Missing Fort Adair Historic Marker located Area Eagle Scout gives Fountain City Park a face lift

16 Pages·2015·3.92 MB·English

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July 20, 2015
Missing Fort Adair
Historic Marker located
markers should be relocated to next lot down was a casket
By Mike Steely
the Lynnhurst Cemetery where company, a big frame build-
[email protected]
a grave stone marks what is ing, and they said that’s where
Fountain City, like many believed to the John Adair’s John Adair’s fort was, with the
neighborhoods in Knoxville, is burial place near the large tree. backside to the creek,” Tumb-
growing. Growth means chang- No one is sure about the loca- lin said.
es and sometimes those chang- tion of Adair’s Fort, which was Last week the large vacant
es, although welcomed, destroy built in 1788 to supply goods lot, where the Cancun Mexican
something meaningful that was and munitions to protect travel- Restaurant sat at 4829 North
there before. ers between Knoxville and the Broadway, had earth-mov-
The Fort Adair Historic Marker, Nashville area. ing equipment and the stone
which stood on Broadway near Tumblin said that a brief marker was surrounded by a
a stone monument that was archeology survey took place plastic fence. Tumblin said he
erected in 1924 by the Daugh- in the past but nothing locating has heard that a Dunkin’ Donuts
ters of the American Revolution, the fort was found. He said that shop may be going in the site.
vanished last week. An inquiry a descendant said the fort was An employee at the Long John
has been conducted and histo- between two springs. When the Silver’s restaurant next door
rian Jim Tumblin is discussing Lynnhurst Cemetery was being Continue on page 2
the possibility of relocating the established, sev-
large monument stone and his- eral human bones
toric marker. were discovered
The matter came up at the and reburied on
monthly meeting of the Foun- the knoll beneath
tain City Town Hall. Follow- the large tree on
ing the meeting Tumblin and I the eastern bound-
drove over to the former site of ary of the grave-
the historic marker and found yard just above the
only the stone monument. The creek. The graves
lot behind, next to the Long John were marked as
Silver’s Restaurant, has been that of John Sevier
totally graded in preparation for and his family but
future businesses. some descendants
There’s no evidence now of disputed that grave
the once noted marker and a site. Photo by Mike Steely
plastic net surrounds the DAR “Old timers would Above, Jim Tumblin stands behind the stone monument.
marker. say that where The state historic marker that accompanied the monument,
Tumblin said that both Arby’s sits now the pictured left, had vanished.
Area Eagle Scout gives Voting place
changes for
Fountain City Park a face lift
Mechanicsville
By Ken Lay
By Mike Steely
Fountain City Park got a bit of a [email protected]
much needed face lift, courtesy of an
area Eagle Scout candidate recently. In past years most Mechanicsville residents
Nicholas West, an 18-year old Halls have been voting at the Moses Center but the
resident undertook the project, which former school and Boys & Girls Club, now the
was a requirement for earning the home of the Emerald Academy, was not easily
Eagle Scout ranking from Boy Scouts accessible to the handicapped.
of America. Cliff Rogers, Administrator of Elections, said
West, a recent Bearden High School that the layout of the former school was not
graduate and member of BSA’s Troop helpful and having to take an elevator to the
506, which meets at Christ United second floor and then go all the way down the
Methodist Church in Halls, refurbished hallway was difficult, plus there was limited
the main gate at the park and sanded parking.
and painted two bridges at the park’s In their July 10th meeting the Election Com-
Broadway entrance. He accomplished mission voted to move the voting precinct to the
the renovation with the help of a few new Eternal Life Harvest Church at 1801 West-
friends. He also did some work on the ern Avenue. Rogers said that David Gillette, a
main emblem at the park. member of the city’s Neighborhood Advisory
“It took 15 hours and a lot of people Council, had mentioned the difficulties at the
Nicholas West worked on earning his Eagle Rank with Boy Scout Troop 506 in
came and went,” West said. “It wasn’t Moses Center.
Halls - Knoxville by refurbishing the main gate at Fountain City Park as well as
really that difficult but it was relatively “We looked at various locations,” Rogers
sanding and painting two bridges that enter the park from the Broadway.
expensive.” said.
He said he was encouraged by his “The new church is on one level and has
grandfather, Jim McFarland, a past the park,” West said. “We painted the relatively high but West and McFarland plenty of parking. I spoke to Sam McKenzie,
District Governor of the Lions Club. main entrance twice, did some work on received a donation of paint and Daniel Brown and Gloria Deathridge and met
“My grandfather suggested the idea the main emblem and we painted the brushes from Home Depot. with the pastor. We toured the facility and I had
to me because it was falling apart,” metal on the two boardwalks.” West said he was grateful for help a positive experience.”
West said. The project didn’t happen quickly. from an area business. Cassandra McGee Stuart made the motion
He said that he chose to renovate West said that he scheduled a work “Home Depot gave us several gallons to move the precinct.
the park because it has a special place day two weeks in advance and rain of paint and some paint brushes,” West “We’re going to mail a postcard to registered
in his heart. delayed his work.
Continue on page 2
“The park is close to home and I visit The cost of the renovation was Continue on page 4
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PAGE A2 The Knoxville Focus July 20, 2015
Focus on the Law
Spaying and neutering pets
According to a private organi- of the date of adoption if spaying or neutering. If the If a new owner fails to cat is being claimed by and
the Humane Soci- zation or the gov- such a dog or cat is sexual- new owner fails to have the comply with provisions returned to its lawful owner
ety of the United ernment, must ly mature or within 30 days dog or cat spayed or neu- of the Tennessee Spay/ within 7 days of such dog or
States’ web- be spayed or neu- after the dog or cat reach- tered within the time frame Neuter Law, the agency may cat being taken into custo-
site, “about 2.4 tered. The Ten- es six months of age if the provided by the statute or file a petition with a court dy by the agency.
million healthy, nessee Spay/ dog or cat is not sexually if the new owner fails to of competent jurisdiction Sharon Frankenberg
adoptable cats Neuter Law is mature at the time of the request a refund within 10 seeking compliance and/ is an experienced attor-
and dogs are put found at T.C.A. adoption. additional days after the or requesting the return of ney licensed in Tennes-
By Sharon
down in U.S. shel- Sections 44-17- Further, if the dog or date by which the spaying the dog or cat to the agency see since 1988. She is a
Frankenberg,
ters each year.” 501 through cat being adopted has not or neutering was required from which it was adopted. sole practitioner who han-
Attorney at Law
This problem of 505. Dogs or already been spayed or to be performed, the Nothing in this statute pre- dles foreclosure, evictions,
pet overpopulation can be cats may not be adopted neutered, the agency shall deposit is forfeited to the cludes the spaying or neu- probate, collections and
reduced by spaying and unless they have already require a deposit of not agency holding the depos- tering of a sexually imma- general civil matters. She
neutering pets. been spayed or neutered less than $25 from the new it. The agency is to use the ture dog or cat at the dis- represents Social Security
In Tennessee state law or unless the new owner owner prior to the adoption forfeited deposit money to cretion of a licensed veter- claimants and represents
requires that dogs and signs a written agreement to ensure that the dog or cat conduct programs to spay inarian with the consent of creditors in bankruptcy
cats being adopted from with the agency stating that is spayed or neutered. The or neuter dogs and cats the new owner. Nor should proceedings. Her office is
an agency, animal shelter, the new owner will have the new owner may request a and/or to conduct educa- anything in the statute be in Knoxville and she may
dog pound, animal control dog or cat spayed or neu- refund of his or her deposit tional programs in support construed to authorize an be reached at (865)539-
agency or humane shel- tered by a licensed vet- from the agency upon pro- of the spaying and neuter- agency to spay or neuter a 2100.
ter, whether operated by erinarian within 30 days viding confirmation of the ing of dogs and cats. dog or cat, if such dog or
Enrichment Federal Credit Union Voting place changes
for Mechanicsville
Donation to Pantry for Feeding Pets
Cont. from page 1 been in more rural coun-
ties because there are
On July 1, 2015 Enrich- voters and put up signs so many places to get
ment Federal Credit Union at the Moses Center, plus an ID. He said that if you
presented dog and cat food I’ll probably have some- don’t have an ID you can
and a check for $500 to the one there on Election Day always vote by mail by call-
Pantry for Feeding Pets. to direct voters,” Rogers ing the Election Commis-
Proceeds of the check were said. sion office at (865) 215-
from employee fundraising While Rogers said the 2480.
and the number of Pet Pals election commission Rogers said the election
Savings Accounts opened doesn’t often choose officials also visit nursing
by credit union members. churches as voting places homes and set up voting
The Pantry for Feeding the First Church of the machines there and even
Pets began in 2009 with Nazarene has replaced visit people who are bed-
the mission of preventing the West Hills precinct in ridden with machines. He
pets from being abandoned past elections. said, however, paper bal-
at shelters and randomly He also told The Focus lots will be used for the
turned out in the streets, that photo IDs in Knox first time in nursing homes
by providing assistance to County have not been because there are only
their owners to keep them the problem as they have two people on the ballot.
fed. It also makes sure
that pets can stay in their
homes and provided much
Missing Fort Adair
needed companionship to
the owner. Founder, Ted
Hembree, believes that
Historic Marker
pets shouldn’t suffer when
their owner falls on hard
times, plus it also takes
located
away the issue of prioritiz-
ing food between a pet and
person. Cont. from page 1 the location and the sign
The Pantry for Feed- said that he witnessed a will be put back up when
ing Pets serves an aver- backhoe and a KUB truck construction is complet-
age of 1,600 families per there before the sign dis- ed. Meanwhile the historic
month, mainly through the appeared. marker is being stored at
FISH Hospitality Pantry and KUB reported that they the TDOT office at 7345
Meals on Wheels. They are didn’t remove the sign and Legion Lane.
Katy Jett, EFCU VP Marketing and Wayne Hope, EFCU CEO present Ted Hembree,
looking at expanding their said the developer may Fountain City and Knox-
PFFP Founder (center) with funds and food collected by EFCU employees.
distribution channels in have removed it. After a ville honor John Adair in
the future. As an addition- search by The Focus, an many ways including Adair
al service, EFCU is putting a way to help pet owners accounts opened, Enrich- “not only are we help- inquiry with the Tennes- Drive, Adair Park, Adair
PFFP’s collection barrels in save for everything from ment FCU makes donations ing our members save for see Department of Trans- Gardens, Adair Manor and
their Oak Ridge, West Knox- their pet’s medical expens- to animal shelters, animal the future needs of their portation’s Knoxville office Adair Creek. The Creek
ville, North Knoxville and es, boarding or grooming groups, rescue groups and pets, but we are able to located the sign. A spokes- flows through the park
Northshore offices. Mem- costs, food and supplies or humane societies each give back to animal groups person for TDOT said it and enters First Creek
bers of the community can even for a new pet. The Pet quarter. Since the account in the community. Credit was removed because of just east of the Lynnhurst
drop off dog and cat food at Pals program has a unique started, the credit union unions were founded on work being conducted at Cemetery.
these locations and it will feature that benefits the has donated over $10,000 the philosophy of ‘People
be taken monthly to be dis- community the credit union to area animal groups. Helping People’ and with
tributed by the group. serves. Through fund rais- “What a better way to the Pet Pals Savings Club,
Enrichment Federal ing efforts by the staff and demonstrate the credit we are able to assist needy
Credit Union launched a contributions based on the union difference,” said animals and owners in our
Pet Pals Savings Club as number of new Pet Pals Katy Jett, VP Marketing, community.”
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PAGE A2 The Knoxville Focus July 20, 2015 July 20, 2015 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE A3
Is Your Child in a Failing School District?
Randy Turner, a 2 Teachers are overwhelmed with with an overemphasis on public relations. have, the more problems your school dis-
former English Teach- requests for data. Teachers today “When administrators surround them- trict is going to have.” We can’t even get
er, writes in the online spend more and more time providing selves with yes-men and strictly control accurate reporting on how many adminis-
edition of the Huffing- data for the sole purpose of rating schools the message, it makes it much more likely trators are in KCS, not to mention illegally
ton Post that there and teachers, via standardized tests. that mistakes are going to be made, at a hired Broad Fellows, retired principals and
are better ways than Many districts have mandated “costly cost to the children and to the taxpayers,” administrators working part time, etc.
test scores to tell if practice tests given multiple times during says Turner.
your child is in a “fail- the year.” Turner laments, “These (tests) 9 An overemphasis has been placed on
ing school district.” We By Sally Absher not only take away from instructional time, 6School Board members serve as rubber technology. Turner has a valid point
sallyabsher@
at The Focus decry the but they also strip the children of any love stamps. Turner writes, “When the here, one we wish BOE member
knoxfocus.com
term “failing school” – of learning and they provide overly gener- board of education places blind Doug Harris would take to heart – “While
KCS has many great ous fees to the testing companies.” trust in anyone it increases the odds that it is vital that students are able to handle
schools and excellent teachers – but something disastrous will happen. One of technology, it is just as important that they
Turner’s analysis should give those of us 3 Teachers receive no support from admin- the major criticisms lodged against board are able to participate in discussions, listen
paying attention to KCS some cause for istrators on discipline issues. School members is that they “have an agenda,” as to lectures… and take notes. If your school
concern. safety today is measured by the if that is something bad. If the agenda is to district is pushing the idea that everything
Turner writes, “In these days of Common number of “incidents, referrals, and sus- stop out-of-control spending, or place more can be learned by consulting Google then
Core State Standards and continuing pensions.” In a new twist on “don’t ask emphasis on education, what is wrong with your child is being shortchanged.” Or maybe
attacks on public education by billion- don’t tell,” teachers in some schools are that? When boards serve as rubber stamps that was Karen Carson who made the com-
aires and their bought-and-paid-for leg- encouraged to “handle every kind of situa- for any administrator, they are effective- ment about Google.
islators, parents need a few guidelines tion in their classrooms and not involve the ly taking away local control of our school
on how to tell if their child is in a failing principal’s office.” This only increases class- districts.” (Thanks to our BOE members 10N ot enough emphasis is being
school district. It has nothing to do with room distractions and loss of learning time who don’t just rubber stamp – Terry Hill, placed on civics and citizenship.
low scores on state-mandated standard- for students and teachers alike. Patti Bounds, Amber Rountree and Mike “In the push to make sure every-
ized tests and more to do with the culture McMillan.) one is “college and career ready,” many
in the school district.” 4 Professional development is limited to schools are depriving children of some of
Find the entire column here: http://www. indoctrination and data. There has 7 The community is not involved in its the most important knowledge they should
huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner. We pro- been a “transition of professional schools. “In many school districts… receive… While it is important that students
vide a summary below (with commentary, development from learning techniques the community involvement is be ready to work, the idea that they should
naturally) of the 10 signs that your child is that will help the teacher to improve teach- restricted to a carefully selected group of be doing so during their high school years
in a failing school district. See how many ing and classroom management tech- business and civic leaders …” (like, say, at the expense of learning about govern-
sound familiar: niques to attempts to forcefully install a the Chamber of Commerce?) And, as we ment, history, and the things they need to
culture that would seem more desirable in saw with the 2020 Strategic Plan and the know to be a full participant in our society
1The large majority of your teachers have a business than in an institution of learn- recent Year Round School debacle – “In is ludicrous.” We would add it is equally ludi-
less than five years of experience. Suc- ing.” Turner adds, “Much of this has come some school districts, the community is crous to forgo related arts (band, chorus,
cessful schools need a healthy mix from the proliferation of consultants and asked for its input and then guided to give art, PE, etc.) for “college and career ready”
of veteran teachers and those beginning motivational speakers” – like the Parthe- the input the administrators are seeking so instruction at any grade level.
their teaching career. Turner says, “When non Group, for example. they can say whatever initiative they have Turner concludes, “This list leaves off
you run off your veteran teachers, you not has the support of the community. That is other important factors- poverty, crime, and
only do not have teachers who can mentor 5 The message is tightly controlled, elim- not community involvement; that is pure how many billionaires you have who are
the younger staff members and help them inating constructive criticism. There spin.” Agreed. trying to force privatization of education
reach their full potential, but you also are has been a shift from educators down your throat, but for those who want
increasing the odds that you are going to who worked their way over many years 8 The district is top heavy with administra- to make a difference at a local level, these
hire some less gifted teachers just to fill into administration, to administrators with tors. “Administration tends to grow are the danger signs that your district is
the vacancies.” Check out your school’s little or no classroom experience. Knox far more than is necessary, using failing.” Indeed. We hope the Board of Edu-
website to see how long your child’s teach- County’s own Superintendent spent a funds that could be spent much better in cation will take these factors into consid-
ers have been with KCS. mere nine months teaching in an “alterna- the classroom. Rule of thumb, the more eration when they conduct Dr. McIntyre’s
tive school.” This has led to a culture shift executive directors of anything that you next evaluation.
The Chalk Board
Bits of News About Local Education
By Sally Absher supplies for teachers – January 23 and April 2, state standardized tests in some states could have would not be counted in
[email protected] new and gently used – and 2016. Teachers need to without putting school more right to make deci- the participation rate of any
provides them at no cost bring their school ID badge districts at risk of federal sions about their child’s state, effectively removing
Teacher Supply to teachers several times or a letter from their princi- sanctions. education than parents in them from the accountabil-
a year. The items most pal in order to be admitted The chamber voted 64 other states. ity system altogether. Civil
Depot Donations
in demand are every-day during the giveaway dates. to 32 against the amend- Current law requires that rights groups opposed that
Sought
items – notebooks, pens, Senate Defeats ment, proposed by Utah school districts ensure that provision, saying it opened
It may be the last thing and pencils. Amendment Sen. Mike Lee amid a 95 percent of children take a loophole to hide achieve-
on your kids’ mind, but Last week, WATE 6 On backlash against man- the exams, presumably to ment gaps.
Allowing Opt Out
Knox County teachers are Your Side hosted a Christ- dated standardized tests. prevent administrators In either case, a par-
of Standardized
starting to think about get- mas in July donation drive. “Parents, not politicians or from encouraging low per- ent’s right to make deci-
ting their classrooms ready But you can still donate to Tests bureaucrats, will have the formers to stay home on sions regarding their chil-
for students – who will be the Teacher Supply Depot final say over whether indi- exam day. The Senate bill dren’s education is being
back in school in less than by dropping off new or The passage of the Sen- vidual children take tests,” mandates 95 percent par- superseded by the Federal
a month. Supplies like pen- gently used school supplies ate’s “Every Child Achieve he said. ticipation of students who Government, something to
cils, pens, paper, calcula- at 709 N. Cedar Bluff Road. Act (ECAA – the controver- But our own Sen. Lamar are required to be tested, which everyone should be
tors and notebooks add Hours are 9:00 am to 2:00 sial “renewal” of No Child Alexander — the Republi- ostensibly allowing states opposed.
up when teaching a class- pm. You can call the Depot Left Behind) last week was can co-sponsor of the bill to decide whether children The next step is a con-
room full of students, which at [phone] for more a hollow victory at best, — spoke forcefully against who opt out are among ference committee to
is why the Teacher Supply information. after the Senate defeated the proposal, saying it those who are required to hammer out the differenc-
Depot was establisehd 15 Teacher Giveaway Dates an amendment to the bill would strip states of the be tested. es between the two bills.
years ago. for the 2015-2016 school that would have allowed right to decide whether to Under the House bill, The saying “two wrongs
Teacher Supply Depot year are August 15 and parents nationwide to opt allow parents to opt out - however, parents who opt don’t make a right” comes
provides donated school October 17, 2015 and out of federally-mandated which means that parents their children out of tests to mind.
JOIN US IN CELEBRATION OF THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY OF
Smithwood Baptist Church
SPECIAL MORNING WORSHIP AT 10:45 A.M.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2015 AT 4914 JACKSBORO PIKE, KNOXVILLE TN
[phone] EMAIL: [email protected]
PAGE A4 The Knoxville Focus July 20, 2015
April’s Officer of the Month, Charles Kuykendall, and
May’s Detective of the Month, Tim Sellers.
Photo by Dan anDrews. Sheriff’s Office
Floyd’s antiques open For business! Lexi Taylor, Fred Henry, Eloise Henry, Bob Taylor, Xavier Tay-
lor, owner Angela Taylor, Louanne Taylor, Mayor Tim Burchett and Don and Sue Reagan officially cut the rib-
recognizes top officers
bon last month for Floyds Antiques aka Floyds Garage Knoxville. Floyd’s is located at 3019 SE Amherst Rd. in
Knoxville and offers fine furniture, antiques, vintage toys and collectibles, vintage clothing, antique car parts,
antique motorcycle parts and more. For more information, please visit www.floydsgarageknoxville.com or call
[phone]. Two officers were Kuykendall checked for
recognized last week for any medical needs and
special service earlier called Family Crisis.
this year. Because of his quick
Chief Rausch answers PARC questions The Knox County action to investigate the
Sheriff’s Office incident, he potentially
congratulates April’s prevented future harm
By Mike Steely currently wear body cam- and that the police depart- PARC was created in 1998 Officer of the Month, to the seven children.
[email protected] eras and he’s concerned ment works with neigh- and adopted by the city in Charles Kuykendall. The Knox County
about video captured in borhoods and organiza- 2001. The group is desig- On April 30, Officer Sheriff’s Office
Knoxville Police Chief incidents like officers visit- tions concerned with police nated as an independent Kuykendall responded congratulates May’s
David Rausch answered ing homes on a domestic powers and civil rights. agency with the authority to to a call involving a two- Detective of the Month,
questions from the Police call. He said he’s asked the “There’s a disconnect in review and investigate alle- year-old that had fallen
Tim Sellers.
Advisory and Review Com- legislature to look into the our community especial- gations of misconduct filed out of bed. When he
On May 19, Detective
mittee Thursday during its matter and said the cost of ly among African Ameri- by the public. Seven citizens arrived on scene, Rural
Sellers responded to an
meeting at the Messiah the cameras isn’t the issue; can Youth,” the chief said, serve and are appointed by Metro told him that they
armed robbery (where a
Lutheran Church. Rausch it’s the cost of storing the adding that he will be work- the mayor and approved did not need assistance.
shot was fired) at the Pilot
responded to several ques- data, adding that the cost ing with the Beck Center in by City Council. The exec- Kuykendall decided not to
Travel Center on East
tions including the release is a matter for city council the near future about that utive director is a full time leave and to investigate
Raccoon Valley Road.
of video from incidents, to consider. subject. He also mentioned employee of PARC. the call. He checked
Sellers and Detective
body cameras, and disci- Asked about an officer Mayor Madeline Rogero’s The executive officer on the child, who was
Jeremy McCord worked
pline of officers. who resigned when charg- “Save Our Sons” campaign meets monthly with vari- behaving normally, in the
in conjunction with the
The meeting was poorly es were considered against and said he is working on ous agencies including the back of the ambulance.
Anderson County Sheriff’s
attended by the public with him, Rausch said the officer a pamphlet that will have East Tennessee Civil Rights After a few minutes, the
Office, the Campbell
only a handful of citizens is gone and was not formal- information on what to do Working group and meets child became limp and
County Sheriff’s Office,
present. Three of those ly charged. He also said the when stopped by a police quarterly with the police unresponsive. Kuykendall
and Rocky Top Police
present had questions and resigned officer’s pension is officer as well as what the department’s Training Com- had the child’s father
Department. A thorough
comments for the group intact and added, “We can’t officer can and cannot do mittee. show him where the
investigation led to the
and Chief Rausch. PARC touch their pension.” in such a stop. Complains may be filed child fell out of bed and
clearance of not only the
members present included He said that in disciplin- He said that some of that by telephone at (865)215- found a bottle of alcohol
Pilot armed robbery, but
Rausch, attorney Ron Mills, ing officers who violate training has taken place. 3869 or in person at the mixer, which the child
also a Claiborne County
Cynthia White, Rosa Mar, the code of conduct there “Are we there yet? No,” City County Building, 400 had apparently ingested.
armed robbery and
Robbie Arrington, Execu- “are a number of possible Rausch said. Main Street, Room 538, in While in the house,
carjacking, a Campbell
tive Director Avice Reid, Ann actions,” including suspen- Asked about racial inci- Knoxville. Kuykendall noticed
County burglary, arson,
Barker and Thomas Strick- sion and dismissal. He said dents involving police shoot- In the first six months chain locks on bedroom
land. officers can appeal for a ings, Rausch said, “In our of this year there were 34 doors and had the father carjacking, and the armed
“We’re in conversations Civil Service hearing. community we haven’t had cases reviewed by PARC open them after a small robbery of a Marathon
with the District Attorney “All of our cases are open that type of incident. De-es- with 24 resolved. Eighteen child opened one and Fuel gas station where
about the appropriate time record; you can come to the calation is our main objec- cases remain unresolved said that his diaper a 12-year-old victim was
of the release of a video. Internal Affairs office and tive.” including some from 2014. was wet and he needed shot.
Somehow it got convolut- get the records,” Rausch Asked about having Five officers were disciplined to use the bathroom. Seller’s investigation
ed that we weren’t going said. Attorney Mills said policemen walking a beat, and in two incidents officers Inside, Kuykendall also led to the recovery
to release any video,” Chief ongoing cases are not open Rausch said he encourages received corrective action. found six more children. of evidence used in the
Rausch said. to the public until they are officers to get out of their One officer received coun- The children’s locked crimes and property
“We’re not against body resolved. cars and talk to people. selling and one resigned. bedrooms contained only purchased with the funds
cameras but it’s a privacy In answering other ques- The meeting also heard PARC meets quarterly bed frames, mattresses, received from the armed
issue,” he said, explaining tions, Rausch said the city briefly from the departments at various locations within and soiled linens. Officer robberies.
that the city officers don’t has no “Stop and Frisk” law Animal Control division. Knoxville.
Fountain City Town Hall:
Honor Fountain City Day,
Signs, Gibbs Drive
By Mike Steely Sector Plan.
[email protected]
“We owe them a debt of gratitude,”
With the Honor Fountain City Day Rowe said.
behind them for 2015, the Fountain City Ken Cloninger mentioned the group’s
Town Hall is already beginning to plan victory at MPC after the Fountain City
for next year’s event. The neighborhood Town Hall objected to a commercial devel-
Eagle Scouts David Denton, Braden Mast, Ryan Howard, Jonathan West, Nicholas West organization, one of the most powerful opment at the entrance to Historic Gibbs
and Zarian Stephens paint one of the two bridges leading into Fountain City Park. in Knoxville, met last Monday and Vice- Drive.
Chairman Jamie Rowe chaired the meet- The group also discussed the proposed
Area Eagle Scout gives
ing. cell tower on Black Oak Ridge.
Rowe said that rather than appoint a Roe said that the Alice Bell-Spring Hill
committee to plan next year’s celebra- neighborhood has asked Fountain City
Fountain City Park a face lift
tion she would have the board meet at her Town Hall to join them in co-hosting a can-
home and, in three hours, she believes didates forum on August 17th at the town
Cont. from page 1
McFarland said. “He did all completing the project, they can develop plans. The August plan- hall’s next meeting and the group briefly
said. “And I would just like of the talking. aside from the rain and ning event, she said, would also provide talked about upcoming roadway changes
to tell them ‘thanks.’” “They only asked me what planning. “plenty of coffee and bagels.” in the East Town area.
McFarland was able to color we had to have.” “It wasn’t all that The Town Hall board also voted to It was also decided to bring Fountain
help his grandson secure West noted that difficult,” West said. “But commend Carlene Malone and Charlotte City stickers to general meetings of the
the donated materials but McFarland had dealt with we had to plan the work Davis for their efforts on behalf of the group and possibly also offer the stickers
said that West deserved Home Depot before. day two weeks in advance group, especially in their proposals for the at Pratt’s Country Store for sale.
the majority of the credit. It was a vast undertaking and that kind of built up the sign ordinance in the city and their efforts The historic marker for Adair’s Fort was
“I’m proud of him,” but West had little trouble suspense.” to change the wording of the Northeast also a topic. (See related story on A1)
July 20, 2015 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE B1
July 20, 2015
Our Neighborhoods
Old North Knoxville coming alive
By Mike Steely
Stair agreed to construct the
[email protected]
siding with wood and will submit
Old North Knoxville sits in a the plans to Graybeal. He also
Historic District. Here and there said he understands he must
are a few homes for sale along ask the Board of Zoning Appeals
the sidewalks and tree-lined to get a smaller setback from the
streets. The houses vary in style; alley for the structure.
some are single story and some The owner of 1208 Kenyon
are large two-story homes, most Street asked the historic
dating from 1880 through 1920. commissioners for permission
The neighborhood was a city into to demolish a carport, construct
itself by 1889 and became part a new one and restore the front
of Knoxville in 1897. It was, in porch. The staff and members
those years, a streetcar suburb approved the idea with some
of downtown Knoxville. restrictions, including reusing
In 1978 the neighborhood some of the bricks on the site.
organized an association known Speaking for the neighborhood
as Old North Knoxville, Inc. group, Pierce gave the proposal a
Neighborhood activities include “Big Yea!” and the commissioners
an annual Victorian Holiday Home said they were glad to see the
Tour, monthly potluck dinners, home come back from disrepair
greenway and park clean-up and, informally, asked the new
days, street and alley clean-up owner to remove the satellite dish
days, a neighborhood watch at the home. The structure is a
program, a neighborhood orchard 1910 Craftsman Bungalow.
and garden, and an annual ice Replacing some windows
cream social. and rebuilding a chimney at
Driving through the Old North Photo by Mike Steely 424 E. Oklahoma Avenue in
Knoxville neighborhood you can Homes in Old North Knoxville area are of various styles. Since the neighborhood is within a Historic the Old North neighborhood
see and hear the changes there. Overlay District improvements or changes to the exterior must go before the Historic Zoning Commis- was also discussed. Meg Lane
Workers are busy with the historic sion. was asking for permission and
homes there, repairing, replacing, it was stated that some of the
painting, etc. The area is alive with Place, Island Home, Sequoyah often sends a spokesperson to where he said the “servant windows are rotten. Graybeal told
activity as longtime residents and Hills, etc. address proposed changes and, in quarters” used to exist. It would the applicant to submit window
newcomers fix up the fine homes This past Thursday, three Old the meeting last week, Old North be along an alley there which he specifications to her before
there. North Knoxville home projects Knoxville, Inc.’s representative says is narrow and rarely used. buying the replacements.
When homeowners want to came up before the Knoxville was James Pierce. Knoxville’s Historic Planner Kaye The Old North Knoxville
improve the exterior of their Historic Planning Commission, City Councilman Marshall Stair, Graybeal told the other Historic organization can be found on the
homes there they apply to the which reviews and votes on who moved from downtown to Old Zoning Commission members that internet at “oldnorthknoxville.
Historic Planning Commission changes to the exteriors of North Knoxville, is restoring and the staff recommended carriage- org” or on Facebook, Yahoo, or
and appear before that group the homes in the city. All three renovating his home at 1325 style doors on the garage. Pierce Twitter. A potluck dinner is held at
with their plans and ideas. requests were approved with Armstrong Avenue and wants said the Old North organization 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday
That applies to all of Knoxville’s some changes and requirements to build a garage. Stair said the has “no objections” to the garage of each month at the St. James
Historic Neighborhoods such as to the renovations. garage would go on an existing which he said “fits the style” of Episcopal Church at 1101 N.
Old City, Fourth and Gill, Emory The neighborhood organization concrete slab behind the house the house. Broadway.
Norwood talks abandoned signs, city election
By Mike Steely
regulated in the new reg- new rules give an owner the account. Redmon said be one of the two top vote- be and mentioned the
[email protected]
ulations. The association more time. much of the money was getters in the September shopping center behind
As the city of Knoxville met Tuesday evening and Louise Gorenflo sug- donated a few years ago 29 primary so he can run McDonalds on Merchant
looks at new sign ordinanc- discussed the issue. gested that the neighbor- by State Representative in the general election on Road.
es, some neighborhoods Present was City hood members make a list Harry Tindell when Tindell November 3. Early voting School Board Member
are looking at the new Councilman Finbarr of abandoned signs and was in office. will run October 14 through Terry Hill told the meet-
regulations and seeing Saunders, who noted that turn it over to the city for The association also October 29 for the city gen- ing that she had favored a
how the rules affect their the new regulations will enforcement. discussed having a eral election. new Northwest Elementary
areas. Norwood is one of actually expand the length The association voted Watermelon Social during “This will be a low-turn- but thinks that the
the areas where the resi- of time a sign owner has to name Freda Yearwood their next meeting on out election,” Saunders compromise between
dents will be actively driv- to replace or demolish a as treasurer and will for- August 11. predicted, explaining Mayor Tim Burchett and
ing around and taking sign, if it passes city coun- malize the appointment Saunders addressed the that the city mayor and Superintendent James
notes. cil Tuesday evening with in their next meeting. The meeting briefly, telling the one At-Large incumbent, McIntyre for two new middle
The Norwood the current wording. He association, according to group of the upcoming elec- George Wallace, have no schools is acceptable. She
Neighborhood Association said that currently a sign President Lynn Redmon, tion dates. He faces three opposition. said she believes that had
is talking about finding owner has 90 days to has about $10,000 in the challengers in his bid for The Norwood associa- the school board voted
and reporting abandoned repair, replace or demol- bank and needs a new re-election for his At Large tion discussed where the against the compromise
signs, which will be loosely ish a business sign but the treasurer who can sign for seat and said he hopes to early-voting office would Continue on page 2
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A Fountain City Tradition
[email protected]
The two story foyer welcomes you to this amazing home, per-
[phone]
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PAGE B2 The Knoxville Focus July 20, 2015
Great advice for women Piddle Diddle has Arrived!
car, be aware, look around
you, look into your car, at What animal can hold After being created Johnson City, Tennessee. There,
the passenger side floor a child’s attention better and written in Corryton, Publisher Janie Jessee and
and in the back seat. than a mischievous, cun- Tennessee, Piddle Diddle Graphic Designer Tara Sizemore
If you are parked next to ning penguin? Piddle wintered in Mosheim, got her ready to jump into the book
a big van, enter your car Diddle is such a penguin! Tennessee, in beauti- before she wobbled her way down
It’s a from the passenger door. Despite her small size, ful rural Greene County. to the printer in Nashville. While
dangerous world out there Most serial killers attack she can be an exam- She was right at home Piddle Diddle was in Johnson City,
Pages from the Past
ladies, so be careful! Here their victims by pulling ple to children. Size is when East Tennessee Steve Ellis of Light House Studio
are a few tips for consider- them into their vans while an obstacle only if you got hammered with all in Knoxville prepared her home in
ation which will help you to the women are attempting let it be, and penguins By Ralphine Major of that snow and ice. record time on our logo and web-
be safe: to get into their cars. are some of the most ralphine3@yahoo. Piddle Diddle came to life site. This expert website design-
com
Did you know that your Look at the car parked entertaining animals on on the pages of the book er has been a tremendous help
elbow is the strongest point on the driver’s side of your the planet. My brother, with Teresa Wilkerson’s to us and patient with these first-
on your body? If you are vehicle, and the passen- Wayne Major, created the char- talented hands. The self-taught time authors. Steve will finish our
close enough to use it, do! ger side. If a male is sitting acter, Piddle Diddle, the Widdle illustrator used her magic touch to website when we get a couple of
If you are ever thrown in along in the seat nearest Penguin, and is contributing to make Piddle Diddle look her very our business processes complet-
to the trunk of a car, kick your car, you may want to this column. I co-authored “Piddle best for little readers to take home ed. It was only days before Piddle
out the back tail lights and walk back and get a guard/ Diddle’s Lost Hat,” the first book in with them. Diddle boarded a big brown truck
stick your arm out the hole policeman to walk you back the series, “Adventures of Piddle After her stay in Greene County, in Nashville and headed toward
and start waving like crazy. out. It is always better to be Diddle, the Widdle Penguin.” we took Piddle Diddle to the staff Knoxville---”hat and all,” the pub-
The driver won’t see you safe than sorry. (And better at Jan-Carol Publishing (JCP) in lisher told us when we checked on
By Ray Hill
but everybody else will. paranoid than dead). her. JCP’s Tammy Robinson-Smith
[email protected]
This has saved lives. Always take the eleva- helped introduce Piddle Diddle to
The three reasons women tor instead of the stairs. Focus readers in last week’s press
are easy targets for random (Stairwells are horrible release, and we have lots of busi-
acts of violence are: places to be alone and the ness cards that Graphic Touch
1. Lack of awareness. perfect crime spot). If the made featuring Ellis’ colorful logo
You must know where you predator has a gun and you for Piddle Diddle fans. She is now
are and what’s going on are not under his control, officially home at www.major-
around you. always run. The predator booksofjoy.com--- Home of Piddle
2. Body language. Keep will only hit you (a running Diddle, the Widdle Penguin! Books
your head up, swing your target) 4 in a 100 times. are available at www.jancarolpub-
arms, stand straight up. And even then it most likely lishing.com, www.amazon.com,
3. Wrong place, wrong will not be a vital organ. and will soon be available at the
time. Don’t walk alone in Please be safe and not Home of Piddle Diddle---www.
an alley, or drive in a bad sorry! Just a warning to majorbooksofjoy.com.
neighborhood at night. always be alert and use
Women have a tendency your head! Our logo designed by Steve
to get into their cars after Thought for the day: We Ellis of Light House Studio
shopping, eating, work- must constantly build dikes
ing, etc., and just sit (doing of courage to hold back the
their checkbook, or making flood of fear. Martin Luther
a list, etc.), don’t do this. As King, Jr.
soon as you get into your Send comments to;
Writers Program to Feature Publisher
car, lock the doors and [email protected] or call
leave. [phone]. Thank
When getting into your you. Hugo and Stoker Award-
nominated editor and pub-
lisher Jason Sizemore will
speak at the Thursday,
Aug. 6 program of the
Knoxville Writers’ Guild.
The event, which will
be open to the public, will
begin at 7 p.m. at the Laurel
Theater, at the corner of
Jason Sizemore, owner/
Laurel Avenue and 16th
operator of Apex
Streets (in Fort Sanders). A
Publications, will speak at
$2 donation is requested
the Knoxville Writer’s Guild
at the door. The building
meeting in August.
is handicapped acces-
sible. Additional parking to the masses, all the way
is available at Redeemer to WorldCon 2012 and his
Church of Knoxville, 1642 first Hugo Awards ceremo-
Highland Ave. ny. For more information,
Sizemore is the visit www.jason-sizemore.
owner/operator of Apex com or www.apexbook-
Publications, a small press company.com. Copies of
that focuses on science fic- “For Exposure” and his
tion, fantasy and horror. Its collection, “Ireedemable”
“Apex Magazine” has been (Seventh Star Press 2014),
nominated for the Hugo will be available for pur-
Award three times. At the chase at the program.
monthly program, he will Sizemore also is slated
discuss “the genre short version of the chapter that through a tiny, overheat- to lead a workshop
fiction renaissance, digi- relates slush pile facts and ed Baptist church deep Saturday, Aug. 8 titled,
tal publishing, and where a couple of the more wor- within the coal fields of “Writing Science Fiction
I see it heading.” risome submissions I’ve Appalachia, Kentucky, and Fantasy: Liftoff!”
In addition, he’ll read received,” he said. “The past a busted printer and More details will be
a chapter from his latest authors will find it infor- a self-serving boss that released soon. For more
book, “For Exposure: The mative and hopefully triggered an early mid- information about KWG
Life and Times of a Small entertaining.” life crisis and the epipha- and its events, visit www.
Press Publisher” (Apex The book follows his ny that he should open a KnoxvilleWritersGuild.org.
2015). unconventional profes- magazine spreading the
“I will read a condensed sional path as it winds gospel of science fiction
PAGE B2 The Knoxville Focus July 20, 2015 July 20, 2015 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE B3
Piddle Diddle has Arrived! ‘Hillbilly Bill’
Congressman J. Will Taylor
Pages from the Past
out of office have helped funeral rites.
to defray the expenses of Even in death, controver-
my political battles. I con- sy surrounded J. Will Taylor.
tend that demonstration After the Congressman
of interest in the things I had passed, there were
stand for is entirely com- reports his office in the
mendable and that it is a Federal Building had
common practice in every been “ransacked”. Knox
state in the union.” County Sheriff Carroll
Taylor’s opponents got Cate admitted there was
exactly nowhere. “no way of telling” wheth-
More than a few times, er Congressman Taylor’s
the acrimony between the office had actually been
factions publicly erupted. burgled. Cate said he
By Ray Hill
One such occasion came had gone with Taylor’s
[email protected]
after the 1934 elections older daughter, Elizabeth,
For twenty years, 1906. when former governor Ben to the Federal Building
James Willis Taylor was Richard Austin did not W. Hooper had run unsuc- in Knoxville so that Miss
the Congressman from linger long in Great Britain, cessfully against Senator Taylor could recover some
Tennessee’s Second resigning his post in 1907 K. D. McKellar. An outraged of her father’s personal
Congressional district. to return to Tennessee Hooper cried at a meeting papers. Tape had been
J. Will Taylor, popularly and run for Congress of Republicans in Nashville placed over the keyhole in
known to many of his con- once again. Facing his old that “the Republican Party the door and it was miss-
stituents as “Hillbilly Bill,” foe Nathan Hale, Austin in Tennessee is already ing when Miss Taylor and
was a power in both the waged a fierce campaign shot to pieces”. Governor the Sheriff arrived. The
national Republican Party and made a bargain Hooper then questioned Congressman’s young-
and the Tennessee GOP. with Governor Malcolm whether Congressman er daughter, Catherine,
Born August 28, 1880 Patterson, a Democrat. Taylor had really supported had already been to her
near Lead Mine Bend in Governor Patterson was his candidacy in the 1934 father’s office and taken
PHOtO frOm tHE AutHOr’S PErSONAL COLLECtiON.
Union County, in a two- fighting a hard battle of his election against McKellar. away Taylor’s papers and
Congressman J. Will taylor in 1937.
room cabin, James Willis own, facing popular former “When you have personal effects from his
Taylor was the son of a U. S. senator Edward Ward Republican treachery office, removing them
“country storekeeper.” Carmack in his own prima- in the first district and conservative of the two of several Republican to another room in the
Things were hard for young ry election. Austin barely Republican treachery in and Hillbilly Bill was shrewd Congressmen who were Federal Building before
J. Will and he worked hard edged out Congressman the second district contrib- enough to be a big support- replaced by Democrats. taking them home to
as a teenager and got at Hale, winning the nomina- uting to the defeat of your er of the Tennessee Valley With the election of FDR, LaFollette.
education at the Holbrook tion by 809 votes. Nathan candidate for the United Authority. Reece had once J. Will Taylor lost his con- As is usually the case
Writers Program to Feature Publisher
Normal College, which Hale did not take his defeat States Senate there is lost his own Congressional trol of federal patronage when a long-term incum-
was located in Fountain lying down and after a something wrong - - - it seat briefly due to many in Tennessee, which was bent dies in office, there
City. To support himself failed attempt to prevent was Republican treachery believing he was at heart placed in the hands of were a host of prospec-
and save money to fur- Austin from caucusing with growing out of factional- opposed to the TVA. Senator McKellar. During tive candidates to succeed
ther his education, J. Will House Republicans, ran ism,” Hooper charged. There were far more his last years in Congress, Taylor. Howard Baker, the
Taylor taught school and again in 1910, but lost by Congressman Taylor, pleasant occasions for J. Taylor had to appeal GOP candidate for gover-
finally graduated from a wider margin. replying to the former gov- Will Taylor than the bick- to McKellar to protect nor in 1938, was prom-
Cumberland School of By 1918, Congressman ernor, serenely said, he ering inside his own party. Republican employees. inently mentioned, as
Law with a degree in hand. Richard Austin had been was “thoroughly in accord” He returned to Lead Mine The alliance between East were Judge John Jennings,
Taylor was admitted to the in office for a decade and with Hooper’s comments Bend to view the unveiling Tennessee Republicans attorneys Ray and Erby
Bar in 1902 and returned he was hardly universally and dryly noted, “The of a statue of his father, and Democrats has fre- Jenkins, Judge Hu B.
to LaFollette, Tennessee popular. J. Will Taylor was Republican Party is not who had fought in the Civil quently been attributed Webster, Knoxville Attorney
and began to practice his the Chairman of the State dead”. Taylor went on War, on May 29, 1930. to an agreement between General J. Fred Bibb, and
profession. Republican Party and to deny the allegation of Taylor had traveled to Congressman J. Will Taylor Lenoir City Mayor Gilbert
Interested in politics, he entered the primary treachery, saying, “I not upper East Tennessee in and E. H. Crump, leader of Goodwin. There seemed to
J. Will Taylor was named against Austin. Taylor car- only deny the charge of 1927 to Elizabethton to the Shelby County polit- be hardly any Republican
Postmaster for LaFollette ried every county in the villainy in the second con- witness the opening of ical machine. In truth, of note that wasn’t men-
in 1904 when he was district, save for one. gressional district but on that city’s “new white way whatever alliance existed tioned as a possible candi-
only twenty-four years old. Austin might have tried behalf of the Republican lighting system” and the was formulated between date to succeed Taylor.
Taylor won his first elec- to regain his Congressional voters, I resent it.” dedication of a new plant Taylor and Senator K. D. One interesting pos-
tion to serve as mayor of seat in 1920, but death The Congressman said to be built by American McKellar, who had always sibility was the late
LaFollette in 1910. With took him away just a he had voted for Hooper, - Glanzstoff. Senator enjoyed considerable pop- Congressman’s daughter,
the election of Republican month after his term of but noted he had his own McKellar and Congressman ularity in East Tennessee. Elizabeth. A thirty-two year
Ben W. Hooper as gov- office expired. race to run and with that in Carroll Reece were also on The Great Depression old music teacher, Miss
ernor, Taylor was named J. Will Taylor would mind, he had done all he hand as President Calvin and the rise of Franklin Taylor confessed many
as State Commissioner remain in Congress for the could for the former gover- Coolidge, who was in Roosevelt and the New Republicans in the Second
of Insurance in 1913. In rest of his life. nor. Hooper then looked at South Dakota at the time, Deal also threatened J. Congressional District
1917, Taylor was elected Congressman Taylor Congressman Taylor and touched a button to turn Will Taylor politically. In were urging her to run to
by his fellow Republicans used his office to ingratiate asked, “You did all you on the lights for the new 1936, Taylor faced the succeed her father. She
as Chairman of the State himself with his constitu- could?” system. most formidable oppo- considered the expres-
Executive Committee. ents, as well as a power “Yes,” Taylor replied. Another happy event nent of his career in the sions of support she was
Tennessee was not to base to dominate what “Nobody believes that for Taylor was “a huge air person of John J. O’Connor, garnering as “a great trib-
elect another Republican remained of Tennessee’s but you,” Governor Hooper show” held in Knoxville on former Mayor of Knoxville. ute to my Daddy for his
governor until 1920 and Republican Party. During snapped. October 15, 1937, which O’Connor quite nearly friends to want me to fill
that would be the last the decade of the twen- Taylor retorted he had featured a renowned defeated Taylor and I per- out his unexpired term in
GOP chief executive for ties, Republicans held given the former governor “speed and precision pilot,” sonally recall some of the Congress.”
fifty years. By that time, J. the presidency, meaning a $100 contribution to his for the dedication of an old-time Republicans who Apparently not enough
Will Taylor had entered the all federal patronage in senatorial campaign. The $800,000 airport to serve were quite active politically of the late Congressman’s
Republican primary against Tennessee went through argument between the the Knoxville, Maryville during that campaign who friends relished the idea
a sitting Congressman, the hands of J. Will Taylor. two was finally brought to and Alcoa communities. chuckled and said that of sending Miss Taylor to
Richard W. Austin. That control of patronage a close by the chair. The airport, which became Taylor had actually lost the Congress for a short term
Despite being the minor- made Hillbilly Bill not a Bailey Walsh, a Memphis Tyson McGhee Airport, had election, but his reelec- in Congress, as a nominat-
ity party in Tennessee, few friends and more than attorney sought to pour been built by the Works tion was salvaged through ing convention was held
Republicans were deeply enough enemies. oil over troubled waters Progress Administration some creative counting of and Judge John Jennings
divided by factionalism. J. Will Taylor’s dominance by proposing a resolu- under the direction of the ballots. won a hotly contested
Richard Austin was some- in patronage matters was tion endorsing “the splen- Colonel Harry S. Berry, Hillbilly Bill’s long tenure race over attorney Erby
thing of a feudist and to continue to be a source did leadership” of both an appointee of Senator came to an end in 1939. Jenkins. Jennings won the
had aligned himself with of irritation between the Republican Congressmen, McKellar and the head Congressman Taylor 1939 special election and
those opposed to the lead- Congressman and many J. Will Taylor and the of the WPA in Tennessee. had driven by car from remained in Congress until
ership of H. Clay Evans of those who wanted First District’s B. Carroll Taylor joined Governor Washington, D. C. to 1950 when he was defeat-
of Chattanooga. Austin that influence for them- Reece. It likely did not Gordon Browning, Colonel Knoxville on November 13, ed by Howard Baker, Sr.
had actually sought a selves. There were charg- escape the attention of Berry, and U. S. Senator 1939. From Knoxville, he There are still vestiges in
Congressional seat in es of corruption and at some Republican dele- George L. Berry at the ded- drove back to his LaFollette, our community of Taylor’s
Alabama in 1890, but lost least one attempt to have gates that Walsh’s wife, ication ceremonies. The Tennessee home. After power and influence, as
to a former Confederate Taylor indicted by a feder- Dorothy McDaniel Walsh, highlight of the event was chatting with his wife, well as his use of feder-
general, Joseph Wheeler. al grand jury, which failed was employed by Senator the “destruction of a minia- Mossie, and daughters, al patronage. I. C. King
In 1893, Richard Austin utterly. Congressman McKellar. The only delegate ture fort” by Major Williams the Congressman was Park in South Knoxville is
returned to Knoxville to edit Taylor was accused of col- to vote against the Walsh and national guard units tired and went to bed early. named for a warm friend
the Knoxville Republican. lecting “political tribute” resolution was Governor from Knoxville, Maryville, Sometime later he suffered and political supporter of
Austin was appointed U. from friends and prospec- Ben W. Hooper. and Athens. a heart attack and the Congressman Taylor, who
S. Marshall for the Eastern tive appointees to office Congressman Taylor Much of J. Will Taylor’s family doctor was called. had been appointed U. S.
District of Tennessee in to fund his own political watched quietly as his influence evaporated in Five and a half hours after Marshall for the Eastern
1897 by President William machine. allies crushed the rebel- 1932 when Franklin D. suffering a heart attack, District of Tennessee and
McKinley and by 1904 was Taylor’s enemies took lion by other Republicans Roosevelt defeated Herbert Congressman Taylor had served throughout the
running hard for Congress. their accusations to the across the state to chal- Hoover for the presiden- another, fatal, attack and decade of the 1920s.
Austin lost to Nathan Chairman of the Republican lenge his authority. cy. The Republicans had died at 4:00 a.m. on the There are a few other
Hale, but was revived by National Committee at the Taylor faced his own controlled both houses of morning of November 14. such reminders of J. Will
yet another presiden- time, William M. Butler of rivalry with Congressman Congress throughout the J. Will Taylor’s body was Taylor’s Congressional
tial appointment, this Massachusetts. Reece and the two fought 1920s and the Democrats taken to the local high service, including a small
time securing a position J. Will Taylor calmly told for prominence and influ- seized control of the U. S. school, to lie in state and bridge named for him. Yet,
as the American consul Butler, “I don’t deny that ence inside their own House of Representatives then was moved to the in his time, Hillbilly Bill was
in Glasgow, Scotland in friends of mine in office and party. Reece was the more in 1931, following the death First Baptist Church for the a real power.
PAGE B4 The Knoxville Focus July 20, 2015
Looking at the beginning 40 years later
I received a the meeting with than I, and one, Bill Fogarty, Lyle was a rookie that year students sat. Mike Lowe, The anticipation of the
message on the principal, was 19, the same age as as well, and we became Randy Massey, and Cindy event is mixed with nerves.
Facebook not Billy K. Nicely. the girl I was dating and friends and colleagues. It Fleming had driven 100 Hey, I’ve not seen most of
long ago. Bill The man intimi- would later marry. Some of was a good faculty that miles to Cookeville to be these folks since they were
Fogarty contact- dated me might- the teaching genes passed year, and I felt blessed there. After all these years, 18 years old. Now they’re
ed me with infor- ily, even though on by Mother helped me to be a part of the DHS I still consider that one of 58 or more. I hope they
mation that his he stood only get by. The rest of the time, family. the kindest things any stu- have aged more graceful-
class was hold- about 5’5”. You I simply bluffed my way That December, I was to dents have ever done. ly than I have. I also hope
ing a reunion and see, Mr. Nicely through. Oh, I knew the marry Amy in Cookeville. In January, my life was that name tags are passed
that I was invit- By Joe Rector had been my material, but I wondered My classes sent me off once again filled with out so that I don’t have to
[email protected]
ed. Just being high school prin- how much kids who were with parties and pres- chaos. Amy and I lived in put a teenaged faces and
thought of was enough, cipal, and on more than almost my age would listen ents. Back in those days, married student housing names to people who are
but this class is a spe- one occasion, I fell out of to me. I smoked, and one group on Sutherland Avenue, she now closing in on social
cial one; it’s the first one favor with him during those That first year, I served as bought me a carton of cig- attended UT and worked security checks. By the
I taught. Yep, the class of years. To my astonishment, a chaperone on a band trip arettes. Another class pre- part time, and I was driv- time the evening finishes,
1975 is getting together to I was talking with the man to Kingsport. V.C. Adcock sented me with two pints ing to Doyle and learn- I’m sure an assortment of
reminisce and renew old about a job as a teacher. asked me to help, and it of pure-grain alcohol. The ing how to be a teacher. emotions will have come
friendships. To be honest, He hired me, and for the served as a good way for third class embarrassed All the while, those stu- and gone. What I know
I’m a bit nervous about the first year, every time he me to be a team player. I me with items that I cannot dents kept me going with most of all is that I am hon-
whole thing. called my name over the made friends with teach- mention in this column typical teenaged things. ored to have been asked
In August of 1974, I intercom, I panicked at ers Bob Shoemaker, Jim without blushing. We laughed, argued, and to attend this reunion of
received a phone call from the thought of going to the Pryor, Jim Talent, Bobby The evening of my wed- debated enough to keep the graduating class of my
Knox County Schools tell- office for a paddling. Campbell, and Frank ding, things were hectic. class interesting much of teaching career. It’s nice
ing me I should be at Doyle On that first day, I was all Kennedy. Fellow English The church was crowd- the time. to be remembered—good
High School for an inter- nerves. My classes includ- teacher John Gilbert and I ed, but I spied something Now, forty years later, or bad.
view. It was another one ed senior English. The carpooled toward the end especially heart-warm- I’m old, or at least I feel
of those times when God students that sat in my of the year, and we sang ing. On the last pew in that way. This invitation
takes care when I can’t do classroom were no more John Denver songs coming the middle section of to reunite has added just
it myself. I showed up for than four years younger home from school. Linda the church, three of my a bit of excitement in life.
Church of
Wisdom for the Journey
God Revival
This is your special invi-
Three key not people. How long does it take the cup, I boiled the water, or Washington, DC. Our tation to our revival at The
words are found There is good to be wise? Just because and since I couldn’t find teacher is God and the Church of God of Knoxville,
in the book of knowledge and you are called “Boys to the strainer, I used the fly Proverbs are full of tidbits 5912 Thorn Grove Pike
Proverbs: wisdom, bad knowledge. Men” doesn’t make you a swatter.” of wisdom to guide our located in East Knoxville.
knowledge, and We must let man. Take what you know The mother replied, lives. Rodney Cummings,
understanding. knowledge grow and begin there. Some of “You didn’t do that did God wants to use us Pastor of the Church
Knowledge is the to wisdom. you don’t need any more you.” to show the world what of God of Montgomery,
recognition of By Mark James says knowledge. You just need The girl said, “Don’t it means to be servants Alabama will be the host-
Brackney,
facts (the what). “Don’t just listen to put into practice what worry. I didn’t use the new in His Kingdom. We want ing evangelist.
Understanding Minister of the to the word, do you know already. fly swatter. I used the old to create a place that we Services Nightly:
Arlington Church
is the ability to what it says” There was a Focus on one.” can live with our family Tuesday, July 28 through
of Christ
gain meaning (1:22). Wisdom the Family newsletter Just because you think and friends that is worthy Sunday, August 2 at 7
from the facts (the why). is putting knowledge that told the story of a you are doing something of God. We want people o’clock p.m. Sunday ser-
Wisdom is knowing what and understanding into mother who was sick the right way, doesn’t to know that God is good vices will be at 10:30 a.m.
to do next (the action or practice. Knowledge and at home in bed. Her mean you are. We need and He wants us to live and 5:30 p.m.
application). comes quickly, wisdom young daughter wanted to to live out the right kind lives of joy. The truth will set you
Knowledge is good, but comes slowly. Wisdom provide her some comfort, of wisdom. Our guide is free! For more information
in and of itself it can be is birthed through so she decided to make not culture, Hollywood, call [phone].
damaging. Knowledge experience and life. her mother some hot tea.
is the collecting of facts Two types of wisdom are When she brought it to
about life and God. In mentioned in James 3:13- her mom, her mother said,
Corinthians, Paul tells 18: earthly wisdom and “I didn’t know you knew
us knowledge can puff godly wisdom. Notice the how to make hot tea.”
you up. It can make contrast between the two. The girl replied. “Oh
smart people, but not We need the wisdom that yes, mother. I watched
nice people. They do comes with humility. The you make it. I took the
well with information, but other is from the devil. tea leaves, put them in
Norwood talks abandoned
signs, city election
Cont. from page 1
Gorenflo said that
that Mayor Burchett would the garden at Norwood
have reverted to his orig- Elementary is doing very
inal offer and teachers well and thanked the
would not have received a AmeriCorps volunteers
pay raise. who planted the seeds.
“We had asked for $6.5 She said some of the stu-
million above last year’s dents and staff help out
budget but were told he with the garden and was
wasn’t going to honor that,” surprised at how well the
she said. students liked the fresh
“We haven’t had a new broccoli.
middle school built in 20 “It’s been a lot of fun,”
years,” Hill said. she said of the garden.
July 20, 2015 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE C1
July 20, 2015
Area baseball
players receive
TSWA honors
By Ken Lay
It was truly a banner year for the Hardin
Valley Academy baseball team. The Hawks
made their first-ever trip to Murfreesboro
and came home with a Class AAA State
Championship.
And the postseason honors just keep
coming for the Hawks. Two HVA players were
recently named to the Tennessee Sports-
writers Association’s All-State Team.
Ace pitcher Will Neely, a University of Ten-
nessee signee made the team along with
outfielder Dylan Harris.
The Hawks faced road elimination games
in the Region 2-AAA Tournament and in the
State Sectionals. They won those games
and went on to make a perfect run in the
Midstate.
“We were the best elimination team in the
Coach Ron Eller talks to Karns players after their 13-3 win over Maryville in the Little League District 6 championship game state,” Hardin Valley coach Joe Michalski
July 9. Karns was scheduled to begin play in the State tournament in Jackson this past weekend. said after his team defeated 2014 cham-
pion and District 4-AAA rival Farragut 10-2
Karns coach recalls in a nine-inning title tilt. “Once we got to
Murfreesboro, we made up our mind that
we were going to win.”
Farragut had two players receive all-state
honors in ace pitcher Patrick Raby (a Van-
Morristown’s season in
derbilt signee) and junior infielder Duncan
Pence.
In Class AA: Catholic had pitcher Ethan
Elliott and catcher Kole Cottam named to
the squad. Cottam, who will play at Kentucky
Little League spotlight
in 2016, was also Mr. Baseball in 2015.
Christian Academy of Knoxville’s Colton
Norrod was named to the team after leading
By Steve Williams the Warriors to the District 4-AA regular-sea-
Knoxville area that summer. first round of the State tour- With the world-wide tourna- son championship and tournament title.
Ron Eller remembers when The popularity of the Little nament this past Saturday in ment televised each summer, In Class A: Grace Christian Academy won
Morristown made it all the League World Series start- Jackson. players on the Karns team a State Title. The Rams were represented on
way to the Little League Base- ed increasing with national Other first round matchups are very familiar with the the all-state team by outfielder Tanner Fee
ball World Series in 1985. television coverage in 1962. included Tullahoma vs. South Little League World Series, and infielder Chandler Adkins.
“That team played the year Championship games were Nashville, Gallatin vs. Rogers- said Eller. Webb School of Knoxville’s Brock Beeler
after me,” recalled Eller, who part of ABC’s Wide World of ville and Clarksville National “This is the ultimate for a was a Division II-A all-state selection.
finished play in the Morris- Sports from 1965 to 1985. vs. Madison Central Ameri- 12-year-old baseball player. Area players receive national honors: Raby
town Little League program ESPN started televising even can, the District 1 champion I believe they look at it as and Farragut second baseman Chase Full-
in 1984 and now, 31 years more games from William- and host team. something special.” ington (who will play at North Carolina next
later, is head coach of Karns’ sport in 1982. The Tennessee state cham- Karns got in practice ses- season) were named to the USA Today Amer-
12-year-old All-Star team. Eller went on to play base- pion will advance to the South- sions on its home field last ican Family Insurance All-USA First Team.
“All I can remember is the ball at Morristown West High east Region tournament. Wednesday and Thursday. Cottam received second-team honors
excitement around Morris- School (Class of 1990) and Tennessee has enjoyed Coach Eller said Tyler Nicely after leading the Irish to a second consec-
town. It was very celebrated was a first baseman in 1991 tremendous success in Little and Payton Adkisson were utive Class AA State Title game appear-
at that time.” and ’92 at Walters State League Baseball in recent selected to represent Karns ance.
Eller also recalled the star Community College. He is in years. Goodlettsville won the in Friday night’s pre-tourney Michalski was the All-USA Coach of the
player of that Morristown his seventh season of coach- USA title and lost to Japan Home Run Derby. Year. He reaped the benefits of HVA’s first
team – Richie Conway, who ing youth baseball. in the 2012 World Series. BALL HONORED: The Karns State Championship. He, however, gave
went 6 for 8 at the plate “One reason I love Little South Nashville advanced to team presented Chris Ball, those around him all the credit.
(.750) in the World Series. League Baseball is you only Williamsport each of the past longtime Karns Little League “All the credit for this goes to my assistant
Conway’s name is still in the advance if you win,” said Eller, two seasons. officer, with an autographed coaches, Matt Pattillo and Zach Luther,”
Little League record book for whose Karns team recently Karns was eliminated by baseball at the conclusion of Michalski said. “This award is special and I
one of the top batting perfor- captured the District 6 cham- South Nashville 4-1 in last the district tournament. would be silly to say that it isn’t.
mances in its 75-year histo- pionship to qualify for the year’s finals. “Chris basically lives here “It’s an honor for me to share this award
ry. State tournament. The only other Tennessee at the ball park,” said Eller, with my coaching staff and my players.
The news of an East Ten- Karns, which has the only teams that have made it to “and does a lot for the pro- This team will always be special to us. We
nessee team making it to Wil- remaining Little League pro- the Little League World Series gram behind the scenes. may enjoy next year’s team even more but
liamsport, Pa., and finishing gram in Knox County, was were Nashville in 1970, Jack- We wanted him to know how we have a lot of work to do. This team will
in third place was followed by scheduled to play Bristol, the son in 1974 and Morristown much we appreciate it.” always be special because they were the
sports fans throughout the District 5 champion, in the with a second trip in 1987. first [to win the State Tournament].”
enjoy every season
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PAGE C2 The Knoxville Focus July 20, 2015
Forecast at SEC Media Days: Alabama or Auburn in title game?
The preseason champion after over 15 years, making the that way. of Central High athletics and former players is a tes-
football forecast votes are count- Wolverines’ recipients of In a related move, the said the procession line at tament to the many lives
that came out of ed to determine the richest apparel deal in TSSAA approved addition- Wallace Memorial Baptist Helton touched through
SEC Media Days the divisional win- collegiate athletics. al seats on its Legislative Church to view the late Joel the years. Not only was he
last week was a ners. On July 1, Tennessee Council and Board of Con- Helton took “an hour and a a highly successful high
head scratcher. It’s really no signed an eight-year con- trol so private schools will half to go through and over school coach and teach-
Georgia was By Steve big deal. In the tract with Nike reportedly now have representation. 2,000 signed the book.” er, he helped many young
picked to win the Williams end, the matter worth about $35 million. A LONGTIME supporter The outpouring of friends people off the field.
Eastern Division will be settled on Many Vol and, yes, Lady
of the Southeastern Con- the field. But if preseason Vol fans are anxious to hear
ference and Alabama was champions are going to an explanation or at least
tabbed to come out on top be announced, let’s do it get a comment from UT
in the Western Division. right. Athletic Director Dave Hart
What was crazy was LACK OF STARS: Tennes- about that.
Auburn being voted to win see was picked to finish NO SPLIT: Many fans of
the league’s post-season second behind Georgia in Tennessee high school
championship game. As the SEC East, but it’s not athletics, including myself,
you and everybody this because its roster is loaded thought a complete split
side of Hoover know, that with preseason all-stars. was coming between pri-
wouldn’t be possible, if Quarterback Joshua vate and public in the state
Auburn doesn’t win the SEC Dobbs, a third-team honor- last week, but the TSSAA’s
West. Only the two division ee, was the only Vol listed Legislative Council voted
champs can play in the title among the conference’s 5-4 against making a
game. top offensive players. change at this time.
But don’t blame the SEC Curt Maggitt made the More study is going to
media folks for this foul first-team defense at line- be conducted on how new
up. Heaven knows, they’ve backer. Defensive lineman TSSAA by-laws can be cre-
been ridiculed enough over Derek Barnett and defen- ated to make for a more
the years for their lousy pre- sive back Cameron Sutton level playing field for all
season forecasting. were second-team selec- schools to compete against
No, this was a flaw in the tions. each other.
balloting system that most SWOOSHED: Nike must It is good to explore all
likely was devised at SEC think a lot more of Michi- possibilities of keeping pri-
headquarters. gan than it does of Tennes- vate and public schools
To fix it, starting next see. together before making a
year, how about a second Michigan last week signed split, because many believe
ballot being passed around a contract with Nike report- once the two groups are
to select the conference edly worth $169 million divided, they will remain