Decision 2018
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News
A win for all?
New West Knox County senior center would share space with Town community center at ex-Faith Lutheran site
A plan to share space for a community center and senior center could become a “win-win-win” for Faith Lutheran Church, Town of Farragut and Knox County.
Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to purchase property belonging to Faith Lutheran Church, 239 Jamestowne Blvd., for a community center — which also would double as an alternative senior center to Frank R. Strang Senior Center just east of Farragut — during its meeting Thursday, July 12.
The Board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Knox County to jointly operate the building as a community center and a senior center.
“Obviously, a community center is something the Town has not had in our history,” Town administrator David Smoak said. “It would allow us to do many other things we do not have the space to do currently, provide many other programs and services.”
Tragedy for Preston family as patriarch found deceased
The family of John Preston, who was holding out hope he would be found safely following his July 10 disappearance, instead are grieving today as their patriarch was found deceased Tuesday, July 17.
The 78-year-old Cedar Bluff resident, who attended Farragut Presbyterian Church with his wife, Liz, had gone missing the previous Tuesday while running errands.
With 9 1st-place awards, farragutpress dominates TPA ‘Ideas’ class
Horne, new TPA prez, sees his effort to include free-distribution non-dailies in TPA end with 24 top-3s in 1st try
Doug Horne, right, takes the ceremonial gavel after assuming presidency of Tennessee Press Association from former president Eric Barnes (publisher, The Daily News, Memphis) during Tennessee Press Association Summer Convention Thursday evening, July 12, in Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. Horne, prominent real estate developer/businessman and owner of Republic Newspapers, Inc. (parent company of farragutpress) is joined by his wife, Brenda Horne.
One key result of such persuasion — with farragutpress’ acceptance into TPA — is 26
awards earned in its first year of eligibility.
“We were the first suburban free-distribution newspaper accepted into Tennessee Press Association,” said Horne, who helped lead the fight as TPA vice president for Non-Dailies. He is owner of Republic Newspapers, Inc., parent company of farragutpress.
“We’ve been working on that for years, and we finally got it accomplished,” he added.
After taking the gavel as TPA president at its Summer Convention in Franklin last week, Horne said, “We were very excited and overwhelmed about the 26 Tennessee Press Association Awards we received for both advertising and news.” Those winning and high-placing submissions were from 2017 farragutpress editions.
No more jumping around!
With ribbon cut July 10, Hardin Valley middle schoolers have new home
Knox County Schools officials joined other county brass and Hardin Valley Middle School cheer team in cutting the ribbon on the new school, 2280 Steele Road, Tuesday afternoon, July 10. Cheer members on hand to cut the ribbon, in no order, were Lily Swenson, Ashlee Ferguson, Kennedy Crateau, Savannah Cody, Megan Waters, Mia Holloway, Avery Stringfield and Emma Johnson (not pictured is cheerleader Ava Hawk). In back, from left, are 6th District Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders; District 6 Knox County Board of Education member Terry Hill (Hardin Valley area rep); KSC superintendent Bob Thomas; HVMS principal Dr. Cory Smith; School Board chair Patti Bounds (District 7) and District 5 School Board member Susan Horn. Not pictured is 1st District Commissioner Evelyn Gill.
“On behalf of our staff, community members and our students, welcome to the new Hardin Valley Middle School,” HVMS principal Dr. Cory Smith said. “This is an awesome facility.”
“Once you get inside, walk around and look at what it has to offer, you will be truly impressed,” he added about the 175,000-square-foot facility. “We are very fortunate to have this opportunity.”
Smith noted the facility is designed for students and teachers with a lot of hallways, spacious classrooms and a multi-media center.
“I think you will have many things to celebrate here,” he said.
The effort to have a new middle school started with a Facebook post four years ago by a few Hardin Valley residents.
“It has been an honor to watch this (project) come from the ground and come to fruition,” 6th District Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders said.
Get clues, win big!
Three clues for a local business posted at 10 a.m., Monday, July 30
Farragut Business Alliance/Shop Farragut and the Town of Farragut once again are teaming up with Farragut businesses for an exciting — and rewarding — online contest that will showcase the Town’s diverse shopping and dining options.
To join Farragut Treasure Hunt, participants must visit the Town of Farragut Facebook page and click the “going” button on the Farragut Treasure Hunt event. At 10 a.m., Monday, July 30, three clues for a local business will be posted on the event page.
Those who solve the riddle and visit the location during business hours will be rewarded with a welcome prize. Clues for three other businesses will be posted at 10 a.m. the following three days for a total of four treasure-hunting opportunities.
The largest bounty awaits those who visit all four businesses and post a picture of themselves inside each location to the Farragut Treasure Hunt event page with the hashtag #farraguttreasurehunt.
Ex-mayors honored at ‘Admiral’ unveiling
Markli answers late financial disclosure issue; is ‘transparent’
Similar to time used by Alderman Ron Williams, candidate for Farragut mayor, during his speech before Farragut Gun Club Monday evening, July 9, his mayoral opponent, Alderman Bob Markli, also wanted to clear the air on a few issues.
“Our great community paper has given me this opportunity, as it did my opponent, to refute ‘untrue opinions.’ I will be brief,” Markli stated in an e-mail Monday, July 16.
“First, as seen in my 21-plus-year record including nine years as alderman (and most importantly, as defended by founders and key community leaders), I have never had in the past, present or future any conflicts of interests,” he stated in an e-mailed response to farragutpress.
“I have ALWAYS been 100 percent transparent, giving full disclosures and insisting ethical practices in all activities,” Markli further stated.
police reports
• At 5:09 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, a Knox County Sheriff’s Office unit responded to Kohl’s department store, 11530 Kingston Pike, in reference to shoplifting. Complainant said he observed suspect/arrestee conceal several Nike clothing items on her person after paying for other items from the store. She said suspect/arrestee attempted to exit the store through the men’s department when he apprehended her. Suspect/arrestee was issued a misdemeanor citation due to not having any prior criminal history.
• At 12:59 p.m., July 11, a Federal Drive victim called KCSO North Precinct to report an incident at his residence. According to the victim, between midnight and 12:40 a.m. the rear windshield of his 2016 Honda Odyssey was smashed in two places. Value of damage was listed at $600. Vehicle was parked in driveway.
