Hubert Smith Can Be Called Back To Work

O.k. on Friday July 20, 2007 Cathy Quist laid Hubert Smith (a 6 year Juvenile Court Clerk employee) off due to a lack of funding for his $25,000.00 a year salary.

This evening, Commissioner Sharon Cawood resigned from her $42,000.00 a year salaried position within the Clerk's office.

Now, Cathy Quist can call Hubert Smith back to work and the taxpayers could still see a $17,000.00 savings.

Knox County Confidential Part IV

You read the story about Sharon Cawood here at Brian's Blog first on July 17, 2007 and now this breaking news from the News-Sentinel website, KnoxNews.

How is Cawood's desire to enlarge her representation any greater today than on July 16, 2007, the day before Brian's Blog first reported Knox County Confidential?

Here's wishing Sharon much success in the private sector.

WVLT Volunteer TV Covers It Fair

A few weeks ago, it was announced that Volunteer TV received the UT Sports Department contract.

Volunteer TV has been running commercials with Mike Hamilton and Coach Fulmer promoting their new contractual agreement. In the Coach Fulmer commercial in talking about Rick Russo. Coach Fulmer said "In the good times he celebrates with us and in the tough times he reports it fair."

That is so rare in today's media culture. But Volunteer TV have always been fair in their news coverage. They don't have an agenda and they don't try to shock you into watching their news.

It is good to see the good guys, win.

Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal

In an announcement today, Rupert Murdoch owner of Fox News "Fair and Balanced" has acquired the Wall Street Journal.

This is a good news, while mass paranoia exist amongst the liberal global whiners about news being biased or unbiased. Fox and Rupert Murdoch are fair and balanced, not biased.

After all on a global scene, you have "Hanoi Jane" running the other National Cable News. Now, that my friends is biased news coverage.

Fair and Balanced. You have got to love it!

Knox County Confidential Part III

Have you seen this photo on the front page of today's News-Sentinel. It was taken by J. Miles Cary and was taken at the Commission meeting on 1/31/2007. If you will look in the left hand corner of the photograph. Hubert Smith is sitting at the media table and looking at him from behind his back is the former Juvenile Court Clerk Supervisor Sharon Cawood.

Sharon was the Supervisor and Hubert was an employee of the Juvenile Court Clerk's office at the time. Hubert always ensured that he took time off to cover such events. Making sure the taxpayers were not funding his task of covering local politics for his radio talk show.

This would have been just before she became the Commissioner to replace her husband, the Commissioner at the time. Who was at the time and is currently the bailiff.

Cedar Bluff Is Short Sheeted..No Surprise. Brian's Blog Has Covered This Issue For Nearly 3 Years

Tomorrow the tabloid reports a "new" revelation. While we see where they log onto Brian's Blog daily. Obviously, their memory is short and their disdain for the County Mayor is so heated that the tabloid is trying to re-write history.

Here is the tabloid's false report. "Ragsdale disrupted the school system’s capital plan so that Knox County is building a $15 million elementary school at Cedar Bluff that will open with 200 more kids than spaces, as Karen Carson pointed out last week."

Sunday February 11, 2007 Have You Driven Down Cedar Bluff Road Recently?

Now, how can Brian's Blog claim to have predicted this would happen. Here are our past reports, dates and links.

August 10, 2006 Commissioner - Elect Lambert Contacts Brian's Blog.

February 10, 2006 Overcrowded Classrooms and Dependence on Portables.

January 31, 2006 West Knox County Schools Overcrowded Schools and Not Getting Any Relief.

January 31, 2006 West Knox County Schools Overcrowded and NOT Getting "THE" Needed Relief

November 2, 2005 Cedar Bluff School Family Gets Screwed Finds An Advocate In Cindy Buttry.

September 9, 2004 Gibbs Elementary Whines About No Cafeteria.

Does Brian's Blog have the Spiritual gift of prophecy? We just report the facts as they occur and leave the Lies, Distortions and Hidden Personal Agenda's to the tabloid.

First Baptist Church Concord Grows Addendum II

First this post. Then this post.

I was out of town this week when the Farragut Community Information Meeting was held. It would appear that members of the community surrounding First Baptist Church, Concord believe that they can influence the Church's decision on the growth and on the design of the new buildings.

That will NOT be the case.

First Baptist Church, Concord currently owns all the property it needs for Phase I and II of its expansion. First Baptist Church, Concord will abide by the regulations for construction of new buildings and renovations of existing buildings (we have in the past, as well).

There is such a thing as Private Property Owner Rights. As members of First Baptist Church, Concord we are the private property owners of this property and we have a right in the Town of Farragut and Knox County to build and expand our facilities as long as we comply with all the rules and regulations that are in place at the time of our permit request.

We the members of First Baptist Church, Concord pay property taxes on our homes and property and have a right to be represented by our Town Mayor, Town Aldermen and Alderwoman. By our County Commissioners and County Mayor.

First Baptist Church, Concord receives no special treatment from our community leaders. Our church pays for Fire and Ambulance service, we pay for trash collection, we pay for the police officers to direct traffic (in order to protect our church members and the non church members, traveling by our church.) The church pays its way in this society.

So, while the church is bending over backwards to inform the community of our plans. Do not expect that we will change the plans just because you do not like a "mega-church" . As a church we have rights and protection and are living within the rules and regulations established.

Please understand that my comments are the views and expressions of Brian's Blog and primarily Brian Hornback. They are not the comments of First Baptist Church, Concord or the leadership of the church.

You are free to make any comments that you wish to make. However, unlike WBIR your comments will only be published if your comments adhere to the Rules of Engagement for Commenting that are posted on the front page of Brian's Blog.

Knox County Confidential Part II

Last week found me out of town attending to business meetings. One morning I received a voicemail from the producer of the Hallerin Hilton Hill Morning Show. Unfortunately, I received the message after the show had concluded.

Hubert Smith was a guest on the Hallerin Hill show and the topic of my blog and specfically the blog post concerning County Commissioner and former Juvenile Court Clerk Supervisor Sharon Cawood became part of the story.

It is true that within 24 hours of the blog post, Sharon Cawood was removed as the Supervisor of the Juvenile Court Clerk's operation and transferred to the General Sessions Court Clerk operation. This move puts her within the direct supervision of Cathy Quist. It also places her in the same building with her husband, former Commissioner Mark Cawood. Mark is currently employed as a bailiff. Nepotism is alive and well.

Within 48 hours of her move to General Sessions Court Clerk operation. Hubert Smith was notified that his position had been eliminated by the County. The County Commission in voting on the Clerk's budget eliminated Hubert's position is what his lay-off notice states.

It took Quist's office about 4 weeks to figure out that Hubert's position wasn't funded. The budget year starts on July 1 and Hubert was notified on July 20. So, now the Clerk's office is off budget 4 weeks. So much for competent, professional, effective service.

Nearly everyone believes and rightly so that Hubert was laid off because Ms. Quist believes that he was my source or the source for the Cawood post.

Let me state this as clear and concise as I can. Hubert Smith was NOT the source or a source for the blog post.

I find it interesting that if Ms. Quist had reason to believe that Hubert was the source or a source. Why did she NOT contact me? I would have informed her that he was NOT the source or a source.

When Quist was considering whether to run for General Sessions Court Judge and she had became aware of something I said in a conversation, not posted on the blog but said in a conversation with one other person. She quickly called me. Why not the same this time?

If you read a comment from an anonymous poster to the original post and if you read the line in last week's Shopper. It is obvious that Hubert was laid off because of the post and if that is the case they laid him off without cause. In addition, it means they have falsified his lay-off because the reason stated is that the County eliminated the funds for his position.

Both Commission Chair Scott Moore and Commission Vice Chair Tank Strickland said at the Commission meeting that they did NOT eliminate the funds for his position. Granted this lay-off could be a clerical error and if so Hubert deserves a public apology and re-instatement to his position.

There are many different people that have contacted me Republicans, Democrats, Elected Officials, Everyday Citizens, Members of the Media in Knox County, Employees of the Circuit Court Clerk's operation. They all support Hubert.

Hubert Smith Addresses County Commission Regarding Ms. Cathy Quist Decision To Lay-Off His Position Of 6 Years

Part I

Part II



Credit to and Thank You to Publius9 for publishing this on youtube. By doing so it allows Brian's Blog to provide it to you, the readers of Brian's Blog and continues to expose Knox County Confidential.

Lillian Bean's Recipes. Where Can You Find Them?

Lillian Bean, former Knox County Circuit Court Clerk in addition to having served Knox County with exceptional service knows how to cook. Whether you were a recipient of a can of Lillian's beans or just happened to wonder by.

In my life of politics. Lillian and Richard Bean compliment one another exceptionally well. Richard is always one of the guys that I seek advice from and Lillian often sends a quick note of encouragement.

Well, the weekly newspaper that I love from North Knoxville is the Fountain City Focus and Lillian has started a weekly Recipe column called Little goodies from Lillian's BEAN POT.

This week there were three recipes Deviled Eggs, Fruit Salad with Honey Orange Dressing and Summer Fruits with Peanut Butter-Honey Dip. She also included some great advice on packing a picnic.

Now the third recipe I can't try as I have an individual in my home that is allergic to Peanut Butter. Deviled Eggs are always superb. But now the Fruit Salad with Honey Orange Dressing that would be something special to try.

Check out the Fountain City Focus each week, here in order to see what Lillian will recommend for us all.

Other newspapers run recipe columns, but no body is a better cook than Lillian Bean. So if you want the best, then you consult with the best.

Fountain City Focus and Lillian Bean truly the best.

Here is the recipe.

Fruit Salad with Honey - Orange Dressing

Ingredients

½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
¼ cup nonfat mayonnaise
¼ cup honey
¾ teaspoon grated orange peel
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
3 tablespoons orange juice
½ teaspoons vinegar
4 cups assorted fruit

Instructions: Whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, orange peel and mustard in small bowl until blended. Gradually mix in orange juice and vinegar. Toss fruit gently with dressing.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 4 servings.

A Question. Is It Nepotism or Cronyism?

O.k., if you can believe something/anything that is printed in the E.W. Scripps weekly newspaper. You know the publication. The one that prides itself on printing lies.

So, if this is correct. "Cathy Quist confirmed that Smith’s position had been cut. She also said Cawood will be transferred to the General Sessions Court downtown."

Let's assume that it is.

Then when Cathy Quist moved Sharon Cawood the day after our blog post. She moved Sharon to General Sessions Court downtown. Sharon's husband former Commissioner Mark Cawood is a bailiff at the City County Building downtown.

That puts Sharon and Mark in the same building during the day.

So the question. Is Cathy's move of Sharon being closer to Mark a move of nepotism or cronyism?

With the move of Sharon to another office in the Clerk's operation. Thanks for the confirmation.

This post is intended as Humor. If you can not find humor in it. Then read another post or maybe another blog.

The Family Spends Leisure Time In Blount County

Last evening the family left the comfort of our West Knoxville home. We headed out for an adventure that was a first for the kids and brought back fond memories from my childhood.

The first stop in Blount County was not a first for us, it was probably the first for Saturday 7/21/2007. We stopped at the Wal Mart in Alcoa, TN. We bought some snacks and drinks and headed toward Foothills Mall and turned left onto Lamar Alexander Parkway.

We headed toward Townsend. When we arrived near Maryville College we veered right and headed toward the Blount County Correctional Facility and Blount Memorial Hospital. We were still headed toward Townsend. After a few miles we turned left into the Parkway Drive In.

We enjoyed a beautiful evening and at 9:30 pm we began watching the latest Harry Potter movie. Shortly after midnight, the second feature started and it was Delta Farce. That movie was watched by the adults as the kids had crashed.

We arrived back home at 2:00 am and went to bed. It was a fun evening and a first for the kids.

Although we are avid Regal Cinema fans, watching movies at the Drive-In was still a blast.

Knox County Lay-Off's

UPDATE Sunday 7/22/2007 7:33 pm The E.W. Scripps weekly newspaper evidently reads Brian's Blog. As we broke this story yesterday. We were able to speak with Mike Arms of the Mayor's office. We were unable to reach Cathy Quist or a representative of her office.

However, the E.W. Scripps weekly newspaper is reporting that they reached her.

Here is what the paper that prides itself on printing lies has to say. "Hubert Smith is no longer an employee of Knox County. He had clerked in the Juvenile Court under Cathy Quist until her budget was cut by one position. Word on the street is that Smith also kept busy documenting the work habits of his supervisor, Sharon Cawood." They have an additional item that is related. "Cathy Quist confirmed that Smith’s position had been cut. She also said Cawood will be transferred to the General Sessions Court downtown."

Of course, we are happy to be of assistance to all of the Brian's Blog readership. Even at times when we can assist the E. W. Scripps weekly newspaper.

I always cite them when I am talking about their stories. They could have at least credited me with breaking this story. Let's see I broke the story that led to Jack McElroy stepping down from the Urban League Board, he credited me with it. I broke this story and Cawood is moved. Hmm. Some people like McElroy are real journalist and real people and well the others just ain't.

UPDATE: Saturday 7/21/2007 1:18 pm - I spoke with Mike Arms the Chief of Staff of the Knox County Mayor's Office today. Mr. Arms told me that the Mayor's office did not and has not requested that any officeholder lay off any employee.

The County Mayor's office did request and implement a hiring freeze for all county offices. The only way that a fee officeholder can have a position approved is to make the request to the Knox County Commission and the Commission must approve the position. An example of this occurring is when Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin during the budget process requested and was approved an additional position.

Cathy Quist office did not request an additional position during the budget process.

The County Mayor's office also seized all vacancies. Hubert Smith's position was not vacant until he was laid off at 4:30 pm, yesterday Friday 7/20/07.

Mike Arms said "No where did we ask anyone to lay employees off."

I attended at least one of the two budget hearings this year. In the budget hearings each officeholder or their representative appeared before the County Commission and was asked if their budget was satisfactory. In every case the fee officeholders or their representatives said they were fine and would be o.k. For example Property Assessor John Whitehead said "I don't have everything I want, but I have everything I need."

In the case of Cathy Quist. She was represented at the budget hearings by Assistant's Tim Wheeler and Wendy Norris. At no time in their presentation to Commission did Tim Wheeler (who did a majority of the talking) indicate that one position would be eliminated or laid off even momentarily.

As for the process of fee officeholders and the Mayor approving each position. The fee officeholder's are required to submit something called a "salary suit" in this salary suit it list each person, their position and salary. If the Mayor disagrees with the salary suit. The officeholder must then file the salary suit with a Judge. Mr. Arms has informed me today that the Mayor has approved each and every salary suit submitted to him as of this date.

So, the reasons given to Mr. Smith for his position being laid off or eliminated appears not to be accurate.

Original Post: Saturday 7/21/2007 6:16 am - On Friday July 20, 2007 at 4:30 pm Catherine F. Quist the Knox County Circuit, Civil Sessions and Juvenile Court Clerk laid off at least one employee. The reason? Because Knox County did not fully fund the budget request of her office and because the County Commission/Mayor eliminated funds for his position.

Because notice was given to him at 4:30 pm (the conclusion of the work day) he was not allowed to gather his personal items and was escorted from the building by security. He was informed that he would receive his personal items by mail.

Longtime Deputy Clerk Hubert Smith received notice in a letter from Catherine F. Quist that read. "I regret to inform you that effective immediately you are hereby laid off until further notice. The County not only failed to fully fund our salary request but eliminated funds for your position."

A few questions.

If the Clerk's office must implement lay offs in what order are the lay offs considered and implemented? Certainly Hubert is not the newest member of the office, having been employed in the position since 2001. In December 2006, the County Commission voted on and approved a Supervisor position at the request of the Clerk and that position was given to Sharon Cawood, now County Commissioner Sharon Cawood. Within the last 3 weeks there have been at least 3 part time positions hired within the Court Clerk's office.

Where in the budget has the Court Clerk listed specific jobs? Hubert is a Deputy Clerk as are a majority of the employees of the office. You are either Deputy Clerk or a Supervisor. Where does it list a specific Deputy Clerk? That would be necessary in order for the County Commission/Mayor to have eliminated Mr. Smith's position.

What did the County Commission/Mayor know and when did they know it in regards to eliminating funds for Hubert Smith or any other persons position?

If the County Commission/Mayor eliminated funds for any position in the Court Clerk's office. Why was an employee allowed to work 20 days past the first day of the budget year? The budget year began on 7/1/2007. Hubert was laid off on 7/20/2007.

When County Commissioner Sharon Cawood voted for the budget and read into the record that she had a conflict of interest. What did she know and when did she know that she was eliminating one of the positions within the office where she is employed?

Hubert Smith has been a good employee garnering all exemplary evaluations. In addition, Hubert Smith is an employee that qualifies for protection under the age discrimination laws and was the sole black full time employee of the Clerk's Juvenile Court operation.

An interesting twist. Hubert Smith is also the host of the public affairs radio talk show called The Hubert Smith Radio Show which airs every Sunday from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm ET on The Horne Radio Network's WKVL - AM 850. The Show is also simulcast on WLOD - AM 1140 (Loudon County) WATO - AM 1290 (Oak Ridge) and WGAP - AM 1400 (Maryville)

Tomorrow Hubert has scheduled for his show. Joe Hultquist, Knoxville city councilman, District 1, to talk about the great things happening in South Knoxville. There will be a surprise celebrity co-host! Angela McGlowan, FOX News commentator and author of "Bamboozled," will be the guest in hour two.

Harry Potter

Just got back from WalMart in Turkey Creek. I am estimating 200 -275 people. When the book prior to this one came out (#6), my oldest son and I went to the same store about 11:15 pm, we were about 15th in line. They rolled a pallet of books to the front of the store at 12:00 am they took the top off you got your book and proceeded to the checkout.

This year they began at 8:00 pm giving out red armbands, then green armbands, then blue armbands, then yellow armbands. The instructions were given that at 11:30 pm they would announce that all red armbands line up, then after they bought the books. Then it would be green's turn until all bands and purchasers purchased their books. BTW, the line would be in the old layaway department in the back of the store which is now the site to store department.

As 11:30 pm rolled around no announcement. 12:00 am it appeared from the cheers that the books were out. The books had to be purchased in the rear of the store. And by the way, there is only one cash register in the rear of the store.

So, as 12:45 am approached we were getting closer and one of the ladies went up to find out what they were doing. They were not separating the arm bands. But she was told that if you didn't have an arm band then you were told to go to the back of the line.

Shortly, after 1:00 am we had our copy and they gave us a poster, a bookmark and something else. Oh, and the neat colored armbands each one had a separate character's name on it. They had a gentleman (that was actually leaning on each and every book take your armband from you and cut it in half with scissors) this was presumably so that you couldn't hand it off to someone in the back of the line. Which would have been difficult since the crowd wouldn't let you cut in line anyway. There were young kids and adults that felt that the armbands should have been a keepsake that didn't get cut in half. But the kids were most upset.

The bottom line is my oldest son has the book and has begun reading it and it must pass through his siblings. I will be the last of the line to read it.

It would probably be a good idea for me to start on the first book first. You think?

The Next County Investigation?

UPDATE: There are some new developments in regards to this story that will be posted within the next 12 - 24 hours. However, I would like to share with you the hypocrisy of Commissioner Sharon Cawood. This KNS story in the Tuesday 7/17/07 edition reports discussion about Commissioners taking issue with former Mayor employee Bone being the only person named in an upcoming County Commission resolution. Commissioner Sharon Cawood said “Others that have resigned need to be named,” Commissioner Sharon Cawood said.

With this original blog post it reveals the hypocrisy of Commissioner Sharon Cawood and that she should have learned some time ago that those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Every county employee is expected and does attend to their duties 37.5 - 40 hours or more a week, refrains from two - three hour lunches and extended afternoon shopping trips unless they are a Supervisor and an appointed County Commissioner to the seat that the Tennessee Supreme Court picked up and dumped your husband out of.


Original Post 7/17/07 4:52 PM - My sources tell me that the next Knox County Investigation will involve County employees and the time they spend on their job.

My sources tell me that a review of time sheets and entry/exit swipes at all county facilities has already been launched. Most all doors entering and exiting county owned facilities have a card swipe system. It will say that X employee entered the building at X time and how many times they entered the building during the day.

Multiple sources have indicated that one example is Commissioner Sharon Cawood a Supervisor at the Juvenile Court Clerk's office. She has rarely worked an entire day since she was hired in December 2006 (less than 30 days before she was appointed to her husband's County Commission seat) According to the sources, Cawood also takes extended lunch breaks. Cawood was not promoted to this position within the Clerk's office, she was hired off the street as a Supervisor.

Questions are arising as to how much comp time or vacation time could she have accumulated during her brief stint with the clerk's office. My sources also indicate that there are Knox County employees drawing a check that have not checked in to the office they are assigned to in several years.

Phillip Norman Bredesen Awards The InCompetent One In His Adminstration

A day behind on this story. But here goes.

Well, there was much laughing when Mayor Ragsdale indicated that his Director's and Executive Staff were making under private sector salaries. I would agree that it is the private sector's business to reward based on their profits and I would agree that when you work in the government that you should not expect to get rich and should not expect BIG raises.

But, no hue and cry when the liberals favorite Governor, Prince Phillip of Nashville makes the same argument. Prince Phillip justified the raises by saying "the new rates make their compensation “a little more reasonable.” But instead of a few thousand dollars Prince Phillip of Nashville shells out millions in recurring taxpayer dollars.

The biggest joke is the 62.63% increase for Lana "Schools are Worse on My Watch" Seivers. Seivers should donate the additional $69,336 per year that she obtained from you and me to fund a teacher or two. The Public Education System in Tennessee has gotten worse since she became Tennessee Commissioner of Education.

If anybody thinks that Lana Seivers can make $180,000.00 a year in the private sector. Then Lakeshore has a bed for you tonight.

Prince Phillip of Nashville should have campaigned on raising the salaries on the incompetent ones during the campaign.

This is NO different than when Governor Don Sundquist kept quiet about a State Income Tax until he was back in office.

All of you liberals made fun of our Jim Bryson campaign talking about our BIG vision and a BIG Heart. Well, now we know that the only thing that Prince Phillip of Nashville does is reward incompetence in a BIG, BIG way.

Knoxville News-Sentinel Gets It Wrong. Are You Surprised?

This Knoxville News-Sentinel's editorial today got a minor detail wrong. Are you surprised? I think the Gossip and Lies from its recently acquired tabloid is rubbing off on the flagship paper.

Here is the error. "Lowe now is considering running in 2008 for county clerk, a post currently held by Billy Tindell, who was term limited as a county commissioner. Scott Moore, commission chairman, also is seeking the clerk’s position. And on and on."

I know that Mike Lowe has been encouraged to run for Knox County Property Assessor, not County Clerk. Nothing is final until Mike Lowe announces his intentions. However, Mike is getting tremendous support from all over Knox County to run for Property Assessor.

It would really help for the News-Sentinel to make sure that even when the reporting Rumor and Gossip that it not become a lie. With that said. Twenty- four hours is a life time in politics, so Lowe could decide to run for Assessor, Clerk, Register or in 2010 Mayor.

Before the News-Sentinel prints something it attempts to pass off as fact it should ask the subject of the paragraph.

Judge Leibowitz - Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Volunteer TV has this report.

Apparently, Judge Leibowitz was the first to impose a rule about cigarettes. It worked building wide and now you must be properly attired to enter her courtroom. I thought the courts were the people's court. I thought Judges were elected and served us the citizens.

What is Judge Leibowitz going to do when a citizen can not afford the proper attire that she demands.

Oh and By the way, You can not have any drinks in the courtroom that you paid for, by the Judge and staff that you pay their salaries. But guess what. Judge Leibowitz can have a cup of coffee. "Do as I say, not as I do"

Here are the Rules before entering Judge Leibowitz court.

EVERYONE ENTERING SHALL BE DRESSED IN PROPER ATTIRE – NO SHORTS, MUSCLE SHIRTS, BAGGY OR LOW RIDING PANTS. NO HATS, BANDANAS HAIRNETS, OR HOODS. NO SEE THROUGH CLOTHING, BACKLESS OR HALTER TOPS, OR SUNGLASSES.

NO TALKING TO INMATES OR COMMUNICATION OF ANY KIND IS PERMITTED.

NO FOOD, DRINKS, CHEWING GUM OR NEWSPAPERS ALLOWED IN THE COURTROOM.

USE OF CELL PHONES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, PLACE YOUR CELL PHONE ON VIBRATE AND GO OUT OF THE COURTROOM TO ANSWER.

Maybe I should open a Courtroom clothing store near the City County Building.

Tonight's Dateline NBC on The Deadly Love Triangle

Tonight Dateline NBC spent one hour 10 pm - 11 pm on WBIR with an in depth story on the Erin McLean/Sean Powell/Eric McLean Deadly Triangle.

Erin was represented by a Nashville Attorney with the last name Blackburn. She did not appear in the story at all.

Eric McLean's previous interview with Matt Lauer and an additional interview appeared in tonight's story.

The McLean's was a complicated marriage and many questions were answered during this prime time hour news program.

Eric in talking about Erin and their marriage said. "Seems like I have been in love with someone that didn't even exist anyway"

The truly sad part is that a father that all interviewed for the story said that he loved and cared for his sons. He has since lost constant time with his two son's.

Truly a sad story.

Shopper Reporter Jake Mabe Exposes The Truth

In this week's Halls Shopper News Reporter Jake Mabe publicly exposes what many in Knox County have seen for years. However, Jake has the intestinal fortitude to publically expose it.

Jake was covering a community meeting where Former Superintendent of Schools Earl Hoffmeister was promoting the Biography of his life. The book written by a former employee of Hoffmeister is loaded with inaccurate information.

The most glaring is Hoffmeister's recollection that he beat Former Superintendent of Schools Mildred Doyle in 95 of 96 precincts. The author of the book recorded it as fact in her book. Jake simply called the Reference desk of the Knox County Public Library to verify the information. Jake discovered that Hoffmeister and the author of the book simply got it wrong. Come to find out Hoffmeister could not carry Mildred Doyle's home base of South Knoxville or even West Knoxville.

In Hoffmeister's talk he trashed the years of service of Ms. Doyle. The kind lady is not here to defend herself against his lies and distortions of her record. One thing that we all now know is that the author of the Biography and good old Earl are not honorable or honest individuals.

All of the politicians and community members that have aligned themselves with this dishonorable and dishonest person (Earl Hoffmeister) should immediately demand that he publicly apologize and retract his comments and that a revision be provided to correct every copy of the book and to forever censure himself from his dishonorable and dishonest talk about Ms. Doyle.

Many of us that have been in Knox County all of our lives have known the real Earl. Now Jake Mabe has publicly exposed it.

Good job Jake.

Check out Jake's column about the Lies and Distortions of Earl Hoffmeister and the author of his biography, here.