Volunteers fight a fire at Riverside Restaurant for the second time in two months. Photo by Elizabeth LD McGee.

2008 in review

2008 in review

County Commissioners are looking at creating a Board that will be able to deal with businesses interested in the county.

Tombstones were toppled at the Copperhill Cemetery on Christmas Eve, with many damaged beyond repair. Work has been ongoing for more than a year to remove vegetation from the pioneer cemetery, which dates to 1893.

Tombstones toppled on eve of Christmas

Outfitters were required to post bonds or letters of credit as a condition for a Temporary Injunction stopping the county from issuing distress warrants for collection of the tax.

This year’s November rate is 3.3% higher than last year.

The Copper Basin Hospital District has received verbal approval from United Community Bank for a $1.4 million line of credit, according to attorney Jim Johnstone.

State budget cuts have eliminated the program beginning in April.

County subdivision regulations require bonds to be in place so that the county does not become responsible for creating roads in new developments.

The county needs to protect itself against the possibility of a class-action lawsuit over the rafting tax, county attorney Jimmy Logan advised last week.

Richard Taylor of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency recently presented the award to Stiles in the presence of Director James Cearley and Chief James Talley of the East Polk Fire Rescue who nominated Stiles for the recognition.

Isaac ‘Buster’ Bramblett is the new county commissioner from the Second District, bringing the commission to having nine people at the table for the first time in months.

Local food banks have felt the sting of a worsening economy, with both the Polk Baptist Food Bank in Benton and the Copper Basin Crisis Center reporting an increase in the need for assistance.

Once again, the commission will be appointing a new commissioner from the Second district, this one to replace Fred Wilcoxon, who resigned.

The goal is to provide a quick impact by providing funds for “shovel-ready” projects such as roads and bridges.

Trustee Patsy Jenkins said payments started as soon as the bills went out, which – so far – has allowed the county to avoid borrowing tax anticipation notes to pay bills, as is usually the case.

He stated his son was diagnosed some time back with Asperger’s Disease, and that he had to be active.

Sheriff Bill Davis said the Tennessee Correctional Institute, which monitors jails, gave its seal of approval at the December meeting.