VOL. 5 NO. 16
Week spotlights development The city’s Community Development Department this week is highlighting how it uses Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME funds, among other things. “Our Community Development team works diligently to benefit neighborhoods and make our city more livable for everyone, especially low- to moderate-income residents,” said Mayor Madeline Rogero, who was community development director 2006-10 under Mayor Bill Haslam. CDBG and HOME funds are targeted for elimination in President Trump’s budget, said Director of Community Development Becky Wade. “Even reducing those funds a slight percentage would make a huge impact on the number of households we’re able to assist.” This week’s events include: Wednesday, April 19: Emerald Academy Tour, 1 p.m., Emerald Academy, 220 Carrick St. Community Development staff members will tour the K-8 public charter school and talk to students about the city’s community development projects. Students will present the drawings they’ve made of their neighborhoods. Thursday, April 20: Columbus Home ribbon-cutting, 10 a.m., 119 Dameron Ave. Community Development partner Catholic Charities of Knoxville shows off Columbus Home Group Home’s new flooring, a project supported by CDBG funds. Columbus Home provides supportive housing for boys 12 and older who have been removed from their homes. Friday, April 21: Community Development Open House, 8-10 a.m., Fifth Floor Atrium and Room 549, City County Building, 400 Main St. Includes a slideshow of home renovations and testimonials from participants in programs like the Owner-Occupied Home Rehabilitation Program and the Commercial Façade Improvement Grants. The Community Development Department runs and supports programs that encourage economic investment; provide job opportunities and affordable housing; prevent and remediate blight; and prevent, reduce and end homelessness. Funding comes from the CDGB, HOME and ESG (Emergency Solutions Grants) as well as city funds. The department also oversees the Historic Preservation Fund grants program through the Mayor’s Office. More info: http://knoxville tn.gov/development.
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April 19, 2017
City Council nixes Broadway pawnshop; property owner hints of lawsuit By Betty Bean Twelve payday loan operations and pawnshops dot the mile-long stretch between the Broadway Shopping Center and Emoriland Boulevard, with two more located slightly to the north. Last week, City Council voted 7-1-1 not to add another. The vote to deny the property owner’s appeal of a Board of Zoning Commission decision not to allow the property to be rezoned for a pawnshop tested the city’s new Alternative Financial Services Ordinance, which sets 1,000foot distance restrictions between quick cash businesses and bans them from locating within 1,000 feet of residential neighborhoods. “We have been detrimentally harmed,” said Tony Capiello, corporate counsel for and principal in Capso, owner of the former used car dealership at 3515 N. Broadway, which is in the First Creek floodway across the street from the FairmontEmoriland neighborhood. “We felt like we did everything right,” said Capiello, who said Capso relied on bad advice from the city’s law department.
City Council rejected another North Broadway pawnshop, this one across from the Fairmont-Emoriland neighborhood. Capso’s intended tenant is U.S. Money Shop, owned by payday loan mogul Allan Jones, a flamboyant Cleveland, Tenn., native whom Capiello praised for donating more than $4 million to the University of Tennessee. “This body debated (the details
of the ordinance) long and hard,” said South Knoxville council member Nick Pavlis, who sponsored the measure after a cluster of quick cash businesses started multiplying along Chapman Highway. Council member Nick Della Volpe challenged Capiello to find
another use for the property. “He’s a smart man and will find a way to sell or lease to someone who can make use of the property, even though he went pretty far down this path before the lights came on,” Della Volpe said. “It’s time to start cleaning up the city.”
The Miller family: cherished local heritage By Carol Z. Shane The frenzy of tax time is starting to level off for longtime accountant Sue Miller Baker. She’s done taxes for 27 years at Jerry L. Tipton CPA on Washington Pike. Does she enjoy the work? “I must,” she says, laughing. “I’m still here!” That statement can be taken in a broader sense, too – Baker, her brother Barry Miller and many of their relatives are all “still here” after many generations. They can trace their lineage back to the first Lutheran minister
who came to the area in the early 1800s. They’re the Millers of Millertown Pike. On which you’ll find Miller’s Lutheran Church and Cemetery. Barry Miller, the family historian, says that his illustrious ancestor, Adam Miller, was what you’d call a “circuit rider,” traveling far and wide to serve German-speaking congregations. In 1811 he helped establish the church, known then as “Lonas Chapel,” and worked to get it fully accredited and accepted
by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. “He also taught school and traded cattle,” says Miller. “He didn’t start preaching until he was 53, and wasn’t ordained until the was 60.” Adam Miller’s son Jacob bought 450 acres in the eastern part of the county, and the family home he built, its outbuildings, other houses and the church were known as “Millertown.” The cemetery was established in 1850. To page A-3
Homey stay or animal house next door? By Nick Della Volpe
the welcome nosiness of neighbors to keep tabs on strangers in the area and the potential for criminal activity brewing down the block? Does such commercial conduct portend the gradual breakdown of traditional zoning that separates business activity from residential – sort of mixed-use activity gone riot? Administration officials conducting the meeting also expressed concern that STR conversions may exacerbate the shortage of affordable long-term rental housing. The issues are more than theoretical. According to Deputy Mayor Bill Lyons and Codes Director They argue that short-term Peter Ahrens, there are already rentals can help raise funds need- over 200 AirBNBs operating in ed for the rehab, or to support a Knoxville ... an illegal use in sinmore leisurely lifestyle in semi-re- gle-family residential districts. tirement. Tough questions need to Like Uber in the taxi/ride-share be explored before Knoxville will world, this idea is spreading. The administration is proposhave answers and a workable set ing a permit system to add a modiof STR regulations. First among them is: What cum of control to the present laiswill this do to established single- sez-faire situation. The proposal family neighborhoods? Will this currently requires homeowners to introduce a business element into live in the home they are attemptbedroom communities, where res- ing to rent on a short-term basis idents count on quiet streets and (Type 1 permit). They would apply
The hot zoning topic these days is about the potential benefits and problems of Short Term Rentals (STR), more commonly referred to as AirBNBs. These include stays at a residence for a short weekend up to a 30-day rental. To judge by comments at the city’s April 4 neighborhood meeting to discuss the draft regulations, this is all the rage among new homesteaders interested in owning and rehabbing older neighborhood homes for such business.
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for our hometown. My guess is it will produce both types of scenarios. How equipped is our city codes group to enforce reasonable rules scattered around the town? At the April 4 meeting, some pro-STR renters argued they should not be limited to one owner- occupied home (under a Type 1 permit). Some already owned or were contemplating buying several homes to use as AirBNBs. “I’m semi-retired and want the added income ...” (note: a Type 2 permit does not require owner occupation.) The bigger question is: when does an occasional short-term rental become a full blown hotel business, operating in your single-family neighborhood? When does the “operator’s” claim to property rights clash with the neighbors’ right to quiet enjoyment of their home? These are open questions. The city law department is revising the draft rules aired in April. MPC will tackle the proposal in May, followed by City Council review in June. Neighborhoods need to stay involved to help balance and shape the proposal.
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for a permit, pay a modest $70 fee, collect hotel and sales taxes, and be responsible to have someone on call within 45 minutes to address complaints. Type 2 permits (no owner presence required) would be available in nonresidential zones. STRs are different from longterm rentals, which bring new residents into the community. By definition, STRs bring strangers next door. Often these rentals are for weekend stays, especially during football season and festival days. Tourists and friends get to stay in a home-like setting. A nightmare vision, however, might include a half-dozen twenty-something guys drinking beer on the back porch ’til 2 a.m. amid loud talk and music ... a college dorm redux. No sleep for the neighbors ... In fairness, the converse might be true. A family traveling through Knoxville might enjoy the quiet comfort of a home over the bustling and somewhat-confined activity in a hotel or motel lobby. In its best form, an AirBNB might introduce newcomers to the hospitality of Knoxville, possibly acting as an informal recruiting service
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Subtle signs, safe hands There was nothing unusual about that Wednesday in March. It was a typical workday for Karen Russell. There was no indication that anything extraordinary was about to happen, and certainly no indication that she was about to have a stroke. Russell, 62, processes data at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, with the end goal of using the results to ensure quality care and patient safety. As she wrapped up her duties at the end of her day, she had no idea that she would soon be on the receiving end of that quality care. On the drive home from work that Wednesday in March, Russell began to experience numbness in her mouth. The possibility of a stroke never entered her mind, and her first thought was that it must have been the result of something she ate. “I thought I was having an allergic reaction, Russell says. “It was so subtle I could explain it away.” Later in the evening she fell asleep in the recliner, and woke to discover her arm and hand had gone numb. “You know how sometimes your hand and arm will get numb while you’re asleep,” Russell says. “I just decided that’s what it was, and so I explained it away, again.” It wasn’t until early the next
morning in the shower that Russell began to realize something could be so wrong that it would require medical attention. “It dawned on me that I couldn’t feel anything on my right side,” Russell says. “I couldn’t feel my toes, my leg was numb, and I decided I might b e
having a stroke.” She informed her husband that she was going to stop by the emergency department at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center on her way to the office. Her husband wisely insisted that he take the wheel. Russell also called her boss to explain what was going on. “I might be a little late,” Russell told her, “ I
WARNING
“This is not only my choice of employment,” Karen Russell says. “This is my choice of health care, too.”
Signs of
Stroke When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost, so it’s important to understand the warning signs of stroke and how to reduce your risk. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, call 911.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes All nine Covenant Health hospitals are part of our stroke network, so when seconds count, you can trust that our elite teams can provide the comprehensive stroke care you need.
www.covenanthealth.com Claiborne Medical Center | Cumberland Medical Center Fort Loudoun Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center LeConte Medical Center | Methodist Medical Center Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System Parkwest Medical Center | Roane Medical Center
have to run by the ED (emergency department) and make sure I’m not having a stroke.” At the time she was half joking, but the minute she came into the emergency department and explained she was there because of stroke symptoms, things got serious, and the team went into action. “As soon as I said it, there was a wheelchair behind me, and then everything happened so fast,” Russell says. “I just put myself in their hands, and I felt safe.” She was asked many questions, and while she never lost her ability to speak, it frightened her that she wasn’t able to answer the doctor correctly when he asked her what month it was. “I ought to be able to remember March,” Russell says, “because that’s my birthday month.” Screenings and tests were conducted, revealing high blood pressure and evidence of a stroke. It had been 16 hours since Russell’s first symptoms, so she had already passed the window for standard emergency stroke treatment. But in the limited period of time she was there, Russell felt well informed and completely cared for as a stroke patient. “They told me what it was, where it was, and I had a plan of care,” Rus-
sell says. That plan of care got Russell on the road to recovery, and she was able to return to work the following Monday, in the place where she says she’s most happy in life. “This is my hospital, and I love it,” Russell says. “I’ve been here 33 years, and I feel like I own part of it.” Russell laughs when she shares her grandchildren’s response to her treatment at Fort Sanders Regional. “They said, ‘Gosh, Mamaw, that place is the bomb diggity!’” Russell says. She is inclined to agree. “This is not only my choice of employment,” Russell says, “this is my choice of health care, too.” Fort Sanders Regional has been certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the American Heart/ Stroke Association, the largest independent health care evaluation system in the nation. The certification recognizes hospitals that meet high standards in treating the most complex stroke cases with advanced imaging, personnel trained in vascular neurology, neurosurgery and endovascular procedures, availability of personnel and facilities around the clock, and both experience and expertise treating stroke patients. To learn more about Fort Sanders Regional’s certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, signs of a stroke, and an online checklist to find out your level of stroke risk, visit www. fsregional.com/stroke.
The first Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in East Tennessee Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center serves as the hub of Covenant Health’s stroke hospital network, and offers advanced care and rehabilitation services to patients who experience a stroke. Fort Sanders Regional was the first in the Knoxville area to earn an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies more than 20,500 health care programs in the United States. This “gold-seal” advanced certification means that Fort Sanders is recognized as having the most advanced and effective treatments available for stroke today. Certification through The Joint Commission involves extensive training for the staff, documentation of effectiveness and inspection of the hospital by The Joint Commission. Part of certification is having a team of “neurohospitalists” on staff. These physicians treat only stroke and neurological cases in the hospital, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Instead of waiting for a doctor to have time from his or her private practice, Fort Sanders Re-
gional has neurologists on hand. “It makes access to specialized neurologists easier,” said James Hora, MD, one of the neurohospitalists at Fort Sanders. “We have 24/7 coverage, and this provides rapid access to a neurologist for acute neurologic problems.” Arthur Moore, MD, was hired in July 2014 as medical director for the center. “With our Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Certification, we offer the highest level of care for all patients. Whether they’re able to have surgery or not, we’re there to give their bodies the
best chance to heal and recover,” he explained. Most stroke patients need followup care after the initial event, and patients at Fort Sanders have access to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, an award winning rehabilitation center. About one-third of the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center’s patients are stroke patients, according to the center’s medical director, Mary E. Dillon, MD. “Our specialists begin determining as soon as possible what level of care the patient will need,” said Dillon. “Patients have access
to rehab services from the time they arrive in the emergency department, throughout their care here and through all the postacute levels of care.” Having everything – speedy emergency care, advanced surgical techniques and the best in rehabilitation – makes Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center the smart choice for stroke care. “We’re equipped to handle all stroke cases, from the most complex to the least,” said Dillon. “Our patients don’t have to go anywhere else to find help.”
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No comprehensive stroke and rehabilitation center in our region does more to reverse stroke’s devastating effects than Fort Sanders Regional Medical Fort Sanders performs Center. That’s why hospitals clinical trials and procedures for stroke not available across East Tennessee refer their most complex stroke patients to anywhere else in our region. us. And only Fort Sanders Regional is home to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, East Tennessee’s elite rehabilitation hospital for stroke, spinal cord and brain injury patients.
North/East Shopper news • April 19, 2017 • A-3
Asheville Highway general manager Mark Loper with owner Stewart Ritchie.
Photos by Esther Roberts
Austin Reuber shows one of many tractors available at Ritchie Tractor.
Ritchie Tractor: It’s Deere season here By Esther Roberts “Here’s a Price Book. Good luck!” Stewart Ritchie recalls his first day as a salesman for a tractor company that has long since gone defunct. “That was all the training I got. I quickly
realized I was a kid from the suburbs with a steep learning curve ahead.” He is humble and sincere when he adds, “The local farmers were extremely patient with me during those early years. I knew almost
nothing about their equipment needs back then.” When Ritchie Tractor was formed in 1998, the Ritchie family determined the company cornerstone would be excellent customer service. Part of the Ritchie mission
Susan Miller Baker and her brother Barry Miller are proud of their “Millertown” family heritage Photo by Carol Z. Shane
Miller family here, and you are still walking where they walked,” says Baker. Miller says, “It’s unique in this day and age to see so many family members who live within 10 or so miles of each other.” “People still refer to me as ‘one of the Miller girls,’” Baker laughs. “Other than just a couple of years, I’ve lived here all my life.” She stops to point out her grandfather Henry Miller’s grave. Next to it is a blank
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facturing facility in Greeneville, Tenn. And, along with John Deere products, we sell and service Honda, Kuhn, and Stihl products.” Ritchie is quick to give credit to Loper and his Asheville Highway team for the success of the Asheville Highway store. “Mark has decades of experience in the farm and lawn equipment industry. Some of the Asheville Highway team have been with us for years. Many of them live in this area, so their customers are also their neighbors. It’s a winning combination – outstanding product knowledge and great customer service. Our present expansion and renovation at our Asheville Highway store is a direct result of our local customers. We want to provide them with excellent products and services for years to come.” Ritchie Tractor is at 6725 Asheville Highway. Info: 865-521-6607 or www. ritchietractor.com
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machines for maintenance or service,” says Asheville Highway general manager Mark Loper. Parking and outdoor inventory space was enhanced, so customers can “try and buy” the equipment they need, such as zero-turn lawn mowers, utility tractors, all-terrain vehicles, commercial tractors, balers and other implements. The remodeling of the original Asheville Highway store is nearly complete. “Our grand opening is scheduled for April 28 at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome,” says Ritchie. “We are absolutely dedicated to this region,” he continues. “We offer online scheduling and a mobile unit for at-home lawn mower repairs, among other customer conveniences.” Loper adds, “John Deere proudly makes all their grass-cutting equipment right here in the United States; they have a manu-
From page A-1
plot of ground. It belongs to Baker. “My grandfather was my best friend in the whole world,” she says. “We spent hours and hours and hours together. I was 13 when he passed away. That really hurt.” Baker says that the comfort she gets from her family, its close ties, and its long tradition will last beyond this life. “It just pleases me to no end to know I’ll be resting next to my best friend.”
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The Miller siblings enjoy showing visitors around the family’s old stomping ground. Driving through the surrounding neighborhoods, you’d never suspect that one of the homes used to be a one-room schoolhouse, or that the house where the two grew up, built in 1937 by their father and grandfather using lumber from a nearby ridge, was moved from its original plot to its current location when the interstate came. “We couldn’t stand to see it torn down,” says Miller. “It’s a real lathe and plaster house. When they moved it, they didn’t get a single crack in it.” Walking through the Miller cemetery, they both speak of the feeling of belonging that their heritage gives them. “You really take a sense of pride in the fact that your ancestors lived
statement is, “People take pride in their work ... therefore, we exist because we have a passion to help people get things done.” That passion is the impetus behind the recent renovation and expansion at the Ritchie Asheville Highway location. “Our customer base is very diverse,” Ritchie explains. “They range from professional farmers working hundreds of acres to individuals who manicure their own lawn. The original building here just wasn’t adequate to take care of everyone. And we want to serve everybody’s needs. Whatever it takes.” Adjacent properties on either side of the original structure were obtained. One newly acquired building was renovated to provide specialized service and parts for large farm equipment. “The commercial equipment building provides easy access when you’re bringing in large
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A-4 • April 19, 2017 • North/East Shopper news
What if James Madison were on Twitter? By Kip Oswald
James Madison might have been the fourth president of the United States, but I found that most people I inter v iewed for this article either didn’t know Kip or didn’t remember who he was even if they had taken American history classes. So Kinzy and I found some very fun and interesting facts to help us remember him and his wife, Dolly. Wife Dolly actually planned the first presidential inaugural ball! Madison, however, was very shy, which may have been because he was so small. He was the shortest president we have ever had at barely 5 feet, 4 inches tall and only 100 pounds, which may be why he didn’t like to wear the traditional pants called knee breeches. He was the first president to wear long pants instead. He was also the first president who had also been a member of Congress. His time in Congress and as president was quite interesting, though. He was known as the Father of the Constitution for all the work he did to write and pass our Constitution. He was also the first and only president ever to lead the troops into battle when he declared war on Britain. Two years later,
Zaevion Park Tree Planting
On April 5, volunteers from steel recycler Gerdau planted trees in the under-construction Zaevion Dobson Memorial Playground and Park. Brittney Parker, Katie Wallace, Jill Gee, Gwen Reichel and Jamie Gass pause during their work in the Lonsdale Homes neighborhood. The new park, which will open in late April, includes a playground and multi-use field. It is named for Zaevion Dobson, a 15-yearold killed in 2015 shielding friends from gunfire. The park development is led by the City of Knoxville, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation and Gerdau.
the British burned Washington, D.C., including the White House. While they were burning the house, troops found and ate the president’s meal on the dining table as it was left when everyone had escaped the White House. His wife, Dolly, stayed in the White House as the British were burning it so she could rescue the portrait of George Washington. He was a very popular president when he left office. Possible tweets from President Madison could be: James Madison @ FatheroftheConstitution I was arrested in Vermont when Thomas Jefferson and I went for a carriage ride on a Sunday afternoon, which just happened to be against the law in Vermont. James Madison @ FatheroftheConstitution My face was on the $5,000 bill, but the government stopped making them in 1945! James Madison @ FatheroftheConstitution My famous quote will be: “All men having power ought to be mistrusted.” James Madison @ FatheroftheConstitution I am an original trustee of the University of Virginia and left most of my personal library to the school! James Madison @ FatheroftheConstitution My last words were “I always talk better lying down.” Send comments to oswalds worldtn@gmail.com
Civil War scholar coming to Knoxville One of the country’s most distinguished Civil War historians, Dr. James I. “Bud” Robertson Jr., will address the Knoxville Civil War Round Table on May 9 on “The Four-Legged Soldier in the Civil War.” Robertson will speak to the critical role played by horses and mules in the war, far more of whom died than did humans, and to the invaluable role played by regimental mascots in boosting the morale and lifting the spirits of soldiers on both sides. Robertson is the author or editor of more than 25 books on the Civil War. He Robertson served as executive director of the U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission in the 1960s and worked with Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson in commemorating the war’s 100th anniversary. He then taught 44 years at Virginia Tech before retiring in 2011 as Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History. The event will be at Bearden Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike, with buffet at 7 p.m. and speaker at 8. Reservations are required by calling 865-671-9001 by 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, and leaving a message. Cost for dinner and presentation is $15 for members, $17 for nonmembers. Presentation only is $3 for members, $5 for nonmembers.
FCA’s ‘Kindergarten Konnection’ open house is Thursday Freedom Christian Academy will host a “Kindergarten Konnection” open house 6:307:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, on the campus of Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church, 4615 Asheville Highway. Parents of students entering kindergarten this fall are invited to learn more about FCA’s kindergarten program. Info: Shannan Rebold, 865-525-7807
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Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Autism Site Knoxville, a local nonprofit community center, are partnering to present their third annual Autism Family Day on Saturday, April 22. The event welcomes individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families to a sensory-friendly aquarium visit on Earth Day. The event includes sensory activities, reduced background noise, and a quiet room. Volunteers will be on hand to assist children as needed. The aquarium is opening 90 minutes early on the day of the event with a special discount admission price just for these families so that they can enter before the general public and take advantage of the quieter atmosphere. Families must have registered with Autism Site Knoxville via Eventbrite to attend. For more information, go to the Calendar at AutismSiteKnoxville.org.
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News from Office of Register of Deeds
Real estate markets spring forward in March By Sherry Witt After a rather sleepy February, local real estate and lending markets sprang to life during March. For the month ending Friday, March Sherry Witt 31, there were 1,138 property transfers recorded in Knox County. That was an increase of 364 sales over February’s activity, and easily surpassed the 991 transfers recorded last March. The total value of property sold during the month was just over $240 million – some $85 million ahead of the pace set in February. Last month’s activity was also well ahead of March 2016, when $198 million worth of real estate was transferred. Property sales have historically seen an upswing in March as the winter months give way to warmer weather and daylight saving time. While mortgage rate increases have had some effect on lending, there was a notable recovery from the
dip experienced in February. In March, about $300 million was loaned against real estate in Knox County, up from $221 million in February, and about $9 million above March 2016 levels. The largest real estate sale of the month was a purchase by Lincoln Memorial University of the Pellissippi Office Center on Cogdill Road. The complex sold for $7.5 million. The largest mortgage loan filed was a Deed of Trust in the amount of $6.42 million financing property at the intersection of Chapman Highway and Woodlawn Pike known as Chapman Commons. Analysis of the first quarter’s data indicates that 2017 is running moderately ahead of 2016 in both real estate sales and mortgage lending. As of March 31, around $624 million worth of property has been sold in Knox County, compared to $530 million during the first quarter of 2016. Mortgage lending is also outpacing last year’s first-quarter activity, with approximately $837 million loaned so far this year, compared with $791 million last year.
The Rotary guy
Breakfast Rotary’s annual wildflower sale Is April 29 By Tom King Rotarians in Knoxville do a lot of things … things like working to eradicate polio, reading to kids at schools, prov iding new library Tom King books for elementary schools, working alongside The News Sentinel at Free Flu Shot Saturday, supporting the Cerebral Palsy Center’s group home, delivering meals to seniors, and backing the important work done by many nonprofit organizations. One of our clubs – the Knoxville Breakfast Rotary Club – sells wildflowers to raise money for the community projects it supports. If you are needing a few new wildflowers for your yard or home, the Breakfast Rotarians are about to have their popular major fundraiser – its 25th Annual Wildflower Sale. It will be on Saturday, April 29, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rocky Hill Shopping Center on Northshore Drive at Morrell Road. The club will have spring
flowers ready to plant, and there will be master gardeners from the Knox County Extension Office on hand to answer any questions. More info: 865-675-5901. Come out and meet club president Mike Holober and his fellow Breakfast Rotarians as they work to help fulfill Rotary International president John Germ’s theme – “Rotary Serving Humanity.” It is a fun event! News & Notes: Art Pickle was recently named a Lifetime Member of the Rotary Club of Bearden. Lifetime member designations are few and far between in Rotary. Art is a charter member of the club, which was formed in 1960, and served as District 6780 Governor in 1994-1995. He is the club’s second Lifetime Member, the late Bob Ely being the first.… Many Knoxville and area Rotarians will be in Chattanooga this weekend (April 21-22) for the 2017 District 6780 Conference, which will be an All-Star District Conference. John Germ will be there along with Knoxvillian Karen Wentz, a member of Rotary International’s board of directors. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Maryville.
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North/East Shopper news • April 19, 2017 • A-5
Emerald Youth Foundation celebrates 25th anniversary
The Lamb who lives The next day John [the Baptist] again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” (John 1: 35-36 NRSV)
By Carol Z. Shane Throughout its history, the Emerald Youth Foundation (EYF) has been a guiding light to kids in Knoxville’s urban communities. On May 5, the organization will be celebrating its quarter-century birthday with a breakfast at the Knoxville Expo Center, and you’re invited. “We’ve been in ministry for 25 years in the heart of Knoxville,” says John Crooks, EYF’s director of marketing and communications, “yet much opportunity remains to serve city children and their families. Our focus with youth is on preparation for a successful adulthood, and we’re always looking at ways to ensure that a greater number of our 2,000-plus youth served each year are achieving youth development outcomes in faith, learning and health.” A highlight of the morning event will be a performance by the Emerald Youth Foundation choir, led by John Jackson. “I think there will be 40 to 50 kids if not more,” says Jackson. “It’s hard to tell because there’s a different set of kids in each group I lead. Some of them are in-school and some of them are after-
Longtime Emerald Youth participant Billy Bradley sings a solo at the 2016 Emerald Youth Breakfast. Photo submitted school. About one-fourth of them are new kids, and they are excited.” The choir will offer two anthems, “Rejoice” by Israel Houghton and “My Life is in Your Hands” by Kirk Franklin. In addition to the choir’s music, there will be testimonials and a message of what’s to come. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend. The breakfast is sponsored by Graham Corpora-
tion, Home Federal Bank and Tennova Healthcare. Crooks says, “Funds raised at the Emerald Youth Breakfast are vital to our ongoing work in Knoxville’s urban neighborhoods. While the event is complimentary to attend, we do take up an offering that supports our ministry across the city.” Even at that early hour, Jackson says he and his kids will be raring to go. “Through the choir, you can see the community that
Local students among Tennessee History winners Seventy-three middle and high school students qualified to represent Tennessee at National History Day later this summer in College Park, Md. Those students placed first or second in their categories at Tennessee History Day held in Nashville on Saturday, April 8. They submitted projects about people and events of historical significance. This year’s theme was “Taking a Stand.” Medal winners from Tennessee History Day competition are: ■■ L&N STEM Academy, second in Senior Individual Documentary: “The Bijou Theatre: Taking a Stand for Equality,” Jared Watkins. Teacher: Karen Stanish ■■ L&N STEM Academy, third in Senior Group Documentary: “The Coal Creek Saga: When Miners Stood up for their Labor Rights,” Zachary Medley, Abigail Wells, Alexandra Lee. Teachers: Derek Griffin, Tressie Norton ■■ L&N STEM Academy, first in Senior Group Exhibit: “Anne Hutchinson: Religious Rebel,” Hyatt Christenberry, Molly
COMMUNITY NOTES
FAITH NOTES ■■ Washington Presbyterian Church, 7405 Washington Pike, will host a rummage sale on Saturday, April 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church park and pavilion, which is across the street from the church. The entrance to the pavilion is off Shipe Road. For more information call the church at 688-7755. ■■ Washington Presbyterian also will host a drive-thru barbecue on Saturday, April 22, in the church parking lot at 7405 Washington Pike,
Cross Currents
Lynn Pitts
thing. Even the resurrection of Lazarus was only a temporary reprieve. Jesus, however, was resurrected to live forever! We can’t explain it. We can only believe it. The disciples (that bunch of craven cowards who deserted Jesus when the going got tough) rallied eventually (except, of course, Judas, who repented by committing suicide) and went all over most of the (then) known world telling the amazing story. It saddens me when the only celebration some people want at Easter is an egg hunt. (I am not opposed to egg hunts; I have been to many of them! But how about let’s keep the main thing the main thing?) Happy Easter! Hallelujah!
from 11 a.m. until the pork is all gone. $7 buys a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, corn on the cob and a brownie. A family 4-pack is available for $25. ■■ Alice Bell Baptist Church, 3305 Alice Bell Road, will open its Clothes Closet 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Clothes for adults, children and infants will be available. Everyone welcome. Everything is free. ■■ First Comforter Church, 5516 Old Tazewell Pike, hosts MAPS (Mothers At Prayer Service) noon each Friday. Info: Edna Hensley, 865-7717788.
Info: edgewoodpark.us.
■■ East Knoxville Cleanup, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 29. Sponsored by Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Meet at Eternal Life Harvest Center Plaza, 2410 MLK Jr. Ave. Snacks and beverages available. Registration free and open to all ages. Info/ registration: http://tinyurl.com/hlgqg4b. ■■ Alice Bell Spring Hill Neighborhood Association. Info: Ronnie Collins, 865-637-9630. ■■ Beaumont Community Organization. Info: Natasha Murphy, 865-936-0139.
■■ Excelsior Lodge No. 342. Info: Bill Emmert, 865-933-6032 or w.emmert@att.net. ■■ Family Community Education-Carter Club. Info: Anne Winstead, 865-933-5821. ■■ First District Democrats. Info: Harold Middlebrook, haroldmiddlebrook@gmail.com; Mary Wilson, marytheprez@yahoo.com. ■■ Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization. Info: Liz Upchurch, 865-898-1809, lizupchurch1@gmail.com. ■■ Inskip Community Association. Info: Betty Jo Mahan, 865-679-2748 or bettymahan@knology. net.
■■ Belle Morris Community Action Group. Info: bellemorris.com or Rick Wilen, 865-524-5008. ■■ Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Association. Info: Paul Ruff, 865-696-6584.
■■ Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association. Info: Bill Hutton, 865-773-5228 or s_wlhutton@yahoo.com.
■■ Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association.
Where Five Star Service Makes Life Exceptional
Miller, Aruha Khan, Madison Jackson. Teacher: Derek Griffin ■■ West Valley Middle School, second in Junior Individual Website: “Taking a Stand for Democracy: The Protestors at Tiananmen Square,” Rulan Gu. Teacher: Karen Peterman ■■ West High School, third in Senior Individual Website: “Lewis Hine: Taking a Look Through My Lens,” Kiana Patterson. Teacher: Carrie Hastings ■■ St. John Neumann Catholic School, Best Project in African-American History, Junior Division: “The King of the Ring,” Wyatt Devall, Luke Jessie, Maksym Ulmer. Teacher: Michele Tarricone ■■ L&N STEM Academy, Best Project in African-American History, Senior Division: “The Bijou Theatre: Taking a Stand for Equality,” Jared Watkins. Teacher: Karen Stanish ■■In addition, Jill Robbins of L&N STEM Academy was named Teacher of the Year, Senior Division.
EYF has reached out to,” he says. “It’s awesome to just see them and to be a part of this ministry. I love the look in their eyes when they’re singing, because they’re all in.” The Emerald Youth Foundation Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. Friday, May 5, at the Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway. Reservations are available at emeraldyouth.org/breakfast or by calling 865-6373227.
The Easter story never gets old. It is as amazing and startling and breathtaking today as when the stone was first rolled away from the tomb. Christians the world over rejoice again, celebrate anew, proclaim with wonder, “He is alive!” This season is the most joyous and celebrative season of the Christian year. Even the readings that take us through the weeks between Easter and Pentecost are taken from the Acts of the Apostles rather than the Old Testament, because the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is the best witness to the Resurrection. There are those who say that when Christmas is over, it is really over, because of the let-down from celebration, as well as the cleaning and putting away of decorations and carol books and the temptations of finishing off the Christmas cookies. (I know who you are!) But the Resurrection of Jesus is a whole ’nother
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A-6 • April 19, 2017 • North/East Shopper news
last words
The Real Andy Holt Maybe the early Seventies weren’t the best of times to be a student at the University of Tennessee, but anybody with a functioning brain knew that the rattiest booth at the Roman Room was infinitely preferable to the accommodations at Fort Polk, Louisiana – AKA Fort Puke, next stop Vietnam. Protesters and selfproclaimed freaks faced off against YAFFers (Young Americans for Freedom) and the specter of war shadowed us everywhere. Nevertheless, lots of students liked Andy Holt, even though many weren’t crazy about some of the UT president’s old-school, paternalistic ways, particularly the time he invited Billy Graham to preach in Neyland Stadium and bring noted theologian Richard Nixon along, too. A World War II veteran born in 1904 (which means
Betty Bean he enlisted even though he was well past draft age), he’d lived through two world wars and had a different perspective on life than did most Boomers. There were things about him that gave conservatives the willies, too. He’d been executive director of the Tennessee Education Association, president of the National Education Association and had chaired the U.S. Delegation to the World Organization of the Teaching Profession in Switzerland. Think that resume would get anybody appointed UT president nowadays? The Real Andy Holt advocated ending segregation and
defended one of my old history professors who came under fire for his association with the Highlander Center, which also entertained Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Later, students walking along Cumberland Avenue waved at him when he’d come chugging by in the orange Volkswagen UT alumni gave him when he retired (his wife got a white Mercedes). Often as not he’d stop and give somebody a lift to class. Storied acts of kindness too habitual to be random circulated widely. In those days, the president of Real Andy Holt Photo courtesy of UT was the the University of Tennessee
most popular person in Knoxville, probably in the state. Imagine that. So when a West Tennessee pig farmer/state legislator named Andy Holt started
Four new state senators? Possibly When state Sen. Mark Green is confirmed as the new Secretary of the Army (probably this summer) he must resign his state Senate seat, which triggers a special election to fill it until his term ends in 2020. Montgomery County Commission will appoint an interim senator for four months. State Sen. Mark Norris, current majority leader, is widely mentioned as a new federal judge in Memphis, which would remove him from the governor’s race. He is 62 – older than what the Trump administration is looking for in new federal judges – but he has influential backers and could be tapped. State Sen. Doug Overbey, 62, who had been mentioned as a candidate for gov-
Victor Ashe
ernor, appears to have shifted his interest to the U.S. attorney position here in East Tennessee, while Jeff Hagood, who had previously expressed interest, appears to have considered the cut in pay he would incur if he were appointed. He may be interested in a position on the TVA board, which has three openings at present and two more in 2018. Should state Sen. Ken Yager be appointed to the TVA board, there is unsettled opinion on whether he can hold both offices. Yager
seems committed to staying in the state Senate if forced to make a choice. All are very able senators who have made their mark. So it is possible that there are four Senate vacancies this year (clearly one) triggering four special elections for the Senate and four new Senators by 2018. This comes on top of the November 2016 statewide election, in which there was only one change in the Senate. The only sure election will be for the Green seat once he is confirmed. House Speaker Beth Harwell is giving Gov. Bill Haslam fits over the gas tax with her endorsement of an alternative that does not raise taxes. She has decided that Haslam will not back her for governor next year
and she should move to the right to win enough backing to win a four-way primary contest. Also complicating the issue are the outnumbered Democrats who will decide whether this passes the House or not, since GOP members are badly split. If 20 Democrats withhold their votes, the gas tax hike will fail in the House. The Democrats will have a shopping list they want satisfied before they vote for the tax hike. Local state Rep. Rick Staples recently voted not to send the bill to the House floor. ■■ Federal district Judge Tom Varlan, who is chief judge, had a full house on April 7 when his portrait was unveiled. Several people were there from
ported animal cruelty cases bothered me still more, but Bill Haslam afforded me some relief when he killed it off with his veto pen. More recently, Fake Andy’s been spamming me with pictures of himself setting traffic light citations on fire. I suppose I should be grateful that it’s not Jeremy Durham sending me selfies. Last week, I attended a tribute to the Real Fake Andy Holt News Sentinel Photo Andy Holt, who nearly three decades after his death is still being restuffing my inbox with self- membered for his kindness serving emails, it bothered and willingness to look at me some. It bothered me all sides of an issue. It got more when state regulators me thinking. declined to pursue allegaFake Andy Holt is a gradtions that he’d emptied the uate of South-Doyle High contents of his hog dung School and UT-Knoxville. lagoon onto his neighbors’ I’m betting that his parents property. named him after Dr. Andy. Fake Andy Holt’s bill Guess it’s too late to ask mandating the prosecution them to call him something of whistleblowers who re- else.
Next ‘Ed & Bob Night Out in Knox County’ is April 20 Knox County At-Large Commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas will host their next Ed & Bob Night Out in Knox County 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Chandler’s Deli, 3101 Magnolia Ave. They plan to meet with the people of east Knox County and listen to their concerns. Ed and Bob feel that going out to the citizens eases the strain on those who, because of work, commitments, financial situation or the distance to the City-County Building, cannot attend regular commission meetings. All elected officials, media and public are welcome. This is not a commission meeting, there is no agenda, and there will be no votes taken. his days as city law director, including former vice mayor Jack Sharp and his wife, Doris, along with former city council members Gary Underwood, Ed Shouse (now county trustee), Jean Teague, Ivan Harmon and Larry Cox, as well as former parks director Sam Anderson, former community relations director Tank Strick-
land, mayoral assistant Jeri Parker and this writer. ■■ Knox County Trustee Ed Shouse turns 67 on April 22. He has previously served on the Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission. Shouse has brought calm and integrity to the trustee’s office, lacking since Tommy Schumpert held it.
Angela Floyd & Friends present …
Cash For Classrooms Northshore Elementary teacher Molly Smelser and Angela Floyd unpack a box of new Harry Potter books that Smelser purchased with her Cash for Classrooms.
Angela Floyd and Rocky Hill teacher Kari Matthews show off some costumes and headphones that Matthews’ fourth-grade class will use to learn about American history.
Angela Floyd checks out the digital weather station that Amherst Elementary teacher Amy Huether purchased for her classroom.
Angela Floyd and Karns High choral teacher Seth Tinsley stand in front of one of the props to be used in the school’s production of “The Sound of Music.” The Cash for Classrooms funds helped Tinsley purchase supplies for the musical. Photos by Ruth White
Angela Floyd received a big “thank you” hug from Luttrell Elementary teacher Cheryl Bowman. Thanks to Cash for Classrooms, Bowman was able to purchase a color printer and toner cartridges for her classroom.
Shopper news is proud to co-sponsor the 2017 Cash for Classrooms with the help of the Great Schools Partnership. Thanks to our sponsors, we put $5,000 directly into classrooms ($250 each to 20 classes). And we helped Angela Floyd celebrate 20 years in business.