Commission to hold special called meeting

Ten Commissioners, including myself, have signed up for a special called meeting to discuss the situation regarding our law director Bill Lockett. The meeting will be held Wednesday June 10 at 4 p.m. in the small assembly room of the city county building.

Dutchtown Convienence Center

The County Commission at its last meeting approved funds to improve the Dutchtown Convienence Center. The county will install a turn lane on Dutchtown Road, finish paving the center and install a new compactor for lumber and building materials.

Bridge Named after Feltons

Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale and the Knox County Commission has named the new bridge just west of Concord Road and Northshore Drive in honor of Colonel and Mrs. Bill Felton (retired). The Feltons were instrumental in bringing the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial to Knoxville.

Knox County Commission May Results

The Knox County Commission approved Mayor Ragsdale's budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Commission also approved a slope and construction easement on property located at 8463 Gleason Road behind Bearden High School. Approval was given for improvements to the Dutchtown Road Convenience Center and for drainage improvements to 9045 Cross Park Drive. Commission delayed for 30 days a policy on take on vehicles and approved a request from Cedar Springs Church to rezone property on the northside of Brandon Road and Clearfield from RAE to RA.

May Beer Board Results

At the May Knox County Beer Board Meeting, County Commission approved an on premise application for Vernon's Grill on Countryside Center Lane, and on premise for Nachos Mexican Grill 980 East Emory Road. The Board voted to levy a $500 fine against A-1 Discount Tobacco on East John Sevier Highway and Nays and J's Drive Thru 8769 Chapman Highway for selling beer to a minor.

TPO approves rail study

At its May meeting the Transportation Planning Organization approved a resolution asking Congress to study a rail system pilot project between Knoxville and Harrisburg, Pa. This would be part of a National Steel Interstate System that would bring fast rail freight and passenger service to the nation. The five state I-81 corridor is one of the densest truck freight highways in America.

PTA Honor

At its recent awards banquet, the Knox County PTA honored me as their elected official of the year. I am truly appreciative of this award and look forward to working with our schools in the coming year.