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Archives
11-06-2002 News
Voters out early Election Day
Carson Oliver/OCN Ward I voters were out early Tuesday, Nov. 5 to cast votes on Election Day. Overton County residents went to the polls to elect a new governor, state senator, U.S. senator, congressman, and to decide the fate of a lottery amendment and an amendment to lift the limit on fines levied by towns. Overton County had 2,058 ballots cast in early voting.
Bowmer pleads to vehicular homicide By RACHEL SMITH, OCN staff Overton County School Board members approved allocating $75,000 for the purchase of a maintenance building and the land it sits on, described as the Crowder property, during its Monday, Nov. 4 meeting. Board member David Langford was absent. This money, along with $3,793 for the Livingston Academy stadium project architect's fee and $11,662 for a water tank, were not seen as increases in the overall budget as the Board approved decreasing BEP Non-Classroom Reserve account by $90,455. These actions were documented in General Purpose School Budget 2002-2003 Amendment #1. In executive action, board members approved the low bid for entrance and bus canopies from Dixie Docks Enterprises at $84,458. Also approved during executive action were a trip to Stearns, KY, for the Overton County Adult Education Class and reimbursing Livingston Academy Quarterback Club for sod replacement on LA's football field in the amount of $1,500. In new business, Board members approved the following items: Character Education Budget for 2002-2003. IDEA Part B, Budget Amendment #6 2002-01. Quarterly Reports for period ending Sept. 30, 2002, for General Purpose School, Federal Projects, Central Cafeteria, Education Debt Service, and Education Capital Projects Funds. Chairman of the Board and the director of schools were authorized to contract with Upland Design Group, Inc. for architectural services on the Central Education office project. The fee is to be 5 percent. Changes were ratified to the Memorandum of Agreement between O.C.E.A. and School Board. Director of Schools Bill Needham indicated that the changes were what was discussed in the work session. "The chairman of their negotiating team and myself initialed those this afternoon,Ó Director Needham said. "We cleaned up a lot of the language that hadn't been worked on since the change from superintendent to director of schools. "The way this works, for the newer members on the school board, once we initial and come to an agreement, we bring that proposal to the Board to be ratified. Then it goes to the teachers and they ratify it before it goes into effect." Director Needham issued the Director's Report to the School Board. Actions taken by the director were as follows: Hired Lori Tinch as special education bus attendant for three hours per day. Hired the following non-certified substitute teachers: Mildred Wright, Jennifer Harvey, Tammy Ledbetter, Sue Huff, Keith Parker, and Christy Hill. Hired Shelia Winningham in Early Childhood to replace Carol Bilbrey effective Oct. 14. Hired Angel White Hastings as a temporary special education attendant effective Nov. 4 until Dec. 6. Before closing the meeting, Needham indicated that he had received a letter from Livingston Academy's baseball players and coaches thanking the board for recent improvements to their playing field. Board Chairman Jerry Glasscock took a moment to thank PTOs at each of the schools for their work and dedication toward improving the quality of education in Overton County schools. Along these same lines, a concerned parent who has two daughters at A.H. Roberts Elementary School addressed the Board with his concerns about the education his children are receiving. "I feel like the teachers need to spend more time teaching our children instead of spending so much time trying to raise money,Ó he said. Chairman Glasscock expressed his understanding at this parent's concerns and suggested that he work with Director Needham and the school to work through these issues. Glasscock requested that Needham report back to the Board with the results of their meeting. The meeting adjourned.
City Council meeting held Monday night By DEWAIN E. PEEK, OCN staff Livingston City Council held the regular monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 4, with Alderman Thurman Langford absent. The Council agreed to hire Conoco Inc. for construction consulting for the planned airport expansion. The fee will be $2,600, of which the state will pay 90 percent. A construction consultant is required by state regulations. Ordinance 2002-10-1 was adopted on second reading. The ordinance limits the use of a temporary structure for primary commercial use to 6 months, with an extension available for no more than another 6 months. Mayor Hosea Winningham informed the Council that the traffic light for the intersection of West Main and Bilbrey streets has been let, with S-W Construction Co. being awarded the project. Mayor Winningham also informed the Council that a car the town donated to the Shriners has been returned to the town. A resolution was adopted to make application for a $500,000 home grant. Jimmy M. Eldridge and Tracy Lynn Langford were hired at Livingston Police Department. A list of reserve officers were also approved. When asked about requirements for reserve officers, Police Chief Roger Phillips said, "The requirements for a reserve officer is the same as a certified full-time police officer. The requirements and qualifications are the same. The only difference is they volunteer their time. They just can't be paid for it." Chief Phillips listed the qualifications saying, "They have to be the right age; they can't have been convicted of a felony; they have to be certified with firearms; they have to go through psychological and physical evaluations." Jeremy Morris was transferred to the sewer plant. Billy Daniels' letter of resignation was accepted. The aldermen voted to respond to a letter on which City Attorney Kelly Williams was asked to present a written opinion to the City Council. No details of the letter or what it concerned were divulged in the meeting. The meeting adjourned.
Overton County News
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