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WLAF’s “Business of the Day” today is: C & L FURNITURE - Downtown La Follette
 PHOTO FROM HOME Team HAVOC claimed
the battle of north
Yager supports
legislation to hold teachers and students harmless In TNReady
assessments “I share the concerns
and frustrations of the students, teachers and parents
I’ve heard from this week about the TNReady tests,” said
Senator Yager. “That’s why we passed this important
legislation to make sure students’ grades and teachers’
evaluations are not adversely affected by cyber attacks
or system failures.” Presently, state law
requires the test to count within the range of 15 to 25
percent of a student’s grade. The legislation
gives local boards of education the option to choose not
to count the test at all, or to count it up to 15
percent of a student’s grade for this spring semester.
The bill stipulates that no TNReady test scores from
this school year can be used for teacher employment
termination or compensation decisions. The bill also prevents
student performance and student growth data from the
TNReady assessments from being used to identify a school
as a priority school or to assign a school to an
Achievement School District (ASD). It further
provides that the assessments administered this school
year cannot be used to assign a letter grade to a
school. Senator Yager said he
is continuing to monitor the situation closely and is in
contact with the Department of Education as an
investigation has been launched into the matter.
The legislation comes after students in many
Commissioner McQueen has stated that there continues to
be no evidence that any student information or data was
compromised in the incident.
Senator Yager also supported
Senate Bill 1806
passed earlier this year placing a two-year moratorium
on any additional statewide testing in
Recovery court pushes
‘personal accountability’ to combat addiction It’s not news that a
drug epidemic has the state, and especially And while that is a compelling story, there is
another story to be told about the people who are in the grip of
addiction- and the people who are trying to help them. In 2005, a judge fed up with seeing the same faces
recycled before him said enough. That is when Eighth Judicial Criminal Court Judge
E. Shayne Sexton decided his district needed something different to
combat the growing addiction problem. “I stayed mad for my first five years as a judge,”
Sexton said. Charged with dealing with the criminals of five counties,
Sexton saw a trend- substance abuse was a common thread in too many
cases coming before him. He wanted to do something about that snowballing
issue. In time, the Eighth Judicial Drug Court was born. In 2013, the court was
rechristened When Sexton began to notice addiction was creeping
into the criminal court room, he also noticed probation, even coupled
with harsher penalties wasn’t cutting it. “The sheer numbers get them,”
the judge said of the state’s probation system. Noting that probation officers didn’t have the
luxury of focusing on one issue as recovery court does, he said that was
where the difference in the two programs came into play. “Some people thought this was going to be a ‘Hug a
Thug’, it’s anything but,” he said. “We are pushing personal
responsibility as the best prevention.” Recovery court is a voluntary program for people,
more specifically inmates, whose substance abuse related crimes has them
facing jail time. Through a strict application process, offenders are
given the opportunity to partner with the court in their recovery. “I root for the ones that have the guts to try,”
Sexton said. Violent offenders are screened out and the ones
hoping to dodge jail time eventually filter themselves out of the
process. With routine drug screens, accountability and the expectation
of employment, the program isn’t for every addict. “Jail would be easier,” Sexton said. Currently, the court can accommodate 40
participants. Sexton wants to see that number pushed to 50. Since its inception, 289 people have participated
in the court; 65 of them have made it to graduation. In its first year, the court signed seven people.
After that, the numbers began to steadily rise. In 2006, 14 new people
signed onto the program. Each year, recovery court has seen double digit
growth in the number of new participants who say they want a new start. Last year, 2017, was the biggest year yet for the
court- 40 new applicants came forward. When the numbers are
broken down, 26 of the 65 graduates were Campbell Countians. Furthermore, more females than male have graduated
program with those figures being 39 and 26 respectively. For the ones that have completed recovery court, it
was the game changer for them. Recently, the court hosted a graduation of four of
its participants. Among those was Campbell Countain Matt McClellan. The
young man had fought a losing battle with addiction until recovery
court. During his introduction Sexton told the crowd that McClellan had
endured some setbacks while in the court, but, he had persevered. As a
result of his determination, McClellan’s life is back on track. Standing before a packed room an emotional
McClellan said his graduation “wasn’t the end, but a beginning.” For more information about the Eighth Judicial
Recovery Court call 423-907-7503. To see statistics about
the Eighth
WWII vet passes Williams was also
a Shriner
Mack Williams died yesterday. He served the U-S in the Army during
World War II and was an active member of the community. Williams
career was spent as an agent with American General Life Insurance
Company. He was also a Mason and a member of Campbell County
Masonic Lodge #778 F.&AM.
Williams will be laid to rest Saturday afternoon with a receiving of
family and friends at 3 pm at Walters Funeral Home. Mack Williams
was 93-years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED - 04/20/2018-6AM) Delinquent tax sale is
Friday, May 4, 2018 – SEE LIST HERE See entire list by
CLICKING HERE Another jump at the pump Two hikes this week. So far. We’re
paying $2.45 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline this morning.
That’s up from $2.39. The week started with us paying $2.35 a
gallon. A year ago, we were paying $2.09 a gallon here in Annual Child Abuse
Prevention luncheon is next Friday Tickets are on sale at 423.562.4190 By CCSD Chief Deputy Aaron Evans Just a reminder that
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As board members of the Campbell
County Children's Center, Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins and Chief
Deputy Aaron Evans want to remind you of the Children's Center's Annual
Child Abuse Prevention Benefit Luncheon on Friday, April 27, at the La
ollette Church of God. It’s from noon until 1pm. The keynote speaker
this year is Tickets are $25
each with all the proceeds benefitting the Campbell County Children's
Center. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Children’s Center
at 423.562.4190. (WLAF
NEWS PUBLISHED - 04/20/2018-6AM)
Pair of Caryville women arrested on multiple drug charges ‘Sells the substance to support her kids’ – CPD Officer Adam Southern Jamie Lee
Davis doesn’t have a driver’s license and is not supposed to be driving-
Caryville Police Officer Adam Southern knew that. However, on Wednesday
at 9 pm, Southern saw
Officer Southern sits
behind a table of all the neatly organized items found in Once Johnson
realized she was under arrest, she began crying hysterically, the report
said. Southern wrote Johnson admitted the substance was hers, and that
she sells it to support her kids, because she has no income.
Big night for LMS Track
and Field Coach Greg
Vincent’s La Follette Middle School Track and Field team had quite a
showing on Wednesday night at the
Lady Owl Erica Brock claimed first place in the
discus at CAK Erica Brock took first place in the
discus and second place in the shot put while Macy Caldwell won the 800
meter run and placed 2nd in the 1600. Madison Johnson claimed
second place in the high jump. Elsewhere, Alivia Marlow took third
in the 100 meter hurdles as Haylynn Willis placed 3rd in the high jump.
CLICK HERE to see the photo gallery.
Macy Caldwell crossed the finish line in the 800
meter run at CAK with a new LMS record of 2:31 besting the previous mark
of 2:32. Coach Vincent tells WLAF, “We are very
proud of our athletes. Our team is turning up the intensity as we
get closer to the post season. They are consistently creating new
personal records.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/20/2018-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY
OF SHARYN VINCENT) FINAL BASEBALL AND
SOFTBALL SCORES: Cougars 6 Coalfield 1
So long, Cougar Seniors Thursday was Senior Night at CCHS Cougar
Soccer celebrated its six seniors Thursday evening at Cougar Field.
Coach Daniel Lasley honored his seniors prior to The seniors are Chandler Thomas, Jacob
Greenwood, Cort Burry, Noah Jackson, Riley Smith, and Ryan Roderick. WLAF – Gray Insurance
“Meet the Candidates” is Thursday Meet the mayoral, sheriff, register of deeds,
trustee, and clerk candidates In less
than a week, you will be able to “Meet the Candidates” in Blakenship ‘parks
between lines’, still gets DUI On Sunday morning
around 2:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a vehicle sitting in
the roadway on After several attempts to wake Blankenship, Jeffers
opened the driver’s door and put the vehicle in park. When Blankenship
eventually woke up, he was disoriented and had blood shot watery eyes,
the report said. Jeffers ask Blankenship why he was parked in the
road and he said, “Because you pulled me over”. As Blankenship was
attempting to get his driver’s license and proof of insurance, he
attempted to argue with police saying, “I don’t understand why you are
bothering me. I parked perfectly between the lines.” After a series of field sobriety tests, which he
failed, Blankenship was arrested and transported to the Campbell County
Jail. At the jail, Blankenship consented to a
Breathalyzer but was unable to complete on the first try. While he was
waiting to give another sample, he allegedly demanded corrections
officers handcuff him or chain him to the bench he was sitting on
because if they didn’t he was going to get hurt or hurt someone due to
his blood pressure being high. When that failed, Blankenship allegedly told police
he was going to get up and fight the correction officers, so he could go
home. Blankenship, 48,
Looking for a job? Quality Lawn Sales and Service has openings The folks at Quality Lawn Sales and
Service need a couple of people to work fulltime. Quality is the
local dealer for Cub Cadet and is located at Indian Mound at Jacksboro. Needed is one person to work the front
counter. It’s helpful if you have knowledge of parts, computer
skills, and are capable of working well with customers. A technician is also needed to work in
Quality’s service department. Please apply in person with owner Ed
Smiddy between 9 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 04/18/2018-6AM) Caryville woman to serve
10-years Pleads guilty for role in meth distribution
conspiracy Some details emerge from a two-year
investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It
involves more than 20 people, 12 of which are Campbell Countians.
The local agencies playing key roles are the Campbell County Sheriff’s
Department, the Eighth Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the La
Follette Police Department. On Monday, 55-year old Linda S. Ward of
Caryville pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Ward’s sentencing is set for August where she faces a 10-year mandatory
minimum sentence. The Department of Justice release also
outlines that in February 2018, a federal grand jury returned a
seven-count indictment against Ward and ten others alleging various
narcotic, firearms, and money laundering offenses.
CLICK HERE to read the entire release. Statement from
Yager announces
$1-million plus grant for Campbell County Schools Earmarked for GEAR UP Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston)
announced today that Campbell County schools are receiving $1,158,710 as
part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) TN grant, which aims to
increase the number of low-income students in Tennessee who are
accessing and succeeding in higher education. The money will be awarded in seven
budget periods starting June 1, 2018, and ending June 1, 2021. Campbell County GEAR UP Coordinator
Monica Bane tells WLAF, “I am excited and happy to share some positive
news about our school system.” “I am
incredibly pleased to see these funds going towards supporting efforts
in GEAP UP TN
benefits middle and high school students in the following “The
school administrators, teacher, and students in This is
Keller arrested for DUI Found by LUB workers Last Thursday,
Gilbert Allen Keller, II. was found by LaFollette Utilities employees
allegedly passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle at a stop sign on
Keller, 37,
Grand jury indicts 10 The following people were indicted by the Campbell
County Grand Jury yesterday. They will be arraigned in criminal court of
April 30: -Christie Bush- DUI, possession of a schedule IV
controlled substance -James Combs Jr., second offense DUI -Jefferson Gibson Jr.- aggravated domestic assault,
domestic assault, false imprisonment -Preston Pierce- DUI, possession of drug
paraphernalia -Verlin Ratliff- second
offense DUI, possession of a schedule VI controlled substance -Stephanie D. Smith- DUI -Aaron Brantley- DUI, possession of schedule II
controlled substance with intent to sell in a drug free school zone,
possession of schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver in
a drug free school zone, possession of a firearm during the commission
of a dangerous felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple
possession of a schedule VI controlled substance -Christopher Watkins- DUI -Thurman Marlow- theft over $10,000, four counts of
burglary, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, evading arrest - JES hosts more than 500
parents Reading Fair – STEM Night a success The halls
at
Minverva McGonagall
aka McKayla Miller was on hand
Principal Walden praised fourth grade teacher Jessica Housley for
bringing her “reading board” idea to JES. It’s now a county-wide
happening.
In addition to the reading board
showcase, there were fun games, experiments, and other activities for
everyone. Like “slime time” (above) as JES third grade teacher
Lori Torres leads the fun charge.
All reading boards were created at
school by the JES students (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/19/2018-6AM)
On Friday, Caryville Fire Department
Chief Eddie Hatmaker and his department put their new rescue truck into
service. It's a 2017 Ford 450 4 x 4. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
04/18/2018-6AM)
L-R: Elva Morton, Barbara Bush,
Juanita Baird, and Vic King Ayers-Colvin says, “We have so many
fond memories of our former First Lady Barbara Bush. My heart is broken
today, because I feel we have lost a friend who loved our country and
did everything she could to make it better. I was always impressed by
the way she was just herself and didn't try to impress anyone! I
also like that every public speech she gave she always had something
funny or witty to say no matter what the occasion and I think everyone
felt more comfortable in her presence when she did that.”
L-R: Barbara Bush and Juanita
Baird
Ayers-Colvin adds, “She was a role
model in every aspect of her life and lived life to its fullest. I will
always remembered from one speech where she said that we should aspire
to be part of something bigger than ourselves and that has been my motto
to this day!! I'm wearing pearls today in her honor and I will never
wear pearls again without thinking about our wonderful friend and mentor
First Lady Barbara Bush. Rest in peace my friend!!”
(04/18/2018-11:30AM) Talk of County’s efforts
to work with CHET continues Day and evening long email exchange on Tuesday “It sounds
like the Commission ( Orick’s 11:06 pm email was the last of
the day in a multi email exchange that was triggered Tuesday morning at
8:12 am with a question from County Commissioner Marie Ayers.
Ayers asked County Attorney Joe Coker if Monday night’s vote to not give
CHET $45,000 for a counselor in a proposed joint effort to fight opioid
abuse officially passed. Coker
requested clarification from Kristy Godsey Brown, a legal consultant
with County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS), on the 9 to four vote
to not give CHET the $45,000. Brown wrote in her conclusion, “As
this is a state statute, it cannot be varied by local rule. Thus,
regardless of the provisions in Robert’s Rules, a motion would pass with
eight votes. As this vote was 9-4, it passed.” Orick wrote that “he is not against
funding a way to help in this endeavor!” He goes on to write that
“There was not any agreement or contract for the commission to review,
only a verbal commitment with Mayor Morton and CHET. This was only
mentioned briefly at the workshop last Monday night.” The email from Orick closed with him
writing, “I feel with all my heart that the county commission will
approve an action on this matter when the 2018 budget starts.” Since this morning’s publishing of
1450wlaf, County Commissioner DeWayne Kitts joined the email exchanges
that began Tuesday morning. Kitts allows, “I totally concur with
Mr. Orick. I’m NOT against fighting the opioid crisis that has
plagued our community. In my career as a mail carrier, I
personally firsthand see what this epidemic has done to our community
everyday!! My family and friends,,, like many of yours have seen how
opioids have impacted their daily lives. I have a deep compassion to
find a solution to combat this horrific problem. Therefore I FULLY
support fighting the opioid crisis that has plagued our great county.“ WLAF’s Charles “Boomer” Winfrey
wrote from Monday night’s meeting: Morton
repeated his proposal to use $45,000 of those funds to match another
$45,000 from Community Health of East Tennessee, setting up a ophioid
treatment program with a nurse practitioner/counselor, treatment drugs
and expenses. Rusty Orick repeated his contention
that the expenditure should be delayed until the upcoming fiscal year
budget is reviewed but after a long discussion, Morton called for a
motion on a budget amendment to appropriate the money.
The full story is further down this page.
WATCH HERE
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/18/2018-6AM) Warming Center begins
new chapter When temperatures began to plummet in early
January, a warming center was opened at the community center in
LaFollette. The center was to provide a warm place for the homeless and
those without adequate heat to stay warm during the extremely cold
weather. However, it has provided much more. On the night the center opened it was utilized by
eight people. Within three days the center was utilized by 22 adults and
two children, not all spent the night, but some came to get warm and
have a hot meal. As of today, the center has served 63 people, 29 people
have applied for housing, 25 have been approved and 21 have been placed
in permanent housing. Sixteen people have received have received birth
certificates, 11 have identification cards and eight have received their
Social Security cards. Individuals who visited The Warming Center needed
these items to obtain jobs; 20 individuals have found jobs through the
assistance of The Warming Center and its volunteers. Many of the individuals
came to the And while the tangible needs have been tended to,
spiritual needs have also been met through the center. To date, 11
people have been baptized since they started attending local churches.
Each person has been given a mentor as well, according to New Horizon
Baptist Church Pastor Chris Thomas. The Homelessness is not always a choice as many have
learned listening to the stories from the people who have been served by
the warming center. Some people have become homeless because of health
problems that stopped them from working, family issues, addiction and
some cases of homelessness have occurred after people have been released
from addiction treatment centers with no place to go. Thomas and New Horizon became involved when he was
told by members of the church who were volunteering with The Warming
Center something was happening and he needed to go check it out. He went
and immediately saw the needs of showers and transportation and that’s
when we got involved, Thomas said. The church provided transportation to and from its
building, so people could shower, go where they needed to, and obtain
proper identification to move forward with their lives. After almost five
months, The Warming Center will close its doors on April 27 to start a
new chapter for the underserved population of The center will close
and move toward its next phase which is the Pathways Resource Center is
looking for a permanent facility or land that will not only serve as
temporary housing for the homeless but will also help to create people
who are stable, working citizens of Campbell County. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 04/18/2018-6AM) Walden bound over to
Criminal Court The case
of the man charged with shooting his sister-in-law is headed to the
grand jury. Kenneth “Wayne” Walden, 58, appeared in Lunch with Coach Old Eagle and Owl catch up
Jerry Dagley played in the very first high school basketball game I ever
saw. It was about 1961 when I sat on the row behind
the Jacksboro bench. Little did I know that a few
years later Dagley, the Eagle, would be my coach, Coach Dagley, at La
Follette High School.
Jim Freeman (L) and Jerry Dagley
caught up over lunch Tuesday afternoon at the Royal Lunch Room.
David Stout came over to share a laugh or two and snap this
photo.
Thanks for lunch, Coach. It’s my turn to buy next
time. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/18/2018-6AM)
Saturday, June 9 – 8 am
The annual
Pre-registration runners receive a
Tribute performed during Saturday night’s Campbell County Cancer Association Telethon on WLAF. L-R Scott Hill, Ric Miller, Todd Poston, and David Chambers on the keyboard (off camera). CLICK HERE to see more Charlie Hutson photos. Commissioners, Mayor at
odds in contentious meeting
The April meeting of the Campbell County Commission
started out on an upbeat note, but steadily declined to a series of
disagreements, sniping and exchanges between Mayor E. L. Morton and some
commissioners. County officials started the evening by gathering
in a separate room to give retiring commission secretary Peggy Henegar a
farewell party complete with cake and sandwiches. Returning to the
courtroom, Mayor E. L. Morton then recognized the CCHS Lady Cougars
basketball team for their 13-1 record as district co-champions, breaking
Morton and the commission then honored the CCHS
Junior ROTC Women Raiders team for their success at the national
championships, where they won the rope bridge competition, finished in
the top ten in several other events and seventh overall at the meet. The commission’s agreeable mood began to fade
shortly after the honored guests left the room, as Mayor Morton brought
up his proposal for using the $59,000 gained by the recent sale of
delinquent tax property. Morton repeated his proposal to use $45,000 of
those funds to match another $45,000 from Community Health of East
Tennessee, setting up a ophioid treatment program with a nurse
practitioner/counselor, treatment drugs and expenses. Rusty Orick repeated his contention that the
expenditure should be delayed until the upcoming fiscal year budget is
reviewed but after a long discussion, Morton called for a motion on a
budget amendment to appropriate the money. Forster Baird made the motion, and accepted a
qualification suggested by Orick to require written confirmation from
CHET about the matching $45,000. The commission then passed the
amendment 9-5, with Orick, Ralph Davis, Marie Ayers, Carl Douglas and
Whit Goins all voting “no.” Morton’s next proposal, to give several thousand
dollars from the sale to various volunteer fire departments and the
Rescue Squad, received no resistance, passing 14-0. Finally, Morton’s request to use the remaining
$10,314 for a second litter control officer was met with several
questions about whether supervision would rest with the Sheriff’s
Department or Environmental Services, and whether this new officer would
be empowered to supervise jail prisoners and have access to a vehicle. Finally, Orick made a motion to table the budget
amendment until the next meeting in order to answer those questions.
Morton responded that there was already a motion to pass the budget
amendment on the floor. Dwayne Kitts resolved the impasse by withdrawing
his second to the motion and action on the litter officer was delayed. Orick had yet give up on his efforts to sidetrack
the $45,000 to CHET. He then asked to allow a couple of speakers from
the audience to address the commission. Morton ruled that no audience
input is allowed after the commission workshop, but Orick made a motion
to suspend the rules. After that motion passed 14-0, a nurse in the
audience was allowed to speak and criticize the decision to allow CHET
to implement the drug program. At the end of the meeting, Orick again
tried to block that expenditure, making a motion to rescind the earlier
appropriation. Lonnie Weldon, Johnny Bruce, Forster Baird and
Charles Baird all voted “no” on Orick’s motion. In addition to the maneuvers from Orick, Morton
also found himself in a verbal sparring match with Scott Stanfield over
the Sanitation Department and decisions to buy equipment from outside
vendors when it could be purchased locally. At one point Morton gaveled
Stanfield down, but Stanfield replied, “I’m not finished.” “You are,” Morton angrily responded. The angry exchange
finally ended when Orick moved to proclaim May as “Clean Up Month” in
“I’ve talked to Ron Dilbeck and if residents will
bring their brush to a public road right-of-way, the Highway Department
will haul it off for them,” Orick added. His motion to proclaim May 1-31
as Clean Up Month was passed unanimously. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
04/17/2018-6AM)
“What we have here . . . is a failure to
communicate.” Those immortal lines from the classic film “Cool Hand
Luke” pretty well sum up the meeting Monday of the county commission’s
Animal Control Committee. Scheduled to air a number of complaints and
grievances concerning FCCA’s (Friends of Campbell County Animals)
administration of the county’s Adrion Baird Animal Shelter,
commissioners instead ended up agreeing that the only complaint appears
to be a lack of communication between shelter personnel and those
voicing complaints. John Vanover, who voiced displeasure to the
commission last week with the way the shelter handled his efforts to
adopt a Border Collie pup, repeated his complaint at the committee
meeting. Vanover said that
having seen a photo of the puppy on Facebook, he had contacted shelter
staff and asked to adopt it. He was told the animal would have to be
held for a two-week quarantine period before adoption, but the pup was
then sent off to an Animal Rescue shelter in Shelter Director
Priscilla Simpson explained to the commission that the dog had a highly
contagious sickness and their policy was to not adopt out sick animals
until cured in order to avoid spreading contamination. Missy Robbins,
former director of the “We couldn’t keep in at the shelter and endanger
other animals. Our policy was to send sick animals to Rescue where they
would be boarded with someone able to treat them,” Simpson explained. When Vanover pointed out that nobody explained the
policy or that the animal was sick when he enquired about adopting,
Simpson admitted that there was a lack of communication. When the
Director of East Tennessee Animal Rescue added that Vanover could still
apply to adopt the animal once it is cured, he seemed satisfied with the
explanation. Vanover also pointed out that he learned about the
animal on a Facebook post that announced it as up for adoption. That
Facebook message was not posted by the shelter but the individual who
had taken the animal to the shelter, Simpson explained. Commissioner Ralph Davis repeated his complaint
about not being notified about whether animal control ever responded to
reports he had passed on to the shelter concerning loose dogs in
Jellico. Again, the problem seemed to be lack of communication, Simpson
admitted. Finally, Simpson addressed Mayor E. L. Morton’s
complaint that his office had been contacted by Holston Gas about the
shelter being three month’s behind on paying its propane gas heating
bill. “We’ve held up on paying those bills because we
suspect there’s a leak in the lines. Our shelter’s gas bill for all of
2017 was around $8,000. In the first nine weeks of 2018, the bill was
$5,000,” Simpson pointed out. “Again it’s a lack of
communication. You should have called us about the suspected leak,
“We have been dealing with all our vendors
directly,” Simpson replied, “You shouldn’t have ever received a call
(from the gas company).” “It is our business.
You’re getting tax dollars,” The committee then adjourned without taking further
action. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/17/2018-6AM) Ray found guilty of
child rape Sentencing set for June A Campbell County Jury
found Marty Lynn Ray guilty of four counts of rape of a child; Class A
felonies. After a two-day trial, the verdict was reached late
Friday afternoon in Campbell County Criminal Court at Jacksboro. Campbell County Criminal Court Judge
E. Shayne Sexton ordered the 47-year old Ray back into immediate custody
of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office where he will await sentencing
scheduled for Monday, June 18.
Ray, of Cherry Bottom
Road-Caryville, was initially charged on November 10, 2016. The arrest
followed an investigation by Detective-Sergeant Ricky Lee Jeffers with
the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Ray (pictured above) was
arrested at his Cherry Bottom home without incident. Investigators acted on a request from
the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to further investigate
allegations made by a young female. That was in July 2016. This case was investigated and
prosecuted by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office. The Campbell County
Children’s Center and the Department of Children’s Services were also an
integral part of the investigation and trial. At trial, the state was represented by
Assistant District Attorneys Lindsey Cadle and Meredith Slemp. (WLAF
NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/17/2018-6AM-PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAMPBELL COUNTY
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT)
Macy’s making us proud! Records
are falling all around LMS runner Macy Caldwell. The story and
another photo of the young record setting runner are further down this
page. Pop Shop “stop” gets
more than 80,000 likes Shady shack shutdown on Friday When news of the raid on The Pop Shop
in La Follette broke on WLAF and Facebook Friday afternoon, response
went off the chart. Calls came in to the radio station asking who
was involved while Facebook received more than 80,000 likes about the
raid. Cars were driving past the shop blowing their horns along
with applause and shouts of “it’s about time” with some “thank yous.”
THIS VIDEO has had more than 12,000 views on Facebook.
Comments are pushing a thousand with the great majority in favor of the
raid and shutdown. More than 500 shares have been recorded.(WLAF
NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/16/2018-7AM) Cancer Association
telethon a success Raised more than $35,000 Saturday night’s annual Campbell
County Cancer Association telethon on WLAF was a hit. At the West
End Community Center aka the West La Follette School, the CCCA raised
$35,630.31. Lots of
local entertainers performed. Mason T. and Carl Capps opened the
evening. Vanessa Dupuy and Bobbie Archer sang as well.
Tribute also graced the Dottie Rogers Stage. Second Chance, the
group with the most members, performed in the 8 pm hour. Closing
out the evening was New Harvest. New Harvest celebrates its 30th
year this month.
New Harvest performs on Saturday night CCCA
Treasurer Clarence Lowe tells WLAF, “Traditionally, we have more
donations dropped off at our office the week after the telethon.
So, that total will likely increase.”
The office is
in the West End Community Center. If you would like to donate,
please mail your check to the CCCA, P.O. Box 122, Jacksboro, Tennessee
37757. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/16/2018-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S
CHARLIE HUTSON) City officials deny
knowledge of Pop Shop activities Allege politics is the issue Even with its obvious location, LaFollette City
officials are claiming they had no knowledge of the criminal activities
taking place at the little yellow building perched on the side of
Highway 25W. But as of Friday, they could no longer feign
ignorance about the problem that has repeatedly been reported to the
Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Just before 3 p.m. on Friday, officers with the
Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, the Eighth Judicial Drug Task
Force and the TBI raided the Pop Shop, a location that had been under
investigation for six to eight months. Joe Bolinger, the City of LaFollette Vice- Mayor
and longstanding council member, was among those present when
authorities swooped in armed with a search warrant. Also there was Jimmy
Ivey, the store owner. “Joe was here,” said Campbell County Sheriff Robbie
Goins. The sheriff noted Bolinger was calm and soon left the scene on
his own. Bolinger is also an employee at the LaFollette Utilities Board. Bolinger, Ivey and Jennifer Brown, a woman reported
to be Bolinger’s girlfriend, had been the targets of the investigation
that other agencies assumed when LaFollette failed to act, according to
Goins. Ivey is listed as the business owner, Brown worked there and
Bolinger was a constant fixture at the store. During the
investigation he was seen interacting with customers and advising them
what products he could resale, authorities said.
WLAF’s Jim Freeman (L) was on the scene during the
Friday raid on the Pop Shop. He was able to follow the events as they
unfolded. Freeman was also able to get details from Campbell County
Sheriff Robbie Goins. Throughout the investigation authorities discovered
criminal activity that allegedly included fraudulent uses of EBT cards,
commonly referred to as food stamp cards, narcotics trafficking, and
stolen goods being sold out of the shack. “Our officers have conducted drug buys from this
location,” the sheriff said standing outside the store on Friday. Indictments will be sought for those who were
running the store and who participated in illegal activities, Goins
said. Police agencies outside the city chose to act when
city officials didn’t act, Goins said. The citizens’ complaints and reports were passed
onto Jimmy Jeffries on at least two occasions, according to Goins. Once
when he was the chief of police and later in his current capacity as
city administrator. “As a professional courtesy I told Jimmy what was
being reported to me,” Goins said. While the city could have primary jurisdiction in
crimes committed in its borders, the sheriff’s department has dominion
over the entire county meaning it can conduct an investigation anywhere
in the county. And despite the significant evidence that was
amassed during the joint investigation, LaFollette officials claim they
had no knowledge of the alleged crimes going down on the busiest street
in their city. When LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield was contacted
by WLAF about his vice- mayor’s involvement in the criminal
enterprise, his response was “Oh my God, I had not heard anything about
it.” Stanfield contended he had no idea Bolinger was
involved in the store. “The last I heard it was run by Phillip Hatmaker,”
Stanfield said adding “I go in there sometimes and buy a pop.” When asked if he would be contacting Bolinger about
the raid, Stanfield said, “He is probably in jail.” As Stanfield lamented about the “good being done in
the city” and how the raid “had shot” his day, the question of
Bolinger’s status with the city was broached. “If he is convicted as felon he (Bolinger) will
automatically come off the council,” Stanfield said. “You break the law,
you go do the time.” The multi-term mayor further insisted the city
hadn’t received any reports about illegal activity at the store. “But,
it’s an election year,” he said. Jeffries took the same approach focusing on
politics instead of the crimes allegedly being committed in LaFollette. “I know what the purpose of these allegations are,”
Jeffries said via text Friday night. “I am the only opposing candidate
in the sheriff’s race. This is not the appropriate way to start a
campaign. I don’t remember the sheriff even mentioning that in passing
much less reporting it on several occasions or however it was he said it
on the WLAF live stream. My contact with him has been extremely limited
since I have been at the city. I’m not going to get caught up in this
type of politics.” When authorities went into the shop on Friday they
were armed with a search warrant that gave them authority under the
Fraudulent Receipt of Food Stamps Assistance law. Under that law, anyone who uses, or helps someone
else use food stamps in any manner except their expressed purpose, can
be convicted of a Class E Felony or Class A Misdemeanor. The distinction
in the penalties correlates to the amount of the fraud, according to the
law. Anything over $100 is a felony while under $100 is a misdemeanor. A Class E Felony carries a sentencing range of one
to six years in prison per count. The Class A Misdemeanor carries 11
months, 29 days in jail per count. Bolinger, Ivey and Brown could be charged with
multiple crimes once the case is presented to the grand jury. The
presentment could also include narcotics charges. “The Eighth Judicial Drug Task Force is assisting
state and local agencies in an ongoing investigation and we expect the
results to be presented to the grand jury in the near future,” Jarred
Effler, eighth judicial district attorney general said. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 04/16/2018-6AM) Tennova
Healthcare presents help for heel pain Health system
marks “Foot Health Awareness Month in April” If your first few steps out of bed in
the morning cause a stabbing pain in the heel of your foot, it’s very
likely you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. April is Foot Health
Awareness Month, and Tennova Healthcare has some tips to help you put
your best foot forward.
“Plantar fasciitis involves the inflammation of
a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, and
connects your heel bone to your toes,” said R. Brent Harbin, D.P.M, a
podiatrist with Tennova Foot and Ankle. “The pain is typically worse
first thing in the morning or after other long periods of physical
inactivity.” According to Dr. Harbin, an estimated
10 percent of Americans will experience the condition at some point in
their lifetime. It is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and
60. Risk factors that increase your likelihood of a plantar fasciitis
diagnosis are: ·
Being female ·
Running, as a sport or hobby ·
Being overweight ·
Having a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces The condition typically starts
gradually with the sensation of mild pain at the heel bone, often
referred to as a stone bruise. Individuals with plantar fasciitis are
more likely to feel the pain after, as opposed to during, physical
exercise.
“Plantar fasciitis is a fairly common
and treatable overuse injury,” said David Harrison, D.P.M., a podiatrist
with Tennova Foot and Ankle. “However, left untreated it can become a
chronic condition that prevents you from maintaining your activity
level. It can also cause knee as well as hip and back problems, because
plantar fasciitis can change the way you walk.” Under normal circumstances, the
plantar fascia acts as a shock-absorbing “bowstring,” supporting the
arch in your foot. Repetitive or chronic tension and stress on that
bowstring can create small tears in the fascia and a resulting
inflammation, though in many cases the cause of plantar fasciitis isn’t
clear. “Footwear with proper arch and heel
support is the best way to try and prevent foot pain and injuries,” Dr.
Harrison said. “But if you find yourself with a diagnosis or suspected
case of plantar fasciitis, there are some steps you can take at home.” The team at Tennova Foot and Ankle
offers the following advice for those suffering from heel pain: ·
First, consider keeping weight off your foot until the initial
inflammation subsides, applying ice to the painful area in 20-minute
intervals throughout the day. ·
Stretching exercises for your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia are the
best treatments to address the injury and prevent reoccurrence. · A
qualified podiatrist, orthopedist or physical therapist can provide a
definitive diagnosis and help to develop a program you can follow at
home. They can also advise you on how and when to return to your desired
level of activity so you don’t hinder your recovery. Most importantly, don’t write off foot
pain as something you just have to live with. Talk with a healthcare
provider about any issues that send you to the medicine cabinet
regularly for managing pain, or that restrict your level of movement and
quality of life. Tennova Foot and Ankle has five
convenient locations in East Tennessee: LaFollette, Clinton, Knoxville,
Maryville and Powell. For more information or to find a doctor, call
1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
04/16/2018-6AM) Perfect day to kick-off
the Dogwood Trail Shirley Fox Rogers opens the trail
L-R Mayor Mike Stanfield, Codes Officer Daniel Smith, Rogers of the Hill and Valley Garden Club, City Administrator Jimmy Jeffries, and Councilman Lonnie “Hot Rod” Wilson. Friday’s cutting of the pink ribbon signaled the start to La Follette’s Dogwood Trails. CLICK HERE to see all of Charlie Hutson’s photos.
Jordan Amburn and Adoration
performed Sunday night at Calvary Worship Center in La Follette.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/16/2018-6AM-PHOTO
COURTESY OF WLAF’S DERRICK LEE ANDERSON) Caldwell breaks two
records. Eyes another. 18-year old record falls Last week, La Follette Middle School
runner Macy Caldwell broke two records. On April 9, Caldwell broke
one of her own records. The LMS 1600 meter mark of 5:35 was broken
by Caldwell two seasons ago. It stood until she shattered it by a
full six-seconds at 5:29 in a meet at Anderson County. On Thursday at Oak Ridge, she broke
Lady Owl Jennifer Vincent’s record in the 3200 meter. The old
record was 12:22. Caldwell’s new standard is 12:20.
Vincent’s record time stood for 18-years.
Caldwell, shown here at last Monday’s meet at
Anderson County, attends J. Frank White Academy at Harrogate, lives in
La Follette, and runs for LMS. JFWA does not field a track team
allowing Caldwell to run for the Lady Owls. The 8th
grader hopes to get the 800 meter record before the season is over. She
ran 2:33 on Thursday which is just one second off the record time. (WLAF
NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/16/2018-6AM)
Pop Shop "stop" - BREAKING NEWS from WLAF Sheriff Robbie Goins closed a La Follette business today
Campbell County Sheriff closed a La Follette business. The story is further down this page. New CCHS coach introduced
New Campbell Boys Basketball Coach Darrell Cox (white shirt, orange-n-blue tie) was officially introduced to his players (and the community over WLAF) on Friday morning at Brown Gym. Coach Cox said, “I’ll guarantee our players two things; I’ll work very hard, and you will, too.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/13/2018-9:45AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S NOAH SMITH)
CCSD, DTF and TBI put a
lid on The Pop Shop Cash for pops biz loses its fizz
The
elephant that’s been sitting alongside the four lane in the City of
After requests
from Goins to the City of Sheriff Robbie Goins and
the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department along with the Drug Task Force
and the TBI worked together to shutdown the shady business that is
accused of swapping cash for soft drinks and cigarettes. According
to Goins, these items were purchased with EBT cards and then turned in
for cash at The Pop Shop. He adds that pot was also sold out of
the store. During today’s raid that culminated after months of undercover work and the execution of a search warrant, three key players in the operation, Goins says, were on hand at the store. They are Jimmy Ivey, Jennifer Brown, and Joe Bolinger.
Bolinger, wearing a light blue LUB T-shirt, exits the store The
sheriff says Ivey owns the store, Brown works there, and Bolinger is
involved. Bolinger is Vice-Mayor for the City of
Ivey, in the overalls, re-enters the store Goins says that no arrests were made today, but
that indictments on Ivey, Brown, and Bolinger are in the works. The sheriff says, “People are fed up
with this (the illegal activities). I have been getting numerous
calls weekly about this.
Sheriff Goins is interviewed by WATE-TV 6 reporter Madisen Keavy. All during the hours officers were on scene, countless cars and trucks passed shouting, waving, cheering, and blowing their horns. WLAF News is working on more stories
for you surrounding today’s big bust that will be published here by
Monday at 6 am. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/13/2018-5:30PM) Friday the 13th drug bust CCSD Tac Team and CPD conduct the raid Sheriff Robbie K.
Goins announces that in the early morning hours of Friday the 13th,
the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team
executed a narcotics search warrant at
Law enforcement rush the home soon after daybreak today During execution
of the search warrant, investigators recovered quantities of crystal
methamphetamine, marijuana, and prescription medication that were being
sold by individuals from inside the mobile home. Investigators also
recovered
CLICK on the Cougar paw to watch
the introduction of Coach Darrell Cox
District attorneys win
battle in opioid lawsuit Attorney general withdraws motion to have them
removed On Thursday morning at
Jacksboro,
district attorney generals in Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery, III,
had filed a motion asking the court to remove the district attorneys
from the lawsuit so the state could take the lead role in the pending
litigation. However, it is the attorney general’s office who is
no longer a party in the suit after that office withdrew its motion to
have the district attorneys removed. “We have always felt
confident in our legal authority to bring this suit,” 8th
Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler said Thursday evening. The motion by the attorney general was a “detour”
in the legal battle, he said.
Judge John McAfee presided over Thursday morning’s
case Slatery had opposed the
involvement of the district attorneys across the state, but, the “We can now focus on those responsible for this
epidemic,” he said. “Today’s announcement is a major victory for our
suit. I greatly appreciate the attorney general’s willingness to work
with fellow district attorneys and myself as we attempt to stop the flow
of illegal opioids into our communities,” Effler said. “My goal is
to make our communities a safer place to work, worship, and raise our
families, and today’s victory is a major step towards that end.” Last fall, Effler, joined by his counterparts from
the sixth, seventh, ninth and 10 judicial districts, filed the suit
against seven pharmaceutical companies, a defunct pain clinic and three
individuals. Within the suit, the group alleged the
pharmaceutical companies knowingly engaged in deceptive and harmful
practices when they flooded the market with opioids. With the in-state battle settled, the suit against
the pharmaceutical companies can move forward. The next step in that litigation could involve the
opioid manufactures asking for the suit to be dismissed. One such motion to
dismiss is already slated to be heard in No specified amount of damages was requested in the
initial filing, but the district attorneys did ask for the court to
award punitive damages and legal fees. The hope is that any money the drug companies would be ordered to pay in the event of a victory would be distributed into the counties affected by the opioid crisis. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/13/2018-6AM-PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNIS POTTER)
This is the cover of “The Lynching.” In the
early spring of 1933, Jerome Boyatt defends himself and his brother from
an unlawful police assault and in the process kills the high sheriff of
Stooksbury returns
to CCHS grad is a home lending advisor
Grey Stooksbury (above) of Jacksboro
is working back in his home county. The Campbell County High and
MTSU graduate is based at Y-12 Federal Credit Union and is serving as a
home lending advisor. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/13/2018-6AM) Sheriff Goins graduates first LEAD Class
Congratulations to the sheriff's first LEAD Class Graduation,
Under the instruction from Deputy John Minor the
LEAD Program is the new anti-drug education program.
LEAD was implemented by Sheriff Robbie Goins to replace DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) this year. LEAD'S MISSION General Assembly
approves Primacy and Reclamation Act Will allow Tennessee to reclaim control over
state’s surface mining coal industry Legislation
allowing Tennessee to reclaim control of the state’s surface coal mining
industry has passed the House of Representatives.
The Primacy and Reclamation Act,
sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) and Representative Dennis
Powers (R-Jacksboro), brings direct oversight to the state through a
system of issuing permits and enforcing regulations by the Tennessee
Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The Office of Surface Mining,
Reclamation, and Enforcement (OSM) within the U.S. Department of the
Interior was given the authority to control surface mining in Tennessee
34 years ago. “Tennessee is the only actively
producing coal state that does not regulate itself and instead is
regulated by the Office of Surface Mining in the federal government,”
said Senator Yager. “Being regulated by the federal government has
put our state’s coal mining industry at a competitive disadvantage,
which has a negative impact on job creation in some of the state’s most
economically distressed counties. The Primacy and Reclamation Act
of Tennessee maintains stringent environmental control over coal mining,
while providing an opportunity for the state to control its own destiny,
stimulate investment and create jobs.”
This is a file photo snapped at the WLAF studio in
2013 “By bringing direct oversight to the
state through TDEC, Tennessee’s coal mining industry will gain permit
predictability, benefit from local regulation and enforcement, and be on
a level playing field with other states across the nation,” said Rep.
Powers. “Since Tennessee is blessed with a variety of coal that
can be used for steelmaking in the industrial process and as part of the
silicon market, we still have a lot of future left for Tennessee coal
mining.” The legislation makes clear that all
funding for primacy will come from the federal government and the
surface coal mining industry. Yager and Powers have worked with
members of the Haslam and Trump administrations and Tennessee’s
congressional delegation to identify potential sources of funding.
Once the program is up and running, the legislation provides that
ongoing costs will be split evenly between the federal government and
fees assessed on the industry. “We feel very strong that these
opportunities will come to bear and allow us to overtake the direct
regulation of coal mining in Tennessee,” added Sen. Yager.
“However, if the federal funding does not come through then the state
will not be obligated to implement or run the primacy program.” “For too long, we have allowed the
federal government to dictate the direction of this important industry
in our state. I am pleased that this measure will restore Tennessee’s
authority over it, and I know it will lead to the creation of quality
jobs that will allow Tennessee to continue its recent economic
momentum,” Rep. Powers concluded. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
04/12/2018-6AM)
WATCH CCHS Baseball,
Soccer, and Softball HERE
CLICK HERE to watch select Campbell Baseball, Soccer, and Softball
games. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/12/2018-6AM) Wilson arrested on I-75 A Michigan man found himself behind bars after
taking a walk on the interstate. Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Corey Laxton was
assisting the Caryville Police Department with the call about a man
walking on Interstate 75 when they noticed the man, who was later
identified as Robert Dean Wilson, walking north in the south bound lane
and tried to make contact with him. Seeing the police, Wilson ran across the median and
began walking in the opposite direction. Laxton attempted to get near
Wilson but traffic prevented him. Laxton was trying to turn around when
Sgt. Michael Owens arrived at the scene. Owens also saw Wilson walking
south in the north bound lane and attempted to make contact him. This
only drew obscenities from Wilson who insisted he was fine then ran
across the interstate. Owens futilely told Wilson to stop several times.
Laxton arrived back at the scene only to see his fellow officer and
Wilson running across the interstate. Officers eventually had to use a
Taser to stun Wilson so they could arrest him, according to a report
from the Campbell County Sherriff’s Department. Wilson, 54, of Detroit, Michigan, is charged with
resist stop frisk halt search and other. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
04/12/2018-6AM)
Ohio man arrested twice
in three days Sik I. Hayden recently had a run of bad luck- he
was arrested twice in three days. Last, Friday, Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff
Allen saw Hayden walking on Pinecrest Road. When Allen stopped to ask
him if everything was alright, Hayden ignored him. Allen then turned his
car around, pulled beside the man and told him to stop, but he continued
to ignore him and kept walking. Allen got out of his car and told the
man to stop, but was met with Hayden screaming and cursing at him. He
grew more aggressive toward Allen, prompting the officer to call for
assistance. Allen also pulled his Taser. When he ordered Hayden to the
ground, he refused all orders and refused to identify himself, according
to a report from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Billy
White arrived at the scene and helped Allen arrest Hayden. During the
arrest deputies noticed a strong smell of beer on his breath and
discovered had three full Bud Light cans on him. Three days later, Hayden found himself in trouble
again. This time Deputy Darryl Chapman went to a suspicious person call
on Hiwassee Drive. A neighbor noticed a man at a residence in the
area and had approached him because he didn’t live there. The man
allegedly became belligerent with the caller who in turn called the
police. When Chapman arrived, he found an Asian male
sitting in the back area of the home. As Chapman attempted to talk with him, he was met
with an obscenity, according to a report Campbell County Sheriff’s
Department. At this point, Chapman saw a partially flattened aluminum
can with black residue on it. This type of can is used for smoking
methamphetamine or crack style cocaine and can be used for other drugs,
Chapman noted. Attempts to calm Hayden were met with verbal
aggression. Chapman continued to try and speak with Hayden soon
learning he had been dropped off and told to find a job. When Chapman
asked if the home was his residence he started shouting obscenities
again. Hayden was arrested and charged with resist stop
frisk halt search, disorderly conduct and public intoxication in the
first incident and disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing and public
intoxication in the second incident. The 39-year old Hayden lists Huber Heights, Ohio,
as his hometown. He is classified as homeless. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 04/12/2018-6AM)
Gavin is now a Buccaneer.
Mindy
Hall, Angie Peters Williams and Rayma Daugherty take a minute to enjoy
some fun at the photo booth at CASA’s Bluegrass Breakdown on Saturday
night. More photos, courtesy of Rayma Daugherty, and the story are
further
down this page. School Board quickly
dispenses with routine agenda, promotions Board members Faye Heatherly and Crystal Creekmore
were unable to attend the monthly meeting of the Board of Education on
Tuesday night, but the other eight members lost little time in
unanimously approving a routine agenda of reports, adoption of upgraded
science textbooks and tenure for teacher Amanda Thompson. The only item not receiving eight “yes” votes was a
budget amendment that transferred $3,275 into the Gear Up program. Board
chairman Clint Bane disqualified himself from voting on the motion
because the recipient of the funds is his wife, Monica Bane, who heads
up the program designed to prepare students for advanced education. Director Jennifer Fields told the board that Mrs.
Bane had successfully applied for a state grant that will provide
$25,000 for both CCHS and Jellico High to purchase technology and
equipment designed to help students attending college. Clint Bane later explained that Nashville had
approved expansion of the program through summer months, expanding his
wife to a full twelve-month employee with resultant salary increase.
Attorney Dail Cantrell added that a majority of five out of nine votes
instead of the usual six would be needed for approval. That distinction was unnecessary, as the board
voted unanimously for the amendment to transfer the necessary funds. Cantrell also reported that the Education
Department had received a freedom of information request from a “media
outlet” for the names of all applicants for the vacant coaching job at
CCHS. That request was eventually granted after a delay and Cantrell
advised that in future, all formal FOI requests should be directed to
him. It was later confirmed that the unnamed “media
outlet” was the local LaFollette Press, which had been unable to simply
obtain a list of applicants without filing the formal request under
state law. Board member Mike Orick was welcomed back after
missing last month’s meeting due to hospitalization. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 04/11/2018-6AM) Cooper stops running
long enough to sign with ETSU The record setting Cougar will run for the Bucs By Pat Pebley If ever Bruce Springsteen's hit “Born
To Run” applied to anyone it would be Gavin Cooper. Well before his high
school days, Cooper was dominating distance running. When he
finally arrived on campus at CCHS, he stepped into his high school
running events immediately and began a dominating four-year journey.
Gavin Cooper (red shirt)
readies to run in the The distance specialist has dominated
many cross country events, everything from the 800 to 3200 meter events
in track and even outside events like the annual Cove Lake 5K race.
He has been so good that he was nominated as one of the most dominant
athletes in any sport in the PrepXtra area. Now Cooper will run on to the next
level. The Cougar will sign the papers to trade the Blue and Orange for
the Blue and Gold of East Tennessee State University. He will sign
this morning to become a Buc in a 10 am ceremony in the Commons at
Campbell County High School. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/11/2018-6AM) Powers sponsored
initiative on coal mining passes Monday
evening, Republican lawmakers passed an initiative sponsored by State
Representative Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro) designed to create jobs in
the mining industry. Cox is excited about
coaching the Cougars ‘It’s about the kids and the community’ – Coach
Darrell Cox “At some
point most people want to go back home,” said Darrell Cox, the man who
became the sixth-ever head basketball coach at The 50-year old coach has three
priorities from the get-go. Number one is hiring assistant
coaches. The second is team camp. Third is holding tryouts.
Cox knows there’s a lot of work ahead of him, but he says he’s not
afraid of work. Cox lives, teaches, and coaches in
Clarksville. However, he and his wife, Angie McCreary-Cox, both
CCHS graduates, grew up here in Campbell County. The new coach
says he’ll be on the job here when the school year is out. (WLAF NEWS
PUBLISHED – 04/11/2018-6AM) CASA hosts 17th
annual event On Saturday night, the community came together for CASA’s 17th annual Bluegrass Breakdown for abused and neglected children. Approximately 275 people attended. Proceeds from the event go toward helping serve abused and neglected children daily. Executive Director Mindy Hall said this was the best year yet for the event. Sheriff Robbie Goins addresses the attendees
Cindi Reynolds and Sarah Cooper enjoying the
festivities The event featured food, live music by New Harvest,
Tennessee 90, R&R and New River Rising Silent. Live auctions with
special drawings were held. Judge Amanda Sammons, Sheriff Robbie
Goins, CASA Advocate Nancy Harrison and David Pollard were guest
speakers for the evening. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/11/2018-6AM)
Darrell Cox (# 52) leaped at the
chance to come back home to coach his alma mater. Stories and more
photos on the new CCHS basketball coach are further down this page.
The above photo was snapped in the winter of 1985, Cox’s senior season
at Campbell High.
Commissioners hear good
news on tourism, animal shelter woes Although the county commission is still a few weeks
away from beginning the annual budget process, Mayor E. L. Morton and
several commissioners are already tossing out suggestions for how to
spend any excess money that might be available. Community Health of East Tennessee has offered to
hire a nurse practitioner and drug counselor to deal with the opioid
epidemic and overdoses. “If the county will provide $45,000, CHET will
match that to cover the costs,” Morton told the commission. When Rusty Orick commented that such a commitment
should be done through the budget process, Morton replied, “I would
suggest taking the money from the $59,000 we received from the
delinquent property sale to cover the county’s share.” Morton added that another $10,000 from the sale
could be applied to hire an additional litter control officer
immediately, rather than waiting until July when the next budget would
take effect, adding, “My recommendation is to use the $59,000 in revenue
in this budget cycle.” The commission has yet to see whether declining
enrollment will have an effect on state education funding and next
year’s school budget, but several other commissioners tossed out ideas
for using any excess funds, whether from the property sale or other
sources. Butch Kohlmeyer made a pitch for the county to help
the Senior Citizen’s Center, which is short of funding for its Meals on
Wheels program. “We need $4,000 more to have enough to pay wages and
costs,” Kohlmeyer explained without suggesting where the money would
come from. Ralph Davis brought up the topic of replacing some
of the smaller cans at convenient centers with larger 40 cubic yard
containers, pointing out that in the long run the Sanitation Department
would save money by having to make fewer runs to empty the containers. All of these financial wish lists will probably be
left on hold until at least April 26, which has been re-scheduled as the
first budget meeting to begin planning the next county budget. The commission workshop
started out on a positive note, with the dedication of an art display in
the new section of the courthouse. The artwork, which celebrates the
diversity of cultures and origins among Commissioners then heard a report from Cindi
Reynolds, Tourism Director for the Chamber of Commerce. Reynolds handed
out samples of advertising that has been published in numerous statewide
and regional publications and shared some statistics with the
commissioners on the impact of tourism and various special events on the
county’s economy. “According to Snapshot,
a state study of tourism impact, The next person to
speak focused on a familiar problem for commissioners, as John Vanover
told the commission about a problem he had with the county animal
shelter. Vanover tried to adopt a dog that had been posted on the
shelter’s website, but was told to wait two weeks as the animal was in
quarantine. When he checked back, the animal had been sent to a rescue
shelter in Mayor Morton then added
that he had received other complaints about the shelter, including one
person whose animal was picked up and somehow sent to Ralph Davis and others added complaints as well,
and Vice Mayor Andy Wallace informed the commission that he had been
contacted by Holston Gas, which claimed the animal shelter is $4,700
behind on their bill for heating the facility. “ “FCCA is under contract. The county isn’t
responsible for those bills,” Rusty Orick pointed out. Wallace suggested that the commission request a
monthly financial statement from the FCCA, adding, ‘Taxpayers’ money
should not be spent on late charges on bills.” The subject of the shelter will come up again next
Monday, as the commission scheduled a meeting of the Animal Control
Committee at 5:00 p.m. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/10/2018-6:30AM)
La Follette Medical
Center and Tennova encourage a “spring clean” April is National Defeat Diabetes month Spring has arrived in East Tennessee.
That means it’s time to put away your winter coats and sweaters, open
the windows, and do some spring cleaning. While you may be clearing out
closets, wiping down doors and knobs, vacuuming under beds, and sprucing
up your yard for warmer days, one important thing to add to your spring
cleaning list is your health. April is National Defeat Diabetes
Month, and Tennova Healthcare is taking this opportunity to encourage
those living with diabetes to make a commitment to healthy lifestyle
habits, which is critical to effectively managing the disease.
“Diabetes is a life-altering and
life-threatening disease,” said Deborah Russell, FNP, a certified family
nurse practitioner (above) with Tennova LaFollette Medical Center Clinic
– South. “People diagnosed with diabetes are at greater risk for heart
attacks, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, amputation, as well
incurring serious financial and emotional hardship” “Early diagnosis and treatment are critical
to preventing significant damage to your health and longevity,” Russell
said. “Knowing the risk factors, recognizing the warning signs, adopting
healthy habits, and seeking access to quality medical care are all
essential to taking control of diabetes.” Here are four things diabetics can do to
clean out and clean up their diabetes care: 1.
Clean your equipment. Make sure your blood
sugar meter is in tip-top shape. Inspect test strips to ensure they
haven’t expired. If you check for urine ketones, double-check the
expiration date on the vial or package of strips. Now is also a good
time to take stock of your other diabetes supplies, including insulin
syringes, pen needles, pump supplies and batteries. Make sure all of
your diabetes medications are up-to-date and not expired, and store all
medication at the correct temperature. 2.
Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets.
Along with cleaning out moldy or rotting food in your fridge, and
tossing out old, stale food from your cupboards, think about some
healthy eating goals for the warmer weather. Commit to eating more
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and legumes. Stock your pantry
with healthy snacks. Nuts, seeds, whole-grain crackers, cheese sticks
and popcorn are good choices. 3.
Clean up our activity plan. Spring is a
great time to spruce up your physical activity plan. The possibilities
are endless: take a walk, go for a swim, ride a bike, sign up for a
class. If you are unsure where to start, talk to a doctor or nurse
practitioner, or schedule a few personal training sessions. 4.
Gain control of your diabetes management.
While taking time to restock your supplies and setting goals for
physical activity, it’s also a good idea to clean up your diabetes care
plan. Make (and keep) all appointments with your healthcare providers.
This includes regular medical visits, sessions with a dietitian or
diabetes educator, eye exams and blood work. “The most important aspect of cleaning
up your diabetes care is to feel like you are in control again,” Russell
said. “Share your diabetes management plan with family members so you
can get the support of those around you to accomplish your goals.
Staying organized—just like you do in other areas of your life—will help
you succeed.” Tennova Healthcare offers preventive,
diagnostic and treatment services at North Knoxville Medical Center,
Physicians Regional Medical Center, Turkey Creek Medical Center,
Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Lakeway Regional Hospital, LaFollette
Medical Center and Newport Medical Center. With more than 200 primary
care physicians working in collaboration with other medical specialists
at multiple locations across the region, the health system is dedicated
to offering quality care for every member of the family—close to home. For more information or to find a doctor,
call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com. Darrell Cox is
Campbell’s new coach ‘He knows what it takes to win’ – Coach Ron Murray In the 1980s, Len Pierce had the
Campbell County Cougar Basketball Program rolling. The 1984-85
team featured John Garner, Robbie Heatherly, Joey St. John, Todd Kitts, Kip Leach, Terry Mefford, Paul Provins, Ben Raines, Mark Stepp, Jeff Sweat, Chuck Wells,
David Woodward, and Darrell Cox.
This photo is of the 1984-85 Cougar Basketball Team On Monday morning, Cox accepted the
Cougars head coaching job. La Follette Owl Coach Ron Murray, who,
by the way turns 88-years old today, has spent a lot of time with Cox,
on the phone and in person, the past few weeks. Murray says,
“There’s talent in that school, and Cox will do a good job.” Murray likens Cox returning to when the Price twins took over the football program in 2011. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/10/2018-6AM) Caryville looks to hire
temporary library assistant The Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted
last night to advertise for a temporary library assistant. The current
assistant will be going on maternity leave soon. The board discussed other changes in
the library as well. The library has $19,000 the board agreed to move
from salaries to equipment. The funds will be used to make needed
equipment improvements to the library. The board held a first 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. Alderman Patrick Pebley addressed old
business to the board. Pebley told the board they need to correct some
issues at Asbury Park from a 2006 recreational grant before they move
forward with the 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The park
needs two signs that will cost $100 each. Walkways from the parking lot
to the ball field need to be firm, stable and slip resistant. Board
members discussed the use of crush and run (generally pulverized stone
and stone dust) for the walkways, as well as the appropriate width of
the walkway. The park will need two marked ADA designated parking and
the merry go round will need to be removed for safety reasons. The board
voted to remove the merry go round to start moving forward with
correcting the issues. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/10/2018-6AM) Cox is coming home to
coach the Cougars ‘He’ll do a great job up there’ – Coach Jody Wright Darrell Cox is coming home.
After all, as Fulton Head Basketball Coach Jody Wright puts it, “He
(Cox) has always been a Campbell County Guy.” The former Cougar standout also
starred at LMU in Harrogate during his college days. He’s a member
of the LMU Hall of Fame as is Wright.
Darrell Cox becomes the second former Cougar to
lead the CCHS Boys Basketball program. Matt Housley was the first. Cox served
as an assistant for
one season on Wright’s Fulton staff. Fulton won the state
tournament that season, 2009, and the season before. Wright points
out, “Darrell was a huge part of that championship with the job he did
with our post players.” Wright adds, “Cox has a lot of pride
in where he came from, and the success they had when he was there.
I’m excited for Darrell as he gets a chance to come back home.” (WLAF
NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/10/2018-6AM)
La
Follette Police Department Sergeant Charles Duff (R) receives his Drug
Recognition Expert certificate from Chief of Police Bill Roehl (L).
Duff is the first officer from the City of Forum date draws closer WLAF – Gray Insurance “Meet the Candidates” The invitations have been sent for the WLAF- Gray
Insurance Meet the Candidates Forum. On April 26, at 6:00
pm, at The forum will be open to the public while also
being broadcast on WLAF Radio AM 1450 and FM 100.9 and televised live
over WLAF TV 12 and 1450wlaf.com. Last week, the invitations were sent to those
running in the county trustee, county clerk, register of deeds, mayor
and sheriff’s races. If a candidate fails to receive theirs by the end
of this week, contact WLAF at 423.562.1450. County trustee, county clerk and register of deeds
will be given two minutes to introduce themselves to the audience. They
will not take questions nor be asked questions by the moderators. They
will have introductory time only. Afterwards, candidates
in the sheriff’s and county mayor’s race will participate in debates
specific to the offices they are seeking. The forum will be moderated by WLAF”s Jim Freeman
and Susan Sharp. As part of our complete election coverage, WLAF
will publish questionnaires for the county commission and school board
races. These will appear on 1450WLAF.com in May. Each candidate will answer the questions in their
own words and their responses will not be edited. As with the questions
submitted for the forum, candidates will be asked questions developed by
station staff and submitted by the public. WLAF is asking our readers
and viewers to submit one question per race, in writing, to:
wlaf@1450wlaf.com or to WLAF, All questions must be labeled in accordance with
the race they are referencing. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/09/2018-6AM) Call today to apply The East
Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) is accepting applications for
the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for The sponsor of this program is the Tennessee
Housing Development Agency. The goal is to provide assistance to
low-income households to offset the high costs of home energy. (WLAF
NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/09/2018-6AM)
Duff is now a Drug
Recognition Expert Completes Drug Recognition Program Veteran police officer Charles Duff is the first to
complete an internationally acclaimed drug training program. In
its efforts to continually battle the drug problem, La Follette Chief of
Police Bill Roehl is proud to announce that Sgt. Charles Duff has
successfully completed the Drug Recognition Program through the
Tennessee Highway Safety Office. Once trained and certified, DREs become highly
effective officers skilled in the detection and identification of
persons impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. DREs are trained to conduct a
systematic and standardized 12-step evaluation consisting of physical,
mental and medical components. The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program has
received international acclaim for its success in identifying the
drug-impaired individual. Although the focus of the DRE curricula is on
the identification of the drug-impaired driver, DRE skills are applied
to many different law enforcement activities. These activities include
screening of any individuals who maybe under the influence of drugs.
DREs are frequently called upon to differentiate between drug influence
and medical and/or mental disorders. Roehl states, “The
certified DRE is an extremely valuable tool for combating the adverse
impact of drugs on the community we serve.” Sgt. Duff is the first
officer from the City of
First reading held on accessory building zoning
amendment The Jacksboro Fire Department will be getting new
equipment soon. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen agreed to accept the
only bid ($25,407.70) they received. The equipment will be purchased
with funds from a grant received from the LaFollette Medical Foundation. Office employee Emily Hicks will now be able to
sign payroll checks in the absence of City Recorder Emma Caldwell. The
board approved the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System employer
rate of 3.6% effective July 1, 2018. This is the current rate. A
contract with the East Tennessee Development District for local planning
services was approved in the amount of $7,425. This is the annual
fee. Mayor June Forstner told the board that she had received a phone
call earlier in the evening from the street department informing her
that the clutch had gone out on the brush truck and it will cost $1,200
to repair it. The board held the first reading of Ordinance No.
116 last night adding an amendment to the zoning policy for R-2
Residential. It states that customary accessory buildings are to
be located in back yards and no closer than five feet to any property
line. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/06/2018-6AM) Agencies work together
to complete arrest Campbell County Sheriff’s Department deputies along
with a Norris Police Officer arrested a Rocky Top man on Saturday, March
31. Deputy Nathaniel Bostic went to Highway 441, the Norris Freeway,
about a vehicle that had wrecked. Before Bostic arrived, he was told by
dispatch that Norris Police Officer Joe Cuel was detaining Michael
Rennie Stewart about the accident and that he was possibly impaired.
When Bostic arrived, Cuel told him that Stewart had wrecked at the
western overlook of Norris Dam State Park. Cuel told Bostic that Stewart
was allegedly seen throwing beer cans out of the vehicle onto the ground
where multiple cans were found in front of the vehicle. Once Bostic was
able to speak with Stewart, he could smell the alcohol and requested he
perform field sobriety tests, according to a report from the Campbell
County Sheriff’s Department. After several field sobriety tests, Bostic asked
Stewart on a scale of one to 10, one being completely sober and 10 being
the worst drunk he had ever been where was he, allegedly Stewart said he
was a three, four or five. He was then asked to submit to a breath or
blood test, Stewart said he wouldn’t take the test because he had
consumed alcohol the day before. He then said another reason he wouldn’t
consent was because he was drunk. Bostic asked if he could get Stewart’s
wallet and registration from his vehicle and while he was getting the
items, he noticed some empty beer cans of Miller Lite Beer on the
shoulder of the road where the crash happened. Stewart, 52, 163 Owens Drive, Rocky Top is charged
with drivers to exercise due care, violation of Tennessee financial law,
criminal littering, driving under influence 2nd offense and violation
implied consent law. . (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/06/2018-6AM) The latest from Kash-n-Karry
Building Supply Now in stock J.B. and Kip Leach at Kash-n-Karry
Building Supply are now featuring decorative block glass windows.
These beautiful windows are now on display at Kash-n-Karry
Decorative block
windows at Kash-n-Karry Building Supply are $399 each.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
04/06/2018-6AM) 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)
WATCH the meeting here on demand The City of LaFollette is changing how taxis are
regulated in the city. Currently, the city has two taxi cab services in
operation and has an application for a third service. But those services
will be seeing some changes in operating policies. The council had a
first reading of ordinance 2018-04 that will include a non-refundable
application fee of $250 for a new company or a nonrefundable fee of $50
for a renewal application. Renewal applications are for companies that
currently hold a valid Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
within the city. Also, at last night’s meeting, the city adopted
resolution 2018-09 that will allow the city to move forward with opening
its own driving school. The city currently has two officers who are
certified instructors and the police chief would oversee the daily
operations of the school. Final reading of Ordinance 2018-03 amending the
International Building Codes 2009 Edition, the International Residential
Code 2009 Edition and the International Fire Code 2009 Edition to the
2018 Edition was completed during the meeting. Resolution 2018-08 amending the original 2017-18
budget in the amount of $97,600 was discussed, an additional $7,300 was
added to the amendment. This amount will pay MTAS $7,300 for the
codification and revision of its ordinances based on the current
population of 7,456. Several city codes need to be updated, because they
are antiquated at this time. At last week’s workshop City Administrator Jimmy
Jeffries brought the issue of the old post office before the council.
Last week Jeffries told the council that Karen Cumorich and Joanne Myers
of the Campbell Culture Coalition had requested the windows on the
building be replaced with wood instead of the vinyl the city is planning
to use. The wood windows will help to maintain the authenticity of the
building. Jefferies said the cost of two wooden windows equals the cost
of 20 vinyl windows. Council members agreed to wait until last night to
make a final decision pending Senator Ken Yager’s previous statement
that he would try to assist with additional funding to purchase wood
windows if the council could wait a week. Mayor Mike Stanfield requested
council move forward with the approval of the renovations, since they
have waited a week and Yager has not been able to supply additional
funds as of today. Jeffries suggested the original wooden windows could
be placed in storage in the basement of the old post office in case
funds become available to repair them at a later date. The Campbell County Regional 10-year Parks and
Recreation Master was adopted, Jeffries told council members the plan
can be modified and extended anytime during the 10 years. Council
discussed having a general service agreement with Cannon and Cannon for
professional services that would allow the city to utilize their
services on an hour by hour basis, council agreed to the agreement
stating services were not to exceed $15,000. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED –
04/04/2018-6AM)
Evidence related to
illegal drug activity located At 7 pm last night, the
Campbell County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team executed a narcotics search
warrant at
This mobile home is
located in the last block of the west end of During execution of the
search warrant, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office Swat Team, Agent’s
with the 8th
Judicial Drug Task Force and the Jacksboro Police Department came into
contact with the persons living at the home. During the search of the home, investigators
located and were able to seize evidence directly related to the sale of
illegal narcotics. This investigation is ongoing. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED
04/03/2018-6AM) CCSD makes quick arrest
in hit and run A quick investigation followed by a confession led
to Kimberly Baird’s arrest last week. Baird was allegedly traveling on Highway 116 in
Caryville on March 25 when she drove up on another vehicle at a high
rate of speed, crashing the front end of her vehicle into the other
vehicle, the report said. Baird then allegedly drove around the other
vehicle and left the scene of the accident, according to a report from
the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was able to tell
Deputy Corey Laxton the vehicle was a grey SUV. During this time,
another deputy found what he believed to be the vehicle involved in the
accident. He stopped the vehicle, noticing the front of the vehicle had
major damage. Laxton went to the
stopped vehicle and spoke with Kimberly Ann Baird, the driver, who “had
a strong smell of alcohol” about her. As Baird was quizzed about her drinking, she
simply nodded yes when asked if she had been drinking, the report said.
“Apparently too much” was her alleged response when officers asked how
much she had consumed. Baird then allegedly admitted she consumed
over four drinks in the past couple hours, according to the report. Baird, 34, 140 Brook Place Lane, Apt.1, LaFollette is charged with leaving scene of accident, driving under influence (DUI), possession of schedule VI controlled substance. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 04/03/2018-6AM)
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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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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