PAGE APB The Knoxville Focus March 29, 2021 March 29, 2021 www.knoxfocus.com ONLINE AUCTIONPAGE A1 April 2, 2021 The Knoxville See photos at The Knoxville fountaincityauction.com Fountain City Auction (865)474-9931
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BE SAFE . WASH YOUR HANDS . WEAR A MASK . SOCIALLY DISTANCE COVID-19 2019 Knox County Total Confirmed % COVID-19 Cases/ Total COVID-19 % COVID-19 Deaths/ Weekly Total Population1 COVID-19 Cases2 Total Population Deaths2 Total Population 470,313 41,347 8.8% 605 .13% Focus SOURCES 1. U.S. Census Bureau 2. Knox County Health Department data from 3/26/2021. Knoxville in Bloom Limiting Board 3/26/2021 470,313 41,347 8.8% 605 0.13% of Health on Commission Agenda By Mike Steely Senior Writer limits and that the board [email protected] is an unelected body. He said he was “uncomfort- A local ordinance that able with them having was postponed for 90 power.” days will be back before He said KCHD Direc- the Knox County Com- tor Dr. Martha Buchanan mission tonight. The ordi- would be making the deci- nance, introduced by sions. Commissioner Kyle Ward, Law Director David will be discussed on its Buuck said the Board second reading and would, of Health has “ultimate if passed, remove emer- powers” but added the gency powers from the commission can’t limit Board of Health and give Dr. Buchanan’s powers, those powers to the direc- noting that she reports tor of the Knox County to the Tennessee Depart- Health Department. ment of Health Director Mayor Glenn Jacobs, a with the approval of the
PHOTO BY LOCH & KEY PRODUCTIONS critic and member of the county mayor. Board of Health, spoke The Board of Health Spring has sprung and the trees and gardens are blossoming in Knox County. The Dogwood Trails officially open on at the commission’s has altered its restrictions Thursday. Please see A4 and B4 this week and the next three editions of The Focus for official trail maps. work session last week recently permitting restau- about the board’s “broad rants, bars and event cen- powers” saying there are ters to remain open until The Dogwood Arts Festival no limitations, no term Continue on page 2 Returns In-Person This Spring! Merit System Council Festival Organizers Plan feature 75 art vendors working in The event will also feature live for New Event Setup in mixed media, pottery, painting, pho- music from local favorites on two tography, glass, jewelry, sculpture, small stages, take-home art activi- revamp withdrawn in World’s Fair Park and more. The Dogwood Arts Fes- ties for kids, and a concession area Following a year of virtual events, tival provides an important oppor- with food vendors, beer, wine, and the Dogwood Arts Festival is set to tunity for professional artists to sell cocktails provided by Sugarlands Dis- Knox Co. Commission return IN-PERSON to World’s Fair their work––an opportunity that was tilling Company. By Mike Steely Park April 23rd - 25th! Festival orga- sorely missed last year. Greater in size than two football Senior Writer he said were approved by nizers have been working close- “The experience you get at the fields, the Performance Lawn at [email protected] them, noting that in each ly with the City of Knoxville and fol- Dogwood Arts Festival is complete- World’s Fair Park provides ample After a couple of hours session the committee lowing Knox County Health Depart- ly different from purchasing artwork space for attendees and vendors of debate it became obvi- voted to accept the min- ment guidelines to bring this impor- online or at a store,” says Dogwood to safely social distance. There is a ous Monday evening that utes of each meeting. tant springtime event back to down- Arts Program Manager, Kate Crea- strict capacity limit and guests will an ordinance to change Although Jay said all town while prioritizing the health and son, “here you have the opportuni- be required to reserve a free ticket the function of the Knox the changes were sent to safety of everyone involved. ty to actually meet the artist, learn online prior to the event. Tickets are County Sheriff’s Office commission and commit- The festival will move to the beau- more about their process, and gain available in two-hour increments and Merit System Council was tee members, no one had tifully redesigned Performance a much deeper understanding and doomed for failure and voiced objections. Those Lawn at World’s Fair Park and will appreciation of the work.” Continued on page 4 was withdrawn. objections came during The ordinance, spon- Monday’s Knox County sored by Chairman Larsen Commission Work Ses- Jay, came following sev- sion, spurred by Commis- eral meetings of a spe- sioner Courtney Durrett, a Full Boar BBQ now a cial committee that dis- committee member. cussed possible changes. “I was under the impres- Knox County commission- sion we would have voted ers who were members of on that by the committee, thriving home business that committee disagreed to build a relationship,” with Jay about proposals Durrett said. She said By Mike Steely Senior Writer business in July of last year. in the ordinance they say many changes were dis- [email protected] The business, ran 100% by were not approved by that cussed but no decision or Lubbers out of his garage, special group. recommendation made. What started at a BBQ sometimes surprises his The ordinance shifted “We threw out some competition a few years neighbors. They wonder hiring and recruitment ideas and opinions but ago has blossomed into a what a truck is doing in a responsibilities to KCSO never flushed them out,” thriving home business for neighborhood until it backs rather than the merit Durrett said. Knoxville resident Jacob up to Lubbers’ driveway, council, increased the Paula Taylor, execu- Lubbers. Full Boar BBQ unloading pallets of spices council size from three to tive director of the Merit started in 2013 in Lub- and sauce. They are often seven members, and set System Council, said the bers’ home state of Indi- taunted by the smells from term limits. ordinance would change ana after he and his friends various smokers as Lub- Jay pushed the chang- the structure of the coun- entered a BBQ competition bers prepares food for es he had worked out with cil. Among the changes they had been going to for events or tests his custom Sheriff Tom Spangler and the proposal would have years. recipes for his developing Law Director David Buuck. affirmed that the sheriff “First, we formed our recipe blog. He cited the four meet- may transfer employees own team. With five mem- The crew of Full Boar BBQ took overall Grand Champion “We’ve gotten lots of ings of the special com- of the department within bers, we assigned each as well as first place in steak and second place in the one local support and the com- mittee and the changes Continue on page 4 person one of four meat bite category at the Kentucky State BBQ Festival. Jacobs munity is always great categories to practice and Lubbers has relocated to Knox County and continues to about supporting all things take charge of.” create his award-winning seasonings. (Photo courtesy of local,” he said. “We showed up at the Lubbers) Most Full Boar products competitions with one old can be found at several propane smoker and a pulled pork. We were abso- Lubbers moved to Knox- local businesses including 120 B Lynnwood Dr. Knoxville, Tn. 37918 kettle grill, not expecting lutely hooked,” he said. ville in 2019 after living Naturally a Deal Market, much. When the first cate- “What started as a few in Nashville for five years. Pratt’s Country Store, Thinking of Buying or Selling? gory was announced guess high school buddies turned After competing in BBQ Butler and Bailey Market, Contact what? We won. We took out to be a brand name competitions all over Cash and Carry Whole- Deborah Hill-Hobby, Affiliate Broker first place in chicken and that is trusted everywhere the Midwest and South sale, and most local Ace 865/207-5587 Mobile grabbed second place in it is known,” Lubbers said. the effort turned into a Continue on page 2 865/770-4030 Office PAGE A2 The Knoxville Focus March 29, 2021 Barnes Barber Shop is a special place From a distance haircut, probably when I good barbers. the crowd was in stitches was done. who is in his 90s, and his was about two years old. Bob, Fox and Big Roy all laughing. I later had the privilege of daughter, Debbie, cut hair Barnes Barber Shop in retired many years ago. I claim that I received giving the eulogy to the hun- there. I go to whichever one Burlington (East Knoxville) Then it was just Ernie, Little both the longest and short- dreds at Roy’s funeral. is available. is where I have gone for Roy and Ernie’s daughter, est haircuts in Barnes One of the barbers, who I have never known haircuts for over 70 years. Debbie. Barber Shop history. will remain unnamed, told anyone with whom I agree The shop used to have Little Roy – Roy Berrier Once, during the contro- me, probably in the 80s, more on big issues than five barbers, Ernie and Bob – was a real character. He versy over the state income that he had not missed a Debbie. She and I think Barnes, a barber everyone had a great personality, and tax, the shop was crowd- lodge meeting since 1951 almost exactly alike, at least By John J. Duncan Jr. called by his last name, Fox, everyone enjoyed listening ed, and Roy kept me in the and had not seen the inside when I am in her chair. [email protected] and Big Roy and Little Roy. to his stories. chair for a very long haircut of the lodge yet. He always I always said I think the I can picture all of them in Once, I was eating at while he and everyone there told his wife the meetings problems of this nation My wife has several times my mind as I write this. Ruby’s Coffee Shop. It was expressed their opinions (all were secret. could be solved better at said in a critical way that I Some men would wait the birthday of one of the opposed) even though I was Bob Barnes once told me Barnes Barber Shop than in just don’t like change. until their usual barber waitresses, and Roy came not in the state legislature. when he had finished cut- the Congress of the United I guess she is right, was available, but I never in and started singing a Another time I came in ting my hair, “Ok, Jim, you States. because I have been a wanted to hurt anyone’s song of his own creation to just about three minutes can go home and change NOTE: There was an error member of Holston Hills feelings, so I always just the packed restaurant. before closing, not know- the oil now.” in last week’s column about County Club since I was went to the next one open. It was called “Pine Trees,” ing that Roy, whose wife Both my sons, and I the bailout money being nine, of Eastminster Pres- Thus, at one time or and it had no other words had died a few years earli- think all of my grandsons, sent to wasteful, inefficient byterian Church since I was another, my hair was cut – just the title repeated er, had a hot date that night. got their first haircuts at blue state mayors and gov- 12, and I still get my hair by all of them, and all were three times – starting from About two minutes after I Barnes. ernors. They are receiving cut where I got my very first very nice men and very very low to very high, and got in the chair, my haircut Today, only Ernie Barnes, $350 billion, not $50 billion. Limiting Board of Health KAT, Waterfront Drive on Commission Agenda Cont. from page 1 House and is now before and Cumberland Avenue 1 a.m. and dropping any the state Senate to dis- social gathering limits. solve all Boards of Health The board is scheduled to in the state but has been meet monthly now with the altered by several chang- Parking pass Council next meeting set for April es. State Senator Richard By Mike Steely 21. Briggs, although a strong Senior Writer cost of $159,948 in a for $733,262 in an centers for the homeless Law Director David supporter of masking and [email protected] three-year agreement. agreement with Design were also approved Buuck acknowledged that pandemic powers, last Four resolutions Councilwoman Seema Construction Services, as a “special use” for Dr. Buchanan may appoint week suggested dissolv- involving Knoxville Area Singh questioned why the Inc. The project drew areas now zoned for an advisory committee if ing the board. Transit easily passed the city should lease the tires some questions from General Commercial, she chooses. The Ward The ordinance may see Knoxville City Council rather than buy them. homeowners in the Regional Commercial proposal would move the a split vote and, depending Tuesday evening in a It was explained that Suttree Landing Park area and Downtown Board of Health to an advi- on any emergency declara- meeting that breezed leasing is less expensive who asked the project be Knoxville Edge areas. sory status with no powers tion by Governor Bill Lee or through its agenda than purchasing new delayed because it might Mayor Indya to make safety regulations. action in the senate, may in about an hour. or recapped tires. involve tree removal Kincannon’s participation A state bill sponsored Trident Public Risk The council also and parking to benefit a in Public Forums was by Representative Jason or may not be resolved Solutions and Burlington approved applications private development. criticized by Tyler Givens Zachary has passed the locally. Insurance Company for federal and state Deputy Mayor during the Public Forum were approved to grants of $5.8 million Stephanie Welch session. He charged provide excess liability for KAT for the Formula responded that the Full Boar BBQ now a the mayor violates and vehicle damage Urbanized Area Transit project will improve Robert’s Rules of Order insurance coverage for Grant Assistance. parking for the park by responding to public thriving home business the city and K-Trans The city’s part in the and not interfere Cont. from page 1 comments and said management’s self- application is $648,533. with homeowners’ Hardwares. Visit the web- has updates, recipes, insured liability program. Similarly, an $806,067 property. The project she should refrain from site’s store locator tool to events, and a posting of The annual premium grant request to the passed 8-1 with commenting and the find a retailer near you. contests. On @fullboardb- is $389,537 and the federal and state Councilwoman Amelia council was asked to You can find Full Boar bqproducts on Instagram proposal came from government for Formula Parker voting “No.” call her out of order. The information and products you have your chance to the Employees Benefit Bus and Bus Facilities The council also mayor did not respond. on Facebook, Instagram be featured by DMing and Risk Management Capital Grant Assistance approved an agreement Citizen Alex Griswold @Fullboarbbq or at full- photos of your food cre- Department. has an $89,563 with Fort Sanders asked the council to pull boarbbqproducts.com. On ations with your Full Boar KAT will also get an city contribution. Regional Medical part of the next police the website you’ll also find BBQ Rubs and Sauces. agreement with The Construction of Center permitting budget and use it to a custom recipe blog and You may also contact Goodyear Tire and the Waterfront Drive public parking in the fund response teams to all the products that are Jacob Lubbers by email- Rubber Company to Roadway Improvements Cumberland Avenue area. deal with domestic and available to be shipped to ing info@fullboarbbqprod- lease tires for an annual Project was approved Daytime social service mental health calls. you. The Facebook page ucts.com. 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Publisher’sthe entire Democrat con- believes the Supreme Court support. Positions Democrats have love of trains, planes and was Cardonas who wouldn’t tingent in the United States should revisit the 1964 New been rabidly partisan for automobiles? Why Mayor directly answer the question Senate pretty well moved as York Times v. Sullivan deci- quite some time, yet Geor- Pete’s love of transportation posed to him by Kentucky a block. I marvel at the rea- sion, which requires plain- giana chose to write about caused him to pop the ques- U.S. Senator Rand Paul, who soning employed by those tiffs must prove “actual our senators not voting tion to his future husband wanted to ask the secretary folks who wring their hands malice.” Judge Silberman for various Biden cabinet at an airport. You know, if designee about transgen- and cry for political civili- wrote the growing power of picks while noting Old Joe Old Joe had nominated my der athletes being able to ty and bemoan the failure the media is “so dangerous” “has put together one of little dog Sophie to serve as participate in girls’ athletics. of bipartisan cooperation. precisely “because we are the nation’s most diverse Secretary of Transportation, Cardonas evaded the ques- Oddly, it sure does seem to very close to one-party con- group of cabinet secretar- she would be the first Jack tion, murmuring something me this particular wailing trol of these institutions.” ies and advisors, but Ten- Russell ever to serve in a about being for opportuni- is always done by the pro- Silberman, a recipient of nessee’s two U. S. sena- president’s cabinet. ties for all students. Well, By Steve Hunley, fessional members of the the presidential Medal of tors have not backed most Likewise, Georgiana Publisher news media who are Dem- Freedom, wrote, “Two of of his selections in confir- noted both Senators Hager- trans students have the same opportunities to play [email protected] ocrats. Well, if they aren’t the three most influential mation votes.” Well, Geor- ty or Blackburn voted for the Democrats, they are cer- papers (at least historically), giana, I’ll grant you Old Joe nomination of Katherine Tai sports that every other stu- Georgiana Vines, the tainly progressives. And the New York Times and the has put together a package to serve as U. S. Trade Rep- dent has, but what is being whirling dervish of a politi- in case if you think my fre- Washington Post are virtu- of mighty diverse picks, but resentative who she care- overlooked is the fairness cal columnist for the Knox- quent commentary about ally Democratic Party broad- diversity doesn’t necessari- fully pointed out will be the to girl and women athletes. ville News-Sentinel, let her the mainstream media in sheets.” The judge also ly equate to qualified. Geor- “first woman of color to hold That doesn’t really matter political slip show last week. this country is confined to noted the news section of giana swoons over Pete But- the trade representative in the diverse universe of Georgiana wrote a lengthy me, I think it is interesting the Wall Street Journal and tigieg, whose entire expe- post” as well as the “first a woke country. Old Joe column detailing the lack of to note the comments of a most television media out- rience as an administra- Asian American in Biden’s Biden also already issued bipartisanship of Tennes- judge of the federal court of lets also skewed heavily to tor was running a town of cabinet…” Of course Geor- an Executive Order about see’s two U. S. senators, appeals who has just come the left. Silberman conclud- 102,037 people, and nomi- giana liked detailing the that, allowing transgender Marsha Blackburn and Bill out and said what is obvious ed a “one-party control of nated to serve as Secretary “firsts” of the most diverse athletes to compete in girls’ Hagerty. More to the point to every thinking person: the the press” poses a very real of Transportation. The U. presidential cabinet in our sports. Georgiana noted how many media is BIASED. Lawrence threat to “a viable democra- S. Department of Transpor- country’s history and noting I reckon good ol’ Georgi- of the Biden administration Silberman, senior judge of cy.” Let’s use a word simply tation alone employs quite the opposition of Senators ana could claim Tennessee cabinet appointments the the Washington, D. C. Court adored by leftists: diversity. nearly 55,000 people, or Hagerty and Blackburn to hasn’t had any Democrat Tennesseans had voted of Appeals, has called for How much diversity of opin- more than half the number many of those nominees. United States senators for against. I have racked the Supreme Court to revis- ion do you suppose there of the entire population of There was Miguel Cardo- a spell, so she couldn’t do my brain trying to remem- it its decision protecting the was in Josef Stalin’s Soviet South Bend, Indiana. But nas, the former secretary ber any similar detailing of press. Silberman noted Union, Mao’s Communist Georgiana gushes Pete is of education for the State such a comparison during Democratic senators not the combination of the left- China or Hitler’s Nazi Ger- the “first openly gay person of Connecticut, who is now the last four years. My being bipartisan in voting ist news outlets, along with many? None, but all media to be confirmed to a cabi- the U. S. Secretary of Edu- retort to that is thank God to confirm Trump appoin- big tech and academia have outlets reflected the same net post.” Who could forget cation. As might be expect- for Bill Hagerty and Marsha tees during the last four combined to create “a fright- opinion. Mayor Pete’s stirring speech ed, Cardonas is a pretty Blackburn. They’ve been years. With the exception eningly orthodox media Up until the last grab bag following his nomination good friend of the teachers’ far more bipartisan than, of a handful of Democratic culture.” Silberman, in a multi-trillion dollar “stimu- to serve as Secretary of unions, hence the lag and say, the Democrats in the senators, most notably Joe recent dissenting opinion lus” package, every other Transportation and his dec- indecision on getting back House of Representatives Manchin of West Virginia, to an active case, wrote he stimulus bill had bipartisan laration of his passionate to in-person learning. It have been. The Merry-Go-Round of Crazy By Steve Hunley, root cause of much of the I kind of wandered away Christian, white, etc. Imme- of eight people is a hate routinely has numerous Publisher problem in the first place. from the City budget. Did diately after the tragedy crime, is it a hate crime shootings and killings, but [email protected] The city council has voted you know there is an Afri- of a murderous rampage for Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa the media and Democrats Budget talks begin in the for Gwen McKenzie’s resolu- can American Equity Res- in a grocery store in Boul- to have murdered 10 white barely ever mention them City of Knoxville this week tion giving away $100 mil- toration Task Force in the der, Colorado, some leftists people? Frankly, I think all because they don’t fit the and Lord, there’s plenty to lion dollars from supposed budget? That can be con- leaped onto social media murders are hate crimes. narrative. talk about. The city evident- grants, contributions, etc. cisely summarized in a saying they were sure the The only thing I can think Success in business ly has more task forces at that don’t actually exist. word: reparations. There’s murderer was white. Well, of that comes as close to doesn’t necessarily equate work than a leopard has You may remember com- already a city in Illinois actu- as it happens, the murder- being such a terrible, hate- to brainpower. That point spots. Mayor Indya Kin- munity “activist” David ally paying reparations. The er was a Syrian immigrant, ful crime is the rape of a was brought home when I cannon’s budget has some Hayes ranted the McKen- city council of Evanston, Illi- who came here under the child. The media and the read an account that Micro- proposals made by the zie resolution was essen- nois voted 8 – 1 to pay Afri- auspices of the Obama left should stop race-bait- soft billionaire Bill Gates Public Safety Innovation tially meaningless as there can American residents rep- administration. The facts ing and concentrate on the wants to dim the rays of the Task Force. It’s a mighty was no money involved, arations from money collect- went downhill from there carnage left in its wake. sun by massive injections big name for a group that there was no real direction, ed from the sale of legalized for the leftists, who invari- Guns don’t have minds of of chalk dust into the atmo- is a bit nebulous in scope nothing to allocate, but any marijuana. Evanston isn’t ably try and paint mass vio- their own and I wish to God sphere. That is somehow and purpose. There doesn’t Council member who voted proposing to be as generous lence as the result of white it weren’t so, but there are supposed to save the world seem to be any hint about against it was a racist. I as the people of Knoxville, supremacy. The actual facts evil people in this world. Evil from the effects of climate the Public Safety Innova- don’t agree with that part of as they intend to spend only of the case became increas- knows no color, gender, or change. tion Task Force on the City’s David’s reasoning, but then $10 million over the next 10 ingly inconvenient for the ethnicity. It comes in many I was stunned, but there website. Erin Gill, the Chief again, Dave belongs to a years. The Council proposes leftists and the mainstream forms and all shapes and is apparently a plan to try Policy Officer and Deputy to group that thinks taxpayers to give away $400,000 to media. The shooter, Ahmad sizes. Perhaps a better it over a city in Sweden. Mayor Kincannon, says the should empty out the pris- eligible Black households. Al Aliwi Alissa, is not only not standard is viewing every- Nobody seems to be wor- group is hard at work iden- ons into the general popu- Those eligible would receive White, but he’s not a Chris- one as our fellow human ried about the fallout to the tifying ways to expand alter- lation, crimes shouldn’t be $25,000 for home repairs, tian either. In fact, he’s a beings. environment or the people. native public safety practic- prosecuted, and the home- down payments for proper- Muslim. Nor did the media Senator John Kennedy of Personally, I think it might es, which include, but are less should be kept in hotels ty or pay interest and penal- have the pleasure of blam- Louisiana made the excel- very well solve the climate not limited to, “violence at the expense of taxpayers. ties for any property inside ing it on a Trump supporter; lent point the Democrats change problem entirely. I interrupters.” Ms. Gill says Speaking of that, did you the city. It’s happening else- quite the contrary, Ahmad Al using the shootings as a think the large scale inha- the Public Safety Innovation see where Joe Biden pro- where, too. To build a 100- Aliwi Alissa is a Trump hater. rallying cry for gun control lation of chalk dust will kill Task Force will be looking poses to spend some $80 room hotel in Asheville, All of the victims were white. is like attempting to stop off life on this planet long to address “socio-economic million to keep illegals up North Carolina, a developer Unfortunately, the news drunk driving by taking cars before climate change challenges that contribute in hotels along the border? would have to either contrib- media disregards facts that away from sober people. occurs. Evidently Bill Gates’ to crime.” Chicago must not If that keeps up until June, ute $400,000 in reparation don’t fit their own narrative Again, Chicago has the head is soft, too. have a Public Safety Inno- it will cost taxpayers $300 funds or build 10 affordable or that of a woke culture. strictest gun control laws for You just can’t make this vation Task Force. What million. Locally, the City housing units. The money in If murdering six Asians out any city in America. Chicago stuff up. Chicago does have are the Council Movement wants Evanston is just the begin- strictest gun control laws taxpayers to foot the bill to ning. “We all know the road of any city in America, yet keep the homeless in hotels to repair and justice in the there were 21 shootings in in Knoxville. Black community is going the Windy City last week- And speaking of the McK- to be a generation of work. AWARD- end. Four of those shoot- enzie brood, former Knox- It’s going to be many pro- ings were fatal to the vic- ville Mayor Victor Ashe grams and initiatives, and WINNING tims. The weekend before, seemed enthralled with the more funding,” said Alder- 38 people were shot with idea that State Represen- man Robin Rue Simmons. another four people dying. tative Sam McKenzie might So look for city govern- SAUCES I think the task force’s be appointed to serve in ments, even that here in work could be streamlined the TVA Board of Directors. Knoxville, to find innovative AND RUBS NEW! and simplified by hiring According to Victor, Sam new ways to squeeze busi- more policemen and actu- wouldn’t have to divest him- ness and taxpayers for more ally letting them do their self of his seat in the Ten- money for social justice pro- from Right Here in Knoxville! jobs. That would certainly nessee House of Repre- grams instead of helping to be a wonderful innovation sentatives to serve on the pay for the expensive pro- Find recipe ideas, a store on the part of city leaders. Board. Directors are part- grams already in place. It’s interesting how left- time but it’s a humdinger The narrative following near you or order online at ists absolutely ignore one of a part-time job as it pays the tragic shootings in Atlan- fullboarbbqproducts.com important socio-economic $46,000 annually. Sam is ta allowed leftists to crow factor in the rise of crime in collecting his comfortable because the killer was white Full Boar BBQ Products on Facebook neighborhoods, which has pension from ORNL and his and the majority of his vic- been the systematic dis- check from the State while tims were Asian. Despite @fullboarbbqproducts on Instagram mantling and destruction wife Gwen is collecting her the murderer telling investi- We want to feature YOU on our page. of the family. There aren’t salary as a member of city gators he was a sex addict Snap a pic of our sauces and rub on your enough social workers or council. I wouldn’t be at all and was killing sex workers, Made for grub and DM to @fullboarbbqproducts for government giveaways to surprised if the McKenzie leftists, never folks to let a your chance to be featured. fix that problem. In fact, dog earned a salary from good crisis to go to waste, competition, one can make a pretty solid the Knox County school decried the fact the shoot- now enjoyed by all. Email [email protected] with argument that has been the system. er was a fundamentalist inquiries. PAGE A4 The Knoxville Focus March 29, 2021 ‘We first met at the pageant’ (Part 8 in series on Dwight Kessel) Those words met for lunch. of West Knoxville from 1953 out to people for the dis- spoken by Dwight Patsy Miller, – 2016 (43 years – perfect posing of litter. A big street Kessel sparked a longtime assis- attendance). He served in sweeping was held on Gay search through tant to Dwight several capacities including Street in front of the Riv- my years of keep- Kessel, planned Past Lt. Governor of Division iera Theater. John Duncan, sakes. I found the the event to cel- 13 of Kentucky-Tennessee Sr. was Mayor at that time pageant book- ebrate Kessel’s District of Kiwanis, Intl – 1-1- and Kessel was involved let, Knoxville’s 93rd birthday. 1964; Past President and as President of the Kiwanis Jr. Miss Pageant Kessel hired Treasurer of West Knoxville Club of West Knoxville. At 1971; a photo of By Ralphine Major Patsy for the Kiwanis Club; chairman of 94, Kessel is the oldest and me in the evening ralphine3@yahoo. Clerk’s office at many committees in the longest serving member of com gown my mother the suggestion local club and Division; and the Northside Kiwanis Club had made; and of Judge L. D. Member, Board of Directors (68 years)! I was honored to the talent picture of me Word who had worked with – West Knoxville Kiwanis speak last month via Zoom onstage at the Knoxville her at Valley Fidelity Bank. Club, 1975-86; 2007-09; at the Northside Kiwan- Civic Auditorium twirling a She later became his Exec- 2011-16. The West Knox- is Club meeting about the fire baton. The Northside utive Assistant and a valu- ville Kiwanis Club turned in series on Dwight Kessel in Kiwanis Club sponsored the able employee with twen- their charter in 2016, and this column. pageant, and Dwight Kessel ty-eight years in public life he joined the Kiwanis Club Words of Faith: “The Lord represented the West Knox- and in business following of Northside Knoxville. that made heaven and ville Kiwanis Club as a pag- his retirement. In 1971, The Kiwanis Clubs of earth bless thee.” Psalm eant judge. Dwight Kessel was serving Knoxville started a move- 134:3 (KJV). In the fall of 2019, as County Court Clerk and ment called Keep Knox- Picture of this writer as a former employees of the involved in numerous com- ville Klean in 1962. The contestant in the 1971 Knox- Knox County Executive’s munity activities. He was a three Ks were printed on ville Jr. Miss Pageant, pho- Office (now Mayor’s office) member of the Kiwanis Club grocery bags to be handed to by the late Ron Warwick. Dogwood Arts Festival Merit System Council revamp withdrawn Cont. from page 1 “has some good and bad Smith said the law director Returns This Spring! the organization but not points” and if a commis- should have taken the pro- Cont. from page 1 dogwoodarts.com following reduce their pay. sioner is added to the board posals back to the special there will be a designated the event. Jay said he, Sheriff Span- that commissioner should committee and suggested period on Friday morning The Dogwood Arts Festi- gler and Buuck worked out be a a non-voting member. the changes come back to for elderly and immuno- val is sponsored by ORNL the final wording. He said “Things need to be the commission as “piece- compromised attendees. Federal Credit Union, Home the Merit System Council changed,” Dailey said, meal” proposals instead of Ticket reservations are Federal Bank, the Tennes- has been making its own adding the proposal is “con- all-in-one. available via Eventbrite. see Arts Commission, Gray- rules but is actually under fusing” and changes should Merit Council member Masks are required for son Auto Group, the East the authority of the county be considered one item at Jim Wright Jr. was called Commissioner Courtney all patrons over the age commission. a time. on by Commissioner John Tennessee Foundation, Durrett of 12 and must remain on Jay said major changes Commissioner Terry Hill Schoonmaker. Wright said and the Pilot Company, the unless guests are seated in have not been made in 50 suggested that the pro- the proposal was very con- differences they say the Downtown Knoxville Alli- the concession area. Staff, years and are needed. posal go back to the spe- fusing and added, “I don’t proposals would make. volunteers, and artists will ance and Visit Knoxville. But other commissioners cial committee for input, think this is the way to do it.” As it became obvious the be screened for COVID-19 Dogwood Arts, presented began to chime in. Commis- adding, “I need that input.” Commissioner Beeler proposed changes would symptoms each day before by ORNL Federal Credit sioner Richie Beeler said he “It is clearly not what agreed the proposals need not pass, Jay withdrew the entering the event. Union, is a 501(c)3 orga- was troubled with the idea the Merit System Council to be separated “but not ordinance proposal. He said Not able to join us at nization with a mission to of expanding the Merit is supporting,” Hill said, to this month” and Commis- he would notify the council World’s Fair Park? A direc- promote and celebrate our System Council and Com- which Jay responded, “They sioner Charles Busler said about their objections and tory of participating artists region’s art, culture, and missioner Carson Dailey will never be happy.” the Merit System Coun- bring the proposal back to will be available online at natural beauty. said although the proposal Commissioner Randy cil needs to explain the the commission in April. HE IS RISEN!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stevens Mortuary regrets to announce the cancellation of our 42nd annual EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE. We have hosted a community Easter Sunrise Service since 1979, with the exception of 2020 and this year, 2021. Once again this year, the funds we have set aside for our Service will be donated to a very worthy cause/organization in our community. During these uncertain times, the Stevens family and our loyal employees pray that the peace and comfort of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, abides with each of you.
STEVENS MORTUARY 3320 New Beverly Church Road, Knoxville, Tennessee 37918 stevensmortuar inc com For more information, call (865)546-0001 or visit newbeverly.org. Ogle ood Avenue, Kno ville TN PAGE A4 The Knoxville Focus March 29, 2021 March 29, 2021 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE A5 Carroll Reece Tennessee’s ‘Mr. Republican’ Pt5 Pages from the Past son, Guy, Louise Reece’s father, was elected to the U. S. Senate from West Vir- ginia in 1924 and would serve a single six-year term. The Goff family was quite wealthy, owning extensive properties and businesses in West Virginia. Carroll Reece and Louise Goff were married at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Washington, D. C. Accord- ing to the Madison, Wis- By Ray Hill consin Capital Times, the [email protected] Reece-Goff wedding was “a To get to Congress, Car- McKellar, remains to this brilliant social affair.” Fol- roll Reece had to defeat day the Volunteer State’s lowing the wedding cere- an entrenched incum- longest-serving sena- mony, presided over by the bent, who had served for tor largely because of his Reverend C. Edwin Smith, a decade. After taking the insistence upon providing a reception was held at oath of office on March extraordinary service to his Rauscher’s, founded by 4, 1921, Carroll Reece constituency. Carroll Reece Charles Rauscher. Locat- became one of the most followed suit, establishing ed at 1110 Connecticut enduring political figures in a pattern for fine constitu- Avenue, Rasucher’s was a Tennessee’s political histo- ent service later followed by premier caterer specializing ry. Reece remains to this his successor Jimmy Quillen in tantalizing confections. A day one of the longest serv- as well as the Second Dis- large ballroom upstairs was ing congressmen from the trict’s congressmen John favored by Washingtonians Volunteer State. and “Jimmy” Duncan. for lavish formal dinners, A congressman is usually The Sentinel related dances and receptions. So the most vulnerable politi- Congressman Reece and popular was Rauscher’s cally after his first term or his secretary James Jen- with Washington, D.C., soci- after having served for a kins worked very hard on ety, it became known as very long period of time. behalf of the people of the “the Delmonico’s of Wash- While Carroll Reece worked First District. The Sentinel ington”, after the famous hard to establish himself in reporter thought Jenkins New York City eatery. Tennessee’s First Congres- to be “a tireless worker, Rauscher’s had catered sional District as the 1922 courteous to visitors and numerous affairs, includ- GOP primary loomed on the attentive to the duties of ing weddings at the White horizon, his predecessor, his office.” The reporter House and inaugural balls. Sam R. Sells was, according believed it would be diffi- COURTESY THE ARCHIVES OF APPALACHIA, ETSU Among the choice viands to the Crossville Chronicle, cult to defeat Reece, noting A young Congressman Carroll Reece, circa 1920s. supplied by Rauscher’s for “looking with longing eyes the congressman had “not such occasions were oys- on the seat he lost to Reece missed a roll call since his last week,” the congress- congressman carried every McReynolds, a Democrat. ters in white wine sauce, a through over-confidence of induction into office.” Yet man replied. The result of county in the district, win- Cordell Hull reclaimed his variety of Neapolitan bis- his own importance.” Nor one of the realities of poli- the Johnson City meeting ning a total of 17,910 votes Fourth Congressional Dis- cuits, tongue in jelly, ham in was former congressman tics is no matter how excel- was the opponents of Car- to 3,687 for William E. Elli- trict from GOP Congress- jelly, mayonnaise of chicken Sam Sells reputedly the lent the service, an office- roll Reece agreed to unite son and 946 for Frank R. man Wynne F. Clouse and others. The congress- only person pondering run- holder cannot please every- behind the candidacy of Robinson. It was a vote of and Representative Lon man’s sister Laura was ning against Reece. The one. By January of 1922, Sam R. Sells, if the former confidence from Reece’s A. Scott was defeated by one of the maids of honor Crossville Chronicle report- it appeared there would congressman would agree fellow Republicans who Gordon Browning in anoth- while his brother L. L. Reece ed “a number of would-be- be no fewer than six can- to run. Sells made no apparently liked having er rematch in Tennes- was best man. The ushers aspirants for Congress in didates challenging Carroll immediate commitment, their letters answered, as see’s Eighth Congressio- included former congress- the First District are sound- Reece for the Republican asking for time to think well as a congressman who nal District. J. Will Taylor, man Lon Scott, U. S. Attor- ing the waters to see if the nomination for Congress in about it. Yet there was an fought for local projects and who had first been elected ney George C. Taylor, and tide is sufficient to float B. Tennessee’s First District. undercurrent of rumor hint- patted them on the back to Congress in 1918, had brother Joseph who was the Carroll Reece, the young ex- W. B. Ellison, the mayor of ing that Major Caleb Hath- when he saw them. been reelected in Tennes- Dean of Carson-Newman service Congressman in his Johnson City, which was away intended to seek the The Kingsport Times ran see’s normally Republi- College. first term, out of Washing- also Carroll Reece’s home Republican nomination a headline the day after can Second Congressional The marriage of Carroll ton.” The Knoxville Senti- city, was attempting to put for Congress, which would the August primary election District, but Carroll Reece and Louise Goff Reece nel noted Carroll Reece and together an organization to cause Sam Sells to decide reading, “Reece Literally won an even bigger victo- would endure until the con- his secretary (Chief of Staff) help him run for Congress. not to run. Hathaway was Sweeps District; Majority is ry in his own First District. gressman’s death in 1961. James D. Jenkins of Eliza- Ellison was also the pres- from Elizabethton and like 15,300.” Johnson County No Democrat had filed to Their union would pro- bethton, had both been ident of the Appalachian Carroll Reece, a veteran of was home to both Reece run against Reece in 1922. duce one child, a daugh- home during the Christ- Baseball League, which the World War. Hathaway and William E. Ellison and Congressman Reece won ter, named for her mother. mas holidays in 1921. The made him known through- had been severely wound- the congressman carried it the general election over Louise Goff Reece would congressman returned to out much of East Tennes- ed during the war and was five-to-one. Reece carried his opponent, J. T. Fugate, become not only her hus- Washington, D. C. after the see. Both former con- thought to be widely popu- Johnson City, where Wil- 17.050 to 5,085; Fugate band’s mate, but political New Year while his sec- gressman Sam Sells and lar inside the First Congres- liam E. Ellison was mayor, had run as an Independent. partner. Louise Reece fre- retary followed him a few Judge D. A. Vines were con- sional District. by two-to-one. An editorial Carroll Reece returned to quently served as the con- days later. The Sentinel templating a race for Con- Johnson City Mayor Wil- in the Johnson City Chroni- Washington, D.C., in 1923 gressman’s chauffeur, as reported both of the “young gress while four others had liam E. Ellison gave out a cle stated, “The overwhelm- and that proved to be an Carroll Reece never drove. men” were “very popular already made their intent statement, saying, “If I go ing majority accorded Con- eventful year for the con- Over the years, Congress- and have many admirers in to run quite clear. Vines, to Congress I would not be gressman Carroll Reece in gressman. On October man Carroll Reece per- this section.” The Sentinel according to the Knoxville content to serve simply as the primary held Thursday 30, 1923 he was married sonally knew more people thought Reece was “espe- Sentinel, possessed “a a political representative of appears to be conclusive to Louise Despard Goff, inside his district than cially popular, not only in his splendid record” as a circuit the district, but act for the evidence that the people of daughter of Guy and Mari anyone else in the state. district but in Washington” court judge, winning plau- benefit of the district and the district approve of his Louise Goff. Louise Goff’s Louise certainly knew where the young congress- dits from supporters for the country at large.” Ellison stewardship.” The Chron- mother had died in 1905 everyone of significance in man “had been attentive his “stand against lawless- explained he would answer icle editorial detailed the and her father had remar- the First Congressional Dis- to business in every way.” ness and the illegal liquor the roll calls and “take part difficulties a freshman leg- ried. Louise and her step- trict. When Carroll Reece The Sentinel article noted traffic” which might make in matters brought up” islator experienced during mother had been in Paris died less than three months Reece had the “distinction him a strong candidate for while “certainly not” being his or her first term, but for several weeks before into a new term of office, it of having put through more Congress. “the tool of political leaders concluded Carroll Reece, returning to Washington, D. seemed only natural Louise special bills than any other Major Frank B. Robinson or party leaders.” “I consid- while not having complet- C. and their home on New would run and win the right congressman, save one” of Greeneville was already er there is more to be done ed his first term, had made Hampshire Avenue before to serve out the remainder and “has been eminently making the rounds as a than simply answering let- “an excellent record in Con- the wedding. of his final term of office. successful in getting com- candidate for Congress, ters, favoring local projects gress.” Louise Despard Goff was Even after her husband’s pensation and pension while E. E. Creswell of alone and patting my con- Republicans in Tennes- no stranger to politics. Her death, Louise Goff Reece claims passed upon favor- Sevier County said he, too, stituents on the back.” Elli- see had fared exception- grandfather, Nathan Goff, remained active in state ably for his constituents.” was running for the GOP son and Frank Robinson ally well in the 1920 elec- had been U. S. Attorney for and national GOP affairs. Readers should keep in nomination. The Nashville of Sevier County were ulti- tion. Warren G. Harding West Virginia and Secre- mind at the time the Knox- Banner reported a meeting mately the only two candi- had carried Tennessee and tary of the Navy. Goff had ville Sentinel was report- of Republicans in the First dates to have their names two Republicans won state- run for Congress twice and ing Congressman Carroll District would convene in on the ballot against Con- wide office that year; Alfred lost and ran for governor of Reece’s success in pass- Johnson City, with dele- gressman Carroll Reece. A. Taylor had been elected West Virginia in 1876 and ing special pension and gates coming from every Neither man carried his governor while Julian Camp- 1888 and lost both times. claims bills for individu- county in the congressional own home county against bell had been elected to the Nathan Goff finally made al constituents inside his district. It was apparently Reece. In fact, Robinson Railroad and Utilities Com- it to Congress in 1883, During these di cult times, join us every district, there was no such an effort to induce former was humiliated in Sevier mission. Republicans had having won the 1882 elec- Sunday in person in thing as normal pensions congressman Sam R. Sells County, winning a paltry 64 also won five out of ten con- tion and served for three our sanctuary and on for veterans, nor was there to become an avowed can- votes while Ellison claimed gressional seats. 1922 saw terms. Goff was nominat- Facebook Live at 11 a.m. any Social Security. People didate to return to Con- 759 and Reece won with the pendulum swing back to ed by President Benjamin Wednesda at pm Bible were dependent upon their gress. Reece, when asked 1,554 ballots. Likewise, favor the Democrats. Gov- Harrison to serve on the U. Stud and Youth ROC congressmen to introduce for a statement, all but William Ellison had to be ernor Taylor was defeated S. Court of Appeals for the 3320 New Beverly Church such bills for them and yawned. “I would judge the highly disappointed with his for reelection by attorney Fourth Circuit in 1892 and Road, Knoxville Tennesseans were used to meeting is one hardly cal- showing in Johnson County Austin Peay. Congressman served until 1913 when Rev. Eddie Sawyer, Pastor excellent constituent ser- culated to cause any alarm where he tallied a mere Joe Brown of Chattanooga he had been elected to [email protected] vice. Tennessee’s senior and I have nothing to add 191 votes to 2,138 for did not run again and his the United States Senate 865-546-0001 U. S. senator, Kenneth D. to the statement I issued Carroll Reece. The young seat was won by Sam D. from West Virginia. Goff’s www.NewBeverly.org PAGE A6 The Knoxville Focus March 29, 2021
UT Arboretum Society holding online Spring Plant Sale If you want to buy plants to enhance your garden this spring, but want to avoid crowds, visit the UT Arboretum Society’s Annual Spring Plant Sale which will be held online with sales through April 3 with pick-up dates April 9 and 10 at the UT Arboretum. Our plant sales are some of our biggest fundraisers of the year and help support the Arboretum’s community education, trail improvements such as our Nature Book Trail, and children’s programs. Our vendors, Tennessee Naturescapes, Riverdale Nurs- ery and East Fork Nursery of Sevierville, offer a wonderful selection of plants including unique conifers, both ever- green and native azaleas, hydrangeas, milkweed, beauty berry, and a wide variety of native pollinator plants to name just a few! Log on to https://utas-plant-sale.square. site/ to shop and make payment. Sales will end on April 3rd at 5:00 p.m. All payments must be made by credit card online in advance. No sales or payments on the pick- up days are possible. Upon ordering, you will be provided a link to choose a pick-up time on either Friday, April 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or Saturday, April 10, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the UT Arboretum, 901 S. Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge. You must schedule a pick-up time on these two days. Arbore- tum Society members will have your plant orders ready for pick-up. This is a no contact pick-up system. When you arrive at your scheduled time, you will come to designated pick up spots and your order will be brought to your car.