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Letters

  • Gillum amused by Texas residents’ fears of takeover

    Texans are at it again!

    Has anyone noticed that many Texas residents are becoming extremely concerned, even paranoid, that President Obama allegedly is planning to use the Army’s Special Ops training exercise code named Jade Helm 15 to “take over the state” and impose martial law?

    They think the U.S. Army will infiltrate their population and execute a takeover.

    Even the governor and lieutenant governor have indicated they have the same thoughts.

    What is it about the water in Texas that poisons residents’ minds?

    Click here to read more...
  • Resident makes case for support of school tax hike

    I am one of those who believes we should take whatever steps that are necessary to keep our Roane County schools well funded.

    If that means a property tax hike, I’m all for it.

    The county property tax on our house is currently $714 per year. A large tax hike, say 10 percent, would cost us only another $71.

    I don’t think that would put us in the poor house. That’s a piddling amount of money, about what it would cost a couple to go out to eat and go to a movie in Knoxville.

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  • David Morgan’s salary should be taken to pay state

    Property Assessor David Morgan’s salary is about $75,000 per year, I believe. So he has been paid $150,000 (two years) to do nothing.

    With the deadline approaching, he took vacation. From what? Showing up at the office and not working?

    Stop paying him. Or at least garnish his wages until the state is repaid in full. Make it so he pays before he leaves office.

    I just realized I know nothing about being a property assessor, so I am overqualified and plan to run for the office.

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  • Gift to church destroyed by fire couldn’t be better

    Thank you, H.G. Furniture, for the piano that you gave to Grace Baptist Church in Decatur.

    We lost our church last year due to a fire. Lord willing, we’ll have a floor to put the piano on soon.

    The devil has been fighting us in all directions. The McKameys say it best when they sing, “In the middle of it all, there is Jesus.”

    Please pray for our church. May God bless.

    Kay Andrew

    Ten Mile

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  • Rockwood’s animal control officer goes beyond the job

    His business card says City of Rockwood Animal Control and Codes Officer. To me, Mark Neeley is so much more.

    In his more than two years at Rockwood’s tiny animal shelter, he has dealt with almost 1,600 animals.

    Of those, 320 were taken to the Roane County Animal Shelter, 122 were returned to their owners, and homes were found for 944.

    While the typical euthanasia rate at an animal shelter is 70 percent, Mark’s is about 3 percent. In my opinion, this is because of his hard work and determination that no adoptable dog is put down.

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  • We are the April Fools if we buy into meat marketing

    With April Fools’ Day here, it appears that the meat, egg, and dairy industries have been playing us for fools all year-round.

    Their more remarkable hoaxes include “California’s happy cows,” “free-range chickens,” “humane slaughter.”

    All lies.

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  • Student has choice words for schools director

    I have been an outspoken critic of our school superintendent for a while now, but as I face graduation in the next few weeks, I have come to the realization that, while Mr. Gary Aytes has had his gaffes (both in public venues and in private meetings), he really means well.

    Until last year, I had no intentions of coming at odds with Mr. Aytes, nor had I really developed an opinion of him.

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  • ‘Lions Serve,’ — that includes pancakes

    The Kingston Lions Club held its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 28 .

    It was a great success, with over 200 persons being served.

    Even the weatherman provided a beautiful day.

    The Lions have a great number of businesses and individuals to thank for their help.

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  • OUR TAKE: Time for our own municipal broadband

    Last month’s announcement that high-tech firm CVMR is moving its international headquarters to Roane County is a real opportunity for growth.

    Not only has the company promised hundreds of high-paying jobs, but it also will impact other sectors, both economic and involving quality of life.

    It is up to our community leaders to capitalize on the opportunities CVMR and those who are sure to follow are laying at our feet.

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  • Clothes Closet closing doors, last day will be April 30

    After 14 years of helping Roane County’s needy people with free clothing, furniture, household goods and food, The Clothes Closet in Rockwood is closing its door due to the poor health of the owners and lack of funding.

    We sincerely thank each one who donated either items or money to keep the charity open.

    We still have some items to donate to anyone from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., should you come by and pick them up.

    Our final day will be April 30 or sooner when everything is gone.

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