The Newport Plain Talk

NEWPORT-The Cocke County Partnership had its largest crowd ever for Monday's meeting at the Holiday Inn.

Contributing to the large number in attendance was the Chamber breakfast that was sponsored by AeroPro, Atwork, Brown Funeral Home, Cocke County Farmer's Co-op and Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz.

"We wanted to have something that would get more of our Chamber members involved," said Chamber Administrative Assistant Lynn Ramsey. "Hopefully, this will be the start of something where more people will attend.

"I appreciate the crowd," said Lonnie Jones, who served as chair in place of Renee Hurst. "This may be the largest we've ever had."

Also during Monday's meeting, the Partnership approved its board of directors and officers for the coming year. Board members include Chairman Tommy Bible, Vice Chairman Lonnie Jones, Secretary/Treasurer Annette Mason, Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr., Newport Mayor Connie Ball, Parrottsville Mayor Ronnie Hommel, EDC Chair Keith Ketterman, Tourism Chair Marie Bittinger, Chamber Chair Tina Kilgore, Green Belt Chair Jim Graham, Jeff Poor, David McClary, Manny Moore, Patti Ketterman and Keith Keller.

In committee reports, Bible informed the Partnership that the Education Foundation had received an $1,800 donation from the Bass Club.

Don Ellison reported the 2008 Leadership Cocke County class will have its media and local government day this Thursday. Elizabeth Reed reported the class has had great attendance to all events.

Reed also reported that Keep Cocke County Beautiful just completed its Great American Cleanup effort along with a river cleanup in conjunction with the Hartford Rafting Association.

"The amount of trash we pulled out of the river is down, which is a good sign," she said. "That means people are throwing out less litter."

Jim Graham gave a report on soil conservation and said the biggest concern is funding from the state because of budget cuts.

Sherry Butler, interim Partnership president, said Downtown Newport Association did not meet last month.

"It seems the efforts of the group have grown stagnant," she said. "But, we're having a block party at 5:30 p.m. on June 26 in the City Hall parking lot and then a meeting at 6 p.m. We hope to renew interest in the downtown revitalization effort."

Charlotte Liebrock reported that Habitat for Humanity is nearing completion of its 15th home in Parrottsville and is about to acquire another piece of property. She also recognized Cosby Coach Tyler Shelton and the Cosby High football team for helping Habitat.

Concerning the American Red Cross, Ellison reported the organization has provided various training to all seventh, eighth and ninth graders in the Cocke County School System. In addition, the Red Cross is kicking off its Heroes fund-raising campaign.

Tina Kilgore said the Boys and Girls Club is now in its new building and membership is growing. She urged members to support the Back-A-Kid campaign.

Concerning the Senior Center and Office on Aging, Carlene Robinson reported Sunset Gap is coordinating groups to do home repairs for the needy in Cocke County. She said the effort is funded through a grant. She added the agency is getting several calls from the elderly concerning the need for air conditioning with the hot conditions.

Tourism Director Linda Lewanksi told board members the department has applied for multiple grants to help promote the county.

Chamber Director of Operations Kandee Veridal thanked guests for attending the breakfast and praised Ramsey and Chamber Ambassadors on their efforts to put the breakfast together.

Butler reported the EDC is looking to partner with Walters State Community College to bring non-credit, continuing education courses to Cocke County to help people with job training.

She said the EDC also now has committees working on housing needs, industrial retention and retail business recruitment in the county. She said the biggest focus right now is on meeting the Governor's 3-Star Program requirements.

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