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Today's News

  • Blame snow for Houston no-show

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    dlawrence@roanecounty.com

    Rocky and Leon Houston aren’t free yet.

    A hearing to discuss the conditions of bond release for the brothers was postponed until Monday, Feb. 9.

    Special Judge James “Buddy” Scott wasn’t sure the Roane County Courthouse was going to be open on Tuesday because Roane County schools were closed. 

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  • Harriman Public Library: 100 years and counting

    By CINDY SIMPSON

    csimpson@roanecounty.com

    A century ago, a passionate group of women petitioned for a public library in Harriman.

    Now a new group of impassioned people are holding festivities throughout the year to recognize the milestone.

    Harriman Public Library officially began its 100-year celebration during an open house Jan. 31.

    The historic Carnegie Foundation library was founded thanks to women who originally started out as a literary group, then decided to work together to bring a library to the community.

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  • TVA purchased 19 spill-affected properties so far

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    dlawrence@roanecounty.com

    TVA is following through with its plan to buy up property in the ash spill area.

    Through Tuesday of this week, the utility company had purchased 19 pieces of property, according to the Roane County Property Assessor's Office.

    What's being paid for those properties is a mystery. TVA is having the sellers sign confidentiality agreements.

    “That's the legal protocol that we're following,” TVA spokesman Gil Francis said.

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  • Courthouse shooting trial looms

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    dlawrence@roanecounty.com

    Accused killer George Hyatte walked into a courtroom in Loudon County on Thursday shackled and flanked by four state prison guards.

    “The Tennessee Department of Corrections has the means and the ability to safely house George Hyatte in a secure manner,” said James Simmons, one of the attorneys representing Hyatte in his death penalty case.

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  • Bond conditions debated for Houstons

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    dlawrence@roanecounty.com

    Even if he's able to come up with a $400,000 bond, Rocky Houston may have to remain in jail.

    “He may not get out if I don't have assurances,” Judge James “Buddy” Scott said.

    Scott said he wants to be assured Houston can follow reasonable conditions if released.

    “The reasonableness is what I'm trying to make sure that we have,” Scott said.

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  • Houstons still in custody

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    dlawrence@roanecounty.com

    Brothers Rocky and Leon Houston left the courthouse on Monday in the same manner they have for going on three years now – in shackles.

    Future appearances might not include the restraints, provided the brothers can make bail and meet certain conditions set by the court.   

    “Yes, I understand that,” Rocky said, when Judge James “Buddy” Scott was explaining the requirements Rocky must follow if he's able to make a $400,000 bond.

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  • Will anyone run for Kingston City Council?

    By JENNIFER RAYMOND

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  • TVA ash cleanup bears hefty price tag

    By JENNIFER RAYMOND

    jraymond@roanecounty.com

    The cost of the cleanup from the Dec. 22 fly ash spill is estimated between $525 million and $825 million.

    This possible bill was announced Thursday at TVA’s board meeting by TVA president and CEO Tom Kilgore.

    It does not include cost for litigation.

    Kilgore also announced that he has agreed to take a considerable pay cut.

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  • County's attempt at jail expansion dropped

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    dlawrence@roanecounty.com

    The first inmate is months away from being locked up at the new county jail on Third Street, but officials are already considering expansion.

    A resolution that would have allowed the county to spend $450,000 to acquire properties around the facility was brought before the Roane County Commission at its Feb. 9 meeting.

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  • Houstons remain in jail for weekend

    By DAMON LAWRENCE

    dlawrence@roanecounty.com

    Rocky Houston was at the courthouse on Friday, but his attorney — Randy Rogers — wasn't.

    Rogers' no-show prevented conditions for his client's release from being addressed, so Houston will be spending another weekend in jail. 

    “This was as quick as I could address those matters, but if they're not in a position to be addressed — and Mr. Rogers isn't here — then we won't be addressing those matters,” Judge James “Buddy” Scott said.

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