Issuu

VOL. 52 NO. 16

www.ShopperNewsNow.com |

April 22, 2013

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‘Never give up’

IN THIS ISSUE

Purple in Powell The Knoxville Purple Heart Chapter 356 met at Shoney’s Restaurant on April 16. Some attendees had suffered great physical losses in service to our country. But none dwelt on that.

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See Cindy Taylor’s story on A-3

Life Action Revival Summit First Baptist Powell will host a Life Action Revival Summit 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays beginning April 28 and continue at 6:30 p.m. MondayThursday with special services on Saturdays. It will feature instructional teaching, family seminars, music, and programs for children and youth.

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See story on page A-7

No way to win Sometimes there is no way to win. Jimmy Cheek, chancellor of the University of Tennessee, might not win a popularity vote from football fans. Innocent though he may be, Jimmy is perceived as part of the problem. His goal of academic excellence, making UT one of the top research schools in the country, is thought to be a stumbling block, even a blockade to football success.

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See Marvin West’s story on A-6

NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ

Jordan promoted at Clayton Homes David Jordan is now vice president for corporate services at Clayton Homes. Jordan and his wife, Pam, live in Halls. He began his career at Clayton Homes in 1983 and has held various positions with increasing responsibilities, including serving as corporate controller since 2001. As vice president, he will continue to direct corporate accounting, risk management, community relations, philanthropic outreach and facilities services. Jordan serves on the advisory council of blountAchieves and as a member of the board of Innovative Education Partnership, representing Clayton Homes as lead corporate project manager for the ClaytonBradley STEM Academy. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UT.

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TITAN A SELF-STORAGE

Powell Middle School students surround Inky Johnson after his presentation. Photo by Cindy Taylor

By Cindy Taylor The number 29 holds great significance for former UT football player Inquoris “Inky” Johnson. It was the jersey number he was wearing when a devastating injury threatened his life and ended his

football career in 2006. He still wears that number every day. A chain bearing the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 hangs from his neck. He says he wears it to remind him of God’s goodness. Johnson spoke to students at

Arrive Alive! By Sandra Clark

A drunk driving simulator will be at Powell High School next week, part of a program called Arrive Alive! with support from the Powell Business and Professional Association. The simulator will be at Powell High School Monday, April 29, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. UNITE’s Arrive Alive program

uses a high-tech simulator, impact video and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of drunk driving and texting while driving. The simulator allows students to experience, in a controlled environment, the potential consequences of drunk and distracted driving. One of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is

Budget talk What to expect from Burchett, Rogero By Betty Bean The theme won’t be “We’re in the Money” for fiscal year 201314, but it won’t be “Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime,” either. And for that, local officials are grateful. “It’s a tight budget,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, who is expected to unveil a proposal on Friday that looks a lot like last year’s $180 million budget.

Analysis “Revenues are still pretty flat – it’s been this way for several years, but as the economy rebuilds, capital projects will continue.” “Very sufficient,” was how Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett de-

scribed the budget figure that is expected to nudge a little higher than last year’s $710 million, primarily due to an increase in education funding (BEP) from the state. The first thing that both mayors want people to know is that in spite of expensive problems like insufficiently funded pensions, there won’t be a property tax increase in the coming year. “We’re delivering the services they need and not charging them any more for it – and these days that’s a pretty good deal,” Burchett said. County Finance Director Chris Caldwell said the county has seen modest growth – 2.5 percent in sales tax growth, 1.5 percent in property tax growth – and expects a $7 million increase in state educational funding. “Nothing to write home about,” he

Powell Middle School on April 15. He talked about pursuing your goals and never giving up. He says the road to success is always under construction and everybody has a dream. He told the students it is not about what happens to you or

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cellphone use. About 89 percent of all Americans have a cellphone, according to CTIA – The Wireless Association. Drivers under age 20 have the highest proportion of distractionrelated fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if

they become distracted. Also next week, Chick-fil-A and Bojangles will promote seat belt usage by distributing coupons in the parking lot. At a wrap-up assembly on Friday, students who sign a commitment card are eligible to win $50 gasoline cards and seniors can win a $500, $1,000 or $2,000 scholarship.

said. “But growth, nevertheless. The mayor wants to pay down the debt by $100 million by the end of 2016, and we are still on pace to do that.” Meanwhile, the city has found a way to start getting a handle on its unfunded pension liability. “This required taking $10 million out of our budget last year, and we applied it to this year to buffer the Rogero impact on the operating budget. That buys time and helps us meet those obligations while waiting for the economy to come back,” said Rogero. Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, who represents South Knoxville and the Burchett University of Tennessee area, is cautiously happy. “There’s no pot of gold,” said Pavlis. “But I had some large capi-

tal projects already in last year’s budget, and those are in the pipeline.” He is speaking of Suttree Landing Park on the south waterfront, the realignment of Woodlawn and Ft. Dickerson at Chapman Highway, the redesign of Cumberland Avenue and his favorite project, the Urban Wilderness. “That’s what I’ve pushed more than anything and I want to stay very focused on that,” Pavlis said. Rogero will host the annual budget luncheon at noon Friday, April 26, at Ijams Nature Center, Mead’s Quarry, spotlighting the first phase of the South Loop Trail, which connects Ijams Nature Center, Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, William Hastie Natural Area and Marie Myers Park and is part of the Urban Wilderness project. Burchett will roll the county budget out May 1, but says there won’t be any refreshments. “We’ll just be going around to the districts, giving presentations. It’s too dadgum expensive to feed a bunch of people.”

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