John Ewart, executive director of Associated General Contractors, Knoxville, rounded up a few friends for a photo. “Five first-round NFL Draft picks,” he posted. “And then there’s me, proving you don’t have to hear your name called on draft day to still end up surrounded by legends.”
He describes them like this:
- Dan Williams – 1st Round, 26th Overall (Arizona Cardinals)
- Terry Fair – 1st Round, 20th Overall (Detroit Lions)
- Heath Shuler – 1st Round, 3rd Overall (Washington Redskins)
- John Ewart – Undrafted … but the talent is undeniable
- Justin Harrell – 1st Round, 16th Overall (Green Bay Packers)
- Anthony Hancock – 1st Round, 11th Overall (Kansas City Chiefs)
“Being in the room with these VFLs reminds you that what makes Tennessee special isn’t just the football – it’s the lifelong friendships, shared experiences and the Volunteer family that continues long after the final whistle. Go Vols!”
Artwork from flyer and website paid for by TN Republican Party
Usually front-runners just glide
Normal front-runners glide toward Election Day without creating controversy. Note Marsha Blackburn, Republican Primary candidate for governor. With the exception of crushing Chinese fortune cookies with her bare hands, Blackburn is in full glide mode.
Marsha Blackburn after smashing cookies
Then there’s Betsy Henderson, Republican nominee for Knox County mayor. Her Democratic opponent is an under-funded labor organizer who moved to Knox County less than four years ago.
Glide, Betsy, glide!
Instead, Henderson is the “beneficiary” of a mailer by the TN Republican Party that links Hawk with AOC and Mamdani. “Socialism, Communism. Supporting Dictators. Learn more about Beau Hawk’s dangerous record at realbeauhawk.com/.”
Henderson also is “benefiting” from some Republicans who are demanding that county commissioners Kim Frazier and Larsen Jay and Terry Hill must endorse her. Advocates and defenders are battling on social media, leaving Henderson looking oddly like a damsel in distress.
Betsy should go bash a fortune cookie – and get her so-called friends to calm down. The election is August 6, just 14 days away. Glide, Betsy, glide.
Notes & quotes
Back-to-school is sooner than you think: Monday, August 3, is the first day for Knox County teachers; Friday, August 7, is orientation for sixth and nineth graders; Monday, August 10, is first day for students (half day). 2026-27 school calendar here.
Vicki Worley has opened a branch of Hope Springs Adult Day Center in Anderson County at 150 E. Division Road, Suite 7, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Info online or at 865-272-3178.
Cades Cove is vehicle-free on Wednesdays – sunrise to sunset. Bike or run the 11.1-mile loop. Not a car in sight.
Outdoor Knoxville lists hundred of activities, updated weekly.
Thursday, Aug. 6, is Election Day in Knox County. It’s the general election for county offices. The Republican and Democratic state and federal primaries will also occur – pick one to select nominees for the November general election. Town of Farragut will be electing a new mayor and two members of the board of aldermen. Early voting is underway and ends Saturday, August 1. Info: knoxvotes.org/.
Quote: “War pimps, I guess.” – Tim Burchett explaining his no vote on the $1.1 billion funding for HR 8800. He was the only TN Republican to vote against the bill which passed the House 216-212 on mostly party lines. Vote breakdown is here.
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series, including topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors.
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