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VOL. 10 NO. 17
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BUZZ
Safe drivers
Knox County Schools held its first monthly Bus Safety Awards April 20 at Ted Russell Ford. Five KCS bus drivers were recognized for their excellence in driving. Awards sponsor Ted Russell Ford presented each recipient with $100, and KCS gave each drivGalyon er a certificate of appreciation. WIVK is also a sponsor, in the recognition organized by at-large commissioner Bob Thomas. April honorees included Patterson Rhonda Galyon who drives for Sequoyah Elementary School and West High School, and Regina Patterson, who drives for Pond Gap Elementary School, Bearden Middle School and West High School. Galyon has been driving a bus for 14 years and Patterson has been a bus driver for 12 years.
Scenic Knoxville receives national award By Wendy Smith
Charlie Daniel presents a lifetime achievement award to Julie Webb, a founding member of the Scenic Knoxville board. Photos by Wendy Smith
Scenic Knoxville president Joyce Feld accepts the Stafford Award from Scenic America president Mary Tracy.
Concert to feature Natalee Elkins Holston Middle School choral director Natalee Beeler Elkins will present a benefit concert for Jaymie Lamb, who is being treated for thyroid cancer. The concert will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 1, at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S. Northshore Drive.
Ashe visits St. Helena, returns Victor Ashe writes: “Two months ago in February, I visited an island that had been on my bucket list for years. It is St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean between Africa and South America. “St. Helena is best known as the final site for the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte after his defeat at Waterloo in 1815.�
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Harwell has a plan “Last week we ranted about House Speaker Beth Harwell’s apparent lack of courage in not moving to expel Jeremy Durham from the House and not bringing Insure TN for a vote. “In fairness, let’s look at the flip side.�
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April 27, 2016
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Scenic Knoxville received Scenic America’s Stafford Award during last week’s celebration of the local organization’s eight years of advocacy and accomplishment. Mary Tracy, president of Scenic America and Scenic Philadelphia, was the keynote speaker. She described Scenic Knoxville as “one of our stars.� Previous recipients of the Stafford Award, named for former U.S. Sen. Robert Stafford of Vermont, include Lady Bird Johnson and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander. Scenic Knoxville President Joyce Feld kicked off the evening by noting the group’s accomplishments, which include helping to achieve a ban on digital billboards in the city and county, and a ban on new electronic message centers in the city. Scenic Knoxville advocacy also contributed to the passage of the city’s new sign ordinance. How a community looks matters, said Feld. “Attractive cities inspire pride and invite new residents, tourists and high-quality commercial investment. They create higher property values and greater economic prosperity, benefiting residents and business alike. Attractive cities are where people want to live, work and recreate.� Julie Webb, a founding member of the Scenic Knoxville board, received a lifetime achievement award. Feld was also recognized for serving as president for seven years.
Sidewalks, Tennova discussed by Wesley Neighbors By Wendy Smith The Wesley Neighbors are actively campaigning for a new sidewalk on Sheffield Drive, but last week they heard disappointing words from District 2 City Council member and Vice Mayor Duane Grieve − don’t get your hopes up. Grieve spoke at the homeowners association meeting. He’s met with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero twice to discuss the project, he said. Sidewalk requests are ranked based on a formula that awards points for projects that are within a school’s Parental Responsibility Zone or connect existing sidewalks, among other criteria. The Sheffield Drive project received 10 points out of a possible 13. That puts it in line behind five other projects in District 2, and those projects are estimated to cost $25 million. The city’s annual budget for sidewalks is $500,000, he said. The estimated cost for the Sheffield Drive sidewalk is $1.2 million. He encouraged residents to keep working. Sheffield Drive has a 60-foot right-of-way and is only 24 feet wide, which should keep the city from having to purchase
right-of-way. If all of the neighbors on one side of the road agree to the sidewalk, the process would be simpler, he said. Sheffield Drive resident Sandy Robinson was undaunted by Grieve’s news. “We will not give up,� she said. She helped organize the recent “Walk for West Hills.� The walk, orchestrated to bring attention to the need for a sidewalk, drew residents of all ages, including 92-year-old Jim Boehms. City Council members Finbarr Saunders and George Wallace attended last week’s meeting. Wallace suggested that the sidewalk be installed in three phases. Jerry Askew, vice president of external relations for Tennova, was asked to give an update on the future Middlebrook Pike hospital. The sewer line is being moved, and the gas line will soon follow. The plan is to finish utility work by Oct. 1, barring a serious weather event. Then, construction of the hospital can begin, he said. Donnie Ernst, vice president of the Wesley Neighbors, suggested that Tennova help out with the sidewalk project “as a gesture.�
Sandy Robinson and Duane Grieve share a laugh at last week’s Wesley Neighbors meeting. Photo by Wendy Smith “Jerry − just think about it,� he said. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett also spoke at the meeting. His sister still lives in the Bennington Drive home in which he grew up. “You’re in the best neighborhood
in America. I’m a West Hills boy.� He spoke in favor of consolidating some city and county services. Government is too big, he said.
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Grad Night offers safe fun for Bearden seniors By Wendy Smith Bearden High School seniors are “All in This Together� at this year’s Grad Night Celebration. The annual party, intended to keep students safe the night of graduation, will start at 11 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, at Cool Sports in Farragut. This year’s theme is “High School Musical.� Students * 1 +
will have the opportunity to watch all three movies in the franchise when they’re not ice skating, playing casino games, jumping in an extra-large bounce house or eating. “We want this to be a place where kids can be safe, without drugs and alcohol,� says PTSO member Tracey Ford.
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The community comes together to donate items, like food and prizes, to make the event affordable. Rental costs for casino games and inflatables will be shared with Hardin Valley Academy, which is hosting a similar event the night before. The $25 tickets are available at school and can be purchased at
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the door as long as students have a completed registration form. Students will be searched upon entry and won’t be allowed to leave before the party ends at 5 a.m. Parent volunteers are still needed, and donations of gift cards for prizes would be appreciated, Ford says. Info: bhsgradnight16@ gmail.com
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