Year in review, 2009

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Here are the major stories from the pages of the Independent Herald in 2009. Note that the date heading is the publication date of the newspaper, and not the actual date which the event occurred.

JANUARY 1
Scott County’s jobless rate jumped from 12.7% to 14.3% from October to November, making it the second highest unemployment rate in the state . . . Stennis Young is the new superintendent of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, replacing Reed Detering. His new post begins on Jan. 20 . . . Funeral services for Harold Thompson, 86, of Oneida, a former Scott County Trustee for 20 years, and Assessor of Property for four years, were held Dec. 29.

JANUARY 8
Consensus of County Commission wants to offer counter proposal to St. Mary’s proposal of 20-year, $500,000 per year lease of Scott County Hospital with $1 million buy-out at end of lease . . . Employees go back to work at Jim Barna Log Home, with formation of new company — Log Investors, Inc. . . . Sheriff’s Dept. Deputy Kris Lewallen files suit seeking back pay for off-duty dog handling duties . . . County Commission’s Intergovernmental Committee votes to approve option to purchase property for building program at Burchfield Elementary School.

JANUARY 15
National Coal train derailment near Winona deemed “minor” by company officials, with no injuries and a minimal loss of equipment when several loaded coal cars left the track Friday . . . Jean McKeehan, 32, one of three charged in a July 2008 drug-for-sex “ring,” enters “best interest” guilty plea in Criminal Court . . . Scott County Grand Jury returns 17 indictments against 11 individuals last week . . . “Build less, but build now” at Robbins and Burchfield is educator’s position following joint School Board-County Commission session . . . New equestrian service up and running at Scott County Air Park.

JANUARY 22
Two major fires in 72-hour period were battled by multiple fire departments in Meadow Creek subdivision in Oneida and at a Grave Hill Road residence . . . Recent cold snap coldest in a decade, as temperatures dip below zero . . . $11.9 is initial estimate for school update projects at Burchfield and Robbins . . . Local businessmen invest in off-road complex just over the Tennessee-Kentucky state line with formation of Kentucky Off-Road Complex . . . Ken Yager (R-Harriman) takes oath as State Senator.

JANUARY 29
Sell-out rather than lease now on the table as Commission meets in 90-minute work session Monday night . . . Robert L. “Bob” Carson, former Oneida Mayor and teacher-coach in local school systems, died Monday morning. He was 100 years old . . . Grigsby Lane residence in Oneida burns to ground, despite best efforts of fire fighters from 7th District and Oneida Fire Departments . . . Clinton man, Donald R. Pitts, Jr., charged in scam of local churches . . . Growth boundary extensions sought into Helenwood area by both Oneida and Huntsville . . . Funeral services held Wednesday (Jan. 28) for Peggy Winningham, wife of State Rep. Les Winningham of Huntsville.

FEBRUARY 5
Local jobless rate increases to 15.1% in December . . . Two firms said willing to estimate the net worth of Scott County hospital and decision-making time nears for County Commission with regard to lease or sale of the hospital . . . Burchfield Elementary one of 27 across state recognized for high scores on academic testing in 2008 . . . Scott High’s Kate Lowe hits 1,500th point of her basketball career in game at Christian Academy in Knoxville Friday . . . Congressman Lincoln Davis says ‘no’ to run for Governor . . . Huntsville outlines plan for extension of its Urban Growth Boundary.

FEBRUARY 12
Lease, not sale, of local hospital, seems likely as county’s Hospital Committee approves conference calls with firms interested in determining net worth of building and property . . . Pioneer man, identified as Anthony R. Scogin, 26, arrested for rape of child . . . Christian N. Byrd, 17, Winfield, injured in single vehicle accident on Pleasant Grove Rd. . . . Oneida Police Chief Mike Cross says theft cases on increase . . . Sheriff Anthony Lay makes appeal for new patrol vehicles . . . Scott High’s Jordan Massengale sets school record for successful three-pointers (11) in Monday night game against Sunbright . . . Ribbon cutting ceremony held for new Scott County Homeless Shelter at old Capital Hill School building . . . First Trust & Savings Bank President Charles Max Newport honored by Chamber of Commerce as the first inductee into the organization’s “Hall of Fame.”

FEBRUARY 19
Frankie Jean Ester, 72, dies as the result of a house fire on Galloway Drive in Helenwood . . . High winds cause severe property damage in Oneida and Winfield Wednesday afternoon . . . TVA’s fuel cost adjustment will see 7% reduction in cost for electricity for Plateau Electric Cooperative customers . . . Special committee formed by Scott County Board of Education to make plans for spending stimulus funds . . . 1968 Oneida High grad, Mike Duncan, moves from chairmanship of Republican National Committee to chairmanship of TVA’s Board of Directors . . . Oneida’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen to convene to request change in town’s Urban Growth Boundary.

FEBRUARY 26
Still no closure in two-year-old disappearance of Jean Johnson from her Ditney Trail home. Family members and supporters gather Tuesday at site where it is believed she was abducted . . . Representatives of Burchfield Elementary School travel to San Antonio, Texas to receive National Title I’s “Distinguished School Award” . . . Teddy Russell Robbins, 39, of Oneida, charged with rape and kidnapping of estranged wife . . . Winfield’s annual Appalachian Dumplin’ Festival cancelled due to economic conditions . . . County Commission OK’s purchase of property for expansion of Burchfield Elementary, and hires Decosimo Advisory Services to determine net worth of local hospital.

MARCH 5
Commission committees have more discussion than action in Monday night monthly meeting at County Office Building . . . State Rep. Les Winningham and State Senator Ken Yager talk about coal severance tax bill, and how it might impact Scott County during informal meeting with local officials . . . Theft and burglary charges filed against Matthew Lynn Jeffers for allegedly taking firearms from a Paint Rock Road residence . . . “Operation Sharing” to occupy former H.T. Hackney facility in Oneida.

MARCH 12
Mercy Health ultimatum: “0” lease payments for long-term lease of Scott County Hospital; Commissioners face critical up or down vote on Monday . . . Local jobless rate jumps 3% to 17.8% in January . . . Oneida battles dam-building stream invaders (beavers) . . . Oneida Special School District’s board considers retirement incentive to battle budget woes . . . Robbins man, Henry J. Mills, 27, charged with assaulting deputy sheriff . . . Academic honors announced at Scott High, as Principal Bill Hall releases names of 31 seniors to be recognized for their academic performance.

MARCH 19
County Commission votes to approve a 15-year “0” payment lease of local hospital with Mercy Health Partners with the stipulation certain terms can be negotiated . . . Doug Whisnant, 61, sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for illegal weapons charge; faces arraignment on murder charge on March 30 in connection with the two-year-old disappearance of his ex-wife, Jean Johnson . . . Cory W. King, 21, charged with aggravated burglary and theft for an alleged break in at a neighbor’s house . . . County School Board fails to vote on motion to end Air Force Jr. ROTC program at Scott High, despite Oneida High pulling out of the joint venture and enrollment figures down below Air Force minimums.

MARCH 26
Black bear killed by a motorist on U.S. 27 in Winfield; second such incident in county this year . . . Town of Huntsville establishes 10-ton limit on city streets . . . Oneida Mayor, Board approve grant for used oil heaters, and announce that the Soil Conservation District will fund sod for athletic fields at developing Bear Creek Recreational Park . . . Honor graduates named at Oneida High School, led by three valedictorians and two salutatorians.

APRIL 2
Joshua L. Botts, 25, of the Annadale community, killed in an industrial accident at Great Dane truck trailer plant in Huntsville . . Charles Ray Harvey seeks to have 2005 murder conviction voided on grounds of inadequate counsel . . . Mercy Health Partners and County Commission apparently near final state of lease negotiations . . . Authorities seize 250 pills in Elgin area drug bust . . . Douglas Whisnant arraigned Monday on a charge of murder of his ex-wife Jean Johnson . . . . Former inmate, Edwina Gail Allred, sues Sheriff Dept. for $18 million, related to her being jailed on March 28 . . . Local jobless rate climbs to 18.1% in February; once again the second highest rate of Tennessee’s 95 counties.

APRIL 9
Commission votes 9-5 in favor of granting “0” payment, 15-year hospital lease extension to Mercy Health Partners. Mercy plans to pump millions of dollars into the aging facility, including major renovations of the Emergency Room and Operating Room, as well as updating other vital equipment and infrastructure . . . Oneida man, Trinity Smith, eyes 101-mile run for charity . . . Oneida School Board approves teacher retirement bonus plan to ease budget problems for the current fiscal year . . . Tony Lambert resigns head coaching position at Oneida; plans return to Anderson County.

APRIL 16
Oneida plans $5.8 million expansion of school facilities; classrooms needed at both school campuses . . . Pioneer man, Anthony Ray Scogin, 26, indicted on three counts of rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery and incest; just one of 11 indictments returned by a Scott County Grand Jury last week . . . Call for help leads officers to pot plants; Victor Voiles, III, charged with cultivation and possession of marijuana . . . Anna Smith, daughter of Jackie and Renea Smith of Oneida, named “Relay of Life” ambassador for 2009 . . . TVA Board Chairman Mike Duncan to speak at Plateau Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting on May 2 . . . Scott County School Board fails a second time to discontinue Air Force Jr. ROTC program.

APRIL 23
Commission votes to reactivate Urban Growth Boundary Committee at request of Oneida, Huntsville . . . Oneida woman, Charlotta Kidd, seriously injured when she was thrown from her SUV in an early morning accident on U.S. 27 in Winfield . . . Oneida’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen award a $102,370 bid to McCall Commercial Fencing of Kingsport for fencing of athletic fields at Bear Creek Recreational Park . . Funeral services held Wednesday for Irene B. Baker, 84, Huntsville, long-time president of the Scott County Historical Society and Scott County Historian . . . Republicans have gained the majority on the Scott County Election Commission for first time in 27 years; few changes expected.

APRIL 30
Nancy Swain Watters Memorial Walk, Relay for Life events set for Friday, Saturday . . . County’s jobless rate remains second highest in state at 18.8% for month of March, up 10.4% over 12 month period . . . Scott County Board of Education member Vivian Smith, 65, loses eight-year battle with cancer; funeral services held Monday evening . . . Two Oneida men, Robert N. Simon, 21, and Corey W. King, 22, charged with soliciting money under the guise of raising funds for Relay for Life . . . John Brewster named new head football coach at Oneida High School.

MAY 7
Flash flooding forces home evacuations over weekend; forces school closings; 20-25 people were evacuated in South Oneida, Paint Rock, Winfield and Robbins areas . . . County Commissioners initiate discussion on filling 6th District School Board seat left vacant with the death of Vivian Smith . . . Tennessee’s First Lady Andrea Conte, local officials, call for end to child abuse during annual Nancy Swain Watters Memorial Walk event to benefit Children’s Center of the Cumberlands . . . Jim Johnson named new president at First Trust & Savings Bank in Oneida.

MAY 14
The most powerful tornado to hit Scott County since 1974, tore a path through the eastern part of the county Friday evening, damaging at least 10 homes and downing trees over a wide area. Classified as an “EF2,” the tornado struck Jeffers Road, Creek-wood Lane, Fairview Road and Nelson Lane. No serious injuries were reported . . . Oneida’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen meet in special called session and vote 5-0 to borrow $1.3 million to meet debt obligations . . . UT Lady Vol Coach Pat Summitt to headline local fund-raiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization . . . Robbins man, Ronnie Epperson, 51, faces charges in drug bust in Oneida . . . Monument for Revolutionary War Capt. Dennis Trammell to be unveiled at Winfield cemetery on June 10.

MAY 21
Knoxville man, Tony Evans, 61, dies in Angel Falls canoe accident on Big South Fork of the Cumberland River . . . School projects at Robbins and Burchfield may cost less than expected, according to report from Upland Design Group . . . Pat Summitt intertwines humor and lessons on life in address to members of local business community and supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters . . . Daryle Singletary headlines “White Knuckle” ATV event in Huntsville . . . Danny Ray Walters, 31, faces charges of false imprisonment, domestic assault after brief standoff with officers . . . County Commission honors late Vivian Smith, adopts procedures to fill School Board vacancy . . . Scholarships offers top $1 million for Scott High seniors.

MAY 28
Knoxville canoeists spend frigid night on river, but survive . . . Eight-year-old Taylor DeShae Gibson of Norma was killed when a log she was playing on rolled onto her . . . County audit cites loss of $195,000 on loan investment . . . Veterans remembered in address by Rev. Dennis Ford at VFW Memorial Day observance . . . Summary judgement sought by Town of Oneida, police officer, in Federal Court lawsuit . . . Oneida’s Jason Terry releases Christian music CD.

JUNE 4
County’s Building & Grounds Committee OK’s relocation of school system’s Alternative School to space in Juvenile Detention Center . . . Money was made, not lost as previously reported, according to county audit on investment in mutual funds . . . County’s jobless rate declines by half point to 18.3% in month of April . . . Scott County School Board member Brad Zachary, who represents the second district, charged with second offense DUI, court records reveal . . . Off-road track at Strunk, Ky. to host The Crab Family at Saturday evening concert.

JUNE 11
Meth charges against 35-year-old Helenwood man, Travis Hord, lodged after traffic stop on Thursday . . . Scott residents donate estimated 12,800 pounds of food during Postal Service Letter Carriers’ food drive . . . Irene Baker awarded posthumous lifetime achievement award by East Tennessee Historical Society . . . Estimated 150 young fishermen turn out for annual Town of Oneida “Free Fishing Day” event at Oneida City Park . . . Driver of SUV sustained minor injuries in roll-over type accident on U.S. 27 in New River community . . . Revolutionary War Capt. Dennis Trammell to be honored at dedication of monument at Winfield area cemetery June 20 . . . Scott High head football coach Davy Gillum accepts top coaching post at Anderson County High School.

JUNE 18
Strict enforcement of ATV laws coming, Sheriff Anthony Lay tells County Commission . . . Unemployment claim filed by ex-Sheriff’s Dept. Detective Donnie Anderson “under the microscope,” as jobless benefits awarded to him despite being indicted on felony charges for filing a false report . . . Richard J. Smith, son of the late Vivian Smith, appointed to fill her unexpired term on Scott County Board of Education . . . Oneida man, Daron A. Neal, 22, charged with felony after allegedly killing a kitten as its young owners looked on . . . First National Bank CEO Michael B. Swain named chairman of Tennessee Bankers Association at 119th Annual TBA Convention in Nashville . . . Board of Education bids farewell to retirees Nadine Watson and Mike Lay during special recognition at recent board meeting . . . Winfield Baptist Church announces construction of “Taylor’s Place Camp” near BSF Park boundary.

JUNE 25
Donnie Ellis, 46, Oneida, killed when his Ford F-250 pickup crashed head-on with a Coca-Cola tractor trailer on Baker Hwy. approximately one mile west of the Campbell County line. Michael V. Reed, 23, also of Oneida, driver of the tractor trailer, was seriously injured in the collision . . . Huntsville and ATV’s: “We think we’re legal,” Mayor George Potter stated Monday night, in response to Sheriff Anthony Lay’s announcement of a crackdown on ATV traffic offenders . . . Winfield woman files $5 million suit against Sheriff’s Department in complicated child custody incident . . . Independent Herald earns six awards, including two first place plaques, in annual press contest sponsored by the Tennessee Press Association . . . A monument honoring pioneer settler and Revolutionary War veteran Capt. Dennis Trammell dedicated a Houk Trammell Cemetery in Winfield Saturday, with 75 descendants on hand for the event . . . State prep ratings put Oneida in “Top 10” in pre-season forecast for high school football teams.

JULY 2
County Commission fails to resolve funding issue for new school facilities; another meeting set for July 6 . . . Huntsville’s ATV ordinance declared unlawful by the Community Technical Assistance Service, according to C-TAS letter to County Attorney John Beaty . . . Chinese restaurant, Panda, opens in Huntsville . . . Firefighters gearing up for annual “Firemen’s Fourth” festival on the mall in Huntsville . . . Scott High’s defensive coordinator Keith Shannon named new head football coach, according to announcement by Principal Bill Hall . . . Local jobless rate continues upward climb; at 18.6% for month of May.

JULY 9
Commission OK’s $13.9 million loan for building updates at Robbins and Burchfield elementary schools; accepts bid submitted by Evans Construction Co. of Clinton, during special called meeting Monday evening. Commission does not, however, approve a funding formula to retire debt, which was reason for no votes cast by four Commissioners . . . Commission’s Community Development Committee; votes 5-1 to accept Town of Huntsville’s so-called “ATV ordinance,” allowing the off-road vehicles to operate on certain county roads. The vote came despite County Attorney John Beaty’s stated opinion that local law cannot supersede state law . . . Coal ash from Roane County’s TVA coal ash spill may be headed for Volunteer Landfill in Scott County, reports indicate . . . “Firemen’s Fourth” festival, including parade, highlights local 4th of July activities . . . Three arrested in Oneida on meth-related charges . . . Oneida student, Kristen Reid, attends “People to People” forum in Washington, D.C. . . . $49,953 in First National Bank “Mini Grants” awarded to Oneida, Scott County teachers.

JULY 16
James Anthony Acres, 27, Oneida, held under $1 million bail after being accused of abusing two children who ended up in hospitals in Knoxville and Nashville last week . . Grand Jury indicts two in connection with April burglary . . . Help may be on the way for Norma Road, county officials learn in meeting with state officials Wednesday, July 8.

JULY 23
Commission petitions state lawmakers to allow ATVs on certain county roads . . . Roger Dwight Williams, 38, Helenwood, sentenced to 20 years in prison on “sex ring” charges . . . No tax hike in 2009-2010 budget for Town of Oneida . . . Charles Max Newport, 66, former president & CEO of First Trust & Savings Bank in Oneida, dies at his home following 10-month illness . . . Paul Chappel, 38, sentenced to maximum 24 years in prison for selling Hydrocodone pills . . . Rhonda Wright named new CPO and Boys & Girls Club . . . 15-year-old Oneida girl reported as missing found by Chattanooga officers and is returned home . . . Murder trial of Douglas V. Whisnant reset for February 2010.

JULY 30
Years-long Bear Creek Recreation Park project nears final stages of construction . . . 31 arrested in drug sting by Scott County Sheriff’s Department . . . Jobless rate climbs to 19.4% in month of June . . . Alleged EMS mishap results in $2 million lawsuit, stemming from death of Rev. James R. Bauswell, 66 . . . Local schools meet Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements for sixth straight year . . . Town of Huntsville joins county in petitioning state for ATV use on local roads.

AUGUST 6
Round-up of drug suspects nets 35 arrests, according to Sheriff Anthony Lay . . . County’s Budget Committee proposes tight budget, no tax hikes for 2009-2010 tax year . . . Local firefighters douse flames at Brawner’s Scrap Yard Tuesday morning . . . Earth-moving underway at new school construction site at Robbins Elementary . . . Town of Oneida holds public hearing on proposal to extend its Urban Growth Boundary . . . Ruthie Mullet named new executive director of Chamber of Commerce, replacing retiring Almeda Peavyhouse.

AUGUST 13
Attorney for county denies charges brought against Sheriff’s Department by Winfield woman who brought suit following issuance of a court order to remove five-year-old child in her custody . . . Oneida School Board votes to amend lunch policy which prohibits parents to bring food to students at school . . . state’s first TBI director, and former district attorney general Arzo Carson recognized as new TBI headquarters named in his honor . . . Kentucky family heads for Alaska on a bicycle built for five; two-wheeler is 14.5 feet long.

AUGUST 20
Jerry W. Walker, 24, of Deer Lodge, charged with attempted murder of former girlfriend Jade Sexton, 24, at her home in Elgin, by allegedly shooting her in the face with a .22-caliber handgun . . . Budget “surprises” dominate recent meeting of County Commission, but no-tax-hike budget for new year adopted by 9-4 vote . . . Local high school teams featured in Independent Herald’s annual football tabloid . . . Scott County “in middle of the pack” insofar as stimulus funds are concerned, according to ProPublica website . . . Pine Hill traffic stop leads to large drug bust by Sheriff’s Department.

AUGUST 27
Fire destroys New River Scenic Railway Depot — cause under investigation . . . Scott County Fair underway, continues through Saturday — Brylee Sage Strunk crowned 2009 “Little Miss” Fairest of Fair, and County Mayor Rick Keeton honored by Fair Association, both on opening night of the Fair . . . Huntsville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approves road paving projects . . . Lawsuit against Department of Children’s Services by Willis Harness is dismissed in Federal Court.

SEPTEMBER 3
Fairest titles go to Mackenzie Reanne Seabolt (Little Miss Jr.), Mariah Shyanne Hall (Miss Pre-Teen), and Sarah Phillips (Miss Scott County) in Fair pageants held last week . . . Local unemployment, at 19.6% in July, is highest of state’s 95 counties . . . “Road rage” incident leads to two-vehicle crash, criminal charges, following collision on U.S. 27 in Winfield . . . Meth lab busted in Pine Hill area, Sheriff’s Department reports . . . Senator Bob Corker visits Huntsville, welcomed by former Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. . . . Tickets now on sale for 2009 Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame event, which will feature former UT football coach Phil Fulmer . . .Oneida’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen approve 15¢ hike in property tax rate, a month after voting for no tax hike for the 2009-2010 budget year.

SEPTEMBER 10
Ernest Green, 19, of Tunnel Hill community, killed in single-vehicle accident in West Oneida Saturday . . . James Acres, 28, Oneida, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for abusing two young children left in his care . . . Oneida Special School District Director of Schools Henry Baggett receives two-year extension to his contract . . . Steve Trammell, the Michigan man who spearheaded the erection of a monument for his Revolutionary War ancestor, to be guest speaker at Scott County Historical Society meeting on September 24.

SEPTEMBER 17
Jerry W. Walker, 24, of Morgan County, accused of shooting his former girlfriend in the face with a .22-caliber handgun, bound over to Grand Jury for attempted first degree murder . . . Funeral services held for Joe Chambers, 84, highly decorated World War II veteran of the Jakes Branch community . . . Scott County Board of Education authorizes “temporary” transfer of funds from its budget to county’s to speed up school building projects already underway at Robbins and Burchfield . . . New building codes for Scott County considered to keep county eligible for grant funded projects . . . St. Mary’s of Scott County announces opening of new MRI facility . . . Dr. Maxwell Huff to be recognized for 50th anniversary of his medical practice on Sept. 29.

SEPTEMBER 24
Commission approves $210,169 bid submitted by the CK Rogers Construction Co. for infrastructure work at the Helenwood Industrial Park, and acts on a recommendation by County Attorney John Beaty for an out-of-court settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Sheriff’s Dept. Detective Don Laxton . . . Larry Allen Watson, 48, Oneida, charged with violation of the sex offender law by residing too near a public school . . . Museum of Scott County’s annual Heritage Festival set for Saturday “if rain allows it” . . . Oneida Police Department uproot several marijuana plants from wooded area in West Oneida — first such seizure in corporate limits in several years, according to Police Chief Mike Cross.

OCTOBER 1
Weapon being held by Oneida Police Department may have ties to a homicide case in Steubenville, Ohio, according to reports. Son of murder victim Shelby F. Miller, 56, discovered in rural area of Jefferson County, Ohio, taken into custody by Anderson County, Tenn. authorities . . . David H. Daugherty, II, age not given, charged with several counts of aggravated sexual battery after alleged inappropriate sexual contact with a child . . . Federal lawsuit filed by Winfield resident Linda C. Roe in July 2008 against local law enforcement officers has been voluntarily dismissed . . . Scott County’s jobless rate drops to 19.2% in August . . . Huntsville’s board moves forward with Flat Creek Trail project.

OCTOBER 8
Oneida Elementary student pick-up rerouted . . . Driver escapes injury when 2007 Toyota Solara crashes into building on Coopertown Road . . . Phil Fulmer, taking it easy after 17-year run as UT’s head coach, addresses “Hall of Fame” banquet crowd and Boys & Girls Club . . . $99,737 annual contract proposed for inmates’ medical care at Scott County Jail . . .West Oneida woman, Judy Autry, 57, seriously injured in ATV accident in Grave Hill area.

OCTOBER 15
David L. Jones, 44, of Oneida, sentenced to 16 years in prison as the result of wife’s death . . . Heritage Festival postponed second time due to rain; not expected to be rescheduled . . . Andrew Ellis, 19, indicted on charge of vehicular homicide for Sept. 5 accident that claimed the life of Ernest Green, 19, of Helenwood . . . Proposed inmate health services outlined in informal meeting of County Commission . . . Haleigh Crabtree of Oneida crowned Tennessee Valley Jr. Fairest of the Fair . . . Jackie D. Daugherty, Huntsville charged with rape of a child . . . Shooting suspect, Jerry Wayne Walker, 44, of Morgan County, indicted on charge of attempted murder; among 14 indicted.

OCTOBER 22
$5 million loan for school building projects, inmate health care plan approved by County Commission . . . Proposed new landfill takes step forward as application process revealed . . . Construction has begun with early moving for new addition to Burchfield Elementary School . . Sheriff’s Department unveils new website . . . Jonathan Dennis Burchfield, 23, accused of sending nude photos of himself to a child.

OCTOBER 29
Roane State Community College’s student information compromised by theft of laptop computer from employee’s vehicle . . . Huntsville eyes stimulus funding for sewer plan . . . Helenwood Tennessee Highway Patrolman Greg Roberts responsible for chasing down escapee in Knoxville Monday evening . . . Two charged with forgery after checks were passed at local businesses and banks . . . Jack Daniel Phillips, Helenwood, charged with aggravated sexual battery . . . Local jobless rate dips to 18.4% in September, but still ranks second highest in state.

NOVEMBER 5
Barry Wilmore, NASA shuttle pilot with local ties, prepares for historic launch . . . Plateau Electric’s newly expanded Oneida substation nears completion . . . County Commission’s Emergency Services Committee OK’s three new units for EMS . . . Harriman man and Lake City woman arrested after alleged shoplifting at Oneida Wal-Mart . . . Walls begin to go up at new school building on Robbins Elementary campus.

NOVEMBER 12
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners suspend license of Oneida physician Larry E. Perry for inappropriate conduct with female patients . . . Huntsville man, James R. Hatfield, 54, driver of F-350 dually truck that struck and killed two Department of Transportation workers on I-75 in Anderson County . . . Deputy District Attorney John Galloway earns special recognition at annual District Attorney General Conference in Chattanooga . . . Report Card 2009 shows mixed results for local schools . . . Oneida’s First National Bank receives Labor & Workforce Development grant for job training.

NOVEMBER 19
Barry Wilmore, NASA Shuttle pilot, whose wife hails from Scott County, blasts off at the Kennedy Space Station in Florida Monday afternoon en route to International Space Station . . . County Commission speeds through brief agenda . . . Straight Fork resident Randy Lowe charged following Sheriff’s Department’s seizure of meth lab, said to be largest ever discovered in Scott County . . . Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade set for Saturday, Dec. 5 . . . Edith Marcum, 85, of Oneida, dies as the result of two-vehicle crash at the 27-63 intersection in Huntsville; William P. Renfro, 45, of Louisville, Ky., injured in the collision.

NOVEMBER 26
Three more persons, all of Anderson County, arrested in connection with week-old meth lab bust in Straight Fork community . . . Two persons killed in separate traffic accidents over three-day period in Scott County; David A. Harness, 29, of Helenwood, killed in two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Fairview, and David D. Smith, 22, Oneida, killed in a motorcycle accident in West Oneida Saturday afternoon . . . Local health department announces H1N1 vaccine to be made available to all who want it . . . Business as usual at Huntsville City Hall despite heart bypass surgery for Mayor George Potter . . . “A Butterfly on her Shoulder” book published by Oneida centenarian Bromma Pemberton-Linville.

DECEMBER 3
Driver seriously injured in single-vehicle accident on Nydeck Rd. . . . “Christmas at the Park” formally launched with lighting of American Cancer Society’s “Angels of Love” tree by Oneida city officials and ACS representatives . . . Local jobless rate drops to 17.8% in October, but remains fourth highest in state . . . Qualifying period approaches for 2010 election, according to Scott County Election Commission’s Administrator Gabe Lowe . . . Huntsville Utility District awarded Water Fluoridation Quality Award by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DECEMBER 10
Scott County Airport Authority seeks county’s help in consolidating, refinancing $471,234 in long-term indebtedness; presents plan to retire two notes over a 10-year-period . . . Randy Alan Lowe, charged a month earlier with operating the “biggest meth lab” ever discovered in the county, faces new charges after being arrested by Scott County Sheriff’s Department . . . Winfield man, Jonathan Dennis Burchfield, 23, charged with rape of a child by Sheriff’s Department . . . One-day, weather-related delay doesn’t hinder annual Scott County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade in Oneida . . . Kentucky follows Tennessee in suspending medical license of former Oneida physician Larry E. Perry . . . Three members of one local family now serving U.S. in Iraq ­— Spec. Erian Washam, Sgt. Dustin Washam and Spec. Syngine Jeffers.

DECEMBER 17
Construction of the Scott County Airport Industrial Access Road, connecting U.S. 27 with Airport Road, set to begin; railroad overpass is to be included in the project . . . The South Scott County Fire Department earns lower ISO rating; could help reduce cost of fire insurance . . . . School building project at Robbins expected to be under roof soon . . . Oneida High School Football Head Coach John Brewster named District 4-A’s “Coach of the Year” . . . Scott County Schools eligible for up to $60,000 through Energy Efficiency Grant program . . . Scott County businesses sponsor Independent Herald’s annual “Letters to Santa” section.

DECEMBER 24
Charles Ray Harvey, 54, the man convicted in the July 2003 murder of his son-in-law and received a life sentence, was denied a new trial in Scott County Criminal Court . . . Scott County Commission has voted to assumed $434,103 indebtedness from the Scott County Airport Authority, which pledges cash-on-hand and future income to help retire a consolidated, low-interest loan over a 12-year period . . . A convicted sex offender, Jay Homer Chambers, 46, of Helenwood, has been arrested by the Sheriff’s Department for alleged violation of the state’s sexual offender law by having contact with several minors . . . A few inches of snow blanketed Scott County over the weekend, bringing more fun than hardships on the local population.

DECEMBER 31
Area law enforcement officers pitch in to help make the Christmas season brighter for local children, through the Fraternal Order of Police’s “Shop With A Cop” program . . . Local jobless rate increases slightly, from 17.7% in October to 17.8% in November . . . Scott may lose THP patrol due to state cutbacks.