McMillan releases statement and the cattle go to auction

Current 8th district Knox County school board member, Mike McMillan, who is seeking re-election has issued a statement in regards to the 3 citations from KCSO.  Local bloggers, including myself, and independent news outlets have reported on this developing situation.  There is also an update on the status of his cattle.

Over the weekend I got a couple of messages that McMillan’s cattle were being loaded up from his 8406 Thorngrove Pike property.  It was unclear at the time what specifically was being done with the livestock.  Monday morning, Knoxville Livestock posted that on Wednesday 1/22/20 at 12 noon they will be auctioning off 50 head of “thin fleshed” cattle.  I’m glad these cattle are hopefully going to a better situation.  Rather it be to fatten up or live out their days, any place would be better than slowly wasting away in mud and manure.

Today McMillan released a statement in regards to recent “allegations”.  He claims that these cattle were looked at as pets and many had names.  I wonder if there are headstones all over his property marking the names of the cattle who passed in his care?  I’m not sure what type of pet owner all of you are but I know that I would never allow any of my animals to diminish into the condition that his cattle are in.  These cattle were under fed, under watered, malnourished and are currently just plain sick.  I understand Mr. McMillan has recently had health concerns with himself and close loved ones.  That is unfortunate.  McMillan also claims that he had a farm hand who was supposed to be attending to his cattle.  That obviously was not happening, but also something else that wasn’t happening…McMillan even driving by his property to see the condition of his cattle.  One bull lay dead in his field for 3 days before someone disposed of it’s body.

McMillan claims in his statement that what has been reported thus far is not the entire truth or true at all.  I drove by the property myself…those cattle were not properly cared for by their owner so I am unsure of what exactly he feels is untrue.  McMillan also claims he was misunderstood by the KCSO officer late last year when it was noted he admitted to not properly feeding his cattle in one of the reports attached to citation 1032178B.  I’d like to hear the officer’s opinion on this…remember once this investigation is closed I will be requesting the body cam files.  McMillan-Statement-01-21-20

Excuses are only good for those who give them.  I cannot gather an ounce of sympathy for Mr. McMillan.  Mr. McMillan claims during his illness he was still able to attend to his duties on Knox County school board.  If that is the case then why couldn’t he simply drive by to ensure his “guy” was attending to his cattle.  Then once he saw the state of his cattle made some phone calls to get help.  That is all it would have taken.  There are plenty of livestock owners in the area who are knowledgeable and equipped enough to lend a hand and attend to the herd.

I’ll say this again.  Neglect of an animal is 100% preventable!

Proverbs 27:23 “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds;

McMillan Farm Ag Investigatory Report

With information obtained from Brian Hornback we have updated information about the animal cruelty case against Knox County 8th district school board representative Mike McMillan and his cattle at his property on Thorngrove Pike.

Please see below. It’s not good.

On Friday, January 10, 2020 I was escorting Tennessee Department of Agriculture Special Agent / Investigator for the Agricultural Crime Unit (Agent R. Raper) to the property for a follow up. Agent Raper is concerned the deceased cow and calf are not deep enough in the ground, the large white bull and the small black bull are digging with their front legs (feet) and heads to attempt
to dig her up. He is concerned with the number of new calves (approximately 7 on each side of the road). He noticed 1 calf attempting to nurse and as the calf would make the attempt it would head butt the utters. Agent Raper advises that is a sign the mother is not producing colostrum and milk. He explains colostrum is a necessity for calves when they are 1st born. He is unsure if the calves will survive with the conditions of the mother cows. In videos, all cows have diarrhea streaming from their rear
ends. He states this can be from a number of intestinal virus’ and bacteria. He also noticed a cough and mucus from the cows, he advised this could be BRD (Bovine Respiratory Disease) which is common in sickly cows and is highly contagious in a herd. Cows were noticed drinking from water standing in feces. No potable water has been placed for the cattle as he instructed Mr McMillan to put out for the cows. He looked at the hay advising, the hay is considered a filler hay and isn’t nutrient sufficient enough
to sustain the cattle. He advises the cattle need alfalfa hay and high protein grain, but was concerned of the shock it would
place on their system if just placed in the pasture and recommends a feeding plan be put into effect by a UT Ag Extension or a Veterinarian. He states all cows need vet care, worming blocks, mineral blocks and protein blocks. He advised there are too many cows in the pasture since the pasture is not being turned properly and the grazing ground is baron. He states the cattle should
not be sold for Human Consumption and does not think they will pass the FDA inspection. He added, if the cows are treated by a veterinarian and have been cleared by a veterinarian they may be considered for Human Consumption at that time. Mr Glyn Underwood
has stepped forward and has been requested to be placed on the report as a witness. He advises, he has watched this go on for years and is concerned for the animals and the safety of the public due to the cattle getting out and the danger it places in the roadway along with the spread of disease the cattle carry that may be contagious to animals and humans alike. He advises several have died and numerous complaints have been made with no action against Mr McMillan. This incident did occur in Knox County, Tennessee.

Representation

Who do you want representing your children?  Personally, I can’t see someone who cannot look out for the best interest of livestock truly being able to look out for the best interest of my children.  Mr. Mike McMillan, 8th district Knox County School Board Representative, has recently been cited for animal care infractions by KCSO.  As an elected official who is up for re-election this year I beg of my readers to really think about who you want representing you and your children.  Your vote really does matter, especially when deplorable acts like this come to light.  Please continue to read below to get a full scope of the situation at hand.

There were 3 citations issued to Mr. McMillan on 12/8/19.  The court date for these citations was scheduled for today, 1/16/20.  Mr. McMillan had his attorney reschedule this hearing as he was unable to attend.  The court date has been reset to 2/6/20 at 9am, 4th sessions court at the city county building.

• 1032177B – On 10/23/19 KCSO animal control officers were dispatched to 8406 Thorngrove Pike, a call had come in that there was a cow dead in the field and had been there for 3 days.  Upon arrival a bull was found dead in the pasture.  Officers noted Mr. McMillan has poor fencing.  The hot wire was not working and there was no electrical current traveling through the wire fencing.

• 1032178B – On 11/23/19 KCSO officers were dispatched to 8406 Thorngrove Pike.  Upon an interview with Mr. McMillan, McMillan admitted to not feeding his cows the needed grain and minerals.  Officers noted no water could be located on the property.  Officers also noted that Mr. McMillan admits to being sick and unable to care for the cows and he has 1 farmhand but that it takes more than 2 people to care for them.

• 1032179B – On 11/22/19 KCSO officers were dispatched to the corner of Thorngrove Pike and Cooper Rd.  3 cows were out of their pasture.  Officers noted low spots in fencing and a broken spot.

On 1/8/20 KCSO Animal Control was dispatched back out to 8406 Thorngrove Pike with reports of cattle having no food and a cow being down.  SoapBoxKnox was able to obtain this follow-up report provided by brianhornback.com on Tuesday 1/14/20, you can read that post here.  The officer’s report of this call is disheartening at best.  See these reports below.

After getting all of the above information I decided that this was something I needed to see for myself.  Is it really as bad as it reads.  Well…it is.  Poor fencing, emaciated cattle, hay just on the ground and since the conditions are so muddy instead of eating the hay some cattle are using it as bedding.  Old broken down vehicles around everywhere in the field with the cattle.  Garbage laying around.  No adequate shelter.  I can only imagine how bad this actually is up close as I was only able to observe from the street.

 

No laughing matter…

Animal abuse comes in many forms and is absolutely no laughing matter.  As a pet and livestock owner I cannot sympathize with anyone who willingly neglects their animals.  At no time is neglect okay.  If you cannot tend to your animals and take care of them properly then it is time to get them to someone who can.  No animal that is dependent on human care should go without food, water and adequate housing/shelter.

Earlier today Brian Hornback released news about current 8th district Knox County School Board member, Mike McMillan, and criminal charges brought against him for animal abuse.  You can read his post here

These charges began when it was reported to Knox County Animal Control that there was a cow dead in Mr. McMillan’s field and it had been there for 3 days.  This prompted Knox County Animal Control to start an investigation.  From that we now know that Mr. McMillan has admitted to not properly feeding his livestock.  Knox County Animal Control also reported no evidence of water available for the livestock on Mr. McMillan’s property.

The charges against Mr. McMillan range from simple fencing infractions, allowing the animals to run at large and lack of animal care – cruelty.  There are 3 citations currently on docket to be heard in Knox County Courts on Thursday January 16th starting at 9am.  As of this time we are unaware of Mr. McMillan being represented by an attorney.

I am sure this story will develop over time and more information will be available after Thursday’s court hearing.

19th District State Rep Debate

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a debate between the 3 candidates running for the 19th district’s State Representative seat.  The event was organized by Independent candidate Michele Westover and in attendance was Democratic candidate Edward Nelson and then Republican candidate Knox County Commissioner Dave Wright.  I would have liked to have seen a larger representation of our community but with weather being as it was I am using that as the excuse vs. that voters have no desire to inform themselves.  *insert annoyed face emoji*

There was a plethora of topics discussed and addressed.  Mr. Nelson was very well versed and answered every question fully and with a fair amount of directness.  Mrs. Westover was direct in her answers as well and committed to giving an answer to the questions.  Mr. Wright was full of life stories…like the guy who hangs out at the corner store and makes you 20 minutes late with another story from years past.  Yup.  That guy.  He failed to directly answer most questions, the ones he did answer directly was after being poked and prodded to.  Mr. Wright wore his dancing shoes to this debate, he tried to dance around most questions asked.

Here is a cliff notes version of questions asked and answers given.  **Note: if I could not find a point to the candidate’s statement to condense I will quote what was said by the candidate for those reading to decipher themselves.

Why are you running for 19th district state representative?

Wright – Natural progression.  Wants to take issues he sees in Knox County & bring them to Nashville.

Westover – Sees issues locally.  DCS needs work.  Anger with local issues prompted her run.  Needs reform & wants to make a change.

Nelson – Wants to help people.  The people have lost their power.  Nashville caters to corporations & businesses not the people who voted for them.  Give the people something to vote for.  People not donors.

2. What is your view on the US Constitution and reflection on state rights?

Nelson – Took oath to fight for constitution.  TN also has a constitution – both start with We The People and that is what I will fight for.

Westover – Similar response to Mr. Nelson’s.  Also stated to get our government back to the people & allow them to have a voice.

Wright – Related to a balancing act –  US -> TN -> Local government – these are interwoven.  Keep unified.

 3. With many people in our district dependent on natural aquifers and well water…what will you do to protect their sole source of usable water?

Westover – What comes to mind is Midway Business Project.  Aquifer will be compromised and 35,000 resident will be effected.  We need to look at better strategies or more programs to protect our water sources.

Nelson – Has expertise with clean water battles from time in west tn.  Make corporations accountable when they violate statutes.

Wright – “I think that one of the things that were speaking about here, campaigning for state legislative seat is directly related to the question.  Clean water resides more at a state and federal level than it does at a Knox County level.  Of the laws that govern what we can do and how you test and how you construct are primarily looked at by the state legislature and I think that’s why we should be campaigning to fill that spot.”

4. Being landlocked, what role should the state have in the development of industrial parks?

Nelson – Jobs are important but to some areas the environment is more important.  Firm believer that the best government is that closest to the people.  Local government should do zoning – not necessarily place for state involvement.

Wright – “Probably the 2nd most important thing in the equation to the cost of government is making sure we have good quality jobs.  Sometimes government is involved in stimulating that.  Whether it be through actively developing real estate or it be through stimulating developers.  Ive seen it happen both ways.  The most important thing in the equation is education leads to good jobs meaning that we have growth results in, because everything keeps going up, the taxes do not have to go up.”

Westover – Our role in creating jobs is important, but building more industrial parks (specifically 19th district) the infrastructure cannot support more.  We need to look at utilizing vacant urban spaces vs spending money on building new.

5. If you could make one law happen without any resistance what would it be?

Wright – Utility companies do not take money across county lines.

Westover – legalization of medicinal marijuana.

Nelson – Expand Medicaid & give working class access to healthcare.

 6. Everyone explains what they will do for businesses what will you do for those whose livelihoods are agriculturally related?

Nelson – Would like to see the legalization of marijuana.  This would the Ag economy as well as benefit the revenue for local farmers.

Westover – Agree with Mr. Nelson.  Made note that once Colorado passed legalization it generated 996M in tax revenue that went into education, welfare, veterans and homeless programs.  It could be a tremendous help.

Wright – “Speaking from a farming background, mom and dad owned a dairy farm, ive got two younger brothers.  Mom and dad had passed 4 years ago dad and (?) years ago mom, the two younger brothers were still trying to farm and we’re all retired and I’d say its social farming because there are two lenders of farming in the state of TN.  One is the hundreds of thousands of dollars it cost to put the equipment in the field and the other being the hundreds of thousands of dollars for the 150 to 200 acres or so to farm on when farming in the united states is on a lot, lot, lot larger operation than I could do or my brothers could do on 150 acres.”  **Mr. Wright interrupted the asking of the next question to stated medical marijuana needs to be researched and figures brought to the table and possible benefit to those who the studies show it would benefit.

 7. What is your stance on recreational marijuana and its benefits agriculturally.

Westover – State legalize medical marijuana and then put onto ballot for approval and legalization of recreational marijuana.

Wright – The ballot initiative is perfect way to address.  Personally against smoking in general.  Inhaling any form of gas is detrimental to health.

Nelson – Pro legalization across the board.  Expressed concerns for putting on ballot due to reprimand to those held from casting votes due to records/charges for marijuana possession/use/etc.

 8. Why do you represent the party you do and can you get along with other parties?

Wright – Party designation doesn’t work well.  Try to work issue by issue and not remember who was opposed vs who supported the issue.

Westover – Do not want a party to govern how I vote or represent my district.

Nelson – I believe the Democratic party can be the party to represent the people.

 9. How will you work to improve quality of life for educators?

Nelson – Supported by TN Education Association…funding schools but also fund teachers.  Need supplies that are 21st century.  TN has the ability to treat education fairly.

Westover – agree with Mr. Nelson.  Give higher wages & salaries to get better quality educators.  Teachers should not have to spend personal money to support their classrooms.

Wright – I’ve attended BOE meetings more than any other rep on Knox Co Commission.  More brick and mortar meetings than curriculum or spending but I was exposed to curriculum and spending.  TN is improving faster in education than any other state.

 10. Will you provide a source of legal recourse for false allegations?

***There was no real good answer due to vagueness of the question.  Questions ultimately scratched.

 11. What will you do for those who have their driver’s license taken away to be able to work and make payments?  Question was clarified to suggest license suspended due to fines and/or back child support.

Wright – I think a person needs to be able to get to and from work.  There needs to be a process to remedy that.

Nelson – TN Supreme Court states cannot take driver’s licenses away from those who owe back child support, governor stopped bill – now in limbo.  I think taking a license away from anyone for fine is no good & a way to keep jails full.

Westover – this is counterproductive.  I support a payment plan and do not support taking license away.

 12. What is your view that officials increase community involvement.

Nelson – Yes.  I am out and about.  I am an activist by trade so yes this is important.

Westover – I believe our representatives need to be out there for the public to access.  That’s why we are there.  Open door policy.

Wright – Told story about a phone call after 5 and attending a food pantry event.  Then spoke of other events that were happening that night.  Stated there are always things to go to and I go to things.

 13. What is your opinion on constables as law enforcement?

Westover – Benefit to certain communities.  Can work community outreach without tying up officers.

Wright – Knox County is a more populous county and the law enforcement is higher level of training.  If more officers needed would like to see KCSO step up.  Flavor of which way you want to go.

Nelson –  Knox County doesn’t need constables.  Probably server purpose in counties they are in but Knox County doesn’t need.

 14. Should elected officials be able to run for an other office while servicing in current office?

Wrignt – I believe in term limits – with term limits you move up or out.

Nelson – You likely have to sit where you are while running for another office.  Problem is where people avoid term limits by going for other offices.

Westover – Yes.  You should be able to run while holding current office.  Not a great system but it works.

 15. Should we raise taxes to pay for education and healthcare.

Nelson – Raising/implementing taxes should be last option.  It’s a balancing act.

Westover – No.  Need to look at programs that will generate revenue for the state.

Wright – No.  Education -> Jobs -> Growth = do not have to raise taxes.

 16. If I am not your party why should I vote for you?

Westover – because I am the right person for the job

Wright – Im the person who has dealt with government in Knox County.  Heart always in Knox County.

Nelson – Im coming into this as someone who understands what is coming.  The General Assembly is old, no offense.  It takes someone who knows the tech avail and what the needs of TN is.

 17. Under current administration is TN doing better, worse or same as a whole than under the previous 2 administrations.

Wright – Incrementally admin had helped TN improve.  There is no destination, will never improve.

Nelson – Yes we are doing better but in some ways doing worse.  Healthcare in TN has gotten worse.  We are a state that doesn’t vote, we are disenfranchised.  Tuition is up.  Amount of minimum wage jobs is too high.

Westover – Some good but no growth.  Big step forward was 2 yrs free tuition for students.  Minimum wage needs to improve.

 18. Opinion on Agricultural Tourism in TN.

Nelson – Agricultural tourism is great.  Used California wineries as example.  Huge draw.  Wonderful and vital role in economy.

Westover – Vital to TN.  Knox County needs to improve agricultural tourism.

Wright – Agricultural tourism equals small business growth.

19. Thoughts on historical sights, markers and places.

Wright – We have to remember where we came from.  Mark what’s special to remember it.

Westover – Need to preserve.  Do not need moved or destroyed.  Remember history to keep from repeating it.

Nelson – History and markers are important.  It’s important to know our history.  Some monuments are put up for the wrong reasons, feel like it is to repress certain groups.

 20. Missouri recently put down right to work.  How would you have voted.  **question from attendee

Wright – eventually answered would vote Yes to right to work

Westover – TN is already right to work but I would not have supported it.

Nelson – I would vote no on right to work.  It lowers wages and will bust up unions.

 21. Why support the Midway Business Project knowing the aquifer is in danger?  Why should your 8th district constituents trust their vote to you?  **question directly for Dave Wright from an attendee

Wright – Appropriate question & that’s a decision folks will have to make.  I’m a qualified candidate.

 22. Do you agree with expanding Medicaid?

Wright – “This is a math problem.  The federal government probably said, we have these many dollars to spend on healthcare and currently there are 22 states, I think, that do not participate.  The entire amount of money is spread out across the  United States and probably pays 80% of what these states are needing to do their healthcare with.  I believe KY is already running into problems with it.  What I would expand that to is that if everyone participated and the bucket of money stayed the same with 22 additional states in it, then the state of TN would be like everyone else and the coverage would be about 50% and we in the state of TN would be making up the rest of it.  The whole thing though is sort of a federal issue, I don’t know what the definition of Obamacare might be but the federal government brought to us a solution when they could not contract with the state of TN and keep us whole.  I believe that’s why most of the state legislatures voted on it in the state that it was.”

Nelson – Expanding is a math problem.  State would cover 90% and hospital would cover 10%.  Hospitals want Medicaid expanded.  Healthcare is #1 issue in 19th district.  Need available hospitals.  Time during emergencies is critical.  We already pay for Medicaid, right now it mostly goes to other states.  To me, it’s not about math it’s about people.

Westover – I agree – we need to provide affordable healthcare to residents.  Federal government required healthcare but then did not provide affordable healthcare.  Driving past closed hospitals is not acceptable.  Need to provide better healthcare.

23.  What do you see in Knox Count that need to be address that haven’t already been spoke on.

Westover – Child welfare & child support system – statewide.  It’s failing children.  No incentive to get children out.  It is a money issue.  They are making money off children being in the system.

Wright – Things we can’t do for ourselves.  Public education.  Roads.  Government doing things for us that we can’t do on our own.

Nelson – Opioid epidemic.  Since 2012 KPD has seen 16,000% increase in overdose deaths and 41% increase since last year in opioid deaths.  This is out of control and state legislature needs to address is.  This is something we cannot police ourselves out of.  Treat addiction as a mental health problem.

 24. Why stand in the way of medicinal marijuana?  **question specifically for Dave Wright

Wright – Do we want to talk about the law or did you see what I said about facts on the table to talk about.   **Please see full video here for conversation with Mr. Wright about this topic**

 25. If the bill was in front of you right now, how would you vote?  One bill any all marijuana legal, agricultural legal, medical legal.

Wright – Recreational – no  Agriculture – no  Medicinal – yes

Westover – Recreational – yes Agriculture – yes Medicinal – yes

Nelson – Recreational – yes Agriculture – yes Medicinal – yes (noted that any answer he gives is what he thinks is best for the people not what current law is)

 26. Do you support the increase in minimum wage?  What about the preemption?  What would you raise it to?

Wright – no

Nelson – Yes.  Yes.  15.00 an hour.

Westover – Yes.  Yes.  13.00-15.00 an hour.

Our candidates then discussed how to access them and reach out.

In closing – I hope you do watch this video and inform yourself on who is running & who will be making laws for us.  Please do not vote for someone who you just recognize their name.  Research, reach out, ask questions and find the candidate who best fits your beliefs and values!

19th District State Rep Video

Constituent Voices

Dave Wright strives to serve the citizens of his community with diligence, integrity and honor.

Exact words taken from Commissioner Wright’s profile on www.knoxcounty.org.   I have a hard time believing this.  Commissioner Wright has been approached with the recent topic of Fresenius Mfg. applying for rezoning of acreage in the district he represents.  This rezoning, if approved, will affect so many people of the community in so many ways, not many of them positive.

When approached with this topic Commissioner Wright indicated that he will vote in favor of MPC recommendation.  MPC already approved this rezoning, so Commissioner Wright will also vote in favor of the rezoning.  Sounds to me like Commissioner Wright isn’t listening to the people he represents.

I wonder if he thinks we won’t remember this when it comes time to cast our vote in the upcoming election?

If he can’t properly represent the constituents of district 8 how is he supposed to represent the residents of Tennessee as State Representative?  I guess we will see on Monday when Commissioner Wright either votes for the rezoning or against it.

Letter to Knox County Commission

On 6/25 Knox County Commissioners will meet at 7pm, on the agenda for that meeting is a rezoning request that will adversely effect residents at Hammer Rd. & Gov John Sevierville Hwy.

Dear Commissioners,

I would like to reach out to each of you today in regards to 5-B-18-SP and 5-F-18-RZ – Fresenius USD Manufacturing, Inc., a rezoning application that is coming up for vote during your June meeting.  There are many ways I could start this letter out, but ultimately I would like to get straight to the points of why you should decline this rezoning request.

1  Community support.  There is none.  I have not spoken to one individual yet that supports this rezoning and plans to build.  Look back to all the community meetings that MPC had with us when developing the East Knox Community Plan.  One of the things that seemed to ring true throughout our community was rural preservation and no more development.  In a July 2017 article by the Knoxville Mercury MPC director Gerald Green is quoted saying, “We heard a lot of families say we need to preserve the rural landscape in East Knox County.”:

2 Prime farm soil.  In 2000, the Natural Resources Conservation Service conducted a soil survey of Knox County.  In this survey the property in question contains a large amount of EmB type soil.  This soil is considered prime farm soil.  Knox County only contains 62,996 acres of prime farm soil out of appx. 336,600 acres.  That is only 18.7% of Knox County is considered Prime Farmland.  According to farmland.org the United States loses 3 acres of land every minute.

3 This rezoning will put a 600,000+ sq ft warehouse/trucking facility in the middle of residential properties.  These properties are owned by individuals who either are multiple generations deep in this community and choose to stay here for it’s rural landscape OR individuals who choose to move here due to the rural landscape.  A warehouse/trucking facility is not rural landscape and frankly does not go with the surrounding land uses.

4 Allowing the rezoning of this piece of property will allow developers to come in and take over our rural landscape.  Money talks my friends and sadly some people talk back.  Approving this one will lead to the next, and the next, and the next until there is nothing rural left of our beautiful community.

5 Environmental concerns.  From watershed, surface water runoff into the Holston, effects of runoff to nearby streams, sink holes, a fault line, and lets not forget the increase in diesel engine traffic and the harmful emissions.

6 Safety.  Right now East Governor John Sevier Highway is busy.  This added truck traffic will substantially increase the inflow and outflow of traffic on this highway onto Asheville Highway.  Let’s not forget just a few years ago the lives that were lost in the bus accident very close to where John Sevier Highway meets Asheville Highway.  During school times there are many buses that travel this area, we do not want to put more danger in the path of these bus drivers.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,

Kim Bailey

Rural Preservation

Most people I speak with that reside or have grown up in our little corner of Knox County all agree on one thing.  We like things the way they are, meaning that most are opposed to manufacturing and large development coming into our area.  A more recent battle against big development being that of the Midway Business Park development, it seems to be finding a way to push itself through although I haven’t heard of much support by locals.

Last week I came across two development plans that break my heart.  First one being a large subdivision plan on Brakebill Road planned by Vertex Development, the plans to the MPC call for 301 lot subdivision as well as apartments.  The second one being A logistics center, 618,000 sq ft building to house medical supplies from the manufacturing plant being built at forks of the river, located at the north corner of John Sevier Highway and Hammer Road.  The latter being my bigger concern although I cringe at the idea of yet another subdivision being built.  No offense to anyone but I despise seeing those things pop up everywhere.

I recently watched the May 10th MPC meeting in which the Fresenius logistics center is discussed.  The job of the MPC for this particular meeting was to approve or deny rezoning of this 57 acre tract from low density residential, agricultural and general business to general commercial and planned commercial.  This logistics center was being labeled as “light industrial” yet this project was described as a “big scale development”.  Those two terms were actually used in the same sentence by one of the persons representing Fresenius.  Finally one of the MPC commissioners asked for clarification on what the terms light industrial and heavy industrial mean.  To put it simply, manufacturing is heavy industrial, storage is light industrial.

The Midway project was brought up, why this project cannot be housed there.  It was stated that Midway cannot hold a 618,000 sq ft facility.  618,000 sq ft.  I can’t stop saying that.  That is a massive facility.  Fresenius reps kept speaking of low impact on current residents, and that they would include in their planning “landscaping buffers”.  Really?  What trees or bushes have been found to block out the light and noise of a shipping facility?  I’ll wait.

Environmental concerns were brought up, Commissioner Cole seemed to be concerned about these as well as the fact that ignoring the Rural Preservation ordinance.  By letting this one slip through with approval, it is opening the gate to let others come as well.

There is a meeting TONIGHT 5/17/18 at St. Paul East United Methodist Church (6500 Faith Lane) at 7:00.  Even if this doesn’t directly affect you, it will indirectly effect all of us living on the East side of Knox County.

Please take a look at some of the information linked below.  You will find amendment/rezoning report which includes emails from residents opposed to the rezoning.  You will find MPC’s sector plan for the East side of Knox County, its and interesting read, then you will find the link for the MPC video of the 5/10 meeting about the Fresenius rezoning request (which got passed 8-6 sadly, now it goes to county commission).

https://agenda.knoxmpc.org/2018/may2018/5-F-18-RZ.pdf

https://archive.knoxmpc.org/plans/sector/ecounty2011.pdf

https://vimeo.com/269183574#t=49m37s

Ante In

I could write a bunch of fancy blah, blah, blah but I do believe that the below email chain speaks for itself.  Additionally I really have a lack of eloquent words describing this situation.

CYF seems to have upped the ante on us. I’m speculating since there were no grounds for CYSA to uphold CYF’s ban, CYF found another way to keep our family from participating in football at Carter…no team at all.

CYF has sole discretion on when registrations begin and end.  From the below emails they ended last week which did not allow time for the grievance hearing to take place.  A majority of the 14u team decided they wanted to see what the decision of the grievance hearing was prior to signing their child up.  I do believe that display of loyalty and support has now been used against the entire team, not just our family.

FYI: Nathan Nease is President of Carter Youth Sports Association.  Melvin Burns is commissioner of Carter Youth Football.  Doug Bataille is Director of Knox County Parks & Recreation.

Announcement tomorrow via Facebook, Twitter & this blog.  Our team will play together!  #HornetNation #HornetStrong

From: Nathan Nease <nathannease15@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 11:35 AM
To: Kimberlie Bailey; Kimberlie Shaver
Cc: Jay Smelser; Doug Bataille
Subject: Appeals Hearing

Kim,

I received a phone call yesterday from Carter Youth Football concerning the status of the 13-14 year old team in their program. They have informed both myself and Knox County Parks and Recreation that they will not be fielding a team in that age group this season due to low player registration in that age group. Currently, they have 5 registered players after four (4) registration dates at the park.

As of this time, I will be proposing to the CYSA Board that we postpone the Grievance hearing that is scheduled for this Thursday at 6:30pm. Even if we are to hear your appeal and overturn CYF’s decision, it appears there is no team for Max to participate with at Carter this season.

CYSA would be happy to hear the appeal, but at this time it appears there is no reason to hear this appeal since there will be no team in that age group. Again, I have spoken with Knox County Parks and Recreation concerning this issue, and they agree. If you have any concerns regarding the 13-14 team at Carter Youth Football, you’ll need to contact either Carter Youth Football or Knox County Parks and Recreation.

Thank you,
Nathan Nease

On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 11:47 AM, Kimberlie Shaver <kimberlie_shaver@wgresorts.com> wrote:
Nathan,

Thanks for the update. I would like to let you know that a vast majority of the team is waiting to hear on the decision in the grievance hearing.

Also our coach Cameron Terry has tried to reach out to Mr. Burns on several different occasions concerning who has already registered with no response.

Not sure if this changes what CYSA plans to do. I do not suggest a postponement due to time dwindling down for team registration with KMYFL. July 28th will be here before we know it.

If it is CYSA’s decision to postpone the grievance hearing than we (our team) possibly needs to visit other avenues.

Please advise ASAP.
From: Nathan Nease <nathannease15@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 12:45 PM
To: Kimberlie Shaver
Cc: Kimberlie Bailey; Jay Smelser; Doug Bataille
Subject: Re: Appeals Hearing

Kim,

I would suggest doing the following:

Contact Knox County or Carter Youth Football to see if there is any chance of registering. According to Mr. Burns, there have been 4 registration opportunities and they will be providing no further opportunities to register. This is a Carter Youth Football decision, so any questions concerning this will need to be directed towards them or Knox County Parks and Recreation.

I received a text from Cameron Terry concerning this and I have instructed him to do the same thing. I’m not sure why Mr. Burns has not returned his phone calls. That is an issue that will have to be taken up with either Carter Youth Football and or Knox County Parks and Recreation. Currently, CYSA doesn’t have the authority to control the day-to-day operations of any sports commission that falls under CYSA.

Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Thank you,
Nathan Nease
On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 12:56 PM, Kimberlie Shaver <kimberlie_shaver@wgresorts.com> wrote:
Nathan,

Thank you for the response – I’ll get in touch with KCPR or CYF about registration.

What our team needs to know at this point is if CYSA going to follow through with the grievance hearing.

Please let me know ASAP.
From: Nathan Nease <nathannease15@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 1:00 PM
To: Kimberlie Shaver
Cc: Kimberlie Bailey; Jay Smelser; Doug Bataille
Subject: Re: Appeals Hearing

I’m not sure that a grievance hearing is needed if there is no team for Max to play on. If we’re told that there will be a team, then we will be happy to hear the grievance.

Thank you,
Nathan Nease
On Jun 13, 2017, at 1:10 PM, Kimberlie Shaver <kimberlie_shaver@wgresorts.com> wrote:

Nathan,

Per CYSA by-laws we are required to be given a hearing regardless of team or no team. Myself and Mr. Terry have advised that most of the team is waiting on the decision of the hearing. This is the issue at hand and needs to be resolved now.

We can deal with registration at a later time.

I need you to advise.
On Jun 13, 2017, at 1:37 PM, Nathan Nease <nathannease15@gmail.com> wrote:

Kim,

I understand what you’re saying. But, I’m being told there will be no team at Carter for that age group. Why have an Appeal Hearing if there is no team for Max to go to? All we can go on is what I’m being told by CYF.

Nathan
Sent from my iPhone
On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 1:42 PM, <kimberlie.bailey@gmail.com> wrote:
Nathan,

Registration is a bridge we have time to cross until 7/28. The more pertinent problem at hand is Max and our family’s grievance hearing. All we need to know as a collective is if the hearing will happen on Thursday or not.

Thanks
Kim

Sent from my iPhone
From: Nathan Nease [mailto:nathannease15@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 2:10 PM
To: Kimberlie Bailey
Cc: Kimberlie Shaver; Jay Smelser; Doug Bataille; Cameron Terry
Subject: Re: Appeals Hearing

I was told by Melvin Burns that there will be no 13-14 year old team this year because not enough people have registered to play. CYF has closed registration and doesn’t plan on registering anymore players (their words, not mine). So, unless you can convince CYF otherwise, there is no team for Max to go to at Carter. I’m not sure I see the need in having a grievance hearing if there is no place at Carter for Max to play.

The July 28 deadline is when organizations must disclose to KMYFL how many teams they will have in each age group. From my understanding, each organization sets it’s own deadline to register players. I would say July 28th would be way too late to organize a team due to the fact that jerseys, equipment, etc. will need to be order much sooner. Most organizations have already closed registration.

Unless I am advised otherwise, I will be informing the CYSA Board that the hearing will be postponed until we hear that a team will be formed for this age group. If players are allowed to register and a team is formed, then we will gladly hear the Grievance to see whether or not Max will be allowed to register for the 13-14 year old team, should it be formed.

Thank you,
Nathan Nease
On Tue, Jun 13, 2017 at 2:27 PM, Kimberlie Shaver <kimberlie_shaver@wgresorts.com> wrote:
Nathan,

Just to clarify you are saying no, that there will not be a grievance hearing this Thursday…
From: Nathan Nease <nathannease15@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 2:59 PM
To: Kimberlie Shaver
Cc: Kimberlie Bailey; Jay Smelser; Doug Bataille; Cameron Terry
Subject: Re: Appeals Hearing

​As of right now, I am advising the board that we not meet this Thursday. Again, we will be happy to meet another date if we’re told there will be a team. We are just postponing until we hear otherwise. The option will still be out there to hear it, please keep that in mind.​

Thank you,
Nathan Nease
Kimberlie Shaver
Tue 6/13/2017 3:05 PM
To: Nathan Nease <nathannease15@gmail.com>;
Cc: Kimberlie Bailey <kimberlie.bailey@gmail.com>; Jay Smelser <Jay.Smelser@knoxcounty.org>; Doug Bataille <Doug.Bataille@knoxcounty.org>; Cameron Terry <cbo92077@gmail.com>;

That’s what I needed to know.

Doug Bataille <Doug.Bataille@knoxcounty.org>
Tue 6/13/2017 3:41 PM
To: Nathan Nease <nathannease15@gmail.com>; Kimberlie Bailey <kimberlie.bailey@gmail.com>;
Cc: Kimberlie Shaver <kimberlie_shaver@wgresorts.com>; Jay Smelser <Jay.Smelser@knoxcounty.org>; Cameron Terry <cbo92077@gmail.com>;

Nathan is correct on how each organization sets its own deadline in time to organize coaches, equipment and uniforms. It is also not unusual to not have enough players to have a team in some age groups. Players have the option to go to other organizations. I would also agree that if there is no team there is no reason to hear the grievance.
Doug

Accountability

Is Knox County Parks & Recreation hiding their heads in the sand? It certainly seems to be the case, at least as of late. Recently there seems to be more of a deflect and ignore tactic versus a tell them what they want to hear tactic.I’ve been in steady contact with Knox County Parks & Recreation for more than a year. In recent email exchanges I ask pertinent questions and the answers given to me by Knox County Parks & Recreation pose more questions in lieu of satiating what questions anyone has. Reading back through previous email exchanges with Knox County Parks & Recreation while comparing what was told to us in stride with what actually happened, I got a feeling of wool over my eyes. Like myself and others had been told what was assumed we wanted to hear, possibly in a blind shot to shut us up.

Sadly, a majority of these email exchanges have had Knox County Mayor Burchett’s constituent coordinator CC on them. Ms. Fansler has responded once to my emails, and she couldn’t follow through with what was promised in that one email. Knox County Parks & Recreation has not followed through with promises. At what point is someone going to hold someone else responsible without having to blast the happenings out to the general public?

When all this began a couple of years ago, I tried to have Knox County hold CYFA board members accountable and start operating the organization on the up & up. That wasn’t done. When asking Knox County Parks & Recreation why hasn’t anyone been held accountable and why are things left as is, we get a generic bullshit answer in a sad attempt to divert attention. When asked again the question is simply ignored. Same seems to go for Mayor Burchett’s office in regards to holding Knox County Parks & Recreation accountable. 

I had more faith in Knox County’s inner workings than what has been shown to me as well as others. I’m surprised the offices aren’t filled with basketball rims so they can play with all the balls that get dropped around there.