guilty of felony tax evasion on Monday, can no longer run for the House seat he's held for 28 years.
The party will meet at it's Morgan Street headquarters at 6 p.m.
Whoever gets the nod will face independent candidate Pete Drew.
As it stands, at least three folks are interested in the 15th District seat, including former interim Knoxville Mayor and current City Councilman Dan Brown; former City Council and school board candidate Rick Staples; and Joe's wife LeTonia, who is a lobbyist.
Things are getting a little interesting from what I understand some factions within that district's political community are starting to build.
On one hand you have Letonia and some folks just flat out don't want a dynasty. On the other hand, you've got Rick, who has already lost twice. So, there's the argument that maybe the voters don't want him holding office. And then there's Dan, who is definitely an all around good guy and was a very competent mayor, but a few folks have privately questioned whether he would be up for the frequent back-and-forth drive between Knoxville and Nashville.
That said, they all have good qualities.
Stay tuned.
Armstrong, who was found guilty of felony tax evasion on Monday, can no longer run for the House seat he's held for 28 years.
The party will meet at it's Morgan Street headquarters at 6 p.m.
Whoever gets the nod will face independent candidate Pete Drew.
As it stands, at least three folks are interested in the 15th District seat, including former interim Knoxville Mayor and current City Councilman Dan Brown; former City Council and school board candidate Rick Staples; and Joe's wife LeTonia, who is a lobbyist.
Things are getting a little interesting from what I understand some factions within that district's political community are starting to build.
On one hand you have Letonia and some folks just flat out don't want a dynasty. On the other hand, you've got Rick, who has already lost twice. So, there's the argument that maybe the voters don't want him holding office. And then there's Dan, who is definitely an all around good guy and was a very competent mayor, but a few folks have privately questioned whether he would be up for the frequent back-and-forth drive between Knoxville and Nashville.
That said, they all have good qualities.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Parents scramble for money to reopen Powell Elementary School playground
The move comes after inspectors told school officials in early July that the playground’s mulch was no good and suggested shutting it down.
"It's going bad and it will be bad by the time this school year is over, so it needed to be replaced before this school year started," said Randy Smith, who works in the county's Risk Management Department. "The mulch eventually breaks down and turns to dirt.”
Since then, work crews have removed all of the old mulch, but school officials and parents are trying to figure out how to replace it and who should cover the costs.
Typically, the area’s various student-support organizations raise funds for playgrounds and the equipment. But, officials with the Powell Elementary School PTA say at this point they can’t afford it.
“Our operating budget is not even near what we need to fund the mulch and do the other things we do for our students,” such as family engagement activities, Halloween festivities, movie nights and staff appreciation events,” said Melissa Hammond, the school’s PTA president. “If we expend what this will take, we will have nothing left to do those other things for our school.”
Hammond said the organization each year budgets between $1,700 and $3,000 for the playground, which usually includes bringing in “a load or two” of mulch to top off what is already there.
Over the years, however, the mulch hardened and created a dangerous surface.
Replacing all of it will require at least four loads – maybe more – and cost between $10,000 and $12,000.
Rest of story right HERE.
Officials: Despite deaths, crashes, school buses safer than cars
Parents of roughly 21,000 Knox County school students rely every day on bus drivers to safely get their children to and from school.
But a recent study commissioned by Knox County Schools found in the last half decade the school district has double the number of crashes it should for a district of its size.
And in the past three years alone, more than 60 bus drivers were to blame for some 120 wrecks.
That includes the three lives lost in the December 2014 accident that killed two elementary students and a teacher’s aide.
As a result, some officials believe, ridership has dropped.
Still, local, state and federal leaders also maintain that the bus – not a parent’s car – is the safest route to school.
“They’re bright yellow, they have a known route, a trained driver, you have side wall strength, you have roof strength, there are flashing lights, they are designed to be observed,” said Kris Poland, a senior biomechanical engineer who investigates crashes for the National Transportation Safety Board, including the one in Knoxville. “People know how to act around them in most cases.”
About five children die every year inside a school bus compared to 37,000 deaths inside cars, according to federal reports.
Still, school officials, investigators and those whose family members died on the afternoon of Dec. 2, 2014, say buses can be safer.
For rest of story and video, click HERE.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Elections: Fun with the write-ins
Voters might not have turned out last Thursday night, but phony baloney write-in names were certainly plentiful.
Walter the Bulldog? Mickey Mouse? Foghorn Leghorn?
You name it – from the funny, the serious, to the truly absurd – those few voters who did hit the ballot boxes had fun.
Or, maybe they just wanted to make a statement.
Some suggested Mickey Mouse for a state Senate seat, others felt Morris the Cat, James T Kirk, John Q Public or Flavia could do the job.
RELATED: The Write-In List
Heck, one person thought putting WBIR’s Mike Donila down for the South Knoxville county Commission seat was a good idea.
Someone also put “Donila the Thrilla” down for law director as well. (Attorney Don Bosch got a vote for that seat, too.)
Heh. I promise – it wasn’t me.
Or not.
“Anyone But” made an appearance, and so, too, did “Anyone Else,” Snow White, Abe Lincoln and Trumpisafascist.
Then there were other picks for Obama, Hilary, Trump and Bernie, too.
Oh yea, can’t forget Bill the Cat.
Former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe garnered a few votes, as did Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond, and local rogue blogger Brian Hornback.
In addition, county Clerk Foster Arnett, UT Football Coach Butch Jones and . . . Batman made appearances.
None of these aforementioned names counted, of course, since they weren’t registered with the Knox County Election Board.
In the meantime, the November general election is just around the corner.
Expect the fun to continue then.
Walter the Bulldog? Mickey Mouse? Foghorn Leghorn?
You name it – from the funny, the serious, to the truly absurd – those few voters who did hit the ballot boxes had fun.
Or, maybe they just wanted to make a statement.
Some suggested Mickey Mouse for a state Senate seat, others felt Morris the Cat, James T Kirk, John Q Public or Flavia could do the job.
RELATED: The Write-In List
Heck, one person thought putting WBIR’s Mike Donila down for the South Knoxville county Commission seat was a good idea.
Someone also put “Donila the Thrilla” down for law director as well. (Attorney Don Bosch got a vote for that seat, too.)
Heh. I promise – it wasn’t me.
Or not.
“Anyone But” made an appearance, and so, too, did “Anyone Else,” Snow White, Abe Lincoln and Trumpisafascist.
Then there were other picks for Obama, Hilary, Trump and Bernie, too.
Oh yea, can’t forget Bill the Cat.
Former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe garnered a few votes, as did Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond, and local rogue blogger Brian Hornback.
In addition, county Clerk Foster Arnett, UT Football Coach Butch Jones and . . . Batman made appearances.
None of these aforementioned names counted, of course, since they weren’t registered with the Knox County Election Board.
In the meantime, the November general election is just around the corner.
Expect the fun to continue then.
State Rep. Armstrong guilty of filing false tax return; Democrats seeking replacement for November election
 |
| Joe Armstrong |
The jury, however, declined to convict the veteran lawmaker on two other charges: conspiracy to defraud the United States, and attempting to evade and defeat taxes.
Those two offenses carried stiffer penalties - each as much as five years behind bars. Filing a fraudulent tax return, which is a felony, carries up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
"We certainly think there was enough evidence to convict him of count one and count two but we’re very pleased with a conviction on count three," said Assistant U.S. District Attorney Chuck Atchley. "It’s a felony. He’s now a convicted felon."
Atchley said he will seek prison time for the lawmaker.
In addition, the prosecutor said, Armstrong "still owes the taxes and he’s still going to be accountable for the tax laws."
Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas Phillips sent a Nov. 30 sentencing hearing.
Armstrong and his attorney, Gregory P. Isaacs, left immediately after the verdict was announced.
In a released statement, Isaacs said: “State Rep. Joe Armstrong wants to thank all of his family, friends and constituents for their prayers and support throughout this process. Representative Armstrong is evaluating all of his available options at this time.”
Armstrong faces an independent challengers in the November election, but that's not going to happen, according to state officials.
Secretary of State spokesman Adam Ghassemi said the felony conviction automatically disqualifies Armstrong from seeking re-election. He said the Democratic Party now has until Sept. 29 to nominate another candidate for the Nov. 8 general election.
Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Mary Mancini said the party is already looking into a replacement.
“As we have said from the start, this is a legal matter that is best left to our justice system," Mancini said ina released statement. "The justice system has now ruled and we will take whatever appropriate action necessary to remove Rep. Armstrong from office and replace him on the ballot in November.”
Armstrong spent most of last week in U.S. District Court on trial.
Rest of story HERE.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Susan Horn wins last open BOE seat
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| Susan Horn |
The board of education seats are non-partisan.
Horn will join Tony Norman and Jennifer Owen as new faces on the 9-member school board.
Norman and Owen defeated opponents in the March primary and were not in contested races Thursday. Norman (3rd District) and Owen (2nd District) replace Doug Harris and Tracie Sanger, respectively. Neither of the incumbents sought re-election.
Horn and Pelot were the top two vote-getters in a three-way March contest, so they squared off again. Karen Carson, the sitting incumbent for the seat, also didn’t run again.
In addition, 8th District incumbent Mike McMillan retained his seat after no one filed to challenge him in March.
The school board in the upcoming year will be tasked with hiring a new school superintendent to help oversee the system. Jim McIntyre and the current board reached an agreement to pay him one year’s salary of $227,000 to step down in early July.
Knox Co. Commish down to 1 Democrat
 |
| Evelyn Gill |
Republicans on Thursday evening almost completed the political sweep during the general election, with only newcomer Evelyn Gill defeating Republican Michael Covington and independent Tyrone LaMar Fine in the Democrat-heavy 1st District that includes Lonsdale, Fort Sanders and Holston Hills.
Gill secured a little more than 67 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns, and will replace Sam McKenzie who opted not to run.
"We add diversity to the board of county commission, not only as a woman, not only as a minority, but I'm excited to get in and start work,” Gill said. "We have to move to the center in order to get the work of the first district done. We have to build consensus. That's the nature of what our democracy is about, but we also have to make sure that the voices of the first district are heard. That is what they put me in office to make sure of."
The board’s other Democrat – Amy Broyles – also chose not to seek re-election for her 2nd District seat. In that race, Republican Michele Carringer narrowly defeated Laura Kildare with 51.35 percent of the vote for that seat. The difference was 75 votes.
“I’m so humbled and so honored to be able to stand up here and tell you that the republicans have taken district 2 from the democrats tonight,” Carringer told the crowd of Republicans who gathered at the downtown Crowne Plaza Thursday. “I want to say my opponent ran a good race, and I wish her well in her future.”
Gill and Carringer join Hugh Nystrom and Carson Daily as new faces on the board.
Nystrom easily handled Marleen Davis in the 4th District race to represent part of west Knox County; and Daily beat Democrat James Hamilton and independent Tom Pierce with more than 58 percent of the vote to represent the 9th District in south Knox County.
“Marlene Davis really gave me a great run in this general election,” said Nystrom, who secured almost 58 percent of the vote. “I was not able take a break this summer.”
Nystrom called the primary and general elections with his opponents “civil, good races.”
“I hope to be a humble servant that listens well,” he added.
In addition, incumbent John Schoonmaker defeated Democrat Sheri Ridgeway in the 5th District with almost 76 percent of the vote, and incumbent Brad Anders beat Donna Lucas, a Democrat, for the 6th District seat with almost 66 percent of the vote.
Also, incumbent Dave Wright handily beat Donald Wiser, an independent, for the 8th District seat in East Knox County. Wright secured almost 80 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns.
Nystrom is the only board member to unseat an incumbent. In March he beat fellow Republican Jeff Ownby. Mike Brown, who represented south Knox County didn’t run again.
Daniel wins 18th District House seat
Two weeks after a now infamous shoving incident, incumbent state Rep. Martin Daniel of Knoxville defeated three GOP challengers to move on to the November general election.
In unofficial but complete returns, the 18th District House member garnered 35 percent of votes cast.
Steve Hall, who Daniel beat in 2014 to claim the seat, got about 25.5 percent of votes cast, James Corcoran got 25.3 percent and Bryan Dodson got 7.5 percent, returns show.
Daniel will face Democrat Brandi Price in the general election.
"I’m really gratified that the voters have approved what we have done over the past two years and weren’t distracted by all the things that didn’t matter,” Daniel told 10News.
"That all had little to do with my representation of the 18th District. The voters saw through all the obstruction, the fog and the distractions. I’m really happy about this.”
Daniel spoke from home. He did not join Republicans on Thursday night at party celebrations at the Crowne Plaza.
Daniel said he will spend the next few months preparing for the general election.
Rest of story right HERE.
In unofficial but complete returns, the 18th District House member garnered 35 percent of votes cast.
Steve Hall, who Daniel beat in 2014 to claim the seat, got about 25.5 percent of votes cast, James Corcoran got 25.3 percent and Bryan Dodson got 7.5 percent, returns show.
 |
| Martin Daniel, Bryan Dodson, Steve Hall, and James Corcoran |
Daniel will face Democrat Brandi Price in the general election.
"I’m really gratified that the voters have approved what we have done over the past two years and weren’t distracted by all the things that didn’t matter,” Daniel told 10News.
"That all had little to do with my representation of the 18th District. The voters saw through all the obstruction, the fog and the distractions. I’m really happy about this.”
Daniel spoke from home. He did not join Republicans on Thursday night at party celebrations at the Crowne Plaza.
Daniel said he will spend the next few months preparing for the general election.
Rest of story right HERE.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Knox Co. early voting numbers in
Early voting for the Knox County general elections and the state and federal primaries wrapped up Saturday with a little more than 13,153 folks casting ballots.
The total breakdown: 11,977 voted early plus another 1,176 absentee so far.
That means about 405 more residents voted during the past two weeks than voted early four years ago.
As of July 8 - right before early voting - Knox County had 226,702 active
voters. In other words, something like 5.8 percent of active voters actually voted so far.
According to the county elections office, some 9,147 voted in the Republican primary; 3,749 in the Democratic primary and 207 in the general election.
Election officials expect another 13,000 to 14,000 to show up on Thursday to vote. That's about what they had four years ago.
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