October 2017 Knox County School Bus Driver Awards

Wednesday, October 18th the Knox County Schools Bus Driver Safety Awards were held at Ted Russell Ford, 8551 Kingston Pike.

Did you know...
1. The Knox County School Bus Driver awards were started in May 2016 by At-Large Commissioner Thomas to bring awareness to the hundred of bus drivers that do an excellent job driving our children to and from school safely.
2. There are approximately 375 Knox County School bus drivers
3. 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.


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

 Commissioner Thomas begins the ceremony.

(From left to right) Ted Russell owner Andy White, Manager Rick Arnold who accepted award for Amy Ledbetter, driver Gerald Roe, driver Anna Cox, driver Deborah Ditchfield, driver Kreis Baldridge, Knox County Schools COO Russ Oakes, Knox County Commissioner Bob Thomas, Front Row - WIVIK the Frog)

Honoring Bus Driver Deborah Ditchfield who calmly cleared a bus of 1st graders as it was filling up with smoke.

 Commissioner Thomas speaking with driver Ditchfield after the awards

The five drivers that were honored this month were:

·         Kreis Baldridge - drives bus for Norwood Elementary

·         Anna Cox - drives bus for Halls MS and High School

·         Deborah Ditchfield - drives bus for Farragut

·         Amy Ledbetter - drives bus for Cedar Bluff

·         Gerald Roe - drives a bus for Gresham

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 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 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

October Update from Commissioner Bob Thomas

          Commissioner Bob Thomas and wife Kim

Here is your October Update for Knox County!

***Our campaign for Knox County Mayor kicks into high gear this month as we start our "Bob Thomas for Mayor County Caravans!" Our first Caravan will be Oct 28th through East Knox County. Details will be announced soon at BobThomas.com and our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ElectBobThomasEvents/. We are in the sixth month of our "Faith Tour" visiting a different church service each week. If you want us to visit your church please contact us at ElectBobThomas@yahoo.com!

***Join us for a "Bob for Mayor" Tailgate before the Tennessee-South Carolina game. There will be food, drink and fun as we gather before the Vols game. You can find the tailgate in the parking lot next to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse starting at 9am until kickoff!

***The October Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be Wednesday, October 18th,  5-7p at E.B.'s Eats and Treats, 4620 Mill Branch Ln in Halls. This will be our 33rd community meeting in Knox County! Come out and talk with your Commissioners and enjoy lots of Eats and Treats!


***The October Knox County Schools Bus Driver Safety Awards will be Wednesday, Oct 18th at 11:00am at Ted Russell Ford, Kingston Pike. Please come out and show appreciation to these drivers that help keep our children safe going to and from school each day.  

***The Knoxville Firefighter memorial ceremony will be Monday, October 16th at 11:30am at the Memorial Park in front of Fire Headquarters on Summit Hill Drive.

***The 2nd Annual "Dinner on the Bridge" will be Sunday, October 15th at 5:30pm. Join us for this night as the Gay Street Bridge is closed for this wonderful dinner. Tickets are available at  https://www.knoxalliance.store/product-category/dinner/. Proceeds go to local arts non-profits.

 
***The September Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County was at Jackie's Dream, 2223 McCalla Ave in East Knoxville. Many came by and spoke with us. I had the Hot Chicken - Ed "chickened" out!

 Commissioners Thomas and Brantley at Jackie's Dream

 Commissioners Thomas and Brantley with the owner Jackie of Jackie's Dream

 Commissioner Bob Thomas with wife Kim outside Jackie's Dream

In Commission news...

On Monday, October 16th at 4:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold a Finance Committee meeting. At 5:00pm they will hold its regular monthly workshop followed at 6pm with a special meeting to hear citizen concerns over several new ordinances. These meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

On Monday, October 23rd at 1:30pm, the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. Beer Board, Commission and Zoning will all take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The Commission agenda has approximately 60 items. This month the bulk of the items are from the School Board. There are 22 items from the School Board. School resolutions are merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not. There are 2 second reading of ordinances. In zoning, there are 10 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:
1. Resolution approving a contract with Shelton General Contractors for renovations at Karns High School for the Culinary Arts Program in the amount of $397,446. This was deferred from September.

2. Resolutions on the acceptance of an award of a grant to provide the Sheriff's Department with Naloxone kits.

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

September Update from Commissioner Bob Thomas

          Commissioner Bob Thomas and wife Kim

Here is your September Update for Knox County!

***In the last month we have met so many great people and new supporters for our campaign for Knox County Mayor. Thank you! We are in the fifth month of our "Faith Tour" visiting a new church service each week. If you want us to visit your church please contact us. Be sure to visit BobThomas.com. 

***The September Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be Wednesday, September 20th,  5-7p at Jackie's Dream, 2223 McCalla Ave in East Knoxville. Come out and talk with your Commissioners and enjoy the best Hot Chicken you've ever had!

***Friday Night Lights! Again! As many of you know I was "Slammin' Sammy Stands" in the hit film Friday Night Lights. Friday night, September 15th I will sort of reprise that role as the stadium announcer for the Central Bobcats game. I will be wearing my red and black!

***The August Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County was at Sam and Andy's in Farragut. We had a great turnout and enjoyed one of Knox County's best burgers!

Commissioners Thomas and Brantley at Sam and Andy's

Commissioners speaking with citizens

***The Knoxville Latino Awards were August 26th at the Mill and Mine. It featured a great turnout.

 Commissioner Thomas and his wife Kim

 Latino Night at the Mill and Mine

***Saturday, September 16th the Vols will take on Florida at 3:30pm in Gainesville.

***Knox County Senior Day is Friday, September 15th at John Tarleton Field off of Sutherland Ave. All seniors are welcome!

In Commission news...

On Monday, September 18th at 4:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold a special meeting to reorganize including electing a new Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Committee appointments. At 5:00pm they will hold its regular monthly workshop followed at 6pm with a special meeting to hear citizen concerns over several new ordinances. These meetings will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

On Monday, September 25th at 1:30pm, the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. Beer Board, Commission and Zoning will all take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The Commission agenda has approximately 60 items. This month the bulk of the items are from the School Board. There are 41 items from the School Board. School resolutions are merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not. There are 3 second reading of ordinances. In zoning, there are 4 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:

1. Resolution approving a contract with Shelton General Contractors for renovations at Karns High School for the Culinary Arts Program in the amount of $386,861.00.
2. Resolution approving a contract between Knox County Schools Maintenance and Operations Department and Gallaher & Associates, Inc. to provide fire alarm inspection and repair services for up to $200,000.00 annually as needed.

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

August Update from Commissioner Bob Thomas

          Commissioner Bob Thomas and wife Kim

Here is your August Update for Knox County!

***Thanks to all of the new supporters we added in August in our campaign for Knox County Mayor! In the upcoming months ahead, we will be out in many neighborhoods visiting with citizens where they work, play and pray. We are in the fourth month of our "Faith Tour" of visiting a new church service each week. Be sure to visit BobThomas.com. 

***The August Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be Wednesday, August 23rd,  5-7p at Sam and Andy's, 11110 Kingston Pike in Farragut. Come out and talk with your Commissioners and enjoy West Knoxville's best burger!

***I will be the guest speaker at the South Knoxville Republican Club Thursday, August 17th. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm at Gondoliers Restaurant, 7644 Mountain Grove Drive off Chapman Highway just past John Sevier. Come out and say hello!

***I will be the guest speaker at "Just Us Marines" Breakfast on Friday,  August 18th,  8am at Mimi's restaurant in Turkey Creek. If you are a Marine, come out and join us! I look forward to meeting you!

***Friday Night Lights! Again! I will be the guest stadium announcer Friday night, September 15th for the Central Bobcats game. I will be wearing my red and black!

***The July Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County was at SoKno Tacos in South Knoxville. We had a great turnout and enjoyed some great Mexican food as well!

 Commissioners Thomas and Brantley at SoKno Tacos

Commissioner Thomas meeting and listening to citizen concerns

***Welcome  Knoxville Open to Fox Den August 17th - 20th. Be sure to get out and watch these up-and-coming pros and enjoy this great Knox County sporting event. Details at KNSOpen.com

***Saturday night, August 19th will be the Sertoma Center's Taste of the Tropics annual dinner and auction. For more details go to: Sertoma.com/auction

***Knox County will host a viewing party for the total solar eclipse Monday, August 21st in The Cove at Concord Park from 11a to 3:30p. The eclipse will occur at 2:33pm. Come for the fun and bring your eclipse glasses!

***Knoxville City early voting ends Thursday,  August 24th. Election will be Tuesday, Aug 29th.

***The Knoxville Latino Awards will be Saturday, August 26th,  6pm at the Mill and Mine. For more details visit: https://www.centrohispanotn.org/latinoawards/

***Labor Day - Monday night, September 4th the Tennessee Vols will play Geogia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game. Kickoff is 7PM ET. Go Vols!

***Saturday, September 9th the Vols will take on Indiana State in their home opener.

***Knox County Senior Day is Friday, September 15th at John Tarleton Field off of Sutherland Ave. All seniors are welcome!

In Commission news...

On Monday, August 21st at 5:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its regular monthly workshop. The meeting will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

On Monday, August 28th at 1:30pm, the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. Beer Board, Commission and Zoning will all take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The Commission agenda has approximately 80 items. This month the bulk of the items are from the School Board and Community Development. There are 21 items from the School Board and 18 from Community Development. School resolutions are merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not. In zoning, there are 10 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:

1. Resolution for additional flashing lights at pedestrian crossing in the amount of $129,000.

2. Resolution for the extension of the Rural Metro ambulance service for an additional 5 years without rebidding the contract.

3. Discussion of complaints about billing by Rural Metro.

4. Approval of various Block Grants by Community Development for just over $250,000.

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

July Update from Commissioner Bob Thomas

Commissioners Bob Thomas and wife Kim

Here is your July Update for Knox County!

***Another great month for our campaign for Knox County Mayor! We have had several great events and more are just ahead. One is at Villa Collina on Lyons View Pike catered by Bistro by the Tracks and music by the Chillbillies. Details on both at: BobThomas.com.

***The July Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be Wednesday, the 19th 5-7p at SoKno Tacos, 3701 Sevierville Pike in South Knoxville. Come out and talk with your Commissioners and line up a few tacos!

***The West Knoxville republican Club will have Annual Picnic and cake Auction Monday, July 10th at Rothchild's on Kingston pike. Free dinner starts at 5p, cake auction starts at 6:30p

***My son actor Jake Thomas (Lizzie McGuire & A.I.) will be in Knoxville along with fellow actors Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire) & Chris Brochu (The Vampire Diaries) for a "Get Out the Vote" event Friday, July 14th, 8-10p at The Crown & Goose in the Old City. Details are at BobThomas.com.

***The June Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County was at Pup's Pit BBQ on Asheville Highway near Four Way Inn. We talked to several folks and enjoyed Pup's great food!

 Commissioners Ed Brantley and Bob Thomas

Enjoyed talking with some of the local residents.

Sometimes it takes both hands for Commissioner Thomas to speak

Craig "Pup" Cole was busy smoking BBQ just below one of his many American flags

***It was an honor to once again be in the Farragut 4th of July Parade! We were humbled by all the supporters that turned out.

***The Worlds Fair Park was a busy place on the 4th of July with a great performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

***We made a trip to the Powell Park and Splash Pad on the 4th! Lots of food, music and fun!

***It was my honor to speak at the Beta Theta Boule Father's Day program along with The Voice winner Chris Blue. Great organization honoring wonderful fathers. 

 Commissioner Bob Thomas along with Beta theta Boule member Leroy Thompson

MC Hal Hill along with The Voice winner Chris Blue

***The Front Page Follies honored my friend & former co-worker WVLT's Alan Williams. And they decided to include me in a scene that night as well!

Commissioner Bob Thomas performing in a scene at the Front Page Follies

  Commissioner Bob Thomas along with Front Page Follies Honoree Alan Williams

***As a Young-Williams Animal Center Board Member, my wife and I visited the Bark at the Park on the Worlds Fair site.

***The 10th Anniversaary of the South Knoxville Senior Center was held with lots of food, fun and a little pickin' & singin'!

  Commissioner Bob Thomas with some of the staff at the center.

***I am so fortunate to celebrate my Mom's 88th birthday!

Commissioner Bob Thomas, sister Barbara and their Mom, Nelle Thomas

In Commission news...

On Monday, July 17th at 5:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its regular monthly workshop. The meeting will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

On Monday, July 24th at 1:30pm, the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. Beer Board, Commission and Zoning will all take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The Commission agenda has approximately 85 items. This month the bulk of the items are from the School Board and Community Development. There are 38 items from the School Board and 18 from Community Development. School resolutions are merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not. In zoning, there are 15 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:

1. Resolution for acceptance of a Career and Technical Education grant allocation for $852,319.31
2. Resolution by the schools for repayment to the county in the amount of $11,962,133 for energy management equipment.

3. Approving a MOU with the city to transfer a portion of Sam E. Hill  school property to the city for redevelopment.

4. First reading for changes to the Noise Ordinance regarding construction equipment.

5. Approval of various Block Grants by Community Development for just over $250,000.

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

June Update from Commissioner Bob Thomas

Here is your June Update for Knox County!

***Father's Day is this Sunday, June 18th! 

***I got to enjoy Mother's Day with my Mom, Nelle Thomas.  

***Our campaign for Knox County Mayor has been busy! Several fundraisers are coming up. One is June 29th at Holly's Gourmet Market, 5:30 - 7:30p. Another is at Villa Collina on Lyons View Pike catered by Bistro by the Tracks and music by the Chillbillies. Details on both at: BobThomas.com.

***The June Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County will be Wednesday, the 21st 5-7p at Pup's Pit BarBQ, 8534 Asheville Hwy near Four Way Inn. Come out and talk with your Commissioners and have a little BarBQ!

***The Front Page Follies honoring my friend Alan Williams will be this Saturday, June 17th beginning at 6pm at the Knoxville Convention Center. Get your tickets for this fun night at: http://www.frontpagefoundation.org/

***The May Ed and Bob NIGHT OUT in Knox County was at Life House Coffee in Powell. We had a great turnout of Knox County officials ready to talk about the recently approved budget.

Commissioners Bob Thomas, Ed Brantley, Dave Wright, Finance Director Chris Caldwell, Engineering Director Dwight Van DeVate

Commissioners Bob Thomas and Ed Brantley with Life House owner Michael Cox.

***It was my honor to speak at the Annual Ride and Decide meeting. This is an excellent program that helps students decide if they want a successful career in the trades.

 Commissioner Bob Thomas speaking to the students, parents and contractors.

 

***I was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Hatcher Memorial Softball Tournament benefiting FISH. It was an honor to be alongside some UT football icons. 

Commissioner Bob Thomas and wife Kim along with UT Vol football greats Mike Price, Tony Robinson and Dewey "SwampRat" Warren.
 

Throwing out the first pitch: Phil Hatcher, Mike Price, Commissioner Bob Thomas and Tony Robinson

 
***The Annual Ft. City Day was well attended. We enjoyed talking to a lot of people.

 Kim Thomas along with Knox County's First Lady, Kelly Burchett

***As a member of the Knox County Parks & Recreation Board it is exciting to hear news about a possible BMX track at South Doyle Middle School that would bring in national competitions. Great input by local residents.

***The Annual Leadership Knoxville class graduated. Joan Cronan was honored for her many contributions to Knoxville. Well deserved!

***Knoxville Chamber's Pinnacle Awards honored many businesses that keep Knox County growing.

 My friend Sandra G accepting her Pinnacle Award!

 

Great night with friends! Commissioner Bob Thomas & wife Kim along with Rebecca and Alan Williams.

In Commission news...

On Monday, June 19th at 5:00pm, the Knox County Commission will hold its regular monthly workshop. The meeting will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

On Monday, June 26th at 1:30pm, the Knox County Pension and Retirement Board will meet on the 6th floor of the City County Building in the Commission Conference Room. The Beer Board will meet at 4:00pm. The regular Commission meeting will begin at 5pm followed by Zoning at 7pm. Beer Board, Commission and Zoning will all take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

The Commission agenda has approximately 60 items. This month the bulk of the items are from the School Board and Engineering. There are 30 items from the School Board and 11 from Engineering. School resolutions are merely a formality as they pass whether we vote for them or not. In zoning, there are 15 issues this month. Some resolutions that stand out are:

1. Resolution for $191,439.39 for hardware, data transmission and storage for school bus GPS equipment.

2. Acceptance of a State of Tennessee Department of education grant for Pre K in the amount of $2,014,203.
3. Accepting a donation of $44,053 for Sequoyah Elementary for fencing.

4. Approval of $549,943 for roof repair and replacement at Holston MS and Corryton Ele.

5. Discussion regarding Tourism and Sports that will occur at the workshop.

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