Cool new feature found on the City of Alcoa web-site, GIS Mapping.

The City of Alcoa GIS Mapping is currently promoted for businesses to "review your property boundary and mapped impervious area".

However, you can use it to look up individual property information as well. Check it out at this City of Alcoa Stormwater Utility site.

Blount County bloggers and Web commentators:
For purposes of an article for Blount Today, I am interested in exploring the concept of blogging on county issues and what drives and motivates those of you who offer commentary on this or other Web sites.
I am not so much interested in opinions on the specific issues as I am in the act of blogging itself and why people feel compelled to do it. We would discuss the mostly anonymous nature of the activity, the apparent concerns among many of you about government collusion and what you hope to accomplish by your writings.
Be aware that we do not publish unattributed quotes, so you will be required to give me your real name if you choose to participate. I also will need the screen name under which you have written on BlountViews, though that can be withheld from publication, thus preserving your anonymity. But withholding the screen name is not automatic; you would have to request that.
You also need to know that fairness requires that I talk to people on the other side of the issues also, the ones who are generally the targets of your comments.
I invite your participation because I think it is a modern phenomenon that could see exponential growth in coming months and years, particularly as the presidential campaigns heat up. Obviously, participation is voluntary, so if you choose not to join in, all you have to do is nothing.
If you are interested in being part of the project, please e-mail your name and a phone number where you can be reached to rlwilson2594@charter.net. I will call you back.
Let's see where the conversation leads.
Robert Wilson

TACIR released a report on Tennessee voting systems last week. Read a summary and commentary at TennViews. Also, Joe Powell raises some good questions.

Check the Blount County Democrats website for an announcement regarding this week's First Friday luncheon.