Today's News

An Oliver Springs alderman was injured Tuesday morning while on the job with the Kingston Public Works Department.

Robert Miller was found lying on his back at the 58 Landing Park boat ramp. The bottom half of his body was in the water, and he was bleeding from the back of his head, said Kingston Police Chief Jim Washam.

“He had walked down and was close to the water and lost traction and fell backwards,” Washam said.

Miller represents Ward 1 on the Oliver Springs Board of Aldermen, which governs the town.

More than 1,500 people have voted so far in the Aug. 2 election.

Early voting started on July 13, and according to the Tennessee Department of State, Roane County’s early and absentee votes totaled 1,521 through Monday.

The busiest day was July 13 when 779 voted.

Roane County Administrator of Elections Charles Holiway is advising people to take advantage of early voting.

There’s still plenty of time to do so as early voting runs through July 28.

The Ninth Judicial District Public Defender’s Office is participating in a pilot project aimed at reducing recidivism.

“Kim Nelson’s office was an obvious choice for this project,” said Patrick Frogge, Executive Director of the Tennessee Public Defenders Conference.

Nelson is public defender in the Ninth Judicial District, which is comprised of Roane, Loudon, Meigs and Morgan counties.

Rural Roane County residents enjoy the scenic beauty of their areas, but they often go without one of the most important resources in today’s modern society — access to broadband Internet.
One resident said about 20 homes on their street have no access to Internet and cell service is almost nonexistent. Others said they settled for satellite Internet provider HughesNet.
“It is a critical issue as I said. It is not a luxury. It is a necessity. I certainly understand your frustration,” said state Sen. Ken Yager.