.....Advertisement.....
.....Advertisement.....

Local News

  • Proposed train-cleaning facility over first hurdle

    By CINDY SIMPSON

    rccindysimpson@bellsouth.net

    Harriman City Council approved the first reading last week of an ordinance changing the Harriman Coal Terminal property from open space to heavy industrial.

    A public hearing on the ordinance preceded the meeting.

    The request came from Brian Cook, who hopes to use part of the property along the railroad tracks for a railroad-car cleaning facility.

    Harriman building inspector Maria Nelson said Cook would still need to get approval of building permits for his proposed future development.

    Click here to read more...
  • Houston shooting: Two-year redux

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    rclawrence@bellsouth.net

    The white house with the green tin roof at 412 Barnard Narrows Road stands quiet now.

    For careful observers, however, there are still signs that two years ago, something bad happened there.

    Last month TBI agents took chunks of wood out of a tree that sits just off the road to search for bullets from the shootout that occurred at the home two years ago.

    Click here to read more...
  • UPDATE: Alternative-lifestyle resort proposed

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    rclawrence@bellsouth.net

    Robert F. Whiteside Jr. said he always envisioned his property turning into a church camp for children.

    Some locals say there’s nothing church-like about what the property will become if plans to turn it into an adult resort and campground come to fruition.

    On its Web site, the Rosebud Lodge is described as a place where adults 18 and older can escape from work, children, family, neighbors and city life.

    Click here to read more...
  • Officials won't release phone records

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    rclawrence@bellsouth.net

    The legal fight to obtain phone records continues in two court cases involving Roane County officials.

    In one, former constable Mark Patton is suing Roane County to get his old job back.

    One of the allegations in the lawsuit is county commissioners violated the state’s Open Meetings Law by discussing the constable matter outside a public meeting.

    Click here to read more...
  • Few county races coming in August

    By JUDY UNDERWOOD

    Morgan County News Editor

    With so much attention being given to the various presidential primaries and caucuses, it’s easy to overlook the county general election that will be coming in August.

    Part of that is because there simply aren’t that many races on the ballot and another part of it is that there are even fewer challenged races.

    Biff Wilson, who was appointed by county commissioners to fill the unexpired term of his late wife Susie Kittrell Wilson, is running unopposed for Morgan County Assessor of Property.

    Click here to read more...
  • School Board honors schools, employees

    By JUDY UNDERWOOD

    Morgan County News Editor

    Most of Monday night’s school board meeting was devoted to honoring schools and employees for their hard work and achievements this school year.

    The school board members hosted an appreciation dinner for Sunbright and Oakdale schools as well as cafeteria workers prior to their meeting at the Central Office.

    Sunbright and Oakdale made the U.S. News and World Report’s “top schools” list in the nation late last year.

    Click here to read more...
  • Firestorm brewing over alternative lifestyle lodge

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    rclawrence@bellsouth.net

    A quiet rumble. That's the way zoning officer Kay Christopher described the public firestorm that's starting to brew over a plan to bring an adult resort to Roane County.

    "You know it's about to hit," Christopher said.

    Click here to read more...
  • Utility works on 15-year plan

    By JENNIFER RAYMONDee

    rcraymond@bellsouth.net

    >The Rockwood Water, Wastewater and Natural Gas Board is trying to get one step ahead of the game.

    In order to do that, the board has established a 15-year strategic plan for its facilities, including improvements and upgrades.

    “We’re trying to be proactive,” Chairman and City Councilman James Neal said.

    The board will meet with city council and representative John West from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation at 6 p.m. May 6.

    Click here to read more...
  • Official irked at jail delays

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    rclawrence@bellsouth.net

    Chris Johnson’s official title is 6th District County Commissioner.

    However, he’s vowing to become overseer of the county’s new jail project. Construction is months behind schedule, and Johnson said he’s hopping mad about it.

    “I have not heard any explanation that satisfies me why we can be four months behind,” Johnson said.

    Click here to read more...
  • Committee sees progress now in jail construction

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    rclawrence@bellsouth.net

    Roane County Executive Mike Farmer said he’s not happy with the state of the county’s new jail project.

    “I’ll be happy when (Sheriff) Jack (Stockton) locks up the first person,” Farmer said.

    Farmer made those comments at the end of a jail construction oversight committee meeting on Wednesday.

    Click here to read more...

Copyright © 2013

The Roane County News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Roane County and Kingston, Tennessee, and the surrounding area.