On Tuesday, it was Parton’s turn, and she had a message for others.

“I just want to say to all of you cowards out there, don’t be such a chicken squat. Get out there and get your shot,” the 75-year-old said in the video.

Dolly Parton gets a taste of her own medicine

Hard Knox Wire is a new source for local news by veteran local journalists. Here's their manifesto, and here's how you can subscribe.

I assume this goes on at all levels of government ...

There was nothing new about Trump’s attempts to convert political appointees to civil service employees, a process called “burrowing” by some government watchers; outgoing presidents have done it for years. (Civil service workers have protections that political appointees do not, and are harder for new administrations to fire.)

Trump railed against the 'deep state,' but he also built his own. Biden is trying to dismantle it.

Three Austin-East students were fatally shot within a month.

There have been 12 homicides in the first 47 days of 2021.

Not all have been in East Knoxville. However, three teenagers in East Knoxville died from shootings.

Austin-East Magnet High School is putting new security measures into place beginning this year, including increased police presence, random searches, upgrades to security cameras, and a new clear backpack policy.

These are good changes. However, the students were not shot on school grounds.

I think more needs to be done to create a permanent community police presence (a precinct) in East Knoxville near the schools. Our youth must be protected. Combined with a community center and community involvement safety can be achieved for these young people and the entire community.

Well known local reporter, editor and columnist Frank Cagle has reportedly passed away. No further details at this time. Regardless of his politics he was a decent guy. I even agreed with him a couple of times. Condolences to his family and friends.

This is a pretty big deal. Press release...

CGI announces new IT delivery center in Knoxville, Tennessee

Global IT and business consulting company plans to hire 300 local professionals by 2026

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) today announced the establishment of a new information technology (IT) delivery center in Knoxville, Tennessee, where the company plans to create 300 local jobs, engage regional educators, support area workforce development and provide opportunities for the community's students, graduates and professionals.

Join DTV on Friday evening for Vice Mayor Gwen McKenzie's discussion of the history of urban renewal in Knoxville with Dr.Theotis Robinson Jr. and Mr. Robert Booker on the Community TV Network on Friday, February 25th at 9:30 PM.

DTV airs on these TV Cable Channels at 9:30 PM each Friday evening:
AT&T Uverse: Channel 99
Comcast NBC Universal: Channel 12
WOW! Channel 6
Charter: Channel 193

or watch live streaming at 9:30 PM (here!)

From Congressional Budget Office ...

The Budgetary Effects of the Raise the Wage Act of 2021

Pratt & Whitney will build a 1 million square-foot advanced manufacturing center on a 100-acre Asheville site the Biltmore Farms Co. offered to Pratt & Whitney for $1, part of $15 million in state economic incentives plan that lured the company to North Carolina instead of several competing states.

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Here is the Coldwell Banker Wallace December report.

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Feel free to call me if you have any questions.
865-556-1276
Greg Mackay
Real Estate Broker

Every decade, coinciding with the census, states redraw their legislative maps to better reflect where people live. In most states, lawmakers draw the maps, though a handful use commissions. The stakes are high: Some states will gain congressional seats, while others will lose them. These boundaries are then set for 10 years, barring intervention by the courts, and determine who votes where.

It's time to redraw America's voting maps. Where's the data?

The former Knox County Sheriff, Jimmy "JJ" Jones, has been away from the office for more than two years after Tom Spangler began serving the county. Now, Jones is saying he wants the chance to serve again.

Jimmy "JJ" Jones to run for Knox County Sheriff again in 2022

Democratic TV on Community TV, WJBE owner Joe Armstrong discusses the history of WJBE with station manager Gene Thomas. Learn about the history of the only black owned radio station in Knoxville from the current owner Joe Armstrong about his relationship with James Brown and the journey of the station over its decades long history.

DTV airs on Community TV on Friday evening at 9:30 PM on the following channels:
AT&T Uverse: Channel 99
Comcast NBC Universal: Channel 12
WOW! Channel 6
Charter: Channel 193
or it live streams at (here)

Peserverence expected to enter Mars atmosphere around 3:48 PM EST and land on the surface of Mars at around 3:55 PM EST. Live video will not be available, but mission scientists will receive continuous telemetry about the lander's status and progress. (Signals take 11 minutes and 22 seconds to reach Earth.) NASA TV coverage begins at 2:15 PM EST.

More info: NASA's Next Mars Rover Is Ready for the Most Precise Landing Yet

Tennessee Lookout:

Tennessee is likely to reject hundreds of millions of dollars President Joe Biden is offering states to expand Medicaid as part of his $1.3 trillion COVID-19 relief package, even though hundreds of thousands of people remain without healthcare coverage.

...

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and other top Republicans, including Gov. Bill Lee, adamantly oppose widening the net for TennCare.

The project will also add bike lanes, street lighting, on-street parking and a new roundabout.

City plans for multi-million dollar overhaul of Sevier Avenue

Pretty harsh ...

"Oftentimes when they are evicted for lot rent, they're forfeiting the equity on the home. You could lose your home for $1."

"You're selling under a fire sale," Slonski said. "I've seen people sell their homes on Facebook Marketplace for $1,000."

Mobile home dwellers hit even harder when facing eviction

Looks good. I wonder if Covid-19 impacted those any.

Officials said the average annual number of crashes involving walkers and bikers fell by 89 percent while traffic crashes fell by 44 percent.

Cumberland Avenue project improves safety

I'm having a pie day give-away on March 14th, and wanted to invite everyone to participate!

Register for your free pie at https://bit.ly/piedayknoxville

We'll also be accepting donations for Young-Williams Animal Center!

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This is an unbelievable edit.