Farragut's Swartzentruber Retires As Middle School Coach

PAGE APB The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 June 1, 2020 www.knoxfocus.com ONLINE AUCTIONPAGE A1 FRIDAY, June 5 The Knoxvillele New items weekly! See pictures at fountaincityauction.com Fountain City Auction (865)474-9931 FREE OCUS Take One! www.knoxfocus.com F June 1, 2020 Phone: 865-686-9970 | PO Box 18377, Knoxville, TN 37928 | Located at 4109 Central Avenue Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37912 Has Burlington been forgotten? By Mike Steely Burlington’s foot- Senior Writer Hispanic. The area was annexed bemoaned the lack of funds in [email protected] print in east into the city in 1917. the new budget for Burlington. Knoxville as The residents of Burlington are The lapse in attention was Vice Mayor Gwen McKenzie shown two years wondering if the City of Knoxville brought up at a recent city coun- said there are $587,000 com- ago by the East has abandoned them. cil meeting. When Councilwom- munity funds left over from the Tennessee Design Funds were granted back two an Amelia Parker said the nearby current budget for Burlington and Center’s proposal years ago for business facade Magnolia Streetscape Project the city is adding more bring it to to the neighbor- renovations and the city offered resulted in discord and anger in about $612,000. hood. The “oval” a tax credit for rehabilitation of the Burlington community, Vice In 2018 the Burlington in the picture is structures. But since then, the Mayor Gwen McKenzie replied Residents Association and the Speedway Cir- 2.19 square mile community with the efforts there “have been East Tennessee Design Center cle, designed by more than 6,000 residents, has spaced out too far.” held public meetings and came Cal Johnson as a been waiting for help. “It’s been two years since we up with ideas for the area. Among horserace track Sixty-five percent of the people had community input and we those was the rehabilitation of many years ago in Burlington are African Ameri- need to get that again,” she said. and now lined Continued on page 3 can, 25% are White and 4.5% are Councilwoman Parker with houses.

Etters vs. Family Fights Frustration: caring Knox County for a loved one from afar during pandemic By Mike Steely hearing set Senior Writer [email protected]

for July 16 He’s finally back home and recov- ering but the difficulties and worries By Mike Steely that his family faced while he was in Senior Writer the hospital during the pandemic is [email protected] a heart-wrenching story that must The COVID-19 pandemic be told. saw the closure of courts in The 85-year-old West Knoxvillian Tennessee. Some courts have lay in Parkwest Medical Center sev- opened with limited seating eral weeks ago awaiting surgery for recently and the Etters vs. his broken hip. Mostly deaf and con- Knox County lawsuit, which fused, Franklin Davis Wills was alone has been in limbo for several and could have no visitors because months, finally appears on of hospital policy due to the corona- virus pandemic. the Chancery Court Docket. One of his daughters, Missy Short- During the Knox County er, was panicked and concerned Pension Board meeting Tuesday about her 77-year-old mother want- the board’s attorney, John ing to be with Wills during the ordeal. Owings, said that July 16 at Missy and her husband, Mike, began 9:30 a.m. is the new date and a frustrating effort to see her father. time. The hearing is to rule on “We’ve been trying to get in to see a motion to dismiss filed by him,” she told The Focus. With the Knox County and the Pension help and advice of Knox County Com- Board regarding a class action missioner Charles Busler she was lawsuit against the county reaching out to anyone who could filed by thirteen citizens. Continue on page 4 The lawsuit charges that actions taken by Knox County Missy Shorter visits with her father, Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Franklin Dallas Wills, following the Knox County Board of weeks when no family member Commissioners were illegal could see him in the hospital during when they pulled the Knox the COVID-19 shut down. Finally County Law Department home, the 85-year-old man is back out of its suit against with family and doing better. Photo the pension board. courtesy of Mike Shorter. Since the law director’s office was pulled out of the case the mayor hired an outside attorney, John P. Valliant, KCS 2021 budget reluctantly passed to represent the county. Owings, following a closed- By Amy Box Fellhoelter factors was in FY1992. Due to The superintendent admitted of RTI services, and additional door meeting with the pension The overall mood of last the economic downswing of the to frustrating times but encour- mental health services. Thomas board, asked for and received Wednesday’s Knox County COVID-19 pandemic, a reduction aged members stating, “We will stated that every effort was permission to intervene on Board of Education special of $2,805,000 from the current be prepared upon school open- made to not make cuts to the behalf of the board. Chancery called budget meeting can be 2020 budget was reflected in the ing, provided we have a normal classroom. Although $700,000 Court Judge John Weaver summed up with two sentences FY21 proposal. opening. Even if we don’t have a was cut from the salaries of some permitted Owings to take part. spoken by Superintendent Bob Eight of the nine members normal opening, we will be pre- KCS employees, step increases While a hearing date on Thomas: “The outlook is grim. We were present for the two and one pared for that as well. We will be were left in the budget for cer- dismissal and a reply from the are facing a $20 million project- half hour meeting which was held ready.” tified and classified personnel. citizen group attorney, Tom ed revenue shortfall and we are on the first floor of the Andrew Thomas emphasized his dis- The construction projects of McFarland, had been set, balancing a budget with less rev- Johnson Building. Tony Norman appointment with the budget’s Adrian Burnett, Lonsdale and delays and the COVID-19 Phase enue than the current year.” He was unable to attend or join the inability to fund an across-the- Northwest elementary schools One statewide mandate had added the last time the school discussion due to technical dif- board salary increase, ELA text- further delayed the hearing. budget reflected these two ficulties. book adoption, the enhancement Continue on page 6

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2707 Woodbine Avenue Knoxville, TN 37914 in Edrol Hgts 120 B Lynnwood Dr. 4BD, 2.5BA, 1,654 sqft Knoxville, Tn. 37918 MLS 1110424 $130,000 865-770-4030 PAGE A2 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 New Human Resources Legal Separation or Department on City Agenda By Mike Steely Deputy Mayor Bill Lyons. Lyons, Senior Writer divorce for Christians [email protected] a former UT professor of politi- When people ask me about Those are strong statements them. cal science, served Mayors Bill my personal position on the condemning divorce. However, One other aspect of legal Mayor Indya Kincannon’s cre- Haslam, Daniel Brown, Madeline concept of Tennessee law has an option separation is that it allows the ation of a Department of Human Rogero and stayed on to help with divorce, I available to individuals who spouses to remain on each oth- Resources will have its first read- Mayor Kincannon’s transition. tell them, desire to separate from their er’s insurance because you all ing when the Knoxville City Coun- The council will also consider “I am not spouses without actually divorc- are still married. I have seen cil meets Tuesday. The city code a resolution in support of federal pro-divorce, ing them, legal separation. might be amended to make room some couple choose a legal funding for the U. S. Post Office I am pro Tennessee Code Annotated for the new administrative depart- separation instead of a divorce and take up several COVID-19 people section 36-4-102 allows some- ment which would take some related resolutions. Those include b e i n g one to be legally separated from simply because it is cost-prohib- duties currently held by the Civil itive for them to obtain separate funding of the HomeSource East By Jedidiah happy.” I their spouse while still officially Service Merit Board. Tennessee, Public Service and McKeehan w o u l d remaining married to them. medical insurance. While the mayor and her staff Housing Assistance, and Home- never, and What’s the difference So, if you would like to sepa- say that the merit board will con- attorneyknoxville@ less Prevention. do not, between a divorce and a legal rate yourself from your spouse tinue operating within the charter, gmail.com The James White Parkway push people separation? Well, the big one is while also honoring your reli- several duties, such as recruiting, Urban Wilderness Corridor Study toward getting a divorce. that you are still married to your gious beliefs, legal separation salaries and jobs, will transfer to may receive $231,354 in funding Some people are hesitant to spouse so you cannot get remar- might be an option you want to the new department and a direc- in a contract with Gresham Smith. file for divorce because of reli- ried. However, many aspects of explore. tor would be hired. gious reasons. There are some being legally separated are the The creation of a Human Parks and Recreation is asking strong passages in the Bible exact same as a divorce. You Resources Office appears on the council to authorize the mayor Jedidiah McKeehan is an to apply for $ 40,000 from AARP that speak against divorce. divide up assets and debts, you attorney practicing in Knox first reading and must be voted “‘For I hate divorce,’ says the put in to place a parenting plan, on a second time before the new for improvements to the William County and surrounding coun- Lord, the God of Israel…” (Mal- you can set up alimony and child budget begins July 1st. Powell Park. ties. He works in many areas, achi 2:16 New American Stan- support, and you separate your- The Community Develop- dard (NAS)). self from being liable for each including criminal, person- ALSO ON THE ment Department is asking for al injury, landlord-tenant, pro- “And I say to you, whoever other’s debts going forward. AGENDA $500,000 in federal home funds divorces his wife, except for So in effect, you are going bate, and estate planning. Visit to go to Covenant Village L.P. for sexual immorality, and marries through the steps to “divorce” attorney-knoxville.com for more One of the “consent” items the rehabilitation of 25 afford- another woman, commits adul- your life from your spouse while information about this legal worthy of note is a monthly pen- able housing units for low-income tery” (Matthew 19:9 NASB). remaining legally married to issue and other legal issues. sion of $5,139.03 to former households at 322 Forestal Drive.

Ijams Nature Center Opens Quarry Swimming ‘Second Amendment Area, Paddling Rentals Ijams Nature Center has p.m. All restrooms will close for opened the swimming area at short periods at set times each County’ passes Knox Mead’s Quarry in phase two of the day to allow facilities to be cleaned City/County reopening plan, which and sanitized. During those times, went into effect May 26. the front lobby of the Visitor Center River Sports Outfitters (RSO) also will be closed. By Mike Steely Commission began offering paddle rentals on Navitat is open Monday 11 a.m. Senior Writer to uphold the United States In another heavily debated the lake Memorial Day weekend. to 5 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 [email protected] and State Constitutions. matter, the commission voted Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon- a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon to “It’s more about political to fund, for the next year, day-Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays In the end, a rather peer pressure,” he said. the Behavioral Health Urgent Sunday. Rentals will close due to are by appointment only. in-your-face debate at the Several commission Care Center. Although several inclement weather and will be You are encouraged to wear Knox County Commission members said they own commissioners quizzed the announced on the RSO Facebook masks when entering the Visitor resulted in the passage of guns and two said they have staff of the operator, Helen page at @RiverSportsOutfitters. Center and while passing other a resolution that has no never felt threatened by talk Ross McNabb Center, those The Ijams Outpost, which offers people on the grounds. power and was described of regulatory laws . However commissioners eventually concessions, beer and other Ijams remains committed to by some commissioners Commissioner Charles Busler, voted for the funding. items, will mirror RSO hours. Rest- the health and safety of visitors and the law director as who said he has a license to Leanne Human-Hilliard, rooms at the quarry remain open and staff, and will be evaluating being political in nature. carry, said each state has its vice president of Helen Ross from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. reopening policies, procedures Commissioners Carson own laws depending on who’s McNabb, answered several The Visitor Center restrooms and hours; changes may be imple- Dailey and Richie Beeler in office. He said passage of questions telling the county and limited-contact gift shop/con- mented at any time. introduced the long the non-binding resolution commission that 94% of the cessions purchases continue to For more information, visit resolution to declare “makes a statement.” patients at the Behavioral be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 Ijams.org or call 865-577-4717. Knox County a “Second “I see nothing wrong with Center are brought there by Amendment Constitutional supporting the Second city and county police. She County” in Tuesday’s Amendment,” said Dailey. said that the staff and care commission meeting. Chairman Hugh Nystrom has been reduced because the Mineral Springs Avenue Commissioner Brad Anders, said he owns guns and loves state stopped its funding. The a retired city policeman, to bird hunt but added he was original three-day care there said he would vote for the “struggling with the issue.” has been reduced to 23 hours bridge to be replaced resolution but it should not Commissioner Randy Smith followed by outpatient care. A more than 100-year-old bridge Springs Avenue between North be a matter for commission said he was also struggling Commissioner Smith asked spanning First Creek in North Broadway and Walker Boulevard. to consider. Anders noted with the resolution which her for a quarterly report Knoxville will soon be replaced. The section of Mineral Springs that Dailey and Beeler he said “has no teeth.” and Hilliard was also asked On Monday, June 1, Jones Broth- Avenue between North Broad- had passed on two beer Smith said the resolution for the cost per patient and ers Construction crews will begin way and Walker Boulevard will be applications because of moral tends to “divide people.” in what zip code the people a year-long project to replace the closed from Monday until May 31, principles and chided them Beeler said he respects being treated there reside. Mineral Springs Avenue bridge. 2021. for introducing the Second people with different opinions Commissioner Schoonmaker The new 68-foot-long concrete Motorists can travel a short Amendment resolution. but that a majority in our noted that the annual funding bridge, between North Broadway distance eastbound on Mineral “I agree with the content area believe in the idea of has the county picking up and Walker Boulevard in North Springs from Broadway, but only but it’s divisive and sets a the Second Amendment. 60% and the city pays 40%. Knoxville, will replace a 52-foot- to access businesses there. No bad example,” Anders said. Just before the vote Hilliard responded that there long bridge that was built in 1910. through traffic or turnarounds will Beeler, a minister, Knox County Law Director is an increase in intake The new bridge will aesthetically be possible. responded that he has Richard (Bud) Armstrong brought by the sheriff’s resemble its 110-year-old prede- Westbound through traffic on never voted to deny a beer reminded the commissioners department and said the cessor, but it will feature a larger Mineral Springs will be detoured permit but chooses to pass that state and federal law county law enforcement opening beneath the deck that will onto Walker Boulevard. Motorists on permits because he is supersedes local law. needs more training. reduce flooding along First Creek. wishing to access northbound opposed to alcohol drinking. Voting “Yes” on the Second Smith said the Behavioral The $1.2 million project also Broadway or eastbound Interstate Commissioner Evelyn Gill Amendment Constitutional Center “was a pilot includes a new sidewalk con- 640 can turn right (north) onto opposed the idea and also County resolution were program until the state nection from North Broadway Walker. All other westbound Min- called it a political move. Commissioners Michele threw us a curve ball.” to Walker Boulevard along Min- eral Springs motorists should turn “We should not Carringer, Justin Biggs, John Despite the critical eral Springs Avenue, and about left (south) on Walker to access show favoritism ,” said Schoonmaker, Anders, Busler, questions the commissioners 350 linear feet of a new 10-foot- Broadway, about six blocks south Commissioner Larsen Beeler, Dailey and Smith. agreed to fund the wide greenway connector will be of its intersection with Mineral Jay who then said each Gill voted “No” and Nystrom center for another year built on the south side of Mineral Springs Avenue. commissioner takes vows and Jay chose to “Pass.” in a unanimous vote.

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The Focus does not may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]. from our writers are gratis and are greatly appreciated. While articles accept ads that defame any candidate. All political ad content Publisher ...... Steve Hunley are not guaranteed placement, we do strive to place as much as pos- must be pre-approved prior to its run in the paper. sible. Submissions for the paper are on a space available basis and PAGE A2 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 June 1, 2020 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE A3 Publisher’s Positions Odds & Ends of This & That Vol.5 cut positions from KPD and education of their children. Some think that the best closure due to the corona- greetings. reallocate them for other Look for a decision in early tax is one you derive a ben- virus. We here at The Knoxville departments. From all June. efit from and don’t pay. Focus realize this is a really reports, crime is rising, par- FRANK difficult time to be graduat- ticularly in South Knoxville SCHOOL BOARD UH OH and is a prime concern for CLEMENT 100TH ing. Hopefully, most of you Councilman Tommy Smith. BUDGET Well, while some folks ANNIVERSARY are going on to further your Hayes is a certain candi- APPROVED are worrying about open- June 2, 2020 will be the education and take your date to run again for city The Knox County Board ing things back up, reality 100th birthday of the late place in the world. It really council in the South Knox- of Education approved a is beginning to sink in for Tennessee governor Frank has been hard to watch ville district. It’ll be interest- budget that was some- some. The Tennessee State Clement. The Knoxville ing to see how David tries what reduced, but hardly Supreme Court has issued Focus historian, Ray Hill, as much of the summer By Steve Hunley, to ride that wave. bare bones. It even includ- a decree that eviction pro- has a special column cele- employment our young Publisher ed step raises for teach- ceedings can once again be brating the life of Governor people have depended [email protected] IS SHE A ers, an idea Board member heard in courtrooms across Clement, don’t miss it! upon has evaporated, but Mike McMillan thought was our state starting June 1. DEMOCRAT? remember, there have been WHO WOULDA optically challenged. “The Jury trials can resume on NASHVILLE THUNK IT? How many geniuses are truth is teachers haven’t July 3, 2020. no people on the face of there on the Democrat- missed a paycheck, they According to the high WOES God’s Earth as resilient as Regular readers will ic State Executive Com- still have jobs and will have court, “Deadline in court The legislature is back in we Americans. We join with remember I wrote last week mittee? None. Not a one. jobs once schools re-open. rules, statutes, and admin- session and the two houses your parents, families and the City Council Movement Evidently, the members That isn’t true for a lot of istrative rules that were pre- are not exactly seeing eye- friends in rooting for you. just doesn’t like cops. of the Democratic State Knox Countians. Business- viously extended until May to-eye. The House of Rep- There are two members of Executive Committee ran es have closed and some 31 are extended only until resentatives was due to Every person here at The the Knoxville City Council out of ordinary Democrats will never reopen. Folks June 5.” The State Supreme hear a whopping 391 bills Knoxville Focus offers his who are members of the to serve as delegates or have lost jobs, internships Court says it doesn’t antici- last week while the state or her sincere congratula- City Council Movement - - alternates to the Demo- have been revoked from pate any further extension Senate heard exactly none. tions on the occasion of - Seema Singh and Amelia cratic National Convention. college students and grad- of deadlines. Senators believe the legis- your graduation from high Parker - - - and both are So what did they do? They uating seniors have had job lature has one really impor- also socialists. To be fair, named Amelia Parker as a offers cancelled. I thought ANOTHER tant responsibility: pass a school. We congratulate they describe themselves delegate, who is a social- it just looked bad. Every so UH OH budget and go home. The your mothers and fathers as “Democratic socialists” ist and last I heard, most often I think we should con- House thinks there’s lots for helping guide you, pro- but the only difference Democrats say they are not sider the people who actu- If you live for the annual more to do with a slew of vide for you and love you between the two is a word. socialists. Well, first sug- ally pay the bills,” McMillan sales tax holiday, you best bills, some of which are throughout your life jour- Last year, Parker scraped gestion from Amelia: dump said. get over it this year. It can’t going to be really controver- by, beating Amy Midis while Joe Biden and pick a new Apparently, the women - be a big surprise to anyone sial, to be heard. The two ney to reach this important her running mate, David nominee. That’s party loy- - - there are seven of them living in Realville with the houses don’t even agree milestone. Be thankful for Hayes, was handily beaten alty, right? on the board of education dire economic situation, but about who to let into the good parents and good by Janet Testerman. currently - - - didn’t agree it doesn’t look like there’s Cordell Hull Building. The friends. Hayes wanted to be as board member Tony going to be a sales tax holi- House is granting limited THE RIGHTS Every generation has appointed to the vacancy Norman was absent. The day this year. The sales tax access to lobbyists and on the council, caused by OF PARENTS & savings would have been has likely been too sick to the public, while the Senate been molded by the events the resignation of Stepha- EDUCATION enough so positions didn’t go on vacation this year. Yet has locked the doors to surrounding them and nie Welch, which went to Who would be against have to be cut. there are those who say we everybody but senators, yours will be no different. Tommy Smith, who was the rights of responsible The board had been need to keep everything staff and the news media. Whether you graduated born and raised in South parents to direct the edu- flooded with emails from shut down… from Gibbs or South-Doyle, Knoxville and lives there cation of their children? folks, primarily at Beau- CONGRATULATIONS Carter or West, Farragut or still with his family. David Nobody, right? WRONG! I mont Elementary School UNEMPLOYMENT TO OUR GRADUATES Fulton, we pray that your Hayes posted on his can think of several groups and the L&N Stem Acade- FACTS & FIGURES Facebook page on May that would be dead set my, both of which really are It has been a lot of fun road will be straight and 27 at 2:25 p.m. the fol- against a crazy idea like two of the best schools in Our neighbors in Sevier watching the various ways wide rather than bumpy lowing comment: “If you parents having more say in Knox County, who feared County appear to have the folks are celebrating the and narrow. We wish those still believe in increasing the education of their own budget cuts. Superinten- highest unemployment young people graduating police budgets, instead of children, first and foremost dent Bob Thomas had rec- rate in the state at 30%. from our local high schools. graduating from private decreasing them, you are would be teachers’ unions. ommended a cut of some- Knoxville has the lowest Folks have shown a lot of schools, all schools, the a willing advocate of white Well, it looks like the U. S. thing like $120,000 for unemployment rate of Ten- creativity in celebrating best of everything as you supremacy.” Wow. Mayor Supreme Court is going to magnet schools. Now, keep nessee’s four big cities these young people. From take that first big step in Indya Kincannon raised rule on a case that may be in mind, Knox Countians at 14.7%. Sevier County, innovative photos of sons living on your own. Every- the budget of the Knox- a landmark decision. Espi- give the school system which is heavily depen- and daughters, which give ville Police Department noza v. Montana will likely more than $500,000,000 dent upon tourism to pro- at least a hint of their indi- one here at The Knoxville anyway. Amelia Parker, on decide whether parents of their tax dollars to spend duce tax revenue, has been viduality and personalities, Focus wishes you success the other hand, wanted to have the right to direct the annually. especially hard hit with the to small events and drive by and happiness. Has Burlington been forgotten? Cont. from page 1 dumpster screening and about $350,000 in city came together to speak on community. in the rough. I want people old buildings, landscaping, public art such as murals funding was in the city increasing funding. “The zoo has to recognize that Burlington lighting and sidewalks. and sculptures. Other budget then for the area. “Unfortunately that did approximately a half can be a place of destina- The residents had suggestions included Dr. Dasha Lundy, who not go in our favor,” Lundy million visitors in a year. tion for East Knox County,” also suggested new a historic maker at faces Reginald M. Jackson told The Focus. Can you imagine those she added. restaurants, theatres and Speedway Circle, district for the District One Knox “Burlington has been on people visiting the Historic “We just need the sup- recreation facilities. markers when entering the County Commission seat, the agenda for years for Downtown Burlington port of the City and County A survey of residents community, and possibly is the past president of redevelopment. I watched District for shopping, arts governments and the Pri- found people asking for ending MLK at the entrance the Burlington Residents as downtown was being and cultural activities vate Sector to assist with trees and street parking, to Magnolia Avenue. Association and spoke to restored. Happy Holler has and the great food? Can the redevelopment pro- lower signs at businesses, Citizens of Burlington The Focus following the been restored also,” she you see the revenue that cess. The community is clearly marked crosswalks, complained then about city council meeting. She said. Lundy said it seems comes with that?” Lundy ready.” bike lanes, enhanced bus the problems in getting said that during recent development happens commented to The Focus. stops, pedestrian lighting, bank loans to purchase city budget meetings everywhere but in the black “Burlington is a diamond benches along streets, or improve property. Only many community leaders Kincannon responds to Burlington question ”Economic redevelopment in any More than $600,000 is in the City neighborhood takes time, and we’re budget right now for the next round,” still in the early stages in Burlington. Kincannon said. But Burlington definitely has huge Eric Vreeland, deputy communica- potential,” Mayor Indya Kincannon tions director for the mayor, noted told The Focus. that recent investments in Burling- A new high effi ciency heating & cooling system “The East Tennessee Communi- ton, more than $460,000, included can be more affordable than you think with ty Design Center and the Burlington commercial facade improvement pro- NO MONEY DOWN & LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS Residents Association did a great job gram, including three improvements through the TVA eScore Program. crafting a vision plan in 2018 for what on Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue. Are you interested in reducing your can get significant energy savings. Burlington could look like in the not- He also noted a 2018 ribbon cut- energy consumption by as much as Trane introduces the XV20i heating too-distant future. The ETCDC model ting at Fern Street and MLK Avenue 40%? Well, the most effective way to and cooling system with a 12-year envisions public-private collabora- including asphalt crosswalks, ADA make that happen might come as compressor warranty. It is, simply put, tion, with long-term public invest- curb cuts and resurfacings as the first some surprise to you. It has nothing to one of the most energy efficient, do with your car, or your light bulbs, environmentally friendly heating and ments in sidewalks, streetlight ame- step in recommendations outlined in or any household appliance that you cooling systems available. Contact nities, transportation enhancements the Burlington Enhancement Plan. might be thinking of ... getting a more LB Chase Mechanical to learn more and public spaces leveraging private Vreeland said that that year KAT energy efficient heating & cooling about how you can dramatically investment in new residences and upgraded the Eastern Superstop on system is one of the best ways you reduce your heating costs today. businesses,” she said. Kirkwood Street and increased fre- Expect more from your independent Trane dealer. “We’ve made some initial invest- quency of buses to Route 34 in Bur- ments, and so have property owners. lington. (865) 428-4824 www.lbchase.com PAGE A4 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 City unveils Feeling Old, Thinking Young This past fun. We older to be able to eat anything Another thing that comes I look in the mirror and alternate July week I celebrat- folks deserve the I wanted. These days, the with each new birthday is wonder how the image ed another birth- pokes because wrong food choice leads to my problem with names. came to be. If my body day with my twin our complaints heartburn. Even late-night Too often, I call the family would only sync with my 4th plans brother. Without sometimes are bouts of throwing up occur. roll when I address a com- mind, I’d be ready for any- stating how old I too loud and I miss eating onions on a ment to one of the chil- thing. Instead, I wear out The City of Knoxville has am, let’s just say occur too often. bowl of soup beans or a dren. I know my daughter’s much too early and need announced plans for “Knox- that if the coro- The things about hamburger. Pizza now bat- name is Lacey, but more to hit the sack. My mind ville’s Neighborhood Trails of navirus cooper- which I most tles my digestion whenev- often, I call her Sadie, the wants to stay up late as Red, White and Blue.” ates, my high fuss these days er I make the mistake of name of our dog. Dallas is I did as a young man; my By Joe Rector All neighborhood organi- school class deal with health. eating it. If this continues, my son, but on occasion, I body tells me I’ll regret it zations across the City are will celebrate [email protected] I’m tired of start- I’ll be left eating leaves and call him Jim, all the while the next day. encouraged to participate its graduation ing and ending twigs for meals. knowing who he is. I’m also I enjoyed my birthday in the event that promotes from 50 years ago. I’m not each day with a handful Each year brings more at that point where I put and hope to have many physical distancing, while ashamed of my age, but of pills. Prescriptions keep aches and pains. My knees things in safe places; as also offering a sense of com- I don’t want to be one of my cholesterol and blood and hips ache whenever a result, I struggle to find more. At the same time, munity this Fourth of July. those persons who brags pressure low, my blood I do yard work. Yes, Jim those objects again. I start my hope is that I can main- Neighborhoods can about how long he’s sur- flow clot-free, and my rest- and I have a tendency to to say something, and the tain my health and that my choose one or two streets vived. To be honest, I’m less legs still. I’m not excit- overdo things. We still will slightest interruption might mind still stays young. It’s for the friendly competition. stunned at the number of ed about swallowing these dig ditches or move tons of well cause me to forget my when we begin to think old Those neighbors would dec- years that have flown by. medicines, but I’ll do it river rocks. Still, a person train of thought. that we begin to lose the orate their houses, porches, I’m a senior citizen, a because staying on this would think that his parts What befuddles me light that burns inside. All lawns, mailboxes, driveways, Baby Boomer, and a retir- planet a while longer is a would hold up better. Some most is the fact that my of you “Boomers” need to and even their family mem- ee. Yes, I’m one of those goal of mine. nights, the aches and body is that of an old man; remain young at heart and bers with a patriotic theme. individuals of which the My body is not cooperat- pains make sure I don’t get however, my mind is stuck mind. We still have much to “It is unfortunate that the younger generations make ing with me anymore. I used much sleep. between 18-22 years old. do and accomplish. Festival on the 4th had to be canceled this year because of the pandemic, but this is a fun, new way to celebrate that will create a sense of connectivity, while keeping everyone safe at the same time,” Mayor Indya Kincan- God’s Gift for the Day non said. “Our neighbor- I had a stranger on an hoods are so creative during coupon and ordinary day in While staying home during the the holidays and Knoxville correct cash the middle of a pandemic, we have been organiz- Marathon weekend. I can’t in hand. Cars pandemic was ing files. This photo of our father wait to see what they come inched along beyond kind. and his red chow, Koko, is from up with now!” the drive-thru at A s w e the eighties. Ralph was a dairy The city will invite people a local fast food proceeded to farmer until he developed a heart to drive through the partic- restaurant that the window condition at age 36. After sell- ipating neighborhoods to morning. to pick up our ing his dairy herd, he still sur- enjoy and celebrate all of “Maybe we order, the car in rounded himself with animals. His kindness was rewarded in the the creative décor Friday, July should have By Ralphine Major front was still in 3-Sunday, July 5. gone to another ralphine3@yahoo. view. love they showed to him. Judges and a caravan restaurant,” com As the driver parade will also drive through I said as we waited to pull the participating neighbor- slowly navigated our way out onto the street, I hoods on Saturday, July 4, forward. slowed to catch a glimpse. between 1:00-4:00 p.m. Finally, it was our turn The lady glanced back If your neighborhood is to pull up to the window at us. She was smiling. interested in participating, and pay. We waved to her and register with Eden Slater at “Keep your coupon,” the yelled “thank you!” [email protected]. Get cashier said. “The car in Mother threw her a kiss. ready to show off your red, front of you paid for your She threw one back! white and blue! order!” As we ate, we marveled nature at its best. The There is only one thing left Words of Faith: “And be For more information, visit We were shocked! at the stranger’s lady’s kindness lingered to do---repay kindness by ye kind one to another” knoxvilletn.gov/4th. The unexpected gift of a generosity. It was human with us all through the day. paying it forward. Ephesians 4:32 (KJV). Family faces frustration Cont. from page 1 hospital said that visitors Missy was ecstatic learn- and be screened prior to she had no choice” in Two weeks ago Frank- could wait outside in their ing she or another family entry. deciding to agree to the lin was cleared to go back help. She called Congress- cars if they wished. member would be allowed transfer. Missy said she left home. Missy went over to man Tim Burchett who told Busler, The Focus, and in the room to see him. “All n the day of the the hospital mad with the her dad and mom’s house her the no visitors policy others contacted the hos- I needed was someone to Wills’ 57th wed- idea, “Here we go again.” to get it ready and a hospi- was not a state or federal pital. Missy said she told help us and because of that ding anniversary, Missy said her dad tal bed was delivered. They ruling. the hospital his family help and the most high God FOranklin went to surgery was unresponsive after were hoping that Franklin “We haven’t seen him would pay for virus test- they’re going to let me in,” and his wife, Evelyn, was the transfer and the NHC would perk up when he got since he left by ambulance ing if they could be admit- she said. permitted in the surgery nurse said that if he can’t home and were thankful and my mother is getting ted to visit with him. Her Area hospitals, includ- waiting room. There were do rehabilitation therapy that they can visit and take really nervous,” Missy pleas and prayers led to her ing Parkwest, soon after some complications and, he can be sent home. “For care of him. said. “He cannot hear and being told that one family announced a “phased following surgery, he was the moment we’re back to cannot comprehend what’s member would be allowed reopening” that included taken to the critical care square one—not able to ast week Mike told happening. He keeps call- to see him after surgery visitation that allow visi- unit rather than the 4th see him,” Missy said at the The Focus that ing out for his wife and chil- when he would be taken to tors who are determined floor room. time, adding they could get Franklin rallied four dren.” a 4th floor room in a non- to be vital to the care of The next morning Missy an update of his condition Ldays after getting home. “They’re keeping people virus section. That word the patient and mandated said a nurse told her that by telephone. out because of the coro- came from a nurse super- that all visitors should wear Franklin was waking only Three days later she “He’s got his senses navirus,” she said. The visor. a face covering at all times for a moment and going reported they had visited back and he’s eating. He’s back to sleep. He was with her dad by watching still bedridden but has a complaining about shoul- him through the window. hospital bed,” he said. der pain and the family was The staff there had turned Missy said Franklin has waiting for a call from the his bed so he could see hospice care with visiting doctor. the window and he waved nurses. She also said her Two days later Mike to them. mom is doing pretty well Shorter said that his father- Missy said that Franklin taking care of him and that in-law was doing better, sit- was on a pureed diet and the family also goes by ting up in a chair to eat, and had a bit of therapy. She each day to help and check the hospital told the family said he’s “rigid and frozen” up on them. Franklin might be moved and wasn’t using his left The COVID-19 pandemic out of the CCU and into a arm. has caused a lot of people room. Missy was permitted “He’s stubborn and 85 problems well beyond the BASEMENT OR to stay with her father that years old and they said he basic strategy of staying evening and said he had was taking a lot of fluids,” safe. There’s little worse CRAWLSPACE LEAKING?? been sitting up and drink- she said, again saying no for a family than to have an ing water. one was allowed in his room elder member injured and “I think this is my last to actually see and talk with Don’t overpay the nationwide hospitalized under normal run,” Missy said her father him. She said the center’s times but not being able to companies by the thou$ands when told her. COVID-19 precautions got see them except for look- She said that the next him a private room. MOLD TOX, LLC can install a dry-up day the hospital talked “I’m going to pick up my ing into a window causes a her mom into transferring mom now and we’re going heavy burden of worry and system for a fraction of the cost! Franklin to NHC in Farragut back down to his window frustration. BBB Accredited Business with A+ Rating despite the family trying to to see him. My mom is 77 Having a dear one return get the transfer two days and not resting or sleep- home and begin recovery TN Charter #4410 later. Missy said the hospi- ing. We’re taking him some eases the pain of sepa- tal said he needed therapy chocolate,” she said. ration. Just being able to (865) 524-1227 (865) 453-1880 and there was only one bed “I’m just praying to the visit with someone and hug open at NHC. Lord that His will be done,” them is a huge release for www.moldtox.com “Mom said she felt like she said. family members. PAGE A4 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 June 1, 2020 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE A5 Feeling Old, Thinking Young Frank Goad Clement A 100th Anniversary Celebration

Pages from the Past Tennessee. Frank Clement certainly had not forgot- ten politics; when he died he was pondering a fourth campaign to reclaim the governor’s office and there is good reason to believe he would have been the Democratic nominee. Time dims the memory but Frank Clement’s unex- pected death in an auto- mobile crash left many By Ray Hill Tennesseans stunned and [email protected] saddened. The editor of the Johnson City Press Chron- It will surprise exactly no to the history of Dickson icle, in a frontpage edito- one who knows me well to County, as well as items rial, confessed he was discover I have been pro- from a time when railroad “shocked to the point” of foundly interested in the travel was prevalent in the “numbness” by the former portraits of Tennessee’s United States. The people governor’s death. The governors in our State of Dickson and Dickson editor wrote, “There are Capitol since I knew they County are justly proud times and assignments existed. There are many of the Frank G. Clement in a newspaperman’s life fine portraits of our vari- Museum. It is said Frank when the job seems bigger ous chief executives of the Clement launched his than he can handle.” The Volunteer State, but I have campaign to become gov- writer admitted writing the always had a few particular ernor of Tennessee at age editorial on Frank G. Clem- favorites; I have liked the ten when he told his class- ent’s passing was one of portrait of redheaded Mal- mates one day he would those times. The editor colm Patterson, the state- run the State of Tennessee. of the Johnson City Press ly bearing of James Beriah Frank Clement was an early thought Frank Clement Frazier as well as several achiever; he passed the “one of Tennessee’s finest of Tennessee’s governors Bar exam before he was governors”, but readily from the time of my grand- old enough to practice law. admitted no chief execu- parents: Gordon Browning Once elected governor, tive could achieve great- and Prentice Cooper. Some Clement began an ambi- ness without becoming of the later governors made tious road-building pro- “a controversial person.” a profound impression gram, which was especially The editor acknowledged upon me as well: my friend popular with rural Tennes- Frank Clement was not a Winfield Dunn, Lamar Alex- seans. It was Frank Clem- perfect person but thought ander, and Ned McWhert- ent who created the Depart- Gov. Frank G. Clement, official state portrait. “the greatness of his good er. The first governor that ment of Mental Health in points far overshadowed I can personally recall was Tennessee. Frank Clement home of Estes Kefauver, newly renovated Consti- match that of President the bad ones.” Frank G. Clement and to was also the first governor and like Estes, she was tution in 1954. Running Dwight D. Eisenhower. Less than seventeen this day my favorite por- in the South to veto a seg- a Democrat. My grand- once again against his pre- Once again, the GOP ticket years after taking the oath trait remains that of Gover- regation bill passed by the mother never once missed decessor Gordon Brown- of Eisenhower and Nixon of office as Tennessee’s nor Clement. Frank Clem- legislature. Governor Clem- voting for Frank Clement ing, Clement carried every carried the Volunteer State. youngest governor, Frank ent, wearing a dark blue ent sent Tennessee state or Estes Kefauver. Still, I county in Tennessee save Clement almost surely Clement had passed way. double-breasted suit and troopers and members of can remember my grand- for Browning’s own Carroll could have been reelected Frank Clement had blazed tie, his arms folded across the National Guard to pre- father taking me as a little County. yet again in 1958 had the brilliantly across the Ten- his chest, the French cuff serve the peace and pro- boy to meet the governor. Tennessee had plenty Constitution not prevented nessee sky like a meteor. of his shirt peeking out of tect citizens and their prop- To this day, I can recall the of political talent by 1956. it. Instead, Buford Ellington, Friend and foe praised the his sleeve, a serious look erty when Clinton High firm grip of my small hand Estes Kefauver had run for Clement’s Commissioner of former governor as he was etched upon his face. The School was being integrat- in that of Frank Clement, president in 1952, but had Agriculture narrowly won laid to rest in the rolling hills artist captured the intense ed. At the time, it was an but what I remember most lost the nomination to Illi- the Democratic nomination of his native Middle Ten- sky blue of the young gover- undisputed act of uncom- was his big, warm smile nois governor Adlai Steven- and general election. So nessee. Perhaps former nor’s eyes, his body neatly mon courage. Bob Clement and the twinkle of those son who had the support began the famous “leap- U. S. senator Ross Bass framed by the red of the has recalled the vile threats blue eyes. It made quite of President Harry Truman. frog” era of government in summed it up best. Bass flag’s, including that of the against his father’s life, an impression upon me. Frank Clement’s support- Tennessee. Frank Clement said Frank Clement was State of Tennessee. as well as the governor’s My grandmother was tick- ers had been delighted had given some thought to “a fearless competitor and That same portrait was family. For a while, Gover- led to death to see Gov- when the famous orator running for the U. S. Senate no man in Tennessee knew part of the dust jacket of Dr. nor Clement found it nec- ernor Clement again and had been chosen to deliv- in 1958 when Albert Gore that better than I.” Nor was Lee S. Greene’s unmatched essary not to venture into could not help mention- er the keynote speech was seeking reelection but Frank Clement afraid to do biography of Frank G. Clem- certain parts of West Ten- ing my grandfather was a of the 1956 Democratic decided against it. what was right. ent. I knew Dr. Greene who nessee. Bobby Cain, one Republican, adding charita- National Convention. Gov- Frank Clement made his Frank Clement left a rich would occasionally regale of the twelve black stu- bly, “Well, I guess nobody’s ernor Clement had few triumphant return to poli- political legacy. Clement’s me with bits and pieces of dents to integrate Clinton perfect.” peers in speechmaking on tics when he was reelect- sister, Annabelle Clem- his knowledge of the politi- High School, later recalled, Clement was running the courthouse steps, but ed governor in 1962 after ent O’Brien, was a legend- cal figures of Tennessee’s “One of the most beautiful that year for the United television proved not to a four-year absence from ary state legislator and his past. I still recall his telling sights I saw in South Clin- States Senate and I still be his medium. The time the governor’s mansion. sons, Bob and Frank Jr., me about his unexpected ton was seeing the troop- have the campaign button, when candidates pressed The death of Estes Kefau- have attained high office. encounter with Senator K. ers coming in.” The gover- which I pinned to my shirt. the flesh in person and ver in 1963 necessitated Bob served for years as the D. McKellar on a train. For nor’s sister and Chief of Once we were in the car, my orated from hastily erect- a special election to fill his congressman from David- those of you who have not Staff during his last term grandfather removed it and ed platforms, the court- seat in the U. S. Senate. son County, while Frank, Jr. had the pleasure of read- in office, Annabelle Clem- replaced it with a button for house steps or a stump Realizing he would eventu- is a highly respected judge ing Dr. Greene’s biography ent O’Brien, said, “He took Howard Baker. was beginning to fade. The ally be out of office with few of Tennessee’s Court of of Frank Clement, Lead Me an oath of office to uphold Frank Clement’s person- thirty-second commercial political options otherwise, Appeals. On, I would highly recom- the law of the land. It was ality reflected his innate was becoming increasing- Frank Clement ran for the Now as we begin to cel- mend it. the right thing to do.” love of people. One need ly more important. While Senate but lost the Demo- ebrate the hundredth anni- We are fast approach- Frank Clement married not think every politician Frank Clement could draw cratic nomination to Con- versary of his birth, Gov- ing the 100th anniversary Lucille “’Cille” Christianson or vote-seeker actually several thousand people gressman Ross Bass of ernor Clement’s legacy of of the birth of Frank Goad when they were both 19 really likes people; some to hear him speak on a hot Pulaski. It was Frank Clem- accomplishments remains Clement, which will be cel- years old. don’t, which made televi- and humid night in Ten- ent’s first political defeat very much with us today. ebrated at the Frank Clem- I will never forget the first sion a God-send for such nessee’s smoldering July and the first time the voters The storms of life, nor the ent Museum in Dickson, time I saw a really good candidates. Frank Clem- weather, a TV commercial of his own party had reject- winds and the rains, can Tennessee. The museum is photograph of Mrs. Clem- ent liked people and he could reach tens of thou- ed his candidacy. Bass had erase the good one has located inside the old Hotel ent. Evidently, she had liked crowds, where he sands of people in a matter not campaigned on nation- done for his fellow man. As Halbrook, which is Frank daydreams about becom- excelled. Clement could of seconds. Clement’s key- al issues but rather had long as one remains in our Clement’s birthplace and ing a movie-star and Lucille mesmerize thousands of note speech was not the pounded Clement hard for memories, he or she never was operated by the future Clement was a strikingly people who came to hear success he had hoped it having raised state taxes. really dies. governor’s family. The beautiful woman and was him speak. Frank Clem- would be. On the conven- Tennesseans have rou- museum is located at 100 a gracious hostess and ent’s campaign spread like tion floor, Tennesseans tinely punished governors Frank G. Clement Place in loving mother to her three a wildfire throughout Ten- were divided when nomi- who have raised taxes Dickson, Tennessee. Inci- boys. nessee. The young orator nee Adlai Stevenson threw when they have sought dentally, for those of you It is likely difficult for managed to put the vet- open the race for the vice- reelection or other offices. who love history, the Hotel voters today to understand eran campaigner Gordon presidential nomination. Clement ran for the United Halbrook is a near-perfect just what an attractive and Browning on the defensive Clement, Estes Kefauver States Senate once again example of those hostels appealing candidate Frank in his 1952 campaign and and Albert Gore were all in 1966 and turned around During these di cult which, once upon a time, G. Clement was to Tennes- kept him there. Browning considered vice presiden- the results from the 1964 times, join us on dotted the American land- seans in 1952. My grand- carried most of East Ten- tial prospects. A young sen- election. Governor Frank scape. There were hotels parents were probably rep- nessee, while Frank Clem- ator from Massachusetts, Clement beat Senator Bass Facebook Live every near railroad depots for resentative of many Ten- ent carried everything else, John F. Kennedy, made a in the Democratic primary. Sunday at 11 a.m. weary travelers to disem- nesseans of their time. My including Browning’s own strong bid for the vice-pres- It was Frank Clement’s last 3320 New Beverly Church bark and spend the night. Methodist grandfather was Congressional district. idential nomination, which great hurrah. Clement went Road, Knoxville, Tennessee One can see the rooms a staunch Republican and Frank Clement was the was finally won by Kefau- on to lose the general elec- 37918 where the Clement family did not like Frank Clement first of Tennessee’s gov- ver. In yet another sign Ten- tion to Howard Baker, who Rev. Eddie Sawyer, Pastor lived while managing the at all; my Baptist grand- ernor’s eligible to serve nessee was continuing to became the first Republi- [email protected] hotel and there is a trove mother was from Madi- a four-year term after the change, Kefauver’s popu- can to be elected to the 865-546-0001 of interesting items related sonville, Tennessee, the voters had approved a larity in Tennessee did not United States Senate from www.NewBeverly.or PAGE A6 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 Focusing on House Seat 15, III By Mike Steely Senior Writer reallocation of funding. Schools programs across Development. I will contin- more than ever and that the trust and accountabil- [email protected] That could be used to sup- the state, they are the ue with these successful is why I plan on sending ity in the Office. Second, port our public schools. answer that vouchers and Town Halls moving forward. out regular updates on the I would advocate to fully This is the final in a series McKenzie: During my charters will never be. McKenzie: I absolutely issues I am tackling and fund the Basic Education of questions The Knoxville time on County Commis- Kabir: . I am the product would hold public meetings actions I take through our Program (BEP) on a perma- Focus has asked candi- sion I chaired the Joint of our Tennessee School quarterly and as emerging digital outreach program. nent basis. Lastly, offer leg- dates for East Knoxville’s Education Committee System. A vouchers system issues arise. I am and have islation that directly bene- seat in the Tennessee Leg- where I was a loud voice takes away money from always been accountable If elected or re- fits the people of the 15th islature. for public schools/educa- schools that are already to the people I serve. elected what will District (e.g. Workforce The race for the Tennes- tion. If people choose pri- struggling. While I certainly Park: Yes. Our campaign Development and Health- see House Seat, District vate education they should see the pros to having char- has been holding weekly be your main care reforms). 15, pits the incumbent, fund it themselves or apply ter schools, it is the duty of Virtual Rallies. We have objective in the Park: My main legislative Rick Staples, against three for scholarships therefore the state to ensure that all also implemented a system next legislative priority will be to reform our other Democrats, Sam I am not in favor of the our schools are up to stan- that allows individuals to session? McKenzie, Michael Park voucher legislation recently dard and that our own stu- schedule meetings direct- criminal justice system in and Ovi Kabir. passed in the State. I think dents don’t slip between ly with me on their sched- Staples: Going into the Tennessee. As a first step, Who ever wins the Demo- charter schools are mod- the cracks and fall behind. ule (https://matthewpark. next State Legislative Ses- we should ban private pris- cratic nomination in August erately successful but only com/meet). I will maintain sion, a mindset of Ser- ons and private jails, end will face Independent can- in certain areas. I would As a state this same level of availabil- vant Leadership, will be money bail, and require didate Troy B. Jones in the not expand the current representative ity and transparency when more important than ever. face to face visitation as November General Elec- number of charter schools elected. Our Great State faces the a right for incarcerated tions but focus on quality public would you hold Kabir: As a state repre- daunting task of rebuild- people. We should then education for ALL children. public meetings sentative I believe it is my ing. Rebuilding our econo- begin to shift our system to Make a statement Park: We need to increase with the people duty to be both available, my, our educational system a restorative model, focus- about public public school funding in in your district on transparent, and actively as well as our health care ing on treatment and trans- Tennessee by a minimum involved with the people of system. Established pro- education, a regular basis? formation rather than pun- of $1.7 Billion and fix the my district. I would not be ductive relationships. A ishment and “getting even.” Charter Schools, broken BEP funding for- Staples: Even during the able to do this if I did not proven body of work. Actual This would include ending and Vouchers. mula. Since 2009, Ten- “Shelter in Place” orders, hold public meetings reg- knowledge of the “job”, arbitrary time-based sen- nessee’s average teach- I’ve been able to have ularly in my district. Fur- most importantly, an indi- tencing in favor of transfor- Staples: Our phenom- er salary has decreased ZOOM meetings and con- thermore, I believe it is vidual who knows how to mation plans developed by enal Public Schools are by 4.4% when accounting ference calls. I’ve had sev- important to meet people survive and serve. Espe- mental health providers, the foundation of Knox for inflation. This means eral Town Halls during my where they are at instead cially during difficult times. substance abuse counsel- County. I have always lis- that we need to pass a term as State Represen- of having them come to me, Going into the next Legisla- tened, respected and yield- 10% minimum direct pay tative. I believe in bring- so that is why I will do my tive Session, with the future ors, and education profes- ed to the voice of Parents, increase for Tennessee’s ing Government to the part to reach out to com- of Knox County, being the sionals. School Teachers and the public school teachers. PEOPLE. I’m fortunate to munities in our district that primary focus. Putting poli- Kabir: If elected, my main Knox County School Board. We need more public dol- have enough influence, have historically not been tics and pontificating aside, objectives in the next legis- I’ve yet to hear a desire for lars in public schools, not which has allowed for Town listened to. Moreover, day- making sure the people of lative session are to focus Vouchers in Knox County. less. Gov. Bill Lee’s voucher Halls, with Commissioners by-day, we are seeing that this City are being served. on the expansion of Medic- My concerns regard- program should be perma- of Education, Finance, Agri- people utilize social media McKenzie: I would have aid and tackle the issue of ing charter schools will nently ended. We should cultural and Department and communication tech- three phases initially, the affordable housing in Ten- always be based around work to fund Community of Labor and Workforce nology to get their news first entails reestablishing nessee. KCS 2021 budget reluctantly passed Cont. from page 1 McPherson who said a $10 mil- our teachers haven’t changed increase as part of their salaries has $10,000 of unused alloca- lion reduction is needed in the since 1985. “We are so con- they haven’t received yet. “It’s tions, the budget would provide will continue to move forward, and expenditure budget. These cerned with not making legisla- less than one percent,” she said, $5,000 instead of the $15,000 keeping teacher ratios will remain monies -- which come from $4.9 tors mad … they have to help our and the good will that comes as originally scheduled began unchanged. “We are all making million in savings, $1.1 million kids, and if it makes them mad, with it outweighs the negative another discussion. Satterfield sacrifices,” he added. in reallocation, and $4.3 million then make them mad,” she said. suggestion that it is such a small spoke into the step increase KCS Chief Financial Officer in budget cuts -- are needed to The two main points of dis- amount of money per teacher. raise conversation of members Ron McPherson had the floor include the spending of $4 mil- cussion were funding step A vote for the amendment stating that once an item gets most of the meeting to explain lion for teacher raises (called increases, and cutting money was called, and it failed with one cut, it has a high likelihood to be the budget projection. He used step increases) and $3.5 mil- from magnet schools. A four mil- affirmative vote from McMillan. cut for good. Owen cautioned slides and focused first on the lion in fixed increases. lion dollar expenditure for step Consideration for budget members against allocating for revenue projection decrease in Some of the budget cuts increases ($.5 million more cuts affecting magnet schools each small piece of the budget. the past two months from March include a 50% reduction of than fixed increases) caught the was first shown by Kristi Kristy “This is the money that goes to May 2020. The revenue pro- school allocations which are attention of board member Mike who asked why the cuts were towards creating the innova- jections (eighteen million sales used at the discretion of each McMillan who asked if the board needed. She read an example tion that I want for all of our tax, and two million state rev- school. Some of the schools will forgo these raises for certain from a magnet school budget schools,” Satterfield said. enue) dropped affecting the have unspent allocations that teachers now and then add them that only had $17,000 set aside “Beaumont and L&N pull from $528.3 million FY21 revenue total one million dollars. Those back for the FY21 if the econo- for salary and wages. Satter- kids all over this district. budget to forecasted revenues monies can be used to carry my bounces back. “It’s a terrible field next took up this same posi- “If we don’t treat our magnet of $507.8 million. Yet, the state over to the FY21 budget. As far year from an economic stand- tion to not cut $120,000 from schools like they are supposed requires a 3% cash reserve at as Pre-K cuts, some of them point. What bothers me is, it’s the budget which would directly to be treated, then what is the all times (about four million cur- may result in losing a few class- hard to explain from my perspec- affect the two schools that Knox- point of having an open trans- rently) which lowers the revenue rooms, but will not result in tive as a board member, why did ville receives local and national fer, and what is the point of all back down to $503.8 million. losing any student services. certain teachers get raises when attention for – the L&N STEM the innovation that KCS pro- This reserve is called “Replen- A pay reduction of five days I don’t even have a job and I’m a Academy and Beaumont Acad- vides to students if we are not ish Fund Balance” in the budget. for year-round 255-day employ- taxpayer?” he asked when talk- emy. Satterfield informed mem- fully supporting the innovation However, a $4.9 million budget ees amounting in $700,000, pro- ing with a community member. bers, “We did receive in the in our schools. L&N is doing savings is possible due to debt fessional development and its McPherson answered McMil- last 24 hours over 160 emails exactly what we want our high restructured for capital improve- related travel was cut in half, and lan’s concern about step from community members. It schools to do. Beaumont has ments, a reduction in retire- the elimination of twenty posi- increases stating Knox County has been said multiple times done exactly what we want ment TCRS contribution rates, tions at central office ($1.7 mil- would lose ground on the aver- that this money has not been our magnet program to do.” workers compensation insur- lion) were the cuts budgeted into age teacher pay, which would attached to positions, but it is, “It’s not fair for magnets to ance savings, fewer charter the 2020 expenditure budget. hurt teacher recruitment, and this money is attached to posi- be getting an increase when all school pass-through payments, Board member Terry Hill asked spoke of the difficulty that would tions … Why magnet contin- the other schools would be get- less sick leave payouts, the TVA for more information about the occur in trying to add raises ues to come up when it’s such ting a decrease,” said Horn. East Tower move, transportation fund balance and Virginia Babb back once they are taken out. a small amount of money in the Satterfield answered, “The department savings, and vari- questioned how teachers would McMillan acknowledged that bigger picture? … L&N Stem funding that goes into these ous other system-wide savings. be trained for a 1:1 district with while many teachers worked Academy has been the forerun- schools is the reason we get McPherson explained the dif- professional development taking hard during the pandemic, “a lot ner of KCS since its inception. national attention for KCS.” ficulty in developing a budget a $.4 million cut. Shannon Jack- of teachers had a lot of leisure They are knocking it out the The amendment to add with many assumptions, and son answered her with the expla- time to do things they wanted park … it is a model school that back the $120,000 to magnet why budgeting in savings of the nation that some of those dol- to do.” McMillan then made an people across the nation look at. schools failed to pass its vote. fund balance is so important -- lars will come from the general amended motion to drop the four L&N is number nine in the state.” Babb said, “We have to pres- because of a higher likelihood purpose budget as reflected in million dollar step increases in She said the cut will hurt the top ent a realistic budget to show of using those funds this year. federal title funding. She said a hopes to add them back later. achieving schools and the board our mayor and county commis- “The dilemma we are having is plan is in place to support teach- Board member Evetty Sat- should instead consider cut- sioners we need more fund- trying to predict fund balance. ers throughout the school year, terfield agreed, and said the ting athletics or one or two posi- ing.” She gave the example of We don’t know and won’t know and teachers will be sharing step increases were “some- tions so that the $120,000 can the state funding zero speech the effect of COVID on the econ- their talent across the district. thing that jumped out to me be added back to the budget. pathologists, yet the budget omy for a couple more months. Board member Jennifer Owen when the budget was present- She then made a motion to has to fund 63 for the next Sales tax has a two-month lag commented next about funding ed. We have people in our com- add the $120,000 back to the school year. She made clear the time … we really won’t know the from the state legislatures, “As munity that don’t have jobs … budget for magnet schools. need for funding comes from degree COVID has had on this a board we need to be looking and we are giving raises.” Babb asked if the budget the state and that state and year’s budget, which affects far into the future … our comp- McMillan expounded fur- can be raised to include the local taxes need to increase. fund balance, which affects trollers say we are underfund- ther, “We exist because the $120,000. The superintendent Satterfield made a motion next year’s budget, until prob- ed $400 million every year … public pays the money in state spoke of supplementing the to pass the budget seconded ably August,” he explained. “We our legislature is underfunding and local dollars for us to schools less their unused allo- by Babb, and it passed unani- have less projected revenue us … the BEP (Basic Education operate on. The kids are the cations from the last budget mously. The vote approved the available for spending than the Program) was adopted in 1992 number one item … it’s not which would increase the budget 507.8 million dollar budget current year budget that we are and updated in 2007 and it’s that we should protect teach- $30,000 instead of 120,000, which included replenishing operating in,” he added, that gotten smaller and smaller every ers at all cost every time … thus making the magnets whole the fund balance for FY21. estimate being $503.8 mil- year.” She stated the BEP for- this is a one-time situation.” in the area of allocations. In a Chairperson Horn thanked lion dollars available to spend. mula is short 22% for teachers Chair Susan Horn said she normal budget year, L&N Acad- all of those individuals who Protecting KCS jobs was and that many of her colleagues would not support the motion emy would receive $15,000 in have been involved in the a top priority to Thomas and say some of the allocations for because teachers see this allocations. Since the school budget reviewing process. June 1, 2020 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE B1

June 1, 2020

SHINING THE BRIGHTEST IN TRYING TIMES High school athletes are back to work By Mark Nagi Tuesday, May 26 was a big day for some Knox County football teams. The high school fields were once again busy, as teams began the pro- cess of resuming orga- nized workouts in anticipa- tion of the 2020 season. “It’s been different,” said Grace Christian Acad- emy head coach Rusty Bradley. “When we got out for Spring Break on March 16, we had no idea that we wouldn’t be coming back to school. I think we did the best that we could with it. We gave them workouts to do on Jake Parris was a workhorse for Halls in 2019 and Coach Scott Cummings said: “His per carry average of 9.2 yards is stuff of legends.” their own the first four to five weeks. We made a challenge out of it to post funny videos on twitter. Then the last five weeks Red Devils’ Parris had a we did team Zoom work- outs. I think our guys did a good job with that, but unfortunately that isn’t the same as being Byfootball Steve Williams season to remember in the weight room.” up 1,855 all-purpose Student-Athlete of the “His per carry average recruiters, but Jake indi- Bradley added, “Coming Jake Parris’ 2019 foot- yards and 19 total touch- Year. of 9.2 yards is stuff of leg- cated earlier he had a plan back and getting in the ball season was probably downs in his senior cam- “Jake is simply a football ends. Almost a first down for the future that didn’t weight room will take his last. But it was a mighty paign. Defensively, he had player in every sense,” said every time he touched it. include football. some adjustment. We are good one. 63 tackles, seven TFLs, Scott Cummings after his Sure wish I had another He will be enrolling in an basically back where we The Halls running back one interception and one first season as the Red Jake coming back.” electrical school in the fall were in February instead was named the Offen- fumble recovery. Devils’ head coach. “He Parris’ numbers indeed and plans to own and oper- of building on what we did sive Back of the Year in For his efforts, Jake is tough, physical, strong, were attractive enough to ate his own business in between February and Region 2-5A after racking was selected Halls’ male fast with good hands, too. get the attention of college Continue on page 3 the end of May. We are behind but I think because of what our guys did we can get back quickly.” Over at South-Doyle, Defense is name of the game for Megan Turner the Cherokees were By Steve Williams like other teams, giving Association’s Class AA All-State Gibbs’ female Student-Athlete In addition to her athletic tal- enough space on the Megan Turner had a school team at the libero position fol- of the Year for 2019-20 signed ents, which included being named field and working on record 1,247 digs in her high lowing her senior campaign. She with Middle Tennessee State Uni- to the Region 2-AA all-tournament conditioning last week. school volleyball career at Gibbs. thrived on keeping the ball alive. versity in volleyball. She also had team twice, Turner graduated with There will be a time for That should tell you what kind of Defense was actually a big a scholarship offer to play softball a 4.3 grade point average and footballs to be through player she is. part of both of Megan’s games at Lincoln Memorial University. was a member of the National the pads to crunch. “A dig is when a player prevents at Gibbs. Megan acquired her love of Honor Society. That time isn’t now. the ball from hitting the floor after The three-time All-District 4-AA sports naturally. Both of her par- “What most impresses me “While we have been a kill or serve from the opposing volleyball honoree was twice ents, in fact, coach at Gibbs. Her about Megan is her commitment off, we tried to stay in team,” explained Gibbs Coach named her district’s Defensive mom, Amanda Turner, has been to her team and teammates, the touch with players through Sarah Sharp. “Or it’s a defensive Player of the Year. an assistant in volleyball. Dad fact that she is a ‘coachable’ our Remind app and tex- move or a pass to the setter if In softball, Turner, a second Brad Turner is an assistant in soft- player, and her respect for her ting,” said South-Doyle possible.” baseman, made the All-District ball in addition to being head foot- coaches and team, which has led head coach Clark Duncan. In other words, Turner was a 3-AA team in 2019 plus received ball coach. to her success as a student-ath- “We encouraged them defensive specialist, and made the Lady Eagles’ Golden Glove “She has been playing ball her lete,” said Coach Sharp. to do things, but they the Tennessee Sports Writers Award. whole life,” he noted. Continued on page 3 Continue on page 3 KNOX RAIL SALVAGE NEW 5/8” 1/4” Glue-on Vinyl Shiplap thick 4’x12’ Lauan siding 1x6, 8ft long Sheetrock Plywood, 4x8 69¢/foot $8.95/sheet sheets $11.95 $49/square Glue down 4214 Greenway 200 E Magnolia Free floating luxury vinyl Fountain City Knoxville luxury vinyl starting at Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. starting at Saturday 8 a.m. - noon (865) 524-8242 49¢/sf www.knoxrailsalvage.com $1.79/sf Check with us on your hardwood, vinyl and plank flooring needs. PRIDE OF THE PREPS IN 2017-18 PAGE B2 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 SHINING THE BRIGHTEST IN TRYING TIMES Team came first for Halls honoree Cassie Norris By Steve Williams

Both of Cassie Norris’ high school coaches at Halls talked about how her contributions to the team came before anything else. That’s a high compliment for the school’s female Stu- dent-Athlete of the Year, who played softball and vol- leyball and signed a soft- ball scholarship with the University of South Caroli- na Upstate in Spartanburg. “Cassie is the true defini- tion of a team player,” led off Bryan Gordon, Halls’ softball coach. “She always Ethan Humphries “is everything you want in a student-athlete” said Gibbs Coach Brad Turner. put the team ahead of her- Halls High graduate Cassie self and did what we asked Norris will continue her ed- of her to make the team ucation and athletic career better. in softball at USC Upstate. “She started at first base Ethan Humphries ‘gave her freshman and sopho- more years, then moved to left field last year. And this hands of Siegel in the year, when we needed her losers’ bracket finals. his all’ at Gibbs High to pitch, she worked hard Norris, hitting out of the By Steve Williams over the off-season to be No. 3 hole in the batting very involved in our program and this That’s just what you saw on Friday ready for that challenge.” order, went 4 for 15 at the On Friday nights, Ethan Humphries community.” nights. Unfortunately, Norris’ state with five RBI and a reminded many football fans of the A powerful running back, Humphries was a three-time Eagle and the Lady Red Devils’ home run to account for days when the game had big, strong Humphries (5-10, 220) was a four- of the Month inside the school. 2020 season was halted Halls’ only run in the close fullbacks. year letterman and team captain for He was in the National Honor Soci- early by the coronavirus loss to Siegel. Give him the ball and let him go the Eagles. ety, the National Technical Honor pandemic. “Cassie has been a to work. As a senior, he rushed for 1,433 Society, a Student Government Asso- Cassie and many of her staple in the middle of As the game wore on, Humphries yards and 14 touchdowns and was ciation Vice President and a Spanish teammates, however, can our lineup for the last four seemed to get stronger and harder named to the All-Region 2-5A team Honor Society Vice President. look back at the 2019 cam- years, leading us in most to bring down. for the second time. Ethan also was a Link Up Execu- paign with fond memories, offensive categories every But there is so much more to this Ethan also earned a first-team tive Board member, which involved as the Lady Red Devils season,” added Coach young man. spot on The Knoxville Focus / Coach- helping incoming freshmen with how made their first appear- Gordon. “We will definitely “Ethan is a class act,” said Brad es’ All-Knox County team. to go about high school. He was a ance at the Spring Fling for miss her, but I look forward Turner, Gibbs High head football Humphries will continue his foot- HOSA member, which deals with the first time since 2002. to following her career at coach and Strength and Condition- ball career at Centre College, a NCAA health science. He has a CNA license Halls also made a strong USC Upstate!” ing teacher. “He is everything you Division III school in Danville, Ky. The showing at the state, bat- Halls volleyball coach want in a student-athlete.” Colonels are members of the South- (Certified nurse assistant). And last tling back to take third Hollie Kilgore said: “Cassie It’s no wonder Humphries is the ern Athletic Association. but not least, he’s a member of the place after losing a 3-1 is a very hard worker and school’s male Student-Athlete of the “Ethan was dependable for us,” Fellowship of Christian Athletes. decision to eventual Class was voted captain by her Year. said Coach Turner. “He took care of “Ethan’s academics speak for AAA state champion Jeffer- teammates. She pushes “He is very motivated and pushes his body and really excelled in the themselves,” added Turner. “He has son County in its tourney others to be their best by himself to be the best on and off weight room and conditioning his a 4.3 GPA and in all honors classes. opener. her actions. Cassie is a the field,” said Turner. “That starts at body to play a lot of snaps. He managed his time and gave his The Lady Red Devils great student-athlete, get- home with his parents. Ethan and his “Ethan was a very physical player all to everything he was involved in. responded with three ting the job done on and off brother Wyatt both played at Gibbs and especially late in games he “From what I understand, he straight wins before final- the court. She represents and they are very mannerly and ‘yes seemed to have more in his tank wants to be a surgeon and major in ly going down 2-1 at the Continue on page 4 sir, no sir’ guys. Their parents were than anybody else.” pre-med.”

Trumm and Trusley have record-setting years at Powell By Steve Williams Walker Trusley is Pow- have been well document- ell’s male honoree. The ed, she was also ranked Bailey Trumm made news two-sport standout, who No. 5 academically at PHS on the state scene this past signed a baseball scholar- with a 4.3 GPA. winter as she became the ship with East Tennessee “I totally admire the job all-time leader in making State University, led the that Jennifer and Will have 3-point shots in TSSAA girls Panthers to a 10-0 regular done raising an incredible basketball. season in football and had daughter. I will miss her but The 5-7 Powell guard is a record-setting year him- look forward to seeing all now in the state record self at quarterback. the great things Bailey is book with 416 treys, “What a great honor for going to do as an alumnus moving past Wilson Cen- Bailey Trumm,” said Powell of Powell High.” tral product Kendall Spray, girls basketball coach John Bailey also was a finalist who totaled 390 from 2012 Fisher of the student-ath- for Class AAA Miss Basket- through 2016. lete award. “Bailey is so ball in Tennessee. Trumm, the PHS female deserving and displays the Trusley threw for 2,342 Student-Athlete of the type of work ethic that a yards and 27 touchdowns Year, will be continuing coach desires in their play- – both single season her education and basket- ers. school records – as Powell ball career at Appalachian “For all of her athletic reached the Class 5A state State University. accomplishments, which Continued on page 4

PHOTO BY TRACY HEARD Powell High’s Bailey Trumm put her name in the TSSAA record book this season with her career 416 3-point baskets. Walker Trusley was a two-sport standout in football and baseball during his prep career at Powell. ETSU signed him to play baseball starting next season. June 1, 2020 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE B3 THSSCA to host state tournament in July By Ken Lay Farragut will play as Admirals FC. When the coronavirus pandemic bought Bearden will use the moniker Bulldogs a premature end to the 2019-20 school FC and like Dover, Bearden coach Ryan year and the 2020 spring sports season, Radcliffe won’t be on the sidelines. all high school boys soccer teams saw their “I was advised by my athletic director campaign end before ever really got start- not to coach the team in the tournament,” ed. said Radcliffe, who guided the Bulldogs to That obviously didn’t sit too well with the the 2019 TSSAA Class AAA State Cham- Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches pionship. “I won’t be there and Ray prob- Association. ably won’t be either. I don’t want to get a Many schools in the Volunteer State are TSSAA violation. having late graduation ceremonies and “Every player will be given two tickets junior/senior proms. because they’re trying to limit the number So why not have a state high school of people up there. I will go try to watch a soccer tournament? game if I’m not busy with my girls team. And so it will be. “I didn’t get to see my team play much Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and the this spring.” THSSCA will host state championships for Bearden played just one regular-season Division I Schools from July 9-11 and Divi- match in 2020 while Farragut played two. sion II Schools from July 13-15 at the Rocky Bulldogs FC is the tournament’s No. 4 Top Sports World Complex in Gatlinburg. seed and Admirals FC is the fifth seed There will be three flights in Class AAA based on rankings by the coaches. The with Bearden and Farragut playing in the two West Knox County rivals will tangle Championship Flight. West High will play in a first-round game on July 9 at 3 p.m. in Flight 2. There are no Knoxville teams Other teams in the championship flight in Flight 3. include Bison FC (Station Camp), Drag- Since the tournament is not sanctioned ons TTB (Collierville), Bruins (Brentwood), by the TSSAA, teams may not wear school Commandos (Hendersonville), Rebels jerseys or use school names. They can, (Franklin) and Mustangs (Germantown however, use mascot names. Houston). Also, coaches in the Knox County Also in Class AAA: West High will com- Schools system will not be allowed to pete as Rebels FC in Flight 2. They’ll open coach their teams. against Indians (Kingsport Dobyns-Ben- “I can’t coach my team and I hate that,” nett) at 12:30 p.m. on July 9. said Farragut coach Ray Dover. “But it is In Class AA, Bobcats FC (Central) will It’s easy to see Megan Turner is a ball player, but she also excelled in the classroom and is what it is. play Yellow Jackets (Fairview) at 5:30 p.m. Gibbs High’s female Student-Athlete of the Year. “I think this will be a lot of fun for the on July 9. guys. It should be a good tournament. The Cherokees (South-Doyle) will play Red- guys wanted to do this. So they put things skins FC (Loudon) at 5:30 on a different together and we have some parents with field. Defense is name of the coaching experience and they’re willing In Class A: Roadrunners FC (Austin-East) to coach the guys. Although we will have will play Patriots (Chattanooga School for four or five guys who won’t be there. I can’t the Arts and Sciences) at 8 p.m. coach per Knox County rules that prohib- Registrations are still being taken for game for Megan Turner it us from coaching a club team with our the Division II-A and Division II-AA State players on it.” Tournaments. Cont. from page 1 in the Lady Eagles going and the Lady Eagles also “We talked to the MTSU 27-9 overall and 8-0 in reached the state tourna- coaches when they were district play as a junior in ment in 2018 and 2019. recruiting her. I shared with 2018. Due to the coronavirus Farragut’s Swartzentruber their staff that Megan is a Turner also was a two- pandemic, Turner missed dedicated student-athlete year captain for Gibbs vol- most of her senior season and will be an asset to any leyball, was named to the retires as middle school coach with Coach Carol Mitchell’s By Ken Lay program she joins. TACA All-Academic team in highly regarded program from coaching and noted Middle School Basketball “Megan has been a big both sports in 2019 and One of Knox County’s that he thought about Conference coaches, and contributor in elevating the was a Johnny Mauer Award but was among 5-Star longest-serving and most retirement the past few last season, he coached volleyball program at Gibbs, winner this year. Preps’ 2020 “Softball Play- successful middle school years. his son Brevin, who was and I look forward to seeing Megan was a freshman ers to Watch.” basketball coaches is “I just thought it was an eighth-grader. what she will accomplish at player on Gibbs’ Class AAA Turner plans to major in retiring from the game. time,” Swartzentruber The coach said that he MTSU.” state championship soft- occupational therapy at Randy “Swartz” Swart- said. “I coached some had some great years at Turner played a key role ball team in 2017. She MTSU. zentruber announced his great teams and I had Farragut Middle, where he retirement from coaching some great kids. But I just will remain a math teach- early last week after serv- thought that it was time er. ing for nearly two decades for me to go home after “This is something that as Farragut Middle school. I enjoyed,” he said. “And School’s boys basketball “My kids are getting Farragut is a great place Red Devils’ Parris had a coach. older now and they’re to teach and coach. You Swartzentruber, who doing a lot more different have great kids here. I took over the Admirals’ things and my wife and I, know I enjoyed it and I program for the 2001- we like to travel, but I’ll still hope the kids enjoyed football season to remember 2002 season and had a be around. I told (Farragut it and I hope that we all Cont. from page 1 said that from the begin- 185 pounds last season, run that included a James principal Wes) Edmonds learned something. ning, they (recruiters) all had a “tremendous year” in A. Ivey Jr. Memorial Middle that I would still be around “It’s the kids that you the future and work with backed off of course. But leading the Red Devils to a School Basketball Tour- and that I’d do anything I miss the most and you his brother Luke, who is a Tennessee Tech, Western playoff berth last fall. nament Championship in needed to, to help out.” always have a good group licensed contractor. Carolina, Carson-Newman, “I haven’t seen many 2009 and another cham- At the time of his retire- coming up. But I enjoy “Jake said from the etcetera, had shown a lot athletes as tough as Jake,” pionship game appear- ment from basketball, teaching math and I think beginning he was going of interest. Tennessee Tech ance in 2018, said it was Swartzentruber was the that I would enjoy teaching into family construction came to watch him in prac- added Jackson. “He played time for him to move on dean of Knox County any subject.” business,” said Coach tice and loved him.” through injuries and was a Cummings. “Within that Halls Athletic Director great leader on the field he will be doing their elec- Tucker Jackson said Parris, and in the school as well. High school athletes are trical side. So because he who was listed at 6-1 and Halls High will miss Jake!” back to work Cont. from page 1 and keep kids apart and blowing up with kids tex- are limited. Some had that’s not the easiest ting and parents emailing. weights and some didn’t. thing. We’ve had to have We are happy to be here The good thing is we a very detailed plan to do and see the kids again.” are back. We are excit- that. Summer has start- Many other Knox County ed. We have managed ed off very odd. We are schools were sched- it. There is a lot of anxi- used to coming in and uled to get back under- ety with the unknown. hugging on our kids and way on Monday, June 1. We just tried to be even high fiving them and we keel and tell them to can’t do those things. make sure they are social That’s a little dishearten- distancing and wanted ing right now. But every- them to lift and run as body is in the same boat. much as they could. Just Hopefully, we can get to trying to stay positive.” Phase 3 and lighten the In North Knox County, restrictions and guide- the Halls Red Devils are lines even more and get hoping to build on a 2019 back to more normality.” season which saw them Cummings added, “We advance to the Class 5A thought we were going to playoffs. Last November start June 1, which I was seems like a lifetime ago. fine with. Then when they “It’s a really odd feel- announced we could get ing being out here,” said out here on May 26, we Halls head coach Scott had to get on it. There Cummings. “We are was a sense of relief and trying to social distance excitement. My phone was PAGE B4 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of

ByFame Ken Lay announces 2020 inductees working in sports media for 40 Black will join one of his men- baseball coach, was a Major He works at UT and recently grad- The Greater Knoxville Sports years, spending the last 24 with tors in the 2020 induction class. League pitching coach for the uated from the school. Hall of Fame recently announced the Demon Deacons. As a head coach at Fulton, he has Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rang- Lambert was the head basket- its inductees for 2020 and the He is a graduate of the Univer- won 91 games and guided his ers, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona ball coach at Maryville College. induction ceremony will be held sity of Tennessee and Farragut alma mater to three state cham- Diamond Backs and New York With the Scots men’s basketball on July 21. High School. While at UT, Cotten pionships. Yankees. team, he won more than 700 The 39th annual ceremony will served as the sports director Landers, the longtime women’s He was UT’s pitching coach games and guided the team to be broadcast on WBXX-TV. at WIVK and was the weekend basketball coach at the University (1974-1978) and was the Vols’ 20 NCAA Division III Tournament This year’s inductees include sports anchor at WTVK/WKXT-TV. of Georgia, hails from Maryville head coach from 1989-1990. appearances. Todd Helton, Mike Murray, Stan He began his college broad- and began his coaching career at Hamer was a basketball player Dustin Colquitt and Chad Pen- Cotten, Gloria Deathridge, Clark casting career at Carson-New- Roane State. for the Vols. He was a 7-footer. He nington are the Professional Ath- Duncan, Andy Landers, Rob man University and later moved He coached for 36 seasons never played on a winning team in letes of the Year. Trey Smith will Black, Mark Connor, Steve Hamer to Marshall. He has been recog- and won more than 800 games Knoxville. He did, however, play receive the Pat Summitt Ignite and Randy Lambert. nized multiple times as Tennes- before retiring in 2015. He cur- for the Boston Celtics. Courage Award and Buck Jones Helton, a graduate of Central see and North Carolina Broad- rently works for ESPN. He played for Wade Houston will receive a Special Recognition High School, played first base for caster of the Year. Connor, a former Tennessee and Kevin O’Neill on Rocky Top. Award. the Colorado Rockies. He was Deathridge, nee Gloria Scott, the face of the franchise for 17 played basketball for the Lady seasons. The Rockies retired his Vols between 1971-1974. She number (17). played high school basketball for He was a five-time National Bradley Central, where she won a League All-Star and a three-time state championship in 1970. Gold Glove Award Winner. He led She began her career at Ten- the league in runs batted in and nessee playing for coach Marga- won the NL batting title in 2000. ret Hutson at a time when play- He had a lifetime batting aver- ers were recruited once they got age of .316 and belted 369 home on campus. runs during his Major League She was a member of the Knox career. County Board of Education and At the University of Tennessee, she was inducted into the Greater Helton played baseball and foot- Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame ball. He was an All-America per- in 2020. former on the diamond and won Duncan, the football coach and the Dick Howser Award in 1995 athletic director at South-Doyle, as the best collegiate baseball played for the Vols under Johnny player in the country. He pitched Majors and was an All-Southeast- and played first base for the Vol- ern Conference defensive back. unteers. He was an All-America performer Murray is the general manag- at Unicoi High School where he er of the Knoxville Ice Bears and excelled in both football and track was a professional hockey player. and field. During his playing career, he tal- He began his coaching career lied 424 goals and dished out as an assistant at Fulton High 484 assists. He spent part of his School under Steve Brewer. playing career in Knoxville, play- There, he coached Robbie Black, ing for the Cherokees, the city’s a quarterback, wide receiver and East Coast Hockey League fran- defensive back. He later coached chise between 1990-1995. at Powell High. He was there for Cotten is the Voice of Wake 17 years before moving on to Forest Athletics and has been South Knoxville. Trumm and Trusley Cont. from page 2 Powell baseball and Powell quarterfinals. In addition, football,” said Josh Warner, he racked up 2,945 total who was in his first season yards and 35 touchdowns as Powell’s head baseball in helping lead Coach Matt coach this spring. Lowe’s Panthers to the “Walker has an extremely Region 3-5A title. bright future ahead of him The 6-2, 180-pound- playing baseball for ETSU er also set three PHS and I could not be more career records as a three- proud of Walker for all of year starter: total offense the hard work and commit- (7,223 yards), passing ment he has displayed and yards (5,932) and passing touchdowns (59). that ultimately led to his Trusley’s senior year of success in the classroom baseball was cut short due and on the field.” to the coronavirus pandem- Trusley could see playing ic. time with the Buccaneers “Walker is a tremen- as a pitcher, shortstop or dous young man that has third baseman, because contributed in many ways he’s such a good contact to the successes of both hitter at the plate. Cassie Norris Cont. from page 2 she represented Halls with Halls High and Halls Volley- class on the court and field. ball very well!” “I am confident that she Tucker Jackson, Halls’ would have led Halls soft- athletic director, addressed ball very far this postsea- Norris’ academics. son. Cassie most certainly “Cassie is the perfect has a very bright future in representation of a stu- whatever she decides to do dent-athlete,” he said. in life and we are so proud “Her GPA is over 4.0 and of her!”

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June 1, 2020

SHINING THE BRIGHTEST IN TRYING TIMES High school athletes are back to work By Mark Nagi Tuesday, May 26 was a big day for some Knox County football teams. The high school fields were once again busy, as teams began the pro- cess of resuming orga- nized workouts in anticipa- tion of the 2020 season. “It’s been different,” said Grace Christian Acad- emy head coach Rusty Bradley. “When we got out for Spring Break on March 16, we had no idea that we wouldn’t be coming back to school. I think we did the best that we could with it. We gave them workouts to do on Jake Parris was a workhorse for Halls in 2019 and Coach Scott Cummings said: “His per carry average of 9.2 yards is stuff of legends.” their own the first four to five weeks. We made a challenge out of it to post funny videos on twitter. Then the last five weeks Red Devils’ Parris had a we did team Zoom work- outs. I think our guys did a good job with that, but unfortunately that isn’t the same as being Byfootball Steve Williams season to remember in the weight room.” up 1,855 all-purpose Student-Athlete of the “His per carry average recruiters, but Jake indi- Bradley added, “Coming Jake Parris’ 2019 foot- yards and 19 total touch- Year. of 9.2 yards is stuff of leg- cated earlier he had a plan back and getting in the ball season was probably downs in his senior cam- “Jake is simply a football ends. Almost a first down for the future that didn’t weight room will take his last. But it was a mighty paign. Defensively, he had player in every sense,” said every time he touched it. include football. some adjustment. We are good one. 63 tackles, seven TFLs, Scott Cummings after his Sure wish I had another He will be enrolling in an basically back where we The Halls running back one interception and one first season as the Red Jake coming back.” electrical school in the fall were in February instead was named the Offen- fumble recovery. Devils’ head coach. “He Parris’ numbers indeed and plans to own and oper- of building on what we did sive Back of the Year in For his efforts, Jake is tough, physical, strong, were attractive enough to ate his own business in between February and Region 2-5A after racking was selected Halls’ male fast with good hands, too. get the attention of college Continue on page 3 the end of May. We are behind but I think because of what our guys did we can get back quickly.” Over at South-Doyle, Defense is name of the game for Megan Turner the Cherokees were By Steve Williams like other teams, giving Association’s Class AA All-State Gibbs’ female Student-Athlete In addition to her athletic tal- enough space on the Megan Turner had a school team at the libero position fol- of the Year for 2019-20 signed ents, which included being named field and working on record 1,247 digs in her high lowing her senior campaign. She with Middle Tennessee State Uni- to the Region 2-AA all-tournament conditioning last week. school volleyball career at Gibbs. thrived on keeping the ball alive. versity in volleyball. She also had team twice, Turner graduated with There will be a time for That should tell you what kind of Defense was actually a big a scholarship offer to play softball a 4.3 grade point average and footballs to be through player she is. part of both of Megan’s games at Lincoln Memorial University. was a member of the National the pads to crunch. “A dig is when a player prevents at Gibbs. Megan acquired her love of Honor Society. That time isn’t now. the ball from hitting the floor after The three-time All-District 4-AA sports naturally. Both of her par- “What most impresses me “While we have been a kill or serve from the opposing volleyball honoree was twice ents, in fact, coach at Gibbs. Her about Megan is her commitment off, we tried to stay in team,” explained Gibbs Coach named her district’s Defensive mom, Amanda Turner, has been to her team and teammates, the touch with players through Sarah Sharp. “Or it’s a defensive Player of the Year. an assistant in volleyball. Dad fact that she is a ‘coachable’ our Remind app and tex- move or a pass to the setter if In softball, Turner, a second Brad Turner is an assistant in soft- player, and her respect for her ting,” said South-Doyle possible.” baseman, made the All-District ball in addition to being head foot- coaches and team, which has led head coach Clark Duncan. In other words, Turner was a 3-AA team in 2019 plus received ball coach. to her success as a student-ath- “We encouraged them defensive specialist, and made the Lady Eagles’ Golden Glove “She has been playing ball her lete,” said Coach Sharp. to do things, but they the Tennessee Sports Writers Award. whole life,” he noted. Continued on page 3 Continue on page 3 KNOX RAIL SALVAGE NEW 5/8” 1/4” Glue-on Vinyl Shiplap thick 4’x12’ Lauan siding 1x6, 8ft long Sheetrock Plywood, 4x8 69¢/foot $8.95/sheet sheets $11.95 $49/square Glue down 4214 Greenway 200 E Magnolia Free floating luxury vinyl Fountain City Knoxville luxury vinyl starting at Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. starting at Saturday 8 a.m. - noon (865) 524-8242 49¢/sf www.knoxrailsalvage.com $1.79/sf Check with us on your hardwood, vinyl and plank flooring needs. PRIDE OF THE PREPS IN 2017-18 PAGE B2 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 SHINING THE BRIGHTEST IN TRYING TIMES Team came first for Halls honoree Cassie Norris By Steve Williams

Both of Cassie Norris’ high school coaches at Halls talked about how her contributions to the team came before anything else. That’s a high compliment for the school’s female Stu- dent-Athlete of the Year, who played softball and vol- leyball and signed a soft- ball scholarship with the University of South Caroli- na Upstate in Spartanburg. “Cassie is the true defini- tion of a team player,” led off Bryan Gordon, Halls’ softball coach. “She always Ethan Humphries “is everything you want in a student-athlete” said Gibbs Coach Brad Turner. put the team ahead of her- Halls High graduate Cassie self and did what we asked Norris will continue her ed- of her to make the team ucation and athletic career better. in softball at USC Upstate. “She started at first base Ethan Humphries ‘gave her freshman and sopho- more years, then moved to left field last year. And this hands of Siegel in the year, when we needed her losers’ bracket finals. his all’ at Gibbs High to pitch, she worked hard Norris, hitting out of the By Steve Williams over the off-season to be No. 3 hole in the batting very involved in our program and this That’s just what you saw on Friday ready for that challenge.” order, went 4 for 15 at the On Friday nights, Ethan Humphries community.” nights. Unfortunately, Norris’ state with five RBI and a reminded many football fans of the A powerful running back, Humphries was a three-time Eagle and the Lady Red Devils’ home run to account for days when the game had big, strong Humphries (5-10, 220) was a four- of the Month inside the school. 2020 season was halted Halls’ only run in the close fullbacks. year letterman and team captain for He was in the National Honor Soci- early by the coronavirus loss to Siegel. Give him the ball and let him go the Eagles. ety, the National Technical Honor pandemic. “Cassie has been a to work. As a senior, he rushed for 1,433 Society, a Student Government Asso- Cassie and many of her staple in the middle of As the game wore on, Humphries yards and 14 touchdowns and was ciation Vice President and a Spanish teammates, however, can our lineup for the last four seemed to get stronger and harder named to the All-Region 2-5A team Honor Society Vice President. look back at the 2019 cam- years, leading us in most to bring down. for the second time. Ethan also was a Link Up Execu- paign with fond memories, offensive categories every But there is so much more to this Ethan also earned a first-team tive Board member, which involved as the Lady Red Devils season,” added Coach young man. spot on The Knoxville Focus / Coach- helping incoming freshmen with how made their first appear- Gordon. “We will definitely “Ethan is a class act,” said Brad es’ All-Knox County team. to go about high school. He was a ance at the Spring Fling for miss her, but I look forward Turner, Gibbs High head football Humphries will continue his foot- HOSA member, which deals with the first time since 2002. to following her career at coach and Strength and Condition- ball career at Centre College, a NCAA health science. He has a CNA license Halls also made a strong USC Upstate!” ing teacher. “He is everything you Division III school in Danville, Ky. The showing at the state, bat- Halls volleyball coach want in a student-athlete.” Colonels are members of the South- (Certified nurse assistant). And last tling back to take third Hollie Kilgore said: “Cassie It’s no wonder Humphries is the ern Athletic Association. but not least, he’s a member of the place after losing a 3-1 is a very hard worker and school’s male Student-Athlete of the “Ethan was dependable for us,” Fellowship of Christian Athletes. decision to eventual Class was voted captain by her Year. said Coach Turner. “He took care of “Ethan’s academics speak for AAA state champion Jeffer- teammates. She pushes “He is very motivated and pushes his body and really excelled in the themselves,” added Turner. “He has son County in its tourney others to be their best by himself to be the best on and off weight room and conditioning his a 4.3 GPA and in all honors classes. opener. her actions. Cassie is a the field,” said Turner. “That starts at body to play a lot of snaps. He managed his time and gave his The Lady Red Devils great student-athlete, get- home with his parents. Ethan and his “Ethan was a very physical player all to everything he was involved in. responded with three ting the job done on and off brother Wyatt both played at Gibbs and especially late in games he “From what I understand, he straight wins before final- the court. She represents and they are very mannerly and ‘yes seemed to have more in his tank wants to be a surgeon and major in ly going down 2-1 at the Continue on page 4 sir, no sir’ guys. Their parents were than anybody else.” pre-med.”

Trumm and Trusley have record-setting years at Powell By Steve Williams Walker Trusley is Pow- have been well document- ell’s male honoree. The ed, she was also ranked Bailey Trumm made news two-sport standout, who No. 5 academically at PHS on the state scene this past signed a baseball scholar- with a 4.3 GPA. winter as she became the ship with East Tennessee “I totally admire the job all-time leader in making State University, led the that Jennifer and Will have 3-point shots in TSSAA girls Panthers to a 10-0 regular done raising an incredible basketball. season in football and had daughter. I will miss her but The 5-7 Powell guard is a record-setting year him- look forward to seeing all now in the state record self at quarterback. the great things Bailey is book with 416 treys, “What a great honor for going to do as an alumnus moving past Wilson Cen- Bailey Trumm,” said Powell of Powell High.” tral product Kendall Spray, girls basketball coach John Bailey also was a finalist who totaled 390 from 2012 Fisher of the student-ath- for Class AAA Miss Basket- through 2016. lete award. “Bailey is so ball in Tennessee. Trumm, the PHS female deserving and displays the Trusley threw for 2,342 Student-Athlete of the type of work ethic that a yards and 27 touchdowns Year, will be continuing coach desires in their play- – both single season her education and basket- ers. school records – as Powell ball career at Appalachian “For all of her athletic reached the Class 5A state State University. accomplishments, which Continued on page 4

PHOTO BY TRACY HEARD Powell High’s Bailey Trumm put her name in the TSSAA record book this season with her career 416 3-point baskets. Walker Trusley was a two-sport standout in football and baseball during his prep career at Powell. ETSU signed him to play baseball starting next season. June 1, 2020 www.knoxfocus.com PAGE B3 THSSCA to host state tournament in July By Ken Lay Farragut will play as Admirals FC. When the coronavirus pandemic bought Bearden will use the moniker Bulldogs a premature end to the 2019-20 school FC and like Dover, Bearden coach Ryan year and the 2020 spring sports season, Radcliffe won’t be on the sidelines. all high school boys soccer teams saw their “I was advised by my athletic director campaign end before ever really got start- not to coach the team in the tournament,” ed. said Radcliffe, who guided the Bulldogs to That obviously didn’t sit too well with the the 2019 TSSAA Class AAA State Cham- Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches pionship. “I won’t be there and Ray prob- Association. ably won’t be either. I don’t want to get a Many schools in the Volunteer State are TSSAA violation. having late graduation ceremonies and “Every player will be given two tickets junior/senior proms. because they’re trying to limit the number So why not have a state high school of people up there. I will go try to watch a soccer tournament? game if I’m not busy with my girls team. And so it will be. “I didn’t get to see my team play much Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and the this spring.” THSSCA will host state championships for Bearden played just one regular-season Division I Schools from July 9-11 and Divi- match in 2020 while Farragut played two. sion II Schools from July 13-15 at the Rocky Bulldogs FC is the tournament’s No. 4 Top Sports World Complex in Gatlinburg. seed and Admirals FC is the fifth seed There will be three flights in Class AAA based on rankings by the coaches. The with Bearden and Farragut playing in the two West Knox County rivals will tangle Championship Flight. West High will play in a first-round game on July 9 at 3 p.m. in Flight 2. There are no Knoxville teams Other teams in the championship flight in Flight 3. include Bison FC (Station Camp), Drag- Since the tournament is not sanctioned ons TTB (Collierville), Bruins (Brentwood), by the TSSAA, teams may not wear school Commandos (Hendersonville), Rebels jerseys or use school names. They can, (Franklin) and Mustangs (Germantown however, use mascot names. Houston). Also, coaches in the Knox County Also in Class AAA: West High will com- Schools system will not be allowed to pete as Rebels FC in Flight 2. They’ll open coach their teams. against Indians (Kingsport Dobyns-Ben- “I can’t coach my team and I hate that,” nett) at 12:30 p.m. on July 9. said Farragut coach Ray Dover. “But it is In Class AA, Bobcats FC (Central) will It’s easy to see Megan Turner is a ball player, but she also excelled in the classroom and is what it is. play Yellow Jackets (Fairview) at 5:30 p.m. Gibbs High’s female Student-Athlete of the Year. “I think this will be a lot of fun for the on July 9. guys. It should be a good tournament. The Cherokees (South-Doyle) will play Red- guys wanted to do this. So they put things skins FC (Loudon) at 5:30 on a different together and we have some parents with field. Defense is name of the coaching experience and they’re willing In Class A: Roadrunners FC (Austin-East) to coach the guys. Although we will have will play Patriots (Chattanooga School for four or five guys who won’t be there. I can’t the Arts and Sciences) at 8 p.m. coach per Knox County rules that prohib- Registrations are still being taken for game for Megan Turner it us from coaching a club team with our the Division II-A and Division II-AA State players on it.” Tournaments. Cont. from page 1 in the Lady Eagles going and the Lady Eagles also “We talked to the MTSU 27-9 overall and 8-0 in reached the state tourna- coaches when they were district play as a junior in ment in 2018 and 2019. recruiting her. I shared with 2018. Due to the coronavirus Farragut’s Swartzentruber their staff that Megan is a Turner also was a two- pandemic, Turner missed dedicated student-athlete year captain for Gibbs vol- most of her senior season and will be an asset to any leyball, was named to the retires as middle school coach with Coach Carol Mitchell’s By Ken Lay program she joins. TACA All-Academic team in highly regarded program from coaching and noted Middle School Basketball “Megan has been a big both sports in 2019 and One of Knox County’s that he thought about Conference coaches, and contributor in elevating the was a Johnny Mauer Award but was among 5-Star longest-serving and most retirement the past few last season, he coached volleyball program at Gibbs, winner this year. Preps’ 2020 “Softball Play- successful middle school years. his son Brevin, who was and I look forward to seeing Megan was a freshman ers to Watch.” basketball coaches is “I just thought it was an eighth-grader. what she will accomplish at player on Gibbs’ Class AAA Turner plans to major in retiring from the game. time,” Swartzentruber The coach said that he MTSU.” state championship soft- occupational therapy at Randy “Swartz” Swart- said. “I coached some had some great years at Turner played a key role ball team in 2017. She MTSU. zentruber announced his great teams and I had Farragut Middle, where he retirement from coaching some great kids. But I just will remain a math teach- early last week after serv- thought that it was time er. ing for nearly two decades for me to go home after “This is something that as Farragut Middle school. I enjoyed,” he said. “And School’s boys basketball “My kids are getting Farragut is a great place Red Devils’ Parris had a coach. older now and they’re to teach and coach. You Swartzentruber, who doing a lot more different have great kids here. I took over the Admirals’ things and my wife and I, know I enjoyed it and I program for the 2001- we like to travel, but I’ll still hope the kids enjoyed football season to remember 2002 season and had a be around. I told (Farragut it and I hope that we all Cont. from page 1 said that from the begin- 185 pounds last season, run that included a James principal Wes) Edmonds learned something. ning, they (recruiters) all had a “tremendous year” in A. Ivey Jr. Memorial Middle that I would still be around “It’s the kids that you the future and work with backed off of course. But leading the Red Devils to a School Basketball Tour- and that I’d do anything I miss the most and you his brother Luke, who is a Tennessee Tech, Western playoff berth last fall. nament Championship in needed to, to help out.” always have a good group licensed contractor. Carolina, Carson-Newman, “I haven’t seen many 2009 and another cham- At the time of his retire- coming up. But I enjoy “Jake said from the etcetera, had shown a lot athletes as tough as Jake,” pionship game appear- ment from basketball, teaching math and I think beginning he was going of interest. Tennessee Tech ance in 2018, said it was Swartzentruber was the that I would enjoy teaching into family construction came to watch him in prac- added Jackson. “He played time for him to move on dean of Knox County any subject.” business,” said Coach tice and loved him.” through injuries and was a Cummings. “Within that Halls Athletic Director great leader on the field he will be doing their elec- Tucker Jackson said Parris, and in the school as well. High school athletes are trical side. So because he who was listed at 6-1 and Halls High will miss Jake!” back to work Cont. from page 1 and keep kids apart and blowing up with kids tex- are limited. Some had that’s not the easiest ting and parents emailing. weights and some didn’t. thing. We’ve had to have We are happy to be here The good thing is we a very detailed plan to do and see the kids again.” are back. We are excit- that. Summer has start- Many other Knox County ed. We have managed ed off very odd. We are schools were sched- it. There is a lot of anxi- used to coming in and uled to get back under- ety with the unknown. hugging on our kids and way on Monday, June 1. We just tried to be even high fiving them and we keel and tell them to can’t do those things. make sure they are social That’s a little dishearten- distancing and wanted ing right now. But every- them to lift and run as body is in the same boat. much as they could. Just Hopefully, we can get to trying to stay positive.” Phase 3 and lighten the In North Knox County, restrictions and guide- the Halls Red Devils are lines even more and get hoping to build on a 2019 back to more normality.” season which saw them Cummings added, “We advance to the Class 5A thought we were going to playoffs. Last November start June 1, which I was seems like a lifetime ago. fine with. Then when they “It’s a really odd feel- announced we could get ing being out here,” said out here on May 26, we Halls head coach Scott had to get on it. There Cummings. “We are was a sense of relief and trying to social distance excitement. My phone was PAGE B4 The Knoxville Focus June 1, 2020 Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of

ByFame Ken Lay announces 2020 inductees working in sports media for 40 Black will join one of his men- baseball coach, was a Major He works at UT and recently grad- The Greater Knoxville Sports years, spending the last 24 with tors in the 2020 induction class. League pitching coach for the uated from the school. Hall of Fame recently announced the Demon Deacons. As a head coach at Fulton, he has Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rang- Lambert was the head basket- its inductees for 2020 and the He is a graduate of the Univer- won 91 games and guided his ers, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona ball coach at Maryville College. induction ceremony will be held sity of Tennessee and Farragut alma mater to three state cham- Diamond Backs and New York With the Scots men’s basketball on July 21. High School. While at UT, Cotten pionships. Yankees. team, he won more than 700 The 39th annual ceremony will served as the sports director Landers, the longtime women’s He was UT’s pitching coach games and guided the team to be broadcast on WBXX-TV. at WIVK and was the weekend basketball coach at the University (1974-1978) and was the Vols’ 20 NCAA Division III Tournament This year’s inductees include sports anchor at WTVK/WKXT-TV. of Georgia, hails from Maryville head coach from 1989-1990. appearances. Todd Helton, Mike Murray, Stan He began his college broad- and began his coaching career at Hamer was a basketball player Dustin Colquitt and Chad Pen- Cotten, Gloria Deathridge, Clark casting career at Carson-New- Roane State. for the Vols. He was a 7-footer. He nington are the Professional Ath- Duncan, Andy Landers, Rob man University and later moved He coached for 36 seasons never played on a winning team in letes of the Year. Trey Smith will Black, Mark Connor, Steve Hamer to Marshall. He has been recog- and won more than 800 games Knoxville. He did, however, play receive the Pat Summitt Ignite and Randy Lambert. nized multiple times as Tennes- before retiring in 2015. He cur- for the Boston Celtics. Courage Award and Buck Jones Helton, a graduate of Central see and North Carolina Broad- rently works for ESPN. He played for Wade Houston will receive a Special Recognition High School, played first base for caster of the Year. Connor, a former Tennessee and Kevin O’Neill on Rocky Top. Award. the Colorado Rockies. He was Deathridge, nee Gloria Scott, the face of the franchise for 17 played basketball for the Lady seasons. The Rockies retired his Vols between 1971-1974. She number (17). played high school basketball for He was a five-time National Bradley Central, where she won a League All-Star and a three-time state championship in 1970. Gold Glove Award Winner. He led She began her career at Ten- the league in runs batted in and nessee playing for coach Marga- won the NL batting title in 2000. ret Hutson at a time when play- He had a lifetime batting aver- ers were recruited once they got age of .316 and belted 369 home on campus. runs during his Major League She is a member of the Knox career. County Board of Education and At the University of Tennessee, she was inducted into the Greater Helton played baseball and foot- Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame ball. He was an All-America per- in 2020. former on the diamond and won Duncan, the football coach and the Dick Howser Award in 1995 athletic director at South-Doyle, as the best collegiate baseball played for the Vols under Johnny player in the country. He pitched Majors and was an All-Southeast- and played first base for the Vol- ern Conference defensive back. unteers. He was an All-America performer Murray is the general manag- at Unicoi High School where he er of the Knoxville Ice Bears and excelled in both football and track was a professional hockey player. and field. During his playing career, he tal- He began his coaching career lied 424 goals and dished out as an assistant at Fulton High 484 assists. He spent part of his School under Steve Brewer. playing career in Knoxville, play- There, he coached Robbie Black, ing for the Cherokees, the city’s a quarterback, wide receiver and East Coast Hockey League fran- defensive back. He later coached chise between 1990-1995. at Powell High. He was there for Cotten is the Voice of Wake 17 years before moving on to Forest Athletics and has been South Knoxville. Trumm and Trusley Cont. from page 2 Powell baseball and Powell quarterfinals. In addition, football,” said Josh Warner, he racked up 2,945 total who was in his first season yards and 35 touchdowns as Powell’s head baseball in helping lead Coach Matt coach this spring. Lowe’s Panthers to the “Walker has an extremely Region 3-5A title. bright future ahead of him The 6-2, 180-pound- playing baseball for ETSU er also set three PHS and I could not be more career records as a three- proud of Walker for all of year starter: total offense the hard work and commit- (7,223 yards), passing ment he has displayed and yards (5,932) and passing touchdowns (59). that ultimately led to his Trusley’s senior year of success in the classroom baseball was cut short due and on the field.” to the coronavirus pandem- Trusley could see playing ic. time with the Buccaneers “Walker is a tremen- as a pitcher, shortstop or dous young man that has third baseman, because contributed in many ways he’s such a good contact to the successes of both hitter at the plate. Cassie Norris Cont. from page 2 she represented Halls with Halls High and Halls Volley- class on the court and field. ball very well!” “I am confident that she Tucker Jackson, Halls’ would have led Halls soft- athletic director, addressed ball very far this postsea- Norris’ academics. son. Cassie most certainly “Cassie is the perfect has a very bright future in representation of a stu- whatever she decides to do dent-athlete,” he said. in life and we are so proud “Her GPA is over 4.0 and of her!”

2019 Ford Mustang Convertible $26,900 Eco, Premium 2011 Honda CRV SE AWD 1 Owner, Local $7,950 2017 Lexus NX 200T AWD, 1 owner, Clean $24,550 2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium $13,990 Leather, Roof, Loaded 2015 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4, Extra Clean $31,950 2014 Honda Pilot EX-L Leather, Moonroof $13,990 Also take advantage of our Quicklane Tire and Auto Center - No Appointment Needed!