Board Orders Guardrail Removal, Passes Budget

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Tue, 06/04/2019 - 11:47

[Writer's Note: The Union County School Board meets the second Thursday of each month at UCHS. The Board uses a workshop prior to the meeting to discuss agenda items. After the workshop, the Board approves, rejects, or takes no action on individual items during the meeting.]

The Board discussed these agenda items during the workshop.

John Fugate requested approval for fifteen UCHS students to attend FFA Chapter Development Training from July 26-28 at Big Ridge State Park.

Finance Director Ann Dyer offered Budget Amendments to add the Safety Grant, move money to proper line items, and generally cleanup the budget for the yearend report. In SB 177 (Capital Outlay) Ms. Dyer noted that the cost of two new buses be added to meet the required 120 days needed to have the buses before the start of the school year in August 2019. Andrew Reed (6th District) asked how many buses had already been bought. Transportation Supervisor Lenny Holt explained that with this purchase, the system would now own five buses that are two years old or less.

Ms. Dyer reported that all parts of the school budget were functioning as planned. She further stated that Food Services Supervisor, Ms. Mary Effler, through careful money management had brought that budget from a negative balance when Ms. Effler assumed the job to the currently mandated three months of operating expenses in the fund balance.

Ms. Dyer recommended that the Food Service Contract with HDS be extended for one year and that the Grace Rehabilitation Contract be renewed.

Dr. Ronnie Mincey announced that the required TSBA Workshop for Planning would be June 7-8 at the Hyatt Regency. Dr. Jimmy Carter noted that the Central Office Administrators would be giving their views on the Strategic Plan on Friday. Dr. Mincey said that no definite start time was available at the moment but Saturday would be a half day.

Dr. Mincey advised the board that he was not ready to report the results of the Director's Evaluation since he needed time to calculate the ones submitted just before the meeting.

Dr. Mincey stated that there were virtually no changes from the First Reading to the Second Reading on the TSBA recommended Board Policy Changes to 4.701-Test Security, 1.803 - Tobacco Free Schools, 4.209 - Alternate Credit Opportunities, and 4.603 - Promotion and Retention.
Ms. Roxanne Patterson, Attendance Supervisor, requested that Board Policy 6.204-Attendance be amended by deleting the required notice and allow nonresident and out of zone students to make applications during the school year.

Dr. Mincey explained the Consolidated Application for Federal Funds. Title I at $1,112,534 decreased by over $29,000 and caused the cutting of one paraprofessional position. But due to a cost sharing arrangement between the Federal and the General Fund, no employee will be cut. Title II at $139,236 decreased nearly $17,000. This fund is used mostly for professional development training and supplies for teachers and a portion funds only one salary, the Professional Development Coordinator. Title III is used to supplement teaching supplies and instruction for English Language Learners. The funds decreased by nearly half to $807.07 because so many tested out of the ELDA, a test for students whose primary language is not English. Dr. Mincey stated that this decrease was “really a good thing”. Title IV saw an increase by nearly $3000 to $82,467. Title IV funds portions of salaries for a music teacher, a social worker, and the purchase of STEM materials and supplies. Title V will have $75,482.08 to support Title I and II and provide a paraprofessional position at SCES and a county wide Family Interventionist. Dr. Mincey also remarked that from FY 2016 to FY 2020 the overall Title Funds had decreased by $182,876.81 meaning “there would most likely be an overall decrease in funding each year”.

Dr. Mincey continued to explain that Federal funding also includes IDEA Part B at $1,103,455 and IDEA Preschool at $24,010. IDEA Part B increased by $127,182 while IDEA Preschool realized a $240 increase. The total amount of Federal funding for FY 2020 is $2,538,051.15.

Dr. Carter and Ms. Dyer noted that the Board would need to bid the security project funded by the Governor's Safety Grant, since the amount exceeds the purchase limit of $25,000 and the vendor that was originally contacted is not under an approved state wide contract. Dr. Carter further applauded Sheriff Breeding and the 911 Office including Ms. Marty Smith for “spotting an intruder in one of the schools about 4:00 A.M.”

Ms. Dyer and Dr. Carter offered a balanced school budget to the Board. Some $80,000 in Chrome Books as well as $50,000 in transportation were cut from the SB141 in order to achieve this result. Ms. Dyer stated that this budget is based on the current BEP Proposal sent in April. Both believe that BEP Funds will increase by June when the final BEP funding projection arrives. In any event, Ms. Dyer said that there was an alternate plan to fund the chrome books if the increase does not occur. She stated that funds could be moved from SB177 if necessary. Dr. Carter expressed gratitude to Ms. Dyer and her staff for doing all of the budgets, not just the School Board. Dr. Carter also individually thanked Missy Brown for her efforts to oversee the day to day school finances and commended her on her knowledge of the budget operations. Gerald Smith (7th District) said that he thought Ms. Dyer and this kind of handling of finances was the “best thing that we have ever done”. Ms. Dyer and Dr. Carter also explained that the actual amount of projects for SB177 was $791,000 but some two million was budgeted due to some FY 19 projects not being completed until FY2020.

Brad Griffey (2nd District) recommended that the UCHS Softball Field be named in honor of Lance Lay. Mr. Griffey cited Mr. Lay's record of excellence not just in win/loss but also in district, regional, and state tournaments. He stated that Mr. Lay works concessions alongside players and parents at UT Football Games to raise money for the team. He also noted that Mr. Lay attends social functions, even baptisms, to show support for his girls on the team.

Marty Gibbs (1st district) was unable to attend the meeting, so Dr. Carter related his concern regarding the transporting of athletic teams by school bus. Dr. Carter said that he hoped the Board could begin a conversation and discussion regarding how to fund bus transportation to away games as well as how to determine which sports to transport and from which schools. As an example, the transportation cost for football is $8,000 to $12,000 per year. Title IX requires that sports be treated equitably without discrimination. Dr. Carter noted that the boy’s basketball team cannot be transported and not provide a bus for the girls basketball team. Mr. Holt also mentioned that bus drivers were needed. Dr. Carter said that coaches need to look at getting CDL's (Commercial Driver's License) and wished more teachers would also. “I would love to have every teacher have a CDL. Then I would never have to want for a bus driver again”, he exclaimed.

The Ground Lease with the Union County Historical Society was discussed. Andrew Reed (6th), who missed the April Board Meeting called Dr. Carter and inquired if the Board had taken action or changed its position on a guard rail at the Union County Museum. When Dr. Carter told him the guardrail was not on the agenda nor discussed, Mr. Reed informed Dr. Carter that a guardrail had been erected. Dr. Carter related that he traveled to the museum and took pictures of the guardrail and sent them to Ms. Mary Ann Stackhouse, the Board's attorney. According to Andrew Reed, the Board met a year ago and agreed not to put up a guardrail. “We agreed to do nothing, said Mr. Reed. There were two conflicting surveys and they were supposed to work together until this was settled.” According to Mr. Reed, the Historical Society was to make no modification without the Board's approval and he stated that he felt the Board had been disrespected by going around and there should be some legalities, too.

Dr. Carter explained that the Board had not seen two different surveys. Mr. Dyer, the business owner, said that he had a survey that was different from the survey which the Union County Historical Society purchased and paid for with its own funds.

Mr. Reed continued by asserting that the guardrail was blocking access to the residences by emergency vehicles and the residents themselves. Ms. Stackhouse stated that according to the ground lease, the Historical Society had no right to put up a guardrail saying, “I don't know if it was a unilateral executive decision or one made by the Board.”

Danny Wayne Collins (5th District) inquired if Ms. Stackhouse could send a letter. Ms. Stackhouse responded that she could. But she also stated that she told Dr. Carter that the lease was made until 2066 at which time both Dr. Carter and she would be deceased. Ms. Stackhouse further explained that she was also concerned that the Board may not be a named insured which would allow the Board to declare the lease in material default. Then the Board could renegotiate a four (4) year lease as is the current law for contracts. She then requested to send two letters: one on the guardrail and the other on the insurance and suggested 10 days to remove the guardrail or the Board would remove it and send the Society a bill. Some Board members commented that it did not take long to put it up, so could it not be removed sooner. Mr. Reed and Mr. Collins asked who would fix the holes and Ms. Stackhouse answered that since the Historical Society had damaged the property, they would have to fix it back. Mr. Collins said that he had talked to Greg Dyer and Mr. Dyer has no ill feeling toward the Board, that Mr. Dyer just thought “we had an agreement”, and that the Society had come over and asked him to sign so they could use his property to park cars during an event cause they don't have enough parking.

In response to Mr. Collins and an agreement, Ms. Stackhouse stated that the minutes indicated, “Frankly, the Board would do nothing”. Discussion then ensued on the width of the drive between the building and the guardrail as well as the wording of the letter.

Dr. Carter turned to another matter about vacation days and when they could be used. A new policy is causing confusion in that some employees accrue one vacation day a month but the policy states that they must accrue 6 days before any can be taken. Dr. Carter suggested that the wording be deleted and employees take days as they are accrued until a statement regarding a probationary period can be inserted.

The Workshop was completed and the Board meeting began.

The agenda was approved. No one from UCEA addressed the Board. No special recognition and the TSBA Planning Workshop was the only announcement. The consent agenda was approved. Budget amendments passed on a roll call vote. Contracts with HDS and Grace Rehab were approved. Permission to bid out the camera project was approved.

The UCHS Softball Field was named in honor of Lance Lay on a voice vote of a motion and seconded by Mr. Griffey and Mr. Moore. The second reading of Board Policies passed. The first reading of the Attendance Policy 6.204 changes passed. The 2020 Consolidated Application for Federal Funding was approved on a motion and seconded by Mr. Collins and Mr. Reed.

Ms. Stackhouse requested clarification that two letters would be sent to the Union County Historical Society. The letter on the guardrail would state that the guardrail should be removed forthwith, the property fixed, and if this is not done then the Board would remove the guardrail and invoice the Society. The other letter would be for the insurance. Dr. Carter asked if both letters could be done in one motion. Ms. Stackhouse agreed. Andrew Reed moved and Danny Wayne Collins seconded the motion to send both letters. Approval was by voice vote.

Two items were in the Addendum. Vacation Days will be taken as accrued. The 2020 Budget passed on a motion and second by Mr. Collins and Mr. Griffey with a roll call vote.

The next School Board Meeting will be Thursday, June 13, at UCHS.

Board of Education sends workers to remove guardrail.

Union County Public School maintenance worker repairs holes left by recently removed guardrail.

Union County Public School maintenance worker repairs holes as guardrail is removed by order of the Board of Education.

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Hair Strugle

Submitted by Brooke Cox on Wed, 02/15/2023 - 19:02

Have you ever wanted to hide so that you were completely out of sight? I did the morning of my senior prom.
At that time, it was the early eighties. Anybody who was anybody had big hair. I’m talking curls and hair that stood out a few inches from a person’s scalp. Let’s put it this way, if you had invested in a company that produced hair spray during that era, then you probably received a good amount of return on your money.

Driving Ms. Mary

Submitted by Ronnie Mincey on Wed, 02/15/2023 - 19:01

I recently saw an episode of The Andy Griffith Show that I must have seen dozens of times. A Google search will tell you that this was Season One, Episode 13, “Mayberry Goes Hollywood”.
In that episode, the town decided to really “put on the show” for the film crew. Everybody dressed up in false finery, and the storefronts spiffed up their window displays. I never noticed it before, but the window of the funeral parlor advertised its convenient “layaway plan”.

Cucumber sour cream salad

Submitted by Shirley McMurtrie on Wed, 02/15/2023 - 19:01

This is so good. Much different from usual brined cucumber salads. Add as much sweet onion as you like.
Peel cucumber and cut into thin slices. Slice peeled sweet onion into thin rounds. Combine in medium bowl. Set aside. In small bowl, combine sour cream, vinegar, salt and chives. Pour dressing over veggies. Toss gently to coat. Chill at least 2 hours and serve.

Frost Crack: When You Know It’s Cold

Submitted by Steve Roark on Wed, 02/15/2023 - 18:57

Frost Crack occurs on thin barked trees such as this
beech. This is an old wound that has healed over.

With the bitter sub-zero weather we had a few weeks ago, I’ve kept my eye open for a type of tree damage called frost crack, a long vertical split in the tree trunk. I didn’t find a fresh one but did find one or two cracks that had healed over.

Events

Authors Guild of Tennessee

Submitted by Cindy Taylor on Wed, 03/15/2023 - 02:08
Thursday, April 6, 2023 - 11:00

The Authors Guild of Tennessee (AGT) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Faith Lutheran Church in Farragut. Social time and book exchange begins at 10:30. Published authors are invited to attend. AGT is now accepting applications for associate membership from authors who have written a book but are not yet published. Serious authors only. In the event of inclement weather, check the AGT Website for updates and information: authorsguildoftn.org.

Wanda's 90th Birthday

Submitted by Marilyn Toppins on Mon, 03/27/2023 - 08:11
Sunday, April 16, 2023 - 14:00

A celebration of Wanda Woods Cox Byerley's 90th birthday will be held from 2:00-4:00pm at the Union County Museum. Everyone is welcome to come by the museum to celebrate. Dr. Ronnie Mincey is the MC.

Obituary

June Grace Shelton

June Grace Shelton – age 2 months and 20 days, passed away March 23, 2023 at home.

She is preceded in death by great grandparents, Norma Middleton and Steven Smith. June is survived by parents, Eric and Amber Shelton; sister, Nikki Shelton; grandparents, Stacy and Michael Middleton and Bobby and Cindy Shelton; great grandparents, Debra and James Caldwell, Smith Middleton, Robert and Darlene Shelton and Marie Edgin; aunts, Danyell Middleton, Kaylee White and Aisha White; uncles, Dillon Shelton, Jasper Shelton, Landon Shelton, Caleb Shelton and Braden Shelton.

Glenn Monroe

Glenn Carroll “Brimbo” Monroe, 86, of Corryton and Sharps Chapel, was reunited with loved ones and his Lord in heaven on Thursday, March 23, 2023. He was of the Baptist faith and attended both Salem Baptist Church and First Baptist of Maynardville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maggie Cooke Monroe and Ural Leonard “Sheepie” Monroe, stepmother, Mary Edna Monroe, sons Anthony Glenn Monroe and Christopher Leonard Monroe, and his beloved wife of over 50 years, Peggy Adams Monroe.

Kenneth Lane

Kenneth Alvin Lane – age 72 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 23, 2023. He was of the Baptist faith. Kenneth will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Canvace J. Daniels-Pressley

Canvace J. Daniels-Pressley-age 38 of Knoxville passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, March 23, 2023 at her home after a long illness. She was a member of The Church of God of the Union Assembly, Knoxville.
Preceded in death by mother, Sherry Ann Daniels; mom, Reba Chandler; sister, Reneda Lee; brother, Durandan Chandler.

Carol Marie Perry

Carol Marie Perry-age 76 of Washburn, Mother and Grandmother went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 19, 2023. She was a retired employee of Bike Athletic.

She was preceded in death by father, Jarvis Brownlow Paul; mother, Evelyn Elizabeth Paul; son, Virgil Eugene Gibson; one brother, six sisters.

Survivors: brother, Jack Paul; sister-in-law, Kaye Paul; two sons, Tommy Ray Gibson, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; Richard Earl Gibson and daughter-in-law, Evelyn C. Gibson, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews.

Jessie Faye Mills

Jessie Faye (Muncey) Mills age 78 of Maynardville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 21,2023 with her family by her side. She was a loving Mother, Nana, and Sister who loved her family dearly. She was a member of Union Baptist Church of Luttrell, TN. Retired from Knox Porcelain after 46 years. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Alvin Mills of 45 years. Parents: Clyde and Allie (Tharp) Muncey Sisters: Anna Lou McCoy, Rowena Cabbage Brothers: William (Bill) Muncey, Jack Muncey, Earl Ray Muncey. Brother-in-law: Tommy Cowart.

Jesse W. Maples, II

Jesse W. Maples, II-age 69 of Maynardville was called home by the Lord on Tuesday morning March 21,2023 at his home. He was saved at 8 years old at Gayland Heights Baptist Church. He was a member of Ailordale Missionary Baptist Church. He was a retired employee of Coca-Cola Consolidated, formerly Roddy Manufacturing with 30 plus years of service.

Deward Cook

Deward Rina Cook-age 96 of Sharps Chapel passed away Thursday evening, March 16, 2023 at his home. He was saved and a born-again Christian. He was a member of Naphtali Lodge #389 F. & A.M. in Center, Indiana since 1964. He served in the U. S. Army and was a veteran of World War II with the 203rd Anti-Aircraft Gun Battalion, Battery A. Retired employee of Continental Steel, Kokomo, Indiana as a rigger with 30 years of service. Preceded in death by wife of 75 years, Beulah Clark Cook; parents, Sam and Louvernia Lay Cook, four sisters and seven brothers.

John Gregg Wilkinson

John Gregg Wilkinson – age 64 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at the home in which he was raised on March 13, 2023, held in the loving arms of his family. He was born and raised in Fountain City and attended Central High School. Gregg worked for many years at Fab Metal Fabricators. His life’s greatest loves were his family, his home and his friends; fishing, swimming, tinkering in the garage and yard. His younger days were spent on motorcycles and with frequent trips to the level 1ER at UT.

Vincent Mains

Vincent Harvey Mains-age 73 of Sharps Chapel passed away suddenly Saturday, March 11, 2023 at his home. He was born and raised in Marshall, Michigan and was a retired employee of Delta Faucet as a computer analyst.

He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Mains of Marshall, Michigan.

Arrangements for cremation are being made and the cremains will be returned to Michigan. Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville in charge.

Michael "Mike" Smith

Michael Richard “Mike” Smith-age 67 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, March 8,2023, at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Horace Maynard High School, Class of 1974. Mike was a retired employee of Volunteer Highway Supply.

Preceded in death by parents, Jack and Nola (Buckner) Smith; grandsons, Sylas Jay Richardson, Creed Richardson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alice and Arley Tharp, Alma and J.B. Paul; brother, Paul Smith; brother-in-law, Don Hensley.

Billy Henderson

Billy Fraklin Henderson-age 72 of Maynardville, passed away Wednesday, March 8,2023, at his home. He was a member of Milan Baptist Church. He was a retired employee of Commercial Plastics, Knoxville.

Preceded in death by parents, John Earl and Lorene Henderson; brother, Roy Lee Henderson; sister, Virginia Baker.

Leonard T. Kwiatkowski

Leonard Kwiatkowski-age 75 of Powell passed away Tuesday, March 7,2023 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was of the Catholic faith. He was a retired truck driver.

Preceded in death by wife, Kay Hutchinson Kwiatkowski; brothers, Hank Kwiatkowski, Steve Kwiatkowski, Robert Kwiatkowski, Michael Kwiatkowski; sister, Barbara Frantz.

Jamie Rouse

James Stanley “Jamie” Rouse-age 58 of Maynardville passed away Monday, March 6,2023 at Park West Medical Center.
Preceded in death by parents, Arie and JoAnn Rouse; brother, Johnny Rouse.

Survivors: wife of 24 years, Lisa Rouse; daughters, Megan Harris and husband Ryan, Tina Rouse, Sara Rouse; sons, Joshua Rouse, Matthew Rouse, Mark Rouse; eight grandchildren; sisters, Judy Collins and husband Mikel, Becky Rouse, Janice England and husband Jerry; brother, Jerry Rouse and Tammy along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gregory Allen Nicely

Gregory Allen Nicely-age 53 of Washburn, formerly of Maynardville sadly left us on Saturday, March 4, 2023.

Survivors: wife, Sherry Nicely; stepchildren, Brittany Bowlin and husband Nathan, Jessica Daniel and husband Charles, Ricky Kitts and wife Jessica; along with a host of step grandchildren.

Memorial service 1 PM, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Rev. Tony Day officiating and music by Linda & Richard Nicely. In lieu of flowers donations may be made for expenses at the funeral home. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.

Billy Ray Chesney

Bill Chesney-age 73 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 4, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was a member of Mountain View Church of God in Luttrell. Bill was an excavator and heavy equipment operator along with being a farmer.
Preceded in death by granddaughter, Erica Buckner; parents, Horace and Bertha (Bailey) Chesney; sisters, Mary Lee Chesney, Betty Chesney, Kate Larmer, Gladys Farmer; brothers, Richard “Dick” Chesney, Frank Chesney and Roy Chesney.

William C. "W.C". Hall

William C. “W. C.” Hall – age 96 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Saturday afternoon, March 4,2023 at U. T. Medical Center. He attended New Friendship Baptist Church. He retired from his work in Michigan and moved back home to Tennessee in 1982 and enjoyed his retirement of farming and cattle. Preceded in death by wife, Louise Hall; sons, Joey Hall, Billy Hall and Donald Hall; parents, Anderson and Stella Hall; brothers, Lloyd Hall and Teddy Hall.

Vernon Leach

Vernon Leach-age 66 of New Tazewell passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023 at U. T. Medical Center. Preceded in death by son, Charles Leach; daughter, Raven Kay Leach; parents, Charlie and Ann Lee (Barnard) Leach.

Survivors: sister, Margaret Smallwood of Sharps Chapel; brothers, Johnny Leach of Sharps Chapel; Rick Leach and Roger Leach, both of Speedwell. Several nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.

Gary Eugene Nicely

Gary Eugene Nicely-age 72 of Sharps Chapel went to be with the Lord, Sunday evening, February 26,2023 at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was a self-employed General Contractor and a U.S. Army Veteran. Preceded in death by parents, Curtis Wade Nicely, Sr. and Mollie Cash Nicely; daughter, Lindsey Rae Anderson; sisters, Peggy Earl and Mary Jessee; brother, David Nicely.

Linda Shope

Linda Shope – age 58 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 26, 2023.

She is preceded in death by husband, Alfred Gene Shope, Sr.; father, Calvin Jesse Stafford and mother, Lucy Miller. Linda is survived by son, Alfred Gene Shope, Jr.; daughters, Jenny Marie Shope, Taylor Leanne Shope and Abigail Rose Shope; grandson, Ezekiel Chase Klimek; favorite nephew, Jacob Foust; along with a host of family and friends.