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WLAF’s “Business of the Day” today is: CUMBERLAND GAP MEDICAL - At Central & Cumberland
 PHOTO FROM HOME See what these La Follette Elementary
School students accomplished further down this page.
BOE budget meeting rescheduled This evening’s Board
of Education Budget Workshop meeting is postponed.
BEP numbers for the month of May will not be available for a couple of
days. So, the meeting is rescheduled for Tuesday, May
29, 6:00 pm in the lower level conference room of the
Central Office at Jacksboro. The purpose of the meeting is to review and
discuss the May BEP funding data. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/22/2018-9AM)
Eighth graders learn
about post-secondary opportunities Lots of
folks invested time into the future of
Assistant DA Tom Barclay and his staff speak to 8th graders La
Follette and Jacksboro Middle Schoolers took the tours last Tuesday
while 8th
graders from
Ann LeJeune speaks to
students at Post-secondary opportunities was the
theme of the day. Topics covered ranged from dual credit and
middle college to criminal justice and law enforcement to the various
programs offered by TCAT and RSCC.
TCAT President Debbie Petree talks with students at the TCAT campus
LMS students listen to TCAT students tell about the
programs they are taking. Tom
Barclay, assisted district attorney general, presented a program to the
8th graders on criminal justice and law enforcement.
The carnival opens today at 5 pm.
It’s located behind City Hall in La Follette. WLAF’s Charlie
Hutson shares this photo from Monday evening. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED
– 05/22/2018-6AM)
Commission, CHET back
away from proposed drug program The Campbell County Commission managed to skirt
around most of the controversial topics that were brought before them at
last week’s workshop and conducted mostly routine business at Monday
night’s meeting, along with handing out accolades to local businesses
and groups. Pyro Shows was the
latest business to be honored by resolution for their contributions to
Also honored was the
welding class at A fifth grade student,
named Isaac, from Caryville Elementary School addressed the
commissioners about his drive to address bullying in county schools,
explaining he wants to raise funds for anti-bullying T-shirts and start
discussions among students, parents and educators. Mayor E. L. Morton
added that one of the movie nights at A representative of Community Health of East
Tennessee was allowed to address the commission and informed them that
after discussions with Judge Shayne Sexton, “CHET is no longer
interested in participating” in a proposed partnership between CHET and
the county to hire a psychiatric nurse to address the county’s opioid
problem. Mayor Morton had previously suggested using $45,000
from the county’s sale of delinquent tax property to match $45,000 from
CHET to fund a program to address the drug addiction epidemic. Pushback
from some commissioners and others resulted a budget amendment failing
for lack of a motion at last week’s Finance Committee session. Instead, commissioners
were told, CHET will participate with the drug court to plan a program
to address the problem. Joe Coker reported on his inquiries with CTAS about
the feasibility of a county commission resolution barring officials and
county employees from campaigning in county offices while on duty after
Scott Stanfield brought up the subject at the workshop. Coker told the commission that his discussions with
CTAS and state officials revealed that the “Little Hatch Act” pertains
only to state employees and school employees, while there are no state
laws that would restrict elected county officials or their employees
from handing out campaign literature. Ralph Davis brought up
the topic of penalizing non-profit groups such as volunteer fire
departments that receive county donations but fail to file timely
reports to the commission. Marie Ayers and others
hesitated at that suggestion and Lonnie Weldon reported that the Animal Control
Committee met earlier in the day with personnel from Holston Gas at the
animal shelter to discuss concerns voiced by shelter director Patricia
Simpson about a gas leak. “As of right now, there is no leak at the animal
shelter,” Weldon reported. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
05/22/2018-6AM)
At
Haslam signs Yager
sponsored legislation into law Major
legislation sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) to fight Each day
in “This
legislation is a huge step forward in our fight to roll back Tennessee’s
opioid epidemic,” said Sen. Yager, who has worked diligently to address
drug abuse during his legislative tenure, including passage of a
key measure cracking down on ‘pill mills’ in the state. “Every
family in The law enforcement aspect of the bill
updates the classification of drugs and allows law enforcement to better
track, monitor and penalize the use and unlawful distribution of
dangerous and addictive drugs such as fentanyl – a drug up to 100 times
more potent than morphine and linked to an alarming number of overdose
deaths. It also requires that the director of the Tennessee Bureau of
Investigation (TBI) now consult with the commissioner of Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Services, the commissioner of Health, and the Board
of Pharmacy to annually revise and republish the scheduling of dangerous
drugs. Previously, the TBI was not consulted in this process. “Fentanyl is a very serious drug that
is often mixed with other drugs, leading to the death of users often
unaware of its potency,” added Yager. “This legislation will allow law
enforcement to crack down on the use and distribution of fentanyl, which
will ultimately help eliminate this deadly drug from the streets.” The treatment aspect of the bill
provides incentives for offenders in correctional facilities to complete
intensive substance use treatment programs while incarcerated. An
increasing number of offenders suffer from substance use disorders.
These evidence-based programs are proven to reduce recidivism and
improve lives while saving taxpayer dollars. “Many of the people coming to prison
have drug addictions, and if we can’t fix that problem and we let them
back on the street with a drug problem, we’re likely to see them again,”
remarked Yager. “Through this multifaceted approach,
Tennessee can be successful in its continued fight against the opioid
epidemic and reverse the addiction, overdose and illicit distribution
trends that continue to plague the state and nation,” Yager concluded.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/22/2018-6AM)
Aaron Evans announces 7 Day Evans says as
county mayor he will practice what he preaches
"Take a vacation with us
in "If we want to
encourage more revenue and promote tourism to its highest level, let's
start by vacationing here at home with our local businesses and owners.
The Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office here does an excellent job at
promoting For business owners;
I'll stand with them and continually aid in the promotion of their
livelihood. I'll practice what I preach as their county mayor," Evans
continued. Starting May 20th- 26th Evans said he will visit some
of Campbell County's hottest tourism spots, local businesses and special
sights because he said, "Campbell County deserves leadership that serves
it's community all the time and business owners need to know their
county's ambassador has their back and wants to see them prosper."
Aaron Evans invites you to do the same and share
Tennova
Healthcare Asks: Are You Under Pressure? If you
feel like you’re doing OK with a borderline high blood pressure of
130/80 or so, it’s time to pay close attention. The American Heart
Association and May is Blood Pressure Awareness Month,
and Tennova Healthcare is using the occasion to help the community
better understand the new guidelines. The health system is also sharing
five tips for keeping your blood pressure in check. High blood pressure, also called
hypertension, is an all-too-common condition. According to recent
estimates, an alarming 76.4 million Americans over the age of 20—one in
every three adults—have high blood pressure. Perhaps more concerning is
that only about half of those living with the disease have it under
control. “Blood pressure measures the rate at
which blood pushes against your blood vessel walls,” said Syed M. Ahmed,
M.D., an internal medicine physician with Tennova Primary Care –
Broadway. “Hypertension is a condition in which blood flows through the
blood vessels at higher than normal pressures. Untreated, high blood
pressure can eventually lead to greater health issues, such as a heart
attack or stroke.” According to Dr. Ahmed, no one knows
exactly what causes most cases of high blood pressure. It can’t be
cured, but it can be managed. High blood pressure usually has no signs
or symptoms until the disease reaches its most advanced stages. That’s
why blood pressure screening should be part of every adult’s annual
health exam. Your blood pressure reading consists
of two numbers. The first is called systolic pressure. It measures (in
mmHG or millimeters of mercury) the force of the blood against the
artery walls as your heart beats. The second number is called diastolic
pressure. It reflects the force of the blood against the artery walls
between heart beats. For example, a reading of 120/80 mmHG means
systolic pressure is 120 and diastolic pressure is 80. Blood pressure categories in the new
guideline are:
·
Normal blood pressure: less
than 120 mmHg systolic; less than 80 mmHg diastolic
·
Elevated blood pressure: 120
to 129 mmHg systolic; less than 80 mmHg diastolic
·
Stage 1 high blood pressure:
130 to 139 mmHg systolic; 80 to 89 mmHg diastolic
·
Stage 2 high blood pressure:
140 mmHg or above systolic; 90 mmHg or above diastolic “Because it’s very common for a
patient to have hypertension and not even know it, the importance of
annual screenings can’t be overstated.” Dr. Ahmed said. “If your doctor
finds your blood pressure to be high on a single visit, he or she will
likely ask you to come back for additional checks at various times of
the day, or you might be sent home with a monitor to evaluate your
pressure around the clock. These are valuable methods of ensuring the
diagnosis is accurate, before discussing necessary lifestyle changes or
prescribing medication.” While most people are aware of the
danger that high blood pressure poses as a path to heart disease, there
are other long-term risks associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
Kidney disease, stroke, eye disease and atherosclerosis are all
potentially life-threatening conditions directly related to
hypertension. The good news is that most cases of
high blood pressure are highly responsive to lifestyle changes. The most
important tools for controlling hypertension are: 1.
Losing weight.
If your body mass index (BMI) is above 25, your risk of hypertension
increases significantly. 2.
Quitting smoking.
Smoking is one of the most prevalent independent
causes of high blood pressure. It also dramatically decreases your
chances of survival if you experience a related health episode. 3.
Eating a healthy diet.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber and lean proteins, as well as
one low in salt and saturated fats, will help reduce your risk of high
blood pressure. 4.
Being more physically active.
Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and
30 minutes) of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes)
of vigorous-intensity, aerobic exercise each week. 5.
Limiting alcohol.
Consume no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day
for men. If you are concerned about the status
of your blood pressure, make an appointment with your primary care
physician to get it checked. For more information or to find a doctor,
call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 05/22/2018-6AM)
Second LEAD class
graduates Sheriff
Robbie K. Goins congratulated and graduated 100 students yesterday from
Big rig jam in downtown La Follette
Reports coming
in to WLAF are that when an 18-wheeler dump truck hit the back of a pick-up
truck, around 5:30 pm Monday, under the Central-Tennessee stop light, it shutdown all four lanes of
going-home-time traffic. The big rig ended up turned sideways
blocking the Speedwell-bound lanes and turn lane with a sedan by the truck bed
near the turn lane. Fluid leaked from the trucks forcing La
Follette Fire Department Firefighters to thrown down an absorbing agent.
East bound traffic is peeling off West Central over to
CCSD, DTF, THP, & DEA conduct predawn raid - details are further down this page
Graduation
for Predawn drug raid at
Valley View home CCSD, DTF, THP, & DEA respond A Monday
morning drug raid took place in the predawn hours at a home in the
Valley View Community. Drug Task Force Director Josh Goins tells
WLAF News, “We’ve had a lot of complaints about all the activity at the
home of Hattie Jones at
Goins and the Drug Task
Force along with officers from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department,
the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Agency left out
at 4 am this morning to carry out the raid. Goins adds that there
will likely be indictments resulting from the raid. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 05/21/2018-7:30AM)
Longtime member of LPD
Force Woodward passes ‘Dean will be missed’ – La Follette Chief of Police
Bill Roehl Lieutenant Dean Woodward was a staple
with the La Follette Police Department for nearly three decades.
The former LPD Assistant Chief of Police died suddenly on Saturday. Whether on foot, in a police cruiser
or on a motorcycle, Woodward served for 28-years wearing blue. La
Follette Chief of Police Bill Roehl tells WLAF, “He (Woodward) dedicated
his life to the service of others. He worked for LPD in many
capacities, including as a Motor Officer and retired in 2003 as the
Assistant Chief of Police.”
Dean Woodward was a
Woodward was a veteran of the Vietnam
War and Past Master of Jellico Masonic Lodge #527 F.&A.M. Roehl
adds, “Certainly, I members of the La Follette Police Department and the
other city departments and employees will keep Dean's widow Vickie; as
well as, his entire family in our thoughts and prayers.” CLICK HERE for funeral arrangements. Dean “Deano”
Woodward was 69-years old.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/21/2018-6AM) Changes are coming to
WLAF this week Part of 65th
anniversary celebration You will notice some changes to
1450wlaf.com along the way this week. As part of the transition,
the WLAF website may not be available or updated for a brief time.
Your patience is appreciated. Changes, we hope, will be subtle yet
noticeable making 1450wlaf.com easier to navigate as well as offering a
few more features. When Frank Payne first helped us create the
site, he hammered home that we need to keep it simple, and Frank’s
philosophy lives on with the new look. Tabs are at the top of the page.
Right below the tabs is the WLAF – Hammrtech Hot Line where you will see
breaking news and other pertinent information. For WLAF corporate
partners, your banner and box ads will appear at the top and bottom of
the front page and down the right side of the page; all in rotating
fashion and your ads will now appear on other WLAF links rather than
just on the front page. One of the new additions is the
“School News” link that will keep you up-to-date on all the good things
happening in Campbell County Schools. Another new feature allows
you to search the site for stories. Rather than have full stories
all the way down the front page, stories will be collapsed allowing you
to see almost every story without a lot of extra effort. The new site would not be possible
without Steve, Andrew, Tim, and others at Hammrtech. Steve Ditmer
is president, and Andrew Ditmer is CTO. Tim Bigelow is the man
that led the way for the new WLAF site and is just about ready to show
you the latest Hammrtech creation. Thank you, Hammrtech!
The company that
specializes in high-tech solutions is based right here in
Zoning! You knew I would have an opinion!
ronnie weighs-in on zoning ronnie sharp (as he prefers his name
spelled) says, “Zoning! You knew I would have an opinion!”
Zoning was a topic at a recent meeting, and sharp shares his thoughts
HERE. Enjoy!
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/21/2018-6AM)
Shyla Huckaby, a 17-year-old junior at Campbell
County High School, and nine-year old Eden Reece, a third grader at
Caryville Elementary School, participated at Bays Mountain Saddle Club
on April 14.
Eden Reece sits atop “Burnin'
Down the Barn.” Reece competed with her horse Burnin’ Down the
Barn. She earned two first place, two second place, a third place and
two fourth place awards in the western division. Reece competed in the
open western pleasure against all ages including adults, she was the
youngest rider to compete in the show.
Shyla Huckaby is with her horse Secretly Enlightened Huckaby competed with her horse
Secretly Enlightened. She earned two first place, two second place and
one third place award in the western division. She has been riding
horses for 10 years and competing for eight years.(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/21/2018-6AM)
Starts next week Tryouts are Friday, June 1, 2:30 pm.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/21/2018-6AM) WLAF continues 2018
Election Coverage Gray Insurance “Meet the Candidates” As part of WLAF’s 2018 Election
coverage, we offered the candidates for county commission and school
board an opportunity to complete a questionnaire. Candidates were asked not to submit
handwritten responses. WLAF asked the candidates to return typed
responses by May 11. They were instructed to keep their responses to 200
words per question and they were told WLAF would not edit their
responses, the answers would appear exactly as submitted. The majority of questionnaires were
published last week. The two that appear today were submitted late,
because the candidates called WLAF last week to tell us that the
questionnaires mailed to them did not make it to them. Please
meet Here are the rest of the candidates
that sent in questionnaire responses:
Meet District 1 school board candidates
WALLACE GOINS
and
MARVIN RUTHERFORD.
In District 2, meet school board candidates
MARK HONAKER,
JOSH JAMES,
and
SHARON RIDENOUR.
Meet third district school board candidates
FAYE HEATHERLY
and TRAVIS
THOMPSON and from the fourth
district
CLINT BANE
along with
LAUREN WRIGHT
in the fifth district.
Meet District 1 county commission candidates
DAVID ADKINS,
KEITH GOINS,
WHIT
GOINS, and
ZACHARY MARLOW.
Meet District 2 county commission candidates
SCOTT “SCOTTY” KITTS,
LISA STANFIELD LESTER,
and
JAY MUNCY.
From District 3, WLAF introduces you to
DEWAYNE BAIRD,
STAN FOUST,
RUSTY ORICK,
DANNY SHECKLES,
and
SCOTT STANFIELD. Meet District 4 county commission candidate JOSH PARKER and from District 5 county commission candidate STEVE RUTHERFORD.
CLICK HERE to see the WLAF –
Gray Insurance “Meet the Candidates” forum that was held at West La
Follette School on April 26, 2018. Candidates for county mayor,
sheriff, register of deeds, and court clerk are featured.
Twenty-one of the 22 candidates for these offices appeared.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/21/2018-6AM)
It was a good time had by all at WLAF’s 65th anniversary celebration on Thursday night at The Party Place in east La Follette. More Charlie Hutson photos and Derrick Lee Anderson’s story are further down this page.
LaFollette agrees to
settle litigation A purchase by the city
of The council discussed
Resolution 2018-12, which is an amendment to the 2017-18 budget. The
amendment provided funding for the purchase of property at Councilwoman Ann Thompson abstained from voting
saying she agreed with the purchase, but proper procedures to purchase
the building weren't followed. The way in which the building was
purchased is what turned the eye to the city. The purchase wasn't
discussed in a meeting. Instead, Mayor Mike Stanfield sent Thompson to
make the owners a direct offer. The council also
adjourned in executive session with its Tennessee Municipal League (TML)
appointed counsel to discuss the pending litigation of
Pieces of 2018 Cougars
falling into place CCHS hosts Sevier on Thursday By Pat Pebley Spring practice is often the time to answer questions about what a team will look like in the fall. The Cougars have more than their share of questions for the 2018 season. Gone are the powerhouses of the offense as the Zach Rutherford to Shawn Marcum connection are both graduating. The McGuyver of the team, Elijah Phillips, is gone as well. Who will replace them?
The
Cougars were missing a couple of important pieces during the scrimmage.
Javan McCulley injured his knee early in spring practice but will
hopefully be back by the time the season starts. Jordan Tolliver was
also out for the scrimmage. WLAF celebrates its 65th
anniversary Charlie Hutson shares his photos
HERE
By: Derrick Lee
Anderson, WLAF DJ Aaron Evans announces 7
Day Campbell County "Staycation" Vacation Evans says as county mayor he will practice what he preaches "Take a
vacation with us in Campbell County, Tennessee. It's our home and it's
one of the most beautiful places in the country with some of the finest
people that have ever lived. We have all you need here for a family
vacation. Join us! Mountains, lakes, resorts, sights, history...
You name it and we have it right here in Campbell County, Tennessee."
said Evans after announcing his Campbell County Vacation Initiative.
"If we want to encourage more revenue
and promote tourism to its highest level, let's start by vacationing
here at home with our local businesses and owners. The Chamber of
Commerce and Tourism office here does an excellent job at promoting
Campbell County." Tourism generates about $57 million dollars
annually for Campbell County. "As county mayor I want to make sure
they know at the chamber I'll work with them and have their back when it
comes to tourism. I'll get out of the way and support them fully. For business owners; I'll stand with
them and continually aid in the promotion of their livelihood. I'll
practice what I preach as their county mayor," Evans continued.
Starting May 20th- 26th Evans said he will visit some of Campbell
County's hottest tourism spots, local businesses and special sights
because he said, "Campbell County deserves leadership that serves it's
community all the time and business owners need to know their county's
ambassador has their back and wants to see them prosper." Aaron
Evans invites you to do the same and share Campbell County's greatest
features with your family and friends starting right here at home.
The state champs visited WLAF on
Wednesday night. Les Martin and Brent Allen (neither pictured)
hosted the Jacksboro Middle School Golden Eagles last night on Just
Sports on WLAF-TV 12. The Jacksboro Eagles and a few members of
the Lady Eagles golf team were celebrated on the air for their great
seasons. L-R Bailey McKamey, David Bates, Blake Roberts, Dominic
Zupancic, Sadie Cox, Molly Fields, Garrett Medley, and Jack Leach.
The Eagles golf team won the state title on Monday. (PHOTO
COURTESY OF BECKY COX) CCHS baseball and
basketball tryouts are set At the end of the month Campbell County High Baseball Coach
Chris Mayes and CCHS Basketball Coach Darrell Cox are holding tryouts
for their respective sports at the end of May. Mayes hosts tryouts on Thursday, May
31, at noon, on campus. Prospective baseball players must bring
bats, gloves, and shoes and a cap. On the same day, May 31, Cox welcomes
boys who are interested in playing basketball. Tryout time is 4 pm
to 8 pm at Brown Gym. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/17/2018-6AM) CC Middle School anglers
take title Won over the weekend
The Campbell County Middle School
Fishing Team Members Mac Fritts and Reid Chapman won the “Next
Generation Juniors Championship” tournament. The young fishermen
took the title on the South Holston River on Saturday. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 05/17/2018-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE KING)
College bound CCHS Seniors show off
their future alma maters school pennants. L-R Trinity King, Elijah
Brock, McKenzie Ayers, and Noah Smith. More photos and a list of
all of the Senior Night Awards honorees are further down this page.
LMS track and field
shines at Hardin Valley Caldwell does it again By Greg Vincent
Macy Caldwell (orange jersey) readies to run In Thursday night’s
East Tennessee Middle School
Elite Championship held at Hardin Valley Academy, Macy Caldwell broke
her own record again in the 1600 meter run. Macy paced herself behind
her top competitor until the back stretch where her will to win took
over. She crossed the finish line a full two seconds ahead of her
competitor. Macy’s record breaking time was 5:21. Just minutes later,
Caldwell hit the track again to compete in the 800 meter run. Again, she
was the first to cross the finish line. Macy has been dedicated to
running for many years and has had many mentors there to encourage and
assist with her success, including her dad, Wesley Caldwell. It has been
my honor to also coach and work with this exceptional young lady and
great athlete. She has a work ethic that exceeds no other and always
gives 110%. Macy's allegiance to her team can also be seen in her
efforts in the 4x400 meter relay. She has developed a strong
relationship with team members Madison Johnson, Bailey Gillum and
Hayllynn Willis who placed 7th at this meet in the 4x400.
Caldwell (L) broke
free from her closest competitor to finish first Sheets celebrates five
years in Campbell County Hosts Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting “It was a
decision I made that I don’t regret in any way” is what Zach Sheets has
to say about his move to Campbell County in 2013. Sheets is the
local Edward Jones Financial Advisor who celebrates his 5th
year in Campbell County.
A Campbell County
Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting celebrated Sheets 5th
year in east La Follette. Sheets calls it a great experience to
become so active in the community and to get to know so many wonderful
people. His office is located on North Massachusetts Avenue in the
center just over the hill from the hospital in La Follette, and he can
be reached at 423.566.4010. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/16/2018-6AM) “Dream of Fields” is now
available Goerss has book signing Thirty-three years and 450 homes
later, residents of Deerfield Resort look back. Betty Goerss and
her husband Art were the first to buy land at the area’s premier
neighborhood on Norris Lake, and perhaps it’s only fitting that Betty
wrote a book about the many Deerfield stories. Goerss work along
with illustrations by fellow Deerfield resident Joe Bonomo and the
stories from those of Deerfield simply make the book.
Goerss recently greeted visitors and signed her new
book at the La Follette Library. “Dream of Fields – Our Deerfield Stories” is
available at the Greens of Deerfield, the Deerfield Real Estate Office
or by calling 423.563.0808. The books are $25 each. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 05/16/2018-6AM)
CCHS has fifty-three 4.0
students Senior Awards Night was last night It was a night to applaud academic
accomplishments for Campbell County Seniors last night. The crowd
of onlookers filled every seat in the CCHS Auditorium, stood along the
walls, and spilled out into the lobby. The night featured academic all-stars
from CCHS that featured 53 students with 4.0 grade point averages.
Five Eagle Scouts are also part of the Class of ’18.
CLICK HERE to see all of the honorees.
CLICK HERE for photos. Graduation is Saturday, May 26, 10 am,
at Tex Turner Arena on the LMU campus at Harrogate. There will be
live televised coverage over WLAF-TV 12 and 1450wlaf.com. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 05/16/2018-6AM) Cox takes fourth at state individually What a day for JMS Golf! Indeed
a memorable day. The Jacksboro Middle School Eagles are the best
in the state and proved it in front of everybody on Monday at Maryville.
The Eagles are the state champions as a team. Individually, Lady Eagle Sadie Cox
claimed fourth in the state for her outstanding efforts yesterday on the
same golf course where the Eagles took the state crown, Green Meadow
Country Club. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/15/2018-6AM) Bad roads, zoning, meal
program among CC workshop headaches County commissioners found themselves on the hot
seat more than once at Monday night’s workshop, as a courtroom full of
citizens brought up one problem after another. Commissioners listened,
responded in most cases, but offered few solutions. One group of residents from the Norris Lake area
were back before the commission with a suggestion that set off some
quick political sidestepping – the idea of countywide zoning. These residents came before commissioners
previously with concerns about a commercial campground that is being
planned near their lakeside community, but were told the county has no
control over such matters. The group was back this month to push for a
zoning ordinance, but found little enthusiasm for the idea from elected
officials. “This has been brought up three times in the past
twelve years and the result is always the same – people pack the
courthouse to protest the idea of the county telling them what they can
do with their own property,” Rusty Orick pointed out. Cliff Jennings observed that while Mayor of
LaFollette, his experience was that zoning works. Later, commissioners
briefly discussed whether to add the zoning topic to the agenda for next
Monday’s meeting. There was little enthusiasm for the idea, although
Jennings quipped, “I’ll make the motion since I’ll be gone,” referring
to his intention to not run for re-election. Trulene Baird spoke for another group of residents,
once again bringing up the need for paving on Stinking Creek Road. Baird
pointed out that the road, particularly the upper half, is in dangerous
condition with some areas of the road “literally sliding off.” “There has been no blacktop on the upper half of
that road since 1971,” Baird continued. “The county needs to allocate
enough money to Mr. Dilbeck so he can do something in the next year.” Commissioners responded with a combination of
excuses and vague promises. Ralph Davis said that the county is working
with state officials to try to obtain help on the road as an emergency
evacuation route, adding, “It will take $2 million to do that job
right.” Marie Ayers rattled off the amounts that the county
has provided to the Highway Department each year and pointed out, “We’ve
allocated $2.27 million over the past five years, but we can’t designate
the money for any certain road.” “They will pave roads where the votes are,” Cliff
Jennings added, obviously referring to the Road Superintendent. “If our votes don’t count, our taxes shouldn’t
either,” Baird shot back. She added that the community continues to hold
the Mountain Heritage Festival every year despite the deteriorating
road. She also pointed out that the ATV campground on Stinking Creek
pays thousands of dollars in hotel-motel taxes. Mayor E. L. Morton
added, “That campground is the county’s largest hotel/motel taxpayer.” The thorny subject of the county’s animal shelter
was next on the commission’s plate, with Patricia Simpson again bringing
up the issue of the gas heat and suspected leaks in the lines. “We have the gas shut off for now through the
summer, but something is going to have to be done before cold weather
returns next winter,” Simpson said. The problem is that so far, neither Holston Gas nor
county workers have been able to pinpoint the source of a leak. Simpson
insisted that the shelter can’t afford the kind of gas bills that came
in this winter and the gas usage can only be attributable to a leak in
the lines. “We paid $8,000 for all of 2017, but were billed
$5,000 for nine weeks in 2018. That is unsustainable,” Simpson
concluded. Next the commission was confronted with the
financial challenges facing the Campbell County Senior Center’s Meals on
Wheels program. The Center failed to receive their annual grant from the
LaFollette Medical Foundation due to mistakes that were made by not
filing 1099 forms for part-time employees. That error was due to bad advice from the Center’s
former accountant and has been corrected, but an upcoming decision by
the Foundation will determine whether the program can continue. “We deliver meals to homebound elderly residents
who can’t drive themselves due to their physical condition or other
factors. We’re delivering to 41-45 people and some can pay a little bit,
some cannot. It depends on their financial situation,” the program
director pointed out. She added that after the problems were first
publicized, the center received $3,500 in donations for March, but
contributions fell to $1,200 in April. “Our cost for providing the meals
in those two months was $11,000. If we don’t receive the grant, we can’t
continue the program,” she concluded. When the commission finally got around to setting
the agenda for next week’s regular meeting, few of the problems they had
heard aired over the previous two hours were included.
Scott Stanfield brought up the topic of county
employees and officials passing out cards and campaigning while on duty.
Stanfield suggested that the county should take some action to forbid
campaigning in the courthouse but County Attorney Joe Coker explained
that he has already obtained rulings from the state from previous
elections. “The county cannot forbid campaigning by officials.
You’re getting into first amendment issues of free speech, as well as
the independence of most elected officials to run their own offices,”
Coker pointed out. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
05/15/2018-6AM)
Caryville meets in its regular monthly meeting Board hires library assistant In last month’s monthly meeting of the Caryville
Board of Mayor and Aldermen they agreed to accept applications for a
library assistant to fill in while the current library assistant is on
maternity leave. Monday night, the board agreed to hire Laura Ayers to
fill the temporary position. Ayers has a degree in Literature and will
be allowed to work up to 32 hours weekly at a rate of $10 an hour. Mayor Bobby Stooksbury updated the board about the
sale of property in the Collins Industrial Park, he said there is an
offer with Mr. Larger to purchase the property for $80,000 with the
option of an additional 10-acre purchase, the board agreed to the
purchase. The board agreed to transfer funds for the purchase
of a police vehicle. The funds will be transferred from overtime in the
amount of $30,000 and temporary salaries in the amount of $6,000.
Discussion of the bids for the police vehicle were tabled until the June
meeting due to the ending date of bidding being on May 18. The board held a first reading of Ordinance 2018-05
that adds a new permitted use schedule section to the zoning ordinance.
A first reading of Ordinance 2018-06 annual operating budget for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019, was
completed. The new budget included a salary for a full-time fireman for
the city, a fifty-cent raise for employees, paving projects for the city
and funds for a new patrol car for the police department. The board held a second reading of Ordinance
2018-04 that will amend the 2017-18 budget. The general fund’s original
budget for operating supplies was $2,200 and will be increased $3,500
for a total of $5,700. Fire protection and control was increased by
$62,000; this amount will pay for items needed to be added to the fire
truck. Stooksbury discussed the city hall lighting
project, he outlined that the worst areas of the property will be
addressed this month and the remaining areas will be addressed next
month. The board agreed to a low bid of $6,910 from Lonnie Welden to
complete the work. In other lighting matters, Stooksbury said he
had been contacted by Comfort Inn at the 141-exit of I-75 requesting
lighting on Comfort Lane. The city will look at the placement of the
lighting and then contact LaFollette Utilities for installation of the
lights. Previously, the board had discussed Pilot’s request
to build a crosswalk from their old location, which is currently parking
to their new location across the street. Pilot, at I-75 Exit 141, would
like to enter into an agreement with the city for this project. After
some discussion, City Attorney Kathy Parrott advised the board that she
was not comfortable some of the language of the agreement and requested
to make changes to it before they approved it. In the night’s final business Aldermen Lloyd Lawson
discussed the board approving the members of The Board of Codes and
Ordinances Appeals. Those members are Janet Wormsley, Helen Allen,
Vickie Heatherly (alternate) and Virginia Blackwell. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 05/15/2018-6AM)
Cougar basketball
tryouts May 31 Coach Darrell Cox hosts tryouts Cougar basketball tryouts are
scheduled for Thursday, May 31, at John Brown Gym. Newly hired
Campbell Coach Darrell Cox is looking for boys who are interested in
playing basketball next season. Tryout hours are 4 pm to 8 pm.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/15/2018-6AM)
The banner
awarding
The JMS earns distinction as
state’s first entrepreneurial school On Friday, the banner was presented to the school
during a morning assembly. “This is a huge
recognition,” Gretchen Thomas, interim Campbell County Director of Schools Jennifer
Fields, who was also the principal at JMS until she assumed her new role
a few weeks ago, encouraged her former students telling them they “had
made history” by receiving this distinction. To qualify for
this honor, six educators dubbed ‘the Tennessee Six” by their colleagues
traveled to
The program, designed
by EntreEd (the National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education)
encompasses many skills needed for our future workforce including soft
skills, budgeting and marketing. EntreEd partners with local
Community Colleges to help fund and provide guidance and mentoring for
educators and students alike. They are also receiving funding for a
sustainable project planned for the school year 2018-2019 with the money
being provided by Greystone: A Blessed Place By: Derrick Lee Anderson
Sam
Brown, Margie Ison, Jim Wogan, Calvin Sneed, Bob Gray, Matt Hinkin and
For a long time, I
have always wanted to visit the
Candidates have one week to withdraw and not be on
the ballot The total number of names expected to
be on the August ballot is 85. Of that total, 79 are locals. Added this morning are third district
county commission candidates Dewayne Baird, Stan Foust, and former
county commissioner Lynn Letner. For county commission in the
first district is former county commissioner David Adkins. In the
second district, Mark Honaker is running for school board. (WLAF
NEWS PUBLISHED 04/05/2018-1PM) State Representative
(Republican Primary Election) Dennis Powers** State Representative
(Democratic Primary Election) Cassandra Mitchell Register of Deeds (10) Gary E. Berry, Greg Cross, Brittany Miller Foust,
Pete Huckaby, Beverly Stanfield Hall, Thomas Hatmaker, Ron McClellan,
Patrick Silcox, June Turner and Johnny Vanover Mayor (6) Aaron Evans, Mike Freeman, Jack Lynch, E.L.
Morton**, David G. Young, & Brian Younce Alene Baird** & Todd Nance Monty Bullock** & Tommy Overton Circuit Court Clerk Bobby Vann** Sheriff Robbie Goins** & Jimmy Jeffries 1st
District (7) David Adkins, Keith W. Goins, Whit Goins**, Robert
“Higgy” Higginbotham**, Harley Hill, Zachary Marlow, and John Ridenour 2nd
District (6) Otis Hatfield, Scott "Scotty" Kitts, Cliff “Butch”
Kohlmeyer**, Jay Muncey, Lisa Stanfield Lester & Lonnie Welden** 3rd
District (8) Dewayne Baird, T. Don Boshears, Stan Foust, Lynn
Letner, Lawrence “Rusty” Orick**, Josh Parks, Danny Sheckles, and Scott
Stanfield** 4th
District (4) Charles “Goat” Baird**, Johnny “Coach” Bruce**, Sue
Nance**, and Josh Parker 5th
District (7) Forster Baird**, Ralph Davis**, Carl B. Douglas**,
Robert H. Hicks, Tyler King, Steve “Coach” Rutherford, and Ronnie Thomas School Board 1st
District (4) Wallace Goins**, Jeffrey Miller, John Minor, and
Marvin T. Rutherford 2nd
District Mark Honaker, Josh James, and Sharon Mills
Ridenour** 3rd
District Faye Heatherly** & Travis Thompson 4th
District Clint Bane** and Ronnie Lasley 5th
District Crystal McNealy Creekmore** & T. Lauren Wright Constable 1st
District Barney Cox, Sam Ivey, and Kenneth Newsome 2nd
District Larry R. Ford & Jamuel Patton 3rd
District Johnny Jones 4th
District Dewey Madison & George Mefford 5th
District Samuel (S.L.) Tackett & Paul Webb Democratic State
Executive Committeeman Bob Cowan Democratic State
Executive Committeewoman Tracey Vought Williams Roger Burks, Randy Ellis, & Jim Cobb ** Incumbent Election Day is Thursday, August 2,
2018. Early voting begins Friday, July 13. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 04/05/2018-1PM)
A memorable banking career comes to a
close today at Peoples Bank of the South. Gary Petree, caught
tidying up the parking lot, will officially retire at the close of
business this afternoon.
‘What would you think about working here?’ –
Mildred Reynolds Who but Gary Petree would take the
time most mornings to tidy up the parking lot at the mall branch of
Peoples Bank of the South? Yep. There he is wearing a coat
and tie with broom and dust pan in hand making sure “his” parking lot is
in proper order when “his” customers begin arriving. Well.
It’s not really “his” bank, but for the past almost 40-years the Senior
Vice-President cared for it and its customers as if it were.
WLAF caught up with Petree last week at his office It seems pretty cut and dried.
The late Mildred Reynolds with then Peoples National Bank simply asked
Gary Petree, “What would you think about working here?” Petree
said, “Yes,” and thirty-nine and-a-half years later he’s calling it a
career at Peoples Bank of the South. But there’s a lot more to it
than that. Petree’s
connection to his career at PNBS can actually be traced all the way back
to his elementary school days at
Petree lived out his career not far from his
childhood home at Vasper It was at
Lawson
tells a story typical of It was
over lunch at the Royal Pool Room on
Dewayne Baird (R) officially takes over for Petree
on Monday Lawson
told him, “Come on. I know where we can get it.” They walked
across the street to Peoples Bank. Mildred Reynolds loaned Petree,
with Lawson co-signing, the money for his first year of college.
When school was out that next spring,
In the late summer of 1978, Lawson was at the bank
when Mildred Reynolds asked him, “What ever happened to that Petree boy?
Bring him in here. I want to see him.” Petree met with her
explaining that he was looking for a job and had applied at a few
places, including some banks. That prompted the long time banker
to ask, “What would you think about working here?”
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Precinct-by-precinct. District-by-district. WLAF has all the final numbers.
You asked. WLAF delivered. WLAF's Coach Vic King has taken all 184 pages of the election numbers and posted them right here. Just CLICK. (08/12/2014 - 8:00 PM)
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