JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The most recent challenges facing county commissioners, such as keeping the animal shelter open or finding financial support for the annual spring fishing tournament, were set aside Monday night so that commissioners could recognize the achievements of local middle and high school basketball teams.

A rare standing room-only crowd packed the courtroom as parents, players and coaches arrived early for the proclamations. The female sports teams came first as Commissioner Sue Nance read a proclamation honoring the Jacksboro Middle School Lady Eagles, who went through the regular season with only one defeat, defeated defending state champion Rogersville and revenged their sole loss by taking down Cherokee to advance to the state tournament elite 8 for the first time in Lady Eagle history.

Tues., April 19, was proclaimed as honoring the Lady Eagles. Next, the Jacksboro boys’ team, which won their first Area 2 championship since 1995, was honored by proclaiming Wed., April 20, in honor of the Eagles.

Mike Douglas then took over to offer a proclamation honoring the Jellico High School Blue Devils, who compiled a 26-8 record, won the District 2 championship and advanced to the Regional semi-finals. Mon., April 18, was proclaimed “Jellico Blue Devils Nothing But Net Day” in their honor.

After allowing the crowd a little time to exit the courtroom, the commission proceeded to deal with a number of motions. One was a motion by Nance to declare surplus the county-owned vehicle driven by Mayor EL Morton and once the mayor’s new vehicle is delivered, give the 2010 Outback to Ridgewood VFD as a fast response vehicle. Commissioner Zach Marlow then offered several motions authorizing Project WIN, and Commissioner Scott Kitts moved to adopt the plans for a bicycle/pedestrian trail provided for with state funding.

Commissioner Robert Higginbotham offered two resolutions, one to request additional prisoner board revenue from the State of Tennessee and another to request that the State change Campbell County’s designation from “urban” to “rural” for purposes of EMS reimbursement rates from Medicare/Medicaid. The ambulance service loses thousands of dollars each year since the county’s classification was changed to “Urban” with a lower reimbursement rate several years ago.

These two vehicles collided near the entrance to the Convenience Center on Towe String Road on Monday afternoon.

Before adjournment, Sanitation chairman Ralph Davis reported that a head-on collision at the Towe String Road sanitation entrance has led him to push for a caution light and “trucks entering” sign to be placed on the road for the entrances to the dump as well as animal shelter. “If that doesn’t slow people down, we might need a speed limit,” he added.

Every motion offered was approved unanimously. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/20/2022-6AM)

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