By Steve Hunley The ballots in the recent election had barely been counted when the News Sentinel started giving the new Board of Education advice about how to pick the next superintendent. The Sentinel told the incoming Board members just what to look for in a new superintendent and even rehashed a little history. The […]
By Ray Hill When one thinks of bossism in Tennessee politics, Edward Hull Crump of Memphis leaps to mind. Much has been written about the Crump machine, but Hilary Howse of Nashville headed an equally potent and thriving political machine in Davidson County. There are numerous similarities between the two urban political machines. Like Crump, […]
By Jedidiah McKeehan It can be a daunting, and expensive, experience to hire an attorney, especially when you hear the sorts of numbers thrown around – million dollar settlements, $500.00 an hour, “we don’t get paid until you get paid!” What does all of this mean to you? Well, you want to be clear on […]
By Ralphine Major It is a bright-red fruit that has drawn thousands to Grainger County, Tennessee, for the past 24 years! The Grainger County tomato has a very unique and wonderful taste. Absolutely delicious!! A pleasant drive up Emory Road showcased the beautiful East Tennessee mountains in the distance, often draped in an early morning […]
By Rosie Moore It is said that “birds of a feather, flock together” but, Ruby, my cardinal friend would rather “flock” alone. I watch his antics outside from my window in the den and they are usually quite amusing. If I tap on the window he will fly away but comes back in a few […]
By Dr. Jim Ferguson Recently, two friends of mine on the social media site, Facebook, found themselves in a “dust-up.” The problem arose from the politics of our divided land. About four years ago I joined Facebook because my kids were using it, and I wanted to keep up with my kids and their pictures. […]
Susan Horn Victorious in 5th District BOE Race By Sally Absher sallyabsher@knoxfocus.com It was a long race for Susan Horn, as she spent the better part of the last 8 months campaigning for the 5th District BOE seat. On March 1, she won the plurality of votes but fell short of the 50% + 1 […]
By Steve Hunley For those of you who don’t think elections, especially local elections matter, take the case of Mike McMillan, East Knox County’s member of the Board of Education. When McMillan entered the primary for the Board of Education literally at the last minute in 2010, he was the underdog of all underdogs. McMillan […]
By Ray Hill In 1943, while still a member of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Cabinet, Harold L. Ickes wrote his autobiography. Aptly entitled “Autobiography of a Curmudgeon,” Ickes immediately said, “If, in these pages, I have hurled an insult at anyone, be it known that such was my deliberate intent, and I may as well […]
By Sally Absher Welcome Back Students! A hearty “Welcome back” to Knox County students and their families! We hope you (or your parents) will make a habit of reading the Chalk Board column in the weekly Knoxville Focus paper – either the print version that comes out on Mondays, or the online version available at […]
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