January Update

January Update for Knox County!

 ***2017 is here and we are looking forward to a year of prosperity for Knox County. There is great opportunity in the future and if we all work hard we can keep our taxes down and our quality of life high. We continue to work hard toward our goal of becoming the Mayor of Knox County. If you would like more details on our campaign or would like to view our announcement follow this link: ElectBobThomas.com. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

***January's Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be on Wednesday, January 18th, 5-7p at Sam and Andy's WEST in the Aspen Square Shopping Center at 11110 Kingston Pike. We invite all Knox County citizens to stop by and talk with us about their concerns and while you are there have one of the best burgers in town!

***The Knox County School Bus Driver Awards will be presented on Thursday, January 19th at 11:00am at Ted Russell Ford at 8551 Kingston Pike. The awards are sponsored by Ted Russell Ford and WIVK. Five drivers who are graded with excellent marks will be presented a $100 check from Andy White owner of Ted Russell Ford along with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Knox County School System along with a prize package from WIVK.

***The Martin Luther King holiday brings a lot of events to celebrate the life of Dr. King. Thursday, January 12th I will be attending the Awards Luncheon at the Downtown Marriott. On Monday January 16th I will be walking in the MLK Parade that starts at 10am at the Tabernacle Baptist Church on Martin Luther King Avenue then ending at the Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church in Burlington, for the annual Memorial Tribute Service. Monday night I am one of the sponsors of the Knoxville Symphony's Celebration of Dr. King starting at 6p at the Tennessee theater. The concert is free.

***In December the Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County was turned into a fundraiser for the Salvation Army as we rang the bell at the entrance to West Town Mall. Many citizens stopped by to speak with us and best of all, many came by and put money into the Red Kettle. Thanks!

 ***Knox County’s 18th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park kicked off Friday, Dec. 16th. The three-quarter-mile greenway trail was illuminated with many Christmas figures. Every year your family should put this on your "must do" list.

After the holidays my wife and I drove to Gatlinburg to see the damages caused by the fires and to spend money there to do what little we could to help the city get back to normal. It was hard to see the destruction in these pictures all just a few blocks off of the Parkway. It is going to take years to rebuild, but I hope we all will try to visit often.

***Over the holidays it was my honor to dine with Tennessee Vol Legend Gus Manning. While at Club LeConte I witnessed Gus signing the enclosed Vol Flag that is on display in the club. Gus is a real treasure of Knox County and a encyclopedia of Vol stories, folk lore and secrets.

Congratulations to Knox County native Sarah Harris who was crowned Ms. Chattanooga. I met with her to discuss her work for Second Harvest of Knox County.

In Commission news...
On Tuesday, January 17th at 2:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its monthly workshop in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. This month we are meeting in the middle of the day on a Tuesday due to the MLK holiday and the Knoxville City Council meeting in the same room that night.

On Monday, January 23rd at 1pm the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. I am on that board and will be present. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. All meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The Commission agenda is very light with only 14 resolutions. The bulk of the items that are coming before Commission for January are from one department. There are 7 items from Engineering and Public Works. There are no school items unless some are added later. School resolutions are merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not. In zoning there are 6 issues this month. The Millstone Lane issue is coming back after being deferred from December to give the opposition time to have discussions with the developer. Some resolutions that stand out are:
1. A resolution honoring long-time Knox County leader Jack Huddleston.
2. Acceptance of a $144,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for the Knox County Stormwater Division.
3. Acceptance of a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Knox County Air Quality Program.

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364

Seat 10 At-Large Commissioner of Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Cable TV Committee
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition Board
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board
Community Television Board
Thompson-Boling Arena Use Committee

December Update

December update for Knox County!

 ***WOW! What a busy time of the year! Our Bob Thomas for Knox County Mayor group walked in the WIVK Knoxville Christmas Parade. Since I started the parade in 1976 and was the chairman of the parade for 16 years, it was surreal walking "IN" the parade as a candidate for Knox County Mayor. Thanks to all my family members and supporters that walked with us and encouraged us during the parade. We continue to work hard toward our goal since our announcement last May. If you would like more details on our campaign or would like to view our announcement follow this link: ElectBobThomas.com. My family would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

***December's Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be Ed Brantley and I ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at West Town next to the Cheesecake Factory on the 14th from 6p-8p. We hope many people will stop by with donations and speak with us about their concerns.

 ***Knox County’s 18th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park kicks off Friday, Dec. 16th at 6pm and runs through Friday, Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Day. The three-quarter-mile greenway trail will be illuminated nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. The Cove is located at 11808 S. Northshore Drive. 

 ***November's Knox County School Bus Safety awards was a great celebration for drivers that do a great job everyday for our children. The awards are sponsored by Ted Russell Ford and WIVK. Five drivers who were graded with excellent marks were presented a $100 check from Andy White owner of Ted Russell Ford along with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Knox County School System and a prize package from WIVK.

Commissioner Bob Thomas starts the presentation.

 

 Andy White, the owner of Ted Russell Ford, speaking about why it is important to honor these drivers.

 (From left to right) driver Jean Morris, Wivik the Frog, driver Joe Miller, driver Howard Mitchell, driver Randel Courtney, Andy White owner of Ted Russell, driver Melissa Hendrix, Knox County Schools Transportation Head Dr. Rick Grubb and Knox County Commissioner Bob Thomas)

 ***On November 16th we hosted another Ed & Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County at E. B.'s Eats and Treats in Halls. It was a great turnout and we got to speak with several citizens with problems.

***I participated in the "Principal for a Day" program serving as the principal at Rocky Hill Elementary. A great school with a wonderful staff and involved parents.

I visited with my granddaughter, Piper, a student at RHE.

 With Rocky Hill Principal Cory Smith opening the doors as the children arrive.

 In music class they let me show my musical skills. They weren't impressed.

***The Annual Hope Gala was November 11th at the Mill and Mine on Depot Avenue. As a board member of the East Tennessee American Cancer Society, it was great to see the event sold out. A lot of money raised to fight cancer!

WVLT's Ted Hall was the MC for the evening.

 The crowd was entertained with "Deulin' Pianos."

In Commission news...
On Monday, December 12th at 5:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its monthly workshop in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. This month we are meeting a week earlier due to Christmas.

On Monday, December 19th at 2pm the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. I am on that board and will be present. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. All meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The bulk of the items that are coming before Commission for December are from two departments: 36 school resolutions (merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not) and 8 from Engineering and Public Works. In zoning there are 8 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:
1. Approval of $360,000 for design work of additions and renovations to Inskip elementary.
2. Acceptance of a $100,000 donation from PetSafe for a dog park at the new Plumb Creek Park.
3. Approval $800,000 for Community Development for permanent multi-family renatl housing for homeless veterans.
4. Resolution for Stop Loss insurance contract for employee health insurance costing $651,818.

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364

Seat 10 At-Large Commissioner of Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Cable TV Committee
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition Board
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board
Community Television Board
Thompson-Boling Arena Use Committee

The November 2016 Knox County Safe Bus Driver Awards

(Thursday, November 17th, 2016) The Knox County Schools Bus Driver Safety Awards were held at Ted Russell Ford, 8551 Kingston Pike.

Here are some facts:
1. There are approximately 375 Knox County School bus drivers
2. They drive 20,000 miles A DAY! That's like driving from Knoxville to Los Angeles and then BACK to Knoxville - FIVE TIMES...in ONE day. And all in rush hour.
3. There are a lot of drivers that do it right each and every day.

These drivers have been graded with high standards by the Knox County School system, the contractors, the Sheriff's Department and by school staff.

 

 

The Knox County School Bus driver Safety Awards at Ted Russell Ford on Kingston Pike begin.

 

Andy White, the owner of Ted Russell Ford addresses the crowd.

  

 

 (From left to right) driver Jean Morris, Wivik the Frog, driver Joe Miller, driver Howard Mitchell, driver Randel Courtney, Andy White owner of Ted Russell, driver Melissa Hendrix, Knox County Schools Transportation Head Dr. Rick Grubb and Knox County Commissioner Bob Thomas)

The drivers that were honored this month are:

1. Randel Courtney, drives bus 9146 at Halls schools for the contractor Rudder. He has driven for 4 years.
2. Melissa Hendrix, drives bus 963 at West Haven for T & J Bus Lines. She has driven for 14 years.
3. Joe Miller, drives bus 125 at the Halls schools for T & J Buses. He has driven for 21 years.
4. Howard Mitchell, drives bus 220 at Farragut schools for BLJ. He has driven for 3 years.
5. Jean Morris, drives bus 35 at the Farragut schools for BLJ. She has driven for 10 years.

Collectively, these drivers have over 52 years of experience driving a school bus!

The awards are sponsored by Ted Russell Ford and WIVK 107.7. They each received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Knox County Schools, a $100 check from Andy White the owner of Ted Russell Ford and a prize package from WIVK. Congratulations drivers and job well done!

There are many great school bus drivers in Knox County and this is one small way we can show them our appreciation. If you have any questions please contact Commissioner Bob Thomas.
 

 

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364
Seat 10 At-Large Commissioner of Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Cable TV Committee
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition Board
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board
Community Television Board
Thompson-Boling Arena Use Committee

November Update

November update for Knox County!

 ***Another month zoomed by and we added many new supporters and donors to our campaign for Knox County Mayor! We continue to work hard toward our goal since our announcement last May. If you would like more details on our campaign or would like to view our announcement follow this link: ElectBobThomas.com.

 ***This month's Knox County School Bus Safety awards will be Thursday, November 17th at 11:00am at Ted Russell Ford. The awards are sponsored by Ted Russell Ford and WIVK. Five drivers who were graded with excellent marks will be presented a $100 check from Andy White owner of Ted Russell Ford along with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Knox County School System and a prize package from WIVK.

 ***On Wednesday, November 16th the next Ed & Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be at E. B.'s Eats and Treats, 4620 Mill Branch Drive in Halls from 5-7pm. Join us for some "treats" and a little conversation or to share any concerns you may have. https://www.facebook.com/events/145842062555307/

***I graduated from the Knoxville Airport Authority's Aviation Academy. The five weeks of education about "behind the scenes" activities at McGhee Tyson Airport and Knoxville Downtown Island Airport were a great learning experience.

***I will be participating in the Knox County Schools' "Principal for a Day" program again this year. On Tuesday, Nov. 15th I will be at Rocky Hill Elementary.
 
***The Knox County Health Department's video presentation to the National Association of Counties Health Learning Challenge was screened Oct. 25th. You can see the video I hosted about how to make counties across America healthier here: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxCountyHealthDepartment/videos/10157460684330471/

***On October 22nd I participated in the 3rd Annual Five Points Clean-Up. The group’s mission is to unify and beautify East Knoxville through increased community engagement and community pride. I chose to concentrate on cleaning the Burlington area, where I spent a lot of my childhood.

 

 

***On Friday, November 25th the Clarence Brown Theater presents the opening night of "A Christmas Carol." Performances will run through December 18th. For more details visit http://clarencebrowntheatre.com/.
 ***On November 1st the Emerald Youth Foundation Legacy Dinner took place. My Holston High School classmate Renda Burkardt was honored for her outstanding contributions.

 ***On November 3rd the Annual Mission of Hope Banquet took place at Rothchild's. This program helps those families in need throughout the Appalachian area. Great crowd and great performance and testimony from my friend Sammy "Barney Fife" Sawyer.

***On November 4th the "Boots, Buckles and Books," annual fundraiser for the Friends of Literacy took place at the Standard. Great night of fun, food and music for a very good cause.

***The Young-Williams Animal Center's "Furry Fall Festival" on November 6th was a huge success. Put it on your calendar for 2017! 

***The Annual Hope Gala will be Friday, November 11th at the Mill and Mine on Depot Avenue. As a Board Member of the East Tennessee American Cancer Society, I hope everyone will consider attending this fundraiser that helps battle a disease that has affected so many East Tennessee families. Details here: https://acsknoxville.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2016HopeGala/tabid/756261/Default.aspx

In Commission news...
On Monday, November 14th at 5:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its monthly workshop in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. This month we are meeting a week earlier due to Thanksgiving.

On Monday, November 21st at 1pm the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. I am on that board and will be present. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. All meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The bulk of the items that are coming before Commission for November are from two departments: 15 school resolutions (merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not) and 6 from Engineering and Public Works. In zoning there are 7 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:
1. Approval of the receipt of $600,000 for a State of Tennessee Department of Education Innovation Zone grant.
2. Approval of a Port Security Program grant in the amount of $132,452 to purchase a marine enforcement boat.
3. Approval of secondary service weapons donated to officers upon retirement.

Should you or any Knox County resident need assistance from Knox County government, please contact me at:
Bob.Thomas@KnoxCounty.org or 865-309-4364

Seat 10 At-Large Commissioner of Knox County Commission
Chairman, Knox County Cable TV Committee
Chairman, Knox County Disability Committee
Knox County Development Corp Board
Knox County Pension & Retirement Committee
Knox County Parks & Recreation Board
Metro Drug Coalition Board
Dogwood Arts Festival Board
Young-Williams Animal Center Board
American Cancer Society Board
Arts & Culture Alliance Board
Community Television Board
Thompson-Boling Arena Use Committee