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Our Tuesday could have a stormy finish

     Plenty of sunshine, humidity, and very warm temps set the stage for a possible stormy finish to our Tuesday.  Strong to severe storm potential looms during the "heat of the day" here in Campbell County mainly from 2:00 until sunset.  The main threats from the stronger storms are damaging down burst winds up to 60 MPH, large hail, locally heavy rainfall, and flooding in low lying and flood prone areas.  Keep in mind, you will hear watches and warnings first via WLAF. (UPDATED TUE, 05/21/13, 6:00 AM)

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Join CACC under the golden arches

     It’s your “McChance” to help support the Christian Academy of Campbell County.  This afternoon from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00, teachers and staff of CACC host you at the Walmart McDonald’s.  A portion of the sales during the three hours goes to the Christian Academy.(UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2013, 6:00 AM)

BOE budget talks continue today

     Next budget workshop session for the Campbell County Board of Education is today.  It begins at 5:00 and is a continuation of budget discussions for the 2013-2014 school year.  At the conclusion of the budget workshop, the BOE will enter into a discussion regarding virtual schools, Pinecrest School, and the Norris Ridge Fire Department. (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Haslam here this afternoon

     The governor’s in town today.  Governor Bill Haslam pays a visit to Caryville City Hall to formerly sign “Lynn’s Law,” making it a felony to abandon an adult who is developmentally disabled.  The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Powers and Senator Ken Yeager, was the result of the abandonment last year of 19-year-old Lynn Cameron, whose mother fled after leaving her mentally disabled daughter in a Caryville bar.     (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

County commission covers a lot of ground in its 2-hour meeting

Campbell County commissioners voted 14-0 on Monday night to authorize Sheriff Robbie Goins to apply for a federal COPS grant that would cover most of the cost of placing security officers in each of the county’s elementary schools as well as the Campbell County Learning Academy (alternative school).

The commission suspended the rules to allow school board chairman Josh Parker to present a request from the school board that the commission provide $345,000 in funding to pay the salaries for eight additional SRO officers and that those funds be in addition to local dollars required to meet state maintenance of effort levels for local education funds.

Parker then pointed out that the federal government has made additional COPS grants available for local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of providing school security. The grants would provide 75 percent of the salaries for school security salaries for three years with the county providing 25 percent. The grant agreement would require local governments to continue funding the program for a fourth year with local funding paying all of the salaries.

“After meeting the fourth year commitment, we can look at other options,” Parker explained.

Jellico commissioner Alvin Evans questioned the 75-25 split, noting that Jellico had a COPS grant that paid 100 percent for three years with one or two additional years paid from local funds.

“Those 100 percent grants were part of the federal stimulus package. That money has now been exhausted,” Rusty Orick noted.

If the county receives the grant, $258,750 of the yearly total would come from federal dollars with the county responsible for $86,250 in matching local funds.

“Do you have an alternative if you don’t get it?” Evans also asked.

“We do have a Plan B that Director Poston has worked up,” Parker replied. “We would keep the SROs at the high schools and rotate the SROs that are currently at the middle schools around to the elementary schools. We would also provide office space in the schools for the SROs and other deputies so there would be some security presence each day at all the schools.”

Parker added that Director of Schools Donnie Poston was working on the grant application, that will have to be submitted from the Sheriff’s Department.

“The deadline for the COPS grants is June 4,” Mayor William Baird pointed out. “This commission would need to vote to suspend the rules and authorize this grant application tonight in order to meet the deadline.”

“I support this and offer that motion but it’s worth mentioning that while $345,000 is a lot of money, that’s only for salaries. There will be other costs involved. That doesn’t cover training or equipment.”

The motion to authorize the grant application was then passed unanimously.

The commission also voted unanimously with one abstention to approve a new health insurance contract with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, although the rates have increased by seven percent over last year.

“Because claims are up dramatically, our rates are up. No other carriers wanted to bid on our coverage,” insurance consultant Debbie Cole explained. “We were able to work with Blue Cross/Blue Shield to keep the rate increase down to seven percent when it was determined that a number of employees who have had claims are retiring.”

Commissioners were not all in agreement on another motion, a request from some state legislators to pass a resolution opposing a sales tax on internet sales.

Mayor William Baird pointed out that the tax would help local businesses that are presently at an unfair disadvantage competing with big companies that offer online shopping. He recommended that the commission vote against the resolution.

Most of the commissioners did not agree with Baird, however, seeming hesitant to support what some viewed as an additional tax on consumers. Marie Ayers, Evans, Steve Rutherford and Terry Singley voted against the resolution to oppose the tax but it passed 9-4 with Sue Nance abstaining. J. L. Davis was absent from the meeting.

The commission did show concern for some local businesses with another resolution, however, by voting down a resolution supporting the “responsible vendor act.” That law authorizes counties to impose a requirement that all businesses selling alcoholic beverages must require employees who sell package beer to undergo a training and certification process and pay a $25 annual fee to cover the training costs.

“This is just another burden on the businessman,” Thomas Hatmaker protested.

“The legislature may make it mandatory next year,” Mayor Baird pointed out, adding, “Businesses that comply with the training will not have their beer license suspended or be liable for a fine on a first offense.”

Adkins also voiced his opposition, stating flatly, “I’m not for this. It’s just more burden on the business owner.”

Most commissioners appeared to agree. A motion to support the responsible vendor act was voted down 13-1, with only Steve Rutherford voting “yes.”

Commissioners were also split on an offer from the State Dept of Transportation to install two caution signals on Highway 297 that connects Pioneer with Jellico through Elk Valley and Newcomb.

TDOT plans to pave that highway this summer and suggested that solar powered caution lights should be placed at both the junction with Elk Fork Road and the junction of Highway 297 and Oswego Road, as well as additional signage and safety features at Glade Springs Road and old Highway 63.

The devil’s in the details, however, and several commissioners voiced concerns with the details. Although the state would pay the $1,200 cost of installing the lights, the county would have to agree to maintain them if they are vandalized or break down.

“You put all that stuff on Highway 297 and a lot of it will end up as souvenirs,” Terry Singley argued.

Alvin Evans agreed, but added, “It would be hard to turn down that much paving.”

Baird explained that the paving project is unconnected to the lights and will be done as planned regardless of the county’s decision on caution lights.

After it became clear that commissioners were divided over the idea, Rusty Orick made a motion to table the topic until June and ask for more clarification from the state on the need for the caution lights. The motion to table the discussion passed 11-2 with Bob Walden and Evans voting “no and Rutherford abstaining.

The commission then unanimously passed a motion to hire Lonnie Vann to coordinate the summer intern program at a salary of $10.80 per hour and to pay student interns at the minimum wage.

They adjourned the meeting after Mayor Baird announced that Governor Haslam will be at the Caryville Municipal Building at 2:45 on Tuesday to formerly sign “Lynn’s Law,” making it a felony to abandon an adult who is developmentally disabled.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Powers and Senator Ken Yeager, was the result of the abandonment last year of 19-year-old Lynn Cameron, whose mother fled to Ohio after leaving her mentally disabled daughter in a Caryville bar.    (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013, 6:00 AM)

Graduation coverage 2013 is made possible by these outstanding corporate partners

Litho-craft Printing & Office Supply

Robbins Guttering & Siding

First National Bank

Wender Furniture Company

Peoples Bank of the South

Josie's Beauty Fashions

Mayor William Baird

theSTAND

State Representative Dennis Powers

Powell-Clinch Utility District

Campbell County Graduation May 18, 2013

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WLAF - TV 12 News for Monday, May 20, 2013

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David Graham's Sports Report for Monday, May 20, 2013

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Trial date set - Bartley could be free on bond

     Convicted school shooter Kenneth S. Bartley is getting a new trial.  Months ago, the Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood’s June 2011 order to set aside Bartley’s guilty plea and grant him a new trial.  However, the State Attorney General’s Office had the final say, and it came late last week.  Officials with the State Attorney General’s Office elected not to pursue further appeals meaning that the last order stands which is Blackwood’s order for a new trial. 

Bartley on the evening of the shooting

Bartley, now 21, was 14 at the time of the shooting at Campbell High School on November 8, 2005, and 15 when he  pleaded guilty in 2007.  Under the terms of the deal, Bartley was sentenced to 45 years for killing Assistant Principal Ken Bruce and wounding Assistant Principal Jim Pierce and Principal Gary Seale. The sentences were structured in such a way that the teenager could be eligible for parole in roughly 25 years.  

Blackwood

Assistant District Attorney Mike Ripley tells WLAF News that it was confirmed Monday morning that Bartley’s trial will take place at the Jacksboro Courthouse the week of November 18, 2013.  Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood will preside. 

Bartley in the summer of 2011

A person in attorney Gregory Isaacs’ office could not tell us if Isaacs would be asking for a bond for Bartley.  Ripley said that he supposes Isaacs could ask for a bond meaning that Bartley could now be set free.  Bartley is no longer considered a convicted criminal but an accused suspect.   (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013, 9:30 AM)

Click It or Ticket to Boost Seat Belt Use – Day and Night

Campbell County 2013 High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign Begins today

     Campbell County, Tennessee - As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputies are urging everyone to buckle up.  Beginning today, May 20, 2013, law enforcement officials will be out in full force, taking part in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.  “As we kick-off  the busy summer driving season it’s important that everyone buckles up every time they go out, both day and night – no excuses,” said Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins.  “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt – Click It or Ticket.  “According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.  As noted, deaths involving seat belt nonuse are more prevalent at night than during the daytime.  According to NHTSA, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 during the overnight hours of 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Tragically, these national statistics are mirrored locally.  “Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater,” said Sheriff Goins.  “We want everyone to have a safe summer, but it requires an important step on the part of motorists – clicking that seat belt.”  In 2011, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide according to NHTSA. While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, deputies are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.  For more on the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.

254 glad grads

     T.J. Nelson started this morning's CCHS graduation ceremonies by leading his fellow grads in "The Gator."  You may remember "The Gator" from a scene in the 1978 classic movie, Animal House. Regardless.  Close to 3,000 onlookers took in today's graduation which marks the 38th graduating class of Campbell County High School and the second class in a row to conduct ceremonies at the Tex Turner Arena on the campus of LMU in Harrogate.  Morning rain at CCHS made the LMU venue even more attractive today.  You may see the graduation in its entirety Sunday at 6:00 p.m. over WLAF-TV 12 and above at the Channel 12 TV screen icon at the same time.  Beginning Monday at Noon, you may purchase ($12) your DVD keepsake of the graduation here at the WLAF studios on North Fifth Street.  Starting Tuesday, you will be able to see the 2013 CCHS graduation anytime here on 1450wlaf.com.  (UPDATED SAT,05/18/2013, 1:00 PM)

Vic King's photo gallery from WLAF's 60th celebration

Hobart McCreary and WLAF's Joe Holiday

Ann Thompson, Brent McNeeley, and Red Harrison

Ronnie Henderson looks on as Linda Farmer Thompson, Mary Ann Cummins, & friends chat

The Silver Cloud performs

Upwards of 1,000 WLAF friends came by to say hello

Charlie Hutson listens as Dormas Miller and Bill Waddell talk

David Graham is counting up how many hot dogs he's eaten

Charlie Hutson's thinking about his next camera shot

Lillie in orange looks on as Dormas Miller and Bill Waddell are in deep discussion

Perennial candidate Virgil Kidwell works the crowd in anticipation of another run for office

Harold Branam and Ron McClellan are getting an "atta boy" from Margaret Ayers

Ann Thompson visits with a customer

Nancy and Kippy Leach arrive at the celebration

Jim Rogers is looking for Todd Overbay

Winfred Douglas and Earl Lawson visit while Barney Goins surveys the situation

Where does the new school security law leave Campbell County?

     How is the new school security law going to effect Campbell County Schools?  Governor Bill Haslam signed the School Security Act of 2013 into law on Thursday.  The Campbell County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF News that basically, the changes are not too different from the way they were before the new law was signed.  Evans says officers have to complete Academy training and POST regulations.  The plans here have not yet been finalized, but School Board Member Rector Miller made a motion to ask the Campbell County Commission for funds of $340,000 and another $325,000 for maintenance of effort levels.  If funding is not available, the plan with the school system is to split current SROs, currently at the middle schools, between the middle schools and the elementary schools.  The two high schools, Campbell and Jellico, stay the same.  If the County Commission does OK the funds, this will not include money for the training of the officers, gas, or other expenses. Evans adds that the School System is offering office space for the SROs.  If this is the route taken, the officers will rotate between the schools.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013, 11:00 AM)

One last look before the tree tumbles

The sign that became synonymous with the south Caryville exit is no longer.  As part of the new Holiday Inn Express, the tree came down Thursday morning.  The final day pictures are from WLAF's David Graham.   (UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013, 6:00 AM)

The Holiday Inn Express owners, the Patels

David Graham was extra quick to snap this photo with Haskel "Hack" Ayers

Girls and boys soccer coming to Campbell High*

Peace appears to have been declared in the brewing feud between school board member Rector Miller and school system Safety & Athletic Director Johnny Bruce. At Tuesday’s board meeting, Miller withdrew his proposal to eliminate Bruce’s position in order to fund security officers for the county’s eight elementary schools.

Miller instead indicated that other options are being considered and invited Bruce to explain progress that he has made in providing security for all of the county’s schools.

Bruce then reported on discussions with Sheriff Robbie Goins. “The sheriff has officers that need office space, and says if the schools can make space available for them, he will assign deputies or detectives to work out of offices at the different schools,” Bruce told the board.

Board attorney Dail Cantrell added that there is no legal problem with such an arrangement and that actually the school principals can make the decision to provide the office space without a vote by the board.

“They wouldn’t be there all the time,” Miller observed, but their presence would be a deterrent to any problems.”

Miller then offered a motion to ask the county commission to provide funding for full time school resource officers at the elementary schools, at a cost of $340,000.

Finance Director Jeff Marlow told the board that local funding for the school system will increase by around $325,000 due to a continuing decline in state funding, and he advised that any motion to fund security be appropriated above the state-mandated minimum local education dollars.

Miller then amended his motion to request $340,000 for security in addition to the maintenance of effort levels. The motion passed unanimously, although board members are aware that getting another $340,000 from the commission may be a big “if.”

The board also voted to approve a high school soccer program with $2,000 salary supplements for head coaches for both boy’s and girl’s teams and $1,000 supplements for two assistant coaches. Bruce reported that 30 boys and 28 girls signed up at Campbell County High to join the teams.

“This is adding a whole new sport to the CCHS athletic director’s duties. We need to look at increasing her compensation as well,” added Miller, referring to Sherry Chapman.*

Eugene Lawson was the only member to vote ”no” as the soccer program was approved by a 9-1 vote.

The board also voted to decrease the number of unexcused absences during a school year from ten to five before disciplinary action will be taken, and voted unanimously to invite proposals for a virtual school contract.

“Any students who sign on to virtual school, to seek a degree online we get full state funding as if they were in school,” Poston pointed out.

“Did they not take the virtual school program out of Union County?” Eugene Lawson asked.

“I asked the same thing,” Poston replied. “I have some concerns about the program but this doesn’t obligate us to anything.”

While voting on several budget amendments, Mike Orick pointed out that the school system’s solar panel project is ahead of projections.

”For all the naysayers in the audience, I want to point out that the first payment, projected at around $9,000, was actually over $16,000,” Orick said.

Marlow agreed, telling the board that the average of 1863 kilowatts of electricity produced meant an extra $600 per month at each of the nine schools. “Of course this could go down in winter months,” he cautioned.

The board spent an hour before the regular meeting reviewing the budget for different departments, and will continue budget workshops next week.  (UPDATED THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013, 5:00 AM)

*Correction:  School Board Member Rector Miller referred to increasing the compensation of CCHS Athletic Director Sherry Chapman at Tuesday night's school board meeting.  An item in Wednesday's WLAF news incorrectly stated "We need to look at increasing his compensation as well,” added Miller, who only two weeks ago had suggested eliminating the athletic director position to fund the SROs."

Fun at the May Chamber of Commerce Networking event - May 16, 2013

Hosted by WLAF - Pix courtesy of Vic King

School Board Meeting Part 1 May 14, 2013

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School Board Meeting Part 2 May 14, 2013

Ivey sues the City of Caryville

     The former city recorder and certified municipal financial officer for the City of Caryville is suing the city.  In a lawsuit filed on May 6, Ivey and her attorney, David H. Dunaway, complain that Ivey was wrongfully relieved of her responsibilities and wrongfully discharged from her duties as city recorder and certified municipal financial officer on April 22, 2013.  Ivey claims that contrary to city ordinance, she was ordered by Mayor Chris Stanley, on at least two occasions, to make reimbursement payments.  One was to reimburse Stanley for a $49.69 cell phone.  The other was to reimburse patrol officer James Wilson, Jr. $584.00 for vacation time.  On both occasions, Ivey reported the payments to the state comptroller’s office.  The lawsuit further outlines where Ivey suggested that the demotion of then Chief of Police Johnny Jones, who is 55-years old, being replaced by a 32-year old employee would be discrimination and also be detrimental to the City of Caryville.  Ivey is asking for her job back or, if that is impractical, she wants compensatory damages not to exceed 750-thousand dollars.  She is also asking for punitive damages in a sum not to exceed $750,000.  If the case goes to court, Ivey and Dunaway are asking for a jury trial.  Ivey was employed by Caryville from September 20, 2004, through April 22 of this year.   (UPDATED WEDNESDAY, MAY, 15, 2013, 10:00 AM)

McGhee's 8th DUI gets grand jury attention

     An eight-time DUI offender remains in the county jail this afternoon.  Officials at the jail tell WLAF News that 45-year old Ronald Shane McGhee of Caryville is being held on a 24-thousand dollar secured bond.  In Caryville Police Officer Albert Kidwell’s report from Sunday, May 5, it outlines that McGhee’s pick-up truck, without McGhee even in the truck, rolled into the Central Baptist Church of Caryville building breaking some brick and doing some minor damage.  McGhee then got in his truck and drove away.  When Kidwell found McGhee, he gave him a field sobriety test that McGhee failed. 

He told the officer that he left his truck in neutral is why it rolled down the hill from his home and crashed into the church.  According to the State of Tennessee DUI Website, someone convicted of a fourth DUI offense is convicted of a class E felony. Penalties include fines between $3,000 and $15,000, between 150 days and 6 years incarceration, an eight-year driver’s license revocation, and the possible forfeiture of the vehicle used when driving while drunk or high.  According to court records, McGhee’s case is pending grand jury action on May 24, and that McGhee is scheduled to make his next court appearance on June 3. .(UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY, 14, 2013, 3:15 PM)

Heatherly the only "man" - "den of snakes" Ivey spares no words addressing council

     If you've been following recent events in Caryville, the demotion of Police Chief Johnny Jones, the firing of City Recorder Cheryl Ivey, and other seemingly questionable moves, you had to wonder if anyone would ever speak up.  Well, someone did.  Publicly.  His name is Edgar Ivey.  During a citizens input opportunity, here's what Ivey told the Town of Caryville Mayor and Aldermen and crowd at its regular monthly meeting Monday night at city hall:  "I'm Edgar Ivey.  I've come to address this committee tonight.  And the main thing I want to just say to you guys, right up front, I have no respect whatsoever for you - so you know that right from the beginning.  And I think I know all you guys.  Just from the way that you've done this committee the last four weeks, taking guys raises away, to demotion of the chief of police, now to the firing of Cheryl.  And it said in the paper that the reason for demoting the chief was lack of management skills.  And I want to say there is a lack of management skills over here, but it's not in the police department.  It's setting right here in front of me (a round of applause breaks out).  And for two of you I want you to know that I have no confidence in you.  That's gone. 

Edgar Ivey addresses Caryville mayor and aldermen (DWANE WILDER PIX 05/13/2013)

And Miss Vickie, I want to say to you, I've talked to a lot of people over the last several weeks, and there's not a one that's got a bad thing to say about you.  I want you to know. I'm sorry, but I don't know you personally, but seems like everybody else in the community did, and they talked about you.  They talked about the way you've tried to stand up and do what's right over here.  And I'm gonna say this, and they tell me men and women both alike, and they say this with the greatest respect, and I want you to take it at that.  But they say you're the only man over here on this committee (a female member of the audience says "that's right" as applause breaks out again).  I also want to say that they say they hope you won't get discouraged and quit.  But, uh, you know if you wanted to get out of this den of snakes, nobody could blame you for that either.  So, me personally, I wouldn't give them the satisfaction.  Thank you." (applause).    (UPDATED TUESDAY, MAY, 14, 2013, 10:00 AM)

Caryville Fire Department takes on more territory

By Dwane Wilder - WLAF News

The Caryville Volunteer Fire Department will soon begin providing protection for 346 households west of Island Ford Road and near the town’s John McGhee Industrial Park. The announcement was made during Monday’s regular monthly meeting of the Town of Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The cost to each household will be a nominal fee of $1.75 per dwelling and help lower the cost of homeowner insurance for the residents, said alderman Allen Smith. He said the Jacksboro Fire Department has a similar plan to provide protection for the east side of Island Ford Road between Mt. Paran Loop and Jacksboro Elementary School. The now defunct Pinecrest Volunteer Fire Department had previously served the residents of that area.

Pat Donahue, Alderman Mark Stanley, Mayor Chris Stanley

In other business conducted during Monday night’s meeting, the board:

*Approved payment of an invoice for $689.00 to Copeland Brothers, Inc. for lighting at the John McGhee Industrial Park.

*Approved payment of an invoice for $596.68 to Lowe’s for outside lighting and the wiring of a shed at the Caryville Municipal Building.

*Approved the continuation of an auditing contract with Brown Jake and McDaniel. PC.

*Approved certificate renewal for 141 Wine and Spirits.

Alderman Mark Stanley, Mayor Chris Stanley, Alderman Lloyd Lawson

*Approved a fundraiser road drive on Saturday, June 8 for the Stony Fork Volunteer Fire Department.

*Approved a bid from Jerry Foust to cut hay at the Ershell Collins Industrial Park at the 141 exit.

*Approved a bid of $67,896 by the Rogers Group for a paving project on Loop Road. Mayor Stanley said money to pay for the project will come out of the general fund, which he said right now is just under $400,000. Alderwoman Vickie Heatherly cast the only “no” vote, explaining that she was all in favor of paving projects, but that she didn’t want to take that much money out of the general fund so that the town could build back its rainy day fund in the event of an emergency.(UPDATED TUE, 05/14/13, 6:00 AM)

Caryville City Council Meeting Monday, May 13, 2013

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Point counterpoint

     WLAF greatly appreciates its thousands of daily listeners, viewers, and readers.  We also greatly value your comments and opinions at wlaf@1450wlaf.com.  Ed Housley of Jacksboro took time to offer his views and response to a recent Boomer's Corner commentary from Charles "Boomer" Winfrey.  Thank you, Ed.

In a recent column Charles "Boomer" Winfrey referred to the NRA numerous times as a “bully.”  As a proud member of the NRA, I believe it would shock the millions of NRA members to be considered bullies. Like other NRA members, I consider myself a patriot.  It seems that Mr. Winfrey feels that the NRA and its members should be considered bullies for fighting against more gun control laws.
 
Like many other gun control advocates, he mentions the Newtown shootings as if more gun control laws would have prevented that senseless tragedy.  Of course no laws presently on the books or any new laws will prevent insane people from doing insane crimes.  But that does not stop gun control advocates from using that horrible tragedy to further restrict our second amendment rights.
 
Mr. Winfrey, some of the real bullies in history who supported strict gun control laws were Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao Tze Tung, Pol Pot, Castro, Hugo Chavez, and Karl Marx.  Some of these bullies murdered millions of their own people AFTER imposing strict gun control.  One of the present day bullies is the Communist Party whose members believe that our second amendment rights are obsolete.
 
Another gun control advocate that many NRA members would consider a bully is United States Senator Diane Feinstein who stated on the TV program, “60 Minutes,” on February 5, 1995, “If I could have gotten 51 votes in the Senate of the United States, for an outright ban, picking up [every gun]… … Mr. and Mrs. America, turn ‘em all in. I would have done that.  I could not do that, the votes weren’t here.”
 
I could list the quotes of pro-gun rights patriots such a George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, John Adams and others who knew the danger of gun control administered by the government.  I would prefer to stand with these men rather than the real bullies previously mentioned.
 
And now on a point where I agree with Mr. Winfrey. The next test will come in election year, when we will see if the NRA has the clout to defeat some of the senators who dared to support expanded background checks.
Ed Housley  Jacksboro, Tennessee  (UPDATED MONDAY, MAY, 13, 2013, 9:15 AM)

211 students graduate from DARE

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins proudly announces the graduation of 211 Campbell County 6th grade DARE students Friday at LaFollette Middle School, Christian Academy of Campbell County, White Oak Elementary and Wynn Elementary School.  Sheriff Robbie K. Goins, Chief Deputy Aaron Evans, DARE Instructors Sergeant Darrell Mongar and Deputy Jaymi Prater represented the Campbell County Sheriff's Office along with the schools principals.  Campbell County School Board Chairman Josh Parker represented the Campbell County School System and served as the guest speaker at the La Follette Middle School DARE graduation.  Sheriff Goins tells WLAF News "I want to thank all the students for another good year of DARE and for their attention during the 10-week instruction. I also want to thank our DARE instructors for their hard work and dedication to the students this year. I can't be more pleased in the instruction and time they dedicated to our children. I also want to send a special thank you to School Board Chairman Josh Parker for serving as our guest speaker today and representing the school system with pride and care. We could not make this program work without the support of the Campbell County School Administration and the Campbell County School Board. They have been valuable and instrumental in its success.  We look forward to starting the program again next school year when they come back from summer break and another 6th grade class begins the learning of the DARE model and meaning."

DARE Day Friday at La Follette Middle School

DARE Day Friday at White Oak School

DARE Day Friday at Christian Academy of Campbell County

DARE Day on Friday at Wynn School

FBC of La Follette's Sunday, May 12, 2013, service

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