Smith, Johnson denounce Trump

Growing division over Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's candidacy is adding political fuel to a hot partisan race in East Tennessee.

Democrat and former State Rep. Gloria Johnson and current Republican State Rep. Eddie Smith are facing off for the seat in Knoxville's State House District 13.

Johnson held a press conference Tuesday calling on Smith to denounce Trump's lewd comments against women that he made in a 2005 recording. Trump has referred to the comments as "locker room talk."

"I denounce Donald Trump's lewd comments about women and call on Eddie Smith to follow Governor Haslam and my lead to do the same," Johnson said.

Further, Johnson said it was not enough for Smith to only denounce Trump's comments. She said she would like to hear that he is not voting for Trump either.

"Are you going to vote for someone who makes the kind of statements that Donald Trump has made?" Johnson said.

In a statement, Smith said, "Like many voters, I remain an undecided voter. Mr. Trump's temperament and continued egregious statements over the last fifteen months are exactly why I have not endorsed him, and Secretary Clinton's continued dishonesty should concern everyone as we head into Election Day. Hillary Clinton's failed liberal policies of the past would do irreparable harm to our nation and to our state. I'm focused on making this election, for House District 13, about the issues that matter to Knox County residents, not about politicians in Washington and failed leaders."

At an event Tuesday night supporting longtime U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, WBIR 10News asked several East Tennessee Republican lawmakers for comment, but many declined to go on camera. Some promised off camera to vote for Trump. Others pledged to support his running mate.

Duncan told WBIR 10News on Monday that Trump's comments were "terrible." He also said he is sticking with the GOP nominee.

Knoxville City Council approves trash contract, greenway construction

The Knoxville City Council approved a new $4 million waste management contract Tuesday with Waste Connections of Tennessee.

The company is the city's current trash provider. Under the new contract, Waste Connections will provide  collection for household garbage and recycling materials for a seven-year term with three optional three-year renewals.

Tuesday’s vote comes two weeks after the city council voted to allow the city to purchase about 62,000 95-gallon trash receptacles.

Each homeowner will receive a new 95-gallon trash cart that trucks can lift instead of workers under the new plan. The 95-gallon cans replace citizens’ four 32-gallon can that are currently permitted.
City leaders said the plan will save Knoxville about $2 million per year.

Director of Public Service Chad Weth said the new service will not cost workers their jobs.

"They do hire temporary labor. So it might require less temporary labor," Weth said. "If they have to lose folks, they would find work for anyone that's currently understaffed."

Also during Tuesday's meeting, the council approved a resolution for an agreement with Wilson Construction to expand the First Creek Greenway.

The resolution calls for up to $1.22 million to be spent expanding the greenway to connect Woodland Avenue to Edgewood Park.

The new portion will run along Fulton High School, cross a new pedestrian bridge across First Creek to North Broadway, and then continue along Edgewood Avenue to Edgewood Park, the North Knoxville Library and the Larry Cox Senior Center, according to the city council agenda.

Today is last day to register to vote for November elections in Tennessee

For people living in Tennessee, the deadline to register to vote this election season is Tuesday.

People can either register to vote in person or by mail on Tuesday.

Election offices around the state are expecting long lines on the last day to register but there is another way to register to vote if you can't make it in person.

In Knox County, people can download the form to register to vote here, and send it to the election office at 300 Main St., Suite 218 Knoxville, TN 37902.

Click here to find out more information on how to register to vote.

To check to see if you are registered to vote in Tennessee, click here.

The general election is set for Nov. 8. Early voting starts on Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 3.

Remembering our friend Randy Stephens

Randy Stephens was a good guy. You can watch a video WBIR 10News put together HERE. The following is a story Tonja Burke wrote:

It's a difficult time at WBIR.

We are mourning the loss of our co-worker and friend, Randy Stephens, the man literally responsible for keeping WBIR on the air, but so much more.

Randy, who was 49, died suddenly over the weekend of an apparent heart attack, leaving his family and friends in shock and a giant hole in all of our hearts.

Randy came to WBIR from WATE in 2001 as our newsroom operations manager. In that role, he was in charge of keeping everything from computers to cell phones in working order. You probably saw

Randy over the years, at the wheel of WBIR's satellite truck as he traveled to cover breaking news, special events, or Live at Five at Four road shows.

In 2015, Randy was named WBIR's Director of Technology and Operations, using his expertise to ensure that the station's technology, building, and equipment was in working order.

Randy loved his work at WBIR, and everyone that ever worked with Randy loved him. He was always ready with a smile, a joke, or a silly story. Even in the midst of an often stressful job, he was the calm in the storm that steadied those around him. He worked long hours, often spending the night in the satellite truck or on the floor of his office at the station. There were many times he was called in the middle of the night to get us back on the air if there was a technical issue. You could count on him for anything, and one of the most common phrases you heard at the station was "Ask Randy."

We will miss him.

Outside of work, Randy was devoted to his family--- his wife, stepsons, mother, siblings, nieces and nephews. He and the love of his life, Tanvia, enjoyed camping, going to bluegrass festivals, and spoiling their dogs.

Randy did more than listen to bluegrass. He was an accomplished bass player, and you could always find him playing with other musicians at various events in East Tennessee. He was also on the board of directors for his favorite radio station, WDVX.

He loved the Great Smoky Mountains, and spent weeks every year camping in Cades Cove, fixing up delicious meals for friends or anyone who happened by. We were particularly fond of his peach cobbler, which he served up on more than one occasion on a Live at Five at Four camping trip.

He and Tanvia were avid dog lovers. They had three very spoiled pups--- Hank, Argos, and Willie G.
But their furry brood was often added to by foster dogs, who they would love and care for until a permanent home could be found.

Randy was the epitome of Straight from the Heart.

WBIR-TV General Manager Jeff Lee said, “Randy kept the trains running on time. He was a steady man. Someone you could always count on to advance ideas into realities. Randy was a dependable leader and friend. He will be greatly missed.”

His Facebook page was filled with pictures and stories from friends and family all over the country.
You could see the impact he had on so many lives, both personally and professionally. We can't believe he's gone, but know the legacy he left will live on in all of us.

We send our love and our continued prayers to Tanvia and the rest of Randy's family.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Trinity Chapel in Maryville. The funeral service will immediately follow, with Bill Williams officiating. The graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WDVX (wdvx.com/support or 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902) or SOS Beagles (sosbeagles.org or 814 Judith Lane, Atco, NJ 08004), or Recycled Best Friends (www.facebook.com/recycledbestfriends/ or 4040 Forest Glen Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919).

Ed & Bob take the show to East knox

Commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas continue their efforts to meet and eat with everyone in Knox County.

The Ed & Bob Show will hold another "Night Out," this time in East Knoxville at Jackie's Dream, which served hot chicken, on McCalla Avenue from 5-7 p.m on Oct. 20.

These events, the commissioners say, give them a chance to listen to any resident's concerns.

"Ed and Bob feel that going out to the people eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings," the two said in a released statement.

For more on the restaurant click RIGHT SMACK HERE.

City to vote on $2.9M waste contract

The Knoxville City Council is expected to vote Tuesday night on a new waste management provider.

The Public Service Department is asking the city council to approve a $2.9 million contract with Waste Connections of Tennessee, Inc., which is the city’s current provider.

The city wants the contractor to provide collection for household garbage and recycling materials for a seven-year term with three optional three-year renewals. The contract term could potentially last 16 years.

Tuesday’s vote comes two weeks after the city council voted to allow the city to purchase about 62,000 95-gallon trash receptacles.

Each homeowner will receive a new 95-gallon trash cart that trucks can lift instead of workers under the new plan. The 95-gallon cans replace citizens’ four 32-gallon can that are currently permitted.

City leaders said the plan will save Knoxville about $2 million per year.

The Knoxville City council meets at 6 p.m. ET Tuesday at the City-County Building.

4 bid to build ex-Supreme Court site

Four builders submitted proposals to begin a major much-talked about key development project at the site of the old state Supreme Court in downtown Knoxville.

The city several months ago began the bidding process, asking builders to submit plans. The proposals were opened on Monday morning.

The city by law only has to say who bid on the project and does not have to disclose any details about developers would like to do.

At issues is the almost two-acre site at 710 Locust Ave., which the city bought for $2.47 million last year.

The site is bound by Locust Street, Cumberland Avenue, West Church Avenue and Henley Street.

It’s been mostly used for parking in recent years.

Here’s who submitted proposals: 

• Marble Alley development team of Dale Smith and Buzz Goss
• BNA out of Nashville
• Commercial and Investment Properties out of Knoxville
• Dover Development of Knoxville

The site also includes a 52,776-square foot facility – the court house and an adjoining 6-story brick building. The courthouse, which features large expanses of East Tennessee marble and glass walls, opened in 1954.

The adjoining building serves as the main state office building until the 1980s.

According to the city documents covering the bidding process, officials want a developer to buy the site and then development someone.

The documents suggest that the area “will play an important role in continuing the momentum of downtown redevelopment efforts.”

It also notes that the city seeks “the establishment of a transformational anchor to an emerging district.”

Dawn Michelle, director of redevelopment for Knoxville, said the city is looking for “something that’s going to be vibrant, something that’s going to energize our downtown even more, something that’s going to set a catalyst to generate use along Henley, something that’s going to have that great street front presence is what we’re looking for.”

The documents note that nearby the site, developers have built some 225 condos and 642 new apartment units in the past decade.

“This development should create a sense of place that is attractive to residents seeking an exciting urban lifestyle, while building on Knoxville’s unique historic fabric and growing downtown culture,” the bid documents state.

The city's purchasing department and an evaluation team of city leaders will vet the proposals and take more with the builders in the coming months before making a decision and negotiating a contract with the winner.

Officials said they hope to have a formal proposal in front of the Knoxville City Council for approval by the end of the year.

The developer who is picked is expected to begin construction within 12 months of buying the property and must complete it within three years of the start date.

Staples, Gallman on Inside Tenn.

Staples, left, Gallman, on right

Candidates running for the East Knoxville district formerly represented by ex-longtime state House member Joe Armstrong are the focus of this Sunday’s edition of Inside Tennessee on WBIR 10news.

The 30-minute political show kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and features two of the three challengers vying for the 15^th District seat.

Guests include Rick Staples and write-in candidate Rhonda “Mousie” Gallman, both Democrats.
Independent challenger Pete Drew did not show up for the discussion.

Armstrong officially retired in September in the wake of his federal felony tax evasion conviction and just days before the Tennessee General Assembly met for a special session.

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.

His sentencing is set for Nov. 30.

Armstrong has since appealed and is seeking a new trial.

However, he can no longer represent the 15^th District in the state House or hold any other public office because of the conviction.

As a result, the Knox County Democratic Party picked Staples to replace him in the Nov. 8 general election. He faces Gallman and Drew.

Staples and Gallman on Inside Tennessee will talk about a number of issues, including what they liked that Armstrong did; how they would improve upon some of the issues he spearheaded; and what they would do about a potential gas tax, something Gov. Bill Haslam has pushed.

The panel features moderator John Becker, WBIR reporter Mike Donila, public relations expect Susan Williams, a Republican, and attorney Don Bosch, a Democrat.

Bounds, Rountree picked to lead BOE

Patti bounds, left, Amber Rountree, right

The Knox County Schools Board of Education named Patti Bounds board chair and Amber Rountree vice chair, respectively, during its meeting Wednesday.

The board held its first reorganization vote at its September meeting, but postponed the decision after two tied results.

In September, the votes were tied 4-4 between board members Terry Hill and Mike McMillan.

Prior to Wednesday's meeting, McMillan submitted a letter to the board withdrawing his name from consideration. McMillan was not present at Monday's board work session or Wednesday's regular meeting due to health reasons.

On Wednesday, Hill also removed her name from consideration. Board member Tony Norman then nominated Bounds, and she was named chair by acclamation.

Hill and Norman were then nominated for vice chair.

After a 4-4 tied vote, Hill withdrew her name from consideration again.

Amber Rountree was then nominated for consideration, and selected with a 5-3 vote over Norman.

Knoxville College board discusses fire, continues to gather info

Knoxville College Board of Trustees met Monday to discuss last week's fire at the Robert H. Harvey College Center.

The Board continues to gather information on the cause and awaits the final report from the Knoxville Fire Department and Knoxville Police Department.

  

“We are working with the Fire and Police Departments to determine additional steps in reference to vandalism and fires of buildings on campus," said James Reese, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "These incidents have continued to impede our efforts to resume offering classes at our institution. We will not let this most recent incident prevent us from taking steps to ensure a future for our beloved institution. Knoxville College has had a rich history since 1875 and its Board and alumni are working together to secure its future.”

 

He added: "We encourage anyone who has observed suspicious behavior on or around the campus to contact Knoxville Police Department. We appreciate efforts of the members of the Knoxville community and thank them for their continued support as we re-build. It is our sincere intent to once again become a thriving partner of the Knoxville Community."

Ijams Nature names interim leader

Rev. Bowman “Bo” Townsend will step in as the Ijam Nature Center’s interim executive director while officials search for a permanent leader.

Townsend, who spent the past 10 years as a rector at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, returned to Knoxville in June.

Prior to that, he served as the longtime executive director of the South Knoxville nature preserve.

Former Ijams Nature Center Executive Director Paul James announced his resignation on Sept. 27 after 16 years with the organization. James served as the executive director for 12 years, and spent four years as development director.

“I have been proud to be the director of Ijams as it has grown significantly over the past decade into what it is today,” James said in a Sept. 27 release. “What I am most proud of has been the development of genuine and long-lasting relationships with many Ijams' donors and community members. Their support and friendship have nurtured the growth and spirit of Ijams and ensure its continued upward trajectory.”

During James’ tenure, the nature center added more than 160 acres of protected space. Ijams currently encompasses 300 acres of urban greenspace in South Knoxville.

Knoxville celebrates 225 years

Knoxville is celebrating a big milestone Monday: Its 225th anniversary. The party started early, though, with events all around town during the weekend.

Excitement was building downtown for the anniversary. People were abuzz with dancing, singing, enjoyment of the sights and sounds Saturday night. The following Sunday night, Mayor Madeline Rogero attended a number of events, including a special dinner and fireworks show on the Gay Street Bridge.

"It's never been done before. The Gay Street Bridge, since it's opened, has not been closed," Liza Zenni with the Arts and Culture Alliance said.

Zeni said the last 25 years in particular saw the transformation of the city into what it is today.

"Knoxville has been experiencing a renaissance. Our downtown looked nothing like this 25 years ago. It was a ghost town, and now it's hopping nad popping every day, all day," she said.
The city closed the bridge between Blount and Hill avenues from 6 a.m. until midnight Sunday. The sidewalks there were also closed after 6 p.m.

Today, the city will continue the celebration with a number of events. The Historic Homes of Knoxville will be hosting a Founder's Day luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at The Foundry in World's Fair Park. WBIR's Bill Landry from The Heartland Series will be the guest speaker at that luncheon.
The Tennessee Theatre just got done celebrating its 88th anniversary Sunday. It will be hosting Mighty Musical Monday starting at noon. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m.

As Knoxville celebrates its past, community leaders are looking to the future.

"The most exciting thing that we've yet to see is what's going to happen between now, and the 250th anniversary," Zenni said.