Knox County Commission will vote on the ongoing issue of a new Carter Elementary School during its Nov. 15 meeting. (Photo courtesy of Knox County Schools) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Knox County Commission will have the issue of a new Carter Elementary School in front of them again, as they will vote on it during their next meeting Nov. 15.

Commissioners met during a work session Nov. 8 to discuss the issue.

While most of the commission has no problem providing funds for renovation of the current Carter Elementary, they agreed that they are running out of options, and agreed that a new school is needed, and further expressed the need to work with the Knox County School Board to find the money necessary to make it happen.

The school board has insisted for several months that Carter Elementary should undergo major renovations and not have a new building.

They put the ball back in the commission’s court, as they weighed what to do about the future of Carter Elementary. Their options were to approve the $5 million renovation plan that the school board voted on during its meeting last week, or finance an additional $10 million for a new school. 

Commission chairman Mike Hammond said there is “political football” being played between the county commission and the school board.

“I’m ready to vote,” Hammond said. “We have had many meetings in the community, and I don’t know if any more meetings is going to change anybody’s mind. Most of you have made up your minds, and know what you want to do in regards to Carter.

“We’re looking at an additional $10 million to build a new school, because part of $5 million was going to Carter Middle,” Hammond continued. “If this commission decides to build a new Carter, there must be a revenue stream. Where is the money coming from? One option could be to refer it to the capital plan, and maybe the school isn’t built next year.”

Hammond said further, “To me, it’s become kind of a football, we’ve gone back and forth and back and forth. I don’t think we need to do that anymore, and the community feels they need to know what the commission is going to do.”

Commissioner Dave Wright, whose district includes the Carter community, has battled back and forth with the school board, attending the last several meetings and work sessions, heavily pressing the need for a new Carter Elementary.

“I have taken the input given to me by the folks who live in the Carter community, and they have done the best they could to impress on me the need for a new campus at Carter Elementary,” Wright said. “I’ve been (to the Carter community) several times and have come to know the people quite well. I believe that a lot of the new school board members had an opinion of Carter Elementary before the election. 

“Carter Elementary is a location that’s been brought up by the school board at least four times,” Wright added.

Land had been purchased by the school board for a possible new school, and Wright claimed parents feel like they’ve been promised a new building for years. 

“At one point in time, it was such an issue that $1.4 was spent for property. It must have been believed that a new structure was necessary at that time,” he said. 

Wright said a prospective business park at Midway Road could bring a bigger population to the area, which would mean more children in the Carter district.

“If Carter gets a school that people can attend, it draws some out of homeschooling, and draws some out of private schooling,” Wright said. “Everyone in the community knows its a bad structure. The first day of school there was a big deal about mold, and since then, some flooring has been taken up and I don’t know whether its been replaced. I’m not an expert on that — I’m just saying what people are talking about.”

The school board has been hesitant to make any further decisions on the issue, and has been insistent on renovating the school instead of building a new one, voting several times in the last few months to renovate. 

Last week during its monthly meeting,  the school board voted for the capital plan to renovate the school by an 8-1 vote, passing over the possibility of a new school. 

“Even with a new school board, the numbers are about the same,” Commissioner Brad Anders said. “Even if we gave them $15 million to build a new school, they wouldn’t build it. If we gave them $50 million, they still wouldn’t build it. Their minds are made up.”

The majority of the school board and superintendent Jim McIntyre feel those claims are unwarranted, and that Carter could be renovated into a safe, responsible environment for children. Some board members even felt that other older schools in Knox County should be given just as high consideration as Carter for renovations.

“When they look at all their priorities, they said there are other schools that are old and have to take priority,” Commissioner Richard Briggs said.  “When the chairman said we have to decide if we build a new school or not, I don’t think that’s our decision to make.”

McIntrye addressed the commission and presented a list of improvements that Carter Elementary needed, including a new entrance, better traffic flow, new classrooms, lighting improvement, cleaning up asbestos problems, and the kicker — a new middle school gym.

“There have been a lot of conversations about the Carter facility,” McIntyre said. “Deferring this for a year means we won’t be able to address a lot of the issues. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to make a site piece in its entirety. If the funding is not included, it will not address some of the challenges.”

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett made a brief appearance at the meeting and said he was in support of a new school.

“We need to make this part of the capital plan,” Burchett said to commissioners. “We need to make sure the Carter community has an opportunity to get this school. If we punt (the football), we will miss the opportunity to get it out there.”

County finance director John Troyer told the commission that the mayor’s office has not had an opportunity to analyze the entire capital plan.

Commissioner Tony Norman expressed his frustration on the whole issue, and said the commission should not have the final say in whether Carter Elementary is renovated or has a new facility.

“This body has not met with the school board, and I find that disturbing,” Norman said. “It is not in our authority to tell the schools what to do. There is a long-standing bond of trouble that exists with this body and the school system. I would do everything I could to build that school, knowing what I know from what Mr. Wright has reported, but I don’t think we’re solving anything.”

Wright added, “I’ve come to the firm belief that a new school has to be built. The biggest concern about the last two or three sessions of the commission and the school board is that this been treated like a football — we have bounced it back and forth. 

“Each time we talk about it we get lost in the high weeds of football,” Wright continued. “Maybe the school board does not understand our concern about the safety or what’s being constructed, and maybe we don’t understand the need of keeping their budget intact.”

“We do not want to hold the children hostage, and that’s what we’re doing,” added commissioner Amy Broyles.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Knoxville police are looking for a suspect in an armed robbery of a Subway restaurant at 3317 Sutherland Ave. Nov. 8.

According to Lt. David Powell of KPD’s West District G Squad, at approximately 11:39 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery, where an armed male entered the restaurant, showed a gun and demanded money from the clerk.

The suspect left, and it was not determined if any cash was taken, or if anyone was injured. No description was given of the suspect. 

The store clerk and witnesses were being interviewed. An update on this story will be given as more information becomes available.

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

A Sevier County sheriff’s officer submitted his resignation Nov. 4, two days after he was pulled over for driving recklessly in Pigeon Forge.

Lt. David Kitelinger, 54, was pulled over Nov. 2 by a Pigeon Forge police officer who saw his car traveling recklessly on the Parkway at Old Mill Avenue. Kitelinger was wearing his officer’s uniform and carrying his gun, but driving his personal car.

It was also reported that Kitelinger was slumped over his steering wheel, had some difficulty in speaking and his knees were shaking uncontrollably. There was no smell of alcohol or any other indication. 

Kitelinger’s bond to carry a weapon was revoked, because he was in uniform at the time of the incident. 

Kitelinger may have been in some sort of collision earlier, but that has not been determined. There was damage to the side of Kitelinger’s pickup truck, and there was indication that someone had hit the bank on the Spur and knocked a boulder onto the road, according to Pigeon Forge Police Chief Jack Baldwin. 

“From what the officer told me when he stopped him, it was evident that he wasn’t drinking because there was no evidence of alcohol,” Baldwin said. “(The officer) squeezed his hands, and there was no strength in them.”

Ambulance attendants and an off-duty paramedic, who stopped to render assistance, concluded Kitelinger was in need of medical attention, Baldwin said.

“The paramedic pulled up and it appeared he was having a stroke or low blood sugar,” Baldwin said. “He did a blood sugar test on him, and it was really low.”  

Kitelinger, who worked at the Sevier County Jail, allegedly resigned for personal reasons, possibly related to medical issues. 

Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals could not be reached for comment.

“I have no idea why he resigned. I don’t know anything going on with the jail,” Baldwin said. “I just know what the officer told me. He was concerned because of what he was seeing. It wasn’t that of an individual being intoxicated, but having medical problems. 

“The sad thing is there are those trying to push (the incident) more into it than what it was,” Baldwin added. 

Sara Pruitt (courtesy of Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

A female suspect is in custody after she allegedly robbed a Walgreens pharmacy at 5320 Clinton Highway Nov. 8, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that officers responded to a robbery call at around 9:33 p.m.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Sara Pruitt, handed a note to the pharmacist demanding pills. 

Pruitt fled in a light blue Chevy Blazer going west on Merchants Drive.  

Shortly thereafter, Officer Joshua Dykes saw a blue GM SUV at the traffic light at Clinton Plaza. Dykes drove up behind the vehicle and confirmed the suspect vehicle tag. 

After initiating emergency equipment, the vehicle fled through the red light and began to travel south on Clinton Highway. The vehicle collided with a marked cruiser as it veered across both southbound travel lanes on Clinton Highway. 

Pruitt was taken into custody. Officers are looking for two other suspects involved in the robbery, one male and one female, who were dropped off at another location prior to Dykes’ contact with Pruitt. No one was injured.

Pruitt was charged with the robbery, driving on a suspended license, evading arrest and no proof of insurance. She is being held in the Knox County Detention Facility on $13,500 bond. 

Nathan Hurst

Rachel Laugherty (courtesy of Knox Co. Sheriff’s Dept.) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Two suspects were arrested after a robbery attempt at an IHOP restaurant on Merchants Drive near I-275 Nov. 7, leading Knoxville police officers on a pursuit.

According to a police report, officers responded to the report at approximately 5:30 a.m. Witnesses said that a white male suspect, identified as 30-year-old Nathan Hurst, forced the restaurant’s assistant manager to the back in an effort to rob the restaurant.

Another witness saw Hurst leaving the parking lot in a white mini-van. Officers later spotted him and attempted to stop his vehicle on Merchants Drive near I-275. Hurst and another suspect discovered in the van, identified as 36-year-old Rachel Laugherty, fled the officers and a pursuit ensued. 

Officers caught up with the suspects on Middlebrook Pike, utilizing spike strips to stop the vehicle.

Hurst was taken into custody without incident, and was charged with aggravated robbery, evading arrest and aggravated kidnapping. Laugherty was also charged with aggravated robbery, in addition to evading arrest.

Both are being held on bond at the Knox County Detention Facility.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Three suspects are being sought in the robbery of the Bread Box Shell Station at 8480 Gleason Road Nov. 6, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Lt. Robert Hembree of KPD’s West District Patrol Division said that officers responded to a report of a robbery at approximately 2:22 a.m. The three suspects, all identified as black males, entered the store and proceeded to the beer cooler, where two of the suspects covered their faces.

Immediately, all three of the suspects took out handguns and went to the clerk, demanding money from the register.

The suspects left with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled towards a nearby apartment complex. 

Investigators are reviewing video evidence for additional leads on the suspects. Those with information are asked to call the KPD Crime Information Line at 865-215-7212.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

A suspect is being sought in two armed robberies that occurred within an hour of each other Nov. 5, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Lt. Robert Hembree of KPD’s West District Patrol Division said that at approximately 1:05 a.m., officers responded to an armed robbery at the Pilot station at 5800 Western Ave.

The clerk said that the suspect walked into the store and ordered him to open the cash register at gunpoint. The suspect struck the clerk on the head with what was described as a sawed-off shotgun. The clerk had minor injuries but did not require medical attention, Hembree said.

Around an hour later, another armed robbery was reported at the Phillips 66 station at 7501 Middlebrook Pike. Based on evidence obtained, officers believe that it is the same suspect. He allegedly left the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes.

The suspect was described as a light-skinned black male, tall with a slender build, and was wearing a gray hoodie, black sweat pants, a dark-colored stocking cap and a white cloth over his face.

Investigators are attempt to obtain video evidence in both robberies.

Those with information are asked to call KPD’s Crime Information Line at 865-215-7212.

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Knoxville police are looking for a suspect in the armed robbery of the Country Inn and Suites at 9137 Cross Park Drive Nov. 4.

According to Lt. Robert Hembree of KPD’s West District Patrol Division, at approximately 10:16 p.m., a white male entered the hotel armed with a knife, and wearing a blue bandanna around his face.

He showed the knife to the clerk, demanded money, then ordered the clerk to a back room. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Officers are investigating and are attempting to obtain video evidence of the suspect.

Those with information are asked to call KPD’s Crime Information Line at 865-215-7212.

Vice Mayor Bob Becker, left, announces that he will resign his post effective in January as soon as an interim mayor is sworn in. Governor-elect Bill Haslam, right, announced that he would resign as mayor in January before he is sworn in as governor. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Governor-elect Bill Haslam announced Nov. 4 that he was resigning his post as mayor of Knoxville, effective Jan. 10. 

Haslam’s announcement was followed by Vice Mayor Bob Becker announcing his resignation from his post to be with his wife, stepson and in-laws in Richmond, Va., where he will take a job in the health care industry.

Becker’s resignation will take place following the appointment of the interim mayor, once Haslam’s resignation becomes official.

“My objective during this time is to make certain we have the smoothest transition possible for the city of Knoxville,” said Haslam, with members of the city council and  other Knox County officials in attendance during a press conference. 

“I’ve loved doing this job as mayor. I’ve cared deeply about this city and very much about the employees. Whoever the new mayor is, they’re going to be pleasantly surprised about the commitment and quality of the people who work here.”

Haslam will be inaugurated as the state’s 49th governor on Jan. 15. There was consideration of a special election for an interim mayor, but that possibility was nixed because it would cost the city approximately $240,000. 

It would take approximately 60 days for a special election to be called once the mayor resigns. If an election happened, there would be a certified minimum of three months where an interim mayor would have to be appointed, regardless. 

“That period would cover an important time for the city,” Haslam said, “when budget preparations need to begin. Critical things are happening, and it’s not a good time to have a transitional situation.”

Members of city council will elect an interim mayor immediately when Haslam’s resignation becomes official. 

There will be a special called city council meeting on Jan. 10, and council members who want to be considered for interim mayor can give their cases to their fellow council members. 

Five votes are needed for election, and if no council member gets five votes, the lowest vote getter will be dropped and another vote will be held until the candidate gets five votes, and that person will immediately be sworn in. 

The interim mayor will still hold their council seat, Haslam said. 

Meanwhile, Becker cited that family was the main reason for his resignation. His wife chose to remain in Richmond to care for her parents, who are in their 80s. 

“In 2009, I got elected twice by my colleagues as vice mayor of city of Knoxville, and it’s a honor to be elected by those who know you well,” Becker said. “On July 4, I got married to the most incredible woman on the planet, and it’s been the highlight of my life. The challenge is that she, her parents and her young son live about 417 miles up the highway. 

“Since then, trying to be a husband and father in Richmond, and the vice mayor of the city of Knoxville, has been a challenge,” Becker continued. “I’ve always known which one of those was more important — I’ve worked really hard at it. I have a job opportunity in Richmond, and now is the time to focus on being the father and husband for that wonderful family.”

Becker said further, “Looking at the city, you can see this a city that is becoming the premier city in America to live, work and raise a family in. If the state wants to steal that slogan, we’re not going to let them.”

A vice mayor replacement would also have to be appointed by the council. Several council members have expressed interest in being interim mayor, and officials such as Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy, Community Development Director Madeline Rogero and former county commissioner Ivan Harmon have announced in recent months that they would be running for mayor in 2011. 

Haslam said that he is in the process of putting together his cabinet for governor, and he had advice for the new mayor.

“Putting together a team is like putting a puzzle together,” he said. “You have to make sure all the pieces fit and have representation from different groups. I’m just now starting. The last year and a half I have been running for governor, the city council has handled it well and hasn’t used the situation for political gain. It’s been a privilege to serve with every one of you.”

Becker said once he settles in Virginia, he does not see himself in political office again. 

“As joyful as this is, it’s a lot of hard work,” he said after his announcement. “What the future holds I don’t know, but more surprising I never thought that 10 years ago my wife was going to marry me. The future is what it is.”

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

By an 8-1 vote, the Knox County School Board approved a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school during its Nov. 3 meeting.

The school would be housed at the old L&N Station building on Henley Street and Western Avenue. The board is now working on hiring a principal, which they hope to have in place by early next year. 

The school system is also working with the state fire marshal and historic preservation officials to determine how to make the L&N building operational.

Board member Cindy Buttry was the only one to vote against the new school, citing additional costs to renovate the school, transportation concerns and funding for the long term. 

The school system will receive $2 million in start-up costs from the $500 million in federal Race to the Top education funds awarded to Tennessee this year.

“We’re doing a lot of great things with the federal monies we’ve been given, but at some point, the federal monies are going to run out,” Buttry said. “If we choose to continue funding for this, in this climate, I don’t see the citizens of Knox County willing to take on a tax increase. I’m just wondering what happens when (the money’s) all gone. 

“We may have to cut other programs, and we will have to make tough choices again. The public needs to have a little more understanding about funding this,” Buttry added. “We have to justify this to the people of Knox County.”

Buttry said she had asked superintendent Jim McIntyre to clarify the budget.  

“There are a couple of areas of incremental costs that we recognize,” McIntyre said.

“We want to be able to identify ways that we can increase the budget. We can make a strong case that is an important initiative for our kids that will allow a creative learning environment around a STEM education.”

Board member Mike McMillan asked if preference would be given to students who were already in magnet programs.

“We haven’t gotten that far along as far as the procedure,” McIntyre responded. “We have articulated the value of having a representative population of Knox County Schools. We will have to do some work in the coming weeks.”

Despite McIntyre’s explanation, although she does support the idea of a STEM school, Buttry did not seem convinced that it could work. 

“We could use the money at an existing school and have the academy there,” she said, “or have revisited a current school that already has the magnet concept in place, and that’s also important.”

“The school will not appeal to everyone,” said board member Karen Carson. “Choosing this school will tell someone they have to give up extracurricular activities.”

C.B. Howell III, a local business owner, spoke out against the STEM school, and said the L&N Station building was not suitable to house a school.

“I worked on this building many years ago when it was being remodeled, and it’s just not conducive,” Howell said. “It’s an iconic, well-known structure, You have to extensively remodel it. It will not accommodate 500 to 800 students. It’s just not big enough. 

“There is really no parking to begin with,” Howell continued. “The parking there is used by convention center people, and that in itself won’t work. There are homeless people nearby, and on top of that, this is a bad financial deal. There is $200,000 being spent for a lease option purchase, if this is correct. There are better uses for the money, and as a taxpayer, I don’t want to be railroaded into using my money for this purpose. It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

In other business, the board approved a motion to ask the Knox County Commission to restore $5 million to the school system’s 2011-13 capital improvement plan.

The commission had removed $5 million designated for renovations at Carter Elementary School, in order for the school system to investigate whether they could build a new elementary school.

Supporters in the Carter community let their feelings be known. 

“What’s the right thing to do here?” said Conley Underwood, whose children attend Carter Elementary. “If we get a renovation at this point, we don’t get anything for 25 or 30 years. Knox County Schools are in the development business. Kids shouldn’t have to go to another end of the county to go to a newer-model school. Please don’t short change us again.”

Jana Preston, another school supporter, said having a new school could create new business growth.

“Carter children continue to be an asset in Knox County,” Preston said. “(A new school) will say that the community is prepared to grow to get new businesses. Isn’t that what we want?

“Renovations allow little for growth,” Preston continued. “Problems will continue as the age of the building grows. Dr. McIntyre, we invested in you as a superintendent. We’re asking you to invest in us as a school.”

Board member Pam Trainor sympathized with the Carter community.

“I commend the Carter community for their diligence on this issue,” Trainor said. “As a life-long South Knoxville resident, we have three schools older than Carter, one of which is in temporary housing. We’ve been put in a difficult situation, and we’ve put the ball back in the county commission’s court. We’ve got to look at it for what it is.” 

In other business, the board denied charter school applications for the Booker T. Washington Academy and the Knoxville Charter Academy, and approved the  second reading of a policy that would allow high school students to use cell phones and other personal communication devices in between class changes. 

Before the meeting, students from West Hills Elementary School performed two musical numbers in front the board and other school officials. 

Adnan Ismail

Yusif Assad Hamed (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.) 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

Two men were arrested Nov. 3 after being caught with drugs and items that appeared to be stolen, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that at approximately 1:58 a.m., officers were called to West Hills Village Apartments at 3250 Lake Brook Blvd., to investigate two suspicious men looking into cars with flashlights. 

The suspects were identified as Adnan A. Ismail, 19, and Yusif Assad Hamed, 18, both of Knoxville. 

A perimeter was set up by officers around the apartment complex, where officers later located Ismail and Hamed, who ran away and crouched between two cars.  

A search of the suspects’ vehicle revealed a half drank bottle of whiskey, two marijuana pipes, numerous GPS units and iPods.  

Ismail and Hamed were charged with underage consumption, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of burglary tools and two counts of vehicle burglary.

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Two people were arrested Nov. 3 in connection with an Oct. 29 hit-and-run incident that occurred on the westbound side of Magnolia Avenue and Jessamine Street, according to the Knoxville Police Department.

Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that at approximately 11:25 a.m., KPD Hit and Run Accident Investigator Sandy Reynolds arrested Arthur Cantrell III, 23, and the hit-and-run vehicle’s owner and passenger, Heather Johnson, 23, at their home at the Ridgebrook Apartments at 2224 Ridgebrook Lane.

Johnson’s 2000 black Ford Explorer was located at the home, and was towed to KPD for processing, DeBusk said.

Lt. Jim Settlemyer of KPD’s East Squad F Patrol Division said that at approximately 10:14 p.m. on Oct. 29, officers found that Kenneth Jones, 40, had been hit, and the vehicle had left the scene.

Officers said that Jones had stopped to help an injured owl, that was in the lane of traffic, when he was hit. He was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with serious injuries, and still remained in stable condition. 

The owl was rescued, and animal control officers treated it.

Cantrell was charged with aggravated assault, driving without a license, tampering with evidence, leaving the scene of an accident with injury, and no proof of insurance.

Johnson was charged with facilitation of aggravated assault, facilitation of tampering with evidence, facilitation of leaving the scene of an accident with injury, and allowing an unlicensed driver to drive a vehicle.

Cantrell and Johnson were transported to the Knox County Detention Facility. 

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

A man was stabbed during an incident Nov. 2 when he got into an argument with his roommate, allegedly over money.

According to Sgt. Josh Shaffer of the Knoxville Police Department, Rodney Jackson, 37, said he and his roommate, John Michael Greenlee, 43, were arguing at their residence at 519 Cambridge St., and Jackson allegedly punched Greenlee in the heat of the moment.

Greenlee responded by pulling out a pen knife and stabbed Jackson six times, then hit him with a stick and broke his leg. 

KPD officers responded, and Jackson was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. 

Greenlee was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

Democratic State Senate candidate Randy Walker, right, addresses a crowd of his supporters in concession during a rally Nov. 2 at the downtown Marriott. Pictured left to right are Walker’s daughter, Christin, and his wife, Cindy. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Even though he was gracious in defeat, Democratic State Senate candidate Randy Walker still had some harsh words for his victorious opponent, Republican Stacey Campfield.

“Congratulations. Now grow up,” Walker said during his concession speech at a rally held in his honor Nov. 2 at the downtown Marriott. His wife, Cindy, and his two children, Christin and Jeremy, were by his side. 

Campfield, a three-term state House representative in Knoxville’s 18th District, defeated Walker with 57 percent of the vote to 37 percent to win Knoxville’s 7th District State Senate seat. 

Walker had previously taken shots at Campfield for not authoring many successful bills during his time in the House, and had disagreed on many other issues, including illegal immigration. 

Walker, 51, was a first-time candidate and a business developer and project manager at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He ran unopposed in the primary election, and wanted to focus on creating jobs in a tough economy.

He said after his concession speech, that if he were to do anything different, he wishes he would have started his campaign earlier.

“I don’t have any regrets,” Walker said. “I think I ran a great campaign, and it was a great experience for me and my family. I’m very appreciative of everyone who came out to support me. I thought I would give it a go, but the results weren’t in my favor.”

Kim Webber, the 2nd District representative to the Board of Governors for the Knox County Democratic Party, expressed how proud she was of Walker.

“I have worked with Randy pretty much since a little before he announced he was running,” Webber said. “I threw ideas out for him, and he absorbed what he wanted to absorb. 

“I think he’s run a great race, and he did a good job for a first-time campaigner,” Webber continued. “He might not have the name recognition Stacey has, and Stacey’s name recognition may be for good or bad reasons, that’s not for me to judge. He’s a great campaigner, I enjoyed working with him and I hope he will run for something else in the future.”

Walker said he was not sure if he would run for office again.

“I’m going to take a breather,” he said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do at this point, but I do know that I’m going to watch some college football and go on a weekend trip.”

Governor-elect Bill Haslam addresses the Knoxville City Council during its Nov. 2 meeting, in one of his last moments as mayor before being officially elected as the new state leader. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Bill Haslam continued his mayoral duties during the Knoxville City Council’s meeting Nov. 2, and expressed his gratitude for the council’s work during his campaign and his time in the mayor’s office, just an hour before he was officially elected as Tennessee’s 49th governor.

At close to 8 p.m., Haslam excused himself from the meeting to go to his presumed victory rally at the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown. 

“This last year and a half to two years has been a fairly extraordinary period for me and I think to the city,” Haslam said. “I want to personally thank you for how you handled everything with your professionalism. Nobody tried to play politics or take advantage of the situation. I have tried my best to be faithful to my duties here, and you all have helped do that. We have a tremendous staff.

“Regardless, I appreciate the way you handled a unique situation with class,” Haslam added. The council and those in attendance applauded with appreciation. 

Councilman Nick Pavils expressed his appreciation for Haslam’s work. 

“I’d like to say how well you have represented us throughout the state,” Pavlis said. “I think it reflects well on the city of Knoxville, and on you and your family.”

Attending to business, by a 5-4 vote, the council voted to postpone an ordinance to rezone city parks to open space, allowing the Metropolitan Planning Commission to discuss the issue during a December meeting. 

Councilman Duane Grieve suggested the ordinance, wanting to protect the parks from having property development. 

“We need a definition of what the parks are and what they will be,” Grieve said. 

Vice Mayor Bob Becker, who is rumored to be leaving his position upon Haslam’s election, said he was concerned about his own district because of pending capital projects.

“We’re putting a lot of businesses and jobs in danger,” Becker said. “It doesn’t feel right to say let’s make a mistake and fix it later. There is a lot of capital money that could be lost.”

Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy said there would be future problems involved for the future use of the parks.

“I can’t see taking on the parks and throwing them in open space,” Roddy said. “There are legal concerns.”

The council will vote again on the issue on Jan. 11.

UT men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl addresses the Knoxville Rotary Club during a Nov. 2 luncheon at the downtown Marriott. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl hasn’t had a whole lot to smile about over the last month and a half.

But he got a chance to get his mind off of his recent troubles, to talk about his basketball team for the upcoming season, as well as share a few laughs with the Knoxville Rotary Club during a luncheon Nov. 2 at the downtown Marriott.

In September, Pearl admitted to UT athletic director Mike Hamilton that he lied to the NCAA about illegally contacting recruits by phone and also hosting some at his home. 

He and his assistants took drastic cuts in salary and were banned from off-campus recruiting for one year. 

Pearl held a press conference where he tearfully apologized for his actions, and began his Rotary speech by doing the same, but without the tears. 

“I just want you to know that I have received great, great support and felt a lot of your prayers during a very difficult time,” Pearl said. 

“For those of you that believe in me as a teacher and as a person, I let you down, and I apologize. For those you who think I’m full of it, I may have proved you right,” he added, with the audience in laughter.

Pearl, whose team opens the season this month, reflected on last season’s run to the Elite Eight and talked about his former players Wayne Chism, Bobby Maze and others who have signed to play in professional leagues other than the NBA. 

He also talked a little about his family, the upcoming season, his current roster and his incoming freshman players, singling out his top recruit this season, forward Tobias Harris.

“He’s not an ooh or ah kind of guy,” Pearl said. “But he is one of the most mature players I have ever seen as a freshman. He will not overwhelm anyone, but he is very good in everything, and has an excellent chance to start.”

Pearl also took questions from the audience, with different Rotary members asking him about playing a tougher schedule; will he press more as far as his defensive strategies, and what it was like to coach his son Steven on the team.

“There are some things he does well, and he does have some liabilities, and what he did for us last year he will do for us this year,” Pearl said. “He’s not as gifted athletically, but you can’t question his heart.”

Pearl apologized again for his recent actions, and vowed to put his trouble behind him for the upcoming season.

“Adversity reveals character, it doesn’t build it,” Pearl said. “I am grateful that the university has given me the opportunity to remain the basketball coach at UT. I made some bad decisions and mistakes, but I don’t think they rise to the level of my losing my job. Certainly I do think we can survive this and maintain a great program, and look forward to providing the opportunity to do that.”

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

The FBI’s Knoxville Division and the Knoxville Police Department released new photos of the suspect who robbed a SunTrust Bank branch inside the Wal-Mart at 3051 Kinzel Way Oct. 26.

According to an FBI press release, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the suspect entered the bank, showed a note to the teller claiming he had a gun, and demanded money. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash. 

The suspect was described as a white male with a thin build, weighing approximately 130 to 140 pounds, between 20 and 25 years old, approximately 5’6” tall with brownish blond hair. He was wearing a gray or tan baseball cap, dark-colored shorts, and a gray, zip-up style hoodie.  

A reward is being offered for any information which leads to the suspect’s arrest.  Those with information are asked to call the FBI at 865-544-0751 or the KPD’s Crime Information Line at 865-215-7212.  

From Knoxville Journal staff reports

News@theknoxvillejournal.com

A man was stabbed at the KenJo Market at Broadway Street and Grainger Avenue Nov. 1, but it turned out to be a hoax, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.

Public information officer Darrell DeBusk said that around 8:30 a.m., officers responded to a call that a male victim, identified as 39-year-old Lawrence Patrick, said he was stabbed by a male with a box cutter, that wound up stuck in his arm. 

Patrick said he was stabbed after the male tried to sell him crack, but officers discovered that Patrick had entered the Broadway Carpet earlier, and asked to borrow a knife, which an employee gave to him.

Patrick admitted cutting himself after talking to police, and was charged with filing a false police report, DeBusk said. 

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

A new STEM magnet high school in Knox County was agreed upon during a Knox County School Board work session Nov. 1, but school board members were concerned about its start-up costs and lack of details.

“There’s so much to love about it,” board member Cindy Buttry said. “But there are costs. We’ve got existing magnet schools — why are we not fixing those when we’re branching out other magnet schools? I know I’m playing devil’s advocate and I really like this (new school), but I have concerns about existing magnet schools.”

Buttry said that knowing the details of running the proposed STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Math) school would help her to justify to the citizens of this community why it’s OK to have a new school while there are others that need help.

The school would be housed in the historic L&N Station on Henley Street. A press conference was held Oct. 29 to announce the decision.

The school district would receive $3 million in federal “Race to the Top” education innovation funds to start the school, but was refigured to $2 million, according to school officials. The city of Knoxville would also contribute funding. 

Part of the funds would help with construction, including laboratories. 

Knox County Schools superintendent Jim McIntyre said that there were procedures to be followed, and the school system would follow them when the vote came.

“This is the first step in revamping the reputation of magnet schools in Knoxville,” McIntyre said. “The magnet school is synonymous with incredible quality.”

Hester Lam, a student at Hardin Valley Academy and the board’s student representative, said students at her school would definitely be interested in going to a STEM school. 

She asked why her school didn’t have partnership opportunities with the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Associated Universities, like the new school.

McIntyre responded that he did not know, and would discuss it with her school’s principal.

Buttry also asked why schools such as Austin-East High School, one of the city’s most prominent magnet schools, could not be converted into a STEM school.

McIntyre said all options were being considered, but board member Gloria Deathridge said that Austin-East, which is in her district, “has lots of resources and is making great progress.”

In other business, the board continued the discussion of the renovation of Carter Elementary School, with many in the community speaking out.

The board will vote on Carter and the proposed STEM school during the Nov. 3 regular meeting. 

An injured dog is carried off as the result of a home invasion on East Red Bud Road Nov. 1. The dog was later euthanized. (Photo by John Messner/QuikPixOnline.com)

By J.J. KINDRED

J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com

Knoxville police are looking for two suspects in a home invasion at an apartment complex on 438 E. Red Bud Road Nov. 1.

According to Lt. Gordon Gwathney, the victims, identified as Dahlcey and Paul Payne, were in their apartment with their young son when two masked white males entered the apartment armed with handguns and demanded money.

During an argument and struggle with one of the suspects, Dahlcey Payne was shot in the arm. A mixed-breed dog, that the Paynes owned, was also shot and later euthanized. 

The suspects left and ran behind the apartment complex. Nothing was reported to have been taken.

Dahlcey Payne’s wound was minor, and she refused medical attention. No one else at the apartment complex was injured.

Officers with KPD’s Repeat Offenders Unit were called to the apartment, where several medicine bottles were discovered. Other related items were discovered after a search.

The suspects were described as being in their late teens to early 20s, but no clothing description was provided. 

The investigation is continuing. Those with information are asked to contact KPD’s Crime Information Line at 215-7212.