Order online from your La Follette Papa John's - click on the Papa John's logo above

CCSD's Daugherty and McCall honored as "Officers of the Year"

     Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announces that two deputies are honored as “Officer of the Year.”  For only for only the third time in the history of the sheriff’s department, all during the Goins’ era, two deputy sheriffs were honored with "Officer of the Year" awards by the Governor's Highway Safety Office, in the Sheriff's Office category, at its annual Christmas awards banquet.  The awards for “DUI enforcement Officer of the Year” and overall “Officer of the Year” were presented before a packed event room at the Cedar Bluff Holiday Inn in West Knoxville on Monday morning by the Governor's Highway Safety Office Law Enforcement Liaison Steve Dillard.  Campbell County Deputy Ty Daugherty was presented the “DUI Officer of the Year Award” for his outstanding enforcement and diligence in removing drunk and drugged drivers from Campbell County roadways.  Deputy James McCall was presented the overall “Officer of the Year Award” for his enforcement, work ethic and dedication to duty and his commitment to provide safety to the citizens of Campbell County.  Sheriff Robbie K. Goins tells WLAF News that, "We are honored and thoroughly pleased and thankful that our dedicated public servants can be honored again for their hard work and dedication to duty. The Governor's Highway Safety Office could not be a better partner and we are indebted to them for the recognition of our people. Ty and James are definitely valuable assets to our office and to the citizens of Campbell County that they serve.”  (12/10/2013/6:00 AM)

Commission votes to spend saved $500,000 on road paving projects 

Campbell County Road Superintendent Dennis Potter received an early Christmas present Monday night when county commissioners voted unanimously to transfer $500,000 that was saved through the re-financing of county debt into a fund for paving roads.

Potter has consistently asked commissioners for an appropriation at budget time to help his department pave more county roads, only to be left short by a county commission hesitant to raise property taxes.

The Budget & Finance Committee voted unanimously to approve a plan through which each district will get a pot of $85,000 to be used on road projects in that district. The remaining $75,000 will be used to repair the damage to Valley Street in Jacksboro caused by the construction of the county’s new jail and justice center behind the courthouse.

The money comes from $550,000 in interest payments that was saved when the commission voted last month to re-finance some older county bonds at a much lower interest rate.

The commission will also discuss a proposal at the regular monthly meeting next week to form an ad hoc road committee that will review paving needs in the county and prioritize where the paving dollars need to be spent.

At the workshop following the budget meeting, commissioners received an earful from one resident about one road that appears to need immediate attention. Mary Young told commissioners that the road she lives on, Baird Creek Lane, becomes impassible after heavy rains due to inadequate culverts to carry water from a small stream under the road.

Young reminded the commission that the county had approved money to build a bridge over the creek a couple of years ago, but the landowner had refused to grant the county a right-of-way necessary to construct a bridge. She said that a new landowner has now indicated he will grant the necessary right-of-way if the county will renew the bridge project.

In addition to her home, Young told commissioners that one other family lives on the far side of the flooded crossing, along with one weekend resident and her business, Baird Creek Tavern. Mayor Baird said that her request “is something the road committee will need to look into.”

State Representative Dennis Powers attended the meeting to present a resolution naming a new TWRA boat ramp off Queener Road on Norris Lake in honor of late commissioner Ray Wilson of Caryville. Wilson was a longtime leader and co-founder of the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA), which was instrumental in acquiring much of the former Koppers Company land that was transferred to TWRA to expand the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area.

Powers invited commissioners to share their concerns or requests on any legislative business, and may have regretted that invitation, as several commissioners bombarded him with concerns on everything from the decrease in state funding for education to problems with licensing of ATV vehicles to the local drivers’ license testing office that was closed by THP.

Next week commissioners will also discuss a resolution from the E-911 Board, asking that the county require all road signs to meet state-mandated requirements. The resolution apparently refers to some private roads and driveways that ambulance drivers have a hard time locating because the signs are inadequate.

One or two commissioners pointed out that although owners of private roads can request an E-911 name designation, the county may be exceeding it’s authority to dictate signs on roads not in the county system.      (12/10/2013/6:00 AM)

  

Caryville City Council Meeting 12/09/13

 

Listen to Tennessee Saturday Night with Tony Basilio by clicking the player below.

Check this out on Chirbit

Smith calls support “breathtaking”

     Reverend Mike Smith of the Fincastle Church of God sizes up the past year as a “rough one, a hard fight,” but that the church has emerged victorious, and the Lord has blessed.

It was in the wee-hours of Sunday morning, December 9, exactly one-year ago, when Smith received the phone call that his church was on fire.  Smith, who appeared live this morning on WLAF Radio thanking and updating the community on the past year, sums the support up as “breathtaking.” 

He goes on to say that attendance is consistently up compared to the pre-fire numbers.  Fincastle Church of God officially reopened with its first service in the new building back on August 3. 

Investigators spent December 10, 2012, sifting through the remnants of the church, and released the results the next day that the church was set on fire. 

Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Aaron Evans tells WLAF News that the investigation remains open with an active reward of $1,500.00.  (12/09/2013/2:30 PM-FILE PHOTOS)

ZUMBA is Monday & Thursday at 6:00 & Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.

WLAF Christmas Stocking makes the Stop at Gifts From Above this Week

                                 Jacksboro updates flood plain zoning ordinance
By Charlotte Underwood
It was a short mayor and alderman meeting in Jacksboro on Thursday evening with the first reading of a flood plain ordinance topping the agenda. The board approved the first reading, which simply updates the existing flood plain ordinance, according to city recorder Emma Caldwell.

Other business approved was $1,200 to pay for parts and repairs to a police department vehicle, as well as the approval for two police officers to update their meth lab cleanup training. (12/09/2013/6:00 AM)

WLAF salutes Wright & crew

     It was a jolly time had by all.  Kelli Jo Wright and her 2013 Christmas Parade committee pulled off another fun and enjoyable Christmas Parade and festivities Saturday night.  However, preparation of the one night of celebration began soon after last year’s parade.  Wright said during the parade telecast over WLAF-TV 12 that it’s difficult to imagine the amount of work that goes into the one special evening.  WLAF salutes Wright and her support staff for all they have done, did, and plan to do again in 2014.  Merry Christmas! (12/09/2013/6:00 AM)

There’s local help available for Obama care applicants

     Many of you know all too well how difficult it’s been to sign-up for the Affordable Healthcare Act also known as Obama Care.  Now there’s local help available to assist applicants.  Community Health of East Tennessee, nicknamed CHET, has two application counselors on staff to help you work your way through the healthcare application process.  Don’t worry about getting or trying to get online or even calling an 800 number.  A CHET counselor will help you fill out and file your Affordable Healthcare Act application right here in La Follette.  Jada Stanley, CHET’s Chief Operating Officer, explains to WLAF that you may either schedule an appointment or just walk-in the offices on Independence Lane behind the CVS.  She says the application process generally takes about an hour.  Stanley says a grant CHET received makes this “free” service possible, and that the application assistance service continues for a full-year.  CHET’s hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 8:00, and the number to call is 423.562.1705.   (12/03/2013/6:30 AM)

The 2013 Christmas Parade through the camera of WLAF's David Graham

Big weekend at Food City Center - Woodson Mall

Scenes from inside the mall over the weekend.

Click the Player Below to Listen to The Neutral Zone with Clone from Thursday-Heard on WLAF

Check this out on Chirbit

Leach is JMS Queen

     Jacksboro crowned its basketball homecoming queen Thursday night.  She is 8^th grader Presley Leach.  Presley is the daughter of Greg and Amy Leach. 

Hembree and Leach

Her escort was Jordan Hembree.  As part of her homecoming project, Presley volunteered with the special education department at La Follette Elementary School.  A few of the members of the 1954 Jacksboro High School Homecoming Court also took part in Thursday night’s festivities.  The Freshman attendant in 1954 was Peggy Powers Blankenship who was escorted on Thursday by Caleb Williams.

1954 Sophomore attendant Pat Hatmaker Ford and escort Nolan Lees

1954 Junior attendant Tomi Housley-Ayers was escorted Feliz Gonzalez

1954 Homecoming Queen Pat Sharp Brown, Noah Smith, and 2012 JMS Queen Sydney Fields (DAVID GRAHAM PIX 12/06/2013/6:00 AM)

Capps release second CD

     Mason T. and Carl Capps have a new compact disc.  It’s called “La Follette Blues.”  Carl calls the title track the best song on the CD but says his testimonial song “I Know I’m Saved” is his favorite.  Mason T. and Carl wrote several of the songs on the new CD that contains both bluegrass and gospel songs.  Mason T. says his La Follette Blues composition was inspired by his hometown and its rich musical heritage.  WLAF was the first radio station to play tracks from the latest work of the Capps, and they air each day on 1450.  For your copy of “La Follette Blues,” just call Carl or Mason T. at 423.562.4694 or by email at masontandcarl.com.  (12/06/2013/7:00 AM)

 CACC sits as the top seed for county tourney

     From door mat to dominate, the Christian Academy Warriors transitioned from a one-win team to a one-loss team in the course of a year.  Coach Vic King’s Warriors won Thursday night at Middlesboro to improve to 14 & 1 on the year heading into the county tournament.  CACC outscored Gateway Academy 29 to 15 behind double-figure scorers Will Paul (11) and Joseph Howard (10).  Parker Troutman and John Allen Arnold each chipped in four-points.  The Warriors play next Thursday in the county tournament at Valley View against the winner of the Jellico-Elk Valley game. (12/06/2013/6:00 AM)

Santa, scammers, and Rudolph; the holidays are here

     The latest scam is making the rounds via the mail this holiday season.  Josh Parker with the La Follette Utility Board tells WLAF that some LUB customers have received scam information in the mail.  The letter asks customers to purchase water service line insurance.  Parker adds that LUB does not endorse and is not affiliated with Home Serve USA Repair.  LUB has not provided anyone with customer addresses or other personal information.  Parker notes that if you have questions or concerns, you should call LUB at 423.562.3316 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  (12/05/2013/2:00 PM)

La Follette Machine & Tool is featured this week

     It’s Thursday.  It’s our business feature of the week day.  Today, WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood visit the folks at La Follette Machine and Tool.

LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc. now in its 3rd generation

By Charlotte Underwood

     For three generations, LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc., has been shaping the world one piece of metal at a time.
     The business came from humble beginnings, according to Quality Control Manager Celeste Sharp. Established in 1936 by J. Minton Sharp, the business was originally called the Motor Grinding Co., and primarily repaired heavy equipment for the coal industry and manufactured mine fans.

J. Minton Sharp began the company in 1936 as the Motor Grinding Co.

    
LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc., is now in its third generation of owners; Jarrett and Jason Sharp stand next to their father Jerry, who began working at the business in 1962. His father began the business in 1936.

     By the early 1950’s the name was changed to LaFollette Machine & Tool Company.

     In 1962, J. Minton's son Gerald “Jerry” Sharp joined the company and began manufacturing tipples for the mining industry and repair blocks for Caterpillar®. He remembered much of the business's early work was in rewinding motors. He also recalled there were 348 mines still operating in the area in 1962 when he first came back.
     "Now there are less than 10," Jerry Sharp said, adding that due to the coal industry's decline, the business had evolved and reshaped itself over the years.
When J. Minton Sharp retired in 1977, the company began focusing on warranty work for dozers and high-lifts. As times continued to change, it was the third generation which ushered in a new era for the company.

This metal cutting machine from 1936 still works and is occasionally used for projects.

     Jerry's son Jarrett Sharp entered the family business in 1987 and two years later, in 1989, LaFollette Machine and Tool Company was one the first in Tennessee to install a CO2 laser. Soon, the emphasis shifted to precision laser cutting and metal forming.
     "Jarrett knew something new would have to be done since the coal industry was going out," Celeste Sharp said. Still owned and operated by the Sharp family, LaFollette Machine and Tool brings to the industry a long history of experience, integrity, and ingenuity.

    

These images show what the warehouses looked liked during the early years of business.

     "It's been a great ride," Jerry Sharp said, adding that he had never had any intention of taking over the business from his father.
     "I was going to be a hospital administrator until I came back," Jerry Sharp said with a laugh.
LaFollette Machine and Tool Inc., is located at 219 N. First St.in LaFollette and can be reached at 423-562-5854.

LaFollette Machine and Tool employee Johnny York has worked at the company for over 40 years.    

     The company utilizes a diverse range of CO2 laser technology to process customer designs from the simple to the most challenging. Along with metal forming, LaFollette Machine and Tool Company delivers production and prototypes laser cut from materials as diverse as its customer base, according to Celeste Sharp. Common materials cut and formed by the company include Carbon Steel, Stainless, Aluminum, Titanium, Copper, Brass, Monel, Inconel, Acrylic, Composites and more.

LaFollette Machine and Tool specializes in precision laser cutting.

     The company is also a Certified Contractor by the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office to receive military critical technical data.
     With a reputation as a leader offering both quality and technical support, LaFollette Machine and Tool Company uses three Mitsubishi CO2 lasers and two Amada CNC press brakes to satisfy even the most high-performance users of precision laser cut components.  (PIX COURTESY OF LAFOLLETTE MACHINE & TOOL - 12/05/2013/6:00 AM)

"I still think it would be a good thing if it will help saves lives," Stanfield said.(12/04/2013)