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FREETake One! May 26, 2015

Robust Discussion at Joint Commission/School Board Meeting By Sally Absher [email protected] two hour meeting. think… If we can’t reach some Board and commission mem- middle ground or make some The annual joint meeting bers and Dr. McIntyre were adjustments, then the board is between the Knox County Com- interspersed around a large going to have to go back and mission and the Knox County U-shaped table. Oddly, there make some serious adjust- Board of Education took place was not a seat at the table ments.” last Thursday at the East Ten- for Mayor Tim Burchett, who “Revenue projections are nessee History Center. The topic attended the meeting along with what they are,” Anders replied. was Mayor Burchett’s recom- County Finance Director Chris “During your budget process, mended $435M funding for the Caldwell. we talk about the needs and schools, about $6.5M less than Commission Chair Brad the wants and the desires, but the BOE-approved budget for FY Anders said his desire for the there was never anything dis- 2015-2016. Three new schools meeting was to “lay everything cussed in your board meetings requested by the BOE were also on the table and talk it out.” BOE about what was the projected Photo by Dan Andrews. not in the mayor’s budget. Chair Mike McMillan said, “It’s revenue. The school system is Members of the Knox County Commission and the Knox County Board of The two bodies were no closer really more important to hear Continue on page 4 Education met last week to discuss Mayor Burchett’s budget. to agreement at the end of the what the commission members

Solar Cells for Young-Williams Animal Center Schools and Honors Knoxville Firefighters County Buildings By Mike Steely [email protected]

The Knox County Commission met last Monday in a work session to review items for the regular meeting tomorrow. The Memorial Day Holiday sees the commission meet on Tuesday and take up a $12.5 mil- lion solar panel agreement for three Knox County buildings and nine schools. The agreement with Ameresco, Inc. includes construction and installation on the rooftops of A.L. Lotts, Amherst, Bearden Middle, Central High, Hardin Valley, Karns High, L&N STEM, Powell Middle, South- Doyle Middle, West High and West Valley Middle schools. It includes interconnecting with local utilities companies and a 25-year warranty on the solar cells. The panels at the L&N STEM school will be for education purposes and won’t generate additional

Continue on page 2 Seymour

Photo by Dan Andrews. Farmers Young-Williams Animal Center honored Knoxville Fire Department Capt. Robby Copas and firefighters Jeff McSwain for the lifesaving care they provided Bella the boxer during a house fire on April 30. Pictured from left: Ariona Thomas, Julyan Thomas, Market to open Dr. Jen Armstrong, Bella the boxer, Jeff Ashin, Cherie Cuervo, Copas and McSwain. Pair recognized for saving Robby and Jeff with a brick of recognition life.” dog from house fire on our pathway.” Copas and McSwain appreciated the June 6 When Copas and McSwain responded recognition from the shelter and the Last Thursday, Young-Williams Animal to the call on April 30, they found Bella opportunity to reconnect with Bella. The Seymour Farmers Market will start Center presented a brick that will be unconscious on the bathroom floor. Upon “It’s so great to see her happy and its 2015 season on June 6. The market installed on its Walkway of Life path that removing the dog from the house, the healthy,” McSwain said. “We’re grateful is open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon leads into the shelter in honor of two firefighters gave Bella oxygen and cooled to Young-Williams Animal Center for in the parking lot of Seymour First Bap- local heroes. her body temperature with water from a reuniting us with her and honoring us in tist Church