TDOT has published an October 2008 newsletter for the Pellissippi Parkway Extension Project.

Decisions:

Alternatives that will be carried forward and evaluated in detail in the Draft Environment Impact Statement (DEIS):

• No build
• Extend using Alternative A (formerly Corridor A)
• Extend using Alternative C (formerly Corridor C)
• Alternative D - Upgrade two-lane network (formerly Corridor D)

Alternatives dismissed from further consideration, failed to substantially address the transportation needs and purpose and need of the project:

• Public transit
• Transportation System Management
• Extend using Corridor B

Field studies are currently being conducted, through November 2008.

KNS: Alcoa Inc. cutting 115 Blount County jobs

Aluminum maker Alcoa Inc. said today it is cutting 115 jobs at its Blount County smelter operation.

The Pittsburgh-based company said the job cuts are part of a corporatewide effort to reduce costs in the face of plummeting aluminum prices.
Employees were told of the job cuts earlier today, Alcoa spokesman Kevin Lowery said.

Hourly and salaried workers as well as contractors will be affected by the cuts, which will be phased in over the next 12 months.

A message to the voters of Louisville from Joe Gallagher:

As you know, I am a candidate for Town of Louisville Board of Mayor and Alderman. My reasons for running are:

• Promote growth which will retain Louisville's rural charm and scenic values

• Strengthen mandate of new Design Review Board

• New Town Center on Louisville Road

• Advocate transparency in government

• Welcome citizens questions and input

• Eliminate conflict-of-interest government

I am a firm believer in "property rights" but I also advocate neighbors rights and the policy of the greater community good. In that regard, I am dedicated to ensuring that Topside Road and Louisville Road do not end up looking like Clinton Highway.

Personal: Carol and I are in our 10th year of residence at 3151 Hardy Blvd., Louisville because Carol grew up in Oak Ridge and graduated from the University of Tennessee. I retired from an EMMY award winning TV sports career with ABC, NBC and NBC. I am active in community affairs on county and town levels. I am President of Alcoa Rotary; member of the Board of Directors of The Raven Society and Save Chilhowee Mountain, a parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Church where I serve on the Haiti Mission and a member of Maryville American Legion.

This is non-partisan and it's not supposed to matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. I want Town of Louisville citizens to vote for me because I will be good for the town -- now and in the future.

Joe Gallagher is one of the good guys, and should he win, the citizens of Louisville will be fortunate to be represented by him.

We're hearing reports that there has been a layoff at Rockford Manufacturing.

According to someone close to some laid-off employees, including one who has worked there for more than twenty years, the abrupt announcement may affect as many as thirty employees. Word is that those let go will not receive severance pay and are left without health insurance.

The company, located on Little River Rd. in Rockford, manufactures cotton and synthetic yarn and cordage and employs approx. 250 people.

The Daily Times reports on some drama at last night's County Commission meeting. Apparently, the reporter wasn't even sure what the guy was talking about, but apparently it was related to the stormwater ordinance debate.

I've seen some unhinged commentary about it being unconstitutional and a violation of property rights and such. It appears to be coming from fringe libertarian types.

Wendy Pitts Reeves is quoted in the Daily Times article as saying she feels they may need security at future workshop meetings. It's another sad commentary on today's divisive, hateful civic and political climate.

Support Barack Obama for President!

Don't forget to vote.

The Blount Country Democratic Party has bumper stickers and yard signs.

Yard signs: $5.00
Bumper stickers: $2.00

Call first (865-379-8683) to make sure someone is manning the office.

Also, don't forget the Friday Happy Hours, 5:00PM to 7:30PM.

Bring your own soft drinks (beer and wine permitted) plus finger food/snacks and a lawn chair. This is an excellent opportunity for Democrats (and others) to socialize and discuss important issues.

Blount Country Democratic Party
305 Ellis Avenue
Maryville, TN

WATE: Section of Foothills Parkway to open for fall viewing

A 9.5 mile section of the Foothills Parkway will be opened temporarily during an upcoming October weekend so drivers can view the fall scenery.

The dates are October 18-19 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

More info at the link.

Early voting starts next week, Wednesday, October 15th. With all of the excitement over the Presidential election, don't forget to pay attention to the local election. Here is a sample ballot.

Sales Tax Referendum: Increase Local Sales Tax FROM 2.25% TO 2.75%.
This sales tax increase is proposed to be used for education. This will increase the total (state and local) sales tax you pay FROM 9.25% TO 9.75%. Sales tax on $10.00 will increase by $0.05.
Anyone have details on how they plan to spend this money on education?

City of Aloca Board of Commissioners:
(Vote for two (2))
Clayton Bledsoe (incumbent)
George Williams (incumbent)
Ken White (newby)
Anyone have information on Ken White?

City of Alcoa Board of Education:
(Vote for three (3))
Charles Cameron (incumbent)
Steve Marsh (incumbent)
Johnelle Jackson (update: incumbent)
Does it matter? Three needed, three running.

City of Louisville Alderman:
(Vote for two (2))
Steve Dixon
Joe Gallagher
Michael Mund
Anyone have any details regarding this election? We all probably know Joe Gallagher and he is not an incumbent. How about Dixon and Mund?

City of Maryville Council Members:
(Vote for two (2))
Joe Swann (incumbent, current Mayor)
Thomas Taylor (incumbent, current Vice Mayor)
Does it matter? Two needed, two running.

City of Maryville Board of Education:
(Vote for two (2))
Doug Jenkins (incumbent)
Bethany Hodson Pope
Charles West
Anyone have information on Bethany Hodson Pope or Charles West?

City of Townsend:
Referendum for the sale of wine for on-premises consumption.

The Texas Roadhouse franchise in Alcoa has been purchased by the Texas Roadhouse Corp. parent company. The company has acquired a number of franchise in recent years as part of a corporate strategy to improve profits.

With the change in ownership, the restaurant will be closed for lunch during the week. It will still be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for lunch.

From last night's Commission WorkSession

Also at Thursday's work session, County Mayor Jerry Cunningham told commissioners they would be getting a communication from the county's attorney on the settlement of a lawsuit stemming from an automobile accident involving a Blount County Sheriff's Office cruiser.

Link...

Point goes to the KNS for at least showing up at the meetings.

Ummm.. unless of course the DT is now going with a very early deadline for print? Ummmm..

Update- the DT now has their version of the workshop on their website.