Looking at salaries
When KPD Chief Paul Noel was suspended without pay for 30 days, we learned his annual salary is roughly $235,000. Wondering how that ranks with other salaries, we compiled this information:
- Knox County Schools superintendent (24-25) – $264,000
- Governor of TN – $239,760
- Vice President of USA – $235,100
- KPD chief (2024) – $235,000
- TN judges Circuit, Criminal, Chancery – $225,100
- Knox County mayor – $219,032
- Knox County sheriff – $208,061
- Members of U.S. House and Senate – $174,000
- KFD chief (2024) – $167,454
- Knox County clerk, trustee, register of deeds – $164,903
- Knoxville city mayor (2024) – $162,500
Takeaways? Indya, Stan Sharp (KFD) and the governor need a raise. Sen. Marsha Blackburn will get a $65,760 increase if she moves from the Senate to the Governor’s Mansion. Plus, she won’t need a second home in D.C. And Glenn Jacobs will take a $45,000 pay cut to move from Knox County mayor to the U.S. Senate.
Real Estate Section for Knoxville Bar
The Knoxville Bar Association has formed a new real estate section, led by co-chairs Benjamin C. Mullins and Mary D. Miller. The various sections are designed to connect bar association members with colleagues in their practice areas.
City closes Broadway VIP
R.I.P. VIP
Like Javert chasing Jean Valjean, the city of Knoxville has pursued the Broadway VIP. Last week the city prevailed, shuttering the club.
The KPD posted: “Following extensive efforts by our department, the Knoxville Fire Department, and multiple other city departments, including Codes Enforcement and Plans Reviews and Inspections, the Broadway VIP was effectively closed down late last week.
“Broadway VIP, located at 2314 N. Broadway, was the source of numerous quality-of-life and public safety complaints from area residents. A 26-year-old man also was critically wounded in a shooting that occurred at the club on June 13. Further, the club was operating without necessary permits, and on at least two occasions the business operated in spite of receiving notices to vacate.
“Prior to the closure, the power was shut off to the business after a walkthrough revealed numerous codes and fire occupancy violations. On Friday, July 31, 2026, a hearing was held before a Public Officer, who upheld the closure.”
Experts discuss recorder evidence
The Knoxville Bar Association has organized “an exciting new CLE” called “What’s in the Box? Unlocking Event Data Recorder Evidence in Vehicle Crash Investigations.”
Mitch Eisenberg
Dallas Reynolds III
John Capps
The Lunch & Learn program will be Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building. Presenters are ADA Mitch Eisenberg, attorney Dallas T. Reynolds III of Reynolds, Adkins, Brezina & Stewart PLLC and THP trooper John Capps. A buffet lunch will be provided. Info here.
Event Data Recorders (EDRs) – often referred to as vehicle “black boxes” – are increasingly central to modern crash investigation and litigation. Presenters will provide a practical, cross-disciplinary introduction to EDR technology applicable to both civil and criminal practitioners. The program covers what EDRs are and the types of data they may capture (e.g., speed, braking, throttle position, seatbelt use and pre-impact events), how that data is lawfully accessed and preserved, and the tools and software used to download and interpret the data.
Presenters will discuss current capabilities and limitations, common pitfalls, and emerging developments in the field. The session includes a hands-on demonstration of the hardware, cables and computer systems used to retrieve EDR data.
In Memoriam
Snake Cain
Knoxville lawyer Francis Akard “Snake” Cain died July 28, 2026, at the age of 88. After a brief stint as an accountant, Mr. Cain earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee in 1963. His legal career spanned 50 years, with the last 28 of those years spent practicing at the law firm of Frantz, McConnell & Seymour. He is survived by wife Pattie, their three children and others. A memorial service was held August 4 at St. John’s Cathedral, 413 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville 37902.
David Piper
David R. Piper passed away on August 4, 2026, at age 92. A law graduate of the University of Tennessee, David was in private practice for most of his career. He played clarinet at Central High School in Fountain City and in the Pride of the Southland Band at UT. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann, a son and daughter plus extended family. He was an elder at First Presbyterian Church and had served on the board of Children’s Hospital. A celebration of life reception for visitation will be held at the Westland’s Clubhouse, 1115 Orleans Dr. on Friday, August 21, from 3-6 p.m.
Notes & quotes
Cars for Canines will be Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST at Melton Lake Park. Sponsored by Explore Oak Ridge, the classic car show will benefit Oak Ridge Animal Shelter and Anderson County Humane Society. Food trucks, live entertainment, low-cost microchipping and rabies vaccinations. Free admission for spectators. Pets on leashes or in carriers welcomed.
Back-to-school is here. Monday, August 10, is first day for students (half day). 2026-27 school calendar here.
Farragut Band Boosters yard sale will be Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 8 a.m. until noon at Farragut High School. Info on donations: kristin.ricciuto@farragutband.org/.
Cades Cove is vehicle-free on Wednesdays. Cycle or walk the 11.1-mile loop – sunrise to sunset. You are guaranteed to see stuff that you would never see from a car; plus, it’s easier to breathe.
Outdoor Knoxville lists hundreds of activities, many free, all outdoors.
Quote: “Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.” – Gore Vidal
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series includes topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Law by Sandra Clark.
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