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Today's Opinions

  • Sunshine law changes could lead to darkness

    Good morning, Sunshine.
    It may not be on your calendar, but this week is Sunshine Week, a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, non-profit, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know.
    The national effort for Sunshine Week is spearheaded by the American Society of News Editors.

    Click here to read more...
  • LOOSELEAF LAUREATE: That wearisome rain also can revive

    The original point of this column was to complain — bitterly, I might add — about the recent rains.

    The rain that flooded my basement early last week.

    The rain that poured down in buckets near Chattanooga where I spent an otherwise fun weekend.

    And Wednesday, what did we get?

    Here’s my checklist: more dreariness, more cold, more flood advisories — more rain. By quitting time, my sorry, soggy soul was saturated.

    Click here to read more...
  • VIEW FROM LICK SKILLET: Some random thoughts on the passing scene

    By Gerald Largen

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  • DONICE BUTLER: HUB tyranny really needs to be brought down

    I am writing to invite all citizens of Roane County who are forced to purchase utilities from the Harriman Utility Board to form a citizens action group in order to investigate the activities and policies of the Harriman Utility Board and to take legal action against them, if appropriate, for their failure to offer fair and reasonable rates for utilities.

    As everyone in this area knows, HUB charges excessive rates relative to our neighbors who purchase utilities from other sources.   

    Click here to read more...
  • JAMES BRUMMETT: Action ensures no conflict between offices

    To the citizens of the town of Oliver Springs (and other interested citizens of Roane County):

    As most of you know, the voters of the 4th District (including you) recently elected me to another four year term as your Roane County commissioner, a position I intend to hold as long as my health and the good people of the 4th District will allow me to do.

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  • IMPRESSIONS by Johnny Teglas

    My social-network friends often share snippets of their lives with me and the rest of the cyberworld on a daily basis.
    That’s fine. I enjoy keeping up with their comings and goings that way.
    To be honest, though, I seldom post much about my world.
    I choose to share those thoughts with you here in this space.
    While I am known to blog at roanecounty.com, I am much more comfortable offering up ramblings on paper with ink.

    Click here to read more...
  • What are the facts on school performance?

    Much has been said recently about the current state of education and the future state of economy and jobs in Roane County.
    However, if we wish to make major improvements in these two closely connected areas, we simply must start with the facts.
    After all, show me a self-satisfied and proud organization, and I’ll show you one which is unlikely to set the world afire!

    Click here to read more...
  • Sewer rates in Midtown need more rethinking

    Some Roane County wastewater plant customers are complaining about having to pay for sewage treatment they do not use.
    We see another flaw in the billing system.
    Unlike many other utilities, the Roane County wastewater plant charges a flat fee for residential customers — no matter how much waste they produce.
    That means that a family of five — perhaps with two working adults — pays the same as an elderly person who lives along on a limited, fixed income.
    Where’s the fairness in that?

    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.