Henley Bridge to be lit in honor of Trump presidential inauguration

Get ready for a patriotic showing on the Henley Bridge.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero announced Thursday the city will light the busy downtown bridge in red, white and blue in honor of the presidential inauguration.

Plans call for the bridge decking to be lit Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Donald Trump will become the nation's 45th president at a swearing-in ceremony that begins 11:30 a.m. Friday outside the Capitol. You can watch the event on 10News and live on wbir.com.

City leaders in recent years have begun using the bridge across Fort Loudoun Lake more frequently to recognize local and national events.

For example, the decks were lit in orange at the beginning of the month in a nod to the University of Tennessee's appearance in the Music City Bowl. Last week it featured royal blue hues in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Next month, plans call for lighting Henley Bridge red for National Wear Red Day; green, gold and blue in honor of the Bassmaster Elite Series; and red and white for Valentine's Day.

Henley Bridge also has been lit for sad occasions. Knoxville was among several American cities that received national attention in April after it displayed purple lights on the bridge upon the death of Prince, who loved the color purple.

School rezoning poses challenges for Knox County's First District

With construction on new Gibbs and Hardin Valley middle schools underway, the work of explaining which students will attend those schools is far from over.

What was four public rezoning meetings scheduled by Knox County Schools administrators has grown to six as interest in the new Hardin Valley and Gibbs middle schools continues to grow.

Parents in both communities have turned out in big numbers to get updates and express their concerns about how the district's existing middle schools will be rezoned to distribute students to all the schools.

The areas that could be affected when HVM School opens

 

Knox County District 1 Commissioner Evelyn Gill has the most schools affected in her district. She predicts the coming changes will have a major impact.

"Schools provide a framework and a bench mark for the next 10 years - where do we want to be? Serving the needs of students in those communities,” said Gill.

According to August 2016 data from Knox County Schools, Holston and Vine middle schools were under capacity, while Carter was over by 173 students.
The parents Gill represents say there's a number of issues.

"People are positive that you have a neighborhood school in Gibbs, but to have a neighborhood school it impacts Holston and it also impacts the diversity at Holston Middle School,” explained Gill.

More issues arise for parents who find themselves having to drive kids to school or rely on the bus system.
“You travel 30, up to 45 or even 50 minutes on a bus to and from school. It’s extremely difficult to get affordable and safe transportation for families and students,” said Gill describing transportation issues that could arise.

Zones that could be affected with Gibbs Middle School

Gibbs and Hardin Valley middle schools are both set to open in 2018.

 

Gill says parents with questions can learn more on the school districts website. They can also email questions or concerns to rezoning@knoxschools.org.

High turnout is also expected at another zoning meeting set for Tuesday at Holston Middle School at 6 p.m.

Hundreds of East Tennesseans heading to Trump presidential inauguration

Thousands of people from across the country will travel this week to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, and several notable East Tennesseans will be among them.

Gov. Bill Haslam is planning a trip to mark the occasion, as well as former Knox County Sheriff – and current Knox County Trump chair – Tim Hutchison.

Former state GOP chair Susan Williams will also leave Thursday for the nation’s capitol.
“I really do look forward to the swearing in,” she said. “It may be raining, cold, muddy, but again, it’s a historic event.”

Former TN GOP chair Susan Williams

This will be Williams’ third inauguration. She said politics aside, it’s important to witness the peaceful transition of power.

But she’s also a conservative at heart – and while she didn’t support Trump early in the campaign, now, she preaches party loyalty.

“So it’s fun, time for the Republicans to come back, so I’ll go and party with my friends,” she said.
But not everyone is hitting the road to show support for the new president. Terry Walker Smith, of Knoxville, will be attending the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. She says her bus trip was sponsored by local organizers to help her tell her story.

Walker Smith lost two sons to violence. In 2007, her son Djuansay was stabbed to death. In 2009, his brother Christopher was gunned down.

Now, she advocates for justice for victims’ rights.

Terry Walker Smith will attend the Women's March

 

“I’m going on behalf of all mothers that have lost their children to violent crimes,” she said. “For mothers and on behalf of women to be their voice to represent them.”

Kimberly Peterson heads the local chapter of the Women’s March. She said they believe about 1,000 women will be attending from across East Tennessee.

Both Peterson and Walker Smith are quick to note – not all attendees are there to protest Trump. Many hope to raise awareness for women's issues and stand in solidarity.

“We are just very proud so many local women are getting out of their comfort zone and sending the message that women's right are human rights,” said Peterson.

She also noted the local chapter has covered the trip cost for 14 women with a scholarship program.
But whatever the reason for the trip, Williams said she hopes after this week, the U.S. can begin to heal after a contentious election season.

"Hopefully we'll get him sworn in and everyone will go, ‘OK, he's our president now,’ and try to work with him,” said Williams.

Mike Hammond ditches push to merge Knox County criminal-civil courts

Knox County Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond is no longer pursuing a proposal to place most of the county’s court system under one umbrella, a plan he pitched in early November to some local leaders.

“It’s just not the right timing for it,” he told WBIR 10News Thursday. “I think politicians – elected officials – need to find ways to save money and streamline things and that’s what I was trying to do, but I didn’t seem to be getting the right traction from folks.”

Hammond first suggested the move to Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett 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.

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

MORE: Hammond to Mayor: Merge Knox County Court System

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

In a two-page memo sent to the Mayor’s Office, Hammond proposed several options.

He first suggested merging the criminal and civil sessions courts and putting them under the criminal court clerk's purview. He noted that the sessions court judges already hear cases in both courts and it “would be a relatively easy and smooth transition.”

Hammond’s second proposal - which he favored - would combine both operations but put everything under the control of the circuit court clerk, since the state constitution mandates that counties have a circuit court clerk, but not a criminal court clerk.

Hammond proposes making that move by September 2018 when his and Circuit Court Clerk Cathy Shanks' terms in office end. Since neither are term-limited they could each run for the circuit court clerk position.

Shanks at the time called the proposal "regressive."

"I think what he wants to do – he compared it to Blount County – and that’s the model for small counties," she said. "Large counties don’t do that because it provides better customer service for the court systems to be divided so that they can meet customer needs better."

The issue now is moot.

“Since Cathy had said she wasn’t running again, I thought it was a good idea to suggest it then,” Hammond said. “But it doesn’t seem to be the right time, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s not even an issue.”

Knox Co. employees offered incentive buyouts; about 90 to 100 eligible

Knox County is offering voluntary incentive buyouts to some of its long-time employees in what officials are calling a cost-cutting move that could save at least $1.6 million annually.

“It’s a cost-saving measure as well as an effort by the mayor to reduce the footprint of government,” said Michael Grider, the county’s communications director. "It's part of the mayor's conservative fiscal philosophy."

The county made the offer last week to some 800 employees but the plan will more than likely affect only 90 to 100 workers, said finance Director Chris Caldwell.

The move could "conservatively" cost about $1 million, but also save $1.6 million in that first year.

The goal, however, is to trim staffing by 25 to 50 positions, Caldwell said.

"Each employee has to determine if they want to apply," Caldwell said. "We are not targeting jobs. We are seeing who applies and then which positions those departments or fee offices can live without."

To qualify, employees must have at least 15 years of fulltime service with the county, a fee office or the sheriff's office. The buyouts do not apply to the school system.

The position also has to be one that goes unfilled or if it is filled, then the another job must be cut.

“The idea is not to let people retire early and incentivize that and then have to refill the position,” Grider said. “The idea is to save money.”

Employees who are approved will receive: three months of salary; a $300 payment for each full year of service; $3,000 to assist with medical coverage transition; health insurance for six months; and payment for accrued and unused vacation time.

When asked what brought about the move, Caldwell said: “The mayor is always looking for ways to save money and reduce government. It is not uncommon. The state has done this program in the past. It’s very similar to that."

Employees have until March 3 to apply. Caldwell said a number of workers have submitted requests so far but officials have not begun processing them.

Knoxville City Council delays voting on self-pouring ordinance for now

Tuesday night's Knoxville City Council meeting featured a spirited debate over ordinances regulating who can and cannot pour a beer.

A group of hopeful Knoxville business owners tried to explain the potential new market at the two-hour meeting.

"It’s not a free for all. It's not open taps where you pay $20 to get in and you drink until you fall down," said Pour Taproom founder Nate Tomforde. "That's absolutely not what it's about."

Pour Taproom operates in three cities, and a group of owners wants to put a new one in Jackson Terminal in the Old City. Their proprietary technology allows beer drinkers to pour and pay by the ounce. Encouraging sampling, but cutting users off once they reach a certain limit set by the business.

"I don't think any of us were familiar with a self-pour bar,” said Councilman George Wallace.

After discussion, the city council voted 8-1 to postpone the voting on the ordinance in hopes of crafting an ordinance that would better regulate this type of business.

"The stop-gap measures they've put in to protect themselves and protect the public, what they've come up with is very ingenious,” Wallace said.

"It’s kind of flattering, that they're looking at us as a model of how they'll shape the ordinance in the future,” said Pour Taproom Knoxville CEO Joel McLead.

The group behind the Knoxville location will continue working in hopes of opening in the spring.

"The lease is signed, the coolers are ordered and the taps are on their way,” said McLead.

If the business opens before the new ordinance is approved, they will have bartenders pour beers, which would require more man power. However, McLead said that's not going to stop the business from opening.

Parents express desire for community based schools at public meeting

Dozens of parents and community members, primarily from the Hardin Valley community, met with Knox County Schools administrators Tuesday for another informational meeting about possible middle school redistricting due to the new Hardin Valley and Gibbs middle schools.

The main message from parents attending the meeting was a desire to keep community together in the same school. More than one parent said they purchased their current home because they wanted their kids to go to Hardin Valley schools.

Previous: KCS: New middle schools will change school enrollment zoning

Asked whether the district would reevaluate other school zones after the middle school redistricting process is complete, Interim Superintendent Buzz Thomas said it's possible the district would look at other schools zones in the future.

"We don't have a specific plan to open up high school and elementary school zones right now, but we may need to do that," he said.

Thomas told attendees the district needs to have the new schools' administrators in place at least a year before the schools open, if not sooner.

"We have talked about trying to appoint the principal this spring," Thomas said.

Previous: Middle School rezoning meeting discusses new Gibbs Middle

There are two more rezoning meetings scheduled for Jan. 24 at Holston Middle School and Jan. 31 at Vine Middle School. The primary focus of those meetings will be the new Gibbs Middle School.

The district has said a second round of meetings will be held this spring to present a rezoning proposal.

People can also email questions and concerns about rezoning to rezoning@knoxschools.org.

Boyd 'considering' 2018 run for gov

Knoxville businessman and baseball team owner Randy Boyd “is considering” plans to announce his 2018 candidacy for governor within the next month.

The move comes as the longtime philanthropist and Republican steps down as the state’s economic and community development commissioner to return to the private sector.

"Most people are encouraging me to run, so it's something I am considering,” Boyd told WBIR 10News Monday. “It's a big sacrifice but there are so many things Gov. Haslam has started like the ‘Drive to 55,’ like the commitment to helping our rural communities. I want to make sure that momentum continues. If I were to run, it would be to make sure that happened.”

Incumbent Republican Gov. Bill Haslam is term-limited and leaves office after 2018.

Other top Republicans rumored to make a run at the job include two members of the U.S. House of Representatives – Diane Black and Marsha Blackburn – and state Speaker of the House Beth Harwell.

In addition, state Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, has filed the paperwork to run.

On the Democratic side, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and Nashville businessman Bill Freeman are rumored to join the fray.

The gubernatorial general election is set for November 2018.

Boyd announced last week that he was stepping down from his job as Haslam’s go-to person for economic growth and development in order to return to the private sector. He leaves at the end of the month.

Boyd heads Radio Systems Corp., which he created, develops area real estate and also owns the Tennessee Smokies AA baseball team. He also chairs tnAchieves, the partner organization to Tennessee Promise.

Haslam, a former Knoxville mayor, tapped Boyd in 2013 to serve as a special adviser in higher education, part of a strategy to boost post-secondary training of the state's workforce.

Haslam has previously credited Boyd with bringing some 50,000 jobs to the state and $11 billion in capital investments.

In 2013, he served as the special advisor on higher education to the state where he spearheaded the Drive to 55 initiative and Tennessee Promise.

Boyd told WBIR that on Monday alone he was approached seven times from people asking him his future political plans.

He told 10News that he plans to take the first couple of weeks of February to decide if running for governor is right for him.

"Most of the concerns are personal,” he said. “The travel, the being away. But as far as the work is concerned, I'm very comfortable that I could do the work. I'm excited about the progress we've made in education, the progress we've made in economic development, progress to help our rural communities. Those are the things that would energize me to do it.”

He added that at one time he felt campaigning was tedious, but he now feels it’s a way to meet people around the state.

"The more I've thought about it the more I've thought about it it's really governor training school,” he said. “You're basically spending your time out talking to people. If I were to run, I know I'm not the best speaker in the world, I'm certainly not the best debater. But I'd like to strive to be the best listener. Just being able to travel around the state and be a great listener and hearing people's concerns I think it would be really fun and rewarding. I think it might be something I would really enjoy.”

Q&A with Council candidate Tindell

We did a short interview today with former state Rep. Harry Tindell who announced his intentions to seek a city on the Knoxville City Council. Tindell, a Democrat, served in the state House for 22 years before opting not to seek re-election in 2012. He served on the Knox County School Board from 1986 to 1990 before joining the Tennessee General Assembly.

Here’s a snapshot of the discussion:

Getting back into politics.

I served in local and state government for a number of years, but I’ve been out – this is the fifth year – but I’ve been watching and I have kind of a yearning to get back involved. I’m passionate about helping the community

On previous political experience.

Well, the things I did in Nashville were all locally relevant. Education – I was on the state and local government committee for 22 years and chairman of the local government committee. All local issues that you read about – they all start in Nashville – so I’m very familiar with local governmental issues.

Then I finished up my career in Nashville as the chairman of the budget committee. That was of course good experience because you can’t run a government without a good budget.

On whether he has a specific platform.

I would say it’s two things. I am from the district . . . (and) I know the district very well. Two, the City of Knoxville is humming along at a really nice pace. Things are going good at Market Square, development, jobs, everything is going well here. What I say is that I’m not here to break the mold. What I want to do is build on the good things that we’re already doing – make it better, take it to the next level.

On specific changes.

I think like all residents there’s some things you would tweak. Broadway – you can’t talk about it or all the north Knoxville arteries without talking about the traffic congestion. At some point, we’ve got to address that . . . . I want to talk to the residents and here what they have to say and take their views to the council as well.

On a tax increase.

I don’t think we need that in the present situation. Like I said, the city is well managed. They’re doing the things they need to do. I think you have to look at things as they develop but there’s no reason to raise taxes in the present based on what I’m seeing.

On development in the district.

I’m like everyone else. Know that if you drive to Turkey Creek you see a lot more choices of stores and restaurants than you do on this side of town, and I think the people over here deserve the same opportunities. Of course if the businesses are willing to come, we need to do everything we can to make Knoxville hospitable for businesses, so that we can grow the economy. I think downtown is a perfect example. Look at Market Square. You can’t get in a restaurant without a reservation sometimes. The movie theater was a big hit. We need to spread out from downtown and make the Broadway corridor, the Chapman High way corridor, Knoxville Center and all of Knoxville great.

On whether he will face criticism for holding public office for a long time

Well, I won the elections, I didn’t lose them, so I think there was some level of support from the people in the community. And I hope people will recognize that experience might be valuable I this coming period. And I’m offering myself to the voters and hopefully they will see it and elect me to the council.

On moving from a state-held elected office to the local level.

I don’t see the City Council as a demotion as any stretch – it’s important, it touches the residents of Knoxville in a big way. There were times in the state House delegation  . . . I was the only one who had an all-city district so I have a real understanding and appreciation for what the city does for the residents. There’s an opening here and I think experience might be helpful for this present time.

On being a Democrat.

When you go to Nashville you pick a party . . . . The City Council elections have historically been absolutely non-partisan and people don’t talk about it that much. It’s about the people – it’s about the neighborhoods, it’s about the community. I can serve and represent Republicans Democrats and independents.

Former state Rep. Tindell to run for Knoxville City Council seat in 2017

Harry Tindell

Former Knox County School Board member and long-time state Rep. Harry Tindell announced on Monday his intention to seek the 4^th District seat on the Knoxville City Council.

“I have lived most of my life on one side of Broadway or the other,” said the former 11-term Democrat, who opted not to seek re-election to the state House. “I have been honored to serve parts of central, north and east Knoxville in the past, and I will bring the experience and knowledge I have gained to the city council if elected.”

Nick Della Volpe, who currently represents the 4^th District, is term-limited. The seat is non-partisan.
Tindell, 56, is a life-long Knoxville resident and served on the Knox County School Board in 1986 to 1990 before heading over to the Tennessee General Assembly for 22 years.

The election in November will bring five new faces to the city council, and in 2019 the remaining four council seats and the Mayor will be replaced due to term limits.

“In recent years, we have made tremendous progress in the quality of life and the economic vitality of our community. It will be important to have new city council members with varied experience in this period of change,” said Tindell.

He added: “I look forward to making my case to the voters that I can bring the vision, knowledge and passion to the office that will build on our success and to continue moving Knoxville forward, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen our neighborhoods and communities.”

Tindell has spent time in the private sector as an employee benefits insurance broker and a state government relations consultant.

The non-partisan primary is set for late August.

12 local state lawmakers gather for legislative luncheon, take questions

On Saturday afternoon, a panel full of lawmakers came together to address issues they're representing this legislative session in front of journalists who cover the issues they discuss. 

 

More than 70 people attended the East Tennessee's Society of Professional Journalist's annual legislative luncheon.

 

"This was one of the largest crowds I've seen at this gathering and it's that the general public is really engaged in what's happening right now in Nashville," Representative Eddie Smith (R-Knoxville) said.

 

With the legislative session underway, lawmakers addressed plenty of issues on the table, including highway infrastructure, gas tax, open carry law and seat belts on school buses.

 

"We need to do something but the question right now is what do we do?" Smith asked regarding seat belts on school buses.

 

Smith said having seatbelts on school buses sounds great, but lawmakers have to look further into the law, not only because of the cost, but because of potential negative consequences. 

 

"Whenever we look at a law, we have to look at what are the intended but what are the unintended consequences of any law," he said. 

 

Representative Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville) says it will take research to figure out what's best.

 

"Then it's up to us to find the funding and the revenue to pursue whichever statistically is the best solution for the safety of our students," Ramsey said. 

 

Another hot topic brought up was a letter sent to the president of the University of Tennessee opposing job outsourcing plans.

 

"They are not asking for much. They are asking for job security and they are proud to serve the State of Tennessee so I think it's only right to support those that have been working so hard for the university of Tennessee and other state institutions," Rep. Rick Staples (D- Knoxville) said. 

 

From seat belts to outsourcing, the conversation on big issues continues for these lawmakers in Nashville as the legislative session has just began. 

 

"It's important that they get to see who we are a lot of times it's just a name and see what we think about certain events, certain topics, and laws that are coming into place or action or consideration," Smith said.

Two dozen apply to be the next Knox County Schools Superintendent

In a last minute rush Knox County Board of Education members were hoping for, the number of applicants for Knox County Schools Superintendent jumped to 24 just before the end-of-day deadline.

On Friday morning, there had only been 11 applicants.

The deadline to apply closed at 4 p.m. Friday. There are 24 official applicants, with one additional application that wasn't completed.

There are two internal candidates and at least one other local candidate, according to KCS spokesperson Carly Harrington.

"I sensed a little bit of panic earlier in the week," said Patti Bounds, Chair of the BOE.

More: List: Knox County Schools Superintendent candidates

On Monday, member Amber Rountree, who is also overseeing the three-person superintendent search committee, said she hoped more people applied by the end of the week.

“I would like to see some more folks and I have heard there are more folks planning to apply, and they just haven’t gotten their material together,” she said.

The committee responsible for the search is made up of Rountree, Tony Norman and Susan Horn.

Friday morning, Norman told 10News he was hopeful there would be more than 11 applicants.
"I especially hope we'll get a few internal candidates," said Norman.

The names of the two internal candidates were not immediately available.

There is at least one local applicant. Dale Lynch, who currently serves as Hamblen County Schools Superintendent, applied Friday morning.

"I had heard he was going to apply and I'm glad he did," said Bounds.

Receiving 24 applicants for this position is a 'win' for the board, who went about the recruiting process differently than they had in the past.

"I'm excited about the process. This is a little bit different than it's normally done. Many school systems in our area use outside search firms," said Bounds.

Outside search firms can cost up to $80,000. Knox County Schools used one in 2008, when Dr. Jim McIntyre was selected.

Bounds said not using an outside search firm will give them more control over the candidates.

Norman agrees.

"Sometimes those search firms also have some preferred candidates, so they'll eliminate people on their side before we even get to see them," said Norman.

On the morning of Jan. 17,  the three-member search committee is scheduled to look at who has applied. Rountree says the goal is to identify perhaps five solid candidates from among all who have applied and go from there.

Norman says the people in his top five will be applicants who have "a heart for the classroom" and "significant administrative experience and experience with large school districts."

Bounds agrees with Norman's desire to have a superintendent with classroom experience. She also hopes their new chief will have many of the leadership qualities Interim Superintendent Buzz Thomas has.

"He is very much a servant leader. He understands the role of the board and of the superintendent," said Bounds.

For now, the superintendent search is closed. However, Bounds says it could reopen at any time if the current applicants are not up to standards.

Bounds said the hope is to have a new superintendent in place by summer, but are willing to sacrifice that timeline for the right person.

"More importantly is getting the right person. The last two left without completing their contracts and I don't want to see that happen again," said Bounds.