Kick off the holiday season right!

Join us at the American Legion Hall in Harriman on November 30 at 7pm for the American classic 'It's a Wonderful Life - a live radio play'.

Tickets are just $10.00 and include the show, dessert, and beverage. Proceeds benefit the Harriman Public Library.
Any questions, just give them a call. See you there!

'Happy High School Reunion?' is this coming Saturday (August 25th) and the Lions of Harriman still have some tickets left!
I know --- I don't understand it either!!!

But the good news is - you can still get in on the fun. Now, this amazing evening includes:
Dinner buffet
Adult beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages
Dessert buffet
A live, interactive murder mystery show
and silent auction

And while all of that is really amazing, that's not even the best part!! The best part is that it benefits the Harriman Lions Club. Yep, that's right - the money that you spend on this super entertaining night out stays right here in Roane County working to make this county even better

Tickets are $40.00 per person and are all-inclusive.
Tickets sites include:
Roane Street Grill in Harriman
and
Roane Alliance in Kingston

or message me and we will get them to before they're all gone!

The Harriman Lions Club will be hosting the 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre to benefit their annual community projects. And that means that YOU get to enjoy a great dinner, amazing entertainment, a little mayhem, murder, revenge, payback, ... anyway, you get the idea.

So, here are the details:

The Lions Club is celebrating its centennial in 2017! And to commemorate this milestone, the Harriman Lions Club is hosting a tailgate party to die for!

The Harriman Chapter is hosting ‘Murder in the End Zone’ dinner theatre- an entertaining evening of good friends, great food, and murder. The night’s entertainment will include a full tailgate dinner buffet, dessert bar, and an interactive murder mystery that gets the audience out of their seats and into the hunt for a killer. There will also be a Silent Auction offering great gifts and getaways to the highest bidder.

The details are:
What: ‘Murder in the End Zone’ dinner theatre
When: Saturday, August 26, 2017
7:00pm
Where: American Legion Hall
624 Morgan Street (behind HUB)
Harriman, TN
Tickets: $40.00 pp (includes: dinner, dessert, beverages, and
show)
Tickets are available at the:
Roane County Chamber office
N. Kentucky Street
Kingston, TN

Have questions? Visit the Harriman Lions Club Facebook page.

It's fall in Tennessee--a time for costumes and parties--It’s time for a PIRATE FEST! Join us on Sat/Sun, October 8 & 9, from 11am-6pm for the first annual TENNESSEE PIRATE FEST! It’s brought to you by the creators of the Tennessee Medieval Faire. The PIRATE FEST is an adult targeted (PG13) but still family friendly celebration of those outlaws of the sea. Professional entertainment include live music, interactive comedy shows, roaming characters, free games, karaoke, a costume contest, great crafts, food and beverages, including beer. The only thing missing is YOU!

So, if you can talk like a pirate, think Jack Sparrow should still rule the seas, and believe that 'swashbuckler' is the coolest word in the dictionary--THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE!

Tennessee Pirate Fest
October 8 & 9, 2016
11am-6pm ET
550 Fiske Rd
Harriman, TN 37748
$13 - ages 13 & up
$8 - ages 5-12
4 & under free
Free Parking

For more info and festival rules: (link...)
865-248-8414, TNFaire@comcast.net

'TIS THE SEASON...

What: CHILI SUPPER FUNDRAISER

When: Saturday, November 28, 2015
11:00am-2:00pm
Where: at the 4-H Conference Center
on Rt. 70 in Midtown (between the AgCentral Co-op and
Harriman Church of God)
Who: Homegrown 4-H Service Project

WHY: The 4-Hers are helping American Legion Post 53 raise
money for the Korean War Memorial in Riverfront Park.
The project is a work in progress with one statue in
place.

100% of donations collected will go directly to the War
Memorial Fund.

ADDED BENEFITS: You don't have to cook,
it's not leftover turkey (again),
and you'll be helping a worthy cause.

After all, we are here because our veterans were there.

For more information or questions, please call 4-H office at 865-376-5558.

It's your last chance - don't miss out!

BOO-TOWN will be open nightly Thursday (10/29) through Saturday (10/31), and then it's gone...!

Join us for a family friendly Halloween - complete with games, craft vendors, storytellers, bouncy house, magic, and more. There is even an additional Haunted Hayride (if you dare...). Tickets are $5 for kids, $8 for adults (Hayride extra). Hours are 5:00-10:00pm nightly.

Boo-Town is located at the TN Medieval Faire site at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman. Visit (link...) for more information

The fun is closer than you think!

Are you ready for a merry-not-too-scary, outdoor, Halloween adventure?!? Come to Boo-Town--a new, family-friendly, Halloween event at the TN Medieval Faire site (550 Fiske Rd, Harriman, TN). If you like costumes (Steampunk, Cosplay, Princesses, Pirates, Medieval, Theatre...) Boo-Town is the place for you!

5 show days: Oct 23-24, 29-30-31. Hours 5-10p EDT.
Tickets sold at gate. We can accept cash & credit cards. Free parking.

General Admission [Rain or Shine]
$5 (ages 2-12), $8 (ages 13+)
Visit Treat Village and the Bouncy House. Play the Games and listen to the Story-Tellers. Join in the Costume Parade (6-6:30 nightly), and Monster Music & Dance - plus enjoy the Costumed Characters. Don’t forget the Crafts, Food, Beer, and Soda available for purchase.

And if you dare…
Haunted Hayride [Fair weather only]
Additional $10 (ages 8+ only)
Ride through the deep, dark woods, pulled by an ancient tractor and even more ancient driver! Ghouls await! What could go wrong?!?

More info: (link...). 865-248-8414 TNMedievalFaire@gmail.com or TMFaire@comcast.net

Public Meeting inviting folks to come hear about the potential of beginning a Family Promise network in Roane County to help Homeless families. This is a "come & see" event sponsored by the Roane County Homeless Coalition.
Everyone is welcome!

March 11, 6:30 pm. First Christian Church, downtown Rockwood (next to Post Office) 328 W. Rockwood Street.

Find our more at:

(link...)

(link...)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Teresa Kirkham’s assessments are 30% higher than they should be — through her own admission during recent debates.

The State said about 8 counties have their own models/computer systems with the rest using the State's system as Teresa Kirkham has decided. The State said the elected Property Assessor is responsible for their own assessments. Teresa argues the State is responsible for her high assessments, but that is not ture. The Property Assessor is responsible even if they use the State's model/system. Each county has the flexibility to use their own or simply default to using the State's system. At a recent debate, a staged Teresa Kirkham's supporter stated that using a model like the one that I have described ((link...)) would be illegal. This is untrue and meant to confuse the public. Teresa often blames the State. The State clearly said the elected-Property Assessor is responsible for their assessments. The key is the fair market value.

During the debates, Teresa was also asked about her staff campaigning for her while on offical business re-assessing people's homes. She tried to deny it. She then stated that the home owner must have mentioned the election first - which was not the case. Her clarification was that her employees could openly talk about her re-election campaign after the home owner mentions the election first. She then defaulted to the position that her Appraiser was part-time, so it was fine if they campaigned on the taxpayer's dollar. I disagree. I have already pledged to not use the Office's staff for campaigning ((link...)). This is better for everyone - the employees and the public.

Attached is my recently published comparison matrix of Property Assessor issues from the recent debates ((link...)).

It's time for a change. I ask for you to stand with me.

Respectfully,

David

P.S. - I promise to stand strong against Teresa's current and future attacks. Roane County deserves fair assessments.

David Morgan for Roane County Property Assessor
It's time for a change. Fair Property Assessments for everyone.
fairpropertyassessments.com | 865-376-9453

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I have run a very positive campaign. My campaign has remained focused on the issues and my qualifications for the office. Competing against a powerful incumbent is a huge task. Over the course of the campaign, I have raised several thousand dollars from everyday small donors who share the belief in my platform of fair assessments. Surprisingly, the amount that I have raised is significantly more than the incumbent reported on her 1st Quarter campaign disclosure. I have worked hard to intelligently spend those critical donations in order to get my message out; however I still have much work to do, and I need your help to finish the job.

As I write you this letter, early voting is only 13 days away. With that said, I would like to thank every person who has already contributed to my campaign. I am humbled by your support of me, a first-time candidate for office. Your donations have helped fuel the campaign from the very beginning to achieve our very competitive position. A recent poll has me up 20 points over Teresa Kirkham (59% Morgan, 37% Kirkham, 3% Robinette).

Like you, I know that we cannot become complacent. We all know that Teresa Kirkham is gearing up for her advertising campaign. We know she is willing to spend whatever it takes to fight for re-election, and we know—through her own admission—that her assessments are 30% higher than they should be. I am committed to standing strong for the people of Roane County; however, I will need your help to match her deep pockets and those of her allies who have become entrenched through 20 years of political favors. Teresa’s favorite campaign phrase is, “I’ve been good to you, haven’t I?” It is my belief that the Roane County Property Assessor should be fair to everyone, not just good to her supporters.

It’s time for change. I am counting on your help. This week I need donations of $100, $25 or even $5 to keep the positive momentum going. Together we can win back the Property Assessor’s office for the people of Roane County. I strongly believe that Roane County is in need of fair property assessments, and I am fully committed for that to be my primary objective once in office.

Please send all donations to: David Morgan for Property Assessor, 102 Village Trace Unit 11, Kingston, TN 37763. You can also give me a call at 376-9453, and I’ll be glad to come by and see you.

Thank you in advance for your continued support. I encourage you to forward this email to your friends, neighbors and family members. Time is critical and victory is within reach.

Respectfully,

David

David Morgan for Roane County Property Assessor
It's time for a change. Fair Property Assessments for everyone.
fairpropertyassessments.com | 865-376-9453

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As a candidate for Property Assessor, I pledge that I will not ask, require or mandate any of the department’s employees to campaign on my behalf.

I truly believe this new policy will be in the best interest of both the tax payers and the department’s employees. I will respect each employee’s individual freedom to support which ever candidate they so choose. I will ensure discussions within the office is focused squarely on the work at hand, not the election; thereby providing a wall between politics and their individual choice. This wall will allow department employees to vote for whomever they chose by ensuring an environment free of retaliation.

It is my strong belief that the department’s employees must stay focused on their duties. I understand that they are funded by taxpayers and owe the taxpayers their full effort. I believe that carrying out the Office’s duties professionally is highly critical in ensuring the fair assessments that my campaign is all about. It is my belief that any distractions from those duties during the election cycle become a disservice to the sworn oath of the Property Assessor.

As a personal commitment, I pledge to keep my future political races separate from my duties, both while on official business in the courthouse and out in the community. I will continually reassure the department’s employees that by focusing on the work at hand, future political elections will not impact the department’s business and should result in consistent and professional staffing.

I believe the policies laid out above will be in the best interest of both the tax payers and the department’s employees.

As I have publically stated numerous times, I strongly believe the current office includes many good people and employees. I look forward to discussing with each of them their desire to continue working under my leadership. As I have also stated, I commit to being their partner by ensuring they have the proper training and qualifications to meet my pledge of fair assessments for everyone. Please understand, the prior statement is not saying in any way that I don’t believe the staff lacks training right now, but I am instead saying that I need to assess that as I believe we can have improved training as a way to continually do the best we can for Roane County.

In closing, I will run my office professionally without infusing politics into its daily operations. I look forward to being your next Property Assessor. I hope Roane County looks forward to the change I will bring.

Thank you.

David

It's time for a change.
Fair Property Assessments for everyone.
fairpropertyassessments.com
David Morgan for Roane County Property Assessor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As I have been out speaking to voters, people repeatedly ask me, "If elected Roane County Property Assessor, what will you do differently to ensure proper and fair assessments?"

My short answer is this: “I will use real market data, including both the positive and negative sales. The incumbent Assessor does not use this data as she should. I will use real world sales data that coincide with Roane County’s actual real estate economy.”

Basically, Teresa Kirkham has driven assessments artificially high by not including the real data.

As your next Property Assessor, I will correct this. I will include external obsolescence, short sale and foreclosure data into the comparable sales, plus I will calculate the absorption rate and housing supply as I develop an economically sound model. The incumbent Assessor doesn’t; in fact, she is primarily using only the "positive data" while ignoring the lower sales data. This is not an economic reality and it should not be happening. Her assessment methods simply end up driving Roane County’s assessments higher and higher over time. We know the reality: this economy has been horrible. Roane County needs someone in the Property Assessor’s office who can relate to the real world economy. We need someone who will use the real data to ensure fair property assessments. As your next Property Assessor, I will do that.

I am running for Property Assessor because the current assessments are unfair. It is my strong belief that many of Ms. Kirkham’s assessments are grossly inflated. Conversely, it is my driving principle to achieve fair property assessments for everyone in Roane County. I understand that fair property assessments = fairer property taxes paid. Every day, I have people tell me that they could not sell their property for the inflated assessed value provided by Ms. Kirkham’s office. This is not fair, and people are hurting.

Lest we forget, Roane County had one of the worst environmental disasters in history right here in our backyard – the TVA ash spill. The incumbent Assessor made no adjustments whatsoever to account for the economic impact. Ms. Kirkham may have forgotten—but I have not forgotten, and I believe voters in Roane County will not forget.

These are just a couple of the differences between Teresa Kirkham’s and my professional philosophies regarding fair assessment. I am certain that once all the economic data are properly factored into the equation, it will help bring the assessed values and current real estate market closer together.

In closing, Ms. Kirkham continues to say that she has no control over the assessments in Roane County. She incorrectly cites the misconception that the State mandates exactly how her office must conduct the assessments and re-assessment. This is just not the reality. As your next Property Assessor, I will use sound assessment principles. I will take responsibility for the Assessor’s Office, and I will not blame others for unjustly driving up the values on our taxpayers.

I ask for your vote as we fight together for fair property assessments for Roane County.

Thank you.

David

It's time for a change.
Fair Property Assessments for everyone.
fairpropertyassessments.com
David Morgan for Roane County Property Assessor

The Creative Arts Co-op has reached a milestone - double digits. The Co-op is celebrating 10 years of the arts in Roane County. What began as a few scattered classes throughout the county has grown into a 100 seat performing arts center with ongoing arts classes for the young and the young-at-heart.

The Creative Arts Co-op continues its summer activities with its 10th Annual Creative Junction Summer Camp series. Programs include students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Half-day and full-day camps are scheduled for June and July.

Please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...) for more details.

Just a reminder for those of you wondering what to do New Year's Eve...The Creative Arts Co-op is hosting it's annual New Year's Eve Murder Extravaganza! Close to home, with all the fun of a murder mystery plus...

The evening includes:
heavy hors d'ouerves,
dessert bar,
non-alcoholic beverages and toast,
party favors,
and, of course, the live show.

This year's show is entitled 'The 15th Annual Me-Me-Me Awards' and is sure to entertain - from live performance numbers to dead appearances - there is fun for all.

Tickets are $30.00 per person for the entire evening.

Reservations are required, so call the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

The Creative Arts Co-op's 5th annual New Year's Eve Extravaganza is set for...you guessed it - New Year's Eve. The show is entitiled 'The 15th Annual Me-Me-Me Awards'. The interactive murder mystery takes on a New Year's glint with all the glitz and glamour of a celebrity awards show. Everyone will make a grand entrance...one will make a grand exit.

The show includes hors d'oeurves, non-alcoholic beverages and toast, dessert bar, party favors, and of course, the show.

The details are:
'The 15th Annual Me-Me-Me Awards'
December 31, 2011
Evening begins at 8:00pm
At the Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center,
426 Ruritan Road, Harriman
Tickets are $30.00 per person and can be purchased by calling the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or by visiting (link...).

Roane County roadside crews are still using a nasty tree gnashing machine instead of doing proper tree maintenance.

One of those destructive behemoths, whose use leaves roadside trees mangled, ugly, and disease-prone, was parked off Eagle Furnace Road this morning.

Read more . . .

-- OneTahiti

Just a reminder of the upcoming events the Creative Arts Co-op has planned for October...

The Creative Arts Co-op opened its sixth season of murder mysteries to an enthusiatic audience. 'Corporate Killings', the fourteenth orignial play developed at the Co-op, takes an up close and very funny look at the dirty side of white collar crime.

It's unofficially the beginning of summer! And to kick it off, The Creative Arts Co-op is going to kill someone. And eat cheesecake, of course.

The new season of Murder a la Mode 2011 is about to start- and do we have a season for you. Our first show, 'Corporate Killings', just goes to prove the law of the jungle rules the boardroom, too.

The Creative Arts Co-op is gearing up for another 'Season of Murder' beginning in June. Our 'almost famous' interactive murder mysteries will kick off its 6th year in 2011.

We open the season with a little white collar crime entitled 'Corporate Killings'. Our cast of characters can't wait to meet you - at least until you start interrogating them. An interactive evening - the show begins when you walk in and doesn't stop until 'justice is served.' With a zany cast of characters, clue hunts, suspect interrogations, and our delicious dessert buffet, you can't help but have a great time.

Here are the details:

'Corporate Killings'
June 11 & 18, 2011
Both shows begin at 8:00pm
Tickets are $20.00 per person and include dessert, beverages, and show.
Reservations are recommended.

For more information, please conatact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

Summer is almost upon us - that's a lot of time to fill. Visit the Creative Arts Co-op's web site for a full list of summer camps for kids of all ages.

You can also check out the summer line-up of live performances gearing up as well - murder mysteries to comedy shows to children's mysteries - we have something for ages 3 to 103.

Visit (link...) or call 865/765-1129.

Have a happy summer!

The Creative Arts Co-op is continuing a tradition.

Twenty high school students from throughout Roane County are preparing to take the stage in the Fifth Annual High School level musical.

Open auditions brought students from several schools - private and public, as well as home schoolers. Practicing since January, students have been working on the rock-n-roll classic - 'GREASE!'

With strong choreography and musical aspects, the shows takes a high energy gallop through high school in the '50's. Appropriate adaptions were used for high school students, but the story is true -complete with all the fun and energy of the iconic movie.

Show dates are March 18, 19, 25, 26, 2011
All shows begin at 8:00pm
Tickets are $7.00 adults and $5.00 for 12 & under
At the Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center
426 Ruritan Road
Harriman

With gas climbing to $3...$4... a gallon, why not join us for an entertaining evening close to home. For more information or group information, please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit http//:creativeartsco-op.com.

We can't wait to see you!

Adult Open Auditions!!!

Monday, September 20, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center, 426 Ruritan Road, Harriman.

Audition for our interactive murder mysteries. A variety of characters are always in need, so everyone is encouraged to attend. Must be strong in improv, and 18 or older. Auditions will be cold reading from scripts.

For more information, contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

The Roane County Democratic Party Labor Day Picnic will be held Monday, September 6, at noon in shelter #2 at the Roane County Park, 3515 Roane State Highway.

Gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter, Congressman Lincoln Davis, and State Representative Dennis Ferguson will attend.

Cost for the picnic is $5.00 per person. Children 12 and under may attend for free.

Update: State Representative Dennis Ferguson's "campaign kickoff" will be at 5 PM, also at Roane County Park.

Call 865-332-1289 for more information.

 
 

Images courtesy of RoaneCountyPark.com 
 

-- OneTahiti

I've seen a few swampy looking places around the county, but this one near K-25 is probably the largest we have. All we need are a couple of gators, and we could have another tourist attraction, complete with swamp buggy or air-boat rides!

Larger view HERE!

Summer Fest 2010 is tomorrow in Roane County Park.

This is a big deal, folks. Family entertainment in the park, all day.

Shop with local crafters and vendors, have fun at Carnival Cove For the Kids and the Grand Opening of the Roane County Splash Pad, play in the 1st disc golf tournament, run or walk the Summer Fest 5K, ride along with “Cruisin' for the Kids” motorcycle ride, enjoy the BBQ, cheer on Roane County’s finest in the Law vs. Order softball game and much, much more!

Times: Summer Fest 5k at 8 am, Motorcycle Ride 10 am, Softball game at 6 pm. Other activities are 10 am to 6 pm. Call 865-466-0294 for more details.

Directions: See the map ((link...)).

-- OneTahiti

'Gumshoe Memoirs'
June 12 & 19, 2010
Show begins at 8:00pm
at the new Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center
426 Ruritan Road
Harriman

With summer break beginning for most schools and the whimper of 'I'm bored!' looming in the back of most parents' minds, there is hope.

The Creative Arts Co-op continues to offer a variety of summer camps - from Pre-k through high school. With a vastly expanded schedule, the Co-op offers art camps, stage camps, pre-k camps, playwright camps, Kite camp, and more. With half-day and full-day camps available, there is something for everyone.

For more information, call the Creative Arts Co-op or visit (link...).