It has been a while since I have posted a reminder on comments to this blog.
Here is how it goes...
To make a comment on a blog post, click on "Post a Comment" at the end of the post. After the comment has been sent, send a separate email to me (lindacnoe@aol.com) with your full name and a phone number for phone contact. I will then make contact you by phone to verify the comment and the name and identity of the commenter.
Verification of your name and identity is intended to prevent someone else from putting your name on a comment and also to ensure that there is an identifiable person behind a comment.
If you request anonymity after verification due to fear of retaliation or for some other reason, the comment can be withheld or posted as "anonymous."
The procedure for "Anonymous Comments" is outlined at the right of this blog under the "About Me" section.
If you want to send some information or provide a news tip, you may use the same email address (lindacnoe@aol.com).
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
December 28, 2012 "Forging Ahead" Wants in on Pigeon Forge LBTD Election Contest
Another player in the Pigeon Forge liquor-by-the-drink referendum wants in on the election contest.
LBTD passed by a 100-vote margin in a November 6 referendum. A lawsuit was subsequently filed alleging that 300+ ballots cast in the election were not from registered Pigeon Forge residents or property owner voters.
Forging Ahead, a group that raised money and campaigned to support passage of LBTD, has filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit that was filed by Concerned Churches and Citizens of Pigeon Forge against the Sevier County Election Commission.
Forging Ahead is represented by former Knox County Law Director John Owings and wants to intervene in order to "protect its interests and assist the court in consideration of this matter...."
Owings wants his motion heard on January 4, six days before the scheduled start of the trial on January 10 before Chancellor Telford Forgety.
In yesterday's News-Sentinel, the attorney for the Sevier County Election Commission confirmed that most of what he called "extra" votes were cast at the Pigeon Forge City Hall precinct. Attorney Dennis Francis added that he expects that the final number of "extra" votes will be in the high 200s.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
The original complaint filed in Sevier County Chancery Court is here. Paragraphs 10-22 outline the bases of the allegation that approximately 303 improper votes were cast in a referendum that passed by a 100-vote margin.
LBTD passed by a 100-vote margin in a November 6 referendum. A lawsuit was subsequently filed alleging that 300+ ballots cast in the election were not from registered Pigeon Forge residents or property owner voters.
Forging Ahead, a group that raised money and campaigned to support passage of LBTD, has filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit that was filed by Concerned Churches and Citizens of Pigeon Forge against the Sevier County Election Commission.
Forging Ahead is represented by former Knox County Law Director John Owings and wants to intervene in order to "protect its interests and assist the court in consideration of this matter...."
Owings wants his motion heard on January 4, six days before the scheduled start of the trial on January 10 before Chancellor Telford Forgety.
In yesterday's News-Sentinel, the attorney for the Sevier County Election Commission confirmed that most of what he called "extra" votes were cast at the Pigeon Forge City Hall precinct. Attorney Dennis Francis added that he expects that the final number of "extra" votes will be in the high 200s.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
The original complaint filed in Sevier County Chancery Court is here. Paragraphs 10-22 outline the bases of the allegation that approximately 303 improper votes were cast in a referendum that passed by a 100-vote margin.
December 28, 2012 MUC Electric, Telecom, and Water Reports (VIDEO)
The Morristown Utility Commission met at 8 AM on Wednesday, December 26.
The electric, telecom, and water reports are here.
ELECTRIC
The electric, telecom, and water reports are here.
ELECTRIC
TELECOM
WATER
Thursday, December 27, 2012
December 27, 2012 Poll Workers' Deposition Testimony in Pigeon Forge LBTD Election Contest
The Pigeon Forge liquor-by-the-drink referendum is the subject of an election contest in Sevier County Chancery Court. The trial is scheduled for January 10-11 in front of Chancellor Telford Forgety.
One of the allegations in the election contest is that 300+ more votes were counted and certified by the Sevier County Election Commission than were cast by actual registered Pigeon Forge voters. Therefore, the true election results are "incurably uncertain."
In the LBTD referendum, there were 1232 votes FOR and 1132 AGAINST. Since the referendum only passed with a 100-vote margin and the validity of more than 300 votes is in question, the election contest may decide whether the referendum stands or whether a new referendum must be held.
Deposition testimony of two Pigeon Forge poll workers indicates that non-Pigeon Forge voters (e.g. Sevier County voters who live outside Pigeon Forge and who are not Pigeon Forge property owners) were allowed to vote in the Pigeon Forge LBTD referendum.
Greg Johnson of the News-Sentinel discusses some of the testimony here.
Previous blog posts with links to N-S articles are here, here, and here.
One of the allegations in the election contest is that 300+ more votes were counted and certified by the Sevier County Election Commission than were cast by actual registered Pigeon Forge voters. Therefore, the true election results are "incurably uncertain."
In the LBTD referendum, there were 1232 votes FOR and 1132 AGAINST. Since the referendum only passed with a 100-vote margin and the validity of more than 300 votes is in question, the election contest may decide whether the referendum stands or whether a new referendum must be held.
Deposition testimony of two Pigeon Forge poll workers indicates that non-Pigeon Forge voters (e.g. Sevier County voters who live outside Pigeon Forge and who are not Pigeon Forge property owners) were allowed to vote in the Pigeon Forge LBTD referendum.
Greg Johnson of the News-Sentinel discusses some of the testimony here.
Previous blog posts with links to N-S articles are here, here, and here.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
December 25, 2012 Merry Christmas
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet the words repeat,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had roll'd along th' unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bow'd my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."
'Til ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Song/video version here.
Friday, December 21, 2012
December 21, 2012 More on the Pigeon Forge Liquor-by-the-Drink Referendum and Election Contest
Update on the Pigeon Forge Liquor-by-the-Drink (LBTD) Referendum. See December 12th post here.
A number of depositions have already been taken in preparation for the election contest that is scheduled to be heard before Chancellor Telford Forgety in Sevier County Chancery Court on Jan 10-11, 2013. Information on deposition testimony by poll workers is here.
The attorney for the Sevier County Election Commission which handles voting in Pigeon Forge has stated that he agrees with poll workers who stated that it (Election Day) was a "confusing and chaotic" day.
Attorney Dennis Francis also stated that most of the "extra" votes case in the referendum election will come from those who live in Sevier County but outside of the Pigeon Forge city limits. Francis claims that those "extra" votes, which are alleged to be around 303, may be lower than 303 but "not significantly lower."
In the LBTD referendum, there were 1232 votes FOR and 1132 AGAINST. Since the referendum only passed with a 100-vote margin and the validity of 303 votes is in question, the election contest will prove to be very interesting.
Because the election was certified, liquor licenses have been granted. Here.
As in many cities, individuals who do not live in Pigeon Forge but who own property there may vote in city elections. In addition to various irregularities at the polling places, today's News-Sentinel article includes information on property deeds made out to more than a dozen non-residents right before the referendum.
These deeds were drafted by Knoxville arrorney Elizabeth Martin and enabled these individuals, including the attorney, to vote in the LBTD referendum. The deeds transfer a 1% interest in commercial property to the Knoxville attorney and several others and show "$0" as the consideration or amount paid for the 1% interest. After the election, at least three of the "new" property owners, including the attorney who drafted the deeds, deeded the property back to LeConte Village, LLC
The News-Sentinel also reports that the FBI met recently with and obtained records from the group (Concerned Churches and Citizens of Pigeon Forge) that opposed the LBTD referendum and that filed the election contest.
A number of depositions have already been taken in preparation for the election contest that is scheduled to be heard before Chancellor Telford Forgety in Sevier County Chancery Court on Jan 10-11, 2013. Information on deposition testimony by poll workers is here.
The attorney for the Sevier County Election Commission which handles voting in Pigeon Forge has stated that he agrees with poll workers who stated that it (Election Day) was a "confusing and chaotic" day.
Attorney Dennis Francis also stated that most of the "extra" votes case in the referendum election will come from those who live in Sevier County but outside of the Pigeon Forge city limits. Francis claims that those "extra" votes, which are alleged to be around 303, may be lower than 303 but "not significantly lower."
In the LBTD referendum, there were 1232 votes FOR and 1132 AGAINST. Since the referendum only passed with a 100-vote margin and the validity of 303 votes is in question, the election contest will prove to be very interesting.
Because the election was certified, liquor licenses have been granted. Here.
As in many cities, individuals who do not live in Pigeon Forge but who own property there may vote in city elections. In addition to various irregularities at the polling places, today's News-Sentinel article includes information on property deeds made out to more than a dozen non-residents right before the referendum.
These deeds were drafted by Knoxville arrorney Elizabeth Martin and enabled these individuals, including the attorney, to vote in the LBTD referendum. The deeds transfer a 1% interest in commercial property to the Knoxville attorney and several others and show "$0" as the consideration or amount paid for the 1% interest. After the election, at least three of the "new" property owners, including the attorney who drafted the deeds, deeded the property back to LeConte Village, LLC
The News-Sentinel also reports that the FBI met recently with and obtained records from the group (Concerned Churches and Citizens of Pigeon Forge) that opposed the LBTD referendum and that filed the election contest.
Monday, December 17, 2012
December 17, 2012 Remaining Defendants in Christian-Newsom Murders Make Case for New Trials
Vanessa Coleman was re-tried and re-convicted in Knox County Crominal Court. Click here.
The remaining three defendants in the horrific kinapping, torture, rape, and mirder of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom are seeking new trials.
Attorneys for Lemaricus Davidson, Letalvis Cobbins, and George Thomas have made their case for new trials to Judge Walter Kurtz. Kurtz will rule on the requests in January. Click here.
The remaining three defendants in the horrific kinapping, torture, rape, and mirder of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom are seeking new trials.
Attorneys for Lemaricus Davidson, Letalvis Cobbins, and George Thomas have made their case for new trials to Judge Walter Kurtz. Kurtz will rule on the requests in January. Click here.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
December 13, 2012 Knox Trustee Employees Plead Guilty To Facilitation of Public Misconduct
Two employees of Knox County Trustee Jimmy Duncan III have pled guilty to facilitation of public misconduct.
Trustee Chief of Staff Josh Burnett and delinquent tax attorney Chad Tindell entered their pleas in Knox County Criminal Court yesterday.
Both received sentences of 11 months and 29 days probation and will likely seek judicial diversion. Burnett and Tindell have submitted their resignations.
Their pleas are in connection with bonuses given by Duncan to himself and other employees of the trustee's office.
Burnett and Tindell admitted knowing that "another or others intended to commit official misconduct (and) … knowingly furnished substantial assistance in the official misconduct," which occurred in December 2010, according to court documents.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
Trustee Chief of Staff Josh Burnett and delinquent tax attorney Chad Tindell entered their pleas in Knox County Criminal Court yesterday.
Both received sentences of 11 months and 29 days probation and will likely seek judicial diversion. Burnett and Tindell have submitted their resignations.
Their pleas are in connection with bonuses given by Duncan to himself and other employees of the trustee's office.
Burnett and Tindell admitted knowing that "another or others intended to commit official misconduct (and) … knowingly furnished substantial assistance in the official misconduct," which occurred in December 2010, according to court documents.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
December 12, 2012 Election Contest Filed in Sevier Chancery Court in Pigeon Forge Liquor-by-the-Drink Referendum
A liquor-by-the-drink referendum was held in Pigeon Forge on November 6.
On November 19, the Sevier County Election Commission certified the results of the LBTD referendum, 1,232 FOR and 1,132 AGAINST, for a total of 2,364 votes cast on the LBTD question.
A lawsuit was then filed by a group opposed to LBTD alleging that irregularities in the conduct of the election and discrepancies in the final tally make the results of the vote "incurably uncertain."
Among the problems cited in the Complaint, it is stated that Election Commission records show that 2,061 registered voters cast votes in the LBTD referendum, but the Election Commission certified final results showing that 2,364 votes were cast in the LBTD referendum.
The suit asks that the current referendum be voided and a new referendum held.
The Sevier County Chancery lawsuit is here. The News-Sentinel article with a link to the lawsuit is here.
Articles are here, here, here, and here.
On November 19, the Sevier County Election Commission certified the results of the LBTD referendum, 1,232 FOR and 1,132 AGAINST, for a total of 2,364 votes cast on the LBTD question.
A lawsuit was then filed by a group opposed to LBTD alleging that irregularities in the conduct of the election and discrepancies in the final tally make the results of the vote "incurably uncertain."
Among the problems cited in the Complaint, it is stated that Election Commission records show that 2,061 registered voters cast votes in the LBTD referendum, but the Election Commission certified final results showing that 2,364 votes were cast in the LBTD referendum.
The suit asks that the current referendum be voided and a new referendum held.
The Sevier County Chancery lawsuit is here. The News-Sentinel article with a link to the lawsuit is here.
Articles are here, here, here, and here.
Friday, December 07, 2012
December 7, 2012 Remembering "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy"
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941----A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
December 4, 2012 MUC Seeks City Approval for $7 Million Bond Issue
MUC (Morristown Utilities Commission) will ask City Council to approve a seven-million dollar variable rate bond issue for construction of electric substations at this afternoon's 5:00 council meeting.
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MUC plans to convert the variable rate bonds to fixed rates if variable rates start upward and hit a certain trigger point.
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MUC plans to convert the variable rate bonds to fixed rates if variable rates start upward and hit a certain trigger point.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
November 27, 2012 Morristown City Council
[Most observers expect Alvis to be a candidate for the seat in the May 2013 election.]
From left-to-right are Bob Garrett, Gene Brooks, Dennis Alvis, Kay Senter, Paul LeBel, Mayor Danny Thomas, and Chris Bivens.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
November 24, 2012 Jail Study Committee Videos
The Hamblen County Jail Study Committee heard a one-hour presentation by representatives from Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) and County Technical Assistance Services (CTAS) on November 14. The presentation is broken down into segments in this series of videos. For a summary of the TCI and CTAS recommendation, see the 15-second video here.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
November 22, 2012 HAPPY THANKSGIVING
May this be a day of thanksgiving, gratitude, and joy for you, your family, and our country.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
November 21, 2012 Coleman Guilty of Most Charges in a Compromise Verdict
The retrial of Vanessa Coleman ended yesterday with what is being termed a compromise verdict. Coleman was charged with 17 counts of facilitation of crimes against Channon Christian during the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Christian in 2007.
In the verdict, Coleman was convicted on some of the counts, such as facilitation of the felony murder of Christian, while the jury returned guilty verdicts on "lesser charges" in connection with other counts and found Coleman not guilty on four counts.
Due to the extensive publicity surrounding the case, Coleman was tried in Knox County before a jury brought in from Jackson TN (Madison County).
Christian and her boyfriend Chris Newsom were kidnapped, raped, and murdered in 2007. Lemaricus Davidson, George Thomas, and Coleman's boyfriend Letalvis Cobbins have previously been convicted on various counts in connection with what started as a carjacking and quickly turned into a brutal and gruesome chain of events culminating in the execution-style shooting of Newsom and the murder of Christian by suffocation when she was tied and stuffed into a garbage can.
The New-Sentinel report is here.
Davidson, Thomas, and Cobbins are seeking retrials. Recently, Cobbins' request for a new lawyer and complaints about his treatment in prison were rebuffed by Judge Walter Kurtz during a hearing in Knox Criminal Court. The News-Sentinel report is here.
In the verdict, Coleman was convicted on some of the counts, such as facilitation of the felony murder of Christian, while the jury returned guilty verdicts on "lesser charges" in connection with other counts and found Coleman not guilty on four counts.
Due to the extensive publicity surrounding the case, Coleman was tried in Knox County before a jury brought in from Jackson TN (Madison County).
Christian and her boyfriend Chris Newsom were kidnapped, raped, and murdered in 2007. Lemaricus Davidson, George Thomas, and Coleman's boyfriend Letalvis Cobbins have previously been convicted on various counts in connection with what started as a carjacking and quickly turned into a brutal and gruesome chain of events culminating in the execution-style shooting of Newsom and the murder of Christian by suffocation when she was tied and stuffed into a garbage can.
The New-Sentinel report is here.
Davidson, Thomas, and Cobbins are seeking retrials. Recently, Cobbins' request for a new lawyer and complaints about his treatment in prison were rebuffed by Judge Walter Kurtz during a hearing in Knox Criminal Court. The News-Sentinel report is here.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
November 20, 2012 Coleman Re-trial: Defense Calls Parents To Testify, Closing Arguments, Deliberations
The Knoxville re-trial of Vanessa Coleman on 17 counts of facilitation of kidnapping, rape, and murder of Channon Christian is in the hands of a jury.
Yesterday, the defense presented its case, calling two witnesses to the stand--Vanessa's parents. Vanessa chose not to testify.
The prosecution and defense presented closing arguments, and the case went to the jury that was brought in from Jackson, TN (Madison County).
After several hours of deliberation, the jury retired for the night and will resume deliberations this morning.
The News-Sentinel has a running commentary on yesterday's testimony and closing here and a news article here.
Yesterday, the defense presented its case, calling two witnesses to the stand--Vanessa's parents. Vanessa chose not to testify.
The prosecution and defense presented closing arguments, and the case went to the jury that was brought in from Jackson, TN (Madison County).
After several hours of deliberation, the jury retired for the night and will resume deliberations this morning.
The News-Sentinel has a running commentary on yesterday's testimony and closing here and a news article here.
Monday, November 19, 2012
November 19, 2012 Coleman Trial: Defense Begins Today
The prosecution in the re-trial of Vanessa Coleman rested its case last week.
Today, the defense begins its presentation.
Coleman is accused of multiple counts of facilitation of crimes against Channon Christian during the brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder of Christian in 2007. Coleman's initial convictions in 2010 were tossed out and a re-trial ordered due to drug use and the impairment of Judge Richard Baumgartner in Coleman's first trial.
The prosecution wrapped up its case on Thursday and Friday last week. News-Sentinel coverage and updates are here, here, here, here, and here.
Today, the defense begins its presentation.
Coleman is accused of multiple counts of facilitation of crimes against Channon Christian during the brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder of Christian in 2007. Coleman's initial convictions in 2010 were tossed out and a re-trial ordered due to drug use and the impairment of Judge Richard Baumgartner in Coleman's first trial.
The prosecution wrapped up its case on Thursday and Friday last week. News-Sentinel coverage and updates are here, here, here, here, and here.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
November 15, 2012 CCP to Jail Study Committee: A New Facility Is Needed
The Jail Study Committee met yesterday at 5 PM at the M-H Library Community Room. Representatives of TCI (Tennessee Corrections Institute) and CTAS (County Technical Assistance Services) were present.
I will post more videos of the hour-long presentation later, but the 15-second video below sums up the presentation by the TCI representative.
I will post more videos of the hour-long presentation later, but the 15-second video below sums up the presentation by the TCI representative.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
November 14, 2012 Vanessa Coleman Retrial in Second Day
As a result of the fallout from the admission of drug use and misconduct by Judge Richard Baumgartner, the retrial of Vanessa Coleman is taking place in Knox County with a Madison County (Jackson, TN) jury and Senior Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood presiding.
Coleman was initially convicted in 2010 of facilitation of crimes in the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Channon Christian in Knoxville in 2007.
Day One coverage, November 13, 2012, by Jamie Satterfield of the Knox News-Sentinel is here.
Day Two coverage is here and is updated through the day.
For previous blog posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Coleman was initially convicted in 2010 of facilitation of crimes in the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Channon Christian in Knoxville in 2007.
Day One coverage, November 13, 2012, by Jamie Satterfield of the Knox News-Sentinel is here.
Day Two coverage is here and is updated through the day.
For previous blog posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Monday, November 12, 2012
November 12, 2012 Hamblen Public Services Committee Approves Rezoning, Rejects Morristown Regional Planning Commission Recommendation
The Hamblen County Commission Public Services Committee met last Monday after the Jail Study and Finance Committees.
The main topic was a request to rezone property on Noe's Chapel Road from agricultural to commercial. The Owner was present and stated that he intends to work on and rebuild old cars in a car restoration business.
Although the land is in the county, it is also in the city's "urban growth area"---an area previously designated for possible "growth" and future annexation by the City.
As part of the city's urban growth area, the Morristown Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) heard the rezoning request first and recommended that the rezoning be denied by the county commission which had the final say.
At the start of the meeting, Public Services Chairman Herbert Harville made a motion to accept the MRPC's recommendation and deny the rezoning. Harville's motion did not receive a second, and extended discussion began.
According to the owner, the MRPC denied the request over concerns about traffic.
The owner pointed out that the property had previously been the site of a home-based plumbing business (Kilgore Plumbing) with numerous employees coming in an out. He added that traffic for his proposed car restoration business would be minimal since he expects to be working on only about four or five cars at any one time.
He added that the cars would be kept inside a building.
Commissioner Nancy Phillips made the motion to recommend that the full commission rezone the property. Commissioner Howard Shipley seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously out of the Committee. The rezoning will be voted on by the full Commission this Thursday, November 15.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
November 11, 2012 Veterans Day
American owe a special debt to veterans of all branches of the armed forces. Our freedom has been bought and maintained with their sweat, blood, and devotion to duty.
Many have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Freedom isn't free.
Links to the words and patriotic music associated with the following branches of the armed forces can be heard by clicking on each link below:
Army: As Those Caissons Go Rolling Along
Navy: Anchors Aweigh
Marine: Marine Hymn
Air Force: Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Coast Guard: Semper Paratus
To all who have served in the past and to all who serve today...Thank you for your service and may God bless you and your families.
Monday, November 05, 2012
November 5, 2012 Trees
At the mid-point of the fall season, there are beautiful trees with colorful leaves all around Enjoy the gorgeous colors.
Saturday, November 03, 2012
November 3, 2012 GUILTY: Jury Convicts Baumgartner on Five Felony Counts
Ex-Knox Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner was convicted in federal court in Knoxville yesterday on five felony counts for lying about his pill-supplying mistress (Deena Castleman) to two judges, a Knox County child support referee, a state prosecutor, and a transitional housing director in order to cover up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving Castleman.Castleman was a graduate of the Drug Court that Baumgartner founded. She testified during the early part of the trial that she was using drugs again, fell on hard times, and came to see "Judge B," as she called him, for help in May 2009.
She said that "Judge B" admitted his own use of opiates at that meeting and asked her if she could help get them for him. She agreed. A drug and sexual liaison between Baumgartner and Castleman ensued. According to prosecutors and other trial testimony, Baumgartner subsequently lied to various officials to help Castleman.
Prosecutors maintained that Baumgartner lied to cover-up a drug trafficking conspiracy to keep the drugs and sex flowing. Defense attorneys said the lies, if any, were simply out of concern and affection for Castleman.
A recent News-Sentinel article is here,
Baumgartner's sentencing is set for March 27, 2013. He faces up to three years in prison on each count, and up to a $250,000 fine on each count. Significantly, the federal felony convictions may result in a loss of Baumgartner's $4900/month state pension--- a pension that was spared when Baumgartner resigned from the bench in 2011 and later reached a plea deal with a special prosecutor in a prior state action. For more, click here and here.
Baumgartner presided over many high-profile Knox County cases--including the Christian-Newsom kidnapping, rape, and torture trials. New trials against the defendants in those cases have been ordered in the fallout over Baumgartner's pill use and actions.
More from the News-Sentinel is here.
Friday, November 02, 2012
November 2, 2012 Baumgartner Jury Asks Questions, Continues Deliberations
The jury that will determine the fate of ex-Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner emerged yesterday to ask questions of District Judge Ronnie Greer.
One felony count against Baumgartner was tossed by Judge Greer.
The jury is considering the remaining six felony counts in which Baumgartner is charged with lying to judges, a prosecutor, nurses, and others in order to cover up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving his pill-supplying mistress Deena Castleman.
First, the jurors asked what they should do if some of the panel believe that the prosecution has proven all of the elements of the crimes and others do not. Greer informed the jury that their decision must be unanimous.
Later, the jury told Judge Greer that they had reached unanimous verdicts on some counts but not others. At that point, Greer gave the jury two instructions. Reconsider and try to reach unanimity, or issue a partial verdict on some counts and resume deliberations on others.
The panel resumed deliberations and then went home for the day. Jamie Satterfield has the News-Sentinel report here.
This morning the jury will continue deliberations. Click here.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
October 31, 2012 Morristown Utilities Approves "First" of Three Steps in Taking Over Operation of the City of Morristown's Sewer System
In what MUC Chairman George McGuffin described as the "first" of three stages in the take-over of management of the city sewer system by MUC, MUC voted on October 25 to contract with the City to handle maintenance of all sewer pump stations.
All commissioners (George McGuffin, Harold Nichols, Lynn Elkins, Gene Jolley, and Max Biery) voted "yes."
The resolution that was passed by MUC states that the "City and MUC have determined" it mutually beneficial that the first step in the systematic transfer of the operation of the sewer system to MUC is the maintenance of the pump stations.
The resolution says that MUC and the City "developed" the attached agreement that provides for MUC to assume maintenance of wastewater pump stations beginning January 1, 2013.
McGuffin says that we have all talked about this several times.
According to MUC General Manager Jody Wigington, maintenance of the pump stations by MUC will be put before council at a future meeting.
[The City currently contracts with Veolia Water to manage the wastewater/sewer system. A new contract with Veolia or changes to their current contract will have to be made to accommodate the transfer of pump station maintenance to MUC.]
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
October 30, 2012 Closing Arguments and Now the Fate of Ex-Judge Baumgartner Is in the Jury's Hands (Updated 10/31/12)
One of seven misprision counts against ex-Judge Richard Baumgartner was tossed by District Judge Ronnie Greer as reported by the News-Sentinel here and here.
Closing arguments ended today, and Baumgartner's fate is now in the hands of the federal jury. The News-Sentinel report is here.
The prosecutor is trying to convince the jury that Baumgartner lied to a judge, a magistrate, a prosecutor, nurses, and others to cover up the actions/drug trafficking of his pill supplying mistress Deena Castleman.
The defense claims that the prosecution has not presented adequate proof and that Baumgartner has suffered enough with the very public exposure of his "personal" wrongs, his plea of guilty to official misconduct, and his resignation from the bench.
UPDATE: A brief summary of the testimony of each person to whom Baumgartner is alleged to have lied in order to cover up the drug trafficking actions of his pill-supplying mistress is reported by News-Sentinel court reporter Jamie Satterfield here.
Closing arguments ended today, and Baumgartner's fate is now in the hands of the federal jury. The News-Sentinel report is here.
The prosecutor is trying to convince the jury that Baumgartner lied to a judge, a magistrate, a prosecutor, nurses, and others to cover up the actions/drug trafficking of his pill supplying mistress Deena Castleman.
The defense claims that the prosecution has not presented adequate proof and that Baumgartner has suffered enough with the very public exposure of his "personal" wrongs, his plea of guilty to official misconduct, and his resignation from the bench.
UPDATE: A brief summary of the testimony of each person to whom Baumgartner is alleged to have lied in order to cover up the drug trafficking actions of his pill-supplying mistress is reported by News-Sentinel court reporter Jamie Satterfield here.
Monday, October 29, 2012
October 29, 2012 Baumgartner's Mistress/Pill Supplier Takes the Stand
Deena Castleman, mistress and pill-supplier to ex-Knox Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner, took the stand last Thursday on the first day of Baumgartner's federal trial.
Baumgartner is accused of seven counts of misprision of a felony for lying to cover up a drug conspiracy involving Castleman.
Castleman, a graduate of the Drug Court established by Baumgartner, testified that she fell back into addiction and, facing financial problems, went to the person who had helped her before, "Judge B," to see if he could help her get a job.
According to Castleman, Baumgartner surprised her when he told her that he loved his opiates and asked if she could help him get them. She answered "yes."
The News-Sentinel account is here.
In a nutshell, Castleman supplied pills to Baumgartner and a sexual relationship ensued as well. Baumgartner helped Castleman with money, visited her in the hospital, and obtained pills from Castleman and her suppliers.
In the second day of testimony, two area judges to whom Baumgartner is accused of lying took the stand. Anderson County Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge testified about a call from Baumgartner in 2009 regarding Castleman. Knox Child Support Referee Stan Briggs testified about a call that he received from Baumgartner in 2010 involving Castleman.
Among others who have testified are Judge Baumgartner's assistant Jennifer Judy and nurses at St. Mary's where Castleman was hospitalized at one point and who saw and spoke to "Judge B" when he came to visit Castleman.
In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the statements made by Baumgartner to Elledge and Briggs and others were made with the intent to conceal Castleman's role in a federal drug conspiracy. The defense contends that any statements that Baumgartner made were solely out of "concern" and "affection" for Castleman and not for the purpose of covering up a drug conspiracy.
The News-Sentinel account of the second day of testimony is here.
The News-Sentinel site has an extensive archive of stories on Baumgartner. Click here.
Baumgartner is accused of seven counts of misprision of a felony for lying to cover up a drug conspiracy involving Castleman.
Castleman, a graduate of the Drug Court established by Baumgartner, testified that she fell back into addiction and, facing financial problems, went to the person who had helped her before, "Judge B," to see if he could help her get a job.
According to Castleman, Baumgartner surprised her when he told her that he loved his opiates and asked if she could help him get them. She answered "yes."
The News-Sentinel account is here.
In a nutshell, Castleman supplied pills to Baumgartner and a sexual relationship ensued as well. Baumgartner helped Castleman with money, visited her in the hospital, and obtained pills from Castleman and her suppliers.
In the second day of testimony, two area judges to whom Baumgartner is accused of lying took the stand. Anderson County Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge testified about a call from Baumgartner in 2009 regarding Castleman. Knox Child Support Referee Stan Briggs testified about a call that he received from Baumgartner in 2010 involving Castleman.
Among others who have testified are Judge Baumgartner's assistant Jennifer Judy and nurses at St. Mary's where Castleman was hospitalized at one point and who saw and spoke to "Judge B" when he came to visit Castleman.
In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the statements made by Baumgartner to Elledge and Briggs and others were made with the intent to conceal Castleman's role in a federal drug conspiracy. The defense contends that any statements that Baumgartner made were solely out of "concern" and "affection" for Castleman and not for the purpose of covering up a drug conspiracy.
The News-Sentinel account of the second day of testimony is here.
The News-Sentinel site has an extensive archive of stories on Baumgartner. Click here.
Friday, October 26, 2012
October 26, 2012 Congressman Phil Roe at MUC
Congressman Phil Roe visited with the Morristown Utilities Commission prior to its October meeting yesterday. After a presentation by MUC on technology, Roe took questions.
Above, Roe responds to a question from Lynn Elkins on the impact of Obamacare on businesses. Roe noted that businesses that currently provide health insurance will "do the math" and eventually eliminate costly health insurance and pay the $2,000/per employee fine.
Next, Roe gave an example of the negative impact of Obamacare on businesses that do not provide health insurance.
Below, Congressman Roe (left) poses for a picture with MUC Commissioners (l-r) Lynn Elkins, Harold Nichols, Gene Jolley, Max Biery, George McGuffin, and MUC Gen. Mgr. Jody Wigington.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
October 25, 2012 Baumgartner Jury Seated. Trial Set To Begin Today
A jury has been seated in the federal trial of ex-Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner who is charged with seven felony counts.
Ten women and two men are on the panel that will hear opening statements this morning and then testimony will begin. Two alternates, a man and a woman, have also been selected.
The most recent News-Sentinel articles are here and here.
The Baumgartner case was discussed recently on the Dr. Drew show on Headline News. Here and here.
Ten women and two men are on the panel that will hear opening statements this morning and then testimony will begin. Two alternates, a man and a woman, have also been selected.
The most recent News-Sentinel articles are here and here.
The Baumgartner case was discussed recently on the Dr. Drew show on Headline News. Here and here.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
October 24, 2012 Baumgartner Jury Selection; Defense Questioning Indicates Possible Defense Tactic
One-hundred twenty potential jurors have been summoned for the federal case against ex-Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner.
Baumgartner is charged with seven counts of misprision of a felony (lying to various officials to cover-up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving his mistress and pill-supplier Deena Castleman). Castleman was a "graduate" of the Drug Court that Baumgartner founded.
Questions asked by Baumgartner's lawyers indicate that the defense may claim at trial that Baumgartner was addicted to painkillers and that his lies were to cover up his affair with Castleman.
The first 32 jurors were questioned yesterday and six were dismissed for "cause"---two were excused from jury duty for medical or other hardship reasons, and four were excused because of admitted bias. The remaining 26 will move on to the next round of questioning.
A second group of 32 is scheduled to be examined for possible dismissal for "cause" today.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
Previous News-Sentinel articles on Baumgartner are listed here.
Baumgartner is charged with seven counts of misprision of a felony (lying to various officials to cover-up a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving his mistress and pill-supplier Deena Castleman). Castleman was a "graduate" of the Drug Court that Baumgartner founded.
Questions asked by Baumgartner's lawyers indicate that the defense may claim at trial that Baumgartner was addicted to painkillers and that his lies were to cover up his affair with Castleman.
The first 32 jurors were questioned yesterday and six were dismissed for "cause"---two were excused from jury duty for medical or other hardship reasons, and four were excused because of admitted bias. The remaining 26 will move on to the next round of questioning.
A second group of 32 is scheduled to be examined for possible dismissal for "cause" today.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
Previous News-Sentinel articles on Baumgartner are listed here.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
October 23, 2012 Jury Selection in Baumgartner Case Begins Today
Jury selection begins today in the federal trial of former Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner. Baumgartner is accused of seven counts of lying in order to cover up a felony and protect his mistress Deena Castleman who was at the time supplying Baumgartner himself with illegal drugs.
Click here.
For prior posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Click here.
For prior posts on Baumgartner, click here.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
October 20, 2012 Baumgartner Trial Moves Toward October 23 Start
As former Judge Richard Baumgartner's trial on seven felony counts looms on the horizon, the prosecution and the defense are arguing over what evidence comes in and what stays out.
The prosecution thinks that Baumgartner's fling with Drug Court graduate Deena Castleman is fair game since Baumgartner purchased pills from her and is accused of lying to various officials (misprision of a felony) in order to cover up the pair's drug trafficking conspiracy.
The defense is asking Federal Judge Ronnie Greer to exclude evidence of the romantic relationship between Baumgartner and Castleman.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
The prosecution thinks that Baumgartner's fling with Drug Court graduate Deena Castleman is fair game since Baumgartner purchased pills from her and is accused of lying to various officials (misprision of a felony) in order to cover up the pair's drug trafficking conspiracy.
The defense is asking Federal Judge Ronnie Greer to exclude evidence of the romantic relationship between Baumgartner and Castleman.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
October 18, 2012 Another Millennium Mulligan: Project Bids To Be Rejected (Third Time) With More Do-over Designs and Bids To Come
At Tuesday's council meeting, City Administrator Tony Cox informed council that the Millennium Square project bids of October 3rd were high and that "it's going to be our recommendation" (third time) that we reject all bids and consider another re-design.
Cox did not say who made the recommendation for rejection nor to whom the recommendation goes for approval.
He didn't ask council to vote to recommend rejection, nor did he ask for comments from council.
For the Millennium group and the City, it's three mulligans and counting with a plan for yet another round of do-over designs and do-over bids.
Later in the meeting during council comments, Councilmember Gene Brooks pointed out that during the third Millennium bid opening on October 3, an unsealed bid had been opened.
Brooks said that a bid protest involving the opening of the unsealed bid was filed right after the bid opening but never reported to council and never reported by the "news"paper.
City Attorney Dick Jessee confirmed for Brooks that he had been informed about an unsealed bid being opened and that it would be his opinion that the unsealed bid would have to be disqualified.
Councilmember Bob Garrett commented that it is the responsibility of the bidder to see that his bid is submitted in a sealed envelope--which is true but which ignores the responsibility of the person or entity handling the bid opening to ensure that all bid requirements are followed.
Councilmember Brooks added that Morristown didn't need to get a reputation for being unfair in the conduct of bidding.
Councilmember Chris Bivens said that the opening of an unsealed bid didn't matter since after the bid opening, it was decided by someone to reject all bids.
Tony Cox was at the bid opening but made no comments during this discussion. Todd Morgan is the City's designated representative for oversight of the Millennium project and was also at the bid opening.
Cox did not say who made the recommendation for rejection nor to whom the recommendation goes for approval.
He didn't ask council to vote to recommend rejection, nor did he ask for comments from council.
For the Millennium group and the City, it's three mulligans and counting with a plan for yet another round of do-over designs and do-over bids.
Later in the meeting during council comments, Councilmember Gene Brooks pointed out that during the third Millennium bid opening on October 3, an unsealed bid had been opened.
Brooks said that a bid protest involving the opening of the unsealed bid was filed right after the bid opening but never reported to council and never reported by the "news"paper.
City Attorney Dick Jessee confirmed for Brooks that he had been informed about an unsealed bid being opened and that it would be his opinion that the unsealed bid would have to be disqualified.
Councilmember Bob Garrett commented that it is the responsibility of the bidder to see that his bid is submitted in a sealed envelope--which is true but which ignores the responsibility of the person or entity handling the bid opening to ensure that all bid requirements are followed.
Councilmember Brooks added that Morristown didn't need to get a reputation for being unfair in the conduct of bidding.
Councilmember Chris Bivens said that the opening of an unsealed bid didn't matter since after the bid opening, it was decided by someone to reject all bids.
Tony Cox was at the bid opening but made no comments during this discussion. Todd Morgan is the City's designated representative for oversight of the Millennium project and was also at the bid opening.
The bid that was allegedly unsealed was that of the low bidder Jenkins and Stiles, the second bid opened on October 3. The bid opening video is here.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
October 13, 2012 Comptroller Justin Wilson Proposes Waiving First $25 in Fees for Public Records Requests Submitted to His Office
State Comptroller Justin Wilson has proposed waiving the first $25 in fees for public records requests to his office. Wilson's proposal was unanimously recommended for adoption by the Joint Government Operations Committees last week. Click here.
TENNESSEE STATE COMPTROLLER JUSTIN WILSON
TENNESSEE STATE COMPTROLLER JUSTIN WILSON
Frank Gibson, former director of Tennessee Coalition on Open Government (TCOG), praised the decision. TCOG promotes transparency in government.
The move is apparently motivated by a desire to promote open government and concerns about efficiency.
Wilson may choose to waive all fees on a case-by-case basis. "I'm absolutely in favor of open records, but I don't want it to be abused," Wilson said. "If there are excessive requests, you need to pay for it."
While the Public Records Act does not require local and state governments to charge citizens for access to public records, many governmental entities have adopted rules on assessing fees for copies of documents.
"The public feels like it is already paying to collect, store and provide records," Gibson said. "Fee waivers are a way to recognize that sentiment."
The proposed waiver is being adopted by and only applies to the Comptroller's Office.
Friday, October 12, 2012
October 12, 2012 Knox Law Director Wants Public Records Requests Sent To His Office
The new Knox County Law Director has asked certain Knox County elected officials to send all public records requests to his office for documentation and response. Click here for the News-Sentinel article.
KNOX COUNTY LAW DIRECTOR BUD ARMSTRONG
The memo from Law Director Bud Armstrong went to Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, County Clerk Foster Arnett, Property Assessor Phil Ballard, Public Defender Mark Stephens, Register of Deeds Sherry Witt, Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones, and Trustee John Duncan III. The memo is here.
Some officials have apparently agreed to funnel all requests through the Law Director while others such as Mayor Burchett indicated that they would continue to respond directly to requests when the request is for a document that is clearly a public record but may send requests involving medical or legal issues through the Law Director's Office.
News-Sentinel Editor Jack McElroy responded with an editorial in which he points out that Armstrong's memo shows in part a misunderstanding of the Public Records Law. McElroy also notes that Armstrong's concerns and efforts might be better directed to providing training to elected officials regarding the Public Records Act.
County Clerk Foster Arnett is quoted as saying he will continue to respond directly to most requests. "If we have any questions, we'll ask for their assistance but most of our stuff is cut and dry, and if someone asks for a public record then we're going to turn it over."
KNOX COUNTY LAW DIRECTOR BUD ARMSTRONG
The memo from Law Director Bud Armstrong went to Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, County Clerk Foster Arnett, Property Assessor Phil Ballard, Public Defender Mark Stephens, Register of Deeds Sherry Witt, Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones, and Trustee John Duncan III. The memo is here.
Some officials have apparently agreed to funnel all requests through the Law Director while others such as Mayor Burchett indicated that they would continue to respond directly to requests when the request is for a document that is clearly a public record but may send requests involving medical or legal issues through the Law Director's Office.
News-Sentinel Editor Jack McElroy responded with an editorial in which he points out that Armstrong's memo shows in part a misunderstanding of the Public Records Law. McElroy also notes that Armstrong's concerns and efforts might be better directed to providing training to elected officials regarding the Public Records Act.
County Clerk Foster Arnett is quoted as saying he will continue to respond directly to most requests. "If we have any questions, we'll ask for their assistance but most of our stuff is cut and dry, and if someone asks for a public record then we're going to turn it over."
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012 Baumgartner Case Moves Forward
Federal Judge Ronnie Greer has determined that a proposed jury questionnaire in the case against disgraced former Knox County Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner is burdensome and intrusive.
Instead, Greer will question the jurors about their knowledge of the case and the effect, if any, of pretrial publicity.
Click here.
Another article with an excellent background and timeline of the federal case is here.
The trial is scheduled to begin on October 23 in the Knoxville division of U.S. District Court.
Instead, Greer will question the jurors about their knowledge of the case and the effect, if any, of pretrial publicity.
Click here.
Another article with an excellent background and timeline of the federal case is here.
The trial is scheduled to begin on October 23 in the Knoxville division of U.S. District Court.
Monday, October 08, 2012
October 8, 2012 Former Knox Criminal Judge Richard Baumgartner Wants To Be Tried Before Jurors from Knox Region
Facing federal charges and a trial scheduled on October 23, disgraced former Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner wants his jury selected from the Knoxville region.
Federal District Judge Ronnie Greer of Greeneville has summoned 100 prospective jurors, a larger than normal jury pool, with the hope of being able to weed out those who have been prejudiced by media coverage of the Baumgartner saga and yet have enough remaining to seat a jury to hear the case.
Baumgartner's attorneys are also asking that potential jurors be required to answer a detailed questionnaire.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
Previous posts are here.
Federal District Judge Ronnie Greer of Greeneville has summoned 100 prospective jurors, a larger than normal jury pool, with the hope of being able to weed out those who have been prejudiced by media coverage of the Baumgartner saga and yet have enough remaining to seat a jury to hear the case.
Baumgartner's attorneys are also asking that potential jurors be required to answer a detailed questionnaire.
The News-Sentinel article is here.
Previous posts are here.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
October 3, 2012 Millennium Bids Opened
Bids for the Millennium Square Project were opened this afternoon. Three bids were submitted.
The apparent low bidder was Jenkins & Styles of Knoxville with a base bid of $1,753,964. Other bidders were Denark Construction at $1,769,900 and Merit Construction at $1,770,025.
This was the third time that the project has been bid. The first time, Messer Construction was the low bidder. It was bid a second time and Southern Constructors was the only bid. Both times all bids were rejected as being too high. Click here and here for prior posts on the Millennium project.
Although the plans were not significantly changed from the second bid to today's bid, Southern Constructors did not submit a third bid although they were in attendance at the pre-bid conference. Click here for the pre-bid conference video and links to separate posts on the Millennium project.
The apparent low bidder was Jenkins & Styles of Knoxville with a base bid of $1,753,964. Other bidders were Denark Construction at $1,769,900 and Merit Construction at $1,770,025.
This was the third time that the project has been bid. The first time, Messer Construction was the low bidder. It was bid a second time and Southern Constructors was the only bid. Both times all bids were rejected as being too high. Click here and here for prior posts on the Millennium project.
Although the plans were not significantly changed from the second bid to today's bid, Southern Constructors did not submit a third bid although they were in attendance at the pre-bid conference. Click here for the pre-bid conference video and links to separate posts on the Millennium project.
Architect Dan Brewer of Brewer, Ingram & Fuller (BIF) opened the bids with the assistance of Lisa Hoskins of BIF.
Tim Wild, one of the Millennium Square Partners, attended as did Tony Cox, City Administrator, and Todd Morgan, the City's designated manager of the Millennium project.
Whether the low bid or any bid is accepted will likely depend on whether the Millennium Square Partners with control of the project (David & Tim Wild, Hiram Jones, Tom Jones, James & Myra Craine) are willing to foot the project costs not covered by a taxpayer-funded TDOT Transportation Enhancement grant of approximately $1,200,000.
Monday, October 01, 2012
October 1, 2012. Former Asst. D.A. Doug Godbee Convicted of Official Misconduct
Former Assistant District Attorney Doug Godbee pled no contest and was convicted in Jefferson County Circuit Court on one felony count of official misconduct for soliciting sex from female defendants in return for leniency in plea deals.
Click here for the News-Sentinel article.
Godbee, of Hawkins County, worked for Third Judicial District Attorney General Berkeley Bell. Next for Godbee will be numerous civil lawsuits.
Click on the label "Doug Godbee" on the right for earlier posts in the Godbee saga.
Click here for the News-Sentinel article.
Godbee, of Hawkins County, worked for Third Judicial District Attorney General Berkeley Bell. Next for Godbee will be numerous civil lawsuits.
Click on the label "Doug Godbee" on the right for earlier posts in the Godbee saga.
Friday, September 28, 2012
September 28, 2012 Federal Magistrate Refuses To Dismiss Case Against Former Knox Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner
The defense tried to get the charges against former Judge Richard Baumgartner dismissed. U.S. Federal Magistrate Clifford Shirley said "no." Click here, here, and here.
Following Shirley's ruling, Federal District Judge Ronnie Greer issued an Order shortening the time for any appeals of Shirley's ruling. Click here. Any remaining arguments will be heard on October 9, thus paving the way to start the trial on October 23 as scheduled.
[Greer of Greeneville was selected to hear the case after all the Knoxville federal district judges recused themselves]
Following Shirley's ruling, Federal District Judge Ronnie Greer issued an Order shortening the time for any appeals of Shirley's ruling. Click here. Any remaining arguments will be heard on October 9, thus paving the way to start the trial on October 23 as scheduled.
[Greer of Greeneville was selected to hear the case after all the Knoxville federal district judges recused themselves]
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
September 25, 2012 Former Judge Baumgartner: Another Lie?
New court documents in the federal case involving former Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner allege that Baumgartner lied in August 2010 to a fellow Knox County Judge, Juvenile Court Referee Stanley Briggs, in order to convince Briggs to release Baumgartner's mistress and fellow pill-popper Deena Castleman from jail.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
Related documents are available in the online version of the N-S story and online comments are allowed.
The TBI interview of Briggs and Knox Attorney John Boucher is here.
The News-Sentinel story is here.
Related documents are available in the online version of the N-S story and online comments are allowed.
The TBI interview of Briggs and Knox Attorney John Boucher is here.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
September 23, 2012 Eddie Hurley Addresses Council on W.A.J./Panther Creek Road Development
Hurley also expressed concerns about his inability to get a date from City Administrator Tony Cox for an administrative hearing before Cox on violations and fines and penalties that have been assessed against Hurley/Lakeview Management..
Cox interrupted Hurley during Hurley's comments and asked that Hurley not discuss the specifics of his grievances with Council since any appeal of Cox's administrative decision would eventually be heard by the full council.
Cox's failure to respond and set up a hearing date was one of Hurley's grievances. Continuing and accruing penalties was another.
City Attorney Dick Jessee said one way to stop the accruing penalties would be to pay the penalties due "under protest."
Hurley asked whether his site plan would be held up as a result of the ongoing difficulties. Cox stated that the site plan was independent of the fines and penalties.
Hurley's attorney Link Gibbons addressed the council briefly at the end of Hurley's remarks to further explain some of Hurley's concerns and to ask for specific citations to the City Charter for the conduct of administrative hearings and for the authority of Cox to act as hearing officer.
Friday, September 21, 2012
September 21, 2012 Donation of $125,000 in Public Funds to MHHS Foundation Fails in Hamblen County Commission
On September 10, the Hamblen County Budget Committee voted 8-4 to recommend that the full commission give $125,000 of public funds to the MHHS Foundation for use in a building project and reserve all remaining funds in the former Hamblen County endowment fund for future jail capital projects. Click here. [Paul LeBel and Herbert Harville were not present at the Budget Committee.]
When that recommendation went to the full commission yesterday, it failed to get the 2/3 majority vote (10 YES) that was required for approval.
Yesterday's vote was 8 YES and 6 NO, two short of the ten required for approval under the special act.
Doe Jarvis voted for the recommendation in Committee but voted NO yesterday. He was joined with a NO vote from his very good friend Paul LeBel.
Although it's hard to resist pressure from powerful people who come to commission asking for public money for their projects, it appears that there is---at least for now---a significant group of commissioners who feel that public money should go for county government projects first and foremost.
Helen Ross McNabb Center Foundation and MHHS Foundation have raised huge amounts of money already, plans are drawn, and both will more than likely proceed with their planned construction with or without a donation of public money from the Hamblen County Commission.
But they go to public bodies (MUC and County Commission), ask for a public donation, and are often able to get support from commissioners who have no trouble in spending other people's money even while major county needs for roads and jails are present.
The eight YES votes were Stancil Ford, Larry Baker, Howard Shipley, Nancy Phillips, Dana Wampler, Rick Eldridge, Tilman Goins, and Herbert Harville.
The six NO votes Doyle Fullington, Larry Carter, Tim Dennison, Tim Goins, Paul LeBel, and Doe Jarvis.
That Hamblen County endowment money is burning a hole in commissioner's pockets. If it is not clearly set aside for county government capital projects soon, foundations and other non-profits will continue to come and ask for 14 people to take public dollars and donate them for foundation and non-profit capital projects.
When that recommendation went to the full commission yesterday, it failed to get the 2/3 majority vote (10 YES) that was required for approval.
Yesterday's vote was 8 YES and 6 NO, two short of the ten required for approval under the special act.
Doe Jarvis voted for the recommendation in Committee but voted NO yesterday. He was joined with a NO vote from his very good friend Paul LeBel.
Although it's hard to resist pressure from powerful people who come to commission asking for public money for their projects, it appears that there is---at least for now---a significant group of commissioners who feel that public money should go for county government projects first and foremost.
Helen Ross McNabb Center Foundation and MHHS Foundation have raised huge amounts of money already, plans are drawn, and both will more than likely proceed with their planned construction with or without a donation of public money from the Hamblen County Commission.
But they go to public bodies (MUC and County Commission), ask for a public donation, and are often able to get support from commissioners who have no trouble in spending other people's money even while major county needs for roads and jails are present.
The eight YES votes were Stancil Ford, Larry Baker, Howard Shipley, Nancy Phillips, Dana Wampler, Rick Eldridge, Tilman Goins, and Herbert Harville.
The six NO votes Doyle Fullington, Larry Carter, Tim Dennison, Tim Goins, Paul LeBel, and Doe Jarvis.
That Hamblen County endowment money is burning a hole in commissioner's pockets. If it is not clearly set aside for county government capital projects soon, foundations and other non-profits will continue to come and ask for 14 people to take public dollars and donate them for foundation and non-profit capital projects.
September 21, 2012 Former Hawkins Judge James Taylor Enters Guilty Plea To Six Counts of Felony Theft
Former Hawkins County General Sessions Judge James Taylor has entered a guilty plea to six counts of felony theft in Davidson County Criminal Court.
According to the initial report in the News-Sentinel, Taylor's guilty plea provides that he will be disbarred through 2025 and serve three years of a 13-year sentence before he will be eligible for parole.
Taylor was indicted in May 2012. Click here.
Taylor has another criminal case pending in Hawkins County which is also expected to be resolved with a plea agreement.
According to the initial report in the News-Sentinel, Taylor's guilty plea provides that he will be disbarred through 2025 and serve three years of a 13-year sentence before he will be eligible for parole.
Taylor was indicted in May 2012. Click here.
Taylor has another criminal case pending in Hawkins County which is also expected to be resolved with a plea agreement.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
September 19, 2012 Masengill Springs Rezoning Fails: Morristown's Charter Zoning Provision Applies
Opponents of the Masengill Springs development on West Andrew Johnson Highway won at least a temporary victory yesterday when the Masengill Springs rezoning failed with 3 YES votes (Danny Thomas, Chris Bivens, and Gene Brooks), 2 NO votes (Kay Senter and Bob Garrett), and 1 ABSTENTION (Paul LeBel).
Residents have repeatedly cited flooding, traffic, and quality of life issues in opposition to the rezoning. The bombshell, however, was their discovery in recent weeks that there is a provision in the Morristown City Charter that requires the City to provide three public notices of a proposed rezoning and allows certain nearby residents to sign a petition protesting the rezoning and thus require a 4/5 council vote for approval instead of a simply majority.
[The City admitted that it has ignored the Charter provision requiring three public notices and apparently citizens and council have previously been unaware of the petition process provided for residents.]
Initially, it appeared that the entire matter would be delayed two weeks at the request of the developer--a move which is normally accomplished by a simple motion and majority vote of council.
Kay Senter, however, made a move for postponement to October 2 as a "special order." The "special order" terminology surprised many members of council and the city attorney. Kay had her Robert's Rules with her and pointed out that the "special order" term meant that her motion to postpone required a 2/3 vote of council for the postponement.
Amidst the confusion and discussion, the motion to postpone by "special order" failed to get the required 2/3 majority.
Kay then quickly made a motion to approve the rezoning. At that point, City Attorney Dick Jessee stated that he had received an opinion on Monday (the day before yesterday's vote) from MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service) that upheld the City Charter zoning provision requiring a 4/5 vote to approve a rezoning when the required number of residents have protested the rezoning by petition.
More discussion and controversy. When the vote was taken on Kay's motion to approve the rezoning, a majority voted YES, but not the required 4/5. Voting YES were Gene Brooks, Chris Bivens, and Danny Thomas. Voting NO were Kay Senter (who had made the motion to approve the rezoning) and Bob Garrett. Abstaining was Paul LeBel.
Residents have repeatedly cited flooding, traffic, and quality of life issues in opposition to the rezoning. The bombshell, however, was their discovery in recent weeks that there is a provision in the Morristown City Charter that requires the City to provide three public notices of a proposed rezoning and allows certain nearby residents to sign a petition protesting the rezoning and thus require a 4/5 council vote for approval instead of a simply majority.
[The City admitted that it has ignored the Charter provision requiring three public notices and apparently citizens and council have previously been unaware of the petition process provided for residents.]
Initially, it appeared that the entire matter would be delayed two weeks at the request of the developer--a move which is normally accomplished by a simple motion and majority vote of council.
Kay Senter, however, made a move for postponement to October 2 as a "special order." The "special order" terminology surprised many members of council and the city attorney. Kay had her Robert's Rules with her and pointed out that the "special order" term meant that her motion to postpone required a 2/3 vote of council for the postponement.
Amidst the confusion and discussion, the motion to postpone by "special order" failed to get the required 2/3 majority.
Kay then quickly made a motion to approve the rezoning. At that point, City Attorney Dick Jessee stated that he had received an opinion on Monday (the day before yesterday's vote) from MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service) that upheld the City Charter zoning provision requiring a 4/5 vote to approve a rezoning when the required number of residents have protested the rezoning by petition.
More discussion and controversy. When the vote was taken on Kay's motion to approve the rezoning, a majority voted YES, but not the required 4/5. Voting YES were Gene Brooks, Chris Bivens, and Danny Thomas. Voting NO were Kay Senter (who had made the motion to approve the rezoning) and Bob Garrett. Abstaining was Paul LeBel.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
September 18, 2012 (Another) Millennium Pre-Bid Conference
There was a pre-bid conference for the Millennium Square project on Wednesday, September 12, at the City Center.
Dan Brewer with Brewer, Ingram, and Fuller (BIF) was present. Lisa Hoskins with BIF presided over the meeting and took questions from contractors.
The Millennium project has been plagued by conflicts of interest, postponed bids, changes to plans,
re-bids, changes to specifications, and on and on it goes.
The initial grant money for a greenway project for Morristown College and surrounding area ended up years later going to the Millennium group to build a retail office shell for the Millennium group on Millennium property. To get the grant money (about $1.2 Million) for their project, the Millennium partners (Tim Wild and David Wild, Sidney Boyd, Hiram Jones and Tom Jones, James and Mira Craine, and Bill Young) leased a rooftop parking deck on the top of their retail office shell to the City as a "greenway" trailhead for 25 years and then the lease ends.
The rooftop public parking consists of about 22 spaces. Of those 22 spaces, two are to be handicapped and two are to be true restricted "greenway" parking. The rest of the parking is just general first-come, first-served public parking that can and probably will be used primarily to benefit the Millennium group, owners of the adjacent Millennium Square Building.
When the project started, the Wild brothers--who are partners in the Millennium group--were planning on "competitively" bidding as general contractors on the project.
TDOT was told of some of the connections between the Wilds and the Millennium group, but TDOT was not told by the City or by the architects that the Wilds were assisting the architects as estimating consultants---a fact the City knew or should have asked about when the architect submitted an architectural proposal TO THE CITY that listed Wild as a proposed "consultant" for project estimating.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) stopped the first planned bidding in late 2010 after Councilman Gene Brooks sent letters and provided documentation to TDOT regarding conflicts of interest and the Wilds apparent involvement as a consultant to the architect.
TDOT let the City (Todd Morgan), the architect (BIF), and the Wilds (through their attorney) present their positions. TDOT then confirmed that conflicts existed and disqualified Wild from bidding at any point. [Several contractors also complained and refused to bid when they became aware of the conflicts.]
The project was first bid in spring 2011 and all bids were over-budget.
The project was bid a second time and there was one bidder. The one bid was over-budget.
The project is to be bid for a third time on October 3, 2012. No longer do bidders have to be TDOT pre-qualified.
Click here, here, here, here here, here, and here for background.
Dan Brewer with Brewer, Ingram, and Fuller (BIF) was present. Lisa Hoskins with BIF presided over the meeting and took questions from contractors.
re-bids, changes to specifications, and on and on it goes.
The initial grant money for a greenway project for Morristown College and surrounding area ended up years later going to the Millennium group to build a retail office shell for the Millennium group on Millennium property. To get the grant money (about $1.2 Million) for their project, the Millennium partners (Tim Wild and David Wild, Sidney Boyd, Hiram Jones and Tom Jones, James and Mira Craine, and Bill Young) leased a rooftop parking deck on the top of their retail office shell to the City as a "greenway" trailhead for 25 years and then the lease ends.
The rooftop public parking consists of about 22 spaces. Of those 22 spaces, two are to be handicapped and two are to be true restricted "greenway" parking. The rest of the parking is just general first-come, first-served public parking that can and probably will be used primarily to benefit the Millennium group, owners of the adjacent Millennium Square Building.
When the project started, the Wild brothers--who are partners in the Millennium group--were planning on "competitively" bidding as general contractors on the project.
TDOT was told of some of the connections between the Wilds and the Millennium group, but TDOT was not told by the City or by the architects that the Wilds were assisting the architects as estimating consultants---a fact the City knew or should have asked about when the architect submitted an architectural proposal TO THE CITY that listed Wild as a proposed "consultant" for project estimating.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) stopped the first planned bidding in late 2010 after Councilman Gene Brooks sent letters and provided documentation to TDOT regarding conflicts of interest and the Wilds apparent involvement as a consultant to the architect.
TDOT let the City (Todd Morgan), the architect (BIF), and the Wilds (through their attorney) present their positions. TDOT then confirmed that conflicts existed and disqualified Wild from bidding at any point. [Several contractors also complained and refused to bid when they became aware of the conflicts.]
The project was first bid in spring 2011 and all bids were over-budget.
The project was bid a second time and there was one bidder. The one bid was over-budget.
The project is to be bid for a third time on October 3, 2012. No longer do bidders have to be TDOT pre-qualified.
Click here, here, here, here here, here, and here for background.
Monday, September 17, 2012
September 17, 2012 Hamblen Budget Committee Votes to Send $125,000 Donation to MHHS Foundation to Full Commission
Stancil Ford made the motion to give $125,000 to the MHHS Hospital Foundation for a building project to add beds in a cancer wing. Doe Jarvis seconded the motion. [MHHS was sold to Covenant Health several years ago.]
Tilman Goins who opposed the earlier donation of $100,000 to Helen Ross McNabb for its building project agreed to support the MHHS Foundation donation if Ford would amend his motion to include earmarking all remaining Hamblen County endowment funds for the jail. Ford agreed to the amendment.
Doe Jarvis took exception to the use of the word "conservative" by Commissioner Goins. Jarvis commented that this was a lot of "horse whatever" and added "I frankly don't believe you know what you are talking about...."
The vote was 8 YES and 4 NO with Commissioners Paul LeBel and Herbert Harville absent.
Voting for the donation and earmarking all remaining funds for the jail were Stancil Ford, Larry Baker, Doe Jarvis, Tilman Goins, Howard Shipley, Nancy Phillips, Rick Eldridge, and Dana Wampler.
Voting NO were Tim Goins, Tim Dennison, Larry Carter, and Doyle Fullington.
It appeared that the four NO votes were based on the belief that all Hamblen County endowment public money should be reserved entirely for county government capital needs.
Fullington had stated earlier in the meeting that he would be voting against the donation of money to both the non-profit Helen Ross McNabb Foundation and the non-profit MHHS Foundation.
Fullington had also pointed out what everyone knew---the hospital and/or the hospital foundation could and would build the new wing with or without the county's donation. Click here for the earlier McNabb vote and discussion.
Dennison and Carter had also voted earlier in the meeting against donating public money to the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation. Tim Goins had abstained from the McNabb vote due to a conflict of interest.
Those who voted against the donation to McNabb but then voted for the donation to MHHS Foundation were Tilman Goins, Rick Eldridge, and Nancy Phillips.
Tilman Goins who opposed the earlier donation of $100,000 to Helen Ross McNabb for its building project agreed to support the MHHS Foundation donation if Ford would amend his motion to include earmarking all remaining Hamblen County endowment funds for the jail. Ford agreed to the amendment.
Doe Jarvis took exception to the use of the word "conservative" by Commissioner Goins. Jarvis commented that this was a lot of "horse whatever" and added "I frankly don't believe you know what you are talking about...."
The vote was 8 YES and 4 NO with Commissioners Paul LeBel and Herbert Harville absent.
Voting for the donation and earmarking all remaining funds for the jail were Stancil Ford, Larry Baker, Doe Jarvis, Tilman Goins, Howard Shipley, Nancy Phillips, Rick Eldridge, and Dana Wampler.
Voting NO were Tim Goins, Tim Dennison, Larry Carter, and Doyle Fullington.
It appeared that the four NO votes were based on the belief that all Hamblen County endowment public money should be reserved entirely for county government capital needs.
Fullington had stated earlier in the meeting that he would be voting against the donation of money to both the non-profit Helen Ross McNabb Foundation and the non-profit MHHS Foundation.
Fullington had also pointed out what everyone knew---the hospital and/or the hospital foundation could and would build the new wing with or without the county's donation. Click here for the earlier McNabb vote and discussion.
Dennison and Carter had also voted earlier in the meeting against donating public money to the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation. Tim Goins had abstained from the McNabb vote due to a conflict of interest.
Those who voted against the donation to McNabb but then voted for the donation to MHHS Foundation were Tilman Goins, Rick Eldridge, and Nancy Phillips.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
September 16, 2012 Hamblen Budget Committee Votes Against Donating $100,000 to Helen Ross McNabb Building
The vote was 5 YES, 6 NO, and 1 ABSTENTION. [Commissioners Paul LeBel and Herbert Harville were not present. Commissioner Tim Goins abstained]
The vote came after spirited discussion about the very nature of non-profits and donating public money to non-profits.
Commissioner Doyle Fullington commented that he wanted to hold on to the money for county needs--particularly with the economy in the shape it is. He said he would be voting against the donation of $100,000 to the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation for a McNabb building project and the donation of $125,000 to the MH Hospital Foundation for a Foundation building project.
Commissioner Tim Dennison reminded everyone that the county already has specific needs on its plate with a decertified jail and road maintenance and repairs. He wanted everyone to look at using this money wisely.
Commissioner Doe Jarvis led the push to donate public money to the McNabb Center for a McNabb construction project. He thinks there are "answers" for the jail.
Commissioner Fullington made it clear that it was never his intention that money from the Hamblen County endowment would be donated to non-profits. In referring to the request for $125,000 from the Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation, Fullington noted that the hospital directors sold MHHS hospital to Covenant precisely because of Covenant's ability to fund improvements and operate the hospital. He added that the term non-profit can be misleading since non-profits may make a profit--they just don't give it to shareholders.
Voting against donating public money to McNabb for the McNabb building project were Doyle Fullington, Tilman Goins, Tim Dennison, Larry Carter, Rick Eldridge, and Nancy Phillips.
Voting to donate public money to McNabb for the McNabb building project were Doe Jarvis, Stancil Ford, Larry Baker, Howard Shipley, and Dana Wampler.
[Previously, Helen Ross McNabb obtained a donation of up to $51,000 of "round-up" funds from the Morristown Utilities Commission for the proposed McNabb building project. Click here for video of the MUC vote, and click here for video of the initial McNabb request for $148,000 from MUC.]
Sunday, September 09, 2012
September 9, 2012 (Another) Morristown Sewage Spill into Cherokee Lake
The City of Morristown dumped raw, untreated sewage into Cherokee Lake on Monday (Sept 3) after a power outage at its wastewater treatment plant.[Correction: The outage this time was at the Spring Creek lift station this time.] About 94,000 gallons of raw sewage went into the lake. [Last year, the outage was at the main plant and resulted in a dump of over one million gallons of raw sewage into Cherokee Lake. See below for links].
With the life station, there are two power feeds. However, both power sources (MUS-Morristown Utilities and AEC-Appalachian Electric) come into the lift station on the same poles for at least part of the way. When there is a wreck or storm or falling tree that hits a shared pole, both utilities are affected and there is no back-up power. Sewage backs up and is then released into the lake.
Monday's power outage is not the first power outage in the city sewer system. And Monday's raw sewage dump is not the first--or even largest--sewage dump by the City of Morristown into Cherokee Lake.
A massive spill of over a million gallons of untreated sewage into the lake occurred in June 2011. That spill was also caused by a power outage--but in 2011 it was at the main wastewater treatment plant. As with the life station, power to the main treatment plant comes from two sources (MUC and AEC), poles are shared, and in the case of a storm or wreck or other event, both utilities are affected and there is no back-up power at the main plant. Click here. At that time, City Administrator Tony Cox said of the power outage and sewage dump, "we're taking it seriously." There was also a spill of about 250,000 gallons of raw sewage in 2008. Click here.
[And then there was the Witt sewer lawsuit that cost the city megabucks in attorney fees (for part of its own TML attorneys' fees plus a negotiated payment to Plaintiff's attorney for his fees) and the City ended up under a federal court order to spend over a million dollars to fix the Witt situation and address repeated overflows. Click here and on the Witt Sewer search labels on the right.]
Under the headline "E. Coli levels off the chart at spill site," the Tribune reports that "concentrations of the bacteria (E. Coli), which has been linked to disease, remained so high (as of Tuesday) that they exceeded the ability of Veolia Water...to measure them." Veolia operates Morristown's wastewater treatment facility.
Knowing about the problem for quite some time, the City has been talking about back up generators.
The City Administrator sent a plan for generators to TDEC (Tennessee Dept of Environment and Conservation) months ago.
Apparently it's not economically possible to separate the two power feeds or address the problem in other ways. This latest spill makes the case for generators NOW!
Morristown and other area communities rely on Cherokee Lake for tourism and recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, and, most importantly, as a source of drinking water.
The repeated dumping of raw sewage into the lake from which the City gets its drinking water is ridiculous--especially when the problem has been known for YEARS and there is a way to prevent it from happening.
Hospitals have back-up generators that can be used to make sure that vital health services are maintained for patients in the event of a utility power outage.
Four-plus years is long enough for the City of Morristown, which handles the city's sewer, to address its repeated raw sewage dumps--whether from lift stations or the main wastewater plant.
And MUS, which handles the city's water, should be highly concerned about the City dumping sewage into the lake from which MUS pulls water for treatment and sale to its customers. [According to the MUS website, MUS gets water from two sources. Water comes from Cherokee Lake and Havely Springs and is then mixed together before being treated. Click here]
With the life station, there are two power feeds. However, both power sources (MUS-Morristown Utilities and AEC-Appalachian Electric) come into the lift station on the same poles for at least part of the way. When there is a wreck or storm or falling tree that hits a shared pole, both utilities are affected and there is no back-up power. Sewage backs up and is then released into the lake.
Monday's power outage is not the first power outage in the city sewer system. And Monday's raw sewage dump is not the first--or even largest--sewage dump by the City of Morristown into Cherokee Lake.
A massive spill of over a million gallons of untreated sewage into the lake occurred in June 2011. That spill was also caused by a power outage--but in 2011 it was at the main wastewater treatment plant. As with the life station, power to the main treatment plant comes from two sources (MUC and AEC), poles are shared, and in the case of a storm or wreck or other event, both utilities are affected and there is no back-up power at the main plant. Click here. At that time, City Administrator Tony Cox said of the power outage and sewage dump, "we're taking it seriously." There was also a spill of about 250,000 gallons of raw sewage in 2008. Click here.
[And then there was the Witt sewer lawsuit that cost the city megabucks in attorney fees (for part of its own TML attorneys' fees plus a negotiated payment to Plaintiff's attorney for his fees) and the City ended up under a federal court order to spend over a million dollars to fix the Witt situation and address repeated overflows. Click here and on the Witt Sewer search labels on the right.]
Under the headline "E. Coli levels off the chart at spill site," the Tribune reports that "concentrations of the bacteria (E. Coli), which has been linked to disease, remained so high (as of Tuesday) that they exceeded the ability of Veolia Water...to measure them." Veolia operates Morristown's wastewater treatment facility.
Knowing about the problem for quite some time, the City has been talking about back up generators.
The City Administrator sent a plan for generators to TDEC (Tennessee Dept of Environment and Conservation) months ago.
Apparently it's not economically possible to separate the two power feeds or address the problem in other ways. This latest spill makes the case for generators NOW!
Morristown and other area communities rely on Cherokee Lake for tourism and recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, and, most importantly, as a source of drinking water.
The repeated dumping of raw sewage into the lake from which the City gets its drinking water is ridiculous--especially when the problem has been known for YEARS and there is a way to prevent it from happening.
Hospitals have back-up generators that can be used to make sure that vital health services are maintained for patients in the event of a utility power outage.
Four-plus years is long enough for the City of Morristown, which handles the city's sewer, to address its repeated raw sewage dumps--whether from lift stations or the main wastewater plant.
And MUS, which handles the city's water, should be highly concerned about the City dumping sewage into the lake from which MUS pulls water for treatment and sale to its customers. [According to the MUS website, MUS gets water from two sources. Water comes from Cherokee Lake and Havely Springs and is then mixed together before being treated. Click here]
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