WVLT BREAKING NEWS: ALCOA laying off 450 in Blount County by March

ALCOA Aluminum in Blount County plans to layoff 450 employees by the end of March, according to company spokesperson Christy Newman.

Newman says ALCOA will no longer produce molten aluminum at its Tennessee operations once the layoffs are complete. ALCOA plans to close two pot lines at the south plant in Alcoa

But says they will take a "look see" at construction costs anyway.

WSMV Nashville:

She was told that the job at Pope's Plant Farm in Greenback required her to work 80 hours a week and she'd be the only English-speaking person there.

According to the news report, she has filed a discrimination complaint with the Justice Department.

The Maryville Daily Times interviewed eight women who they consider "community leaders" about their outlook for 2009.

Wendy Pitts Reeves is curiously absent. So are Monika Murrell and Tonya Burhchfield.

UPDATE: Wendy Pitts Reeves responds:

"Linda Albert did, actually, ask me to submit something for that article. However, I had a house full of company for two weeks and just never got around to submitting my two-cents worth. I was honored to be asked, though, as it was an impressive panel of writers. Wouldn't you like to see some of those women serving roles in our county government? They would add so much!"

Ruby Tuesday will close about 70 locations

Ruby Tuesday announced it will incur costs of close to $70 million in 2009 tied to about 70 restaurant closures and declining sales.

Additionally, Ruby Tuesday said it will record a pre-tax, non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the second quarter of about $19 million. The company cites, in part, “poor overall economic conditions, declining sales at company-owned restaurants and “a challenging environment for the restaurant industry.”

The City of Maryville has caved in to Vulcan's demands to expand their operation onto environmentally protected land, agreeing that the land would be grandfathered in to exempt it from zoning restrictions.

In settling the lawsuit, Maryville agrees to let them expand with some restrictions on blasting and an agreement to keep water flowing in Duncan Creek unless their is a drought and they need it to continue operations.

The local paper reports some classic "up is down" government speak:

"I have never been prouder of a client that I was of the city of Maryville," he said. There were many times when the city could have capitulated to Vulcan's demands.

Instead, the city chose to do "what is in the best interest of the citizens. When you are right and you stand your ground, it is a win fore [sic] the city," Vines concluded.

Whatever. I wonder if anyone weighed the economic benefits of allowing the company to expand versus the negative impact on surrounding property values and the resulting effect on property tax revenues?

Link...

WBIR: Chancellor dismisses lawsuit over fluoridation

Blount County Chancellor Telford Forgety Jr. threw out the suit by Linda King of Citizens for Blount County's Future.

Sharpie markers plant bringing 150 jobs to Maryville

David Doolittle, a spokesman for Sanford's parent company Newell Rubbermaid Inc., said Sharpie manufacturing, which employs 300 people, will move to Maryville, where about 150 jobs will be created.

Analyst downgrades shares of Alcoa after it cuts production, suspends capacity expansion.

KNS: Alcoa Inc. cutting 115 Blount County jobs

Aluminum maker Alcoa Inc. said today it is cutting 115 jobs at its Blount County smelter operation.

The Pittsburgh-based company said the job cuts are part of a corporatewide effort to reduce costs in the face of plummeting aluminum prices.
Employees were told of the job cuts earlier today, Alcoa spokesman Kevin Lowery said.

Hourly and salaried workers as well as contractors will be affected by the cuts, which will be phased in over the next 12 months.

A message to the voters of Louisville from Joe Gallagher:

As you know, I am a candidate for Town of Louisville Board of Mayor and Alderman. My reasons for running are:

• Promote growth which will retain Louisville's rural charm and scenic values

• Strengthen mandate of new Design Review Board

• New Town Center on Louisville Road

• Advocate transparency in government

• Welcome citizens questions and input

• Eliminate conflict-of-interest government

I am a firm believer in "property rights" but I also advocate neighbors rights and the policy of the greater community good. In that regard, I am dedicated to ensuring that Topside Road and Louisville Road do not end up looking like Clinton Highway.

Personal: Carol and I are in our 10th year of residence at 3151 Hardy Blvd., Louisville because Carol grew up in Oak Ridge and graduated from the University of Tennessee. I retired from an EMMY award winning TV sports career with ABC, NBC and NBC. I am active in community affairs on county and town levels. I am President of Alcoa Rotary; member of the Board of Directors of The Raven Society and Save Chilhowee Mountain, a parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Church where I serve on the Haiti Mission and a member of Maryville American Legion.

This is non-partisan and it's not supposed to matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. I want Town of Louisville citizens to vote for me because I will be good for the town -- now and in the future.

Joe Gallagher is one of the good guys, and should he win, the citizens of Louisville will be fortunate to be represented by him.

We're hearing reports that there has been a layoff at Rockford Manufacturing.

According to someone close to some laid-off employees, including one who has worked there for more than twenty years, the abrupt announcement may affect as many as thirty employees. Word is that those let go will not receive severance pay and are left without health insurance.

The company, located on Little River Rd. in Rockford, manufactures cotton and synthetic yarn and cordage and employs approx. 250 people.

The Daily Times reports on some drama at last night's County Commission meeting. Apparently, the reporter wasn't even sure what the guy was talking about, but apparently it was related to the stormwater ordinance debate.

I've seen some unhinged commentary about it being unconstitutional and a violation of property rights and such. It appears to be coming from fringe libertarian types.

Wendy Pitts Reeves is quoted in the Daily Times article as saying she feels they may need security at future workshop meetings. It's another sad commentary on today's divisive, hateful civic and political climate.

WATE: Section of Foothills Parkway to open for fall viewing

A 9.5 mile section of the Foothills Parkway will be opened temporarily during an upcoming October weekend so drivers can view the fall scenery.

The dates are October 18-19 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

More info at the link.

The Texas Roadhouse franchise in Alcoa has been purchased by the Texas Roadhouse Corp. parent company. The company has acquired a number of franchise in recent years as part of a corporate strategy to improve profits.

With the change in ownership, the restaurant will be closed for lunch during the week. It will still be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for lunch.

At TennViews...

Lots of folks came out for the Maryville Daily Times 125th Anniversary party and celebration of editor Dean Stone's 84th birthday. Several local dignitaries gave speeches honoring the paper and Mr. Stone.

I have always said that a county the size of Blount County is lucky to have a quality newspaper. I don't agree with about 90% of their editorial policy but at least they are putting out a paper every day, and the Daily Times is the paper of record for Blount County.

As such, we the readers and citizens of Blount County have a responsibility to tell them how they're doing. We should show our approval when they get it right and let them know when they go off course. The voice of The People (and their subscriptions) can carry a lot more weight than the influence of a self-promoting few, but it takes some effort.

More photos after the jump...

...at KnoxViews

I suppose anyone who is interested and still cares has seen the report that courts in Blount County have decided to not hear any cases represented by Mike Meares' sister.

Not only is this childish and vindictive, it is a blatant attempt to destroy a person's career and take away their ability to earn a living.

It is also a public admission that the Blount County judiciary cannot and has no intention of being fair and impartial. Let that be a lesson to anyone who opposes the Blount County establishment.

I suppose if you have business before the court and your name is on the public record as a Meares campaign donor you now have to ask for a change of venue?

At what point does a county government get so over the top out of control that it becomes a natural disaster and the governor has to declare martial law and send in the National Guard to restore order?

(It's a rhetorical question.)

At any rate, the voters of Blount County have spoken. Do you think they see now what they keep voting for? Probably not. Most of them are probably real proud of their accomplishment. Way to go.

This week's "lipstick on a blog" edition of the Tennessee progressive blog roudup, at TennViews...

We are informed by someone familiar with the case that the Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the plaintiff in a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Alcoa.

The case involves the death of a Mr. Satterfield's daughter from mesothelioma, a highly lethal form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. The lawsuit alleges she contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos fibers brought home on the work clothes of her father, an Alcoa employee, as a "direct result of negligent acts and omissions" by Alcoa and co-defendant Breeding Insulation.

The ruling upholds the Tennessee Court of Appeals reversal of Blount County Circuit Court Judge W. Dale Young's dismissal of the case. The appeals court had previously overturned Young's dismissal, reinstated the case, and ordered Alcoa to pay for the appeal. There is no word yet on what's next or whether the case will be remanded back to Blount County Circuit Court.

Developing...

UPDATE: We just spoke with attorney Greg Coleman who represents Doug Satterfield, the plaintiff in the case. He said it is a big victory, most importantly for Mr. Satterfield and the Satterfield family.

Mr. Coleman said the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that Alcoa owes a duty to Amanda Satterfield, the late daughter of Doug Satterfield, regarding exposure to hazardous workplace materials (asbestos in this case).

In an unprecedented ruling that Mr. Coleman said "changes the law in Tennessee," the State Supreme Court also ruled that such duty also extends beyond the employee and immediate family members to anyone having "close and repeated contact." This would include, for example, a maid who routines does laundry contaminated with hazardous materials, or people exposed from riding in a car pool.

The ruling effectively expands the "class of persons" to include anyone with close and repeated contact. Mr. Coleman said it is the first case of its type in the state.

The court told Alcoa that there should be limits, but that Alcoa had to make a case as to why their duty does not extend to this class of persons.

With the State Supreme Court ruling, the case is remanded back to the Blount County Circuit Court and Judge W. Dale Young.

Attached is the full Tennessee Supreme Court ruling.

The deadline for registering to vote in the Nov. 4th election is October 6th.

The easiest way to register is:

1. Print out this form.
2. Fill it out.
3. Mail it in.

The above form works for any county in Tennessee. The county election commission offices, addresses, and phone numbers are listed on the back. It must be postmarked no later than 10/6/08.

If you have friends, family, co-workers, etc. who need to register, print out copies of the form for them, help them fill it out, and make sure they mail it in no later than October 6th.

You can also print out multiple copies of this form and use it for voter registration drives.

If you are outside Tennessee, this form works for any state in the U.S.

Here is a page with information for overseas and military voters.

Here is a comprehensive directory of all U.S. state and local election officials.

Here is the U.S. Election Assistance Commission Voter Information Center page.

REGISTER. VOTE. REGISTER OTHERS.

Help spread the word. Here is a zip archive of the netroots voter registration drive button, HTML to display this button on your website with a link to this page, and the HTML text of this page for posting on your own blog or web site. Post it, forward it, promote it.

Daily Times: Cyclist dies on Dragon; second motorcyclist taken to UT Medical Center

Saturday's accident was the 12th Blount County traffic fatality, the ninth motorcyclist killed, and the third death on the Dragon for 2008.

Is this the kind of tourism we should be promoting?

(Background.)

At TennViews...

From Joe Gallagher:

THREE EVENTS -- SAME DAY

Blount Democrats, Concerned Citizens: Tomorrow, September 5, is our next First Friday Luncheon--11:30AM at Ryan's, Alcoa (near Wal-Mart). Please join us for another stimulating session featuring discussions about better government in Blount County and the nation.

Our program will be highlighted by a speaker from Barack Obama's Knoxville headquarters. Many Blount County residents have asked how they can help the Obama campaign and many already are doing so. I'm personally not certain if there is a co-ordinated effort in Blount County and this will be an opportunity towards that goal.

Dennis Weeter, a regular at the luncheons, will also speak about the environment--especially global warming. Dennis is an environmental engineer and an expert on matters dealing with clean air, clean water, plant life and other eco issues. I trust that he will explain the impact of ice packs the size of Manhattan Island floating in the seas.

We also will hear from our splendid County Commissioner, Wendy Pitts Reeves and next Tuesday's "Called Meeting" to appoint a replacement for David Duggan's seat in the Blount County General Sessions Court. Laura Rule, a Democrat, has applied for that position. Ms. Rule is most eminently qualified and we hope she receives proper consideration.

As usual, other matters of concern to our Blount County community will be open for discussion. Please attend.

2ND EVENT: Democratic Headquarters on Ellis Street is hosting its inaugural Friday "Happy Hour" from 5:00PM to 7:30PM. Bring your own soft drinks (beer and wine permitted) plus finger food/snacks and a lawn chair. This is an excellent opportunity for Democrats (and others) to socialize and discuss important issues.

3RD EVENT: CAPPE is holding a Benefit Concert at THE SHED, Highway 321, adjacent to the Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson & Buell in Maryville. The concert features: Maggie Longmire & Free Soil Farm; Jay Clark and the CC Stringband; The Lonetones; and The Bearded. THE SHED is a good venue and you will be with some like-minded residents who are concerned about the future of Blount county. $10.00 admission at the gate with food and beverages available for purchase.

Courtesy of Russ McBee over at at TennViews...

The Maryville Daily Times reports that a lawyer for the Tennessee Division of Elections has advised Blount Co. Election Commission that a "special election" to fill the General Sessions Court judge vacancy is not allowed according to a 1984 Attorney General ruling and that County Commission must appoint a replacement.

According to the article, the Tennessee Division of Elections lawyer was not aware of the same scenario in Knox Co., in which Knox County is planning a November election to replace a General Sessions Court judge who was elected to Circuit Court. The lawyer said "maybe" it has something to do with Knox County's home rule charter.

Knox County's home rule charter Article IV, Sec. 4.02 says "If a vacancy occurs in any judicial office of the General Sessions or Juvenile Court, or in any other County judicial office established by law or by this Charter in Knox County, then that vacancy shall be filled by a vote of the Commission as prescribed in this Charter, and the person so selected shall serve until his/her successor is elected and sworn."

It would actually seem more clear that Knox County cannot hold an election. (Unless the charter means for the appointment to be temporary until the next election. The charter does not appear to be as specific as state law on that.) On the other hand, state law applies in Blount County case, and state law seems to directly contradict the Tennessee Constitution. Guess somebody needs to fix that.

It should also be noted that the November election is not a "special" election. It is a regularly scheduled general election. So it's not clear if the 1984 AG opinion applies. In fact, state law specifically states that vacancies occurring in a 120 day window before the November election are to be filled by party convention nominations and a November election.

But we assume nobody will press the issue with Blount County to seek further clarification, and they will do whatever they want to do as usual.

The Nashville Post has obtained a copy of Raymond Finney's request to the TNGOP for a recount. Under "reasons," he levels some pretty serious allegations regarding voting irregularites in Sevier County.

(By way of ACK at Post Politics)

The Maryville Daily Times reports on the question of whether there should be an election to replace Judge Duggan in Sessions Court. (See previous discussion here at BlountViews.)

Blount GOP Chair and Mayor Jerry Cunningham's assistant county mayor and financial director Dave Bennett invokes the Tennessee Constitution. This could end up being a test of the Tennessee Plan. We're certain he's aware of the controversy surrounding that.

Is Sessions Court Judge, basically a "justice of the peace," a county office or state office?