Blount Today:

In mid-July his latest endeavor will be unveiled when the doors to The Market open on High Street at Washington Street. The building will house four separate specialty businesses Mizell compares to an indoor Farmers’ Market.

“What we’re trying to achieve is a high quality, service-oriented market similar to a Farmers’ Market that is open six days a week, 12 months a year,” he said.

According to the article, local store operators will provide meats, fresh produce, dry goods, gourmet deli items, fresh seafood, and more. I'm getting hungry just reading about it. Can't wait for the grand opening.

Maryville Daily Times: Judge orders two attorneys to testify on local rules

The controversy surrounding local court rules is explained, and new issues arise re. disposition of cases.

Cunningham defamation suit moved to Blount

It was not clear Friday which Blount County Circuit judge would hear the case once it is transferred.

Anyone taking bets?

From the Maryville Daily Times: Building the future: Pellissippi State breaks ground on new Blount campus

Letter to the editor: Building Commissioner's authority unchallenged

I ask those who seek agritainment privileges to pursue your goals through moral and legal channels provided by Blount County and the state of Tennessee and to respect the rights of your neighbors to disagree.

Read the whole thing.

I seam to have lost the privilege to create content on Blountview.
I can only create lost and found content.

Forrest Erickson

Photo:

"But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

Abraham Lincoln

Reader Our-town writes:

There are several options that are going around to help with the overcrowded high schools.

1. Make Lanier Elementary and Porter Elementary high schools again.

2. Make two shifts at the high schools so that some kids go on first shift
and some go on second.

3. Have five quarters to the year with the requirement that students attend four of them to make a year. Currently their are four quarters in the year. The extra quarter would come from Summer.

Does anyone have an opinion on these options?

JOHN SEVIER AND SPRINGBROOK POOLS WILL OPEN TODAY, MAY 23.

Yeah!

Found, one John Conyers an all too Rare Breed of Congressman with Courage!

May 22, 2008.
Found A congressman with what appears to be courage.

Recent remarks and actions by John Conyers indicate that we have found a courageous member of congress willing to take the fight to the most dangerous enemies of our nation. The domestic ones.

A little googleing and you can find that a subpoena has finally been issued to Karl Rove

Link...

There you can read that the subpoena...

is a legally binding directive that he appear before the Committee on July 10.

I look forward to this July when we congress makes the Bush Brain speak.

Photo:

The Maryville Daily Times files this report on moves by Judge Meares to clarify local court rules regarding distribution of civil cases.

Blount Co. Republicans are characterizing it as election year politics. So apparently judges aren't supposed to do anything to clarify local court rules (which they set) or improve efficiency when there's an upcoming election. Maybe they should stop hearing cases, too, just to be on the safe side.

But seriously, this sounds like a lot of judicial inside baseball to me. At least the Daily Times ran a mostly factual report explaining what it's all about, if anyone cares. You can look elsewhere for the sensationalized tabloid version.

Chattanooga Times Free Press:

The Chattanooga firm of Kinsey, Probasco, Hays has agreed to purchase a former Alcoa Inc. aluminum plant near Alcoa, Tenn., and redevelop the site into a downtown for the city.

"In the next six to nine months we should be in a position to begin development," said Jon Kinsey, former Chattanooga mayor and president of Kinsey, Probasco, Hays. "It is right at the entrance to the Knoxville airport and it is surrounded by two significant highways, so we feel it is an opportunity to really do something world class for that area and provide a new downtown for the city of Alcoa, which does not have one presently."

[..]

Mr. Kinsey said he expects the property will become a mixed-use facility and hold residential, commercial and office space.

The company has been involved in a couple of controversial Knoxville developments, including Market Square and the Candy Factory condos, although both are generally considered successes now.

The Maryville Daily Times files this report on the fire at their building yesterday. There is an arson investigation underway.

Our Maryville Daily Times arrived as expected this morning, actually a little earlier than usual.

Via KnoxViews, the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization is holding a series of workshops to get public input on the region's long range transportation plan.

The TPO also has an online survey regarding priorities for the long range plan. Following are the workshop schedules:

They are holding Regional Mobility Plan 2035 Public Workshops.

The Blount County workshop will be at the Blount County Public Library, Wednesday, June 4. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. unless noted otherwise, and should last about an hour.

The Maryville Daily Times website reports that there has been a fire at their offices. No other details at this time. Hope everyone is OK and the paper can go out tomorrow as scheduled.

FLASH UPDATE: Just returned from the scene. According to Maya Brown and Chris Reynolds in the Advertising department, the fire started out back in some wooden pallets, possibly from a cigarette. The fire blew in some windows into the HR department offices where it spread. There is extensive smoke and water damage, and fire damage to some offices.

Publisher Max Croster was taken to Blount Memorial for smoke inhalation and one other employee was treated at the scene. The paper has a contingency plan to use computers at a nearby church to put tomorrow's paper together and send it to a newspaper in Sevierville to have it printed.

Origin of fire believed to be wooden pallets in this area behind the building.

UPDATE: Chris Reynolds and Maya Brown from the Maryville Daily Times Advertising Department were evacuated when the fire broke out. They describe what happened:

Alert from comments below: Mayor apologizes for "monkey" remark

We had an opportunity to speak with James Carville for a few minutes before his keynote address at the Knox County Truman Day Dinner tonight. Here's what he had to say...

Missed this:

Poll for 05/14/08

Was Cunningham's remarks [sic] about democrats [sic] inappropriate?

Yes: 80.5%

No: 19.5%

Number of votes cast: 303

An open letter from Blount County Democratic Party Chairman Dave Finch

As Chair of the Blount County Democratic Party I couldn’t help but notice the County Mayor’s comments as reported by the Daily Times on the front page of last Friday’s paper. "Cunningham calls Commission Democrats monkeys." Catchy headline! According to Tuesday’s Knox Sentinel the Mayor claims he didn't say that at all or at least he didn't mean it in a bad way. Yeah right, whatever. Now that the Daily Times has posted a recording of the event on their website suddenly the Mayor doesn't want to talk about it any more. Imagine that!

At the same event the Mayor also implied the Democratic Commissioners dropped into Blount County from someplace else. On this, I’m sure he knows otherwise.

Fact is there are no Johnny-come-lately-to-Blount-County Democrats on the commission. Commissioner (Dr. Bob) Proffitt’s family goes back several generations in Blount County. I'm guessing he’s been practicing family medicine in Blount County longer than the Mayor has been practicing law. The Mayor knows this. Commissioner Dave Ballard is a life long Blount Countian and his family before him. The Mayor knows this also. Perhaps he was thinking of Commissioner Reeves who moved here from Knoxville some twenty years ago. I'll grant you Knoxville is kinda far away. It's actually in a different county.

These commissioners are doing an excellent job representing their districts and helping to manage Blount County business for all citizens. Don't believe otherwise. On the other hand, the Mayor apparently prefers his personal agenda rather than supporting the rights of all Blount County residents. I have no personal bone to pick with the Mayor. He and I simply disagree on the obligations of his office. For others however, it's become a matter of trust.

I believe all citizens of Blount County are better served by a healthy and vocal opposition party. Monopolies of any kind are inefficient and create excessive costs. We all know who pays for that. Competing ideas produce a better product at a lower price for everyone. Business certainly knows this. Most reasonable Republicans know this. Apparently the Mayor does not. The Mayor wants Blount County Government to operate as a Republican monopoly. No Democrats. No opposition. No questions asked. On what planet is that a good idea?

If you believe as I do that 'one party rule' is fundamentally wrong, sit up and pay attention to this. Judge Mike Meares is currently the only Democrat judge in Blount County. Democrats have held this seat for many years. The Mayor has made it clear. He now wants only his Republicans in the courthouse. His Republicans!

The people of Blount County must not allow that to happen. Contact Judge Mike Meares campaign at 865-681-0553 and check his website at www.mearesforjudge.com. He is, without a doubt, the most qualified candidate for the job. Talk with Mike. Learn the facts. Volunteers are needed now. Vote for Mike August 7th. Mark your calendar today. Talk with your friends and neighbors. Explain what the Mayor is trying to do. Ask them to Vote for Mike August 7th. We know what the Mayor wants. It's up to all of us to see that citizens of Blount County get what they want. "An informed active voter is the best guarantee for good responsible government."

If you would like to know more about the Blount County Democratic Party and how you can help in the November election please let me know. I'd appreciate your help and support.

Thank You,

Dave Finch, Chair
Blount County Democratic Party
865-379-8683
PO Box 6552
Maryville, TN 37802
www.blountdems.org

Read all about it here.

The Daily Times has a follow up with remarks from the monkeys.

Also, an audio recording of Cunningham's remarks.

What's more troubling than the "monkey" and "loon" and "hog" remarks is that he refers to "my commission" and "my circuit judge."

And that "not from around here" stuff, that's a great recruiting tool for jobs and industry, especially the new R&D park.

Jack Russell Terrier or mix, female with black, leather collar; once had costly surgery to hind leg--a plate to repair the cruciate? She is at Seymour Vet Clinic being treated for shock and trauma; is standing and drinking water today; no broken bones. Found her on May 12 in the afternoon. Please call 388-1946 for more info!

The Knoxville News Sentinel covers for Cunningham.

The Second Annual Big BBQ Bash at the Alcoa Springbrook Center was bigger and even better than last year. Lots of folks came out to enjoy barbecue, music, and fun in the sun. Attendance looked to be much higher than last year, and there were new competitors from all over. One welcome change was the addition of a dining tent which provided a shady spot sit and enjoy your barbecue.

The Big BBQ Bash is a charity event put on by local businesses and community organizations who donate their time, effort, and barbecuing skills to support local charities. This year's charity was the Blount County Community Campus, a joint effort between local government, private not for profit organizations, and local philanthropic companies to develop "a central location for essential social services for Blount County residents."

The BBQ competition ("not sanctioned by any barbecue organization or any one else") features these divisions:

1) Pork Shoulder or Butt - pulled, chopped or sliced
2) Brisket - sliced, 5 lbs. minimum, pre-cooked weight
3) Pork Ribs Whole
4) One Half Chicken - chopped, sliced or pulled.
5) Anything But (trophy only, "must be edible and you may have to prove it!"

Entries are judged on "Aroma, Color, Texture, Taste, Overall." First prize in each division is an impressive $3000, $1500 to the team and $1500 to their designated charity. We didn't stick around for the awards, so you'll have to check their website tomorrow for the list of official winners.

Congratulations to the City of Alcoa and everyone else involved for putting on a great event. It's shaping up to be a major new regional festival and we're looking forward to next year.

Some photos after the jump...

The East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists has recognized Jessica Stith and Rick Laney for outstanding investigative reporting with the following Golden Press Club Awards:

• First Place: Rick Laney/Jessica Stith for continuing coverage of bogus diplomas in Blount County Government

• Second Place: Rick Laney for coverage of Ana Calixto and Judge W. Dale Young stories

• Third Place: Jessica Stith for coverage of the Blount County NASCAR pickup truck purchased by Blount County Sheriff's Deputy

More details as they become available...

The Maryville Daily Times reports on Mayor Cunningham's remarks at the Blount County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. He apparently can't talk about policies and progress in Blount County. Instead, he lowers himself to name calling.

He referred to Blount County Democrats as "far-left loons" and called three sitting County Commissioners (who he did not name) "monkeys." Speaking of Judge Meares and his "handlers," Cunningham said that "when you wallow with the hogs, you're going to get a little mud on you."

Contrast this with remarks at the Democrat's Roosevelt Day Dinner*, such as Commissioner Wendy Pitts-Reeve's talking about Eleanor Roosevelt's fight for "equal rights, equal justice, and equal dignity."

Or Mark Padgett's remarks that "small business is the fabric of our economy" and that his Dad was committed to helping small businesses grow our economy and create jobs.

Or Joe Gallagher talking about the progress Democrats are making in Blount County and calling for an independent panel to conduct a top to bottom audit of county finances.

Or Judge Mike Meares' remarks about his extensive background and experience in criminal law, and the Constitutional system of checks and balances including an independent judiciary. Or his remarks about citizens getting involved in better government and elected officials being responsive to citizens.

The contrast is pretty clear. Blount County Democrats have a progressive message of better government for a better Blount County.

Mayor Cunningham has a tin ear when it comes to politics, so all he can do is go negative. He doesn't have anything positive to offer, and compensates by hurling insults at thousands of good, honest, hard-working Blount County voters. It's not clear how this helps his candidates, and it will be interesting to see if they reject his remarks and distance themselves, or if they share his low regard for Blount County voters.

It's difficult to understand how Mayor Cunningham got elected with nothing more to offer than name calling and a local version of "cowboy diplomacy." But he has actually done Blount County a huge favor by lowering the bar in local politics. The lesson for Blount County is that if this is the best Republicans have to offer, Democrats can do a lot better.

(*You'll have to read about the Democrat's FDR dinner here, because as far as I know the Maryville Daily Times didn't cover it. That should tell you a lot about the local paper and how cozy they are with the local political machine. EDIT: But give them credit for not glossing over these shocking remarks. I suppose they didn't have much choice, though, because lots of people herad them.)

Ed. note: Comments have been enabled for approved users.

Blount Co. Commission will be voting on the new budget in June. Commissioner Walker recently asked for input at his blog regarding the top five areas where you'd like to see increased spending and the top five areas you'd like to see decreased or eliminated.

Everybody likes to gripe about taxes, and lots of folks, especially in Blount County, want lower taxes and less government. When you actually look at the budget, though, it's easy to see lots of areas where it would be nice to spend more and hard to find areas to cut.

It's even harder looking at it from 50,000 feet without knowing the details on some of these programs. It's a tough job to figure all this out every year (maybe a two-year budget cycle would be good?), regardless of your politics. I don't envy our elected officials and department heads.

Anyway, off the top of my head here are my priorities, better late than never...

Except for two Commissioners (Walker and Pitts-Reeves), I can't find nary a contact email address for any public officials on the Blount Co. website.

Alcoa and Maryville both have email addresses for several public officials, and Maryville has a general contact form you can submit. Both also have email contacts for public information officers, who can route your requests/questions to the appropriate department.

Seems like Blount Co. should have at least one general email address. Ideally, all departments and elected officials would have one for contacting their respective offices.

UPDATE: A reader advises that there is a County Commission contact form here. Thanks!

The Maryville Daily Times files reports on the budget committee meeting. It's a no new taxes budget, but will use $3 million from reserves for schools.

The issue of expanding the jail to bring in more revenue for housing federal prisoners was discussed, and it was noted that the county would need a long-term commitment from the federal government to send federal prisoners. The revenue would help pay for expansion to relieve crowding at the jail.

I'm sure this has been explained, but how does bringing in more prisoners help relieve overcrowding? If the jail didn't house federal prisoners, would there be an overcrowding problem? How many federal prisoners are in the jail? Maybe the numbers work out, I just don't recall seeing them.

At any rate, I personally don't think Blount Co. ought to be getting into the prison business. Go take a drive around Morgan Co. some time.

In related news, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports on the county commission workshop last night. Property tax revenues are expected to be up 4% due to new development and commercial rezoning. There was also talk of disbanding the Ethics Committee, because the new state law requiring a policy doesn't require a committee to oversee enforcement. Instead of a committee, complaints would be taken up by the full commission.

KNS: McCord admits violating state law

State Rep. Joe McCord acknowledged today that he and others have been smoking in his legislative office suite, violating a state law that he supported.

Read the whole thing for some other interesting finds.