http://www.hometownclinton.com/ Clinton Courier News - Local News and Information for the community of Clinton TN en-us Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:43:08 EST editor@hometownclinton.com (editor) Copyright 2006-2012, Republic Newspapers Inc. Newspapers http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2417.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2417.html Students helped observe School Board Appreciation Week by presenting small gifts and thank you cards to Clinton City School Board members during its January meeting. Governor Bill Haslam has declared January 22-28 to be School Board Appreciation Week in the state of Tennessee to build awareness about the vital role an elected school board plays in our communities and schools. Dr. Vicki Violette commended the Board, “Clinton City Schools is fortunate to have six outstanding and dedicated†individuals to serve on our School Board. Each person is committed to supporting our students and staff members, and they†reflect over 50 years of experience in†service to our school district. Under the School Board’s direction, Clinton City Schools continues to lead the state in high standardized test scores and academic achievements.”†Board members include Mr. Jim Webster and Mrs. Merle Pryse who represent South Clinton Elementary; Dr. Tim Bible and Mr. R.C. Hutchins representing North Clinton Elementary; while Mrs. Betty Sellers and Mr. Brian Jenkins represent Clinton Elementary School. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2416.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2416.html The Claxton Community mourns the death this week of one of its most cherished and well-known residents. Johnny Kathryne Freeman, 68, passed away on Monday, Jan. 30, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Mrs. Freeman, who, along with husband, Dillis, was the co-owner of the Claxton True Value Hardware Store, the business considered by many longtime residents to be the hub of the community. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2415.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2415.html The Anderson County Government’s Alternative to Incarceration Committee selected Iowa native Michael Baker to oversee the county’s new alternatives to jail programs. The committee narrowed an initial list containing dozens of applicants down to its five top choices for a round of formal interviews at the Anderson County Courthouse on Tuesday, Jan. 31. After interviewing the top four candidates (one of the top choices withdrew from consideration), the committee voted unanimously to hire Baker as the county’s first ever Alternative to Incarceration Director. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2414.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/02/2414.html Work has stopped for now at the Rogers Group’s proposed Bethel quarry and a trial has been scheduled for May 1-3 on a citizens’ lawsuit that aims at stopping work permanently. Lawyers for the Rogers Group told Anderson County Chancellor William E. Lantrip at a hearing Friday, Jan. 27, that Rogers had agreed to stop site work while a new site plan is being developed. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2413.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2413.html Clinton High School Class of ‘71 celebrated its 40th Reunion with a New Year’s Eve party at 205 Main. Pictured are, back row from left, Joe McAmis, Bob Whittlesey, Tom Wheeler, Jeff Salyer, Ron Young, Chuck Irwin, Eddie McRae, Scott Burress, Cathy Deckelmann Bridges, Mike Foust, April Fort Winningham, and Cleo Ellis. Second row: Steve Loy, John Gadd, Ann Brown Thomason, Jean Cheely, Karen Mullins Bright, David Worthington, Nancy Yarnell Foster, Dale Mounger, Terry Housley, Eugene Gallaher, and Angie Kincade. Third row: Lina Morrison Sweeney, Leda Coffman Loope, Theresa Stroud, Becky Martin Rayborn, Diane Hackworth, Debbie Hale Spann, Chellie Welch Jones, Dawn Kalfas McAmis, Candice Hunnicutt Meade. In front are, from left, Kathy Lea Okada, Gwen Rouse Childress, Becky Cochran Linville, Bill Smith, Darla Smith, Gary Curnutt, Gloria Rayfield Gadd, and John Cate. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2412.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2412.html “People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along?” óRodney King, Los Angeles, 1992, appealing for an end to riots that followed acquittal of the police who had beaten him On the surface, the Bethel residents who appeared at this month’s meeting of Norris City Council and objected to Norris annexations were simply exercising their right to state their opinions. What simmered beneath the surface was not so civilóand some of it struck me as sadly ironic. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2411.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2411.html Anderson County Grants Coordinator Alan Beauchamp learned this week that the county would receive a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation in the amount of $206,994 to improve sidewalks, biking paths and various safety features in the area around Lake City Elementary School and Lake City Middle School. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2410.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2410.html The Tennessee Department of Transportation confirmed this week its approval of a $206,994 grant for the improvement of various pedestrian safety features to be completed for the area around Lake City Elementary School and Lake City Middle School. Anderson County Grants Coordinator Alan Beauchamp was notified Monday, Jan. 23, that the county’s grant application was approved by the TDOT. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2409.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2409.html This week’s meeting of the Anderson County Consolidated Dispatch Task Force signifies the first official step in what’s expected to be a drawn-out process of bringing each of the county’s five Emergency-911 dispatch centers together under one roof. The task force met for the first time on Friday morning, Jan. 27, at the Anderson County Emergency 911 Center in the Robert Jolley Building. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2408.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2408.html A puzzling missing person case involving a 79-year-old Claxton resident became a murder investigation this week when the body of Sammy J. Adams, of Patt Lane, Claxton, was found stuffed haphazardly beneath a staircase inside his apartment. Anderson County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested Adams’s 48-year-old nephew, Norman Lee Follis Jr., for an unrelated crime at 1:22 a.m. Wednesday morning. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2407.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2407.html Anderson County Veterans Service Officer Leon Jaquet admitted he was a little embarrassed by the reception he received from members of County Commission during Tuesday’s quarterly day-session meeting at the courthouse. Jaquet was the recipient of an extended standing ovation after delivering to Anderson County Commission his bi-annual report of the recent happenings in the county’s veterans service office. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2406.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2406.html A lingering debate between the respective governing bodies representing Anderson County and the City of Clinton appears to be nearing an amicable conclusion thanks to a truce reached over the last month by the formerly bickering entities. The events leading up to the deal, meanwhile, proved more complicated than amicable. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2405.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2405.html Clinton High School had 38 students who had perfect attendance for the fall semester. Perfect attendance is defined as being in school every day from August ñ December without checking in late or leaving early. School-sponsored field trips do not count as an absence. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2404.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2404.html Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with local officials announced today that Eagle Bend Manufacturing, Inc. is expanding its Clinton, Tenn. facility, creating 188 new jobs and investing $64 million over the next five years. The company, a division of Magna International, Inc., is a Tier 1 automotive parts supplier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of cars and light trucks worldwide. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2403.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2403.html If it’s news from Belgium, it can’t be good, right? Supermarket operator Delhaize Group said it would close 113 of its Food Lion locations and cut 4,900 jobs in the U.S., as part of a broader restructuring. The Belgian company said it will refurbish 64 locations, close 13 other U.S. stores and close 20 stores in southeastern Europe. But it reiterated plans to open 450 stores in high growth areas over the next three years. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2402.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2402.html The Norris Planning Commission reversed itself on Tuesday, Jan. 3, voting to recommend a moratorium on new business licenses for “nuisance” businesses in Norris until the end of the state legislative session this spring. The proposed moratoriumósuggested in December by Mayor Chris Mitchellówill be considered next week by Norris City Council. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2401.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2401.html City of Clinton officials will discuss a “compromise proposal” the city has sent to Anderson County to hopefully conclude the Glen Alpine Convenience Center debate during a 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, meeting at City hall. The county wants to move Glen Alpine Center to David Jones Indsutrial Park and wants to sell the land its on to the city to pay for the move. “But we don’t want the land,” Mayor Scott Burton said. “We don’t want the liability.” Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2400.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2400.html Clinton native F. Clark Denton has recently earned MetLife Chairman’s level recognition ñ the highest level of honor given to a select set of MetLife top producers, specifically those who exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity, professionalism, customer service across the company. “I am pleased to announce that Clark has not only been recognized as a Chairman’s level financial professional at MetLife, but also an individual dedicated to his community and clients,” states Michael J. Vietri, executive vice president, Individual Business, MetLife. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2399.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2399.html Jasmini Slater and Douglas Stewart of Oak Ridge are proud parents of the first baby born in 2012 at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. The baby, Zahra Jaliyah Stewart, was born on Jan. 2 at 3:30 a.m. She weighed six pounds and four ounces and was 19 inches long. Zahra has a sister, five-year-old Zoey. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/01/2398.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/01/2398.html Clinton City Council members, from left, Larry Gann, Rob Herrell and Jim McBride, took their oaths of office from Mayor Scott Burton Tuesday, Jan. 3, after winning last December’s Clinton City Council election. All three were incumbents (Herrell was appointed to serve Burton’s council seat when he won his bid for mayor in 2009). Sat, 08 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2397.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2397.html Anderson County Mayor Myron Iwanski announced this week that he has formed a seven-person committee to oversee the yet-to-be-named director for the alternative-to-incarceration programs that was approved by County Commission in July as part of the ongoing effort to reduce inmate-overpopulation at the Anderson County Detention Facility. Iwanski plans to ask County Commission to make the committee official with an endorsement at the Tuesday, Jan. 17, Commission meeting. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2396.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2396.html As Myron Iwanski closes in on the one-year anniversary of his appointment as Anderson County Mayor, the Oak Ridge resident is adamant that he harbors absolutely no regrets on the last 12 months ñ which he professes have been one of the greatest challenges of his professional life. The circumstances that led him into the Mayor’s Office and the multitude of challenges that followed provided Iwanski a newfound appreciation of the Office and the enormous responsibilities that go with it. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/01/2395.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/01/2395.html I love predictions. Mine never come true, but I still like the art, the deductive reasoning involved. I have goosebumps just thinking about my predictions for 2012. Yes! Goosebumps! And not those scary book kinda Goosebumps, either. I mean real, chicken-skin goosebumps. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2394.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2394.html Dave Moore is intent on spreading the importance of C-A-R-I-N-G to every person in America. He’s doing it one place at a time, beginning with students at schools right here in East Tennessee. A veteran educator and coach, Moore founded the Care 365 organization in 2001 as a means of providing basic necessities such as food and clothes to people in need, and by assisting young people with offers of guidance and understanding. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2393.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2393.html An ongoing political dispute among members of Lake City government picked up steam after a councilman’s proposal to cut escalating overtime pay for city employees was shot down at the Thursday, Dec. 15 City Council Meeting at Lake City Town Hall. The always-controversial topic effectively drove a wedge down the middle of an already sided city council, said first-year city councilman Bill Holt. Holt drew the ire of several members of city government, along with a group of outspoken citizens, when he proposed some possible methods of slashing city overtime pay to cut down on government expenses. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2392.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2392.html He’s your typical Son of East Tennessee. And then some. Isaiah Lloyd knows his faults. He downplays his strengths. He calls himself, “prideful.” He is determined to accomplish his goals. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2391.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2012/01/2391.html It was a busy first term for freshman Dist. 33 Rep. John Ragan in Nashville. He said he had no “expectations, because I had never been involved in the state level of politics before.” He received a crash course in the 107th General Assembly. Education, the meth epidemic and traffic cameras were just a few of the issues Ragan had to face in his first year. But, a little more focused and with a year under his belt, he’s ready to head back to Nashville for the 108th General Assembly and, “do my best.” After sponsoring 11 bills in his first year (eight of which became law ó four for Dist. 33) and co-sponsoring 39 bills, Ragan said, as of now, only two bills to sponsor for the 108th General Assemble. Ragan sponsored the bill that eliminated tickets being issued “for not coming to a complete stop before turning right on red at certain intersections that is based solely on evidence from a traffic surveillance camera.” Ragan said he’s still not thrilled with traffic light cameras. “Some think they are a built in, ‘Gotcha!’ but that’s not the purpose of the law,” he said. “You don’t have to stop for three seconds. Your wheels stop turning, you’re stopped. “Traffic light cameras are not a ‘Gotcha!’ and they are not a source of revenue. That’s not the law and if you abuse the law like that, then people start disrespecting the law.’ Ragan said the only aspect of camera traffic control he agreed with was for deterring speeding in school zones. “Now that, I agree with,” he said. Ragan said he’s not adverse to sponsoring a bill brought to his attention by a constituent. “As long as it doesn’t contradict the stands I took when I campaigned for this office.” Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2390.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2390.html EDITOR: From winter coats for kids in Kentucky to soccer balls for children in Iraq, Tennessee Valley Authority employees are providing food, gifts and goodwill to children and families in need this holiday season. The contributions are from TVA’s fossil, nuclear and hydro power plants, Environment and Technology, Power System Operations, River Operations and other groups and organizations within TVA. Allen Fossil Plant staff provided Christmas gifts for a family recommended by Carnes Elementary in Memphis, one of the TVA Partners in Education schools. Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2389.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2389.html I get older but no wiser. Every year I get psyched to celebrate Christmas. The season that introduces the birth of Christ. A season I joyfully look forward to. A season which will restore my belief and trust in mankind. But something happens along the way. The commercialism of Christmas destroys my good mood and Christmas cheer. Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2388.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2388.html Clinton Police Department, in collaboration with Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) of Anderson County, now has a permanent medicine disposal bin. Located at 125 W. Broad Street, the bin offers an option for residents to dispose of unused or unwanted medicine seven days a week. Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2387.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2387.html The Tennessee Association of Chief’s of Police (TACP) have nominated Clinton Chief of Police Rick Scarbrough as its State Association Chief’s of Police (SACOP) representative. Chief Scarbrough had just completed his third term on the TACP Board of Directors, however the new position places him on the Executive Committee and is a three-year term. The job description is simple, be the “conduit” for information for Tennessee Police Chiefs at various meetings throughout the year. Any travel expenses are paid by TACP. Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2386.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2386.html The holiday season can be a particularly trying time for the staff at the Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County (CACAC). As the center’s caseloads increase, the need for community support and assistance reaches an all-time high for the CACAC staff working to provide comfort and justice to youth traumatized by abuse. The center, located at 752 N. Main Street, Clinton, occupies a fundamental position on the county’s Child Protection Investigation Team (CPIT). Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2385.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2385.html The Anderson County Commission voted unanimously at its Monday, Dec. 19, meeting to support a cutting edge project involving the installation of solar panels on select property owned by the Anderson County School System, including some schoolhouse roofs. The Anderson County Board of Education will discuss offering a final approval on the project at a Wednesday, Dec. 28 meeting in the Jolley Building. Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2382.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2382.html Anderson County Community Action Commission has been part of Anderson County since 1965. This organization has been a support system for our residents by providing food, utility assistance, seed packets, and a reassuring shoulder to lean on for all low income families and our elderly residents. Their funding comes from federal and state grants, and private donations. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2381.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2381.html The Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHAT) is proud to bestow the “Rural Health Worker of the Year” award to Mrs. Elizabeth Dick, RN, an employee of the Anderson County Health Department in Clinton. Mrs. Dick is honored for her dedication to working to advance the health of individuals with whom she worked, and much of her work was community-minded. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2380.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2380.html The long-awaited Norris liquor storeóits advent approved overwhelmingly by city voters in a November 2010 referendumóopened its doors at 3354 Andersonville Highway at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Sawyer Boys Spirits is owned by Jeff Watson of Clinton and Stephanie Sawyer of Andersonville, located in a building owned by her son Curt Sawyer of Andersonville and named Sawyer Boys in honor of his three sons. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2379.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2379.html In the end, Dist. 5 Anderson County Commissioner Jerry White said he simply wanted a forum to have his opinion heard. White’s opinion ñ delivered at the Monday evening, Dec. 11, Anderson County Operations Committee meeting ñ left a prominent county employee on the spot over a controversial decision with potentially lasting ramifications. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2378.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2378.html Clinton Elementary School has achieved something only five-percent of the state’s 1,687 public schools have attained: Reward School status. The Tennessee Department of Education has put together a list for the federal government for flexibility in holding schools accountable and recognizing their success under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA ó commonly known as No Child Left Behind). Requesting ESEA flexibility is an involved process. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2377.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2377.html The National Honor Society Scholarshop Program, in existence since 1946, annually recognizes more than 150 of the nation’s top high school seniors who are members of NHS. Anna Kegley, a 2011 graduate of Clinton High School, has recently been selected as the state of Tennessee’s State Winner in this year’s National Honor Society Scholarship Program. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2376.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2376.html A $300,000 Community Development Block Grant has been awarded to the Norris Water Commission, which will match it with $48,000 and use the money to improve the Norris Wastewater Treatment Plant, the city manager says. Announcement of the grant was made in response to a question from the audience at the December meeting of Norris City Council. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2375.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2375.html Several members of the sixth grade Leadership Committee at Clinton Elementary spearheaded an effort to collect items to be donated to ADFAC or Aid to Distressed Families of Applachian Counties. The students were: Hope Disney and Claudia Bible, who were team leaders, and Sarah Cardall, Jessie Criswell, Georgia Pietrzak, and Emma Schrider. Over 1,400 items were collected, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo. The students and administration are proud of the success of the project, and the Student Leadership Committee is planning more projects in the future. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2374.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2374.html Mayor Scott Burton presents a check equal to the Mayor’s salary for one year to Director of Clinton City Schools Vicki Violette. Burton has donated $6,000 over the years and his company has matched making the total given over $9,600. Money will be used to upgrade the sound system in Clinton Elementary and to help finance a portion the science field trip of 6th graders from Clinton, North Clinton, and South Clinton Elementary schools. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2373.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2373.html Mayor Scott Burton presents a check equal to the Mayor’s salary for one year to Director of Clinton City Schools Vicki Violette. Burton has donated $6,000 over the years and his company has matched making the total given over $9,600. Money will be used to upgrade the sound system in Clinton Elementary and to help finance a portion the science field trip of 6th graders from Clinton, North Clinton, and South Clinton Elementary schools. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2371.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2371.html City of Clinton officials are urging citizens to get on board with its new CodeRed high-speed notification solution, designed to alert the public of crisis situations occurring in the area. Through a contract with Emergency Communications Network (E.C.N.), the City of Clinton plans to employ CodeRed to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas or the entire city, according to a City of Clinton press release. Messages delivered via the CodeRed system will include major fires, chemical spills, evacuations, lock downs, natural disasters, abductions, major water system problems, bomb threats and other emergencies. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2370.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2370.html Vernon Long admits to having mixed emotions about his decision to step down after a long career as Anderson County Property Assessor. First elected to the position in1996 after working 14 years in the property assessor’s office under former assessor Owen Richardson, Long says the most difficult aspect of retiring is sure to be the eminent interruption of the routine and relationships he’s grown accustomed to over the years. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2369.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2369.html Anderson County will have a new leader in the Mayor’s Office after the August 2012 General Election. Interim County Mayor Myron Iwanski made it official on Tuesday, Dec. 7, that he will not contend for the Office in 2012. The former Dist. 8 County Commissioner was appointed last January to serve as interim Mayor until a special election in August 2012. Iwanski stated this week that despite a growing trend of support for him to run in 2012 he has decided to fulfill his previous pledge not to seek the position in the next election. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2368.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2368.html Exactly 100 years after a mining explosion in the Briceville Community took the lives of their ancestors, more than 50 descendants of the Cross Mountain Mining disaster attended the anniversary ceremony at the historic Briceville Church honoring the 84 miners who lost their lives in the 1911 explosion. A crowd of close to 200 crammed into the tiny hilltop church to mark the 100th anniversary of the mine explosion that shook the community to its core and forever changed the way American coal mines operate. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2367.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2367.html The voters of Clinton spoke Tuesday and it appears they like what they’ve seen the last two years. Incumbents Larry Gann, Rob Herrell and Jim McBride were re-elected from comfortable to “big” margins in the Dec. 6 Clinton City Council election. Clinton Mayor Scott Burton said he was “disappointed” in the voter turn out ó only 1,136 of 6,229 voters registered in the city took part in Tuesday’s election. “I was disappointed in the turnout. We had some quality candidates running; people who stepped up because they care about our city,” Burton said. “It’s good for Clinton when citizens take part in the process, and the people who ran for City Council are an example of that.” With the incumbents winning, Burton said, to him, it is a sign that citizens see the city heading in the right direction. “I think it validates what we’ve done during the last two years. We’ve had to make some tough decisions ó and we may well have to make more in the future ó but the city government, I feel, has always acted in the best interest of our citizens.” Clinton has replaced its city manager and finance director in the last two years and faced a shortage in revenue resulting in the re-prioritizing of some projects. “I think this vote is telling us we’re doing a good job overall,” the mayor said. Early voting numbers ó 626 ó was larger than 2007 and 2009, but the final numbers were lower ó 1,136 compared to 1,730 (2007) and 1,279 (2009). “I thought it might be higher due to the early voting numbers, but I think the weather had a big part,” Anderson County Administrator of Elections Mark Stephens said. “It was slow during the day, but when it cleared up some, between 5 ñ 7 p.m., we had a big rush.” Stephens added that election trends are showing early voting as a popular way of being heard in the polls. “I think we’ll continue to see these kind of numbers climb,” he said. The 2011 election, Stephens said, looks like “an average” election in the last decade: High early voting numbers and not so high on election day. The Anderson County Election Commission will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, to certify the results of the Dec. 6 city election. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2366.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2366.html Yes, it is the holiday season, so bear with me. It’s not that I’m Scrooge-like, or even Grinch-like, it’s just holidays stress me out. I mean, I have to really think about my Christmas list to Santa and get ready to try and trap that fat sucker so I can keep all the presents in his sleigh. Just kidding. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2365.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2365.html The Optimist Club of Claxton and TVA Employees have shared a generous partnership in donating to many in Anderson County. The employees of TVA donated meat, canned food, and fresh fruit to 27 families this Thanksgiving. The Optimist Club secures information on those who are most needy of this kind outreach. Pictured in photo are TVA Employees and Bert Cagle, president of the Optimist Club, and County Commissioner Optimist members Tracy Wandell and Robin Biloski. The two groups are currently preparing for their Christmas outreach. If you would like to become involved in the Optimist Club, or donate to the Christmas fund, please contact Bert Cagle at wizcagle@yahoo.com. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2364.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2364.html Norwood Elementary has adopted the Safety Patrol program, according to Principal Karri Hobby. “The Safety Patrol program was started by AAA,” Hobby said. “It teaches safety and responsibility to all students who participate. “This year, fifth- grade students were asked to fill out an application, meet certain academic and behavioral criteria, and commit to serving their school as Safety Patrollers. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2010/12/2363.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2010/12/2363.html “Responsible” students pictured for the month of October from Grand Oaks Elelemntary School include: Dylon Phillips, Kinsley Diggs, Emily Duncan, Mia Todd, Isabelle McGill, Austin Fox, Ethan Charles, Brent Singleton, Camden Batchellor, Jobe King, Haley Metheny, Addison Tinker, Nathan Lee, Dylan Joy and Danyel Joy. Not pictured: Ellie Murrell. These students were honored with a brunch compliments of Faith Lutheran Church and presented with a certificate of recognition. Sat, 04 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2362.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2362.html “Each month our students and staff focus on an important character trait that enhances academic achievement and success inside and outside the classroom,” said Grand Oaks Elementary Principal Shelby Haun. For the month of September, students were recognized for being “Honest” students. Pictured are: Ethan Eubanks, Ella Hill, Jeremy Lindsay, Joseph Cantrell, Deven Hatmaker, Makayla Simmons, Clayton Cranmore, Trinity Johnson, Olivia Miller, Cassandra Chamblee, Jobe King, Abby Bowling, Kevin Cruz, Abby Jones and Logan Bowling. Not pictured: Blake Edwards. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2361.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2361.html Treasured relationships with grandparents and other elderly folks transformed years ago into a career for Deborah Rickettsóand now, that longtime career of working for others has turned into a business of her own. Ricketts, who lives on Mountain Road with her husband John, started organizing Hope 4 Tomorrow in October, working from home. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2360.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2360.html A banner designed, drawn, painted, and sewn by students at South Clinton Elementary was on display in Nashville at the annual convention of the Tennessee School Board Association. The school system’s banner illustrates our “Go Green” efforts to become more environmentally friendly by practicing the three “R’s” ñ to recycle, reduce waste, and reuse paper. The three flowers represent each of the three schools in our system. The project was spearheaded by Abby Vessell, art teacher at North and South Clinton Elementary Schools. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2359.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2359.html An open field on the Clinton High School campus was transformed into a makeshift launching pad on Friday morning, Dec. 2. Fourth-year CHS Physics Teacher Rachel White allowed her students the opportunity to showcase their rocket-building skills this semester, as the class of 29 students ñ made up of juniors and seniors ñ split into seven groups and each group was responsible for creating its own (scaled-back) rocket. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2358.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/12/2358.html The Anderson County Commission approved approximately $24.75 million in bond proceeds to fund a series of capital projects, including the construction of a new alternative school and major expansion of the Anderson County Detention Facility, during its Monday, Nov. 21, meeting. The county’s legislative body voted 14-2 in favor of approving the bond issues. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2357.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2357.html Anderson County Sheriff Paul White announced on Monday, Nov. 21, that the Sheriff’s Department has been awarded a traffic safety grant for the third straight year. The grant award of $40,000.27 from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office will be used to support the county’s traffic safety program for DUI enforcement, said an ACSD press release. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2356.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2356.html A grand gift in honor of an 80th birthday has made financial conditions a lot less dire for the Norris Area Food Pantry, which serves low-income families in the Anderson County High School district. The pantry had been staggered by a combination of falling individual donations due to the recession plus loss of its annual Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2355.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2355.html Thoughts from Thanksgiving, 2011. ï Pumpkin pie. Not as good as sweet potato pie. You can put all the whipped cream on it you want, pumpkin pie is not up to par with sweet potato pie. Trust me. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2354.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2354.html Fourth grade students from North Clinton display their ribbons from the recent 4-H Speech Competition. Their teacher is Tammy Pack. Front row: Michael Duncan, Taylor Rowe, Jadyn Thomas, Sierra Harness. Back row: Dylan Edwards, Sierra Patrick, Brittany Freni, and Hailey Werkheiser. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2353.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2353.html More than 100 people attended the Lake City Veterans Memorial Service, Nov. 12, to honor and remember all veterans and to thank them for giving so much for out freedom. Several veterans and family members attended the service. Major Jacob Albright, retired United States Marine pilot, was the emcee and leader of the Pledge of Allegience. The Rev. Tom Byrge, retired U.S. Air Force M/Sgt., opened the program with prayer. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2352.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2352.html Everybody has a Pearl story. Anderson County lost a dedicated educator Nov. 15 when Pearl Lorraine (Cornette) Rhea passed away. She was 92. Rhea, born in Pennington Gap, Va., and returned to Southwest Virginia when she began her teaching career, which spanned 30-plus years in elementary education and carried over into adult literacy programs. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2351.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2351.html The Clinton Public Library is keeping pace with the modern technology boom while managing to maintain all the traditional, “old school” programs that have drawn Anderson County citizens to the library for decades, Second-year Director Essy Day has made it a prerogative to provide library patrons the latest in online innovations while reinforcing the traditional clubs and activities that have long been associated with the Clinton Library. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2350.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2350.html Anderson County General Sessions Judge Don Layton ordered accused South Clinton Pawnshop shooter James Allen Green to undergo a mental evaluation this week as the legal fallout from the Nov. 7 shooting that killed 59-year-old pawnshop employee Larry Snellings continues. Layton originally assigned the Anderson County Public Defender’s Office to represent Green but due to what the judge described as a possible conflict of interest, he appointed local attorney Mart Cizek to the case instead. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2349.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2349.html The Y-12 Federal Credit Union recently opened another high school branch. On October 20, 2011 the Y-12 Dragon Vault opened on campus at Clinton High School with a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. In attendance were several Board Members from Y-12 along with branch employees Mrs. Donna Bass, Mrs. Christy Smith, Mrs. Billie Howard and Mr. Tre Rhyne. Mr. Tim Parrott, CTE Director, and Mr. Kelly Myers, Anderson County Career and Technical Center principal were also in attendance. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2348.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2348.html Nancy Alley and Sheri Phillips of the Anderson County Council on Aging receive a $100 donation from Carolyn Martin, President of the Clinton Chapter #2461 AARP, for the council’s Senior Nutrition Program. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2346.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2346.html A great, big $1,000 check was presented on Thursday, Nov. 10, to Betty Anne Jolly Norris Community Library by Golden Living Center-Windwood, a nursing and rehabilitative care residence at 220 Longmire Road, Clinton. The initiative grant is one of more than 1,570 awarded for a total of $1,498,000 by Golden Living, parent company of Windwood. Shown with the enormous presentation check are, from left, Carol Philips, Anderson County Library Board; Patti Halsey, library director; Lake McCoy and Marty Harber, county library board; Susan Miceli, Norris Library Commission; Nancy Chitwood, Windwood executive director; Tim Hester, Norris city manager; Linda Ramsbottom, Windwood activities director; and Loy Johnson, Norris City Councilwoman. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2345.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2345.html Generating tourist revenue in the picturesque but isolated mountainous region near Briceville continues to be a challenge for Anderson County Government. Revamping an out-of-work tourist train in the area could be the answer for creating such an economic spark, according to Anderson County Grants Coordinator Alan Beauchamp. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2344.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2344.html He’s married now. He has a family, a job and a house. It’s been a remarkable two years for Nathan Phillips. Two years ago he was sitting in almost the exact same spot he was sitting Thursday night: On a bench in Judge Don Elledge’s courtroom. The circumstances were a bit different however. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2343.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2343.html The Christmas spirit is already in the air at Clinton’s Second Baptist Church. This past Sunday morning, Nov. 13, more than 60 Second Baptist Sunday School students stuffed some 120 shoeboxes with items such as toys, clothes and hygiene products to deliver to impoverished areas across the globe as part of Operation Christmas Child. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2342.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2342.html Clinton Police Department investigators arrested 64-year-old James Allen Green on Monday, Nov. 14, in connection with last week’s fatal shooting at South Clinton Pawn Shop. South Clinton Pawn Shop employee Larry Snellings was fatally wounded while struggling with Green, a pawnshop patron, on Monday afternoon, Nov. 7, inside the business. Green was reportedly struck by two shots from a handgun fired by pawnshop owner Ron Webber Jr. as Green tried to flee the business Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2341.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2341.html Kindergarteners were able to wear “wacky wigs” on Wacky Wig Wednesday at Clinton Elementary School. Wearing wacky wigs on Wednesday helped the kids remember the sound of “w.” Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2340.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2340.html Three new volunteers, Joseph Noeker, Fredrick (Brad) Landenberger and Judith Abner recently completed 30 hours of training and were sworn in by the Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge Brandon Fisher becoming Court Appointed Special Advocates. New volunteer advocates are essential to CASA of the Tennessee Heartland’s program of supporting and providing volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children; the goal being a safe and permanent home in which they can thrive. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2339.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2339.html EDITOR: I read the letter to the citizens of Clinton from our Mayor and wanted to clear the air and set the record straight. First, regarding the record debt the city now bears: The Mayor stated, “this all happened when the new city staff uncovered additional debt to our city totaling 2.5 million dollars”. It is very simple to explain how our city accumulated this debt. We were spending more than we were bringing in. Why would we do that? Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2338.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2338.html The Wednesday Club presented Dr. Vicki Violette with three checks designated for North Clinton Elementary, South Clinton Elementary and Clinton Elementary. Earlier in the week checks were presented to Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School. Pictured from L to R are Patricia Aylor (Publicity), Dr. Vicki Violette (Superintendent of Clinton City Schools), Elaine Carmichael (Ways and Means) and Pam Rainey (President). Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2337.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2337.html Parents and guardians of Anderson County Schools’ students can now make online payments for meals purchased in school cafeterias. “We are so excited to be able to offer this option for our families,” said Margaret Burrell, director of the school system’s food services program. “Our Skyward system has been able to alert parents when their children’s account balances dropped below a particular dollar level, but this new feature will actually let them do something about it.” A link to instructions about the option is available, marked with apples and prominently displayed on the left-side menus of the school system website, www.acs.ac. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2336.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2336.html A 33-year-old East Wolf Valley Road man was reportedly killed instantly when his 1989 Lincoln Continental struck a utility pole head-on at the intersection of N. Charles Seivers Blvd. and E. Broad Street early Saturday morning, Nov. 5. A Clinton Police Department accident report prepared by CPD Sergeant Scott Gregory states that Weston Tyler Mitchell did not brake or make any noticeable corrective-steering adjustments before crashing his sedan into the pole holding up the traffic lights at the downtown Clinton intersection. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2335.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2335.html An impromptu public memorial was placed in front of the South Clinton Pawn Shop this week following a Monday, Nov. 7, shooting that killed employee Larry Snellings. The pawnshop was closed following the afternoon shooting with a sign placed on the business’s door stating: “Due to our recent tragic loss, we will remain closed for the remainder of this week and will reopen on Monday, Nov. 14, at 9 a.m. ñ we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2334.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2334.html The investigation continues into a fatal shooting Monday afternoon, Nov. 7 at the South Clinton Pawn Shop, said Clinton Police Chief Rick Scarbrough. Clinton Police responded to the report of a shooting at the pawnshop, located at 903 Clinch Ave., at approximately 2:15 p.m. Monday and found employee Larry Snellings, 59, wounded with an apparent gunshot wound from point-blank range. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2333.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2333.html Students at Briceville School in Coal Creek were asked to share their dreams for their watershed with the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. Students described their dreams and drew pictures and viewers of the foundation’s web site were asked to vote on them. More than 300 votes were cast. Pictured are, front row from left, Caleb Birchfield (first grade - $20), Madison Braden (second grade - $20), Mason Fields (kindergarten - $20), Myra Kesterson (third grade - $20), Louisa Rolden (fourth grade - $20), Linlee Loop (kindergarten - $50 Brevity is the Soul of Wit Award winner) and Skylar Mozingo (fifth grade - $100 grand prize winner). In back are, from left, Carol Moore, Principal Sandra Patton, and Barry Thacker. Entries of the semi-finalists are posted below. Results of the dream contest are shown at http://www.coalcreekaml.com/dream_contest.htm. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2332.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2332.html During the last week of October, South Clinton Elementary School celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a week long campaign where people, nation-wide, celebrate being drug free. Each day of the week had a different theme day where students and faculty dressed up. The themes included Team Up Against Drugs, Follow Your Dreams, Put a Cap on Drugs, Shade Out Drugs, and Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs. During Guidance class the children learned about the effects of drugs as well as how to say no to drugs and peer pressure. Third through sixth grade wrote papers persuading others to not use drugs which were hung on display. There was also a Red Ribbon Week themed door decoration competition. Katie Buchanan’s fifth grade class won with the theme “We Don’t Give a Hoot About Drugs.” Every student at SCES signed a pledge making a commitment to be drug free. Red Ribbon Week was sponsored by SCES’s Student Council. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2331.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2331.html EDITOR: I want to give a progress report to the citizens of Clinton. Since my last letter, the city leaders have been busy getting back to business and improving the services for our citizens. Before I start giving you an update, let me remind you where we were during the first quarter of 2011. The city had to restructure its debt and borrow additional funds for capital outlay projects. Out of the 13.5 million that was borrowed, 12.1 million was debt that was restructured (includes both long term and short term debt), and about 1.4 million was borrowed that was part of the capital outlay projects. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2330.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2330.html Call me dumb, but just what exactly is this “Occupy Wall Street” all about? Protesting the way Wall Street does business? I have to say, getting mad and protesting because the economy is not what you want it to be seems likes a waste of time. Not that I have anything against one voicing one’s opinion. Go ahead, let it out. Shout at the world. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2329.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2329.html Ray Varner Ford has announced participation in Box Tops for Education® (BTFE) program and will award a total of $4,000 to Anderson County Schools in a competition to collect the most General Mills box tops. In addition, online registration in Ford’s contest to “drive” dollars to schools earns extra “eBox Tops” for the schools and a chance at $25,000 in additional prizes. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2328.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2328.html It was rainy, but a little rain doesn’t stop the Coal Creek studentsa during the 10th Annual Coal Creek Health day. Students gathered at the creek, then went inside the gym for fly tying, casting lessons, and observing the fish and critters placed in an aquarium. For many years a hefty small mouth bass has perched beneath a ledge in the creek. “We don’t know if it’s the same fish or if the biggest smallmouth in the pool claims the perch beneath the ledge. Regardless, we call him ‘Rocky’ when he is collected by electro-shocking by our friends from TVA, UT, and the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited,” said Barry Thacker. Students checked all the fish and “critters” they could in the creek. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2327.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2327.html Various county dignitaries, including Anderson County Mayor Myron Iwanski (third from left) and Anderson County’s Director of Schools Larry Foster (fifth from left) took part in Anderson County Schools’ Learn Academy groundbreaking at the future site of the new school on Friday morning, Nov. 4. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2326.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2326.html The Anderson County Board of Education voted during a Tuesday, Nov. 1, special-called meeting at the Robert Jolley Building in downtown Clinton to grant Director of Schools Larry Foster a three-year contract extension running through 2015. The eight-member Board voted unanimously to extend Foster’s contract on a motion by Dist. 2 Board Member Greg Crawford. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2325.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2325.html The Anderson County Sheriff’s Department released the details of the investigation that led to the arrest of a Lake City woman for attempting to hire an undercover Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agent to kill her ex-boyfriend and father of her 4-month-old son last month. Teresa Dawn Wright, 42, Coal Creek Lane, Lake City, was arrested at a North Charles Seivers Blvd. fast-food establishment on Wednesday, Oct. 19, after meeting with the TBI agent and handing him the key to a used automobile that she had promised to exchange for the death of her ex-boyfriend, the father her young child. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2324.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/11/2324.html A new video arraignment system presently being incorporated in Anderson County General Session courtrooms has revolutionized the way local inmates face punishment while considerably lessoning the load on courthouse workers and jail staff. The system has been available in Anderson County for just two weeks but has already been deemed a resounding success to those involved in the local court process. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2323.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2323.html The Anderson County School System has received Lab-in-a-Box kits provided by the Rural Communities STEM Initiative, an Oak Ridge business/education partnership seeking to improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills of regional K-12 students. Because of limited resources, teachers often do not have enough lab materials for students to conduct experiments individually or in Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2322.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2322.html EDITOR: Thank you for publishing Martin McBride’s Guest Column, “Anderson County needs leadership, now” in the Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, issue of your paper. Mr. McBride presents some interesting data regarding growth in Anderson County vs. surrounding counties. While I have not had time to unearth data to support or refute Mr. McBride, I would like to make the following three suggestions. First, it seems like Roane County should be part of Mr. McBride’s analysis. Much of the Oak Ridge Reservation (and the City of Oak Ridge) lies in Roane County, including ORNL and the former K-25 facility. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2320.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2320.html EDITOR: On behalf of the Clinton Senior High School Class of 1978, I would like to personally thank you for your recent contribution to our 33rd Class Reunion. With your help and the many others who volunteered their time and efforts, our reunion was a phenomenal success. We would like to recognize Gene Marlow, owner of Willow Ridge Nursery, for his contribution of a beautiful dogwood tree. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2319.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2319.html The Anderson County School System’s plans to build a new alternative school are moving forward as expected despite hitting a potential snag this week when construction bids on the project were unveiled on Tuesday, Oct. 25, and the lowest bid came in at several hundred thousand dollars more than what officials initially expected to spend for construction of the school. Of the four bidders on the project, the lowest submission - $6,084,000 ñ belonged to Knoxville-based Rouse Construction. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2318.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2318.html A group of Anderson County students will spend the spring semester before graduation engaged in a lesson plan pulled directly from the other side of the world. Kathleen Benedict, a language arts and social studies teacher at Anderson County School’s 21st Century Academy, was one of 26 American public school educators included among the recipients of the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation’s Award for Teaching Excellence announced last February in Washington D.C. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2317.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2317.html What Anderson County needs is a true leader; someone who can get the economy jump-started---and soon. The County Mayor is the ideal person to provide this leadership. Mayor Myron Iwanski came to office promising to focus on solving the county’s problems. Hopefully, the county’s economy is at the top of his list. Unfortunately, DOE figures show that during 2008, Anderson County received $48.5 million dollars less in annual payroll than it did in 1993. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2316.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2316.html Clinton resident Jake Howard recently earned the highest honor attainable in the Boy Scouts of America when the 2011 Clinton High School graduate was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout during a Sunday, Sept. 4, ceremony at Clinton’s Memorial United Methodist Church. While serving under the tutelage of Scoutmasters James McCrary and Paul Gore, Howard was thrust into several positions of leadership and responsibility during his seven years in the troop, including Troop Quartermaster. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2315.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2315.html An admittedly disappointed Dist. 3 County Commissioner Johnny Alley relented this week that he’s prepared to move ahead with the new Commission-approved redistricting map despite his efforts over the last month to revisit the controversial issue and start from scratch. Alley, who, along with fellow Dist. 3 Commissioner Dusty Irwin, represents the Andersonville, Clinch Valley, Fairview and Norris areas on the county’s legislative body, said this week he’s focused on moving forward now that his options to thwart the September Commission vote have been exhausted. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2314.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2314.html A 42-year-old Lake City woman was arrested after offering an undercover Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent a used car in exchange for killing her ex-boyfriend ñ the father of her four-month-old son. Teresa Dawn Wright, Coal Creek Lane, Lake City, was taken into custody Wednesday evening, Oct. 19, at approximately 8:30 p.m. after members of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department Investigations Unit in conjunction with members of the TBI set up an undercover operation that led to Wright propositioning the undercover TBI agent to kill the father of her son, according to an ACSD press release. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2313.html http://www.hometownclinton.com/articles/2011/10/2313.html Norris City Council has reversed itself, voting 3-2 to accept the Rogers Group’s low bid on a Norris paving contract despite many residents’ objections to doing business with the company because of its proposed quarry at Bethel. At the September meeting of Norris City Council, the second-lowest paving bid had been approved because of the quarry controversy. Afterward City Manager Tim Hester notified council members that the vote might not stand up to legal scrutiny. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST