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ISSUE 45 VOLUME 24
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FARRAGUT, TENNESSEE
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
First Utility District to ‘smoke out’ violators ■
HEATHER BECK hbeck@farragutpress.com
In a month or so, Knox County Sheriff’s officers and Rural Metro will have been alerted to the possibility of smoke in Village Green subdivision — but it won’t be from a fire.
It will be the result of First Utility District’s pilot smoke test, which tests for illegal connections to the Utility’s wastewater system by pumping smoke and air into the pipes, usually from a manhole. “This will be our first go at it,” Pat Spangler said during First
Utility’s board meeting Tuesday, June 26. The smoke in the pipes finds its way out through the path of least resistance, identifying defects such as broken manholes and cleanouts or illegal connections such as roof drains, yard drains and sump pumps.
Those illegal connections are identified visually from the sight of the smoke. Village Green’s sewer system is First Utility’s oldest, and Spangler said he expected to find illegal connections in the 22,040 linear feet that will be tested — particularly from roof drains
because of roofing debris found in manholes. “I’m sure we have some tied on,” he said. Through its Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance program, FUD has seen “a See FUD on Page 3A
Bring on the heat Red, White & Blues sizzled as temperatures eased under cloudy skies
Alan Sloan/farragutpress
Tuning up for their ride down Kingston Pike is Run With It, a bluegrass group that was featured on Turkey Creek Public Market’s parade entry, among more than 90, in annual Town of Farragut Independence Day Parade, Wednesday, July 4.
Parade draws hundreds
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hbeck@farragutpress.com
Hundreds of people lined the sides of Kingston Pike Wednesday morning, July 4, to watch Farragut’s annual Independence Day Parade. Lauren Morgan, who attended with her 13-month-old son, Jack, said, “We wanted to celebrate the Fourth and enjoy the things going on in the city.” “We’ve come every year since it started,” said Dot Cross.
HEATHER BECK hbeck@farragutpress.com
Farragut Business Alliance’s third annual Red, White & Blues event attracted massive crowds celebrating Independence Day with friends, food and funky music — all while enjoying a cool July evening. The lull in record-breaking temperatures came just in time for Red, White & Blues, held on property adjacent to farragutpress Tuesday night, July 3. “Look at the number of people here — it’s unbelievable,” said Marianne McGill, wife of Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill. Susan Horne said, “I am thrilled to see the fabulous turnout and the Farragut Business Alliance — along with president David Purvis — has done a great job pulling together this third annual event.” “We couldn’t have asked for better weather. I came out tonight to have an opportunity to meet some of the people in Farragut ... it’s just great that we have an opportunity like this,” Knox County Commissioner Richard Briggs said. The event featured food from restaurants around Farragut, including Archer’s Barbecue, Mario’s Pizza, Meksiko Cantina,
HEATHER BECK
“This is the 15th year in a row we’ve come. We’ve always come out ever since our kids were little. It’s a wonderful small-town parade,” said Barbara Ruggiero. More than 90 parade entrants processed down the Pike from Farragut High School to Boring Road in antique cars, on floats, marching and even riding horses. WATE-TV anchor Gene Patterson was the parade’s grand marshal. See PARADE on Page 3A
Candidates line up to oust Corker
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ALAN SLOAN asloan@farragutpress.com
After its popular governor from just a few years back said no to a run against Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, Tennessee Democrats got a bitter view “of the larger lay of the land.” That’s according to Dr. Mark O’Gorman, associate professor of political science and environmental studies at Maryville Top: As headliner Dishwater Blonde provides music, Gina Pack, left, Cindy Van Dyke, center, and Mika Rogers dance to the music. Above: Evan Smoak, 14 months, left, and twin sister, Olivia, each get a mouthful of watermelon from their father, David Smoak, town of Farragut administrator. Photos: Alan Sloan/farragutpress
Newk’s Café, Oskie’s Bar & Grill, Scoop’d and The Shrimp Dock. Dixie Lee Wine & Liquors and Farragut Wine & Spirits sponsored adult beverages, with
wine provided by Fetzer Wines, margaritas by Cordina Margaritas and beer by Smoky See RWB on Page 3A
College, speaking about Democratic and other GOP challengers to Corker’s bid for reelection come Nov. 6. “I think there was a movement among Democrats in Tennessee to see if they could get [former governor] Phil Bredesen to come and be a challenger to Corker,” O’Gorman said. “Bredesen didn’t agree.” See ELECTION on Page 5A
Kingston Pike lane reduction to last months The traffic shift at Everett Road that reduced Kingston Pike to one lane in each direction likely will last for several months. TDOT shifted traffic to make room for bridge construction. The bridge — and that stretch of Kingston Pike — is being widened to five lanes, including a center turn lane. Once it’s
complete, a traffic signal will be installed at the Everett Road intersection. Kingston Pike has been reduced to one lane eastbound and one lane westbound near the intersection, and likely will remain that way for months. Everett Road will remain closed.
Business 6A • Westside Faces 8A • Sports 1B • Community 2B • Real Estate Gallery 9B • Classifieds 13B Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce 1C