Local News

By JENNIFER RAYMOND

jraymond@roanecounty.com

No employee raises and no property tax increase has some of the Kingston City Council feeling torn about their final budget.

Although they tried to find ways to fund a pay raise, they were unable without taking more money out of their reserve fund or looking at raising taxes.

“Because of the economy, we didn’t want to add a property tax increase,” Councilwoman Teresa Ferguson said.

By DAMON LAWRENCE

dlawrence@roanecounty.com

For years people have been saying Mark Patton was unfit to hold the office of Roane County constable.

On Wednesday, a judge agreed. In an eight-page ruling, Circuit Court Judge Russell Simmons has determined that Patton should be ousted from office.

“I think justice has been served,” Roane County Sheriff Jack Stockton said Wednesday from the courthouse.

By DAMON LAWRENCE

dlawrence@roanecounty.com

A judge let Rocky and Leon Houston out of jail on bond — and he’s apparently the only one who can send them back if conditions of the bond aren’t being followed.

“The judge sets the conditions of release, so it’s always up to the judge what happens,” special prosecutor Kenneth Irvine said.

One of the conditions of release is electronic monitoring. The Houstons are required to pay for the service.

STAFF REPORTS

The Tennessee National Guard 278th Armored Calvary Regiment received mobilization orders on Monday that will go into effect later this year.

Where they are going and when they will be leaving are still mysteries, however.

The exact date and location of deployment have not yet been announced.

This National Guard unit, the largest in Tennessee, is headquartered in Knoxville, and is composed of more than 3,000 soldiers.

The regiment’s Troop C of the 1st Squadron is based in Rockwood.