Table Of ContentJuly 31, 2017  www.knoxfocus.com  PAGE A1
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July 31, 2017
School system is serious about safety
By Pete Gawda
Office and Gus Paidou- The superintendent urged 
Knox  County  Schools  sis, chief of security for  drivers  to  be  slow  and 
mean business when it  Knox County Schools all  patient in school zones, 
comes to the safety of stu- stressed student safety in  especially around buses. 
dents. That fact was appar- their remarks.  He said motorists should 
ent at a school safety press  “Safety is first and fore- stop well behind stopped 
conference held Thursday  most” Thomas said , noting  school buses.
morning at South-Doyle  that the school system’s  Chief Tramel also urged 
Middle School in prepara- about 350 buses travel 3  drivers to slow down, take 
tion for the start of school  million miles a year serv- their time and be patient.
on August 7.  ing 90 schools. He stated  Chief  Rausch  urged 
Superintendent  of  that school buses will have  motorists to watch for stu-
Schools  Bob  Thomas,  enhanced radio and GPS  dent walking and waiting for 
Knoxville Police Chief Davis  systems. He added that the  buses. He said his officers 
Photo by Pete Gawda.
Rausch, Chief of Adminis- buses also have video cam- would focus on speeding 
Knox County Superintendent of Schools Bob Thomas spoke at a school safety press con-
tration Lee Tramel of the  eras for security and some  and reckless driving noting 
ference held Thursday morning at South-Doyle Middle School.
Knox  County  Sheriff’s  carry teacher assistants.  Cont. on page 4
Alvin Frye gave 93 years 
PARC disagrees 
with Police 
to family, community
Internal Review
By Mike Steely
[email protected]
By Mike Steely
[email protected]
“As far as the Committee, we 
have seven board members, five  The city lost an icon, a leader 
did not concur and two concur  and beloved senior citizen July 22 
with the findings,” said the execu- when Fountain City’s Alvin Glenn 
tive director of the Police Adviso- Frye passed away at 93. 
ry and Review Committee Thurs- Alvin Frye was a Navy veteran 
day. of both WWI and the Korean War. 
The finding by PARC is unusu- He was an active member of the 
al in that the group doesn’t sup- Fountain City Lions Club, Knoxville 
port the report of Knoxville City  Rotary Club and owner and opera-
Police’s Internal Review involv- tor of Fountain City Exxon for more 
ing an off-duty city officer who  than 25 years but had other servic-
held a woman at gunpoint for five  es stations in the area and served 
minutes in a Jefferson County  the community for more than 60 
encounter. Director Clarence  years.  Frye was a member of the 
Vaughn III read the vote aloud  First Baptist Church of Fountain 
during the meeting. City, a member of Kerbela Temple 
Police Chief David Rausch told  and was a 32nd degree Mason. 
The Focus that ruling means the  Many people considered Alvin 
civilian review group will con- Frye the “Community Caretaker” 
tinue to investigate the inci- and his hospitality at the service 
dent and report back to the  station and in the community was 
police department. The quarter- notable. 
ly meeting of PARC took place  “Alvin cared about his community 
in the small assembly room of  and his country, and always looked 
the City-County Building with a  out for the least amongst us,” said 
large crowd attending that includ- Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. 
ed the African American woman  “During World War II, he served in 
Tonya Jameson and her family.  some of the same areas my dad 
Jameson recalled the encounter  did and they saw some pretty fierce 
before PARC, dressed much as  combat. He was a great example of 
she was during the encounter. the Greatest Generation, and he’ll 
Chief Rausch defended the  be missed. I’m asking folks to pray 
actions  of  Officer  Matthew  for his family and loved ones.”
Janish, who is white, saying that  “‘If you like our air, you should 
the off-duty policeman held the  try our gas’ is what was printed 
lady until local police arrived and  next to the free air supply at Alvin’s 
acted under the powers of any cit- Exxon. Indeed, I filled up at Alvin’s 
izen. Officer Janish was not pres- every time I could. It didn’t take 
ent at the meeting. The police  long to meet him when our family 
The late Alvin Frye with a Central High School cap. The owner and operator of Fountain City 
chief said that he has apologized  moved to Fountain City in 2005. 
Exxon was a community leader and well-known icon of Fountain City. (Photo courtesy of Michael 
to Jameson as did the officer. The  He was always kind and sincere 
Grider)
internal review report was made  when we would chat by the pump.  
in June.  I witnessed his kindness when 
“I had the privilege of attending events in recent years in which Mr. Frye was 
PARC has been accused of  he allowed IOUs from people who 
honored and I don’t believe you could have found a more honest, hardworking 
siding with the police department  couldn’t afford the stations servic-
on prior incidents so Thursday’s  man or better Christian any place. He was always kind to me and a long-time  es up front. Godspeed to the great 
action broke precedent.  friend of my father. He was a great man, and this Country would be a much  man of service we all knew and 
Jameson charges the inci- better place if we had more people like Alvin Frye.” loved,” said City Councilman Mark 
dent resulted from racial profil- Campen, who represents Fountain 
ing, which Chief Rausch said he  City. 
 — John Duncan Jr.
“Fountain City lost a true friend 
Continued on page 2 U.S. Representative Continued on page3
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PAGE A2  The Knoxville Focus  July 31, 2017
Pay raise for Knoxville City Council to be discussed
By Mike Steely
been 20 years since there  away from work; wear and  intended to be ’adequate  not reflective of reality and  consider qualified.
[email protected]
has been an increase and it  tear on car; fuel cost; could  compensation.’ It is more  not the message I want to   “’Economic incentive‘ is 
When the Knoxville City  won’t go into effect until all  exclude folks by not being  in the nature of an hono- send the community about  not required to attract qual-
Council  meets  Tuesday  current members are gone  financially able to run; in  rarium.  I have never felt  a body I am honored to  ified candidates, because 
one of the items they may  in 2019,” Councilman Mark  line with like cities exclud- the Council is just another  serve on.  the best candidates for City 
discuss is a pay raise for  Campen told The Focus.   ing Nashville but they have  job you do for the pay.  I did  “Lastly, the ordinance  Council run out of civic inter-
future council members.  Council member Brenda  40 or more council mem- not run for Council for the  says the current salary is  est, not for the money.”
Currently  each  council  Palmer’s remarks echoed  bers,” replied Councilman  salary and I do not believe  not adequate ’economic   The proposal currently 
member receives $19,000  Campen’s: “The pay raises  Nick Pavlis in an email.  any of my colleagues ran  incentive‘ for ’qualified indi- is on the agenda for a first 
per year. The proposed  would not go into effect  Councilman-At-Large  for Council for the salary.   viduals‘ to serve on Council.   reading but the line for 
increase would bring that  until December 2019 after  Marshall Stair sent the fol- We ran out of civic inter- I disagree.  I believe current- the name of the sponsor 
salary to $24,000.  all current council members  lowing statement: est and the belief that our  ly we have a diverse group  or person requesting the 
The Focus asked current  are off council.  No current  “I respectfully oppose  background, ideas, and  of people serving on Coun- discussion has been left 
members of city council  or continuing city council  the ordinance to increase  skills could add something  cil all of whom I consider  blank. 
to comment on amending  member will benefit.” the salary of City Council  to the City’s leadership. very qualified.  In addition,  Each council member 
the ordinance to raise sal- “Lots of reasons, it hasn’t  Members and urge my col- “ This ordinance makes  there are currently 30 can- also qualifies for benefits 
aries.  been increased in 20 years  leagues to vote against it. it appear that we and other  didates for 5 seats.  I have  as city employees other 
“It raises the salary from  and no current member   “First, the wording of  Council members are serv- not met with all the candi- than salary.
$1,583.33 per month to  will benefit. It costs a lot of  the ordinance is problem- ing for the salary, not to  dates, but the ones I have  Christine Fitzgerald, city 
$2,000 per month. It has  money to hold office: time  atic.  The current pay is not  serve the public.  This is  met with I would certainly  Cont. on page 4
When your child’s  Two teachers behind Frankie Housley honors
other parent stops 
By Mike Steely entitled “Supreme Sacrifice.”
[email protected]
Years before, Gordon Sisk III, 
child support  The efforts of two teachers and  then a history teacher at Central 
their students led to recognizing a  High School, discovered the story of 
If  you  have  end up in court  Knoxville hero recently with the ded- Frankie Housley and got his students 
a child and are  is through state  ication of the Mary Francis (Frankie)  involved in researching the history of 
either divorced,  action.    If  the  Housley Bridge just below Gresham  the former Central student. 
or  were  never  person  receiv- Middle School in Fountain City. The  “I saw the picture in the library, or 
married and do  ing child support  Holbrook Drive bridge was named  drawing, and found an article from 
not reside with  is receiving state  in honor of the Central High School  Reader’s Digest and thought, ’This is 
the other parent,  aid, such as Fam- graduate who became an airline  unbelievable.’  So I ran off copies and 
there is a decent  ily’s First, or day- stewardess and saved 10 passen- my students read the article and we 
chance there is  By Jedidiah  care assistance,  gers after her airplane skidded off  started talking about things we could  Photo by Mike Steely.
a child support  McKeehan the state is enti- a runway in Philadelphia and caught  do,” Sisk told The Focus. Two  Knox  County  teachers  were 
attorneyknoxville@
order  in  place  gmail.com tled to be reim- fire.  “We did some research and tried  responsible for the honors to Frankie 
stating what one  bursed  those  The heroine is buried in the Lyn- finding some of the survivors. We  Housley  and  the  dedication  of  the 
parent is to pay another  funds by the parent who  nhurst Cemetery in Fountain City  found a phone number and called  bridge  just  below  Gresham  Middle 
parent in child support on  does not have custody.  If  and, for many years, her story was all  one of them and the class had a con- School to the Fountain City native who 
a monthly basis. the person who does not  but forgotten until the two teachers,  versation with them,” he said. saved airplane passengers following 
You can actually google,  have custody does not pay,  years apart, brought public attention  “I’ve done nothing compared to  a  crash  in  Philadelphia.  Chris 
“Tennessee  Child  Sup- the state will issue a war- to her act of bravery and sacrifice. this gentleman,” Sisk said referring  Hammond (left) and Gordon Sisk III  
port Worksheet,” and it will  rant for their arrest and that  Central High School teacher Chris  to Hammond, adding, “He’s on a mis- worked  years  apart  on  researching 
pull up a form you can fill  person will be arrested and  Hammond, an avid local historian  sion and he’s working on maybe get- Ms. Housley’s heroism.
out and play around with  held until they pay a bond to  who has been involved in other local  ting the statue made.”
the numbers to see what  get out of jail.  Any bond that  history projects, sought the renam- Hammond hopes to have Frankie 
would be owed in child sup- is paid will be used to reim- ing of the bridge and organized the  Housley inducted to the Tennes- dedicated recently, John Housley III 
port under different circum- burse the state and/or paid  research and recognition.  see Aviation Hall of Fame. He’s also  came to the ceremony from his home 
stances. toward the parent receiving  Hammond had discovered Hous- hoping to have a statue placed at  in Florida and accepted the procla-
But what happens if there  child support. ley’s story by chance from an arti- Fountain City Park of the hero.  mation from Mayor Madeline Rogero 
is a child support order in  As you can imagine, for  cle in the Heritage Room of the high  “It will take a lot of fundraising but  delivered by Councilman Nick Della 
place and the other person  lower income individuals, it  school. there are so many CHS graduates  Volpe. Housley, a nephew of Ms. 
stops paying child support?   can be very easy to quick- “I wanted to find out more about  who could contribute,” Hammond  Housley, said his family had always 
Well, there are a few differ- ly get behind on child sup- this woman,” he said. He added that  said.  thought highly of “Frankie” and col-
ent options. port payments because it  he has a comic book featuring nation- “You hear far too few good news  lected news articles and other items 
The  first  option,  and  can often be hard to keep  al heroes that featured Frankie Hous- stories today,” Sisk said. about the heroine.
easiest option, is to con- consistent employment.   ley’s story on the cover and an article  When the bridge was officially 
tact the other person and  In order to consistently 
inquire what the problem is  get money, the state will 
and where the payment is.   suspend individual’s driv-
PARC disagrees with Police Internal Review
Unfortunately, when some- er’s licenses if they do not 
one owes someone else  pay.  They will also seize tax 
child support, it is usually  return funds and use those 
Cont. from page 1
not an amicable relation- funds to pay down child sup- seconds after the woman  law’s house. He saw some- in her bag to prove owner-
ship and these conversa- port amounts owed.  They  doubted and he detailed  explained what she was  one changing license tags  ship. 
tions typically go badly or  will also set up individuals  the various levels of train- doing and had proof.  on his relative’s vehicle and  Jameson charged “racial 
very badly. on wage assignments and  ing  that  the  city  force  Rausch was also quizzed  approached the person with  profiling” and asked that 
The next option is to file  have a portion of individu- undergoes. He said Janish  by PARC members Rosa  a drawn gun, calling 911 to  disciplinary  action  be 
some sort of motion for  als wages automatically  is a veteran officer with a  Mar, Ann Barker, LaKenya  report the incident. taken. Jameson and four of 
contempt.  This is where  deducted and paid toward  clean record who in served  Middlebrook, Frank Shank- Janish    said  he  the PARC members urged 
you file a motion with the  a child support obligation. East Knoxville. PARC attor- lin and Jered Croom.  approached from her back,  the department to intensi-
court that set the child sup- Jedidiah McKeehan is  ney Ron Mills said that the  “I understand it from her  identified  himself  as  a  fy its training of officers for 
port order and ask them to  an attorney practicing in  drawn gun is not a use of  side and from his side,”  police officer and told her  such encounters.  
bring the person who is sup- Knox County and surround- force. Rausch said. The chief also  he had a gun. Jameson said  “I’m  sorry  this  hap-
posed to be paying in to  ing counties.  He works in  Robbie Arrington conduct- noted that it has been three  she turned and told him  pened,” Chief Rausch told 
court and provide answers  many areas, including crim- ed the meeting and quizzed  years since a city police- she had purchased the car  the meeting, “but I believe 
why they are not paying.  If  inal, personal injury, land- Rausch on several parts of  man was involved in shoot- and had the paper to prove  it had nothing to do with 
the person continues not to  lord-tenant, probate, and  the incident report.  ing a weapon during an inci- it. She said the officer was  race. “
pay, they could eventually  estate planning. Visit attor- “We’re  just  citizens,”  dent. told on the telephone that  The PARC members also 
face jail time. ney-knoxville.com for more  Arrington told the crowd  The incident took place  the tag she was preparing  voted to select Mar as new 
Another way that a person  information about this and  and asked why the incident  when Officer Janish was off  to mount matched the car  chairperson and Barker as 
who owes child support can  other legal issues. wasn’t de-escalated in 30  duty and near his mother-in- and said she had papers  vice chair. 
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PAGE A2  The Knoxville Focus  July 31, 2017 July 31, 2017  www.knoxfocus.com  PAGE A3
Beer Applications heavier  Knoxville Writers’ Guild to host 
second annual Adult Spelling Bee 
in ‘Festival Season’
September 7
By Mike Steely
Applicants received and  Good Golly Tamale, Hola 
[email protected]
approved, including those  Hora Latina, La Coro- The Knoxville Writers’ Guild will host  prizes. Spelling words are drawn from 
What at first appeared  approved when the owner  nita, Liter Board, Ova- its second annual Adult Spelling Bee on  many sources, including the Merriam-
to be an increase in the  completes the formalities  tions Food Service, Foun- Thursday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. at Central  Webster website: http://myspellit.com/.
number of churches  like an inspection, server  tain City Exxon, Shivaay,  United Methodist Church, 201 East Third  Competitors will be limited to the first 
and organizations apply- training, etcs. include  Jagged Edge,  Central  Avenue, Knoxville.  40 registrations. The entry fee is $10. 
ing for beer permits  Second Harvest Food  Depot, Tennessee Tap  This year, the Bee is open to any con- Participants do not need to be KWG 
recently really wasn’t an  Bank, Chilhowee Park,  House, and Geezer’s  testant age 15 or older. “This is a great  members. Visit the KWG website to reg-
increase at all, just the  the Tennessee Valley A&I  Brewing Company.   opportunity for youth to compete against  ister and see the Spelling Bee rules at: 
normal cycle of upcom- Fair, St. George’s Greek  Some of the applicants  teachers, parents, and community adults.  www.knoxvillewritersguild.org/events/
ing seasonal events. Orthodox Church’s Greek  were approved and others  Many of the words will be drawn from  kwg-2017-spelling-bee.
“We’re in Festival  Festival, Cystic Fibrosis  given 30 to 90 days to  vocabulary used in great literature,” said  The event is open to the public, with 
Season,” explained Beer  Foundation, Asian Cul- complete their business- Michael Smith, coordinator of the 2017  a suggested admission of $2. Central 
Chair Brenda Palmer.  tural Center, the Ola Fes- es or meet requirements.  Bee. Last year’s winner, Scott Firebaugh,  United Methodist Church is handicap 
The City Councilwom- tival, First Lutheran’s  Palmer told The Focus  a teacher at Grace Christian School, pre- accessible and parking is free. 
an told The Focus vari- German Festival, Immacu- that TASK Class is held  vailed by correctly spelling “jibboom.”  The mission of the nonprofit Knoxville 
ous organizations are  late Conception Church,  each Thursday at Knox- Pilot Flying J Corporation and Testprep  Writers’ Guild, now 25 years old, is to 
applying now for their fall  Psalm’s 102, and Tail- ville Police Headquar- Experts are major sponsors of the Bee,  facilitate a broad and inclusive commu-
events and the surge in  gating for a Cause. ters. TASK is a class  with grant support from the East Ten- nity for area writers, provide a forum for 
applications will occur  Applicants from busi- for servers to provide  nessee Foundation Literacy Endowment  information, support and sharing among 
again in February.  nesses included the 19  information on check- Fund.  writers, help members improve and 
“On the Saturday  Market Square Bar and  ing ID’s, etc. Application  There will be cash prizes for first,  market their writing skills and promote 
this fall when there is  Asian Kitchen, Cancun  fee is $50 and the class  second, and third place winners, with  writing and creativity. 
no home UT game the  Mexican Restaurant on  starts at 10 a.m. at 800  a special prize for the highest placing  For more information on the Bee con-
weekend is loaded with  Chapman Highway, Cool  Howard Baker Jr. Avenue. youth speller. Contestants and spec- tact Michael Smith of Testprep Experts 
festivals,” she said. Cat Billiards and Café,  tators are eligible for a variety of door  at [email protected].   
Alvin Frye gave 93 years to family, community
Cont. from page 1
when  it  lost  Alvin  Frye 
recently. He went about 
doing good deeds quiet-
ly and many of them were 
known only to those who 
were helped. He was exem-
plary of our nation’s best, 
not only through his mili-
tary career, but also in his 
general good citizenship 
and his action as a role 
model for the community. 
Al will be greatly missed,” 
J. C. (Jim) Tumblin, Foun-
tain City Historian, told the 
Focus. 
Frye was the caretaker 
of the Fountain City Lions 
Club building, across North 
Broadway from his service 
station, and was honored 
as “Fountain City Man of  above PhotoS by Mike Steely
the Year” by the Fountain  TOP: Where the well-known “No Beer, No Lottery” sign 
City  Hall  neighborhood  once stood at the Fountain City Exxon a “Sold” sign now 
organization. He was also  Alvin Frye is pictured preparing to pump gas into the “Mayberry Sheriff’s Car” during  stands. The building is being remodeled to become a 
known for his sign in front  one of the Cash Mob events at Fountain City Exxon. (Photo courtesy of Mark Cawood)  convenience store and service station. 
of the station that read  ABOVE: One famous business salutes another. Litton’s 
“No Lottery, No Beer” and  wife and best friend of 69  and husband Jimmy, and  Funeral Home, Fountain  Restaurant is located beside Fountain City Exxon and 
the full-service he and his  years, Mildred Brown Frye;  Andrew Hinchey and wife  City Chapel with services  Litton’s honored the late Alvin Frye last week on its sign. 
employees gave to cus- his children, Tommy Frye  Shannon  and  several  following at 8 p.m. Intern-
tomers.  Sr., Lisa Frye Hinchey and  great-grandchildren.  ment was on Thursday at 
Frye’s  Fountain  City  Fred Caughron. Grandchil- The  family  received  Sherwood Memorial Gar-
Exxon closed in December  dren are Tommy Frye Jr.,  friends Wednesday from  dens in Alcoa. 
with a celebration at the  Ben Frye, Sara Stevens  5:30 until 8 p.m. at Mynatt   
station, featuring a second 
Cash Mob event sponsored 
by Knox County Mayor Tim 
Burchett, and several hun-
dred well-wishers attend-
ed. His wife was present as 
Frye was in medical care. 
Frye’s surprise 90th birth-
day three years ago drew 
hundreds of friends and 
customers to the Lions 
Club in Fountain City. 
He is survived by his 
Friends Forever
Antiques and Collectibles
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5617 Western Ave. Knoxville, Tn. 37921 Open 10-5 Monday thru Saturday
Across from Cumberland Estates Shopping Center 865-357-2150
PAGE A4  The Knoxville Focus  July 31, 2017
School system is 
2017-2018 Knox County Schools Calendar
serious about safety AUGUST Grading Period
August 1 (Tuesday)  In-service Day (PreK-12 System- 1/2 day for students
Cont. from page 1 every school. “We are fully  wide) December 21 – January 5 (12 days)  WINTER 
that in the first two weeks  prepared to protect our  August 2 (Wednesday)  Administrative Day (Teacher  HOLIDAYS
of the last school year his  kids,” the security chief  Work Day) 2018
officers issued over 800  vowed.  August 3 (Thursday)  Administrative Day (Teacher  JANUARY
citations in school zones.  To emphasize safety, the  Work Day) January 8 (Monday)  In-service Day (1/2 day–School-
Paidousis stated that the  speakers were surrounded  August 4 (Friday)  In-service Day (1/2 day–School- based); Administrative Day (1/2 day–Teacher Work Day) 
partnership between his  by parked motorcycles from  based); Administrative Day (1/2 day–Teacher Work Day) (Student Holiday)
school system and local  the Knox County Sheriff’s  August 7 (Monday)  First Day for Students (1/2 day  January 9 (Tuesday)  First Day for Students after 
law enforcement is a model  Office and the Knoxville  for students)  School Times Winter Holidays
for other school systems to  Police Department as well  August 21 (Monday)  Solar Eclipse (Inclement Weath- January 15 (Monday)  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – 
follow. “We stand ready to  as uniformed officers from  er Day) Holiday – Schools, Central Office Closed
maintain a safe learning  the police department and  SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY
environment,” he pledged,  the school system’s secu- September 4 (Monday)  LABOR  DAY  –  Holiday  –  February 19 (Monday)  In-service Day (Building) (Stu-
noting that there are uni- rity division.    Schools, Central Office Closed dent Holiday)
formed security officers at  OCTOBER MARCH
October 6 (Friday)  End First 9-weeks Grading  March 9 (Friday)     End First 9-weeks Grading Period 
Safety tips
Period (Third 9-weeks Grading Period)
The following are suggested tips from the Knox County  October 9-13 (Monday-Friday)  FALL BREAK March 12-16 (Monday-Friday)  SPRING BREAK
Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division on back to school safety NOVEMBER March 30 (Friday)  Holiday
1. Be mindful about reduced speed zone times. November 7 (Tuesday)  In-service Day (PreK-12 System- APRIL
2. Avoid those areas during that time to reduce traffic con- Wide) (Student Holiday)               April 2 (Monday)  In-service Day (PreK-12 System-
gestion. November 22-24 (Wednesday-Friday)  Thanksgiving  wide) (Student Holiday)
3. Be mindful about bus stops in your residential areas. Holidays MAY
4. Tell your children to report any suspicious person loiter- DECEMBER May 24 (Thursday) Last Day for Students (1/2 day for stu-
ing around bus stops. December 20 (Wednesday)  End Second 9-weeks  dents) 
5. Tell your children to report cell phone usage or driving 
issues by the bus driver occurring during their trips to and 
from school.
Pay raise for Knoxville City 
6. Remind drivers to remember to not pass stopped school 
buses. This includes multi-lane roadways (Kingston Pike, Chap-
man Highway, Clinton Highway, Ebenezer Road, etc.) where 
there is not a physical median between the bus stop and the 
Council to be discussed
traffic traveling in the opposite direction.
7. Be mindful about the increased traffic flow on the side 
streets that drivers will use to avoid traffic. Cont. from page 2 a partial pension if they  and  demolition  at  the  back on the agenda to 
8. Remind your young drivers as well as yourself about the  served at least five years  Walter P. Taylor Homes as  “reconsider the postpone-
dangers of distracted driving (radio, texting, eating, etc.) benefits  manager,  said  but now the length of ser- part of the Five Points Revi- ment to October 24” of the 
These tips are just a few to hopefully reduce the number  that council members are  vice is ten years. The city  talization Plan.  ordinance to “allow suffi-
of traffic crashes we see as the school year gets back in ses- eligible to participate in  council members may only  The  City  Engineering  cient time to allow the pro-
sion.  the City’s Medical, Dental,  serve eight years in office.  Department is asking for  posed ordinance to be con-
Vision, EAP, Wellness Pro- Each council member  $320,000 to replace and  sidered by the MPC and by 
gram, Deferred Comp, Flex- also  receives  $10,000  modernize the city’s school  City Council before the end 
ible Spending Accounts,  annually in discretionary  zone  flashing  beacon  of the year.”
and voluntary product offer- funds and a travel allow- system.  Two public meetings on 
ings such as Accident, Criti- ance.  Other Agenda Items Allotting $7,500 to East  the city’s proposed short-
cal Illness, Lifetime Term,  The council may also  Tennessee PBS is on the  term rental policy have 
Short Term Disability.  consider allotting $25,000  agenda with the funding to  been set for August 3rd at 
“As of January 1, 2013,  to East Tennessee Qual- be used toward events sur- 5:30 p.m. in the City County 
Council members are no  ity Growth to carry on the  rounding the “Vietnam War:  Building and August 10th 
longer eligible for City Pen- work of PlanET. Just over  The East Tennessee Story”  at 5:30 p.m. in the Public 
sion,” she informed The  $1.7 million for the Commu- as well as giving $400 to  Works Complex at 3131 
Focus. Until 2013 coun- nity Development Corpora- WDVX Radio toward their  Morris Avenue. 
cil members could draw  tion may be discussed for  20th year on-the-air event.   
Phase 3 site preparation  Short-term  rentals  is 
Wishing all 
Knox County 
students, 
teachers and 
parents the 
best school 
year ever. 
Charles
Busler
7th District 
Knox County Commissioner
July 31, 2017  www.knoxfocus.com  PAGE B1
July 31, 2017
Dawn Bowie focuses on family law
By Mike Steely
[email protected] feels like a small town with  away with a full and final set- end in trial is very small. her clients raise money for 
so much to do.”  tlement of the easy issues,  Bowie said that custody  their  cases.  Bowie  asks 
Dawn Bowie is getting  “I started college in broad- leaving the really important  cases are among the most  clients  to  consider  their 
settled into her new office at  cast journalism at Southern  ones for trial.” complicated.  “Too many  resources early. She charg-
2606 Greenway Drive and  Adventist  University  in  “Settlement  early  on  parents view the child as an  es an engagement and a 
also completing her move to  Collegedale, Tennessee, and  allows both parties to walk  extension of themselves or  retainer fee.
her new home in Fountain  that gave me skills in debate,  away with their pride,” she  their property,” she said.  “Ninety-five percent of 
City.  The  attorney,  who  argument and critical think- said, adding that about 98%  “Sometimes one or more  divorces are settled in about 
focuses on family law, has  ing,” she said. of her cases turn out that  of the parents are so caught  six months, but sometimes 
15 years of experience and  “I focus on divorces, custo- way.  For those that are tried,  up in themselves that they  people  have  unrealistic 
knows well how to work with  dy, and guardianship,” Bowie  she often settles cases on  can’t see what they are doing  expectations or an attorney 
clients, especially in divorce  explains. I’m not a volume  the courthouse steps, often  to the children.” who won’t guide them,” she 
Attorney Dawn Bowie re-
cases. practice. I focus on quality. ” on the day of trial.  Of the  “It isn’t cheap,” Bowie said  continued, saying that the 
cently relocated from Sey-
When asked about her  “I work with my clients to  small percentage of cases  about hiring a good divorce  most successful clients are 
mour to Fountain City and 
deciding where to live Bowie  isolate the issues that are  that she tries, over the past  attorney. those who will cooperate 
focuses on family law.
said, “I feel like I’ve died  the most important,” she  seven years, she has won  “I charge what I’m worth,”  with their attorney and be 
and gone to heaven, I love  said, “We nail down what  approximately 85% of them.   she said, adding that she  guided by advice.  dawn@northknoxvillelaw.
Knoxville. It has the con- can be settled and do that.  However, she hastens to add,  would like to know more  You can reach Bowie at  com. She’s online at www.
veniences of a big city, but  That way everyone walks  the percentage of cases that  about crowdfunding to help  (866) 425-4224 or email  justbowie.com. 
Cumberland Gap Area Tourism promoted Emerald Youth 
By Mike Steely Foundation’s Lonsdale 
[email protected]
Cumberland Gap, located 
Center moves ahead
where Virginia, Tennessee 
and Kentucky join, is well 
known across the nation 
By Mike Steely
as the doorway to the set- back” and noted that sev-
[email protected]
tlement of the west, as  eral community meetings 
Daniel Boone’s Wilderness  A portion of property at  have been held on the 
Road, and as a gateway to  the Sam E. Hill School in  project.
the Civil War which changed  Lonsdale was approved  Rev. Joseph B. Smith, 
hands four times during that  as a gift to the city by the  pastor  of  the  New 
conflict.  Knox County Commission  Friendship Baptist Church 
The  small  Tennessee  last week as the possibil- in Lonsdale, spoke in sup-
town, nestled at the foot of  ity of a large community  port of the project.
the gap, exists much as it  center there by Emerald  “We need this facili-
did following the Civil War.  Youth Foundation took  ty—please don’t pass us 
The states and counties  The Old Mill at Cumberland Gap is one of the historic attractions in the small town  another step forward. by,” he said, adding that 
around the little town have  of Cumberland Gap. A tourist association, formed last year, is promoting ten counties  Part of the yard at the  the  opposition  to  the 
banned together to pro- around the town to draw visitors to the area.  school will go to the city  Emerald Foundation pro-
mote their attractions as the  on  the  condition  that  posal does not live in the 
Cumberland Gap Regional  Kentucky;  Lee  County,  organizations,” he said. On one side is a big map of  if the project does not  neighborhood.
Tourism Association. Ten  Virginia; Campbell, Claiborne,  Nichols said the associa- the region and on the other  come about the property  The addition of the Sam 
counties with attractions  Grainger, Hancock and Union  tion is non-profit and is work- are hundreds of things within  will revert to the county.  E. Hill property will bring 
like  the  Pine  Mountain  Counties, Tennessee; area  ing for a “501 C 6” status.  the Cumberland Gap area,”  The resolution calls for  the city-owned lot there 
State Park, Martin’s Fort,  state parks; and Kentucky  The funding comes from  he said.   the site, 1725 Delaware  to 10 acres. The facil-
the  Lincoln  Library  and  at large, Tennessee at large  membership and sponsor- Publicity  for  the  area  Avenue, to be “for the  ity as proposed would 
Museum, and Cumberland  and the region.   ship fees.  includes  ads  in  region- development of the prop- have a 30,000-square-
Gap National Historic Park  Each month there is a  He said the group is work- al magazines and weekly  erty into a multi-purpose  foot  indoor  complex 
are putting an effort into  Cumberland Mountain Music  ing with the Boone Society  newsletters to each member  recreation, art and edu- with two gyms, a fitness 
getting their word out to  Show at the Cumberland  in Pineville, Kentucky, to  by email. cation facility for the chil- center, a learning center 
visitors. Gap Convention Center and  get a Daniel Boone memo- “We’re adding to our data- dren of Lonsdale and  and two outdoor sports 
“I think we’ve done a great  the next one is Saturday,  rial with a 13-foot bronze  base and we’re up to 400  the  Greater  Knoxville  fields.  Emerald  Youth 
job of promoting our mem- August 5 at 7:30 p.m.  statue near the Middlesboro  contacts so far. This is a great  Community.”  Foundation has pledged 
bers and our sponsors. Our  “We are currently working  Mall and to extend a green- way of promoting events  The  motion  passed  $8 million for the project 
goals are to increase tour- on several projects” Nichols  way from that park to the  in the region such as festi- unanimously after four  and the city’s donation is 
ism but at the same time  said. “One is with Kentucky  national park. The green- vals, fairs, music venues, car  citizens spoke about the  about $2 million.
promote  small  business  and Tennessee about get- way would join with a Virginia  shows, fishing tournaments,  issue, one in opposition.  After several months of 
so that tourists will know  ting more signage on I-71 at  greenway and connect the  church homecomings, bike  Patricia  Williams,  a  discussion the commis-
where to spend their money  Exit 29 in Corbin and then  Wilderness Road State Park  runs and hundreds of other  former  Mechanicsville  sion passed, on first read-
when they are in the region,”  all along Highway 25E and  and Martin’s Station.  events,“ he said. resident, said that there  ing, the ordinance change 
President Carl Nichols told  Highway 33. Many of the  Nichols said the associ- You  can  learn  more  are no plans or agreement  allowing paintball ranges 
The Focus.  other roads do not have signs  ation’s accomplishments  about the Cumberland Gap  in place as to how the  to locate in Agriculture 
The Association meets  on them that direct people to  during its first year include  Regional Tourism Association  proposed facility would  Zones. The amendment 
quarterly  on  the  third  our tourism attractions.” a website and digital media  from www.cumberlandgapre- be operated and said, “It  to  the  county  proper-
Tuesday of each month.  “We are also working with  presentation. gon.com or contact via email  doesn’t seem reasonable  ty codes would permit 
Nichols, a New Tazewell  the Union County Chamber  “We  have  restaurant  address [email protected]  to vote to approve it.” indoor  and  outdoor 
resident, is joined by repre- of  Commerce  and  this  placemats ready to be print- and Nichol’s phone number  Commissioner Anders  ranges and add “airsoft” 
sentatives of Bell, Harlan,  may turn into a wonder- ed and hope we can get into  (423)912-5202.  responded, “If it doesn’t’  into the category. 
Knox and Whitley Counties,  ful marriage between two  restaurants in each county.  work we’ll get the land  Continue on page 2
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PAGE B2  The Knoxville Focus  July 31, 2017
Early Education Provides Mold for Outstanding Life
More Reflections of Memphis
Many  events  true in Memphis  restaurant.”
that  occurred  because of the  “While  I  watched  the 
when my gener- visit of Dr. King  news unfold on television, 
ation was grow- and his support  far  from  Memphis,  the 
ing up have now  for the striking  McGinnis family lived in the 
become part of  Memphis sanita- very city where the violence 
history. I remem- tion workers. Otis  took place.” Perry continues 
ber  both  the  Clapp and Carol’s  his reflection of that period 
Kennedy  and  mother (both now  of time. 
King  assassi- deceased) were  “We made the decision 
By Ralphine Major
nations  during  ralphine3@yahoo. visiting with us  to continue, while nervous-
com
the  sixties.  As  from  Corryton,  ly and cautiously observ- By Ray Hill
Corryton  native  Perry  and Otis and I were driv- ing our surroundings along  [email protected]
McGinnis  continued  his  ing into mid-town Memphis  the way. There was a wel-
journey in the field of den- to pick up a to-go order of  comed feeling of relief when 
tistry, the McGinnis family  barbecue from Leonard’s,  we successfully completed 
of four found themselves  a restaurant famous for its  our journey without incident. 
in Memphis, Tennessee,  Memphis pit barbecue. On  At home, Carol’s mother 
during a critical time in our  our way up South Bellevue  was also very concerned 
nation’s history. I think back  Boulevard (we had to drive  for the family’s safety and 
to those somber days as  several miles along that  wanted Barron and Roland, 
Perry recalls them and their  major thoroughfare that is  who were outside playing, 
impact on America.  today called Elvis Presley  to get in the house before  Picture of Dr. Perry McGinnis, from the archives of Perry and Carol McGinnis.
“When Dr. Martin Luther  Boulevard), the breaking  something really bad hap-
King, Jr., was killed, we lived  news came on the radio  pened. Even though some  ultimately and permanently  history. Years later, at the  makes acceptance com-
in South Memphis in the  of Dr. King’s violent death  civil unrest had begun in  changed a city that we once  University of Tennessee (UT)  ments  at  that  Alumni 
Whitehaven area,” Perry  a few minutes earlier in  Memphis prior to Dr. King’s  loved so dearly to one that  College of Dentistry Alumni  Association’s awards lun-
remembers. “You have to  downtown Memphis, only  death, his murder sparked  would from that day forward  Association’s 2006 annual  cheon held as part of the 
recall history from that time  a few miles from where we  further widespread rioting  be a different place.”  meeting and the award- Mid-South Dental Congress 
to remember that racial ten- were traveling. That created  and destruction not only  Perry’s  memories  of  ing of the Association’s  at  the  Memphis  Hilton, 
sions were beginning to run  deep concern in us because  in Memphis, but across  Memphis provide a close-up  Alumnus of the Year Award,  Memphis, Tennessee, in 
high in many parts of the  of the area through which  the U.S. In our minds, this  reminder of April 4, 1968,  Dr. Perry McGinnis, the  March 2006.
country. This was especially  we had to drive to reach the  was the single event that  a sad day in our nation’s  very appreciative recipient, 
Emerald Youth 
Local agencies celebrate 
Foundation’s 
Lonsdale Center 
World Breastfeeding Week 
moves ahead
Goal to increase  Continued from page 1
breastfeeding  of age, the recommendation,”  Award Announcement – A tire- obesity. In fact, a baby’s risk  Such facilities will need to request a “use 
said KCHD Director Dr. Martha  less advocate for a mother’s  of becoming an overweight  on review” at the planning commission.
rates
Buchanan. “We know edu- right to breastfeed, Marcie  child goes down with each  The commission also voted to appoint 
The Knox County Women,  cation alone isn’t enough to  Singleton was the nutrition  month of breastfeeding. In  Dustin  Dunham  to  become  Judicial 
Infants and Children (WIC)  increase breastfeeding rates.  director  and  breastfeed- addition to the health benefits  Magistrate of Knox County to complete 
Program; Knox County Health  We must find ways, as a com- ing coordinator for the Knox  for mother and child, a study  the term of retiring Judge Herald Stewart 
Department (KCHD); and East  munity, to be more supportive  County WIC Program. The  published in 2010 in the jour- and to serve until January 31, 2021.
Tennessee  Breastfeeding  of moms and their efforts to  annual award is given to a  nal Pediatrics estimated that  A “loophole” in the county’s zoning reg-
Coalition  will  host  their  breastfeed.”  business or individual who  the nation would save $13  ulations that permits residential use in 
seventh  annual  World  In addition to informational  goes above and beyond to  billion per year in health care  an OB (Office) zone was mentioned by 
Breastfeeding Week kick-off  booths, activities at the Aug.  promote and/or be support- and other costs if 90 percent  Commissioner John Schoonmaker. He said 
Friday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m.  4 event include:  ive of breastfeeding.  of U.S. babies were exclusive- the zoning descriptions should be changed 
to 1 p.m. at Ijams Nature  •  The Big Latch On  According to the Centers  ly breastfed for six months.  to prohibit residential.
Center, 2915 Island Home  – An opportunity for local  for  Disease  Control  and  A  mother’s  breastfeeding  Commissioner Charles Busler responded 
Ave. Breastfeeding mothers,  moms to participate in the  Prevention  (CDC)  2016  success rate can be greatly  this is for “mixed use” and Commissioner 
moms-to-be, families and  international Big Latch On,  Breastfeeding Report Card,  improved through active sup- Brad Anders said the OB designation is the 
breastfeeding advocates are  where women from around  24.7 percent of babies born in  port from her family, friends,  only zone that permits residential outside 
encouraged to attend the free  the world meet at registered  Tennessee were breastfed at  community, clinicians, employ- residential zones. No action was taken.
event. locations to breastfeed their  12 months of age; the nation- er and community leaders. Chairman  Dave  Wright  questioned 
“Breastfeeding is one of the  children at the same time.  al Healthy People 2020 goal,  More information about the  membership in the National Association 
best things a mother can do  Mothers can register begin- a common health benchmark,  Aug. 4 event is available by  of Counties, pointing to $9,000 a year 
to protect the health of her  ning at 9:45 a.m. at Ijams. The  is  34  percent.  Breastfed  contacting Knox County WIC  being paid in membership. Commissioners 
infant, yet only 16.1 percent of  Big Latch On takes place at  babies are less likely to devel- Breastfeeding Coordinator  Anders and Bob Thomas supported mem-
Tennessee’s babies are exclu- 10:30 a.m. op numerous health condi- Robin Penegar at 865-215- bership but maybe on a more limited 
sively breastfed by 6 months  •  Marcie  Singleton  tions, including diabetes and  5060. basis.
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PAGE B2  The Knoxville Focus  July 31, 2017 July 31, 2017  www.knoxfocus.com  PAGE B3
When Two Congressmen Collide
Part Three
Pages from the Past
By Ray Hill
[email protected]
Tennessee Congressman  senator James P. Owen, 
Ewin L. Davis, a veteran of  had  withdrawn  shortly 
fourteen years, had lost  before the primary elec-
his seat to freshman leg- tion, complaining bitterly 
islator J. Ridley Mitchell in  that it was difficult to mount 
the 1932 Democratic pri- a campaign against two 
mary.  Mitchell’s district  incumbent congressmen 
had been dismembered  who flooded the district 
by the Tennessee General  with campaign literature 
Assembly causing Mitchell  and tens of thousands of 
to move from Crossville  letters.  
to Cookeville.  Mitchell,  The Tennessean thought 
remaining the underdog  Ridley Mitchell’s strategy of 
for most of the campaign,  largely campaigning per-
From the author’s personal collection.
managed to squeeze out  sonally inside those coun-
Tennessee Congressman J. Ridley Mitchell (far right holding cigar) and a beautiful young lady make a 
a narrow victory to upset  ties that had long been 
presentation to President Franklin Roosevelt.  Presidential secretary Marvin McIntrye is on the left standing by 
Ewin L. Davis.  The contrast  represented by his oppo-
the young lady.
between the two men was  nent  had  been  nothing 
quite noticeable.  Ewin L.  less than sheer genius.   his financial dealings in  Mitchell had no concerns  Mitchell back the President.   at Arlington Cemetery to 
Davis was slight, possessed  Even if Ridley Mitchell had  Cuba just after the turn of  about finding another job  “Believing in the leader- honor the country’s fallen 
of a head of white hair and  not carried those counties  the century, Norman Davis  and the show horse legisla- ship of our President and  soldiers, an event spon-
stately.  Ridley Mitchell was  inside the primary, the gre- had made millions of dol- tor made a speech on the  realizing this is no time to  sored  by  the  American 
bald, tall and  somewhat  garious congressman had  lars.  Norman Davis’ finan- floor of the House promot- play politics, we honestly  Legion.  Ridley Mitchell, an 
portly.  Mitchell’s affinity  managed to whittle down  cial expertise was such  ing his bill to cut the sala- request you to support the  effective orator, delivered 
for being genial was well  what should have been  that he had been appoint- ries of congressmen almost  policies of the President,  an  appropriately  rolling 
known and he had once  heavy majorities for Ewin  ed a special advisor to the  in half.  Mitchell did make a  thereby representing the  address lauding America’s 
complained he wished he  L. Davis.  Winning decisive- Secretary of the Treasury  point that was compelling  sentiment of your people,”  fallen soldiers from the 
had four hands with which  ly inside those counties  for foreign loans during  and difficult to evade when  the  petition  read.    Nor  Revolutionary War to the 
to shake the hands and slap  he had represented since  World War I. he noted virtually every  did Ridley Mitchell back  First World War.  Mitchell 
the backs of his constitu- 1931, Ridley Mitchell had  Norman Davis would be  other federal employee in  the President when FDR  expertly wrung tears from 
ents.  Perhaps the decisive  won precisely because of  welcomed into FDR’s own  the country had seen his  wanted Congress to repeal  many members of his audi-
issue in the campaign had  his intensive personal cam- administration with open  or her salary go down as a  prohibition.  Mitchell was  ence and made certain his 
been Mitchell’s lambasting  paigning inside the portion  arms.  Before Roosevelt  result of the drive for great- the only Middle Tennessee  speech was well covered in 
of Davis for having carried  of the district represented  took the oath of office,  er economy in government.   congressman who voted  Tennessee.  
his three daughters on his  by Ewin L. Davis.   speculation ran rampant  The Nashville Tennessean  against repeal.  Mitchell’s  Another Mitchell speech, 
Congressional payroll while  Certainly Ridley Mitchell  as  to  which  Tennessee  published an editorial laud- victory over Ewin L. Davis  a  spontaneous  oration, 
they were in college.  Many  thoroughly savored his vic- Democrat would receive  ing Ridley Mitchell, claim- was  still  fresh  enough  caused an “uproar” in the 
Tennesseans resented the  tory and the Tennessean  what federal post.  Some  ing the congressman had  in  the  minds  of  many  House of Representatives.  
fact, especially with the  reported the congressman  speculated Ewin L. Davis  “attained a prominence  to  cause the Tennessee  The subject was wholly 
country in the grip of the  had been greeted by “the  was  in  line  to  join  his  which few members of the  General  Assembly  to  parochial in nature and of 
Great Depression and jobs  greatest political demon- brother Norman in the dip- lower  house”  managed  rethink its original decision  little interest to anyone out-
scarce.    stration ever staged in the  lomatic corps.  President  to achieve after decades  to move his home county of  side of Middle Tennessee.  
Ridley Mitchell’s upset  Fourth” when he returned  Roosevelt had something  of congressional service.   Cumberland back into the  The bill being considered by 
of Ewin L. Davis brought  to Cookeville on the Friday  else in mind for the former  The Tennessean thought  Fourth Congressional dis- the House was the simple 
him  newfound  respect.   following the election.  The  congressman. Congressman  Mitchell  trict.  It was a clear indica- matter  of  transferring 
Hailed as a “worthy suc- Tennessean  concluded  On May 21, 1933 the  deserved his new promi- tion that many legislators  Bedford County to the juris-
cessor to” Cordell Hull and  Ridley Mitchell had not only  White House announced  nence  because  of  “the  recognized Ridley Mitchell’s  diction of the federal court 
former governor Benton  succeeded in defeating  President Roosevelt had  untiring fight he is making  personal popularity and  in Winchester, Tennessee, 
McMillin, both of whom had  Ewin L. Davis, but his victo- appointed Ewin L. Davis as  for  economy  in  govern- growing political potency.   which was then attached 
represented Tennessee’s  ry was “certain to entrench  a member of the Federal  ment.”  The Tennessean  Congressman  Ridley  to  the  federal  court  in 
Fourth Congressional dis- him in the Fourth District  Trade  Commission.   praised Ridley Mitchell’s  Mitchell jumped to his feet  Nashville.  Mitchell began 
trict, Mitchell’s victory was  seat for years to come.” Senators Kenneth McKellar  fight against congressional  on the floor of the House  his speech with a paean to 
considered by the Nashville  Although Ewin L. Davis  and Cordell Hull, who had  nepotism and the Fourth  of  Representatives  to  his own Congressional dis-
Tennessean as “the great- first refused to concede  been appointed to serve  district  congressman’s  praise the bill creating the  trict, as well as “a recital of 
est political campaign ever  the election, it was soon  as Secretary of State in the  drive to cut congressio- Tennessee Valley Authority.   the great men that district 
waged for a congressional  readily apparent he had  Roosevelt administration,  nal salaries by 50%.  The  “This is a great day for  and the state of Tennessee 
seat in the state’s history.”   lost the Democratic nom- had strongly urged FDR to  Tennessean  concluded,  the South, a great day for  has contributed” to high 
The Tennessean reported  ination narrowly.  Judge  reward Davis with an appro- “We need more men in  Tennessee,” Mitchell cried,  office.  Representative John 
Ewin L. Davis had been  Davis gamely campaigned  priate federal appointment,  Washington of the Mitchell  “and for the people of my  Cochran of Missouri inter-
“groomed by the McConnico  for the Democratic ticket  as had the Tennessee del- type who are willing to put  Congressional district.” rupted Mitchell to mildly 
machine in Nashville for  in the general election.  As  egation in the House of  the needs and desires of  “We are about to get  wonder “whether Bedford 
governor two years hence”  his time in Congress grew  Representatives.  Just days  the  people  above  their  action,” Mitchell said.  “No  County was one of the coun-
and had enjoyed significant  shorter, Ewin L. Davis was  after President Roosevelt  own petty ambitions and  longer can the power trust,  ties where” Ridley Mitchell 
financial support from the  back home in Tullahoma  nominated Ewin L. Davis to  wishes.” or the fertilizer trust delay  had “declared the farmers 
American National Bank  and made a brief speech  serve as a member of the  As FDR struggled with the  it.  It is the expressed will of  were getting only 5 cents a 
“throughout the district.”   on Armistice Day at the  Federal Trade Commission,  Depression, Congress did  the people of America, their  dozen for eggs.”  Mitchell 
The Tennessean believed  site of the American flag  Senator McKellar demand- cut it’s salary to $8,500, a  mandate at the polls.” had apparently made the 
Mitchell was such an under- in Davidson Park.  Davis’  ed  and  got  unanimous  measure opposed by sev- Yet,  like  most  politi- claim in an earlier speech 
dog in the congressional  term  in  the  House  of  consent to Davis’ appoint- eral Tennessee congress- cians, J. Ridley Mitchell  to a House committee the 
campaign that he had won  Representatives would not  ment by the United States  men.    Representatives  did  not  remain  univer- year before.  Congressman 
in spite of being challenged  expire until March 3, 1933  Senate.  The former con- Gordon  Browning,  Jere  sally popular inside his  Mitchell replied that it was, 
by “the greatest odds faced  and the congressman wor- gressman’s  unanimous  Cooper, Carroll Reece, J.  Congressional district.  By  causing Cochran to snap he 
by any congressman in a  ried about his wife, who  confirmation by the Senate  Will Taylor and Clarence W.  the spring of 1933, John J.  did not believe the farmers 
quarter of a century.” underwent a serious oper- allowed him to immediate- Turner all voted against the  Jewell, an ambitious state  of Bedford County should 
The Tennessean thought  ation on her eyes.  A “lame  ly take up his new duties  bill, as did Congressman  senator, was rumbling he  have to travel some 60 
Ridley Mitchell’s victory  duck” congressman, Ewin  on  the  Federal  Trade  J. Ridley Mitchell.  The  was eager to run against  miles to go to a court.  
was all the more impor- L. Davis, like virtually every  Commission, a post he  Tennesseans  said  they  Congressman Mitchell in  Ridley Mitchell proved to 
tant as the congressman  other  Democrat  in  the  would keep for the remain- opposed the “economy” bill,  1934.  Jewell would not find  be more than a match for 
had “no district or county  United States, had been  der of his life.  When first  which was strongly pushed  Ridley Mitchell lazing about  the caustic gentleman from 
headquarters, no district  delighted by the election  appointed, Ewin L. Davis  by the Roosevelt adminis- as the congressman never  Missouri.
or county managers, and  of Franklin D. Roosevelt as  was the only member of the  tration, on the grounds it  missed an opportunity to 
no district or county orga- president.  Davis was for- Federal Trade Commission  adversely affected veter- ingratiate himself with the 
nization.”  Perhaps even  tunate enough to be better  to have been nominated  ans.  Congressmen Joseph  people of his district.  When 
more astonishing was the  connected than most of his  by President Roosevelt.   W. Byrns, E. H. Crump, and  a tornado swept through 
fact, at least according to  peers who had lost elec- Roosevelt was reputedly  Sam D. McReynolds voted  towns in the Fourth District, 
the Tennessean,  Mitchell  tions in 1932.  Davis’ broth- considering violating the  for the administration bill.   Congressman Mitchell was 
“sent out no letters solic- er Paul was the chairman  ordinary custom by des- Although Mitchell said he  importuning the American 
iting votes” in his bid for  of the American National  ignating Davis to serve as  was concerned about how  Red Cross for help.  Mitchell 
Congress.  The Tennessean  Bank chain in Tennessee  Chairman of the Federal  FDR’s economy bill might  announced he had received 
marveled Ridley Mitchell  and  another  brother  Trade Commission.  Ewin L.  affect veterans negative- assurance help would be 
“did no newspaper adver- Norman, was a respect- Davis’ time as both a judge  ly,  some  ex-servicemen  forthcoming as quickly as 
tising, except in making  ed diplomat in the Hoover  and chairman of a House  quickly reprimanded the  possible.  Nor had Ridley 
his formal announcement”  administration  despite  committee  served  him  congressman inside his  Mitchell  forgotten  the 
for  Congress.    Despite  being a Democrat.  Like his  well as a member of the  own district.  The American  Legionnaires in his district.  
the Tennessean’s claim, a  brother Paul, Norman Davis  Federal Trade Commission  Legionnaires sponsored a  Congressman  Mitchell 
third entrant in the Fourth  had been a highly success- and he evidently enjoyed  petition signed by 150 res- accepted the opportunity 
Congressional district race  ful businessman before  the work. idents of Murfreesboro,  to be the keynote speak-
for Congress, former state  becoming a diplomat.  From  Congressman J. Ridley  Tennessee  demanding  er at a special ceremony
PAGE B4  The Knoxville Focus  July 31, 2017
Darrow gets his space in Dayton 
Country Roads
Sadie  and  I  made  the  walk 
took our morning  at night and trav- A Day Away closing on July 8th of the 
walk before the  eled the road with- Rogers  Pharmacy.  The 
heat  enveloped  out  flashlights;  drug store was a popu-
the area. The cir- instead, we relied  lar place during the trial 
cuit  takes  us  on our memories  and founder R. F. Rogers 
through the sub- of the road and  offered his house to Bryan 
division, up and  the help of each  during and after the trial. 
down Fitzgerald  other to make our  Greeted as a hero by the 
Road, and down  By Joe Rector ways.  citizens of Rhea County, 
a private driveway  [email protected] Some  of  our  Bryan was a former U.S. 
on which we have  walking trips took  Senator and three-time 
By Mike Steely
permission to walk.  us up the gravel Greenbriar  presidential candidate. 
The ditch line on Fitzgerald  entrance  to  the  Smoky  When he learned of the 
Road hasn’t been mowed by  Mountain  National  Park.  test  case  against  the 
the county for a while, and  Most of the time, we traveled  It took 92 years but  Tennessee anti-evolution 
the weeds have grown so tall  to a point where the rapids  Clarence Darrow finally  law  he  volunteered  to 
that they bend over so that  spewed over the rocks like a  stands opposite his his- become part of the pros-
cars brush against them  waterfall before calming and  toric opponent William  ecution team. 
as they pass. Poison ivy,  flowing down stream. We’d  Jennings Bryan in front  Darrow, a nationally-
honey suckle, and Virginia  enter the water at that point,  of  the  Rhea  County  known attorney who often 
Creeper vines have crossed  slip over the falls and then  Courthouse in Dayton,  represented unpopular 
the ditch and now encroach  ride the river and rapids back  Tennessee. Bryan, the  causes, also learned of  photo by mike steely.
on the asphalt. A bit of  to our swimming hole down- defender of Creationism  the case and volunteered  Attorney Clarence Darrow’s statue stands now in front 
dew still appears on reedy  stream. Those trips wore out  during the Scopes Monkey  his services..  of the Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tn. Darrow’s 
leaves as the sun dries the  the bottoms of our cut-off  Trial in 1925, got a statue  “I think this case will be  argument for the teaching of evolution may have lost the 
countryside.  jeans and bruised our back- in 2005 courtesy of the  remembered because it is  jury’s vote but his cross-examination of William Jennings 
That ditch line reminded  sides, but the fun we had on  Bryan College Board of  the first case of this sort  Bryan is legendary. 
me of the walks that six or  the ride down that cold water  Trustees.. since we stopped trying   
seven kids used to take on  was worth a little pain.  Darrow, the defender of  people  in  America  for 
vacation. My brothers, the  All these memories fin- Evolution in the trial, lost  witchcraft, because here  resident Ruth Ann Wilson  courtroom  and  visit  a 
Burns children, and any other  ished, the things that all the  the decision by the local  we have done our best to  and  was  funded  by  well-done museum in the 
kids that were invited spent  roads back then and this  jury and his client, John  turn back the tide that has  Freedom From Religion  basement of the historic 
many hours of that vaca- morning hold in common are  Scopes a local teacher,  sought to force itself upon  Foundation and unveiled  building. 
tion walking. Sometimes we  creeping weeds and vines  received a minor fine of  this modern world, of test- just a few days before  Dayton  is  a  typi-
headed to the main store  that ran up to and on the  $100. The trial was carried  ing every fact in science  the 2017 Scopes Trial  cal court-house county 
on Highway 321. The route  roads. The sounds of scur- live nationally on radio and  by a religious dictum,”  Festival. The placement  seat located on Highway 
took us up a country road  rying mice or the croaking  was covered daily in news- Darrow said during the  of the statue met some  30  and  Highway  60 
and then along the highway  of frogs were ever-present.  papers across America. trial.   strong local opposition  between Kingston and 
until we reached the store  A few times, snakes came  But  Darrow  and  his  During the trial Bryan  as an attempt by secular- Chattanooga. It’s about 
and ran across busy lanes  slithering from the weeds  cause  may  have  lost  took the witness chair as  ists to blur or remove sym- 90 minutes by highway 
of traffic to buy items that  to cross the road. I’ve never  the battle but won the  an expert on the Bible and  bols of Judeo-Christian  from Knoxville and nearby 
we’d used up or ice creams  liked snakes and jumped or  war. Two years later the  Christianity. Darrow cross- heritage. attractions include Old 
that were eaten or melted  ran in the opposite direction  Tennessee Supreme Court  examined him and his  The Scopes Trial Festival  Washington, the Watts 
long before we completed  whenever one of the things  reversed the decision on a  questions pitted science  itself, held on the lawn of  Bar Dam, and the Trail 
our return trip.  appeared.  technicality.  against a literal interpo- the courthouse, saw little  of Tears monument and 
At other times, we walked  It’s nice to still be able to  The  fight  was  over  lation of the Scriptures.  of the opposition during  trail near Birchwood and 
the opposite way. That took  walk along roads that are  a  law  the  state  leg- Immediately following the  the Saturday staging of  Blythe’s Ferry. 
us over a wooden bridge  similar to those that I trav- islature  passed  for- trial Bryan set out on a  “Front  Page  News,”  a  You can get more infor-
where cars poked as the  eled as a boy. More cars  bidding  the  teaching  lecture tour but returned  Christian-based musical  mation by Googling Rhea 
boards creaked and clopped  pass on today’s roads, and  of  evolution  in  public  five days later ill and died  inside the original historic  County or The Scopes 
with their weights. I think  just beyond the ditch where  schools. Businessmen in  in the Rogers’ House in  courtroom.  Trial or contacting (423) 
I correctly remember that  a beautiful hay field once  Dayton talked the teach- Dayton. He is buried in  The  Rhea  County  775-1817  for  the  City 
some of us jumped from  existed are dozens of houses  er into violating the law to  Arlington Cemetery. Courthouse is open to  of Dayton or (423) 775-
that bridge at least one time  that were slapped up in quick  get publicity and visitors  The  Darrow  statue  the public and visitors  0361 for the Chamber of 
and landed into deep areas  order in subdivisions that  to the small Rhea County  was suggested by local  can stand in the original  Commerce. 
of the river below. Then we  seem to be spreading like a  Courthouse town. 
shuffled into the little coun- plague. Even so, Sadie and  Today  the  down-
OUR VETERANS NEXT DOOR
try store that sat beside the  I will continue our walks as  town section of Dayton 
bridge. We’d buy something  long as our legs allow us or  remains  much  as  it 
Th  e USS Indianapolis and 
or just look around for a few  until cold weather runs us  did then except for the 
minutes. inside until spring. 
A few walks took us to a 
NEW PRICE! Rare find! All  the Battle of Athens
camp ground across the river. 
brick  3Br,  2.5BA  basement 
Each year, a wagon train that  rancher  with  3,517  SF  on  By Randall Baxter boys and small townspeople who had gone 
set out from some far away  almost 2 acres in the heart  Th ere are two major World War II events  to defend our nation had seen the world and 
state set up camp there for a  of  Fountain  City’s  premier  to celebrate this week. would not be content with the life on the dirt 
couple of nights. We’d mingle  Tazewell Pike Estate properties. MLS 1003000 $379,900 roads of Athens and Riceville, Tn. Th e county 
Th e USS Indianapolis delivered the fi nal 
with those folks and kids that  Kim Litton components of a secret bomb to be dropped  had been taken over by a corrupt regime. If 
were resting from their trav-
Changing Houses to Homes on Japan on Aug. 6 and 9. I know the Sgt.  pulled over for speeding from Knoxville to 
els. On some occasions, we 
www.kimlitton.com of the Marine contingent assigned to guard  Chattanooga, you were given a choice: Pay 
[email protected] that secret package.  a cash fi ne right then or go to jail overnight 
(865) 567-9138 Associates and see the judge in the morning. Th ey also 
Also, on August 1, 1946 there was an 
Each office is independently owned and operated. (865) 688-3232   controlled  the  alcohol  and  prostitution. 
election in Athens, Tennessee.
Th e returning veterans formed their own 
I  just  do  not  know  which  is  more 
political party to defeat the corrupt offi  cials. 
important.
About 3 p.m. on Election Day, the sheriff  
1) Late July, 1945, a ship carrying a bomb 
closed the polls and told the public he would 
that could kill 100,000 people at one drop; 
let them know who won the next morning.
or
900 rounds later, and a TNT explosion at 
2) Aug. 1, 1946. An election that required 
the courthouse helped settle the matter.
overthrowing a corrupt county government 
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote about the Athens 
using the 2nd Amendment. 
violence in Th e New York Times and warned 
I want to choose both, but that would not 
our nation about the men who were coming 
be fair to the one I did not choose.
home. Trained to fi ght, they understood 
As for the USS Indianapolis. I have a friend 
weapons, and would not tolerate tyranny 
whose father was the dentist on the ship 
like what they had gone overseas to defeat.
from Knoxville, Tn. He was a great artist 
Th e 800 men fl oating in the Pacifi c fought 
named Lt. Com. Earl Henry.
for survival. Aft er fi ve days they were rescued, 
I  discussed  what  happened  with  Earl 
317 had survived the ordeal. Several of them 
Henry, Jr.
autographed a book I had purchased at their 
Aft er delivering the package of destruction, 
reunion.
the ship was ordered to the Philippines and 
It is a treasure for me to possess.
a Japanese submarine torpedoed the hull, 
BUT! My mother died a few years ago from 
almost right into the dentist offi  ce where 
radiation poisoning she picked up in her job 
LT. Com. Henry had his sleeping quarters. 
TN CHARTER #4410 in Oak Ridge. She got killed in World War II, 
He did not survive. Th e 600’ ship sank in 
and nobody told her until the 1980s.
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it moved briskly across the ocean. A little  So you can see the problem I have. Th e USS 
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over 800 sailors survived and began a 5-day  Indianapolis or the Battle of Athens, TN.
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water, injuries and sharks. stories is more important. Maybe it was the 
When our soldiers came home they were  issue of employee health in Oak Ridge while 
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July 31, 2017  www.knoxfocus.com  PAGE C1
July 31, 2017
High school football opens with KOC Kickoff Classic
By Ken Lay
the gate on game nights.  deep postseason run last  finale, the Beavers and Hor- and Gibbs vs. Bearden. in Class 4A,
 The 2017 High School  Admission is $8 for pre- season. The host Bobcats  nets will tangle as Derek  The Admirals will make  The Rebels have a new 
football season will get  sale tickets or $10 at the  and the Spartans each  Witt makes his coaching  the move to Class 6A after 
coach in Lamar Brown. He 
underway with the 2017  gate. made appearances in the  debut at Carter. He was  winning a Class 5A State 
will make his debut at Bill 
Knoxville  Orthopaedic  Thursday night’s games  Blue  Cross  Bowl  State  once the coach at Karns,  Championship last year. 
Clinic Kickoff Classic. include: Campbell County  Championship Game last  which looks to rebound  The Cherokees also made  Wilson Field against the 
The event is Thursday,  vs. Halls; Austin-East vs.  season and both finished  after a 1-9 campaign in  the playoffs in 2016. Lions, who will compete in 
Aug. 10 at Central High  Powell; Central vs. Webb  runner-up. 2016, The  Hawks  won  nine  Division II-A this year along 
School and Friday, Aug.  and Karns vs, Carter. The Spartans went 11-2  Friday  night’s  slate  games and reached the 
with Concord Christian.
11 at West High School.  The Red Devils and Cou- last season and will look to  includes:  Farragut  vs.  Class 6A quarterfinals last 
The Eagles and Bulldogs 
Tickets may be purchased  gars were one-time Dis- capture a 2017 Division II-A  South-Doyle; Hardin Valley  season while the Falcons 
at any Knox County High  trict  3-AAA  rivals.  The  State Championship. Academy vs. Fulton; The  will move up to class 5A  each made the playoffs in 
School before Aug. 8 or at  Roadrunners  made  a  In  the  opening  night  King’s Academy vs. West  after a long successful run  2016.
Stanford dominates national rankings for women
Editor’s note: Knoxville  place in golf upped its total 
Focus sportswriter Steve  National Collegiate All-Sports Rankings to 125 points in the Nation-
Williams  originated  the  al  Collegiate  All-Sports 
National  Collegiate  All- Rankings and a comfort-
Sports Rankings for men  able 65.5-point lead over 
in 1971 and added the  North Carolina, which was 
women’s rankings in 1985.  in second place with three 
Both were recognized as  sports to go. 
measuring sticks for the  The  only  two  sports 
nation’s best overall athlet- Stanford didn’t score in 
ics programs for years. were lacrosse and soft-
ball. The Cardinal finished 
By Steve Williams
in a four-way tie for 13th 
Stanford was a runaway  place in track for its final 
winner if there ever was one  6.5 points.
in the 2016-17 National  Florida tallied 81.5 points 
Collegiate All-Sports Rank- over the final five sports to 
ings for women. charge into second place in 
In the first six sports of  the rankings.
the school year that are  Oregon  started  and 
used for the rankings, the  ended the year with nation-
Cardinal finished no lower  al titles in cross country 
than sixth place on the  and track and totaled 62.5 
national level and celebrat- points for sixth place in the 
ed championships in volley- rankings.
ball and swimming before  Other national champi-
coasting in with a whopping  ons for the 10 sports were 
131.5 points. Maryland in lacrosse and 
It is believed to be the  Oklahoma in softball.
highest point total by an 
NCAA Division 1 athlet- LADY VOLS AND SEC: 
ics program in the history  In addition to Florida, sev-
of the rankings for men or  enth-place South Carolina 
women. (53 points) and ninth-place 
Florida made a strong  Georgia (51 points) repre-
showing over the second  sented the SEC in the Top 
half of the year, including a  started in 1971 and the  NCAA  championship  USA TODAY final basketball  country and the No. 6 rank- 10. Texas A&M was 14th 
national title in tennis, and  women’s  rankings  were  events are used to record  coaches poll, the Oracle/  ing in soccer before win- with 43 points.
totaled 98.5 points. added in 1985. Both were  the top 20 teams in cross  ITA final tennis rankings  ning back-to-back titles in  All 14 conference mem-
Southern Cal captured  restarted this year. country, swimming, golf  and the IWLCA Division 1  volleyball and swimming.  bers scored. Auburn earned 
the soccer crown in Decem- As in the men’s rank- and outdoor track. lacrosse final poll. The Cardinal then reached  31.5 points, Kentucky 31, 
ber and finished with 80.5  ings, the 10 NCAA Division  In soccer, volleyball, bas- The softball rankings are  the Final Four in basketball  LSU 29, Mississippi State 
points  for  third  place.  1 sports that have the most  ketball, tennis and lacrosse,  based on the results of the  before falling to eventual  26, Missouri 22, Arkansas 
Rounding out the top five  schools participating are  the top four finishers in the  eight teams’ finish in the  champion South Carolina. 21, Vanderbilt 17.5, Ala-
were North Carolina with  used to rank the women’s  NCAA  tournaments  are  NCAA tourney in Oklaho- After taking second-place  bama 15.5, Tennessee 10 
74.5 points and Texas with  programs. supplemented by the next  ma City, with the remaining  honors in tennis, the Cardi- and Ole Miss five.
63.5 points. The top 20 teams in each  16 highest ranked teams,  12 teams taken from the  nal advanced to the semi- The Lady Vols’ points 
Florida outscored Stan- sport earn points in the  respectively, in the NSCAA  USA TODAY/ NFCA Coach- finals in golf before bowing  came from their 11th place 
ford 83 to 73 to win the  rankings, with first place  Coaches’ soccer rankings,  es’ final poll. to eventual champion Arizo- ranking in softball.
men’s rankings this year. earning 20 points, second  AVCA Division 1 Coaches’  Stanford started with a  na State in match play.
The men’s rankings were  place 19, etc. final volleyball poll, the  fifth place finish in cross  Stanford’s share of third 
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PAGE C2  The Knoxville Focus  July 31, 2017
King’s Academy Returns 
HALLS FOOTBALL 2017
Red Devils look 
Seniors, Leadership
to build upon 
By David Klein 
Lowe talked about Bur- KING’S ACADEMY 
recent success
The  King’s  Academy  gess, his senior quarter-
Lions finished 4-6 last  back. “He’s continued to 
FOOTBALL 2017
year and lost in the first  get better every single  By Ken Lay
round Division 2A play- year since he’s been on  as sophomore Caden Tollett 
offs but return experience  campus,” Lowe said. “He  teammates on the defen- will play in Division 2A this  When J.D. Overton took  and senior Aaryn Spoon are 
this year and looks for  continues to lead that  sive  side,”  he  said.  “I  year. Webb moved up to  over as Halls High School’s  competing for that spot.
that experience to build a  group,” he said of Bur- tell them what gap they  Division 2AA, and King’s  football coach in 2012, the  “We’ve had great quar-
better result. According to  gess’ leadership of the  need to cover and what  Academy plays several  once proud and tradition- terback play around here 
Head Coach Matt Lowe,  seniors.  their responsibility is,” he  new opponents. “There’s  rich program was in sham- and that’s for sure,” Over-
six offensive starters and  Burgess  echoes  his  added. Lusby said he had  four new opponents on  bles. ton said. “We have most of 
four defensive starters  coach’s  views  on  the  173 tackles last year and  there we don’t know much  Wins were hard to come  our offensive linemen back 
return this year. Lowe said  senior class leadership.  five sacks on the season  about,” he said. “We’ll get  by and interest in the pro- and we’re going to look to 
that quarterback Bran- “We’ve grown so much,”  with 34 tackles in his best  to see some new loca- gram was, to say the least,  run the football. 
don Burgess returns and  Burgess said.  “Our senior  game. He also plays offen- tions. You mix in an away  dwindling  and  numbers  “It’s going to look a little 
middle linebacker Cole  leadership is the strength  sive guard.  trip to Greenback.”  were low. different but I expect us to 
Lusby returns to anchor  of our team. We’re going  Besides Burgess and  Lowe appreciates each  Fast forward to 2017 and  be successful on offense.”
the defense.  to lead the way and mold  Lusby, Lowe emphasized  team’s differences. “Every  the Red Devils are back to  Top returners include: 
“It’s an awfully exciting  the way for this freshman  the experience coming  moment, every season is  prominence. Halls has inter- Cooper Cook (senior, tail-
year,” Lowe said. “Some  class.”  back  on  the  offensive  special,” Lowe said.  “It’s  est in the program and play- back); Hunter Huff (senior, 
of these men have been  Burgess talked about  and defensive lines.   always about the broth- ers are proudly donning the  wide receiver/free safety); 
starting since they were  working with the Lions’  “We got a lot of experi- erhood. I think they’re a  Big Red again. And now the  Hunter Lam (senior, offen-
sophomores,  some  of  wide receivers. “I think it all  ence up front,” Lowe said.  pretty tight knit group.  Red Devils take the field  sive tackle); Chad Faircloth 
them even since they were  starts in the summer,” Bur- “Jonathan Atchley, Shawn  There’s a real brotherhood  expecting to leave victori- (center); Haden Layfield 
freshmen,”  he  added.  gess said of the chemistry.  Hamilton, those guys have  amongst them. I think this  ous. They also look to be  (senior, tight end); Jordan 
“Anytime you have a four  “We’ve got some seniors  been in the trenches now  is a year where the senior  playing in November every  Biliter (senior, defensive 
year returning starter at  at wide receivers. We’ve  for going on four years.  leadership is going to mold  year. end); Walt Elkins (senior, 
quarterback  (Burgess)  got small, quick receivers  There’s some real talent  this team a lot more than  “We’ve reached a point  defensive  tackle);  Luke 
and at Mike linebacker  that are going to catch  up front.”  me or my coaching staff is  where we expect to make it  Humphrey (senior, offen-
(middle linebacker Cole  the ball and gain yards on  King’s Academy will run  going to mold them.   to the playoffs every year,”  sive tackle); Warren More-
Lusby), those are good  those short passes.  We  a spread offense. “We’re  The  Lions  open  the  Overton said. “We expect to  lock (junior, offensive guard) 
spots to have some of  changed our offense to  four wide; we’re going to  season on August 18 at  make it every year.”  and Aeneas Holouma (soph-
your best guys and cer- the Air Raid offense. It’s  throw the ball around.  Silverdale Baptist Acade- “If we stay healthy and do  omore, offensive guard).
tainly some of your most  hard to defend.”  We’re going to be a big  my in Chattanooga.  the things that we need to  Key newcomers are: Tol-
experienced guys as the  On the defensive side,  play, explosive offense.”  do, then we should be there  lett (sophomore, quarter-
leaders of the offense and  Lusby credits his team- Lowe said.  at the end of the season.” back/wide receiver); Brent 
the defense.”  mates.  “I’ve  got  great  King’s Academy again  The Red Devils, who went  Buckman (a senior and long-
8-4 last season, will again  time wrestler for the Red 
compete in Region 2-5A.  Devils, who is playing foot-
Their region foes include  ball for the first time. He will 
Black Oak Ridge rival Cen- play defensive end); Spoon 
Admirals ‘want to do it again’
tral, Gibbs, Carter, South- (senior, quarterback); Jake 
Doyle, Sevier County and  Paris  (sophomore,  wide 
Seymour. receiver) and T.J. Holmes 
By Alex Norman
plan… we have solid kids in  “We’ll  play  Central,  (sophomore, linebacker/
FARRAGUT FOOTBALL 
The Farragut Admirals  this community and know  Gibbs, Carter. South-Doyle  safety). 
finally did it. what it takes to be suc- and we’ve played them all  Overton said he knows 
2017
In 2016, the Admirals  cessful.  We try to make  before.” Overton said. “We  that Harbin will be hard to 
won a state championship  sure we have a good plan  played  Sevier  County  a  replace, especially on the 
for the first time in pro- and coach hard with tech- state title game win over  in 2016. couple of years ago when  offensive side of the ball. 
gram history, with a come  nique and have a good  Independence.    Adam  Senior tight end Jacob  they made it to the [state]  But he noted that he’s con-
from behind 45-35 win  time playing football.”   Fulton  leaves  Farragut  Warren is getting the most  championship game. I don’t  fident that Spoon or Tol-
over Independence in the  Like many schools in our  after a tremendous senior  attention these days, with  know much about Seymour.  lett will rise to the occasion 
5A title game in Cookev- area, Farragut will see a  season in which he com- scholarship offers from  I know that they’ve been  when they are called upon.
ille. change in classification for  pleted 184 of 333 passes  Tennessee, Auburn, and  pretty good the last two  “These guys have battled 
“We  won  on  Friday  the 2017 season, moving  for 3,223 yards and 41  South Carolina, among  years.” through spring practice and 
and had our banquet on  up from 5A to 6A. touchdowns.  Jack DeVault  others. Halls, which opens its  we feel comfortable with 
Sunday,” said long time  “We have always played  was the Defensive MVP in  “Jacob is a great young  2017 campaign at against  either of them,” he said. 
Farragut head coach Eddie  a tough schedule.  That’s  the state title game with  man,” said Courtney. “God  the Panthers (its longtime  “We don’t know which one 
Courtney.  “That whole  how you find out what  two  interceptions,  and  blessed him with a 6’6”  Emory Road rival), also has  is going to start but we’re 
weekend was a blur.  We  you are made of.  We are  senior Joe Doyle was a  frame… he has great ball  non-league  tilts  against  getting closer to figuring 
get back here and then  renewing things with King- standout as both place  skills. A lot of Division 1  Karns, West and Austin- that out.”
recruiting picks up.  During  sport Dobyns-Bennett, we  kicker and punter. programs are looking at  East. Halls may be looking to 
the Christmas holiday is  will play Morristown West,  “Our 14 seniors showed  him and they like what  The Red Devils return sev- replace an impact player at 
when it kind of sunk in and  Hardin  Valley…  I  think  the juniors and sopho- they see. “It has been an  eral starters from last sea- quarterback, but the Red 
then with all the accolades  when playoff time comes  mores what it takes.  I  exciting process in terms  son’s squad but they must  Devils  have  experience 
since then… but I’ve tried  around you play teams like  never had a senior class  of recruiting.” replace Caden Harbin at  on both the offensive and 
to keep an even head like I  that and you’ll be ready for  that small.  Now those  The good news for Far- quarterback and lineback- defensive lines.
have always done and still  the playoffs.” younger  guys  have  to  ragut is that the increased  er. He graduated and is now  “We have 92 combined 
keep my nose to the grind- The Admirals return five  prove they have what it  publicity brought to the  playing at East Tennessee  starts on the offensive line 
stone and keep working.  players on offense and  takes. We have 5 or 6  school off Campbell Sta- State. and we have 60 combined 
We like what happened  six players on defense,  guys that have a chance  tion Road is paying off not  Overton said that a pair  starts on the defensive 
and want to do it again.” but the 2016 senior class  to move into the starting  only for Warren, but the  of newcomers is battling for  line,” Overton said.
Courtney added, “I think  was a big reason for the  lineup and guys that are  team as a whole. the starting quarterback job 
all it has done is give the  Admirals success.  Run- competing for playing time  “I told the other guys 
kids more pride to go to  ning back Cooper Hardin  and that is fun.” this gives you an audi-
work. We have the same  Cooper led Farragut in  Among the key returning  tion,” said Courtney. “It 
practice  schedule  and  rushing with 1,454 yards  players are senior receiv- helps them and helps our 
same things we have been  and 19 touchdowns on  er Braden Collins, who  program.”
doing for years. We try to  196 carries.  He was also  had 68 catches for 1,242 
make sure we have a solid  the Offensive MVP in the  yards and 16 touchdowns 
Knoxville Catholic starts season against Maryville
By Alex Norman
over.  KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC 
For Knoxville Catholic,  “We went on a big run 
the 2016 season was going  and started the year great,” 
FOOTBALL 2017
according to plan. said Knoxville Catholic head 
After being forced to for- coach  Steve  Matthews. 
feit their season opener  “(Dating back to 2015) we  perennial  powerhouse  in 2016, will play at Tulane 
due to playing an ineligible  had 17 wins by 35 points or  Maryville. this season.
freshman in the final quar- more. But I think as coach- “We are excited to play  “We are gonna have to 
ter of a blowout victory over  es and players the entire  that game and I know they  find a way to replace those 
Morristown West (official- program got complacent.  are as well,” said Matthews.  guys, but I feel great about 
ly a 1-0 loss), the Fighting  Fulton does a great job with  “It’ll make us a better pro- what we have up front with 
Irish steamrolled through  Coach (Rob) Black and they  gram. Maryville has been  offensive  linemen  Bryn 
their schedule, winning the  got up and bit us. There is  the class of the state the  Tucker and Cade Mays and 
next 10 games by a com- a sour taste in our mouth.  past two decades and we  Cooper Mays, but there is 
bined score of 518 to 140.  We felt like we were an out- are trying to get where they  a strong possibility that on 
It looked like their goal of  standing football team one  are.”  offense we will start five 
repeating as state cham- year ago that let one get  The Irish have some holes  sophomores. Which is good 
pion was only a few weeks  away.” to fill, especially at the skill  for the future obviously but 
away. The Irish open the season  positions. Four-star wide  winning with sophomores 
Then came their second  with one of the most highly  receiver Amari Rodgers has  with our schedule talking 
round match up against a  anticipated games of the  taken his talents to Clem- Maryville, Brentwood Acad-
now healthy Fulton team,  regular  season,  when  son. Chase Kuerschen, who  emy, Baylor, Rhea County… 
and a 46-25 loss. Just  Knoxville Catholic heads  caught 40 passes for 846  they are gonna have to grow 
like that, their season was  to Blount County to face  yards and 11 touchdowns  Continue on page 4
Description:conflict. The small Tennessee town, nestled at the foot of the gap, exists much as it did following the Civil .. his seat to freshman leg- islator J. Ridley