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The Maryville-Alcoa-Blount Co. Recreation summer concert series "Songs by the Brook" kicked off last night at Springbrook Park in Alcoa. Singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd headlined the event.

In addition to the entertainment, there was a mini-farmer's market and BBQ by Bread of Heaven. We estimate attendance at 150 to 200, with lots of people walking in the park stopping by during the show. Murlin's Music (downtown Maryville) provided the sound system and it was excellent. We were amazed at the big, clear sound that filled the park from such tiny speakers.

The setting is perfect down by the creek in Springbrook Park. There's lots of room for families and kids to play. It's also a very dog friendly event, as you can see from the above photos.

The series kick off was a big success, and we look forward to the upcoming shows. (Here's the schedule.) Y'all come on out. And thanks to all the sponsors for putting on a great event.

Video clips of performances By Scott McMahan and headliner Jonathan Byrd after the break...

Blount County Democrats – Candidate Meet and Greet Picnic

Saturday July 26th from 12noon – 4pm
Springbrook Park Pavilion
1537 Dalton Street Alcoa TN

The fare will be hamburgers, hot dogs, and wings along with potato salad, cole slaw and beans (catered by Southland Bookstore Cafe)

All Dem candidates are invited to attend or please send a representative and bring campaign materials cards, signs, bumper stickers – etc…..

Update, pictures from the picnic...

The Blount County Sheriff's Office has a new website for US 129, The Dragon, safety awareness.

BE RESPECTFUL OF THE RESIDENTS

While driving to and from "The Dragon" you will be passing by the homes of hundreds of residents. Drive like you would want them driving by your home. Remember this is their home and we work for them. When they complain is when we are in the area more.

Final Safety Tip:
OUT OF AREA RIDERS

Simple fact. Almost all of the serious injuries and deaths that occur here are riders from out of state where the roads are straight and flat. Take your time and use extra caution.

Please check it out before you go.

Early voting starts today for the county general and state primary elections. Locations, schedule and Blount County sample ballots are available on the website. You can look up your county districts there as well.

State issued photo ID required. Check your voter registration status and state and federal districts here. Early voters can vote at any early voting location.

In addition to the general election for county government and school board offices, primary voters will select candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and Tennessee House of Representatives (Tennessee Senate districts are for odd numbered districts only, which do not apply to Blount County). There are also retention votes for Tennessee appellate court judges. Voters will also select their party's executive committee members for their state senate district.

Blount County Parks and Recreation will hold free concerts in Springbrook Park the last Thursday of the next three months, July 31, August 28, and September 25, 5:30 - 8:30 PM.

Songs by the Brook

The series will focus on Americana, folk, and blues genres, featuring performances by regional and local musicians.

Bread of Heaven will be onsite for for food and drink sales. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink.
No Alcoholic Beverages allowed.

Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, sunscreen.
No pop-up tents or other large structures.

Pets are welcome!

July 31 musicians - Roscoe Morgan, Jonathan Byrd and The Pick-Up Cowboys

August 28 musicians - Jay Clark, Laurel Wright

September 25 musicians - Pistol Creek Catch of the Day, additional artist TBA

June 13, 2014, 11:54 PM, it was reported that five cars were damaged by skateboards. At least one of the cars was parked outside Sears.

June 21, 2014, 3:54 PM, a woman reported the windshield of her car was broken. Evidence shows damage was caused by a skateboard. The car was parked outside JC Penney.

July 2, 2014, 10:11 PM, a woman reported the windshield of her car was damaged. It appears the damage was from a skateboard. Another car nearby had the "windshield smashed out."

That's at least eight cars reportedly damaged by skateboarders at Foothills Mall. It would appear it is time for the police and mall officials to take action. Electronic surveillance?

On May 6, 2014, Blount County residents voted to increase the sales tax by 0.50%. To some, it was expected the increase in revenue would go towards schools.

"It means building and maintenance things that we've deferred, roofs, HVAC, the list goes on and on. It also means safety upgrades that need to be addressed in our school system, text books, technology," said Rob Britt Director of Schools [for Blount County].

Now Blount County residents find out the rest of the story.

On Tuesday, Blount County Budget committee members voted to recommend reallocation of property taxes to reduce the amount of property tax revenue given to the school system. This would reduce the funds for the school system by over $310 thousand.

Sure, it is possible the increase in sales tax income will be alloted to the school system. But, now that possible increase has to be reduced by the reduction in property tax income for the school system.

How will it all work out when the decisions are finally made? Who knows?

"BBQ & Bluegrass" featuring Jay Clark & the Tennessee Tree Beavers at The Market on Wednesday June 11

In a few weeks two Blount County traditions – music and BBQ - will come together at The Market (link...) in Maryville. Jay Clark and the Tennessee Tree Beavers will headline BBQ & Bluegrass on Wednesday, June 11 from 6-9pm. This event is free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Details:
* BBQ & Bluegrass WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 6-9pm at The Market in Maryville ((link...))
* BBQ plates $20 (vegetarian options available) & $3 pints from The Market's craft beer selection
* LIVE MUSIC

Bring the family, your friends and neighbors, and anyone interested in preserving BLOUNT COUNTY!

Portion of proceeds to benefit CAPPE (Citizens Against the Pellissippi Parkway Extension, Inc.)
For more information, visit (link...) or contact Jay Clark at 931-308-7570 or jayclarkmusic@comcast.net

Dr. Scott Porter of Alcoa High School was name Tennessee Principal of the Year.

“Any recognition that I receive as a school leader is a direct result of all of the hard work being done by our faculty, staff, students and parents. Our success at Alcoa High School is the result of a tremendous team effort that also includes our other two schools and the Central Office.”

7,770 Blount County voters said yes to an increase in sales tax, 4,033 said no. Blount County Schools and citizens win, tax revolt patriots lose.

In case you were a city voter in Maryville or Alcoa and wondered (like me) why the local option sales tax increase referendum wasn't on your ballot, here you go:

TCA 67-6-706:

(3)(b)(1) If a county legislative body adopts a resolution to levy the tax at the same rate that is operative in a city or town in the county, the election under this section to determine whether the county tax is to be operative shall be open only to the voters residing outside of such city or town. If the county tax is at a higher rate than the rate of the city or town tax, the election shall also be open to the voters of the city or town.

Maryville and Alcoa had already voted to increase the local option sales tax to the maximum allowed under state law, so the referendum was only for voters outside those jurisdictions.

Blount County voters will decide on a half-percent local option sales tax increase from 2.25% to 2.75%, making the total tax 9.75%. The cities of Alcoa and Maryville have already voted to approve a similar increase.

If Blount County voters approve the increase, it will apparently trigger a change in the way the revenues are distributed between county and municipal governments.

Reader Charles Brinkley provides this breakdown:

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On occasion I write letters to the editor of the Maryville Daily Times. For some reason, they print the addresses of letter writers along with the letter. Here is a good reason for them to discontinue this practice.

It would appear local Teapartiers have been accumulating the addresses of letter writers to the editor of the Maryville Daily Times. I received this solicitation in the mail the other day.

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The solicitor failed to provide their name. Why is it they feel the need to be anonymous? Are they ashamed?

They say they want "an upstanding county government with integrity and honesty." They say they want people elected "who are honest and knowledgeable, who love our county and will work for you and for the good or all of us."

However, in the second page of the solicitation listing the candidates they support, taxes is the only issue discussed.

Who are you that believes less taxes is the way to a better government? Do you even understand the demands on local governments? Do you even understand that less is not more? Do you even understand Blount County did not become the jewel it is without a local government to manage growth, build parks, control crime, etc.?

Hey Teapartiers, get off my porch. What we need are elected officials who can see the entire picture, not just no more taxes.

CALL FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BLOUNT COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS TO BE HELD AT THE BLOUNT COUNTY
COURTHOUSE IN MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 3,
2014, AT 12:00 NOON

Hands down, this is the worst reason ever for a hurry up and vote- special called meeting- at noon when everyone is at work!

Read the resolution!
(link...)

Read the state application pages- (link...)

If you know anyone in the areas of Walland and Townsend that will be subjected to being included in this blanket rezoning called Adventure Tourism District you should give them a call and tell them they really need to understand what is about to happen.

The Blount County Democratic Party held a successful Chili Social and Candidate Forum yesterday.

Tony Webb, Blount County Democratic Party Chair and Gary Wynn, one of only two Blount County Commission Democratic candidates.

There were approximately 75 attendees, from all around East Tennessee. The chili and sides along with the desserts made by local Democrats were excellent.

Attendees included Knoxville attorneys Terry Adams and Gordon Ball, both running for the U.S. Senate seat against Lamar Alexander, Tennessee Democratic Party chair Roy Herron, Democratic Party leaders from all over East Tennessee, including Blount County, Knox County, Loudon County, Monroe County and Roane County, TN Rep. Gloria Johnson, along with State Senate candidate Cheri Siler and other notables including Sylvia Woods.

For more details...