And if you thought Tuesday was hectic, just look at today. Knox County Commission will reorganize at 5 p.m. Look for Richie Beeler to become chair with Justin Biggs taking vice chair.
The school board will reorganize as well, with Susan Horn probably being re-elected chair. Kristi Kristy might challenge her.
The big item at the school board will be discussion and possible action on Covid mitigation including a mask mandate for students and staff. Do not attend this meeting. Watch on cable TV or live streaming. Your best chances to catch Covid are at Wednesday’s school board meeting or Thursday’s UT football game. Both events will feature people packed into a small space, yelling.
Kincannon picks Middlebrook
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon created a new position and hired LaKenya Middlebrook as the city’s first-ever director of community safety. According to the city website, “this new cabinet-level position will oversee and coordinate all aspects of community safety.”
LaKenya Middlebrook
Kincannon said Middlebrook will report directly to her with a goal to “build-out sustainable violence interruption programs.” Learn more here.
Both women are taking a risk. Kincannon must reduce gun violence. She’s gambling that Middlebrook, a lawyer and Knoxville native, can do it. Middlebrook is leaving a secure job for a very public challenge. She will be judged by the numbers.
The Aug. 22 killing of Aisha Cates in the Walter P. Taylor Homes area was the 30th murder in Knoxville in 2021, including the deaths of six teens.
Three eliminated in city election
Tuesday was not a good day for the City Council Movement. Three of its candidates were eliminated, finishing third in district balloting for five seats on Knoxville City Council. Gone are David Hayes, Jen McMahon and Deidra Harper. Get vote totals here.
Karns, West Knox hit by flooding
Jay Shipley posted live runoff on Blacks Ferry Road in the Karns area where a developer is installing a new subdivision. View his video here. There was flooding in the parking lot on Kingston Pike near Sonic and Books A Million.
It’s Wednesday. Stay warm and dry. And don’t go to the school board.
Sandra Clark is editor/CEO of Knox TN Today.