Local News

By Bethany Anderson

April is Autism Awareness Month, and The Autism Society’s conference is focused on using the annual platform to provide an opportunity for parents, educators, and professionals to develop new skills, implement best practices, and network with others dedicated to “connecting the pieces of awareness.”
“Our annual Tri-Cities conference creates unity by providing accessibility, compassion, collaboration, education, and support to those living, working, and supporting the journey known as autism,” said Kandis Burney, Executive Director for Autism Society of East Tennessee.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 59 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) are or soon will be diagnosed with autism. By comparison, this is
more children than the combined total of those affected by diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic
fibrosis, muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome. Here
in Johnson County, that number has not been officially counted, but many local
families are affected by autism.
Based in Knoxville, the Autism Society of East Tennessee provides services to 36 counties in East Tennessee, including Johnson County and it is part of the larger nationwide organization of The Autism Society, which provides information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy for autistics and their families.
The Autism Society of East Tennessee is dedicated to connecting individuals, families, service providers, and educators in the Tri-Cities with programs, services, and resources based on their needs.
Johnson County Schools Supervisor of Special Education Paula Norton is in charge of the various special education needs of students in local schools.
Norton is assisted Doe Elementary School Special Education Teacher, Melanie Adams. “In my experience, Johnson County Schools strives to meet the needs of students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder by
working closely with
teachers, parents, and therapists to determine the
best program of services for each child,” Adams
said adding, “Because Autism is a wide spectrum, our services for these students also cover a wide spectrum; but the goal is always to provide the best possible services while keeping the child as fully involved with their grade- level peers as possible.”
The mother of one of Adam’s students shared, “Autism is such a part of our lives that we don’t even think of our daughter as any other way than herself.” She added, “Of course we appreciate all the help that she gets at school now, but we know that she will need more throughout her life. We are hopeful that she will be able to do just that and thrive like any other child.”
This year’s conference scheduled for Saturday, April 27 includes a new location and new format at the Northeast State Community College in Blountville.
Professionals, experts, and specialists from Laurel Heights Hospital and other local providers will host sessions covering a range of topics including Understanding Psychiatric Crisis for Children with Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis 101, Maximizing Your Child’s Treatment, and Conservatorships.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and greet with local exhibitors providing services within the East TN area.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with experts across the state from organizations like ARC of TN, STEP, Special Needs Law Center, Tennessee Respite, and others to bring you the most current and helpful information about autism,” a statement emphasized on the event’s website.
For more information or to register for the visit, www.asaetc.org call Executive Director Kandis Burney 865-247-5082 or email: Kandis@asaetc.org

Rep. Hill’s legislation on Healthcare passes House greeted with mixed reaction.

By Tamas Mondovics

Earlier this month, republican lawmakers approved Rep. Timothy Hill’s (R-Blountville) legislation of what he says “will empower Tennessee to lead on healthcare by creating a patient-centered system that addresses the unique needs of our citizens while lowering overall costs.”
House Bill 1280 calls on the Governor, acting through the Commissioner of Finance & Administration to submit a waiver to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to immediately provide assistance to the state’s TennCare population through the implementation of block grants.
Hill’s office emphasized that the legislation is “designed to transform healthcare through Consumerism, increasing Access, improving Rural health systems, and Empowering patients to ensure individuals and families can make all medical decisions instead of insurance companies or the government.”
Hill who represents Tennessee House District 3, which includes Johnson, and part of Carter and Sullivan Counties, stated that House Bill 1280 is “a major step that allows Governor Lee and his administration to negotiate with the federal government for these block grants so we can create a healthcare system that focuses on the patient.”
“This funding will create competition, and enhance overall transparency while lowering costs, and improving the quality of care for Tennesseans,” he said. “Our goal is to use existing resources to serve more people who need TennCare.”
Many, including Executive Director of the Tennessee Justice Center, Michele Johnson, who feels the House passed a bill to turn Medicaid into a block grant are convinced that House Bill 1280 will actually do more harm than its intended improvements.
“The effect will be to cut federal Medicaid funds,” Johnson said. “The heaviest cuts will fall on those who can least bear them – children with special health care needs, seniors in nursing homes and people with pre-existing conditions. A block grant will hurt patients, the healthcare infrastructure of our state, and our economy. Our elected officials need to solve the real-life problems that families face instead of playing politics with Tennesseans’ healthcare.”
Patrick Willard, with Families USA agreed when he said, “This proposal could end up cutting the safety net for some of the most vulnerable families, children and seniors in Tennessee. By putting a cap on Federal funds for TennCare, state officials will be choosing who can get health care, and who can’t.”
Andy Schneider, with Georgetown University Center for Children and Families added, “Every state has a Medicaid program. No state has a Medicaid block grant. There is a reason. Without the guarantee of a federal share, states would not have the resources to meet the needs of their most vulnerable populations. They would have to pit one group against another: ‘devil take the hindmost.’”
In response, Hill stated, “HB 1280 requires the governor to request for block grants for funding. If approved, the next step would be negotiations. In those negotiations, the issue of sustainability, service, and population, among many others, would be addressed. It’s not the intent to cut services or cut Medicaid funds, but serve more people by making TennCare more efficient.”
Anna Walton, Health Policy Associate with the Tennessee Justice Center, (TJC) noted the seeming confusion about what a block grant would do, including within the legislature, and that the main arguments she has heard have to do with state flexibility.
She then said, “TJC’s stance is that Medicaid is already an inherently flexible program with ample opportunity for innovation. A block grant would undermine consumer protections and guardrails that make sure beneficiaries get the proper care.”
House Bill 1280 now awaits action from the Senate, and its future effects for Tennessee’s most vulnerable remains to be seen.
Representative Timothy Hill is Chairman of the House Commerce Committee. Hill can be reached by email at Rep.Timothy.Hill@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2050.

By Jill Penley

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced $14.8 million in broadband accessibility grants that will expand broadband service to more than 8,300 households and businesses in 17 counties across Tennessee.
“I am pleased to announce that we are getting our rural areas up to speed and expanding broadband in the areas that need it most,” said Lee. “I am committed to ensuring connectivity in every corner of our state as broadband impacts our goals for health care, education, economic development and beyond.”
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as data transmission technologies that are always on and capable of simultaneously transporting multiple signals and traffic types between the Internet and end users. In January 2015, the FCC upgraded the definition of broadband speeds for downloading content from 4 Mbps (Megabytes per second) to 25 Mbps and for uploading content from the previous rate of 1 Mbps to a new standard of 3 Mbps. The FCC notes that with the revised standard, 13.1 percent of American households do not have access to broadband.
According to the FCC’s 2018 Broadband Deployment Report, nearly 25
percent, or one in four rural Tennesseans lack access to broadband. In addition to the $20 million included in Gov. Lee’s recommended budget for the fiscal year 2020, these grants will continue to close the access gap ensuring rural Tennesseans have the tools needed for growth and prosperity.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is working with the 13 grantees who demonstrated a high need for grant funding. Recipients also demonstrated the ability to implement and sustain the project long-term with strong community support.
“Broadband is critical to the sustained economic success of a community,” said TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe. “By expanding broadband accessibility, we are extending the runway of possibilities for new industry and development right here in Tennessee.”
Grantees will provide
$20 million in matching funds for a combined investment of nearly $35 million across the state for the second year of funding. Infrastructure should be built
out within two years of receiving the grant funds. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire,
satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the commission is the United States’ primary authority for communications law, regulation, and technological innovation
The Broadband Accessibility Grant Program is
designed to
offset the capital expenses
in the deployment of broadband in unserved areas. While the program’s goal is to facilitate broadb
and access to all Tennesseans, funds are generally targeted to areas that are unlikely to receive broadband service without grant funding.
The average download speed in Mountain City is 55.76 Mbps, which is 32 percent faster than the average in Tennessee and 23 percent faster than the national average. While there are eight internet providers in Mountain City, only five of those offer residential service. According to the FFC, Tennessee is the 25th most connected state in the U.S.

Mountain View Nursery and Landscaping Home and Garden Center staff member Addie Henderson is busy unloading plants in preparation of opening the company’s brand new, second location in Mountain City. The business, which has been serving residents for three decades, is now proud to bring its outdoor living products and services to the heart of town located on U.S. Route 421, next to the Garden Barn. Photos by Tamas Mondovics

By Tamas Mondovics

That Mountain View Nursery and Landscaping, LLC has successfully served the outdoor living needs of its costumers for decades and that it is no stranger to many in Johnson County, is nothing new.
What is new, however, is that the long-enduring business owned and operated by Harvey Burniston Jr., now welcomes its customers at a brand new second location right in the heart of Mountain City, offering services and products in landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor living, while boasting of being one of the largest and most diverse container nursery in Johnson County.
Under an extended title of Mountain View Nursery and Landscaping Home and Garden Center, located on U.S. Route 421, next to the Garden Barn, Burniston has managed to bring his passion for outdoor living as well as offer his skills, expertise, products and ideas right to the doorstep of local residents.
With a master’s degree in agriculture education along with more than 30 years experience designing and creating beautiful landscapes under his belt, Burniston has every reason to be confident of his business’ future success.
“I Love what I do, and I have always wanted a garden center,” he said. “I am looking forward to serving our costumers with the same integrity and honesty as we have been for the past three decades.”
Over the years, Mountain View Nursery’s reputation has spread mainly by word of mouth advertising, while Burniston has earned a reputation of being honest, hardworking, and fair in his teaching profession as well as his landscaping business.

Of course, the business’ success has a lot to do with the talented crew that Burniston has managed to recruit including Nursery Manager, Holly Rominger, who will now oversee the daily operations of the new Mountain City retail location.
‘This is my dream job,” she said, adding that opening the new center is not only about growing the business, but “filling the need in the community.”

Mountain View Nursery and Landscaping Home and Garden Center manager, Holly Rominger, left, is assisted by Josena Aiello while setting up for a grand opening at the business’ new retail location on U.S. Route 421, next to the Garden Barn. Thanks to the arrival of warmer temperatures, the time is right to get busy planting and to bring the garden back to its spring and summer beauty. Please see more on home and garden solutions, tips, landscape, and hardscape ideas in this edition. Photo by Tamas Mondovics

Rominger has plenty of skilled hands on deck to assist her, like Hardscape Manager, Ricky Hansen, a graduate of Tennessee Technological University with a BS Degree in Agriculture Engineering and Education. Hansen specializes in the hardscaping and irrigation portion of the business. With many more talented employees assisting costumers, there is little doubt about Mountain View Nursery and Landscaping Home and Garden Center’s impact on the community.
Providing a complete line of plants and materials, a display garden, indoor home, and garden center, coupled with landscaping design and installation
services while offering competitive prices without the need to drive far to get good service is a win-win for everyone.
“This is a little bit of paradise,” Rominger said, adding with confidence, “We have a lot to offer and we are looking forward to sharing a slice of it with all of our new and longtime costumers. So come by, enjoy, and take a piece with you.”

Ricky Hansen at Mountain View Nursery

Mountain View Nursery and Landscaping Home and Garden Center are now open Monday through Friday from 8-5 p.m. and Saturday from 8-2 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.mtnviewnursery.com.

By Jill Penley

While Johnson County voters made their voices heard in November, voting “yes” to on-premise consumption and package stores, the process of passing an ordinance establishing requirements and regulations has been complicated and time-consuming.
Per George T. Wright, City Attorney, the second and final reading on both beer and liquor ordinances is set for the May 7 meeting of the Mountain City Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting.
Prospective retail package store retailers would have to apply after the Town of Mountain City approves specific regulations regarding the retail sale of liquor, and if those are specifications are met, an Order of Compliance would be subsequently issued. At that point, an application can be made at the state level.
After a completed application for a retail store is received, the application must be placed on the agenda and approved by the TABC commission at a regular monthly commission meeting. Adherence to specific regulations is also required. For example, a retail store must be located on the ground floor with one main entrance opening on a public street with no other door or entrance for use by the public unless the store is located on the corner of two public streets. Under those circumstances, a retail store could have a door opening on each of the public streets.
Along with the repeal of Prohibition, the 21st Amendment of the United States Constitution gave individual states the right to control what parties can sell alcohol within the state, how the distribution of alcohol in the state would take place, and who would be able to possess alcohol within the state legally. States and even local jurisdictions have significant differences in who can legally sell, buy, and possess alcoholic beverages.
State law generally gives cities the authority to license and regulate the retail sale of intoxicating liquor once local option election results approve it. State statute regulates many aspects of local liquor licensing, though a local authority may, in some instances, supplement state statute with stricter standards via a local ordinance.
Additionally, retail stores are required to close on Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, and Easter. Hours of operation for retail package stores are also set.
Retail package store managers must hold a manager’s permit and employees of a retail store must be at least eighteen years old and must be certified clerks.
In addition to employee requirements, there are laws regarding ownership of retail package stores. For instance, an owner cannot hold any type of public office, or have any interest, either direct or indirect, in any other retail liquor store, wholesale license, or liquor by the drink license. There are stipulations for prospective retail package store owner with felonies. Under current legal scrutiny, is Tennessee’s residency requirement, which says one must reside in the state for a minimum of two years to obtain a retail liquor license and for at least ten years to get a license renewed.

By Bethany Anderson

An important topic of discussion at the recent meeting of the Board of Alderman was the many improvements and updates needed around town with several projects mentioned.
Mayor Kevin Parsons mentioned that he would like the signage at the city limits to be updated to include recognition for local civic organizations such as the Kiwanis Club.
Public Works Director Gary Phillips stated that moving the existing Kiwanis Club signage closer to the city limit signage could be made quickly. Phillips made plans for his crews to do so and it has since been taken care of.
Chief of Police Denver Church requested a signage update for crosswalks around town, which included 12 signs at an estimated cost of $100 per sign. Alderman Bob Morrison made a motion for a budget amendment of $1,500 for the necessary signage.
The discussion on improvements continued in connection with the crosswalk light at Highway 421, and Highway 67, which according to officials is in much need of repairs. The estimated is $5,485.50 with $2,200 already paid for previous work and troubleshooting the issues.
Alderman Lawrence Keeble made a motion to move forward with this project, citing safety concerns for the town.
Alderman Jerry Jordan added, “I know Gary and his roads crew have been working on the crosswalks, and they look a whole lot better.”
Addressing a much talked about blight in town, Mayor Kevin Parsons made mention of a downtown building in disrepair.
“We’ve got a building in terrible condition here in town,” he said, speaking of the old Army Surplus building. “It could be a dangerous situation. Now that it’s vacant it would be a good time to do something about it.”
Parsons made mention that he had spoken to the realtor of the building and that there are currently plans for a new tenant to rent the building. He then said, “I’d like to have our building inspector and Fire Chief take a look at that.”
City Building Inspector Jesse Compton responded saying, “My biggest concern would be a child going in there.” He added, “We do have the right with building codes to go in and take a look.”
Plans were then made for Compton to meet with Fire Chief Gary Stout and schedule that inspection and address any concerns before the new occupants can
take possession of the building.
That the meeting was improvement oriented there was little doubt. Thanks to the recent momentum of growth in town and the county, the effort is welcomed by the community.

By Bethany Anderson

Johnson County Schools’ Transportation Supervisor, Barry Bishop, 57, was back in court Friday, March 29 for his ongoing criminal case regarding the allegations brought forward after a joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.
The investigation led to his indictment of one count of theft over $10,000, followed by Bishop’s arrest on January 3, and arraignment on February 8.
During the investigation, TBI agents developed information that between January 2015 and May 2017, Bishop used his position as the transportation supervisor for the school system to perform skills testing for commercial driver’s license applicants.
According to the comptroller—based on interviews—employees performed maintenance on their vehicles after normal working hours with parts and supplies purportedly purchased with their personal funds.
Bishop is currently out of jail on a $15,000 bond, while Case 2019CR1 has become an ongoing case with the Johnson County Criminal Court system, spanning several months so far.
The Johnson County School system remains compliant with all state recommendations and is maintaining a “business as usual” approach.
All of Bishop’s duties, caring for the “day-to-day” of busses including supervising bus employees are currently covered by Dr. Stephen Long, while Dr. Herbie Adams is covering Maintenance and Career Technical duties.
According to Dr. Long, “We cannot speak about any plans for a replacement or any other job details because it is all a part of the court case and open investigation.”
Judge Lisa Rice heard many criminal cases on Friday, but once Bishop’s turn came it all went pretty quickly. His attorney filed a motion to dismiss, which Judge Rice answered by saying, “I’ll have to respectfully deny that.”
There was then mention that a motion for discovery had already been filled and carried out. Dates were set for the pretrial and the trial. The pretrial motion date is currently set for June 3, and the trial itself is currently scheduled to last for two days on June 25 and 26, 2019.
Judge Rice warned both parties that all pretrial motions must be filed no later than May 30 in preparation for trial. Bishop and his attorney agreed as well as the prosecutor. All involved will no doubt be making their filings and preparing for the upcoming late June trial.

By Tamas Mondovics

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced last week the five counties chosen to participate in the latest round of the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP), which originates from the department’s Select Tennessee Certified Site Program.
Each round of PEP selection is based on the demonstrated local need for industrial properties and the county’s ability to assemble viable properties with market potential.
The timing of the news could not have been any better for the region, as the momentum in Johnson County and Mountain City is about as noticeable and welcomed as it can get.
“With our industrial park now full, we are in much need of more properties to serve as industrial sites,” said Johnson County Mayor Mike Taylor. “Being approved to participate in this round of the PEP will make it possible to fund the cost of evaluating potential in our area.”
Taylor confirmed that he had submitted four pieces of properties (two on Highway 91, North and two on U.S. Route 421 South) that may potentially be suitable for evaluation.
Started in 2015, PEP is designed to improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings in Tennessee.
“PEP helps local communities attract and grow businesses in Tennessee and creates high-quality jobs in the process,’ said Gov. Bill Lee. Thanks to PEP, we’re identifying even more opportunities for Tennesseans to both build a career and build up local economies in our state.”
TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe agreed when he said, “One of the best things a community can do to promote economic growth is evaluating and improving their sites for market. I congratulate the five communities on being chosen for this round of PEP and look forward to what is in store for them in the future.”
According to officials, the program evaluates potential properties, advising counties on where investment may be most beneficial and how sites can be improved to attract prospective companies. Before this round, 47 counties have participated in PEP.
PEP originates from the department’s Select Tennessee Certified Site Program. With the assistance of site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP benefits participating counties by providing guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects.
For counties selected to participate, PEP includes an on-site visit by Austin Consulting and TNECD, an educational webinar on the site selection process and a comprehensive assessment addressing the strengths and needs of a community’s inventory of industrial sites. This assessment also offers recommendations for communities to improve marketability.
The application process typically begins with the submission of a letter of intent, which is accepted at any time. Upon receipt of the letter, interested communities will be provided with the PEP application. A new round of communities will be accepted into the program in the fall of 2019.
For more information, please visit, www.tnecd.com. Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd, facebook.com/tnecd.