Knox County Schools organize myriad of Sevier County relief efforts

Tragedy struck this week in the mountain towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and schools in Knox County are stepping up in a number of ways to offer support to our afflicted neighbors. Below is a list of some of the specific relief efforts being organized across the county.

· Blue Grass Elementary has asked their students to donate spare change for the Red Cross. One student brought in $300 of his own money to help the cause.

· Byington-Solway CTEC has organized a drive to collect items to help those that have lost belongings, including water, clothes and essential items like toothpaste and toiletries.

· Career Magnet Academy has organized a collection drive for water and snacks for the first responders. The first load was delivered on Nov. 29 and a second load will be delivered tomorrow, Dec. 1.

· Carter Elementary is collecting bottled water, Gatorade, lip balm, wool socks and cereal bars for first responders. They are also collecting diapers and wipes, cat and dog food for displaced residents. The items will be delivered on Friday.

· Cedar Bluff Elementary’s Nature Club is spearheading a collection of supplies and money/gift cards. The donations will be dropped off on Friday.

· Central High School’s P.E. Department is collecting donations for the Sevier County Animal Shelter to help care for the many displaced animals and pets.

· Christenberry Elementary: Encouraging students on Friday, Dec 2 to wear their favorite hat and/or pajamas to school and donate $1 toward those affected by the Sevier County fires. The school is also collecting new items to donate. All items can be brought to the school and staff volunteers will deliver them to local agencies directly helping those displaced.

· Corryton Elementary is having a collection on Friday, Dec. 2 for needed items such as food, water, toiletries, pet food, and more to be taken to Sevier County over the weekend.

· Dogwood Elementary staff is collecting supplies to be delivered at the end of the week.

· Farragut Middle is taking up monetary donations for the American Red Cross and collecting toiletry items and protein bars.

· Farragut High School SGA is taking up donations in first block classes.

· Gibbs High’s Criminal Justice classes have organized a schoolwide effort to take up bottled water, Gatorade, snacks, protein bars, eye drops, and more for first responders in Sevier County. The other students and members of the community have been helping with donations, collecting items and assisting in taking the items to Sevier County.

· Halls Middle’s Random Acts of Kindness Club is collecting donations and will deliver them to the Ford Dealership in Sevierville to distribute.

· Hardin Valley Academy is doing a schoolwide drive for items listed on WBIR’s website as needed for pets in particular, but is also collecting cash donations and water. The effort is being coordinated through the Planned Acts of Kindness Club.

· Karns High is requesting that students and staff bring needed items for the Gatlinburg Relief Fund.

· Karns Middle is collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste through its student council; the girls’ basketball team is collecting monetary donations; and the school has a hat day scheduled with earmarked for animal shelters and the care of animals.

· Northshore Elementary is hosting “Dimes for a Disaster” with a goal of raising $1,000 in support of relief efforts.

· Powell High is serving as a collection hub for the Powell community. The intent is to donate directly to Gatlinburg-Pitman High School to help displaced faculty, staff and students.

· Powell Middle is working with its PTSA to host a Food/Water/Supply Drive through Friday for the American Red Cross shelter in Sevierville, where many victims are currently staying.

· Ritta Elementary is conducting a money drive on Saturday, Dec. 3 during its holiday craft fair. Students are also being asked to bring in other needed items in the upcoming weeks.

· Sam E. Hill Preschool is making cards and collecting water and power bars for first responders as well as gathering games and activities for small children.
South-Doyle will be taking donations for Gatlinburg this Friday night at the first home basketball game. A case of water, pack of Gatorade, box of protein bars, a bag of dog/cat food or other needed items equal free admission into the game. All donations will be taken to the drop off point in South Knoxville.

· Sterchi Elementary is having hat day on Friday. Everyone who wants to participate can donate $1 with money raised donated to the relief effort.

· West High is collecting items for the relief effort with a special focus on the needs of first responders. It is gathering Chapstick, water, energy bars and gum. In addition, they are collecting donations of pet food, diapers and other items of necessity.

· West Valley Middle is hosting a donation drive through next Wednesday, Dec. 7 for the Red Cross.

Three essentials: healthcare, food and education focus of 'Inside Tn'

Stan Brock

It’s typically a political and public affairs program, but this Sunday’s edition of “Inside Tennessee” focuses on three charities in East Tennessee and three basics of life: healthcare, food, and education.

WBIR 10News anchor and the show’s moderator, John Becker, calls it perhaps the “most revealing” edition of “Inside Tennessee” this year.

“We cut to the core of the need across our community for the very basics of survival,” he said. “It is hard to overstate the influence these three charities have had on improving the lives of people across East Tennessee. I think our viewers will appreciate the challenges ahead and will be interested in the role Washington politics may play in shaping their future.”

The guests include Stan Brock, the founder of Remote Area Medical; Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank; and Emmette Thompson, the executive director for Mission of Hope.

“(We) want to offer a glimpse into the lives of people on the frontline of topics that often take a political turn,” Becker said. “We spend some time talking about the influence of the November election and what they’re expecting in the coming Trump administration.”

For example, Becker noted, Brock offers his take on the one change lawmakers in Washington, D.C. could make the would open up more people to dental and vision care across the country.

Sunday’s guests will answer the question: Are we better off now than we were a decade ago when it comes to meeting the basic needs of people in healthcare, food, and education.

They’ll also talk about their biggest challenges ahead.

“We hope viewers learn a bit more about these homegrown operations, the influence they have on our community, and why they do what they do,” Becker said.

The 30-minute program, which was taped Wednesday, kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Sunday on WBIR 10News.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Take Hill to enter C.C. Building

Looks like if you want to enter the ol' Knox County Death Star you'll have to go through the Hill Avenue entrance, according to a memo sent out Wednesday.

The Public Building Authority closed the Main Street entrance "to address an issue with the concrete near the entryway."

The closure will impact member of the public through at least Monday. 

That's not too bad, however, since the building is closed until then for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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."

Debate over whether to merge Knox Co. criminal, circuit court systems

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond would like to put most of the county’s court system under one umbrella, a move that he says would help the offices “operate more efficiently” and “serve to once again generate excess fees” for local government.

His counterpart - Knox County Circuit Court Clerk Cathy Shanks - says the plan is "regressive" and the supposed financial benefits "are not realistic."

Hammond's proposal comes in the wake of a WBIR 10News investigation in late October that detailed the county Circuit Court Office's failure to turn over any money to the county coffers – for the fourth year in a row and the fifth time in the past six years.

MORE: Hammond's memo to the Knox County mayor
MORE: Shanks' memo to the Knox County mayor
MORE: No extra fees from Knox Co Circuit Ct Clerk four years running

As it stands, the criminal court clerk is responsible for the criminal, sessions and fourth circuit courts. The circuit court clerk oversees civil sessions and juvenile court.

Hammond's plan, which was detailed in a 2-page memo marked “confidential” and sent to Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett on Nov. 8, provides two options. WBIR obtained a copy of the memo under the state's open records law.

You can find the rest of the story HERE.

Hammond: Won't seek mayoral post

I was talking with Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond this morning and he said he will not run for county mayor.

There had been some rumors that he would.

Instead, Hammond said he will either run for criminal court clerk again or for the circuit court clerk's gig.

As it stands, Knox County Commissioner Bob Thomas and Knox County GOP Chairman Buddy Burkhardt so far have announced their intentions to seek the county's mayoral seat.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is term-limited. His current and second term ends in the fall of 2018.

Thousands of unemployed still waiting on TN Labor Department for help

Stephanie Ramirez

Stephanie Ramirez was prepared to dig into her retirement plan.

After 10 weeks without a job and no help from the state Labor Department, her 401(k) was a potential life preserver to keep her family afloat.

She was laid off in August and her husband, too, was about to join the unemployment line.

“I got really nervous because . . .  we are looking for employment but that assistance is there to help families just pay the bills and get along and find work,” Ramirez said.

As a last ditch effort, she reached out to her state representative, Roger Kane.

Two hours later, someone from the labor department got back to her. A day after that, her first unemployment insurance payment was deposited into her bank account.

“I believe I would not have received any benefits and so does Roger Kane’s office,” said Ramirez, whose family moved to Knoxville from San Diego 11 years ago. “But if (they) didn’t put a fire under them I probably really wouldn’t have a deposit today. I firmly believe that. That’s total speculation but no one was getting back to me about my claim. The timing is odd.”

Ramirez isn’t alone. She’s one of about a dozen people in the past few months to reach out to WBIR as part of its 10Listens program.

All say the same thing: They lost their job months ago and can’t reach anyone at the unemployment office. The department’s computer system isn’t that good and nor are the call centers. They haven’t received any money and they’re at wits end.

Check out the rest of our story RIGHT HERE.

City to deliver 60K new trash carts

In two weeks, contractor crews will start delivering the first of 60,000 new wheeled trash carts at no additional charge to Knoxville residences.

The new standardized carts are a key component to modernize and improve the City’s household garbage collection.

“Going to a citywide system that uses standardized trash receptacles increases the efficiency, safety, health and aesthetic aspects of residential garbage collection,” said Chad Weth, the City’s Public Service Director.

“The standardized carts translate into a nearly $2 million-a-year savings to taxpayers on garbage collection. Additionally, the carts allow our contractor, Waste Connections, to utilize trucks designed to hoist the receptacles and dump the trash into the back of their garbage trucks. This significantly cuts down on injuries and improves the quality of work for garbage collectors.”

The new 95-gallon trash carts are similar in size and appearance to the City’s existing curbside recycling receptacles, but the two carts will be differentiated by color to avoid confusion. The recycling carts are brown; the trash carts will be charcoal gray.

Rachel Butzler, the City’s Solid Waste Manager, said most U.S. cities have moved to collection systems with standardized carts.

“Residents should set out the new carts for garbage collection beginning Monday, Jan. 2, 2017,” Butzler said. “We think that people will find the wheeled carts to be easy to maneuver and large enough to hold a family’s weekly garbage.”

The day of garbage pickup is not expected to change, and residents should continue to take the cart to their usual collection location, with the handle toward the residence. It is critical that garbage carts do not block traffic, mail service or sidewalks or cause a safety issue. The new garbage carts will come with a flyer attached to the handle that will explain how to use the cart, how to handle bulky waste and what to do with old garbage cans.

The City’s back-door garbage service will not be interrupted. Back-door service is offered to those 75 years of age or older or those with a medical need. For a back-door garbage service application, residents should call 311.

For more details, call the City’s 311 Call Center or visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/garbage.

Also, a new blog – CartSmart – has been created on the City’s website. Visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/CartSmart for updates on the collection of garbage and recyclables.

KCS: New middle schools will change school student enrollment zoning

The construction of two new Knox County middle schools will require some "enrollment zoning changes" from existing schools, according to a letter sent to Knox County Schools parents Tuesday.

Rendering of Gibbs

In the letter sent to middle school parents and staff, Interim Superintendent Buzz Thomas said the construction of a new Gibbs Middle School and Hardin Valley Middle School could affect as many as 11 of the district's 14 existing middle schools.

Middle school zones that could be affected when Gibbs Middle School opens include: Gresham, Halls, Holston, South Doyle, Vine and Whittle Springs. Schools zones that could be impacted when Hardin Valley Middle School opens include: Bearden, Cedar Bluff, Karns, Farragut and West Valley.

The two new middle schools are expected to open in August 2018. Construction is already underway.

The district is holding four community meetings regarding the enrollment zoning changes: 

• Nov. 28 at Farragut Middle School (Hardin Valley Middle)
• Dec. 6 at Gibbs Elementary School (Gibbs Middle)
• Jan. 17 at Hardin Valley Elementary School (Hardin Valley Middle)
• Jan. 24 at Holston Middle School (Gibbs Middle)

A second series of meetings will be held in the spring to present a rezoning proposal, the letter said.

People can also submit comments to rezoning@knoxschools.org.

Rendering of Hardin Valley

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is currently investigating the plans for the two new middle schools to look at possible discrimination tied to school closings or rezonings under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Construction of the two schools is budgeted around $58.4 million - $23.6 million for Gibbs and $34.8 million for Hardin Valley.

Former state Rep. Joe Armstrong to keep pension despite conviction

Former state Rep. Joe Armstrong will keep his pension despite a federal felony tax evasion conviction. 

Communications Director for the Tennessee Department of Treasury Shelli King told 10News on Wednesday that a review determined the benefits Armstrong earned while serving for more than 25 years state legislature were not subject to forfeiture in this case.

King previously told 10News "the maximum benefit it would be approximately, $2,400 per month based his years of accrued service, $28,900 annually."

A memo detailing the review revealed that the tax evasion offense occurred outside his official capacity as a state representative and therefore didn't constitute malfeasance in office.

PREVIOUS: State Rep. Joe Armstrong found guilty of filing a false tax form

RELATED:  State Rep. Joe Armstrong retires in wake of felony conviction

A jury in August found the long-time East Knoxville Democrat guilty of filing a false and fraudulent tax return, but declined to convict him on two other charges - conspiracy to defraud the United States, and attempting to evade and defeat taxes.

Last month, a federal judge denied Armstrong's request to toss out the conviction or at least grant him a new trial.

His sentencing is set for Nov. 30.

One month after the conviction, Armstrong officially retired. 

Two voter fraud cases going to DA

Knox County’s election administrator says he’s identified two potential voter fraud cases from last week’s election.

Cliff Rodgers told 10News on Monday night he’s turning the cases over to Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen.

It’ll be up to Allen to see if she wants to press charges thru a grand jury.

"I leave it up to the DA as to what they want to do," he said. "When I see an apparent violation of the law, I'm not sitting on it. I consider it voting fraud."

In one case, Rodgers said, a woman admitted she’d voted when she was a convicted felon, which is against the law. The woman told Rodgers on the phone she'd been convicted of a felony more than 20 years ago, but didn't think that was relevant to her voting in 2016.

Under Tennessee law, however, it's relevant.

In another case, Rodgers said a man voted in Knox County even though he’s lived in Loudon County more than a year. The man's wife acknowledged they lived in Lenoir City; the husband, however, was in the voting booth casting his vote at the time.

Under state law, you are required to vote in your county of residency.

Rodgers did not disclose the names of the two voters.

Such potential violations are felonies in Rodgers' view. Rodgers said he's turned over other potential fraud cases, although he didn't recall having one come up in the August election.

"Any time I get them I turn them over," he said.