April 2011
84 posts
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Interview With Cong. Duncan, Jr. April 18, 2011;...
Part II of Interview with Congressman John Duncan, Jr. April 18, 2011 by Martha Rose Woodward by Sunspherebook@aol.com Woodward: You have been in congress for 23 years. Have you ever seen the climate as mean-spirited? It seems to me that things are getting rather wicked. What are your thoughts on the bickering back and forth? Cong. Duncan They sent us to a civility conference a few years...
Apr 29th
Apr 29th
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Talk of the Town for April 29, 2011 by M. Woodward
Talk of the Town April 29 An important part of the culture of this area leaves when a long-time business like Schaad Lumber closes. The company was a main-stay for construction in this area for the last 87 years. The owners decided to retire and no family member wanted to continue the business, leaving closing as their only option. It is like having a piece of cloth ripped from the fabric of...
Apr 29th
Apr 29th
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Bill in State House May Change Right on Red Law
Will HB0064 Change the Right Turn on Red Law? of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico (except in New York City) have allowed right turns on red since January 1, 1980, unless a sign otherwise prohibits this.”  By Martha Rose Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com State Legislator from the 14th District, Ryan Haynes, says one issue he hears about more than almost anything else is the “right turn on red”...
Apr 29th
Citizenadvocates.org Sends Message to Homeowners
  per D. Lindley Young posted by Martha Rose Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com TENNESSEE LEGISLATION TO HELP BANKS TAKE PEOPLES HOMES ____ Full PDF Opposition to SB 1299 and HB 1920 Press Release ____ Tennessee House and Senate members are attempting to rush through two bills - SB 1299 and HB 1920 - which will make it easier for banks to foreclose on people’s homes; reducing the number of notices...
Apr 29th
Clinton Highway bar served search warrant,...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com  Authorities served a criminal search warrant and nuisance injunction on Breakers Sports Bar and Grill on Clinton Highway April 27, allegedly because of drug sales, fights and drunkenness. The action was a conclusion of a long-term investigation of the bar, according to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk. Accompanying...
Apr 28th
Suspect sought in Weigel's robbery on Merchants...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com Knoxville police are looking for a suspect in the armed robbery of the Weigel’s at 1700 Merchants Drive April 27. According to KPD public information officer Darrell DeBusk, at approximately 11:37 p.m., officers responded to a report of the armed robbery at the Weigels located at 1700 Merchants Drive.  Employees told...
Apr 28th
Long-time South Knoxville resident affected by...
Tree leaves and debris cake the backyard of the home of Keith Rutherford in South Knoxville, as the result of the April 27 storm that hit all of Knoxville and East Tennessee.  Rutherford spoke to The Knoxville Journal April 28 about the storm experience, and assessed the damage to his home and yard. (Photos by J.J. Kindred)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com In the wake of...
Apr 28th
Storms hit Knoxville and East Tennessee causing...
Debris from trees caked the roads all over South Knoxville, like this one off of Martin Mill Pike, as the result of a series of storms that passed through the area and all of East Tennessee April 27.  A previous storm that came through Knoxville April 25 caused major damage such as this at a North Knoxvile apartment complex, as well as leaving many without power. (Photos by J.J. Kindred) By...
Apr 28th
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YOU COULD LOSE YOUR HOME if BILLS # HB 1920 and SB...
from Martha Rose Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com CALL TO ACTION—ALL HOMEOWNERS WITH A MORTGAGE Contact your state representatives and senators IMMEDIATELY. YOU COULD LOSE YOUR HOME if BILLS # HB 1920 and SB 1299 pass. These bills limit the number of foreclosure notices required before the bank can repossess your home from three notices to one. The bills also state that there will be no...
Apr 28th
Attorney Clifford Rodgers voted new administrator...
By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com Local attorney Clifford Rodgers was chosen to serve as Knox County’s new administrator of elections April 27.  The Knox County Election Commission voted unanimously to pick Rodgers over finalists Victoria DeFreese, a former Knox County commissioner, and Scott Firth, deputy director of the Election Commission who had been serving as interim...
Apr 28th
Students honored with Barney Thompson Scholarship...
Students from all area high schools were honored as Barney Thompson Scholarship recipients during the Knox County School’s annual Partners in Education luncheon April 27. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com Fourteen seniors were honored as recipients of the 2011 Barney Thompson Scholarship during the Knox County Schools’ annual Partners in...
Apr 28th
Michael Palascak living his dream as a comedian
Comedian Michael Palascak, who appeared on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ in January, will perform at the Side Splitters Comedy Club in Knoxville May 5-7. (Photo submitted)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com According to his web site, Michael Palascak spent his early years in Wabash, Ind., also known as “The First Electrically Lighted City in the...
Apr 28th
Homeowners could lose house after missing one...
State Bills Would Reduce Foreclosure Notices A bill making its way through the Tennessee Legislature would give homeowners less advance warning before their homes are sold at a foreclosure auction. State Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, and state Rep. Jimmy Matlock, R-Lenoir, have filed companion bills that would allow lenders to publish only one newspaper notice – instead of the current three –...
Apr 27th
Apr 27th
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Apr 27th
East Tennessee PBS honors Lonsdale Elementary...
Students at Lonsdale Elementary School were honored April 26 as the first graduates of the ‘Martha Speaks’ Reading Buddies program. ‘Martha’ herself made an appearance at the school to congratulate the participating students and their families. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com Participating students at Lonsdale Elementary...
Apr 27th
Dog in animal cruelty attack dies
Jeffrey Coppock (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com The dog that was the victim of an animal cruelty attack earlier this month has died, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Rosie, a Shih Tzu, died April 22 from the injuries she suffered in the April 8 beating.  According to the veterinarian’s report, the...
Apr 26th
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Knox County Commission rejects Hillside Protection...
By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com By a six to five vote, the Knox County Commission voted down the Hillside and Ridgetop Protection Plan during its meeting April 25, with dozens of concerned citizens in attendance.  The plan’s purpose was to control growth and have appropriate regulatory protection for environmentally-sensitive areas, protecting water quality and offering...
Apr 26th
Two people drown at Douglas Lake on Easter Sunday
By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com Two people drowned April 24, in Douglas Lake while swimming, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Charles Joseph Smith, 13, of Sevierville and David O’Bryan Reed, 23, of Knoxville, drowned during the incident, that happened at approximately 6:30 p.m. near a boat ramp off Flora Road near the TVA Shady Grove access...
Apr 26th
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Sandy Loy Speaks Out Concerning the PBA
Open Letter Concerning the Public Building Authority From Sandy Loy April 25, 2011 Lady and Gentlemen, I watched the meeting today in which Dale Smith made a presentation responding to matters which I have made known to you and the public concerning the PBA’s processes and practices. As you know I have backed up my concerns with documentation proving those concerns to be factual and have also...
Apr 26th
Motorist killed in crash on Sevierville Pike
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com  A motorist was killed in a single vehicle crash on Sevierville Pike and James White Parkway April 23. According to Sgt. Brian Evans of the Knoxville Police Department’s Traffic Services Division, Knoxville police and fire department officers responded to the crash at approximately 2:14 a.m.  Investigators believe the...
Apr 25th
Wreck on Rutledge Pike causes damage to nearby...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com A single vehicle wreck at 4720 Rutledge Pike April 23 caused damage to a nearby building and its natural gas supply line, according to a Knoxville Police Department report. Sgt. Lance Earlywine of KPD’s East G Squad reported that officers responded to the wreck at approximately 6:58 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered...
Apr 25th
Apr 24th
Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build and On-line Store...
Sunspherebook@aol.com News from Habitat: While finishing touches are being put on seven new homes recently being built by Habitat for Humanity at 4044 Skyline Drive in Knoxville, Dan Hurst, director of communications and others in the organization, invite everyone to check out the new on-line store at www.habitatstoreonline.com .Shoppers no longer have to leave home in order to purchase...
Apr 24th
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Talk of the Town by Martha Woodward April 23
　Sunspherebook@aol.com Greg Mackay was fired as Knox County Election Commissioner this week after serving for nearly a decade in the position. Three Republicans on the Knox County Election Commission voted to replace Mackay at their commission meeting late Friday afternoon. Voting went clearly along party lines as Republican Commissioners Bob Bowman, Rob McNutt and Chairman Chris Heagerty voted...
Apr 24th
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Interview With Congressman John Duncan, Jr.
  Gas prices, the national debt, red light cameras, TVA and the high price for utilities and more were hot topics for a one-on-one interview with Congressman John Duncan, Jr. from his office on Monday, April 18. by Martha Rose Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com No question was off limits as the former Army captain and 23 year veteran congressman sat for an in-depth discussion about issues of...
Apr 24th
Roddy drops out of mayor's race to run for vacated...
Knoxville city councilwoman Marilyn Roddy announced April 21 that she is dropping out of the Knoxville mayor’s race and running for the vacated state Senate District 6 seat of Jamie Woodson. Roddy held a press conference at the Halls Senior Center to make the announcement. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com In a move that very few, if any, saw...
Apr 21st
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Mayor Brown releases $172 million budget
Mayor Daniel Brown (courtesy of City of Knoxville)  From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com Knoxville mayor Daniel Brown presented the city of Knoxville’s 2011-2012 budget during a luncheon April 21 at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens, according to information released from the city.  Brown, who is serving out the remaining term of Gov. Bill Haslam as mayor until a...
Apr 21st
Man shot during incident on East Fifth Avenue and...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com A Knoxville man was shot during an incident April 20 at East Fifth Avenue and Jessamine Street, according to a Knoxville Police Department report. According to public information officer Darrell DeBusk, at 10:34 p.m. officers responded to the report of a person who had been shot and was observed walking in the East Fifth Avenue...
Apr 21st
Billboard campaign launched by FBI in search of...
Leslie Janous (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)  From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com The FBI’s Knoxville Division has launched an electronic billboard campaign throughout Tennessee and Georgia with the intent of locating a Knoxville woman who is a fugitive from justice. Leslie Janous, 36, pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count...
Apr 21st
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Young artist overcomes autism by showcasing...
The Clinton T. Walker Foundation sponsored the 4th Annual World Autism Awareness Day Walk-A-Thon in Knoxville. The foundation honored local artist Derrick Freeman, left, with a check for $500. Pictured left to right are Freeman, secretary/treasurer and associate director of the foundation, Cyndi McLamb, director Wanda Walker, and Derrick’s mother, Angela Hunter. (Photo submitted)  By J.J....
Apr 20th
Mother, boyfriend indicted in homicide of infant...
Danny Jay Branam, Jr. (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com A Knox County grand jury indicted two suspects in the April 8 homicide of 18-month old Brooklyn Stinnett April 20.  The child’s mother, 22-year-old Brittany Stinnett, and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Danny Jay Branam, Jr., were both charged with aggravated child...
Apr 20th
Solar Knoxville project ends, accomplishments...
Knoxville was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to be one of 25 Solar America cities nationwide. The city’s Solar America project came to an end during a closing ceremony at World’s Fair Park April 20. Susan Curtis, a representative of TVA, discusses the city’s accomplishments during the Solar America project. (Photos by J.J. Kindred)  By J.J. KINDRED ...
Apr 20th
City Council holds public hearing on redistricting...
Rick Emmett, downtown coordinator for the city of Knoxville, held a public hearing for the Knoxville City Council April 19 on a new redistricting plan. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com The Knoxville City Council held a public hearing April 20 on a new redistricting plan, moving more than 11,000 people to another district. Rick Emmett, downtown...
Apr 20th
Suspect sought in armed robbery of LaFollette bank
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com The Knoxville Division of the FBI, the LaFollette Police Department (LPD), and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) are searching for a suspect who robbed the People’s Bank, south branch, in LaFollette April 18. The suspect entered the bank at approximately 9:30 a.m., displayed a black semi-automatic pistol, and verbally...
Apr 20th
County Commission hears assessment of debt profile
By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com Knox County Commissioners heard a report on the county’s debt from representatives of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Group during its April 18 work session. The PFM representatives, based out of Memphis, were asked by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett to conduct an assessment of the county’s debt profile. Lisa Daniel, managing...
Apr 20th
School superintendent discusses policies to combat...
By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com During its mid-month work session April 18, the Knox County School Board heard superintendent Jim McIntyre address the issue of potential gang activity going on in the school system. McIntyre referred to a memo he sent to school board members in regards to activities with respect to the board’s policy on criminal gang awareness, saying...
Apr 20th
County Commissioners approve tighter control of...
By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com Knox County Commissioners voted during its work session April 18 to approve a plan requiring the county clerk, trustee and register of deeds to submit annual budgets to the mayor for review then back to themselves for final approval. The plan would start next year.  Most commissioners supported the plan taking more control over salaries and...
Apr 20th
Haslam participates in A-E High educational forum
Gov. Bill Haslam mingles with students in a classroom at Austin-East Magnet High School, as he paid a visit to the school April 15 to participate in a roundtable discussion about reform efforts and improvements. State Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman, Knox County Schools superintendent Jim McIntyre and several local officials attended the event. (Photo by J.J. Kindred) 
Apr 19th
Man rescued after private plane crashes into...
Rescue workers with the Knoxville Fire Department search for the remains of a plane that crashed in the Tennessee River near Island Home Airport April 17. The pilot, identified as Michael Malvy, was rescued by a nearby civilian and was not injured. (Photo courtesy of Knoxville Fire Department)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com A private aircraft that took off from Island...
Apr 18th
Man killed in car crash near Knoxville Center Mall
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com A Knoxville man was killed in a single vehicle crash on North Mall Road between Valley View Drive and Washington Pike April 17, near the Knoxville Center Mall.  Claude Barrett III, 45, was killed when his vehicle was traveling north on North Mall Road at a high rate of speed. Barrett apparently lost control of his vehicle and...
Apr 18th
Suspect sought in Pilot robbery on Sutherland...
From Knoxville Journal staff reports News@theknoxvillejournal.com Knoxville police are looking for a suspect in the armed robbery of the Pilot at 3615 Sutherland Ave. April 17. According to Lt. Tammy Chaney of KPD’s West District Patrol D Squad, at approximately 11:57 p.m., police officers were dispatched to the Pilot in response to an armed robbery.  Witnesses said a black male entered...
Apr 18th
Man arrested on multiple traffic charges after...
Russell Neal Gibson (courtesy of Knox County Sheriff’s Dept.)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com A Knoxville man was charged with multiple traffic offenses after sideswiping a Knoxville police officer traveling westbound on I-40 near I-640 April 18. According to Lt. David Powell of KPD’s West District G Squad, officers responded to the incident at approximately...
Apr 18th
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Ryan Haynes Reports on State Legislature
by Martha Rose Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com Ryan Haynes, State Rep. from the 14th District says the Tennessee Legislature has been busy lately. Tort Reforms Move Along in Judiciary Committee The House Judiciary Subcommittee moved forward with legislation to cap damages stemming from lawsuits in Tennessee. The tort reforms will provide stability in the legal system and ensure lawsuit abuse...
Apr 17th
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News from Habitat for Humanity
News from Local Habitat for Humanity by Martha Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com While finishing touches are being put on seven new homes being built during the week of April 9th by Habitat for Humanity at 4044 Skyline Drive in Knoxville, Dan Hurst, director of communications and others in the organization, invite everyone to check out the new on-line store at www.habitatstoreonline.com. ...
Apr 17th
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Talk of the Town April 15
Talk of the Town April 15 by Martha Rose Woodward Sunspherebook@aol.com A handsome candidate knocked on my door this week; Mark Padgett, running for city mayor. Padgett had a dazzling smile and was enthusiastic about canvassing the neighborhood. He handed me a pamphlet and asked for my vote. According to the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department we may be getting another dog...
Apr 17th
State Sen. Jamie Woodson to step down for SCORE...
State Sen. Jamie Woodson (courtesy of Facebook)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com State Sen. Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville) announced April 14 that she will step down at the end of the current legislative session after being named president and CEO of former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist’s State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE). Woodson, 39, has served in the Senate...
Apr 14th
Padgett continuing to earn trust on campaign trail...
Businessman Mark Padgett is trying to bring his business skills into the political arena, as he continues his campaign to become Knoxville’s next mayor. (Photo by J.J. Kindred)  By J.J. KINDRED J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padgett started out his day impressed.  As he walked into Remedy Coffee and Conversation on West Jackson Avenue, he placed his...
Apr 14th