A look at Anderson's AJB swipe card

Sam Anderson

WBIR obtained data showing the use of Sam Anderson's swipe card for entering the Andrew Johnson Building, where the KCS Central Office is located and where system officials say Anderson was based in his part-time position.

Superintendent Jim McIntyre noted that "as his title suggests, Sam Anderson was primarily an adviser to me regarding our efforts and strategies to ensure student success in our high needs schools... Mr. Anderson spent a good deal of time in schools, and met individually with me every other week to discuss his observations and recommendations."

The swipe card data shows when someone used their card, issued by the Public Building Authority, and it's one way of accounting for someone's whereabouts at work.

A swipe card is needed for some but not all entrances to the A.J. Building. Card usage does not necessarily account for all times someone enters the building.

Anderson was hired March 12, 2013, and resigned June 22, 2015.

Of the 43 weeks he was employed by KCS in 2013, there were 26 weeks in which Anderson had either one day in which he used his swipe card or no swipe card use at all. He was hired March 12 and did not use his swipe card for more than five weeks, until April 18, 2013. (He got the card on March 13.)

Anderson was employed by KCS for all 52 weeks of 2014. Of those, there were 24 weeks in which he swiped either one day or no days at all, data shows.

In 2015, Anderson was employed by KCS for 24 full weeks. Fifteen of those had either no swipe from Anderson's card or only one day with swipe card use.

During more than half of the weeks of Anderson's total employment - 54.6 percent - Anderson had only one day's worth of swipe activity or no swipe activity on his card.

The above figures do not account for school holidays and breaks and weeks off due to inclement weather, such as the two weeks of school canceled due to ice storms in February 2015.

In response, McIntyre wrote: "Mr. Anderson's work was based in the Andrew Johnson Building, but as an adviser to me regarding our high needs schools, Mr. Anderson was expected to spend much of his time in schools and in the community. Attempting to draw any conclusions about an employee's work habits based on a proximity card that is not required for entry into the Andrew Johnson Building would be rather irresponsible. Sam Anderson served the Knox County Schools commendably until his resignation last week."

McIntyre previously has aid Anderson "met individually with me every other week to discuss his observations and recommendations."

McIntyre did not specify where those meetings took place.

The BOE's regular meeting is Wednesday. Members of the community group SPEAK will rally outside the City County Building, on Main Street, ahead of the meeting, starting at 3:30 p.m., to show support for the district's teachers.

To read more, click RIGHT HERE.

Knoxville police lieutenant dies suddenly due to medical issues

Hembree

Condolences to KPD and the Hembree family. Sent last evening:

This afternoon at approximately 4:00 p.m., the wife of Knoxville Police Department Lt. Robert Hembree arrived at their residence where she discovered her husband suffering from some type of medical problem.

Rural Metro Ambulance responded to the residence and transported Lt. Hembree to Physicians Regional Medical Center where he died just minutes after arriving. It is unknown at this time what caused Lt. Hembree’s death. An autopsy will be performed tomorrow to determine the cause of death.

Lt. Hembree, 42, has served with the Knoxville Police Department since January 1997. Lt. Hembree is the West District C Squad supervisor. Lt. Hembree is survived by his wife of 7 years, two sisters, and his parents who are missionaries and are currently in Romania. There are no children.

Chief David Rausch said, “We are shocked and extremely saddened by the sudden loss of Lt. Hembree. Lt. Hembree was an excellent public servant not only as an officer, but also as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves where he served 8 years. This is a tremendous loss for the department as well as the City of Knoxville. Each and every member of the KPD family offers our thoughts and heartfelt prayers to his wife and family.”

Arrangements will be announced as soon as they have been finalized.

Knox Schools didn't advertise $42K, part-time job before hiring Anderson

Anderson

This should not be a surprise: The school system handed over a $42,000-a-year, part-time job to a buddy. I mean, well, heck, we pay employees $30K in folding paper to sit at home for years and do nothing.

$42K???? What's the average full-time teacher salary? $45K??

Eh, whatever.

Here ya go.

Knox County Schools did not advertise the position nor did officials interview anyone in 2013 before handing a $42,000-a-year part-time job over to Sam Anderson – a longtime community activist who resigned from the position this week in light of his connections to a federal tax fraud scheme.

School officials said Thursday it is not common to hire without advertising open jobs, but it's also not necessary to post a position if the administration "feels that a candidate possesses the skills and experience to perform the duties associated with the job description," KCS spokeswoman Melissa Ogden told WBIR 10News.

"Mr. Anderson possessed a set of skills, experiences and relationships which made him uniquely qualified for the position," Ogden said.

She said his hiring was not a political reward for his vote years ago that led to the hiring of Superintendent Jim McIntyre.

"That is not true," she said.

In April 2008, Anderson voted not only to approve McIntyre's contract, but he championed a four-year, $222,800 annual deal, rather than a three-year proposal that some other board members suggested at the time. The vote to hire McIntyre was close – 5-4 – and Anderson was considered crucial to its passage.

Anderson, who served more than 20 years on the school board before opting not to seek re-election in 2010, was hired in March 2013 to replace Montina Jones. She was a full-time adviser of high needs schools. Jones made $103,810 in base salary and "supplements."

Anderson worked 18.5 hours per week on average, Ogden said, and earned a base salary of $31,240, but made a total of almost $42,060 with supplements. Supplements can include a number of items, like travel pay or extra pay for coaching athletics.

He did not receive benefits for the job.

Anderson stepped down from the position Tuesday because of his role as an "unindicted co-conspirator" to state Rep. Joe Armstrong, who was indicted last week in an alleged tobacco tax fraud scheme.

Anderson did not return a call seeking comment.

Ogden said the position will not be filled.

For the rest, RIGHT HERE.

With opponent out, Mayor Rogero to cruise to re-election victory

Rogero

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, baring an unlikely and almost impossible write-in push, will easily win re-election to a second and final term.

William "Buck" Cochran, a self-employed writer who ran unsuccessfully for a City Council seat in 2011, withdrew from the mayoral race Thursday morning.

That means Rogero needs 50 percent plus 1 vote in the Sept. 29 primary to automatically win a second four-year term as the city's mayor, as she will be exempt from the November general election, according to the city charter.

In addition, municipal Judge John Rosson, who also faces no opposition, will more than likely cruise to victory in September and not appear on the November ballot.

However, the charter does not include language for Knoxville City Council members – like George Wallace who is unopposed in his own re-election bid – to skip the general elections even if no one qualifies against them.

Cochran was not considered a serious candidate in the non-partisan mayoral race, but his withdrawal now all but assures Rogero's victory in a couple of months.

Thursday at noon was the deadline to withdraw from the city races.

Carly Baskette also withdrew from the "Seat B" City Council at-large seat, so that leaves incumbent Marshall Stair and perennial candidate Pete Drew in that race. But, those two will automatically go on to the general election, since the top two vote-getters in the city primaries automatically move on.

It appears now that the only drama in the city races will be for "Seat C" currently held by Finbarr Saunders who faces David Williams, Kelly Absher and Paul Bonovich.

KCS Board of Ed exploring ways to hold bus drivers more accountable

Knox County School Board members are looking into ways to make bus drivers more accountable.

"This is one time where I think a student reporting something that they have a concern about needs to be heard immediately and dealt with," Karen Carson said. "I would love to see us explore starting a program where a student can take a picture of a driver using a cell phone - a bus driver using a cell phone, have a hotline that they can send it to and that the school system could respond immediately."

Board member Patti Bounds agrees the district needs, "to empower the children, the feeling that they can talk about these things in a safe way with their parents," she said. "For the parents, too-- probably one of the best things to do would, not necessarily a hotline, but a way to report these things to the proper authorities so that they can be addressed and handled."

Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, Knox County sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones and Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch met on Monday, to discuss possible enhanced safety guidelines when it comes to school bus drivers. McIntyre said details of that plan should be available in August, closer to the start of the school year.

Knox County DA Allen: Working to make texting while driving a felony

Charme Allen

Knox County's top prosecutor wants to make it a felony for anyone - school bus drivers included - to text while driving.

Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch also said he, Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones and Superintendent James McIntyre met on Monday to see how law enforcement can help with school bus safety.

"Some of those could mean contract changes, some of those could mean changes in the way we assist them with assuring safety on our school buses," he said.

District Attorney General Charme Allen and Rausch spoke Wednesday with 10News in the aftermath of the release of the investigative file into a fatal Dec. 2, 2014, bus crash in which two Knox County students and a teacher's aide were killed.

Full exclusive RIGHT HERE.

Superintendent recommends against balanced school calendar for now

I'd say I was surprised, but I don't think he had the votes.

Citing costs, Knox County Schools Superintendent James McIntyre is recommending against the system going to a so-called balanced calendar that extends the period during which students attend school.

"While the balanced calendar could potentially be beneficial, we have many other important educational priorities to attend to in the next few years, including teacher compensation and personalized learning," McIntyre said in a draft letter dated June 25 circulated to Knox County school board members.

"Therefore, at this time, I do not recommend that the Knox County Schools move to a balanced calendar."

The school system released the draft Tuesday. Knox County has been weighing the merits of going to the calendar, which would include extending attendance into more traditional summer days while also expanding time off at other times of the year for students.

Rest of the story RIGHT HERE.

Commish rejects Broad grant deal

This will be unpopular, not that, that's ever stopped me, but this is what's called cutting off the nose to spite the face.

The Knox County Commission last night opted not to retroactively approve a grant with the Broad Center for the Management of School Systems.

That means, the county will more than likely have to ante up $30,000 in folding paper to the center.

Lot of people are cheering this one; they think it's some kind of victory against Superintendent Jim McIntyre, who pretty much admitted he mishandled the whole shebang when he signed it.

It's not.

He's not on the hook for that cash.

You are.

I got news for ya: This isn't "the school board's money" or "the county's money." This is taxpayers' money all coming from the same pot. 

Full story RIGHT HERE.

I'll leave you with some words by Commissioner Sam McKenzie:

"The water's over the dam - or will be in a month - so these funds are pretty much spent. I mean, she's gotten a salary, so I guess I'm trying to understand why we would vote no. I mean, I'm fine with never bringing another Broad fellow here. I'm fine with that, and I'm betting the school board's going to be fine with that, but I think if we're going to be fiscally responsible, we're basically turning down $30,000, and our taxpayers-- the money's been spent, so we're going to have to take out, at this point, $30,000 out of a potential teacher's assistant or potential, I don't know, across-the-street hire or, you know, toilet paper or something. That money has to come from somewhere to pay this money because it's pretty much been spent. This, to me, is just the clean-up, you know. If folks want to make a point, I think there are better places to make a point than us paying $30,000."

Attorneys with Knox County Clerk, PBA argue over courthouse mold lawsuit

Old Courthouse

A legal battle to decide whether Knox County Clerk Foster Arnett Jr. can sue the Public Building Authority because it has allegedly failed to remove "toxic mold spores" from the Old Courthouse could come down to semantics.

Case law, according to the PBA, says Arnett can't file a lawsuit in his capacity as a public official without demonstrating that the spores have actually "impeded" his official duties as clerk. PBA attorney Morris Kizer said paperwork that Arnett filed with the courts notes that the mold merely "interfered" with his job.

Arnett, Kizer said, also currently and successfully continues to operate out of five other satellite offices, and has a crew of employees currently working out of the Old Courthouse in downtown that he claims is riddled with mold.

"Mr. Arnett is performing his statutory duties in other areas of the county and nothing about alleged mold is keeping him from doing those duties," Kizer told Judge William Ailor in Circuit Court on Monday. "I can walk over to the courthouse right now and get a car tag . . . but if for some reason that location is not available, there are (five) other locations in the county. So, while Mr. Arnett says this has been an interference, truly it is not an impediment."

Arnett's attorney, Darren Berg, said his client "needs to be at the courthouse to do his job."

"The PBA has failed to remediate the mold problem – just swept it under the rug and hopes it goes away."

He also accused Kizer of mincing words.

"I see no difference between the terms 'interfere' and 'impeded,'" he said. "I think if you look in the thesaurus you'd see the same thing."

But, the bottom line, Berg said, is that "there's toxic mold in a suite of offices that interferes with (Arnett's) duties."

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.

City to start towing along Cumberland Ave side streets as work continues

Crews last Monday began reworking the traffic flow on streets feeding into the eastern end of Cumberland Avenue. Cars parked illegally on these side streets will be towed, starting Tuesday, June 23.

Four streets are being converted from one-way to two-way traffic – 18th, 19th south of Cumberland, Mountcastle and 21st Street – between Lake and White avenues. (There is already two-way traffic on 20th Street and on 19th Street north of Cumberland.) The change in traffic flow will make it easier for motorists to get to a particular business by giving drivers new options to more quickly reach their destinations.

Towings on the Cumberland Avenue side streets will continue through July 6, when two-way traffic flow begins.

Some motorists have been parking their vehicles behind the orange barrels being used as a safety measure to allow drivers to become accustomed to the new traffic patterns.

Starting Tuesday, milling and restriping of these streets will begin, and vehicles parked illegally in the new traffic lanes on 18th, 19th, 21st and Mountcastle streets will be towed to the City’s Vehicle Impoundment Lot on Vice Mayor Jack Sharp Road in East Knoxville. The phone number for the lot is 865-215-6215.

Smoking Joe indicted for fraud

Joe Armstrong

By now you know that state House Democrat Joe Armstrong was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on charges he took part in a tax fraud scheme involving the sale of state cigarette tax stamps.

The plot dates to 2006 and continued to November 2013. (I'd make some crack about taking nine years to figure it out, but, well, no, not a good idea. Heh.)

Anyhoo, you can find a bunch of stories on our website wbir.com including HERE, HERE and HERE.

I had yesterday off, but pitched in. By that I mean, read a bunch of emails and stories as they came in and cheered on my team for getting it first AND right.

So, that means I have a bunch of stuff/statements that didn't get used, or did get used and is worth reposting, since I"m cleaning out my email.

Here ya go:

From Smoking Joe himself: This investigation has been ongoing for a number of years. I have a strong belief and respect for our system of justice. I look forward to addressing these allegations and the truth coming out in the very near future."

From his attorney, Gregory P. Isaacs, who says pretty much the same thing for all of his clients (but the dude does a pretty good job): Our firm . .  . has been conducting a parallel investigation for the past few months. Representative Armstrong has proudly served his constituents for the 15th District . . . for the past 28 years; where he has emerged as a leader in Tennessee state government. Representative Armstrong intends to enter a plea of not guilty to each and every count of the indictment. Joe is an innocent tax payer who relied upon a tax professional as it relates to the filing of his tax returns."   

From House Democratic Leader Craig: “Joe Armstrong and I have served together for over 20 years. In that time, I have never known him to be anything other than a dedicated public servant and an advocate for his community. We have a justice system in place to deal with these situations. I believe it is important to reserve our judgement until all the facts have come to light. Until then, my thoughts are with Joe and his family as this process moves forward.”

Cameron Brooks, Knox County Democratic Party chairman: “Joe’s a great guy. He’s a friend of mine. He’s been a really good ally for the working people in the Legislature. I just pray that these allegations aren’t true, and I believe that he is innocent until proven guilty. I really don’t know what else to say."

 

Brooks added that Armstrong “is someone who has your back. He comes through on his commitments, and is someone who is relatively young in politics, he’s always been there for me when I needed something – for advice, when I had a question. I appreciate that.”

 

Robert Booker, Director of the Beck Cultural Center and Community Activist: "Stunned" He added that he “admires Joe tremendously and that it is an “unbelievable accusation.”

 

Booker says he’s know Armstrong since about 1980.  His fondest memory of Joe Armstrong is when he and then-state senator Tim Burchett were instrumental in getting the Summit Hill Bridge over the James White Parkway named after him.

Carlene Malone, Former Knoxville City Council Member: “I really like Joe and he’s been a tremendous representative.  I certainly hope this is not true.”

 

Carlene says she’s know and worked with Armstrong since the 80’s.

 

She says he worked with her to fight against a proposed mass incinerator in the area.  She also says Armstrong was instrumental helping the development of the Wee Course and Lakeshore Park.

Sylvia Woods, member of the public assembly facilities board: "Joe Armstrong is my friend and my TN House Representative. He has voted over the years to advocate for his constituents and is available to the community to listen and help. I hope this unfortunate problem can be straightened out. My prayers are with his family."

Former city councilwoman Barbara Pelot: "I'm just sad. Totally stunned by the story. I didn't expect to hear that at all."

Pelot said she enjoyed working with Armstrong over the years and considered him a friend to his district and to all of Knoxville.

She said she thinks the world of Armstrong and his family and she hopes "somehow they will find that it isn't accurate."

Susan Williams, who runs her own PR firm and is a Republican Inside Tennessee panelist: "like everybody in the knoxville community i think i was shocked. You know we've all known representative armstrong for a long time. I've worked with him in the past on legislation and you know he's just been a pilar of our community.

"I hope none of us will rush to judgment on this but you know, regardless of the outcome. It certainly doesn't help your political career."

"He may decide that he resigns because he doesn't want to put everybody through this. He could decide to stay, fight it of course, I'm sure he will fight it and stay in the general assembly until there is some kind of finality."

"If he's innocent it's a really horrible thing to have to go through. If he's guilty, he's still gonna have to go through all of this playing this out in the media and in the courts and for somebody like Joe who's been so highly regarded and well respected, it's really going to be difficult on him personally and on his family and friends."

"I don't think anybody in the republican party would take any joy out of this because this is a man that we've all known and liked and respected."

"I think we were all shocked by this and frankly I hope it's not true because I like Joe Armstrong. I've respected him as a legislator because he's a man that's gotten along with both sides. you know, whatever party is in power in Nashville. he's worked with both sides."

"It's really just almost heartbreaking to see this happen. but you know, again, this is a serious charge and if it is something that he has done then it's just going to have to play itself out."

Rev. Harold Middlebrook: "I have found him to be honest with us in dealings, and so it is shocking to me. I just don't believe that, i don't want to believe that it is deliberate."

Commish approves Burchett budget

Knox County commissioners approved Monday afternoon a memo of understanding that paves the way for construction of middle schools for the Gibbs and Hardin Valley areas as well as a 2 percent raise for Knox County teachers.

Commissioner Sam McKenzie had introduced a substitute motion to wait 90 days to vote on the memo, but his motion failed.

Several commissioners had expressed concern about the pact sealed between Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, seeking more time for discussion.

Burchett and McIntyre announced the agreement last week as a way to meet residents' requests and keep taxes at current levels.

Rest of story RIGHT HERE.