Judge Robert Estep accepted several plea agreements recently in Claiborne County Sessions Court, including one for Jonathan E. Thomas, 37, charged with domestic assault.

Thomas was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation and ordered to pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. As a condition of his probationary status, Thomas must submit to a mental health evaluation and complete a Batterer’s Intervention Program.

Anthony W. Collins, 28, charged with possession of methamphetamine, evading arrest, resisting arrest and theft under $500, was initially sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days confinement. Collins was given credit for time served and barred from all Dollar General Stores with the understanding he will be considered trespassing if he enters any Dollar General Store property. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

John David Gaylor, 50, charged with resisting arrest, was sentenced to six months unsupervised probation. As a condition of his probationary status, Gaylor must pay all court costs in full by July 14. He must also complete an alcohol and drug assessment.

Charles D. Reno, 51, charged with driving under the influence (second offense), was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 45 days confinement. Reno was given credit for jail time served and credit for 28 days in a rehabilitation program. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines beginning 30 days after his release. Reno must attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for two years. Reno is eligible for unsupervised probation once all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant.

Donnie Howerton, 51, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days supervised probation to be served in Knox County with two days confinement. Howerton will serve his two days of jail time in Knox County on a concurrent case. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Brenda Gail Daniels, 47, charged with driving (boating) under the influence, was sentenced to one year unsupervised probation. As a condition of her probationary status, Daniels was ordered to pay all court costs and fines in full by March 31. Her boating privileges are revoked for one year.

Alvin Reece Jr., 68, charged with reckless endangerment, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days unsupervised probation and ordered to pay all court costs in full. Reece forfeits all weapons seized by the state and must install and maintain an interlock device at his expense.

Danny Floyd Hubbard, 56, charged with two counts of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days confinement with credit for any time served since Dec. 1. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

John Ryker Gent, 39, charged with possession of a schedule VI drugs, was given a deferred judgment of one year and sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Gent must pay at least $150 court costs and fines. Gent is eligible for unsupervised probation once all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant.

Donald R. Scott, 30, charged with possession of a schedule VI drugs, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent ETHRA supervised probation and given credit for any jail time served since Aug. 1, 2013.Scott must pay at least $150 per month in court costs and fines and forfeits $30 to the Economic Crime Fund. He must pay $605 in restitution to Partin Brothers Mercantile. Scott is barred from any contact with the Mercantile and its premises.

Jason Hipsher, 37, charged with possession of a schedule II drugs, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 99 days confinement (credit for 99 days jail time already served). Hipsher must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines.

Stacey Lynn Sparks, 40, charged with attempted possession of a schedule II drugs, was sentenced to six months ETHRA supervised probation. Sparks must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. She is eligible for unsupervised probation once all monetary obligations are met and she is found fully compliant.

William E. Burns III, 18, charged with theft under $500, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Burns must pay all court costs and fines and forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. He must pay $35 in restitution to Food City in Tazewell and is barred from the Food City premises.

Jessie L. Bolden, 27, charged with theft under $500, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 12 days confinement (credit for 12 days jail time already served). Bolden must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines and forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. She is barred from the Walmart property.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

Several area students made the Fall 2015 Dean’s List at Roane State Community College.

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must attain at least a 3.5 grade-point average while attempting 12 or more semester hours of college-level courses.

Area students named to the Dean’s List are Haley Davis of Speedwell and Beth Duncan of Tazewell.

Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has campuses in Crossville, Harriman, Huntsville, Jamestown, Knoxville, LaFollette, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge and Wartburg.

For more information, visit roanestate.edu or call 1-866-GO2-RSCC (1-866-462-7722).

Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. All colleges in the system offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit tncommunitycolleges.org.

Jason Collins, 37, of Soddy Daisy, was sentenced by the Honorable Harry S. Mattice, U.S. District Judge, to serve 85 months in prison, followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. Collins pleaded guilty in August 2015 to receipt of child pornography. Restitution was also ordered to some of his victims.

The indictment and subsequent conviction of Collins was the result of a year-long investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bradley County Sheriff’s Department, and Harriman Police Department. The investigation began when a Harriman Police detective was able to download images and videos from a peer-to-peer internet account belonging to Collins on three different dates over the course of three months. These images and videos were of minors engaging in sexual activity. The FBI, along with an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Officer from the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department, discovered that Collins had more than 80,000 images and 300 videos on his computer and other electronic storage media. The images and videos were compared with those from known victims through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) database. The NCMEC database found that the images belonged to 222 known victim series and the videos belonged to 90 known victim series.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development announced Tennessee employers will benefit from paying less in unemployment insurance premiums in 2016.

The state’s Taxable Wage Base decreased from $9,000.00 to $8,000.00 on January 1, 2016. The Taxable Wage Base is the annual amount of wages paid to an employee that is subject to state unemployment tax. This means employers will only have to pay taxes on the first $8,000 of an employee’s wages, instead of $9,000.

“This is a step forward for both the economy and employers in the state of Tennessee,” said Linda Davis, Unemployment Insurance Administrator. “We have rebuilt the trust fund to a healthy level, allowing the Taxable Wage Base to decrease for employers.”

During the economic recession, Tennessee’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund became insolvent due to increased unemployment claims. In an effort to ensure adequate funding to pay unemployment benefits to employees who lost their jobs, through no fault of their own, legislation was passed which increased Tennessee’s Taxable Wage Base from $7,000 to $9,000. The legislation also included provisions to reduce the Taxable Wage Base when the Trust Fund was restored to an adequate funding level.

On December 31, 2015 the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund balance was over $900 million, which triggered the lowering of the Taxable Wage Base to $8,000.00. The Taxable Wage Base applies to employers who pay quarterly state unemployment insurance premiums.

Also, as of January 1, 2016, employers with 10 or more employees are required to file online. Employers with 10-99 employees who do not wish to file online must provide justification in the form of a notarized statement submitted each year, along with the first quarter report.

For more information on the Taxable Wage Base, and to file first quarter reports, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/article/wage-and-premium-reports-tnpaws.

Making a sound financial investment is among the most important decisions Americans can make when it comes to their futures. Before investing, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Securities Division wants Tennessee investors to always weigh their choices, understand their risks, and avoid scam artists.

“While all investments carry a potential risk, we urge Tennessee investors to invest from a position of strength and knowledge,” TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Securities Frank Borger-Gilligan said. “We’re here to help investors so they can make smart choices.”

Sound financial advice doesn’t have to be complicated or hard to remember. TDCI offers these tips as a good starting point for any investment strategy:

· Check the licensing of the product offered and the registration and enforcement history of the person offering the investment. Check them out with Brokercheck.finra.org or use the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you invest.

· Get written information about the product being offered for sale and make certain you understand it. Remember: professional-looking brochures and websites can be produced by a con artist. Do some digging.

· Ask questions. Is the product suitable for you? Is this an investment product that is long-term or short-term? Are there high fees for early withdrawal of your investment principle? Do you understand the risk involved in the investment opportunity?

· NEVER accept a verbal contract.

· NEVER sign anything before reading it carefully and understanding it.

· Take your time; don’t allow anyone to rush your decision-making process.

· If you are suspicious, contact the Tennessee Securities Division immediately. Contact the the Securities Division at 1-800-863-9117or by email at securities.l@tn.gov.

TDCI is charged with protecting the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for a broad array of industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee. Our divisions include the Athletic Commission, Consumer Affairs, Tennessee Corrections Institute, Emergency Communications Board, Fire Prevention, Insurance, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Peace Officers Standards and Training, Regulatory Boards, Securities, and TennCare Oversight.

The faculty of Springdale Elementary School has announced the Honor Roll for the most recent grading period. The following students obtained an “A” average to be named to the Honor Roll.

First Grade: Benson Hensley, John Hatfield, Addison Hurley, Delaney Nickell, Robbie Buchanan, Mattie Agee, Jocelyn Essary, Tyler Evans, Riley Fergerson, Gage Hurst, Madison Johnson, Harrison Whitaker, Allison Seals, Trey Davis, Rachel Fannon, Kylee Frazier, Chace Robinette.

Second Grade: Grayson Bryant, Jordan Cupp, Drew Epperson, Rinoa Grana, Madison Parker, Sophia Perry, Haylee Surber, Ava Bolden, Leah Buchanan, Jacey Ferguson, Hunter Gibson, Brinkley Hollin, Isaac Jennings, Colton Jones, Corbin Whitaker, Avalynn Cook, Isabella Nunn, Shaylee Pearson, Brooklyn Tuner, David Wheatley.

Third Grade: Sophia Morton, Abagail Willis, Kadin Martin, Brooklyn Evans, Lily Robinson, Cole Hurst, Hunter Greer.

Fourth Grade: Jaris Bunch, Grayson Debusk, Eli England, Eli Poore, Madison Ferguson, Isabelle Gipfert, Bryson Hensley, Katie Smith, Ben Branham, Ethan Cupp, Anna Evans, Allie Jones.

Fifth Grade: Gracie Cadle, Abagail Davis, Caryle England, Brennan Fugate, Isaiah Golden, Morgan Honeycutt, Anna Jones, Jessica Lephew, Madison Lindsey, Angelina Romano, Ashley Yeary, Eli Young, Jaydon Clawson, Haley Eversole, Rylee Fannon, Hannah Fugate, Kylie Lefevers, Noah Rafod, Van Simpukas, Seth Bailey, Macie Bolden, Lake Cochran, Kendall Collins, Jordan Fultz, Samantha Gass, Macy Hatfield, Kennedy Johnson, Gaven Lane, Brianna Marshall, Sarah Smith.

Sixth Grade: Crislyn Bunch, Colton Collins, Chloe Hatfield, Hannah Moyers, Izzy Collins, Quinn Duncan, Erika Lewis, Eli Mundy, Arianna Pearson, Trace Davis, Raegan Dean, Reece Garland, Seth Morelock, Tristan Mullins, Bailey Poore, Jacob Ramsey, Olivia Sandefur, Makenzie Walker, Raley Walker, Eva Wilmoth, Landen Wilson.

All names were submitted by Springdale faculty and staff.

When we have a big snow, it typically creates the opportunistic combination of having time on your hands and a massive amount of the key ingredient for making snow cream, so why not? Besides being a nostalgic but tasty treat to make with the kids, snow cream is the venerable ancestor of our modern ice cream.

No one knows for sure when or where people began dabbling with snow based desserts. There are records that the Persians made frozen beverages made from snow around 500 BC. Our own Native Americans may have beaten that date by sweetening snow with maple syrup. On that same line the Canadians have an old tradition of pouring hot maple syrup onto snow to make a kind of maple toffee. Around 200 BC the Chinese were making a concoction of rice mixed with milk, which was frozen with snow and eaten as a confection. Nero Claudius Caesar (circa 50 AD) supposedly sent slaves up to the mountains to collect snow, which was flavored with fruit juice, perhaps the precursor of the snow cone.

The Chinese King Tang of Shang (650 AD) supposedly kept servants on hand that were called “Ice Men”, who mixed flour and buffalo milk to make a creamy frozen dessert. The story goes that Marco Polo carried the idea of a cream based frozen dessert from China back to Europe. There may be something to this, because the Italians are credited with making the first European version of ice cream made with milk In the 1400s it became vogue in Europe to serve snow deserts made with heavy cream that included egg whites. In the 1600s, aristocrats living near the Alps sent servants to collect snow high in the mountains, which was flavored with wine and fruit. Finally, the invention of the ice cream churn by Nancy Johnson in 1846 ushered in the form of ice cream we use today.

So enough history, let’s talk about making a really good snow cream, and here are a few rules of thumb. Snow varies in texture and density, so gather plenty (at least a gallon). Collect the snow in a clean area, preferably from off the ground surfaces, such as a picnic table, and I scrap a little snow off the top before collecting. Needless to say, reject any snow that looks dirty, and remember: Don’t eat the yellow snow! Avoid compacting the snow as you gather it, and use immediately.

Making snow cream is simplicity itself. Thoroughly mix the milk, vanilla, and sugar before placing in a large pan. Stir in big spoonfuls of snow until it’s the consistency you want, and enjoy. There are several recipes that I’ve tried that work well. My mom’s version is two cups of milk, one cup of sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla. A creamier version involves mixing a 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of regular milk, and one tsp. of vanilla. One more includes mixing one cup of half and half, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla. Whatever version you try, you have to include any kids around in the process. It blows them away to make ice cream that did not come from the store.

Steve Roark is with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division.

Photo submitted Snowcream, a popular treat during winter weather.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_snowcream.jpgPhoto submitted Snowcream, a popular treat during winter weather.

Photo submitted Snowcream, a popular treat during winter weather.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_snowcream-BW.jpgPhoto submitted Snowcream, a popular treat during winter weather.

A Harrogate, Tennessee man has been indicted by the Bell County Grand Jury for various charges that led to his arrest in late November of last year.

Harley Alan Hall, 20, was booked into the Bell County Detention Center on Nov. 29, on six counts of first-degree possession of a forged instrument, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft by unlawful taking, expired registration, theft of motor vehicle registration and no insurance.

According to earlier reports, police say they found drugs and counterfeit money in his vehicle after they responded to a shoplifting call at Walmart.

According to the arrest citation, Hall scanned and paid for $16.98 worth of merchandise at Walmart but did not scan or pay for an additional $11.94 worth of merchandise.

Officers say they found three small plastic baggies containing a white powdery substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, a glass pipe, a torch, a digital scale, a forged $100 bill, four forged $20 bills and a forged $10 bill in Hall’s vehicle.

Hall was released from jail on Dec. 15 on a $1,000 full cash bond.

*Amanda Monday, 30, of Middlesboro, theft by unlawful taking or disposition shoplifting under $500, second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence and second-degree persistent felony offender;

*Christopher Shawntez Adkins, 26, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence with aggravating circumstances, possession of marijuana, operating on a revoked/suspended operator’s license, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security, improper equipment and drug paraphernalia;

*Samantha Singleton, 24, of Middlesboro, reckless driving, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a minor, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security;

*Jeffery Wayne Good, 28, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a minor;

*Billy Marvin Branstrutter, 43, of Middlesboro, violation of Kentucky EPO/DVO, fourth-degree in assault, disorderly conduct, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance resisting arrest;

*Crystal Young, 38, of Pineville, first-degree possession of a controlled substance;

*Elizabeth A. Hamilton, 39, of Pineville, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance greater than 20 dosage usage, drug paraphernalia, controlled substance prescription not in original container and second-degree possession of a controlled substance;

*Sherry Lynn Gray, 44, of Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia;

*Brittany Leeann Ward, 18, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia;

*Daniel S. Griffith, 20, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia;

*Lorri Ann Lawson, 46, of Tazewell, Tennessee, improper registration plate, failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All of the indictments are set to be heard on Feb. 19.

Reach Reina P. Cunningham at 606-302-9091 or on Twitter @ReinaDailyNews

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Hall-2.jpg

After serving over a decade with various police agencies in his hometown of Claiborne County, Tennessee, one police officer’s dream of becoming a state trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol is coming true.

K-9 Officer and Tazewell Police Sgt. Shawn Goode worked his last day for the city in late January. In a bon voyage celebration with his co-workers at Tazewell City Hall, Goode was presented with a memory box featuring a photo of himself and his K-9 partner Neco, his badge and a thank you plaque for his service to the city.

The following week, his friends, family members and former co-workers gathered together to celebrate the milestone in Goode’s life, reminiscing how his law enforcement career began and talking about how tough the weeks ahead will be as Goode began his training on Feb. 1.

Goode has been in law enforcement since shortly after he graduated high school. His career in law enforcement began at the entry level in 2001, when he was hired as a correctional officer at the Claiborne County Jail. Goode says from that moment on, he knew he wanted to be a state trooper and he began planning what steps he needed to take to reach what he describes as his goal.

“It has been a lifelong dream,” said Goode. “I set that as the goal and began taking the necessary steps to make it happen.”

Goode left the jail in 2003 when he was accepted into the police academy, which he successfully completed and became a Claiborne County Resource Officer later that same year. Goode remained a resource officer for approximately one year before becoming a road officer in 2004. In 2005, Goode was promoted to the Claiborne County K-9 officer and remained with the county until 2006 when he began working for the Tazewell Police Department. In 2008, he was promoted to K-9 Officer and in 2010 he was made sergeant. Goode’s outstanding police work earned two awards in 2011 —he was named Regional DUI Officer of the Year and Regional Officer of the Year.

Although his resume thus far in his career was one to be proud of, the aspiring state trooper felt compelled to further his education while working full time and taking care of his family.

“I felt continuing my education was an important factor in becoming a state trooper,” explained Goode.

Graduating with honors, Goode received his criminal justice degree from Walter State Community College in 2015. Shortly afterward he applied with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and was accepted as a state trooper.

Goode says he is excited at the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream even though he knows it will be hard being apart from his family during his training. Goode and his wife of 11 years, Sherry, have three daughters — Rylie 9, Aubrey, 2, and Harper, 11 months.

Goode currently does not know exactly where he will be stationed upon completion of his training in June but is excited at the opportunity to live out his dream.

Reach Reina P. Cunningham at 606-302-9091 or on Twitter @ReinaDailyNews

Reina P. Cunningham | Daily News Friends, family members and former co-workers celebrated with former Tazewell Sgt. Shawn Goode as he prepared to become a state trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_BEHINDBADGE.jpgReina P. Cunningham | Daily News Friends, family members and former co-workers celebrated with former Tazewell Sgt. Shawn Goode as he prepared to become a state trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

A Harrogate man has been indicted by the Bell County Grand Jury for various charges that led to his arrest in late November of last year.

Harley Alan Hall, 20, was booked into the Bell County Detention Center on Nov. 29 on six counts of first-degree possession of a forged instrument, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft by unlawful taking, expired registration, theft of motor vehicle registration and no insurance.

According to earlier reports, police say they found drugs and counterfeit money in his vehicle after they responded to a shoplifting call at Walmart.

According to the arrest citation, Hall scanned and paid for $16.98 worth of merchandise at Walmart but did not scan or pay for an additional $11.94 worth of merchandise.

Officers say they found three small plastic baggies containing a white powdery substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, a glass pipe, a torch, a digital scale, a forged $100 bill, four forged $20 bills and a forged $10 bill in Hall’s vehicle.

Hall was released from jail on Dec. 15 on a $1,000 full cash bond.

Others indicted by the Bell County Grand Jury include:

*Amanda Monday, 30, of Middlesboro, theft by unlawful taking or disposition shoplifting under $500, second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence and second-degree persistent felony offender;

*Christopher Shawntez Adkins, 26, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence with aggravating circumstances, possession of marijuana, operating on a revoked/suspended operator’s license, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security, improper equipment and drug paraphernalia;

*Samantha Singleton, 24, of Middlesboro, reckless driving, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a minor, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security;

*Jeffery Wayne Good, 28, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a minor;

*Billy Marvin Branstrutter, 43, of Middlesboro, violation of Kentucky EPO/DVO, fourth-degree in assault, disorderly conduct, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance resisting arrest;

*Crystal Young, 38, of Pineville, first-degree possession of a controlled substance;

*Elizabeth A. Hamilton, 39, of Pineville, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance greater than 20 dosage usage, drug paraphernalia, controlled substance prescription not in original container and second-degree possession of a controlled substance;

*Sherry Lynn Gray, 44, of Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia;

*Brittany Leeann Ward, 18, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia;

*Daniel S. Griffith, 20, of Middlesboro, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia;

*Lorri Ann Lawson, 46, of Tazewell, Tennessee, improper registration plate, failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All of the indictments are set to be heard on Feb. 19.

Reach Reina P. Cunningham at 606-302-9091 or on Twitter @ReinaDailyNews

Harley Hall

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Hall-3.jpgHarley Hall

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon. See our website each week for a full listing of local governmental meetings: www.claiborneprogress.net.

Pink Out For Black

The eighth annual Pink Out For Black game for cancer awareness at Claiborne High School was rescheduled due to weather to Feb. 11. Events will begin as early as 5 p.m. with various performances by area schools. In addition, Miss Tennessee 2015 Hannah Robison will be in attendance as well as a Memory Room and other special presentations throughout the evening. Tickets are available for a commemorative Pink Out quilt for $1 each. Shirts are now available at CHS, It’s My Party and Sun Loan for $10 each.

Free Classes

Regional Education Center Ministries in partnership with Southeast Community College will be enrolling students for the following classes: Intro to computers; Selling on eBay; Basic Bookkeeping; Quick Books and GED. The classes are offered free of charge. Enrollment is currently open. Please contact Rhonda at 423-626-6401 or Judy at 423-526-7506 by February 5 to enroll. Contact us by email: regionaleducationcenter@gmail.com. Website: recministries.net and Facebook / Regional Education Center.

Free Spay and Neuter

The Animal Welfare League of Claiborne County is sponsoring a free spay/neuter for dogs and cats in the Claiborne County area for families with income less than $30,000 per year, depending upon the number of people in the household. Pick up applications at Harrogate Hospital for Animals, Russell Veterinary Services or Rowland Veterinary Services. You can also request spay applications at awlccspay@gmail.com . Complete application, including proof of income and mail to AWLCC, 200 Hatfield Morgan Lane, New Tazewell, TN 37825 or scan/email to email address above. Be sure to include a phone number.

Town of Tazewell Brush Pickup

Brush pickup for the residents of the Town of Tazewell is resuming. A maximum quantity of two brush piles 4 ft. wide x 4 ft. tall x 10 ft. long will be collected from each household per visit. Brush and limbs shall be neatly stacked in 4 ft. x 4 ft. piles with the ends facing the same direction. Exceptions: Leaves or other debris may not be mixed with brush. No stumps will be picked up or limbs larger than 6 inches in diameter. Brush must be brought to the curbside and not placed in the street or on sidewalks. Lumber or construction waste materials will not be collected. No commercial, industrial, construction, or land clearing projects are included in the brush collection program. To schedule pickup call the Tazewell City Hall at 626-5104.

Little League Sign-Ups

New Tazewell Little League baseball and softball sign-ups will be held at Hardee’s of Tazewell from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 11, 18 and 25. The sign-up fee is $55.

CCECD Board

The Claiborne County Economic & Community Development Board (formerly the Industrial Development Board) will hold its next scheduled meeting at noon on Feb. 12 at The Old Town Grill, 1440 North Broad Street, Tazewell, TN 37879. The public is welcome to attend.

Courthouse Closing

The Claiborne County Courthouse will be closed Feb. 15 in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Bereavement Support Group

The death of a loved one by suicide presents special problems in grieving. There is often more shock, a greater sense of injustice, more guilt and blame and a heightened sense of helplessness – and these all tend to complicate the healing process for survivors.

There is a safe place in this community for survivors (families and loved ones of suicide victims) to share their loss with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Surviving Our Loss After Suicide (SOLAS) is a bereavement support group that will provide help, hope and healing. Groups are open to all adult survivors of suicide and will be held Feb. 16 at Walters State Community College, 1325 Claiborne Street, Tazewell, in room 204 (top floor). The meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Tammy Wilson, facilitator, at 865-585-2917.

Emergency Communications District

The Claiborne County Emergency Communications District will meet in regular session on Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Claiborne County Justice Center Training Room.

Relay For Life Kickoff

The Claiborne County Relay For Life Kickoff will be Feb. 27 starting at 2 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial University’s Tex Turner Arena during their home basketball games. Relay For Life teams will be selling food, homemade goodies and much more to benefit Claiborne County Relay For Life. Please come out and support a great cause.

American Legion Post #109

All veterans are invited to attend monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is March 8. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with a meal. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell.

Claiborne Animal Shelter

The annual Claiborne Animal Shelter Fundraiser will be held April 2 at the Cumberland Gap Convention Center. The cost is $100 per plate for the banquet and silent auction. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. To reserve your seat, you may call the Shelter at 423-626-2686. To reserve a spot and pay in advance, go online to: www.claiborneanimalshelter.com.

Drug Test Kits Available

Free Saliva Based Drug Testing Kits are available, provided and sponsored through UNITE and (SIGCO) Stand in the Gap Coalition. Give Me a Reason (GMAR) is designed for parents/guardians to use to talk with their children and randomly test them, which gives them a reason to say “no” when tempted or offered drugs. They can be obtained at 44 different distribution points throughout tri-state area & at the SIGCO office, located at 502 Pennlyn Ave., Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. For more information where to find a distribution point near you contact the SIGCO office at 423-300-1302 or to pick one up stop by on Thursdays between noon and 5:30 p.m.

Free GED/High Set Classes

Classes are held in the Claiborne School Board office. For more information call 423-317-1064 or email hiset@tcatmorristown.edu.

Arthur Community Center Association

The Arthur Community Center Restoration Organization has regular meetings the second Thursday and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Arthur Community Center. All residents of Arthur Community are encouraged to attend. The ACCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the Arthur Community Center for the public to use for meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions, etc.

Free Classes

The Claiborne County Adult High School will be offering classes for students to earn credits to receive their Tennessee state high school diploma. Flexible scheduling will be available for both day and evening classes. If you do not have your high school diploma, please contact the Claiborne County Adult High School at 423-626-8222 for more information.

Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society

The Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society is located on Old Knoxville Road across from the library. For more information call the office 526-5737. Research hours are Sundays from 1-5 p.m. CCHGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Claiborne County. Please mail your tax deductible contributions or annual membership dues to: CCHGS, P.O. Box 32, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

Outreach workers Tommy Brooks and Erin Haverland will be available to assist eligible veterans with enrollment in HVRP. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project helps veterans find secure employment through case management, job training, and referrals and links with other local service providers. Outreach workers can arrange visits with veterans in outlying areas who are unable to travel to the program office.Veterans Can Help is located at 511 Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Phone: 865-524-3926. In Knoxville, call 865-546-4813 for more information.

Town of Tazewell BMA

The board meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Tazewell are conducted at Tazewell City Hall at 1830 Main Street, the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The BMA workshops are on Wednesday prior to the scheduled board meeting at 6 p.m. as needed. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the board.

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon.

Appalachian Aglow

Appalachian Aglow meets bi-monthly at the home of Lisa Leonard in New Tazewell. If interested, call 865-585-0091 for directions and information.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Chapel of the Good Shepherd, the only Lutheran church in Union County, has begun to hold worship services on Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Kritsch, pastor of the church, at 865-279-1279, or via e-mail at chapelofthegoodshepherd@outlook.com.

Christ the King Catholic Church

Christ the King Catholic Church welcomes the new pastor, Father Mike Creson. Mass schedule is Sunday at noon and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The church is located at 816 Blue Top Road, Tazewell.

Claiborne County Ministerial Association

Pastors and preachers of Claiborne County, the Claiborne County Ministerial Association needs your help. We now only have a few members. We do volunteer chaplain work at Claiborne Medical Center and 15-minute Daily Devotions on WNTT Radio. If God leads you to be a part of this ministry, we meet once a month at the Claiborne Medical Center conference room on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. For further information call 865-585-7112. President, Kenny Clark.

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church

Weekly services at Dogwood Heights Baptist Church include: Tis So Sweet Café Worship, Sunday from 8:30-9:45 a.m.; Sunday School at 10 a.m.; Worship Service at 11 a.m.; Evening Worship at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening – Bible Study at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited. Pastor, Travis Pressnell, Youth Pastor, Charlie Longworth.

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

The addition of a deaf interpreter for the Sunday morning worship service has brought a new ministry to First Baptist Church in New Tazewell. To learn more, call 423-626-5401 or visit at 814 Buchanan Road, next to Laurel Manor Nursing Home.

Indian Creek Baptist Church

Indian Creek Baptist Church will have their regular monthly singing Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. Special singers are Living Waters from Tazewell and others. Everyone is welcome.

Meyers Grove Primitive Baptist Church

Meyers Grove Primitive Baptist Church will have Women’s Bible Study every Saturday at 4 p.m. All ladies and their friends are invited to come and study together.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church has new meeting times. We now meet for worship on Sunday at 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. for Bible study. On Wednesday at 6 p.m. we have Visitation, Bridge Builders and Youth. On Sunday nights and other nights throughout the week we offer Life Application classes.

The church is located at 2305 Highway 63, four miles west of U.S. Hwy. 25E in Harrogate. For more information please call the church office at 423-869-7378 or Pastor Donnie Bannister at 423-526-4491.

New Tazewell United Methodist Church

A new Weight Watchers meeting is starting Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and a new Zumba class has started every Thursday and Saturday at 9 a.m. at the New Tazewell United Methodist Church. Classes are $3 each. They will meet in the Fellowship Hall of NTUMC. For information call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

Regional Education Center

The Regional Education Center, an FBC Ministry Center, is located at 1724 Epps Street in Tazewell. They distribute food boxes on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents of Claiborne County need to bring proof of residence and income. The center is located behind the courthouse in Tazewell.

Servolution Health Services

The Servolution Health Services free medical and dental care clinic is now open. Anyone from the Tri-State area is welcome. The faith-based clinic serves the uninsured of the area, from any state, whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines. Servolution Health Services is located 8.7 miles from Harrogate, off Hwy. 63 in the old Powell Valley High School vocational building in Speedwell, Tenn. The address is 245 Powell Valley School Lane. To determine eligibility, make an appointment or for more information call 423-419-5070.

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel will host a four-session Singing School beginning Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. The Singing School, conducted by David Cole, will continue for the next three Sunday nights also at 6 p.m.: Feb. 21, 28 and March 6. The pastor, Brian Liford, invites everyone to attend.

Thompson Chapel United Methodist Church

The Thompson Chapel Clothing Bank is in need of any and all donations. We are open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 626-3913 or 626-4435 for info.

Twin City Baptist Church

Twin City Baptist Church now offers sign language interpretation of the services. Everyone is welcome.

Upper Room Ministries

Are you in need? Our monthly food drive is on the second Saturday of each month of 2015. It runs from 10 a.m. until the food is gone. It is provided by the grace of God and sponsored by Upper Room Ministries, which is located at 860 Hwy. 33 South in New Tazewell. For more information, call 423-398-3352 or email urm1993@icloud.com.

Youth 4 Truth Ministries

Youth 4 Truth cookbooks are available. We have just received our new cookbooks. They have 500 wonderful recipes and sell for $10 each. There will be a limited number of cookbooks, so get your copy now, before they are sold out. It would make an excellent Christmas or shower gift. There will be several people in the area selling them, or you can call 423-626-2674 or 865-278-6882 or 865-352-9965. Thank you so much for your support.

Judge Robert Estep handled several violations of probation cases recently in Claiborne County Sessions Court, including one for Cameron Ford, 24, who was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor while on probation. Ford was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent confinement. He was given credit for any jail time served since Dec. 18, 2014. This case runs concurrently with previous violations of probation dating to Nov. 12, including failure to report to probation and nonpayment of court costs and supervision fees while on probation. The charge of public intoxication was dismissed by the judge.

Charles DeWayne Robertson, 47, was initially charged under multiple cases with violation of a first drug screening for oxymorphone, violation of a second drug screening for cocaine, hydrocodone and hydromorphone and failure to complete the Celebrate Recovery Program while on probation. Robertson was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent confinement and given credit for any jail time already served.

Adam Yeary, 37, was charged under multiple cases with failure to report to probation, to submit to random drug screenings, to complete an alcohol and drug assessment and for nonpayment of court costs, fines and supervision fees while on probation. Yeary was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent confinement. He was given credit for any jail time already served.

Edward A. Poore, 38, was charged with failure to submit to a court ordered drug screening during a court appearance, leaving without permission of the court and violation of a rule forbidding the use of illegal drugs while on probation. Poore was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent confinement. He is eligible for this sentence to be suspended if he completes a long term rehabilitation program.

Jimmie Ray Jordan, 53, was charged with failure to report to probation, to submit to random drug screenings and nonpayment of court costs, fines and supervision fees while on probation. Jordan was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent. He was given credit for any jail time already served on this matter.

Robert D. Bryant, 32, was charged with driving under the influence while on probation. Bryant was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days BOPP/DOOC supervised probation with 90 days confinement. He was given credit for 90 days jail time already served, for this case only. Bryant is currently being supervised on a separate five years sentence. He was ordered to attend the MADD Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety. This sentence runs concurrently with violations of probation dating to July 10, 2014 including failure to report to probation, to submit to random drug screenings, to complete an alcohol and drug assessment and nonpayment of court costs, fines and supervision fees while on probation.

Shannon Jolene Smith, 38, was charged with theft under $500 and driving on a revoked license (third offense) while on probation. Smith was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 60 days confinement. She was given credit for 11 days jail time already served. Smith must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. Her driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety. This sentence runs concurrently with a prior violation of probation case in which Smith failed to pay court costs, fines and supervision fees while on probation.

Austin S. Turner, 21, was charged with possession of a schedule VI drugs. Turner was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation and must pay at least $200 per month in court costs and fines. As a condition of his probationary status, Turner must pay court costs on an earlier violation of probation case in which he was charged in June of 2014 with failure to report to probation, to submit to random drug screenings, to complete an alcohol and drug assessment, to attend Celebrate Recovery Program and for nonpayment of supervision fees while on probation.

Ronald Arnwine, 37, was charged with failure to report to probation, to submit to random drug screenings, to complete an alcohol and drug assessment and nonpayment of court costs, fines and supervision fees while on probation. Arnwine was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days TDOC supervised probation with 56 days confinement. He was given credit for 56 days jail time already served.

Jason Hatfield, 35, was charged with failure to report to probation, to submit to random drug screenings, to complete an alcohol and drug assessment, to complete DUI School and nonpayment of court costs and supervision fees while on probation. Hatfield was sentenced to serve the remainder of his 11 months, 29 days supervised probation with ten days confinement. He was given credit for nine days jail time already served.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum on the main campus of Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Harrogate, Tennessee, will commemorate the birth of its namesake by offering free admission on Fridays and Saturdays during the month of February.

Home to one of the top three privately held collections of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War artifacts in the world, the Museum proudly displays personal items of the 16th President of the United States including a stunning tea set used by the Lincoln family when they lived in Springfield, Illinois, and the walking cane President Lincoln carried into Ford’s Theatre on the night of his assassination.

The Museum will unveil two new exhibits as part of its celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. The Constitution and the Civil War, a National Park Service produced traveling exhibit, examines the sometimes highly contentious, often controversial role Lincoln’s interpretation of the Constitution played in the Civil War.

From the Collection invites visitors to take a closer look at rare and interesting artifacts from the Museum’s world-class collection. Included in the exhibit is a pair of French porcelain vases depicting scenes from the highly influential novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, several Harry Wood art pieces inspired by Lincoln, as well as items from the Captain John Worden Collection. Both exhibits will be on display through June 1, 2017.

The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum is located on the historic campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate. Housing one of the top five Lincoln and Civil War private collections in the world, the Museum is open Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. from noon to 5 p.m. For more information about this and other programs at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, call 423-869-6235.

The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Music Program will present The Fretless in concert on Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sam and Sue Mars Performing Arts Center in the Duke Hall of Citizenship on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Fretless is an award-winning group taking Canadian and Celtic fiddle tunes to fascinating new places. The Canadian folk quartet is comprised of Karrnnel Sawitsky (fiddle), Ivonne Hernandez (fiddle), Eric Wright (cello) and Trent Freeman (fiddle). They have toured extensively and recently were nominated for a Western Canadian Music award. The Fretless released its first album in 2012 and a follow-up in 2014 and are currently finishing up a third. The band is known for turning well-known fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, lush and exciting arrangement.

The performance will consist of a range of tunes selected from their first two albums and a sneak peak at tunes from their upcoming third album. The concert will also feature the band’s “old time jams” segment where The Fretless play improvised and energetic sets of traditional Old Time Canadian, American and Celtic tunes.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or e-mail at admissions@lmunet.edu.

By the Associated Press

Today is Saturday, Feb. 13, the 44th day of 2016. There are 322 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History:

On Feb. 13, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was officially declared winner of the 1860 presidential election as electors cast their ballots.

On this date:

In 1542, the fifth wife of England’s King Henry VIII, Catherine Howard, was executed for adultery.

In 1766, English economist and demographer Thomas Robert Malthus was born in Surrey.

In 1914, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, also known as ASCAP, was founded in New York.

In 1920, the League of Nations recognized the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland.

In 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey, found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (Hauptmann was later executed.)

In 1945, during World War II, Allied planes began bombing the German city of Dresden. The Soviets captured Budapest, Hungary, from the Germans.

In 1960, France exploded its first atomic bomb in the Sahara Desert.

In 1975, a late-night arson fire set by a disgruntled custodian broke out on the 11th floor of the north tower of New York’s World Trade Center; the blaze spread to six floors, but caused no direct casualties.

In 1980, the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, New York.

In 1988, the 15th Winter Olympics opened in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, allied warplanes destroyed an underground shelter in Baghdad that had been identified as a military command center; Iraqi officials said 500 civilians were killed.

In 1996, the rock musical “Rent,” by Jonathan Larson, opened off-Broadway.

Ten years ago: Auditors reported that millions of dollars in Hurricane Katrina disaster aid had been squandered, paying for such items as a $450 tattoo and $375-dollar-a-day beachfront condos. Joey Cheek won the men’s 500 meters, giving the United States its second speedskating gold medal of the Turin Games. Hannah Teter won gold and Gretchen Bleiler won silver in the halfpipe. Tatiana Totmianina (taht-YAH’nah toht-MYEH’-ni-nuh) and Maxim Marinin won the gold medal in pairs figure skating, extending Russia’s four-decade dominance of the event.

Five years ago: Egypt’s military leaders dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and promised elections in moves cautiously welcomed by protesters who’d helped topple President Hosni Mubarak. Lady Antebellum was the big winner at the Grammys with five awards, including record and song of the year for the band’s yearning crossover ballad “Need You Now,” but rockers Arcade Fire won the biggest prize, album of the year, for their highly acclaimed “The Suburbs.”

One year ago: Calling cyberspace the new “Wild West,” President Barack Obama told the private sector during a White House cybersecurity summit at Stanford University that it needed to do more to stop cyberattacks aimed at the U.S. every day. Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, resigned amid suspicions his fiancee had used her relationship with him to land contracts for her green-energy consulting business.

Today’s Birthdays: U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager (ret.) is 93. Actress Kim Novak is 83. Actor George Segal is 82. Actor Bo Svenson is 75. Actress Carol Lynley is 74. Singer-musician Peter Tork (The Monkees) is 74. Actress Stockard Channing is 72. Talk show host Jerry Springer is 72. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is 70. Singer Peter Gabriel is 66. Actor David Naughton is 65. Rock musician Peter Hook is 60. Actor Matt Salinger is 56. Singer Henry Rollins is 55. Actor Neal McDonough is 50. Singer Freedom Williams is 50. Actress Kelly Hu is 48. Rock singer Matt Berninger (The National) is 45. Rock musician Todd Harrell (3 Doors Down) is 44. Singer Robbie Williams is 42. Singer-songwriter Feist is 40. Rhythm-and-blues performer Natalie Stewart is 37. Actress Mena Suvari (MEE’-nuh soo-VAHR’-ee) is 37. Rock musician Dash Hutton (Haim (hym)) is 31. Actress Katie Volding is 27. Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (also known as Prince Michael Jackson I) is 19.

Maj. George Gibson NSDAR Regent Nancy Britton recently presented Thomas Walker High School senior Shawn Williams with a DAR Good Citizen pin, certificate and recognition card for his outstanding qualities in the areas of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Williams was selected by the Thomas Walker faculty and senior class as the student most deserving of this year’s award. Some of his accomplishments are as follows:

* Williams has played basketball, football, and baseball at Thomas Walker from the eighth through the twelfth grade.

* He has been on the track team since the eighth grade.

* During his junior year, he was in the top 10 all-time rushing leaders at Thomas Walker and first team All-District.

* He has been an active member of First Priority since the eighth grade.

* During his senior year, he won Mr. Pioneer.

* He has been a library assistant and treasurer of his class.

* Williams has tutored in history this year.

* Completed two years in Spanish.

* He has been on the Honor Roll.

The Maj. George Gibson Chapter NSDAR is proud to honor Shawn Williams as its 2016 DAR Good Citizen. He is the son of Doug and Sheila Williams of Ewing, Virginia.

Photo submitted Major George Gibson NSDAR Regent Nancy Britton, left, recently presented Shawn Williams with the DAR Good Citizen Award. Pictured at right is Sheila Williams, Shawn’s mother.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_DSCN0402-2-.jpgPhoto submitted Major George Gibson NSDAR Regent Nancy Britton, left, recently presented Shawn Williams with the DAR Good Citizen Award. Pictured at right is Sheila Williams, Shawn’s mother.

By Reina P. Cunningham

rcunningham@civitasmedia.com

Harrogate native and locally favored singer/songwriter Chris Ellis recently announced he has signed his first record deal. The deal with Chappell Entertainment Corporation came shortly after Ellis impressed representatives of the label when he opened for Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot and Jimmie Van Zant at the first ever ‘Smoke in the Valley’ festival in Tazewell.

Since signing with Chappell, Ellis has continued to perform locally whenever possible, all the while pursing further options with both the singing and songwriting portions of his career. His hard work and dedication is continuously paying off as the up and coming artist is making strides in leaps and bounds in his career, garnering new opportunities at every turn.

In addition to the Chappell deal, Ellis most recently closed a publishing deal with Audio Motion Music. The deal was secured through Chappell Entertainment but is a separate contract with a different company. The publishing deal entails three of Ellis’ songs, as well as any songs he writes and sends to the publishing company through the duration of the contract. The songs will be pitched for movies, television shows, video games and even to artists currently on the radio. During the contract period, Ellis will also be pitched to record labels, future shows and basically any opportunity related in the music industry directly from his songwriting.

Saturday night Ellis performed for his fans at one of his regular local venues — The Oasis. The Valentine’s show was just like the show the week before and the plethora of shows he has played at the popular pizza parlor — successful. Singing a wide variety of cover songs as well as originals, the popular performer sang something for everyone. From classic covers of The Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd to newer artist Eric Church and everyone in between — including a mix of 90s pop songs with his own twist, Ellis sang into Valentine’s Day for the crowd packed into the showroom, putting his unique spin on the covers, making each song his own.

Throughout his performance, Ellis repeatedly thanked the crowd for their support and for allowing him to continue on in his career.

“Thank you all so much for coming out tonight … I hope everyone has had as much fun as I have had,” said Ellis.

Among the crowd, Ellis had numerous longtime fans which he addressed by name throughout the show. His number one fan, his mother Sandy, was in attendance at the show just as she always is, cheering and videoing her pride and joy as she watches him following his dream. Sandy says she has watched her son strive for success singing since the young age of the three when he performed for the first time at Harrogate Preschool. Sandy has been by her son’s side as they have travelled for 12 hours at a time just to try out for a music based reality television show only to be disappointed with a several minute audition that would be at no avail. Sandy also moved with Chris to Nashville for a short stint so he could continue to pay his dues as he moves forward in his career. Sandy says she could not be prouder of Chris and is thankful that God has blessed him this far in his career.

Fans can follow Ellis on all social media platforms and those interested in booking a show for the spring or summer can email chrisellisofficial@gmail.com.

Reach Reina P. Cunningham at 606-302-9091 or on Twitter @ReinaDailyNews

Reina P. Cunningham | Daily News Local singer/songwriter Chris Ellis played a Valentine’s Day show at The Oasis on Saturday night. Ellis has recently signed several contracts concerning his career and will be releasing additional details soon.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Ellis-new.jpgReina P. Cunningham | Daily News Local singer/songwriter Chris Ellis played a Valentine’s Day show at The Oasis on Saturday night. Ellis has recently signed several contracts concerning his career and will be releasing additional details soon.

The voices of Claiborne County voters should be heard regarding the controversial jail expansion, says Joe Brooks, county resident and outspoken opponent of the expansion.

Brooks has fought the Claiborne County Commission’s funding the expansion from almost the beginning, saying in public meetings that through his research he’s found that the project may not pay for itself because there is no guaranteed number of discretionary prisoners that will be housed in the Claiborne County Jail – something Sheriff David Ray has said should not decrease, and may in fact increase.

Ray said during the January commission meeting that he foresees no tax increases within the next ten years, if the expansion project goes forward.

“If I knew it would cost the taxpayers one dime, I’d stand before this (commission board) and say, ‘vote no,’” said Ray.

During the discussion, County Mayor Jack Daniels reminded those present of the well over three years spent sweating over the expansion project. Nashville, Daniels said, gave the county marching orders to make major progress to correct the overcrowding situation. If it isn’t corrected, the jail will be decertified.

“I promise you one thing, that when this jail is decertified, the taxpayers will pay the effects,” said Daniels.

The commissioners passed the resolution to move ahead with the expansion with a 12-9 vote. This month, they are to discuss and decide how to fund it.

A general obligation bond will likely be issued – and those bonds are backed by property tax revenue.

Tennessee voters are able to petition for a referendum on projects paid by bond issues – and Brooks says that is what he plans to fight for.

If the commission passes a resolution to fund the $11 million-plus expansion through a bond issue, a public notice will be issued. According to state law, from the date of the resolution’s passage, anyone has 20 days to get enough certifiable signatures on a petition to put the issue to a referendum – a vote on the next ballot.

According to Brooks, the number of certified signatures is based on 10 percent of the number of active voters in the county.

“We need approximately 1,600 signatures that can be verified,” he said, adding that he has talked extensively with local and state officials regarding the subject. The Tennessee Code Annotated covers the laws regarding referendums.

Once the signatures are obtained within the 20 days, they have to be verified within ten days, Brooks added, which means the petition would be sent to the State Election Commission in Nashville and back to the Claiborne County Election Commission.

Brooks said that if there are enough certified signatures on the petition, a resolution for the commission would be drafted to put the referendum to a vote – to let Claiborne County voters decide whether or not to obtain a bond issuance to pay for the expansion.

“There are two options then,” Brooks said. “If the commissioners adopt the new resolution, it can go on the ballot in November (the next election) and the county won’t be out any money for a special election. They could choose to have a special election and have to pay the expenses associated with that.”

The second option, he said, is that the commission could decide not to adopt the resolution.

“Then the bond issue is dead and there’s no jail expansion,” Brooks said.

Brooks insists that anyone of any opinion can sign the petition – in fact, he said that’s what he wants people to do.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people who say the citizens of Claiborne County should be able to vote on it, and that’s all I want to do,” he said. “I want to help our voters’ voices be heard.”

Brooks said that if anyone has questions or would like to help in the petition effort, they are welcome to call him at 865-898-3592.

The next County Commission meeting will be Feb. 22, due to the President’s Day holiday. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the large courtroom of the Claiborne County Courthouse.

Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

The much-anticipated online version of TNReady, the state educational assessment for math and English language arts, has apparently crashed and burned, forcing students to turn back to the old-fashioned pencil and paper route to complete the tests.

Connie Holdway, director of Claiborne Schools, said during the regular monthly meeting last week that only three schools in the district were able to access the online version of the mandatory tests.

“This is nothing particular to our county. The same thing happened across the state, and even across the nation,” said Holdway.

Candice McQueen, commissioner of Education for the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), stated in a letter that paper copies of TNReady are in the process of being shipped to each school district, at no additional cost to taxpayers or the department.

“The paper version of the test includes questions that were developed and approved by Tennessee educators, just like the online version,” states the three-page letter, in part.

In the letter, dated Feb. 10, McQueen says the TDOE “lost confidence in the test vendor’s ability to provide” a consistent and reliable platform for the online testing process.

“We decided to move all students to a paper-and-pencil version of TNReady for the rest of this school year. This change applies to both Part I and Part II of TNReady as well as social studies,” the letter reads, in part.

During last week’s meeting, the school board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution addressing the fallout from this issue. The resolution calls for Part I of the assessment to be eliminated this school year based on the potential lack of reliability and validity of developing a paper/pencil assessment in a short time frame.

“Valuable instructional time has been dedicated to preparing for an online assessment that has been abruptly changed. Eliminating Part I of the TNReady Assessment will allow needed additional instructional time for teachers and students,” the resolution reads, in part.

The meat of the resolution requests that the county approve a “hold harmless” year for the accountability of final evaluative measures and rankings for students, teachers, administrators, schools, and district.

“In addition to changes to this year’s accountability measures, the scores should not be applied to accountability data until the 2018-19 school year. The reasoning behind this recommendation is due to the fact that to compare 2015-16 scores (paper/pencil) to 2016-17 scores (online format) would not be an accurate measurement of growth because the two assessments will be taken using entirely different formats. Additional time also lends itself to increased reliability of test results,” reads the resolution, in part.

In her letter, McQueen reminds the readers of the work Governor Bill Haslam and the General Assembly have done to lower the effect of TNReady on teacher evaluation scores. She states in her letter that the various districts are now given complete flexibility in considering evaluations in any personnel decisions.

“We have proposed a test transparency bill to the state legislature this spring that will allow us to release the majority of assessment questions and answers to parents, students and teachers to help for future preparation,” the letter reads, in part.

McQueen states in her letter that it is important to remember that TNReady on paper is still TNReady.

“Your child will still have an opportunity to show what they know this year in greater depth than they have in the past – and you will still get better information about where they are in their growth toward postsecondary and workforce readiness,” states the letter.

The letter is expected to be posted online, in its entirety, via the school system website.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Members of the Claiborne school board spend time prior to the regular monthly meeting last week reviewing various topics up for discussion. From the left are Dot Patterson, board chairman Brian Pendleton, director of schools Connie Holdway, vice-chair person Shannon England, Neta Munsey, Linda Fultz and Micheal Gray. Board member Sam Owens was present during the meeting, but is not shown in this photograph.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_CC-School-Bd-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Members of the Claiborne school board spend time prior to the regular monthly meeting last week reviewing various topics up for discussion. From the left are Dot Patterson, board chairman Brian Pendleton, director of schools Connie Holdway, vice-chair person Shannon England, Neta Munsey, Linda Fultz and Micheal Gray. Board member Sam Owens was present during the meeting, but is not shown in this photograph.