Surviving The Local Primary

In approximately 26 hours the local primaries will be over.  Finished.   I, for one, will be overjoyed.

See, local primaries are very different from state primaries.
State primaries are a cake walk.

After all,

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Picketing Parents

A group of approximately six parents picketed outside Hawkins Elementary School to protest the fact that 4th grade science teacher, Veleka Setsor, is still in the classroom.  (More photos here)  Setsor was charged last week with aggravated assault following an argument with her 18-year old daughter.  The Hawkins County school system, in compliance with Tennessee state law, is conducting an investigation into the matter.   Until the issue is resolved, an aide has been placed in the classroom with Setsor.

The small protest, however, is making big news.  A WJHL camera man was on-scene earlier.  According to one parent, WYCB has also agreed to cover the event.  Joel Spears from the Rogersville Review was also on hand with his camera.  And Jeff Bobo at the Times-News had a lengthy piece online this morning, although  I think the reference to Maintenance Supervisor Ralph Hurd, is out of place.  (Typically, maintenance supervisors are not protected by state tenure laws.)

Inside the building, things seemed to be business as usual.  Principal Barry Bellamy said a few of the children had noticed the protesters, but it didn’t seem to be creating a problem.

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Tenure Laws Tie Hands

UPDATE BELOW

A persistent little reporter from WJHL created quite a stir in Hawkins County this afternoon when she spent some time bouncing around the Hawkins Elementary School car-rider’s pick-up line asking parents what they thought about last Tuesday’s (2/3) arrest of the 4th grade Science/Social Studies teacher.

Most of them knew nothing about it.

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Hawkins County Schools Closed, Wal-Mart Open, Persia Water Off

* Hawkins County schools will be closed again tomorrow  (Thursday 2/5/09.)   Head here to keep track of other local closings, cancellations and delays.

* Traffic in town is slow.  The main roads are clear, but the sidewalks are slippery – at least I assume they are since I saw a fella in a suit take a spill en route to the courthouse earlier today.   I assumed he was a slick-shoed lawyer.   So, I laughed a little.   The weather has also failed to slow down local Wal-Mart shoppers.  The store was busy this afternoon with the usual two check-out lanes open.  You know, I suspect if a meteor hits the earth and we all turn into zombies, we will instinctively gravitate to Wal-Mart.  Shoppers waiting in long check-out lines  will be easy pickin’s.   In the event of a meteor-related disaster, avoid Wal-Mart.  Write that down somewhere, so you will remember.

*Also, don’t try to do doughnuts in your SUV.  Just don’t.   Write that down too.

*Several Persia Utility District customers lost water today after a main line was accidentally punctured as (other) workers tried to bury cable.   The ladies in the main office say it might be awhile before the issue is resolved.  In lay terms this means – suck some snow, honey, and don’t hold your breath.  We’re pushing up on three hours without water now, which is fine.   I’m pleased to have heat… and somewhat relieved that the pipes aren’t frozen on my end and/or I didn’t forget to pay the bill.

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What I’m Up Against…

Now you understand why I had to lecture the children before we went into the polling place about how outburst, last-minute attempts at campaigning or comments such as “MOM, WHAT ARE YOU? CRAZY?” or “HEY, YOU FORGOT TO VOTE FOR…” would NOT be tolerated.

*Music by Rob Russell and the Sore Losers

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Charitable Efforts, Righteous Clogging and Cute Kids

My intention was to give you more info about the Wheels of Faith 7th annual Christmas For The Children Toy Run this Saturday and link you to this 2007 Toy Run video by Jerome Cloninger of JC/DV Productions. However, I got sidetracked by Jerome’s other videos: like this this super cute kid at the Rogersville 4th of July Celebration and these “worship cloggers” – and I must say, after spending most of my life in the South,  I’ve never seen anything like that before.

Anyway, I’ve been distracted.  You’ll have to go here for the info…  while I wander off and attempt breakdancing to Mozart.

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Northeast Tennessee Will Stay Red For A Good Long While Yet…

Ms. Diva came home proudly wearing her “I voted today” sticker.

Her primary school held a mock election. She cast her vote for Obama – because, she says: “He’s brown and I’m brown.”

She was less than pleased when McCain won.
Of course, I can’t say I’m surprised.

Two weeks ago, Mr. Smartypants’ 9-year-old friend informed me that I should vote for McCain because some people say Obama doesn’t believe in God – and that could be very bad for our country.  She also tells me that – no matter what – she will never become a stripper because strippers are inappropriate.

The thing is: growing up Northeast Tennessee means her odds of becoming a stripper are way higher than the odds of her becoming a Democrat.

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McFundraiser

Several of the Joseph Rogers Primary School teachers tried out a new profession this past Tuesday (10/21).

They donned their aprons and went to work at McDonald’s for McTeacher’s Nite.

School staff (including Principal Charlotte Webb) worked the Rogersville location from 5-8pm and retained 20% of all sales made during that time.  I think they raised around $600, which will be used for classroom supplies.

The class having the most McDiners won a free breakfast.  Miss Diva’s class was in the lead when we left around 6:30pm; however, she informed me yesterday with a huge pout  Ms. Sexton’s first graders will get the victory biscuits.

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Saga in Surgoinsville is Nothing New…

Jeff Bobo at the Times-News has more on the Hanes Cooper, Otis Lawson mess.

Of course, I don’t know that anyone around here is surprised by the news or the names of those involved.

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Hanes (Cooper) Accused of Having Hand in Cookie Jar

Times-News reports that a Tennessee Comptroller’s report released Monday alleges that former Surgoinsville mayor and current Hawkins County Commissioner — in his capacity as a commissioner on the Surgoinsville Water Utility — received payments from the water district in excess of his lawful compensation in the amount of $30,310 between April 1, 1998 and Oct. 31, 2003.

The report also alleges that from Jan. 1, 2004 through Dec. 31, 2007 Hanes Cooper allegedly attempted to conceal unlawful payments made to his daughter from the water district totaling $35,215.

Head here for more.

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