News
January 17, 2019 by Michelle Hollenhead
The daughter of Town of Farragut’s late Mayor Ralph McGill is doing her best to turn what could be a sad day into an uplifting one: commemorating what would have been her father’s 76th birthday.
Kimberly McGill Pratt of Kingsport has established a Facebook event, “Random Acts for Ralph,” asking others to initiate or perform “some random act of kindness” in honor of her father’s “first birthday in Heaven” Monday, Feb. 4.
“I tried to think of a way to honor him on this special day as we learn what life is like without him,” she wrote. “My dad was always fond of surprising others. In fact, he started a tradition in our family when I was young at Christmas time. It started with the first VCR we ever owned. He had bought it for my mom (Marianne McGill) as a special surprise at Christmas. He told my brother (Norman) and I about it and where he would be hiding it.
“He said he would be giving it to her when everything was opened at Christmas,” Pratt added. “He said, ‘You know how mom always says, ‘Well, it’s all over’ when we are done opening gifts? Well, that will be our cue to go get the VCR.’
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Andzulis 1st female winner on NBC’s ‘The Titan Games’
January 17, 2019 by Michelle Hollenhead
Emily Andzulis certainly made it clear why her nickname is “The Pitbull” when she became the first female victor on NBC’s “The Titan Games.”
The show, developed and hosted by former wrestler and movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, set “everyday people” against each other in unique and demanding physical challenges.
Andzulis, who dug in to win and beat two other women in the show’s first episode Thursday, Jan. 3, did not disappoint.
Through a crazy “blind tug-of-war” event, then an obstacle course climb up “Mount Olympus,” the 26-year-old with Hardin Valley ties barreled through the competition, leaving her competitors behind.
It was still tough, with Andzulis describing one event as “being one of the toughest battles I’ve ever experienced.”
She also said the pressure of competing was exponentially magnified by having to do it before a live audience.
“It was absolutely overwhelming,” she said. “I think that was the real test — to see if you could perform under that pressure.”
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January 17, 2019 by Tammy Cheek
Farragut attorney G. Keith Alley has been re-appointed as Town of Farragut’s municipal judge.
Alley, initially appointed in 2016, will serve another one-year term after it was made official during Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s meeting Thursday, Jan. 10.
“Any person appointed to the office of municipal judge should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, shall be at least 30 years of age and be a resident of the Town for one year preceding election of office,” Town recorder Allison Myers said, adding Alley had agreed to serve another term.
“I’m thrilled that you are willing to continue to serve in this role,” Vice Mayor Louise Povlin said.
“It’s my pleasure,” Alley replied.
“We appreciate the job you do — thank you,” Alderman Ron Pinchok added.
In an interview Friday, Jan. 11, Alley said, “I serve at the Town’s leisure, so they can choose to appoint someone different any time they like, but I’m happy to do it as long as they would like me to be in the position.”
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January 17, 2019 by Staff Reports
State Sen. Richard Briggs (R-District 7, which includes Farragut) has been appointed chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee and as a member of the Senate’s powerful Finance, Ways and Means Committee.
The announcement was made by Lt. Gov. Randy McNally as the 111th General Assembly concluded the first week of the 2019 session Thursday, Jan. 10.
“A senator of unquestioned integrity, Richard Briggs is the obvious choice for chairman of Ethics,” McNally said. “I know he will continue to do an outstanding job.”
The Senate Ethics Committee is responsible for enforcement of the Senate Code of Ethics and hears any complaints waged against a sitting member.
The Finance Committee holds the purse strings for all of state government with responsibility for hearing all measures dealing with the appropriation of state funds. It also has oversight over legislation pertaining to state bonds, pensions, investments or indebtedness.
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January 17, 2019 by Tammy Cheek
Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen has dissolved its Economic Development Advisory and Personnel committees.
Although it received objections during its meeting Thursday, Jan. 10, the Board voted unanimously to discontinue the two committees.
“I would like to thank all the past members for their service on both committees, and I would also like to welcome each to apply for one of the other active committees in the future,” Mayor Ron Williams said. “The strength of our Town is really the passion of our volunteers.”
“… Of which we all are, as well as volunteers,” Vice Mayor Louise Povlin added.
As a member of the Personnel Committee, John Nehls, a Smith Road resident, said, “I think this (proposed resolution) is a very bad idea.
“The committees are established to advise the Board of Mayor and Aldermen,” he added. “If there is a question of the efficacy of a committee or its operation, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen then should meet with that committee.
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January 17, 2019 by
• A Rouse Road complainant called Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 12:33 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6, to report an incident at Cotton Eyed Joe’s, 11220 Outlet Drive. Complainant reported he left his 2012 Dodge 3500 at Cotton Eyed Joe’s in the evening of Saturday, Jan. 5. Complainant advised when he came back out to his vehicle in the early morning hours of Jan. 6, its back windshield was broken and a loaded Springfield XDS firearm was stolen. Total estimated value of firearm was listed at $480. Complainant advised he is unsure of a suspect.
• At 3:21 p.m., Friday, Jan. 4, a complainant called KCSO West Precinct to report an incident at Best Buy, 11491 Parkside Dr. He advised an unknown white female entered the store and took four video games. She then placed them in her backpack and walked out of the store without paying for them. Retail value of games was listed at $240.
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The late Mayor Ralph McGill and wife, Marianne.
