Since 2008 the City of Alcoa has been pushing and spending to develop a city center.

The city wants to use a 252 acre site that used to be the Alcoa Aluminum Company West Plant. However, it definitely would take some time to develop since the site is "Classified as a brownfield, the site has a limited number of known environmental constraints affecting development placement."

Fourteen years later and who knows how many millions of dollars the entire project is still in the development phase.

As a positive for the city, a Texas Roadhouse is being built on the site to replace a smaller Texas Roadhouse across the street. In addition, a Food City is being built to replace an existing Food City two miles down the road. And, then there is a new apartment complex in development to add to the tax coffers?

TDOT spent millions of dollars to build "better" access to the site, which is located just south of the Alcoa Highway/Hunt Road intersection.

"City Manager Mark Johnson said land preparation will be complete once Alcoa is returned a check for $2 million and approximately 30 acres within Springbrook."

In addition, as has been said over the 14 years, tax generation, tax generation, tax generation.

"Outlined in the original agreement [from 2016], Alcoa estimated investing $8 million that ACDP (Airport Center Development Partners, LLC) would pay back over time as it sold property to developers. However, ACDP has yet to pay the city back for the $6.5 million the city spent." ... "Alcoa paved Tesla Boulevard, installed street lights, provided utility access and fronted other development costs for which ACDP would reimburse the city."

So is that $8.5 million that the City of Alcoa has spent of taxpayer monies over the past 14 years that has not realized any return? I would almost bet that the city has spent more than that.

"ACDP signed over their monetary responsibility to another company — TN Alcoa Primary, LLC.Along with the debt owed to the city, TN Alcoa Primary acquired ACDP’s remaining land assets within Springbrook Farm."

Then there is a lawsuit filed by "Plaintiff NAI Knoxville, Inc" in December, 2021, "against ACDP and other interwoven LLCs for the anticipated agreement change that materialized April 22 in Alcoa’s commission chambers." The lawsuit apparently alleges that the defendants are trying to get out of paying approximately $900,000 in "sale commissions on Springbrook Farm land."

It appears the city claims that "Three apartment complexes, a townhome community and the Mills Street houses will add 1,072 tax-assessed properties to the city." Not all of these residences will be in Springbrook Farm. However, the city has yet to explain how the increase in citizens will be managed for the school system. The Alcoa Schools are already near capacity. Is any increase in taxes going to be offset by an increase in the cost for a bigger schools system?

"The City of Alcoa originated in 1918 as the first planned community in the State of Tennessee. A planned community is any community that was carefully planned from its inception. In the original plans, Alcoa, Inc., included one acre of park space for every 100 city inhabitants."

..."a 2-acre park to be named Centennial Park is planned for the middle of Springbrook Farms. "Johnson said each greenspace project will be completed as the city has room in the budget or receives grants."

That's 2 acres of park space for 1,092 residential units, not even city inhabitants. Whereas, to keep the City of Alcoa as desirable as it is now, there should be at a minimum 11 additional acres of park space.

We can only hope that some day this project will be a success and the City of Alcoa will continue to be an asset.

From the Maryville Daily Times:
After 11 years as the Director of the local Office on Aging, which falls under Blount County Community Action Agency, Joanie Shaver is stepping down. However, she is not stopping her efforts to help Senior Citizens in the local community. She is transitioning to oversee a project called Safer Homes for Seniors.

Blount County is lucky to have this woman from Michigan to help our Senior Citizens. She is an angel disguised as a not so ordinary citizen.

"They (Senior Citizens) are living on what they have now and there is no opportunity to get more,” Shaver explained. “That was a major revelation to me. They are at the end of their lives. A lot of times they are reaping what they have sown throughout their lives. If it wasn’t sown well, they are paying the price.”

"Subsidized housing, public transportation, health care and helping seniors get their earned benefits became Shaver’s focus."

"She created a senior exercise program."
"She also works to put out a senior services directory each year. "
She organized and started "the Senior Miles, or SMiles program that offer rides to seniors are low cost."
"She wrote a grant to fund a Benefits Enrollment Center that now has an infrastructure of employees trained to assist seniors or their caregivers... helping people sign up for benefits like food stamps or Medicare."
"Because of Shaver’s work, seniors in Blount County have received more than $4 million in benefits"

"As Shaver closes out her career as director of the Office on Aging, she is gearing up to oversee the Safer Homes program under BCCAA. A huge part of this is building ramp for seniors so they can stay in their homes. Shaver is partnering with a volunteer group at Habitat for Humanity and local churches. To date, they have been able to provide 20 ramps."

Many thanks to this woman from Michigan. We are lucky she landed in our community.

According to the TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 4/23/2022:
438 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 18 deaths in 21 days. Nearly six (6) deaths a week, nearly a death a day. More weekly deaths than the last report.

As of April 23, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
39,189 cases of the coronavirus. 110 cases in 21 days/3 weeks.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 4/27/2022:

% with 2 doses - 52.76% (up from 52.70% on 4/6/2022, up from 50.17% on 3/19/2022, up from 50.13% on 3/10/2022, up from 49.94% on 2/12/2022).

% with at least 1 dose - 57.69% (up from 57.61% on 4/6/2022, up from 54.87% on 3/19/2022, up from 54.8% on 3/10/2022, up from 54.58% on 2/12/2022).

% have received the booster dose - 23.33% (up from 23.19% on 4/6/2022, up from 21.98% on 3/19/2022, up from 21.9% on 3/10/2022, up from 21.67% on 2/12/2022)

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 7.3% as of 4/23/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
An increase from the 4.9% rate on 4/2/2022.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

2022 Blount County Drive Electric Earth Day Celebration

Drive Electric Earth Day

Day: Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT

Location: Maryville College
502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804

This is an opportunity to talk directly with electric vehicle (EV) owners about their real world experiences with electric vehicles. Want to know what it's like to take a long road trip in an electric car? Our members have thousands of miles of road trip experiences. Curious about how to find a charger on the road and how long it takes to charge? The answers are here. What about maintenance? There's very little maintenance needed, and owners can tell you why.

You can see and compare various models of EVs in one place. Owners will have vehicles for show. Expected owner vehicles include Chevrolet Bolt and Volt, Energica and Evoke Urban Classic motorcycles, Nissan LEAF, and Tesla Model 3.

WBIR reports that people in Blount County struggling to have enough food has grown from 10% pre-pandemic (year 2020 and earlier) to 50% now (2022).

Wow! Is this unique to Blount County?

From the Maryville Daily Times -Guide to the 2022 Blount County Primary & Rockford City Election - Candidate Profiles

Candidate profiles are useful and we appreciate the Maryville Daily Times offering this service. Candidate profiles help us to know the candidates a little better and possibly research them further.

Here are two Blount County Commission candidate profiles that appear to not really know Blount County. Also, it is kind of interesting how some of the candidates really, really have to emphasize how they were born, raised, and lived their whole lives in Blount County. That is not a bad thing but it is also not bad to have lived other places where a person might get a sense of other successful communities.

---------------------------------------------
District 2, Seat A
Mike Akard
Affiliation:Republican
Incumbent

Mr. Akard does not seem to represent all the citizens in his district. He appears to only want to represent those citizens who have his same beliefs. Whereas his opponent, Tracey Farr, appears to be willing to work "with people that have different ideas." She goes on to say, "Approaching conflicts as potential opportunities can help me work with many leaders so we can keep our focus grounded and lead this community in paced and smart growth with very diverse populations in mind.”

Why are you running for this position?
Mr. Akard: “I’m a native Blount Countian with conservative values... Our low property tax rates are extremely appealing. Local residents typically support conservative Republicans 3:1 to continue improving Blount County without the pitfalls of Democrat-run communities. I have been working with conservative officials building on a common-sense, fiscally responsible, pay-as-we-go plan to continue building a better Blount County. Current fuel prices nationwide are a perfect example of what happens with Democrats in charge.”

What relevant experience do you have?
Mr. Akard: “Unlike my opponent’s party, Republicans believe in fiscal responsibility and know how to get things done efficiently.
...

What makes you different from the other candidates for office?
Mr. Akard: “Red state conservative values vs. Blue state liberalism. Local Democratic Party is advertising and sponsoring candidates for nearly every office in Blount County. 2020 local election was 72 percent Republican vs 27 percent Democrat and we’ve all seen the horrific national results from Democrat rule since 2020. I’m encouraging every Republican to get out to vote to continue traditional Blount County conservative values and properly serve taxpayers with proven ‘pay-as-we-go’ progress for Blount County while incurring no new debt and continuing successes like Tennessee’s annual State Audits showing no findings 7 of last 9 years (unprecedented). I will vote Republican.”

Mr. Akard attended the protests in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. Even though the election was held on November 3, 2020, with two months of audits and recounts, it appears Mr. Akard still did not believe the presidential election results. He says he did not participate in the insurrection but he says he did chant "traitor" at those (Washington D.C. Police? Capitol Police?) trying to protect the Capitol from insurrectionists.

A little more history on Mr. Akard from the Maryville Daily Times.

---------------------------------------------

District 4, Seat C
Josh Sullins
Affiliation:Republican

What makes you different from the other candidates for
office?
Mr. Sullins: “I can’t speak for other candidates, but I will say of myself that I’m one of the younger candidates. I see my youth as an advantage to the diversity of the commission with the potential to add a distinct perspective. To me, this isn’t a legacy position or position to fill retirement time. It’s a chance for me to directly serve the citizens of my county with youth, endurance, and proven leadership skills. With the above said, I hold the utmost respect for senior members of public service and don’t want that misconstrued in any way.”

Youth is not necessarily an advantage. Besides, the median age for a Blount County resident is 44 years old. Nearly 30% of Blount County residents of voting age are 60 years old or older. But, heh, he has the "utmost respect for senior members of public service." I would hope so. The Blount County Mayor is no spring chicken. In addition, what is wrong with someone working their whole lives then being willing and able to give back to the community.

Tracey Farr lives in the heart of Alcoa and works in Blount County as an associate professor of Business Management at Pellissippi Community College. She works long hours volunteering for various entities along with raising three children with her husband.

Tracey Farr works for the community. Give her your support and vote for her to become the Blount County Commissioner for District 2, Seat A. There really is no other choice for this office.

Tracey Farr for Blount County Commissioner, District 2, Seat A.

According to the TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 4/2/2022:
420 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 7 deaths in 21 days. Just over Two deaths a week. Fewer deaths than the last report.

As of April 2, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
39,079 cases of the coronavirus. 89 cases in 21 days/3 weeks.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 4/6/2022:

% with 2 doses - 52.70% (up from 50.17% on 3/19/2022, up from 50.13% on 3/10/2022, up from 49.94% on 2/12/2022, up from 49.56% on 1/19/2022, up from 49.40% on 1/19/2022, up from 48.85% on 1/3/2022, up from 48.52% on 12/20/2021, up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).

% with at least 1 dose - 57.61% (up from 54.87% on 3/19/2022, up from 54.8% on 3/10/2022, up from 54.58% on 2/12/2022, up from 54.22% on 1/19/2022, up from 54.08% on 1/19/2022, up from 53.45% on 1/3/2022, up from 53.03% on 12/20/2021, up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

% have received the booster dose - 23.19% (up from 21.98% on 3/19/2022, up from 21.9% on 3/10/2022, (up from 21.67% on 2/12/2022, up from 21.54% on 2/5/2022)

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 4.9% as of 4/2/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
A decrease from the 5.3% rate on 3/12/2022.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

According to the TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 3/12/2022:
413 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 14 deaths in 7 days. Two deaths a day. Twice the daily deaths as the last report.

As of March 12, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
38,990 cases of the coronavirus.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 3/19/2022:

% with 2 doses - 50.17% (up from 50.13% on 3/10/2022, up from 49.94% on 2/12/2022, up from 49.56% on 1/19/2022, up from 49.40% on 1/19/2022, up from 48.85% on 1/3/2022, up from 48.52% on 12/20/2021, up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).

% with at least 1 dose - 54.87% (up from 54.8% on 3/10/2022, up from 54.58% on 2/12/2022, up from 54.22% on 1/19/2022, up from 54.08% on 1/19/2022, up from 53.45% on 1/3/2022, up from 53.03% on 12/20/2021, up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

% have received the booster dose - 21.98% (up from 21.9% on 3/10/2022, (up from 21.67% on 2/12/2022, up from 21.54% on 2/5/2022)

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 5.3% as of 3/12/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
A decrease from the 10.1% rate on 3/5/2022.
For the first time in over nine months or so, now reaching a rate lower than the 7.2% on 7/13/2021.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

According to the TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 3/5/2022:
399 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 24 deaths in 21 days. More than 1 death a day.

As of March 5, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
38,940 cases of the coronavirus.

As of 2/25/2022 (from Blount Memorial Hospital Facebook page):
There were 37 Blount County COVID-19 patients hospitalized (the same as a week ago), 8 in ICU (up from 5 a week previous). The majority of Covid-19 hospitalizations are the unvaccinated.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 3/10/2022:

% with 2 doses - 50.13% (up from 49.94% on 2/12/2022, up from 49.56% on 1/19/2022, up from 49.40% on 1/19/2022, up from 48.85% on 1/3/2022, up from 48.52% on 12/20/2021, up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).

% with at least 1 dose - 54.8% (up from 54.58% on 2/12/2022, up from 54.22% on 1/19/2022, up from 54.08% on 1/19/2022, up from 53.45% on 1/3/2022, up from 53.03% on 12/20/2021, up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

% have received the booster dose - 21.9% (up from 21.67% on 2/12/2022, up from 21.54% on 2/5/2022)

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 10.1% as of 3/5/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
A 20.7% decrease from the 30.8% rate on 2/12/2022. Still over the rate of 7.2% as of 7/13/2021.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

The Maryville, TN (Blount County) government has elected to stop updating their Covide-19 website. The last report was on 1/3/2022.

According to the TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 2/12/2022:
375 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 30 deaths in 21 days.

As of February 12, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
38,344 cases of the coronavirus.

As of 2/17/2022 (from Blount Memorial Hospital Facebook page):
There are 37 Blount County COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized (down from 54 twenty-one days ago), 5 in ICU (down from 7 twenty-one days ago). The majority of Covid-19 hospitalizations are the unvaccinated.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 2/17/2022:

% with 2 doses - 49.94% (up from 49.56% on 1/19/2022, up from 49.40% on 1/19/2022, up from 48.85% on 1/3/2022, up from 48.52% on 12/20/2021, up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).

% with at least 1 dose - 54.58% (up from 54.22% on 1/19/2022, up from 54.08% on 1/19/2022, up from 53.45% on 1/3/2022, up from 53.03% on 12/20/2021, up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

% have received the booster dose - 21.67% (up from 21.54% on 2/5/2022)

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 30.8% as of 2/12/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
A 23/1% decrease from the 53.9% rate on 1/22/2022. Still nearly 3 times the rate of 11.5% from 12/20/2021 and over five times the rate of 7.2% as of 7/13/2021.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

Sheesh, come on people. Get vaccinated. You may not be having a problem or if you do you may not have it bad or maybe you don't even care if you have to get monoclonal antibodies or get admitted to the hospital. There are a lot of us out there who want to not have to go through all of that. Maybe your are okay with something that treats intestinal worms that you heard about on the internets (social media). But, come on. Don't you understand that if everyone that is eligible gets vaccinated we can eradicate COVID-19?

Be careful out there.
Get vaccinated!
Wear a mask!

For the second week, it does not appear the the Maryville, TN (Blount County) government has updated their Covide-19 website since the last report on 1/3/2022.

According to the TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 1/22/2022 :
345 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 7 deaths in 7 days.

As of January 22, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
33,274 cases of the coronavirus.

As of 1/27/2022 (from Blount Memorial Hospital Facebook page):
There are 54 Blount County COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized (up from 47 5 days ago), 7 in ICU (up from 5 five days ago). The majority of Covid-19 hospitalizations are the unvaccinated.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 1/19/2022:

% with 2 doses - 49.56% (up from 49.40% on 1/19/2022, up from 48.85% on 1/3/2022, up from 48.52% on 12/20/2021, up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).

% with at least 1 dose - 54.22% (up from 54.08% on 1/19/2022, up from 53.45% on 1/3/2022, up from 53.03% on 12/20/2021, up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 53.9% as of 1/22/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
A 19% increase over the rate of 45.4% from 1/15/2022, a 60% increase over the rate of 27.5% from 1/3/2022, which was already an increase over the 11.5% from 12/20/2021. Six times the rate of 7.2% as of 7/13/2021.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

Sheesh, come on people. Get vaccinated. You may not be having a problem or if you do you may not have it bad or maybe you don't even care if you have to get monoclonal antibodies or get admitted to the hospital. There are a lot of us out there who want to not have to go through all of that. Maybe your are okay with something that treats intestinal worms that you heard about on the internets (social media). But, come on. Don't you understand that if everyone that is eligible gets vaccinated we can eradicate COVID-19?

Be careful out there.
Get vaccinated!
Wear a mask!

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 45.4% as of 1/15/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
A 60% increase over the rate of 27.5% from 1/3/2022, which was already an increase over the 11.5% from 12/20/2021. Six times the rate of 7.2% as of 7/13/2021.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

It does not appear the the Maryville, TN (Blount County) government has updated their Covide-19 website since the last report on 1/3/2022.

According to the TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 1/15/2022 :
338 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 13 deaths in 17 days.

As of January 15, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
30,237 cases of the coronavirus.

As of 1/20/2022 (from Blount Memorial Hospital Facebook page):
There are 47 Blount County COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized (more than double the number reported on 12/23/2021), 5 in ICU.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 1/19/2022:

% with 2 doses - 49.40% (up from 48.85% on 1/3/2022, up from 48.52% on 12/20/2021, up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).

% with at least 1 dose - 54.08% (up from 53.45% on 1/3/2022, up from 53.03% on 12/20/2021, up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

Sheesh, come on people. Get vaccinated. You may not be having a problem or if you do you may not have it bad or maybe you don't even care if you have to get monoclonal antibodies or get admitted to the hospital. There are a lot of us out there who want to not have to go through all of that. Maybe your are okay with something that treats intestinal worms that you heard about on the internets (social media). But, come on. Don't you understand that if everyone that is eligible gets vaccinated we can eradicate COVID-19?

Be careful out there.
Get vaccinated!
Wear a mask!

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 27.5% as of 1/03/2022. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
More than double the rate of 11.5% from 12/20/2021, which was already an increase of 15% from 11/21/2021. Four times the rate of 7.2% as of 7/13/2021.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

According to the Maryville, TN (Blount County) government, and TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 12/29/2021:
325 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 40 deaths in 9 days. More than four people a day in Blount County, TN, are dying from the coronavirus, up from three people a week just over a week ago.

As of January 3, 2022, Blount County, TN, has reported
26,253 cases of the coronavirus. 958 cases in the last 9 days.

Blount County’s positive COVID-19 cases have risen from:
106 cases on June 15, 2020,
to 9,365 cases on December 27, 2020,
to 15,559 cases on March 14, 2021,
to 15,993 on July 12, 2021,
to 16,419 on August 2, 2021.
to 17,006 on August 11, 2021.
to 18,522 on August 27, 2021 (1,516 cases in 2 weeks).
to 21,998 on September 22, 2021 (3,476 cases in 3 weeks).
to 23,542 on October 20, 2021 (1,544 cases in 30 days).
to 24,180 on November 18, 2021 (638 cases in 30 days).
to 25,295 on December 20, 2021 (1,115 cases in 30 days).
to 26,253 on January 3, 2022 (958 cases in 9 days).

As of 12/23/2021:
There are 19 Blount County COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized (up 19%), 6 in ICU.

Vaccinations reported, last updated 1/03/2022:

% with 2 doses - 48.85% (up from 48.52% on 12/20/2021, up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).

% with at least 1 dose - 53.45% (up from 53.03% on 12/20/2021, up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

Sheesh, come on people. Get vaccinated. You may not be having a problem or if you do you may not have it bad or maybe you don't even care if you have to get monoclonal antibodies or get admitted to the hospital. There are a lot of us out there who want to not have to go through all of that. Maybe your are okay with something that treats intestinal worms that you heard about on the internets (social media). But, come on. Don't you understand that if everyone that is eligible gets vaccinated we can eradicate COVID-19?

Be careful out there.
Get vaccinated!
Wear a mask!

*** 7-day average Positivity rate is 11.5% as of 12/20/2021. *** (TN County Data Snapshot).
An increase of 15% from 11/21/2021. 60% higher than the rate of 7.2% as of 7/13/2021.
Positivity rate preferred to be below 3%.

According to the Maryville, TN (Blount County) government, and TN County Data Snapshot,

As of 12/20/2021:
285 Blount County residents have died from the coronavirus. That is 13 deaths in 30 days. More than three people a week in Blount County, TN, are dying from the coronavirus, up from two people a week last month.

As of December 20, 2021, Blount County, TN, has reported
25,295 cases of the coronavirus. 1,115 cases in the past month.

Blount County’s positive COVID-19 cases have risen from:
106 cases on June 15, 2020,
to 9,365 cases on December 27, 2020,
to 15,559 cases on March 14, 2021,
to 15,993 on July 12, 2021,
to 16,419 on August 2, 2021.
to 17,006 on August 11, 2021.
to 18,522 on August 27, 2021 (1,516 cases in 2 weeks).
to 21,998 on September 22, 2021 (3,476 cases in 3 weeks).
to 23,542 on October 20, 2021 (1,544 cases in 30 days).
to 24,180 on November 18, 2021 (638 cases in 30 days).
to 25,295 on December 20, 2021 (1,115 cases in 30 days).

As of 12/20/2021:
There are 16 Blount County COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized (up 33%), 5 in ICU (only 1 a month ago).

Vaccinations reported, last updated 12/20/2021:
% with 2 doses - 48.52% (up from 47.27% on 11/18/2021, up from 46.79% on 10/20/2021, up from 43.75%, up from 41.98% on 8/27/2021, up from 40.53% on 8/11/2021, up from 40.07% on 8/2/2021, up from 39.17% on 7/14/2021).
% with at least 1 dose - 53.03% (up from 51.78% on 11/18/2021, up from 50.84% on 10/20/2021, up from 49.59%, up from 47.22% 8/27/2021, up from 44.93% on 8/11/2021, up from 43.92% on 8/2/2021, up from 42.36% on 7/14/2021).

Sheesh, come on people. Get vaccinated. You may not be having a problem or if you do you may not have it bad or maybe you don't even care if you have to get monoclonal antibodies or get admitted to the hospital. There are a lot of us out there who want to not have to go through all of that. Maybe your are okay with something that treats intestinal worms that you heard about on the internets (social media). But, come on. Don't you understand that if everyone that is eligible gets vaccinated we can eradicate COVID-19?

Be careful out there.
Get vaccinated!
Wear a mask!