Top Stories

The following summary of the major stories which appeared in the pages of the Independent Herald in 2006 are listed by the date of the newspaper in which they appeared.

JAN. 5, 2006

• Murder investigation begins after headless body discovered. Body discovered in Smokey Junction area believed linked to head found in Anderson County.
• Rick Keeton takes oath of office as county mayor after unanimous decision of county commission. Keeton assumes the unexpired term of Dwight Murphy, who resigned to assume the director’s post at the Tennessee Technology Center.
• Qualifying begins Friday for those seeking office in August 3 General Election, Election Commission announces. New website for Election Commission also announced.
• First National Bank of Oneida adopts resolution to rededicate itself to “focus on local community.”

JAN. 12, 2006

• No identification made for headless body found in Smokey Junction; murder probe continues as investigators search for clues.
• County Attorney John Beaty encourages commissioners to fill 4th District commission seat left vacant with Rick Keeton assuming county mayor’s post.
• The Cowboy convenience store on U.S. 27 in Winfield sustained heavy damage in a Monday morning fire. The three-alarm blaze was reported at 4:40 a.m. and was brought under control at 8:15 a.m., according to Winfield Fire Chief Doug Wilson.
• Construction is complete and the new 40,000 sq. ft. Boys and Girls Club of Scott County is set to open its doors to children. The opening has been scheduled for January 23.
• The “clock is running” on the jail-justice center decision making process, County Mayor Rick Keeton tells commissioners. In his first official meeting as county mayor, Keeton reported on tours taken of other East Tennessee justice center complexes, and informed the commissioners that the time was rapidly approaching to prepare the site and construct the facility in order to have it up and running by the end of 2007 (to meet a state mandate on a new jail facility).

JAN. 19, 2006

• Special session set for Jan. 30 for decision on jail-justice center project.
• County launches prescription drug discount card to be made available for all residents. Savings of around 20% could be realized on prescription drug purchases with the National Association of Counties (NACo) discount cards.
• Scott County Board of Education to solicit bids for school furnishings for all schools except the newly-built and equipped Winfield Elementary School. The board also approved an agreement with the Tennessee Technology Center to provide vocational training for Scott High students at no cost to the board.
• Construction on a new terminal at the Scott County Airport is well underway, according to Airport Manager Mike Douglas. Brewster Builders of Oneida is constructing the new $265,000 facility.
• Scott County got its first measurable snowfall of the season in the predawn hours Saturday.
• Scott County Hospital announces the opening of a new geriatric psychiatric unit.

JAN. 26, 2006

• Town of Huntsville adopts new urban growth boundary to ease process of annexations that might be undertaken in the future.
• Promotion of “Scott County Rx” prescription drug discount card officially kicked off with rally at Scott County Office Building in Huntsville Monday.
• First National Bank CEO Michael B. Swain has been reappointed to the board of the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta, it was announced this week.
• Merina Ellis, reigning Miss Scott County Fairest of the Fair, is set to compete in the statewide pageant in Nashville Friday evening.
• A total of 51 persons have picked up petitions to qualify for public office for the 2006 General Election in August, according to the Scott County Election Commission. The deadline for qualifiers is April 6.
• Former Oneida resident Jack E. Jeffers is now a member of the elite Capitol Police force in Washington, D.C., and tells about his road to the position he now holds in a special feature of the Independent Herald.
• Marcus Burchfield, a seventh grader at Oneida Middle School, recently won the state competition in the Veterans of Foreign War’s annual essay contest.

FEB. 2, 2006

• Scott Harvey, a teacher-coach at Robbins Elementary who was targeted for dismissal by Scott County Director of Schools Mike Davis, has been sent back to work as the result of a unanimous vote of the Board of Education, following more than eight hours of testimony and deliberations in a hearing called by Harvey.
• A 23-year-old Robbins man has been charged in connection with a recent armed robbery of an Oneida service station, according to the Scott County Sheirff’s Department.
• Cable TV franchise agreement requested by Highland Media Corp., a subsidiary of Highland Telephone Cooperative, has been approved by a vote of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Oneida.
• Boys and Girls Club now officially open, as 250 to 300 children in grades kindergarten through the twelfth grade show up after school on Monday.
• County Commission has given its approval to Highland Media Corp. and Comcast Rapid, LLC, for a cable TV franchises.

FEB. 9, 2006

• Delegation from South Scott County appears before County Commission’s Building and Grounds Committee to request that a new school be built to serve the community.
• New Fourth District commissioner may be named at commission’s Feb. 27 meeting, and increase in county’s long-term debt were top items discussed by commissioners.
• “Top 10” academic students announced for Scott High School and Oneida High School.
• One of a series of lawsuits filed against the Scott County Sheriff’s Department has been dismissed. The suit filed by Samantha Yancey was dismissed at the request of the plaintiff.

FEB. 16, 2006

• Body of woman reported missing is discovered in wreckage of her car on the Nydeck Road Sunday afternoon. Lounetta Hutson, 71, of Brewstertown, had been reported missing to Morgan County authorities “sometime Sunday.”
• The late Oneida High School football coach Jim May will be inducted into the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame, it was announced this week. May, a coach for almost 30 years, most of which was spent at Oneida, recorded more than 200 victories, had 10 region championships and a state title (1992).
• Scott County Board of Education recognizes “Teachers of the Year”: Natalie Jeffers, Fairview, pre-k through fourth grade; John Watson, Burchfield, fifth through eighth grade; and Debbie Blair, Scott High, ninth through twelfth grade.
• Robert Wright resigns as executive director of Boys and Girls Club of Scott County. Wright cited a desire to “pursue other professional opportunities” as the reason for his resignation. Shannon Wright, the club’s facility director, assumes the post on an interim basis.
• Area’s heaviest snowfall since Jan. 10, 2002, hits county over a three-day period in separate snowstorms on Friday and Monday.

FEB. 23, 2006

• Rusty Washam, Scott County Marine serving in Iraq, killed in action on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Memorials spring up across county, region. Washam and fellow Marine, Matthew Barnes of West Monroe, LA, died when their Humvee was struck near Al Qa’Im in northern Iraq.
• Town of Oneida seeks $250,000 grant from state to develop recreational park in Bear Creek area.
• Scott County Director of Schools Mike Davis is a finalist for the same job in the Clinton school system.
• Scott High freshman Andi Marie Tillman lands major role in production at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville. Tillman will play the role of Annelle in the Playhouse’s production of “Steel Magnolias.”
• Collection of military commemorative coins and stamps donated to Oneida’s Veterans of Foreign Wars post by County Historian Irene Baker, who served in the Marine Corps during WW II.

MARCH 2, 2006

• Fallen Marine laid to rest in military ceremony at the Fairview Baptist Church. Marine Cpl. Rusty Washam and a fellow Marine were killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on Feb. 14. Hundreds attend funeral service, and a special three-page “Paying Tribute” section of the Independent Herald was published as a memorial to Washam.
• Dennis Sexton appointed by commission to fill fourth district vacancy on the board.
• What to build and at what cost? is the question being studied by county commission as it ponders whether on not to construct a new jail, or a full-blown jail and justice center complex.
• Nick Greiwe appointed to position of vice president and commercial lending officer at First Trust & Savings Bank of Oneida.

MARCH 9, 2006

• Commission names special committee to develop “three or four scenarios” for a new jail or justice center and bring back its recommendation to the full commission for a final decision.
• National Coal, Norfolk-Southern Railroad deal finalized, as National Railroad will be created to transport coal on the former Tennessee Railroad line.
• Public hearing scheduled for March 21 to discuss the propose industrial access road from U.S. 27 to the Scott County Airport.
• Brimstone Recreation Area, privately-owned and operated recreation area springs up for 45,000 acre development in Scott County.
• Oneida-native Vickee Kazee Hollifield earns her 700th career win as softball coach at Carson-Newman College.
• Decision of whether or not to increase jurisdiction of Scott County Sessions Court Judge set to come in March 20 commission meeting.

MARCH 16, 2006

• Scott County Schools announce $500,000 grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture for distance learning equipment to bridge the “digital divide,” according to an announcement made by Director of Schools Mike Davis and the school system’s Technology Director Mike Lay.
• Funeral services set for tonight for retired County Clerk Vesta J. Phillips. Phillips, 76, held the position from 1978-1998, after a 20-year career as deputy court clerk.
• Board of Education votes to retire football jersey of fallen Marine Rusty Washam during the first home game of the 2006 season. The board also voted to name a scholarship in Washam’s honor to be presented annually to a graduating senior at Scott High.
• “Little Big Dinner” fund-raiser of Big Brothers, Big Sisters is set for April 11 at First Presbyterian Church in Huntsville.
• Qualifiers for Circuit Court Clerk’s race now numbers four in a field of 41 candidates already qualified for August General Election. Thirty more individuals have picked up qualifying papers for various offices.

MARCH 23, 2006

• Unanimous vote favors construction of $9.6 million Scott County Justice Center, following review of a scaled-down complex which will include a 130-bed jail and Sheriff’s office in one portion of the building, and two courtrooms, judicial and clerk offices, as well as offices for the district attorney general and district public defender in another section of the facility. The vote came Monday night after a four-month debate among the commissioners on whether or not to build a stand-alone jail or a complete justice center.
• Criminal Court Judge E. Shayne Sexton Friday approved a motion to delay the trial date for accused murderer Kenneth Ray Cross. The accused is charged in the April 8, 2005 shooting death of 15-year-old Brandon Woodward.
• County Commission votes 12-2 in favor of expanding jurisdiction of the General Sessions Court, by ratifying private act approved by Tennessee General Assembly.
• Former Scott County school bus driver Ronald Daugherty among 25 indicted by Scott County Grand Jury. Daugherty, 39, was indicted on 12 counts of aggravated sexual battery (7), indecent exposure (1), solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor (2), and sexual battery (2). Twenty-four others also indicted by Grand Jury.
• Mobile home destroyed in 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning fire. Unoccupied dwelling was for sale by local realtor.
• Oneida Board of Mayor and Aldermen approve annual pay hikes for offices of mayor, police chief and city recorder.
• Former Scott Countians Aaron and Linda Gail Mann re-indicted by Grand Jury in a high-profile 2004 child abuse case.
• The attorney at the center of a firestorm in the sentencing trail of Zacarias Moussaoui, Carla J. Martin, has ties to Oneida. Martin, 51, employed by the Transportation Safety Administration, has been accused of “witness coaching.” She and her family moved from Washington, D.C. to Oneida when she was nine years old. She graduated from Oneida High School in 1973 before going on to college at UT, where she graduated in 1976, and then to law school at the American University Washington College, from which she graduated in 1989.
• Convicted murderer Charles Ray Harvey is seeking a new trail based on letters his attorney claims were written by Harvey’s daughter, in which she allegedly admits shooting her husband.
• Former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Howard H. Baker, Jr. of Huntsville, was one of several speakers at Saturday’s Lincoln Day Dinner in Oneida. All three candidates Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate were also on hand for the gathering in the Community Room of the First Trust & Savings Bank in Oneida on Saturday.

MARCH 30, 2006

• A 68-year-old Pine Knot, Ky. man was killed and several other persons injured in a fiery, three-vehicle crash on U.S. 27 in Winfield Saturday morning.
• The Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the town of Huntsville votes to accept a new, expanded Urban Growth Boundary for the town, which now goes on for approval by the county commission and two other incorporated communities.
• Fifty-three persons are now among those qualified for public offices on the ballot for the August General Election, according to the Scott County Election Commission office.

APRIL 6, 2006

• All new voting machines to be purchased for Scott County before August General Election; funds to acquire the 33 new computer voting machines will be paid by the State Election Commission, according to Administrator of Elections Brenda Sexton and Election Commission Chairman Dick Smith.
• Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton rules “no new trial” for convicted murderer Charles Ray Harvey, following 50-minute hearing.
• “Mountain Man” Billy Lowe, 45, pleads guilty during his arraignment in Sessions Court to multiple counts of theft, burglary and assault on law enforcement officers, following an incident at a resort on Station Camp Road March 27.
• County Commission receives official notification that Huntsville seeks to expand its Urban Growth Boundary.
• Fire destroys home of Steven Ross on Ramsey Road in Winfield Sunday afternoon.

APRIL 13, 2006

• After more than a year of planning, officials of Attentus Healthcare have announced that construction on a new, 100,000 sq. ft. hospital facility here will begin soon. The new facility is to be built on a 20-acre tract at the corner of U.S. 27 and Cook Ave.
• Hospital faces new challenges before construction of new facility, new CEO Dale Mulder tells Independent Herald in exclusive interview.
• Interim executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Scott County, Shannon Wright, gets the title officially following vote of the board.
• Special ceremony at Scott High School honors fall Marine Cpl. Rusty Washam.
• Oneida Special School District Board of Education approves unused “snow days” for staff development.
• Hail damage, possible lightning-related fire result from “supercell” type storm which swept through county Friday evening.
• Establishment of R.E.A.L. School (Relevant Education through Alternative Learning), off and running at Scott High School, according to Principal Sharon Wilson.

APRIL 20, 2006

• Criminal Court Judge E. Shayne Sexton agrees with defendant’s attorney to suppress evidence in murder trail of Kenneth Ray Cross. Certain items seized from Cross’s home at the time of his arrest will not be allowed as evidence in the upcoming trial.
• Initial financing arrangements made for justice center, and $304,232 bid awarded to local firm to construct T-hangar at Scott County Airport.
• Scott County Board of Education approves contract with Chevron Texaco for energy audit of county schools.
• Actor David Keith will be featured speaker for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week program at First Baptist Church in Oneida on Tuesday.
• Election Commission certifies list of candidates for upcoming August General Election.
• Scott High students construct “Recycling Trail” on school grounds. Project of Bill Smith’s Biology II class.

APRIL 27, 2006

• Jury selected, trial of accused murderer Kenneth Ray Cross begins in Huntsville. Cross is accused of the shooting death of 15-year-old Brandon Woodward.
• Employment set to increase soon, says officials of National Coal, who will be hiring as many as 200 new people for its expanding coal operation.
• Four persons are injured in a four-vehicle accident on U.S. 27 in Winfield early Thursday morning.
• Oneida’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen vote to remove “eyesore,” as they condemn the building which once housed the Creative Glas fiberglass manufacturing facility (old Troxel Motors Bldg. on U.S. 27 across from Scott County News).
• Preliminary hearing set Wednesday afternoon for “Mountain Man” Billy Lowe, the man accused in a series of break-ins and standoff with law enforcement officers at Wilderness Resort on Station Camp Road.
• Virginia Rosser schedules special book signing event at Oneida Book & Gift Shop in Oneida Plaza for her novel Angelinia’s Triumph.
• Ground breaking event held for new Tennessee Tech University wing at Scott County Higher Education Center in Huntsville. Among those present were Dr. Gary Goff, Roane State president; Dr. Robert Bell, Tennessee Tech president; and William Paul Phillips, district attorney general, who emceed the event.

MAY 4, 2006

• Jury returns guilty verdict in first degree murder trial of Kenneth Ray Cross, who has been in jail since the April 8, 2005 shooting death of Brandon Woodward, 15, on Patton Lane near Norma. The three-day trial ended with Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton sentencing Cross to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
• County Commission discusses possible routes for proposed Airport Industrial Access Road off U.S. 27 in High Point area.

MAY 11, 2006

• A Davidson County attorney has ruled in favor of the Town of Huntsville in the town’s tax revenue lawsuit against Scott County. Huntsville had sought sales tax revenues collected by the county in the Helenwood area which had been annexed by the town of Huntsville. The revenues total just over $1 million.
• The body of retired educator, James Harold Hughett, 67, found on his farm Saturday afternoon. The cause of death was believed to have been accidental, with a source close to the family revealing that the victim had been attacked by a bull.
• New Roane State Community College Scott County Center Director Sharon Baird assumes her position at the Scott County Education Center in Huntsville.
• New graduation requirements eyed for Oneida High students. The new requirements would include a fourth math credit to obtain 40 hours of service learning. The change would take place with students who are freshmen in the 2006-07 school year.

MAY 18, 2006

• County Commission chooses route for new Airport Access Road, OK’s purchase of school buses, and 4.5 acre tract for new Robbins School.
• Kentucky man identified as James L. Strunk, 22, of Mark Lay Rd., Pine Knot, killed in single vehicle accident on U.S. 27 in Winfield.
• Log Home Living magazine lists Scott County among nation’s top 20 spots to build.
• Plateau Electric Cooperative’s annual election of board of directors will be held Saturday.
• Special section salutes the 2006 graduates of Scott and Oneida High School.
• Scholarship awards total near $1 million in senior awards night at Scott High School.

MAY 25, 2006

• Oneida’s tax rate remains unchanged at 99¢ per $100 assessed value as town’s budget gets initial approval of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
• Benson International’s Oneida plant unveil new logo in special ceremony held at the plant on Verdun Rd. May 17.
• Huntsville’s tax rate to remain unchanged at 65¢ per $100 assessed property value. Mayor George Potter says budget will contain increased revenue despite holding tax rate in check.
• Dr. Maxwell Huff and Sam Hall retain seats on Plateau Electric Cooperative’s board following Saturday’s election.
• Info line announced for Scott County Clerk’s Office to allow jurors and other interested persons to obtain information about Scott County’s three courts. The number to call is 663-2462.
• Buckeye Home Medical Equipment unveils plaque at Scott High School in honor of fallen Marine Rusty Washam.
• Boys and Girls Club of Scott County to hold grand opening event today.

JUNE 1, 2006

• Attorney for convicted murderer Kenneth Ray Cross to seek new trial. Mike Hatmaker filed a motion for a new trial for Cross, 43, who was convicted in April in the 2005 shooting death of Brandon Woodward, 15.
• “Mountain Man” Billy Lowe pleads guilty; to serve five years for break-ins of resort cabins, run-in with law enforcement officers.
• Several businesses in Oneida Plaza evacuated following rupture of gas line in automobile accident on Monday.
• First meth case prosecuted under new anti-meth law. Billy Ray Sexton, 40, pled guilty in Criminal Court of promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, a Class D felony that went into effect earlier this year. He was given a three-year suspended sentence, three years of supervised probation, and fined $500.

JUNE 8, 2006

• Commission approves plan to locate site and erect sign at the Scott-Fentress county line west of O&W Bridge in White Oak Creek area, as National Park Service prepares to implement plan to eliminate motorized through the park.
• New voting machines scheduled to arrive before August election’s early voting begins, according to Scott County Election Commission Office, which has 33 Micro Vote Infinity computerized voting machines on order.
• David Gillum named new Scott High School football coach.
• TBI report indicates annual crime rates locally remain within statewide trend.
• County Trustee Jimmy Byrd calls public meeting to explain benefits to changes in property tax relief program.

JUNE 15, 2006

• The number of local property owners now eligible for property tax relief has nearly doubled, according to an update on a new state measure explained by County Trustee Jimmy D. Byrd last week.
• Oneida’s annual fishing contest at City Park draws record number of participants.
• Food Services Director Sharon Stanley is named principal of new Winfield Elementary School. Stanley takes over the duties from Ken Davidson who has held the job for the past three years.
• State Department of Transportation officials to hold a public hearing tonight on a proposed bypass for the Town of Oneida.
• Small annexation referendum looms for the Town of Huntsville. Unusual referendum will see just one voter casting a ballot to bring two tracts into the corporate limits of Huntsville.
• Officers from the Scott County Sheriff’s Department conduct raids, seize marijuana plants and guns in Oneida area over a two-week period. Among those charged were Christopher C. Provett, 34; Scottie A. Vanover, 25; Russell L. Honeycutt, 43; and Terry R. Morrow, 33, all of Oneida.

JUNE 22, 2006

• Hollis O. Phillips, 61, Oneida, killed in 2 p.m. Friday accident involving two vehicles on U.S. 27 in Revelo, Ky., according to McCreary County Record report.
• County Commission at odds with both Oneida and Huntsville over different problems. Oneida insists Scott County government pay its fair share of pledge to Boys and Girls Club project (despite the fact that the only vote taken by the commission was for $75,000 a year). And the Town of Huntsville has voted to modify its growth boundary, which could take tax dollars out of the county and into the town.
• Qualifying process begins for November municipal elections in Winfield and Huntsville, according to the Scott County Election Commission office.
• Scores of Oneida area residents provide input for planning of Department of Transportation bypass around Oneida.
• County’s voters will have opportunity to see how new voting machines work between June 26 and July 4 as demonstrations will be conducted by Election Commission.
• Four students from Scott High School among the 47 passengers on a bus involved in a fatal collision in Grainger County last week. The accident occurred at the intersection of Hwy. 131 and Hwy. 25E in the community of Thorn Hill as the bus collided with a pickup truck. All 47 occupants of the bus transported to area hospitals, but none had were considered life-threatening injuries.

JUNE 29, 2006

• We Bee Videos, a video rental store on Bilbrey Street in Oneida, was completely destroyed by fire which was discovered just before 7:30 a.m. Monday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
• Reward of $5,000 is being offered for information about the May 2005 death of Jesse B. Posey, according to Scott County Sheriff Jim Carson. Posey was found dead in his Cherry Fork Road home on May 24, 2005, due to a single gunshot wound to the head.
• A former employee of the Town of Huntsville has filed a workers’ compensation lawsuit against the town for denial of benefits owed him. The suit was filed in Scott County Chancery Court on June 5 by the attorney representing Stephen Dwight Chambers.
• Buffalo Road mobile home destroyed by fire on Thursday. The fire resulted in the response firefigthters from three departments to bring the blaze under control.
• A Friday morning motorcycle-van collision on Baker Hwy. near DJ’s Pitstop in Fairview results in two persons being airlifted to Knoxville’s UT Medical Center for injuries sustained in the accident.

JULY 6, 2006

• Formal call for bids for construction of the Scott County Justice Center marks start of a long and expensive project. Bids for site preparation will be opened at 11 a.m. on July 27, as the estimated $9.6 million project moves from the design phase to construction phase.
• Funeral services were held Saturday for Glen J. Allen, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran and a long-time manager of Scott Farmer’s Co-Op.
• Large crowd turns out for day-long “Firemen’s Fourth” celebration on the mall in Huntsville.

JULY 13, 2006

• Paul Stoehr, assistant superintendent of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, provides National Park Service’s side of the story with regard to motorized traffic on the county-owned O&W Road. Stoehr began his response to county commission Monday night by saying there had been “no change” to NPS policies, and that everything being done with regard to the O&W Road would be coordinated with county government.
• Surviving twin mules — a 1-in-20,000 occurrence — are born to Belgian mare owned by Coy Kidd of Oneida.
• Representatives of County Commission and the Scott County Road Department join National Park Service representatives to erect county-line sign on west side of White Oak Creek on the O&W Road.
• Former Scott County Road Department Superintendent Ray Hatfield charged with assault during domestic dispute at his home June 29.

JULY 20, 2006

• Commission OK’s $518,000 capital outlay note to purchase new school buses, and $50,000 appropriation to acquire property for new Robbins school.
• Oneida Police Department officers bust series of crimes in progress, including break-in at a pharmacy which results in apprehension of James Michael Brooks, 31, of LaFollette, who has been charged with burglary, vandalism over $500, theft over $1,000, possession of burglary tools, felony possession of a Scheduled III controlled substance, evading arrest and criminal trespassing.
• Reward upped from $5,000 to $12,000 for information about shooting death of Cherry Fork resident Jesse B. Posey, found dead at his home on May 25, 2005.
• Early voting for August General Election underway; 875 local ballots already cast, according to Election Commission office.
• Kenneth Ray Cross, convicted of an April 2005 shooting death of 15-year-old Brandon Woodward, now faces sentencing for aggravated assault convictions.
• First National Bank of Oneida announces mini grants for teachers totalling $45,283,83.

JULY 27, 2006

• John Thomas Jeffers, 34, of 2311 Paint Rock Road, has been indicted on 24 counts of child sexual offenses, including distributing child pornography via the Internet and statutory rape. His was among 26 indictments handed down by the Scott County Grand Jury last week.
• South Carolina doctor, Robert Kellett, sets up family practice in Scott County.
• A total of 2,342 have cast ballots during early voting period thus far, the Election Commission office reports.
• Independent Herald captures two first place awards (best education reporting and best single editorial) in the 2005 Tennessee Press Association’s press awards contest. The awards came from more than 1,200 entries from 83 Tennessee newspapers which were judged by the Louisiana Press Association.
• Attentus Healthcare offers cash prize in “Name the Hospital” contest, it was announced this week.

AUGUST 3, 2006

• Scott County voters head to the polls after record-setting early voting period sees 4,534 cast. Polls open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. today
• National Park Service hosts oil, gas operations information session Tuesday to discuss management plan for oil and gas operation within the boundaries of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
• J&M Excavating of Huntsville submits apparent low bid on site preparation for new Scott County Justice Center. J&M’s bid was $270,476.80, over $20,000 below that of Cozy Excavating of Knoxville, the only other bid submitted.
• Ninth Annual Scott County Auction-Telethon to be held Aug. 4-5 and will benefit the Scott County Rescue Squad this year.
• Scott County recertified as Governor’s 3-Star Community for sixth consecutive year.

AUGUST 10, 2006

• Anthony Lay elected Sheriff; Donnie Phillips wins Circuit Court Clerk; Rick Keeton chosen as County Mayor; and Dick Sexton reelected Scott County Road Superintendent in August General Election. Scott County’s primary voting mirrors statewide choices. Six new county commissioners to take seats on September 1. Scott County’s Leif Jeffers appears to have scored narrow victory over incumbent Martha Yoakum for district public defender’s job.
• Oneida Police Department acquires radar trailer to warn motorists about the speed of their vehicles.
• Gov. Phil Bredesen announces $250,000 grant to match $496,000 in federal grant funds to expand the “Virtual Reality” tour project for the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

AUGUST 17, 2006

• A tragic single-vehicle accident on Grape Rough Road in Oneida has claimed the life of Paxton Carroll, 12, who died at UT Medical Center in Knoxville on Monday, three days following the accident. Four other occupants of the vehicle were injured.
• A miscalculation in the election totals in Claiborne County result in Martha Yoakum edging Scott County’s Leif Jeffers by just 12 votes for another eight-year term as district public defender.
• Outgoing Sheriff Jim Carson says there’s no truth to rumors that he is attempting to cause the jail to shut down again.
• Tennessee Department of Transportation officials unveil four potential routes for Oneida bypass in second public meeting on the subject.
• First phase of funding for improvements to Huntsville’s Flat Creek Park come in form of T-21 grant from the state, Huntsville officials announced this week.
• Citizens Gas Utility District announces purchase of gas storage field in Morgan County, plus promotion of Freddy Bishop to CEO and David Lloyd to General Manager of the utility.
• Pre-game ceremony planned for Scott High’s first football game to retire jersey of fallen Marine Cpl. Rusty L. Washam, a SHS graduate.
• Photo-filled special section features the Oneida and Scott High School football teams at the start of the 2006 football season.

AUGUST 24, 2006

• Attentus Healthcare’s request for the county’s help in securing a Certificate of Need to build a new hospital is tabled by a vote of county commission, while another motion to build a new school for Robbins and make additions to Burchfield Elementary School was approved.
• Oneida’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen vote to purchase 33+ acres for expansion of Oneida City Park at a cost of $68,000.
• Layoffs announced at Armstrong Wood Flooring and Camel Manufacturing Co.
• All local schools remain in good standing following release of Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) scores mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
• An appealed filed on behalf of Aaron Lee Skeen, who pled guilty to murdering former Scott High School valedictorian Sandy Jeffers in 2003, is denied by the state Court of Criminal Appeals.

AUGUST 31, 2006

• Bryan Keith Woodward, 39, of Lafayette, LA., among 49 fatalities in crash of Comair Flight 5191 in Lexington, Ky. Woodward, who has several relatives in Scott County, lived in Huntsville as a young man, attended Huntsville Middle School and was a member of White Rock Baptist Church.
• Mass swearing in ceremony for newly elected officials held at Scott County Office Building in Huntsville Tuesday afternoon.
• Plateau Electric Cooperative announces rate decrease of 4.5% for bills to be mailed out on October 1.
• Huntsville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen have voted to pursue at the state level its attempt to increase its Urban Growth Boundary, after county commission voted not to support the move.
• Darcie Shayne Phillips crowned the 2006 Little Miss Fairest of the Fair at pageant held Monday night at the Scott County Fair.
• Oneida High School’s Jane T. Hoffman Soccer Field formally dedicated at ceremony held recently.

SEPT. 7, 2006

• Jamie Johnson, 26, of Tampa, Fla., has been arrested by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department and charged with possession of illegal drugs and loaded handguns after traffic stop on U.S. 27 in Helenwood Saturday morning.
• General Sessions Judge Jamie Cotton recognizes outgoing Circuit Court Clerk Verda Cope, Jr., during a ceremony held at the Scott County Courthouse on Aug. 30.
• Jessica Nelson is Scott County’s Fairest of the Fair; Bryce Damita Terry named the county’s 2006 Miss Pre-Teen; and Hannah Nichole Newport is the 2006 Little Miss Jr., in pageants held at Scott County Fair last week.
• Darlene Branim, Tony Crisp chosen “Outstanding Alumni” of Roane State Community College.
• Annual “Wings Over the Big South Fork” air show set for Saturday at Scott County Airport.

SEPT. 14, 2006

• Officials of Huntsville Utility District announce first water rate hike in 16 years; cost of water going up 9%.
• A countywide property tax hike estimated at 23¢ appears likely, following an exhausting, five-hour review of proposed budget by county commissioners.
• An Oneida man, identified as Scott Hamby, 38, of 330 Oneida Circle, has been indicted in Morgan County, West Virginia, on a charge of first degree sexual abuse, according to a report in the Morgantown Journal.
• An estimated 7,000 attend “Wings Over Big South Fork” air show at Scott County Airport, which included 25 show planes and 35 visiting aircraft during the day-long event. The airport’s new terminal was also dedicated during the air show.
• Scott County Hospital’s new $750,000 CT Scanner up and running, local media told.

SEPT. 21, 2006

• County Commission approves $2.67 property tax rate by a 10-4 vote; second and final reading on budget resolution set for Sept. 28. The tax rate is up 26¢ over the previous year, and marks the first increase in the property tax in seven years.
• Plateau Electric Cooperative warns of “con artists” posing as PEC representatives.
• Scott County’s Board of Education has voted to hire the Upland Design architectural firm of Crossville for roof replacement projects at Scott High and Burchfield Elementary, and has voted to ask the Finance Committee to bid architectural services to develop plans and specifications for a new school at Robbins and an expansion at Burchfield Elementary.
• Joshua Adam West, 19, of Helenwood, a custodian at Scott High School, has been arrested and charged with theft under $500 for allegedly stealing money from basketball players at Scott High School.
• First-ever “Heritage Day” event set for Saturday at Scott High School, with Museum of Scott County being the focal point for day-long activities.

SEPT. 28, 2006

• Saturday morning thunderstorm forces cancellation of “Heritage Day” at Scott High, causes widespread damage throughout county. Festival rescheduled for Saturday.
• Site work well underway on Scott High Drive for new Scott County Justice Center.
• “Master Plan” development for recreation in the Town of Huntsville is approved by Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
• Voting machine demonstration set in advance of upcoming Nov. 7 General Election, the Scott County Election Commission office announces.
• Oneida’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen give initial OK to de-annexation of property adjacent to Meadowcreek subdivision in West Oneida.

OCT. 5, 2006

• Commission’s committees consider requests for funding for patrol cars, bulletproof vests and other un-budgeted items in four-hour work session.
• The Boys and Girls Club of Scott County is breaking its affiliation with the Tennessee Valley organization based in Knoxville and will obtain its own charter, as the result of action taken by the Advisory Board recently.
• Two person were airlifted to UT Medical Center in Knoxville following a three-vehicle crash on U.S. 27 in Oneida Tuesday morning. The most seriously injured were a father and son from Morgan County who were trapped in the wreckage of a 1990 Subaru Legacy after crashing head-on into a 2005 Freightliner truck.
• Bradley A. Creech, 26, of Winfield has been charged with burglary and theft over $10,000, following his alleged theft of aluminum stadium parts from Scenic Raceway.
• Hundreds attend “Heritage Festival” at Scott High School on Saturday.
• Funeral services held Friday for former Criminal Court Judge Lee Asbury, who died last week at UT Medical Center in Knoxville.
• Commission finalizes budget work with approval of $2.67 tax rate on second and final reading.

OCT. 12, 2006

• Ilda King of Huntsville sustained serious injuries when the pickup she was in rolled down a steep embankment and crashed into the side of a house on Slaven Lane in Oneida on Monday.
• The reelection of Martha Yoakum as district public defender is upheld following a hearing in Tazewell before McMinnville Judge Larry Bart Stanley, who had been appointed to hear the suit filed by challenger in the August election, Leif Jeffers of Scott County. By virtue of the court’s ruling, Yoakum defeated Jeffers by 12 votes.
• Highland Media Corp., a subsidiary of Highland Telephone Cooperative, moving forward on $12 million fiber optic update project in the Oneida-Helenwood area.
• Three arrested in drug bust after Scott County officers received tip from informant. Charged in connection with the bust were Deanna R. Foster, 54, Robbins; Michelle L. Phillips, 27, Oneida; and Danny Glen Smith, 29, of Deer Lodge. Charges ranged from filing a false report (Foster), to possession of a Schedule III substance (Phillips and Smith).

OCT. 19, 2006

• Three killed, one seriously injured in a pair of traffic accidents on Baker Hwy. near Huntsville over the span of four days. The dead were identified as Mark Lloyd, 44, of Pioneer, and Elizabeth G. Eads, 51, Oneida, both killed in a head-on collision Monday morning, along with a seven-week-old infant, Samantha Harness, who died at UT Medical Center the following day. A three-year-old child was also seriously injured in that crash, according to information released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. A fourth fatality, Virgil Lloyd, 79, of Helenwood, died as the result of injuries sustained in a similar crash on Baker Hwy. near the Buffalo Creek Bridge on Friday morning. Injured in that accident were John and Ellie Hartzell, who were airlifted to UT Medical Center.
• County Commission votes to approve the purchase of used patrol cars and 28 Glock handguns for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.
• Scott County’s Board of Education votes to allow school personnel to serve as substitute bus drivers, and rescinds a motion prohibiting it which had been adopted by the board in 1979.
• Oneida Police Department warns the public of a lottery-type scam aimed at swindling money out of unsuspecting people.
• Early voting underway for Nov. 7 General Election, Election Commission office reports.
• Public briefing held by officers of newly-established 130th RAOC unit at local Tennessee Army National Guard Armory.
• Dedication, grand opening event held for new Robbins Library Book Station.
• Alfred Branim appointed president of Barna Log Homes.

OCT. 26, 2006

• A total of 546 Scott Countians cast ballots during Early Voting in advance of Nov. 7 election.
• New drug dog being utilized by Scott County Sheriff’s Department. “J.J.,” a two-year-old black Labrador retriever, was donated to the department when Sgt. “John John” Yancey was killed in the line of duty during a meth bust on Williams Creek Rd. in 2003. His handler will be K-9 Officer Kris Lewallen.
• Indianapolis Colts executive Larry C. Hall to be guest speaker for upcoming Nov. 18 Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Boys and Girls Club of Scott County.

NOV. 2, 2006

• A 21-year-old Scott County woman is dead, and a 38-year-old woman has been charged with first degree murder following a domestic disturbance at a Letner Road residence early Saturday morning, according to the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was identified as Chasity Rose Carson, who was allegedly shot to death at the 721 Letner Road residence by Laura J. Bowling.
• Smokey Creek area veterans saluted in a pre-Veterans Day event held at Hembree’s Grocery.
• Huntsville First Baptist congregation plans move to new to Multipurpose Building.

NOV. 9, 2006

• Scott County voters join their counterparts from across the state in choosing incumbents in Tuesday’s voting for the offices of governor, state representative and state senate, while also picking Republican Bob Corker as their chose for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Bill Frist. Locally, most incumbents retained their seats, as well, as Huntsville Mayor George Potter and Winfield Mayor Kenny Burchfield were both reelected as were most of the candidates for aldermen positions in those two municipal elections. A referendum aimed at allowing liquor by the drink in Huntsville narrowly failed. The only newcomer chosen was Winfield’s John D. Sexton, who defeated incumbent Chad D. Jones by a single vote.
• The father of a 21-year-old woman shot to death Oct. 28, says there was no relationship between the victim and the shooter, despite reports to the contrary.
• Sheriff’s Department drug dog “Bo” working to keep schools free of drugs.
• Capt. Jamie Ledbetter of Oneida, the new full-time administration officer of the 130th RAOC in Oneida, will be the featured speaker for Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at the War Memorial Bldg. in Oneida.
• Three arrested by Sheriff’s Department on theft charges in separate incidents. Those charged were Patrick A. Byrge, 37, Oneida; Quinton H. Griffith, 24, Robbins; and Christopher L. Frogge, 23, of Elgin.

NOV. 16, 2006

• Scott County Grand Jury indicts two on charges of rape of a child; 35 other indictments also returned.
• Huntsville’s historic buildings used a backdrop for filming of a documentary on crime wave in the Depression years set to air on the History Channel in the spring.
• Incumbent James E. Terry out-polled lone challenger Jackie N. Phillips 399-162 to retain his seat on the Highland Telephone Cooperative’s Board of Directors in Saturday’s election at the Oneida Municipal Building.
• The Scott County Board of Education has voted to create a new, state-funded position of Consolidated Health Coordinator, and has revised its fundraising policy so as not to discriminate against students who do not participate in fundraising events.
• Huntsville Utility District awarded just over $1 million in loan and grant funding for upcoming projects by the USDA Rural Development Director Mary Ruth Tackett. A $64,055 Rural Development grant was also presented to the Scott-Morgan Community Development Corp.
• Bids opened but not awarded on multi-million dollar Scott County Justice Center construction project.

NOV. 23, 2006

• Sessions Court Judge Jamie L. Cotton binds over to Grand Jury murder charges against Laura J. Bowling, accused in the shooting death of 21-year-old Chasity Carson on Oct. 28.
• Drug sting results in 17 indictments and the arrest of 13 persons.
• Huntsville School goes into lockdown as Sheriff’s Deputies search for and apprehend an escapee, Clifford Sexton, Jr. 35, of Cherry Fork Rd.
• Oneida High School grad of 1968 to chair national GOP by presidential nomination. Mike Duncan, an attorney and banker in Kentucky, is awaiting approval of the Republican National Committee for his appointment to the position.
• Oneida’s Lily June West write, illustrates children’s book entitled Mr. Blacky and His Palace.
• County Commissioners meeting in three-hour work session leading up to a decision on what to do about a new hospital and justice center for Scott County ­— a special “Behind the Scenes” look at the informal work session where those subjects were discussed.

NOV. 30, 2006

• County Commission votes to approve a $10 million loan to finance construction of Scott County Justice Center. Also, a motion to authorize $4.7 million initial construction work is approved for the project.
• Huntsville to seek a pair of grants to expand town’s recreational opportunities and to improve the town’s sewer system.
• Newly completed 2,000 wing at Scott County Higher Education center is dedicated; will serve as education center for Tennessee Tech University’s off-campus classes.

DEC. 7, 2006

• Old Buffalo School completely destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon, despite quick response by Huntsville Fire Dept. Cause of blaze at unoccupied building was unknown.
• County Commission plans work session to deal strictly with hospital matters.
• Gambling machines seized from Cozy Inn Tavern, Roadside Tavern and the Wooden Nickel, all in Winfield, in raids conducted by Sheriff’s Department.
• Mark Cain welcomed as new CEO of Scott County Hospital.
• Search warrants issued, executed on three drug operations, according to Scott County Sheriff Anthony Lay.
• Ceremony set for Dec. 12 to dedicate Tennessee Technology Center at Oneida as Senator George A. Terry Administration Building.
• 54th Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade goes off without a hitch on Saturday afternoon in Oneida.

DEC. 14, 2006

• Decision on working with Attentus Healthcare to build a new hospital not reached despite more than two hours of discussion by commissioners in informal work session.
• Two person have been arrested on charges of selling narcotics, including morphine, according to Sheriff Anthony Lay. Those charged were James E. York, Sr., 59, and James E. York, Jr., 20, both of Helenwood.
• Tennessee Technology Center in Oneida dedicated to former State Senator George A. Terry.
• Sheriff’s Deputy Troy Hull competes training to become county’s new D.A.R.E. officer.
• Plateau Electric CEO John Seale chosen president of Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.
• Crews from a Knoxville-based excavating company begin site preparation work at intersection of U.S. 27 and Claude Terry Drive in Oneida where a Walgreens pharmacy will be built.

DEC. 21, 2006

• Special legislation sought by Scott County to allow ATV traffic on O&W Road, and to get state to pay at least part of bill for state-mandated capital expenditures, particularly with regard to $9.6 million Scott County Justice Center project.
• Microsoft settlement with state will see local schools get their share of $15.3 million in software vouchers to be distributed to school systems across the state.
• Board of Education to hold work session before deciding on hiring an architect to design new facilities for Robbins and addition to Burchfield.
• State Senator Tommy Kilby announces he will not seek reelection when term expires in 2008.
• Local businesses and industries sponsor Independent Herald’s Annual Letters to Santa section.