The second meeting of the Knob Creek Community regarding the proposed private ballpark behind Smoky Crossings brought a larger crowd than the first.
It's official. The group voted to establish a 501(c)3 organization, fund legal action and proceed full steam ahead against the county in regards to the proposed ballpark.
The May 24th meeting of the newly formed Knob Creek Community Association brought forth some surprises.
The first is that no one from the county government showed. Mayor Larry Waters sent a note that he was unable to attend due to a funeral.
Commissioners Judy Godfrey, Buster Norton, Bill Oakes, Brian Delius, Jim Keener and Harold Pittner made no effort to attend or contact the group.
Ben Bower Moore read a statement to the group clearly outlining the status of Bower's Field, the field used by the Optimist Club for baseball practice and games.
According to the owners of the property known as Bower's Field, Twin Springs Farm, it was never for sale. "The owners of Twin Springs Farm have no intention of selling any portion of the property now or in the future," stated Moore, reading from a statement made by his mother, Jennifer Bower Moore.
At the previous meeting commissioners told the members they would talk to the county mayor and the optimist club and try to work things out, according to Patrick Doyle, organizer of the meeting. Doyle stated that to date, nothing has been done.
At the meeting, several items where brought to light which cast serious shadows over commissioner's comments, and actions.
"Commissioner Godfrey stated to a reporter that they (commissioners) have been working on this for over a year, when she told us at the previous meeting that this just came up," stated Doyle.
There seems to be many conflicting stories from the commissioners. Godfrey, Norton and Oakes are on record claiming they went to the Optimist Club to take over the land and then claiming that the Optimist came to them.
Oakes stated they went to the Seymour Rotary Club first, then to the Optimists. Walter Grubb, Headmaster of The Kings Academy, and former president of the Seymour Rotary told the Seymour Herald that the Rotary Club was never approached in any official capacity about taking over the subject 14 acres.
Godfrey stated they were informed by the Optimist that Bower's Field was for sale. Rader says he never told the commissioners that.
Many in attendance state that it seems the stories unravel as fast as they are weaved.
The community as a whole stated their official position is that they're not against a community park, "But this is not a community park - this is a sports complex," said Doyle. "Plus the way in which they have shoved this down our throat doesn't sit well."
Norton claims that the 14-acre tract, which he said has been considered a park for 10 years, will not be used for a "private sports complex."
That came as a shock to many who have lived in the area for years. The property was owned by Gay and Leila Harris and was used for Hay and for grazing Cows on that land not too long ago, stated one local resident.
The group says that what they're (the Optimist Club) are talking about is a private, gated community solely for the use of the Optimist Club.
If that's the case, the matter is mute. A copy of the twenty year lease, obtained by the Seymour Herald, indicates that the lease can become null and void if the park is not used by the Seymour Community and the general public for sporting and similar activities.
James Wilson left a comment on one of the website on May, 26 2007. Same story, different neighborhood!!
Citizens expressing their concerns - commissioners NOT listening.
Why do so many neighborhood groups form and feel like they have no choice but to hire legal advice to even get the attention of the county commission?
Wouldn't it be so much better if the neighborhood groups were invited to discuss issues impacting their neighborhood BEFORE 20 year contracts are signed and it's a "done deal."
The current method of conducting county business is wrong and serves no public good.
More and more citizens are asking the tough questions about what is going on in their neighborhoods and they increasingly don't like the answers (if any) they are getting.
The sometimes questionable tactics the commissioners use to justify their actions demand closer scrutiny from the public.
It seems that as public awareness grows about the issues impacting our neighborhoods, the public trust in elected officials plummets.
The citizens of Sevier County deserve better, much better!
"The citizens of Seymour have brought this upon themselves by voting in the same people year after year and expecting something different," stated Jim Green.
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User Comments
Is it truely the families comment that the Bower field property has never been for sale? I'll be sure to send you pictures of the reality signs placed on the Bower property.
I attended the meeting and Ben read that directly from a prepared statement (or at least appeared to). If you have pics, I'm sure the folks here'd use'm.
Any photos or related material can be sent to websupport@seymourherald.com or to news@seymourherald.com
I wish you fine folks in Seymour the best of luck. Sevier County has a top down form of government which has been headed by the same person for over 25 years. It is an outdated management structure that should be replaced with a form of government that respects the input of all citizens.
Hopefully your community will have success that has eluded the folks in Jones Cove and other unincorporated areas.
Maybe your raised voices will show the Larry Waters sponsored good old boy network that government against the common man and only for the decision makers and profiteers is NOT what this country is supposed to be about.
Good luck. I'm afraid you'll need it.
Ever wonder why ever other part of the county has a community center except seymour?
Actions spreak TRUER than words. IF the Bowers have never intended to sale their property, WHY were realty signs posted on their property last year? Things that make you go hmmmm. How many other "facts" have you misconstrued in your articles Joe?
I saw those signs also!! The sisters do want to see because they don't get along with each other.
What part of 501(c)3 does this group think its satisfies?
"Corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation,
organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable,
scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational
purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports
competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the
provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the
prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net
earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder
or individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is
carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence
legislation (except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)), and
which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the
publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on
behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."
If you have a photo of these please send them to news@seymourherald.com.
It should be noted that the Bower Family denies that the property is, or has been, for sale.
It is easy to hide behind fake names, so, if you have the photos, please send them in.
It should also be noted that the Bower family is LYING. Everyone that visited Bower Field last year saw the realty signs. Unfortunately, I don't make a habit of taking pictures of realty signs.
Hey Joe - You need to fact check. The land in quetion was owned by Mr. Walt Dickson since 1999 until donated to Sevier County in 2006. Is this a newspaper or a fiction novel?
Read the story. It says Buster Norton says it has been a park for 10 years. That would be 1997. It was NOT owned by Walt Dixon then. It has never been a park period.
It is time for these Good Old Boy thugs to go. We are tired of being STUCK ON STUPID with these liars and thieves.
Who cares? They are above getting into this with you people. Show me the paperwork where they signed on with a realtor! I don't care if Target breaks ground tomorrow in center field, I still don't want that nuisance in my neighborhood. Put it where it belongs...The Community Park. Other than that, those of you not affected, and that includes the baseball people since you have a place to play until 2011, need to shut up. It is not your land values decreasing, your insurance going up, your roads becoming unsafe, your childrens sleep made difficult by lights on until 11:00pm, your family dinners interupted by screams from the ball park, your garages broken into, your yards tresspassed in or your quality of life affected.
Now, we are truely seeing the reason's behind the communities dislike for the park. Didn't someone from the community also make the comment that "you know what kind of people go to the ballfield and we don't want them in our community"? Have you considered that some in you community also go to the ballfield? Lower your noses before you drown.
Most of my family dinners are spent at the ballfield because I'm there supporting my child and others. Another FACT that you don't know, the soccer coach at the high school was approached about the building of a soccer field for use so that they don't have to use the football field for practices and games. SO IT'S JUST NOT ABOUT THE BASEBALL PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Has anyone in the "community" sat down and RATIONALLY talked to the Optimist Club or the commissioners. Last I heard, was the yelling still going on.
Does anyone remember which company's name was on the signs?
Funny, previosly..before the Optimist's tore everything down on that field, there was a football field with goal posts (now gone)a soccer field with goal posts (now gone) and a baseball diamond (still there, for the time being). Everything is gone to make way for 4 baseball diamonds. If the Optimists were so cocerned about other sports, they would have used what was already there! And as for talking with the commissioner and the optimists.. it's been tried and thay have been invited over and over again to discuss. The only comment from them is that the lease is signed and there is nothing that can be done about it. Well, we'll see about that!
It's easy for all these monday morning quaterbackers and armchair pundits to pass judgement on the residents that will actually be affected by this sports complex. I don't see them buying property next to the field. There are plenty up for sale in the area.... go for it!
when was a soccer coach asked about about getting fields?
At least now we know he is lying to his own people as well. Soccer coach was never approached. Nice try, I guess next you are going to tell us that there was a plan for a walking track, and pinic areas etc.
Pass judgement? Children who play baseball, softball, t-ball and wee-ball, which includes my child, were called a “hooligans and thugs” at one of your meetings. I believe that is a rash judgement, don’t you? You and your neighbors think these ball players will terrorize your properties and homes. That is ludicrous! (Of course the 4 and 5 year olds playing wee-ball can be shifty characters. Watch out!) How can calling children names be conducive to a productive meeting? It could be actions like this that keep rational people from coming to your meetings. Oh yes, I expect an apology to my child as well as the other children. The person that made that comment can place the apology in a letter to the editor. I am sure Joe will be glad to help with that.
Soccer coach was consulted about the soccer field during the meeting that the only meeting that Optimist came to. The previous baseball field and football field were of little use, trust me, my daughter had practice several times on that little "ballfield" and it was in very poor condition. Someone keeps saying that this is all about "baseball" but what about the kids who play basketball and would benefit from the courts?
#18 As I've said before, if I owned enough land, my husband would build a ball park on it because he enjoys the game so much and loves helping the kids.
#20 Are you calling the Optimist Club member (not Gary) a lier or the soccer coach?
When the community decides to have a civilized, productive, open minded meeting, then let us know. I'm sure that the parents of kids that use Bower field would like to be there as well.
Unfortunately I can not recall. I do remember that the property across Chapman Hwy with the barn type building, also owned by Twin Springs Farm had a realty sign posted on it also. At the time I didn't realize they would lie about it a year later. To what purpose?
Seymour Community park is on my road... It's busy enough with soccer spring and fall...how about sharing the wealth on K. Creek... don't push what you don't want on my road. Thats the problem!! I guess you don't care if my family is disturbed at 11:00pm only yours. I guess since you don't own a house or land over here your not worried about my property value!! But we are all suppose to worry about your crys and woes!!! Well cry on someone elses shoulder.....
Thank you for reminding everyone that just because the don't want something doesn't mean they can push it off on someone else.
I thought I had a team picture at the main entrance that had the realty sign in it but I just can't seem to find it. Who knows why they won't admit to the truth? All I know is it will come back and haunt them.
It wasn't the soccer coach that was approached it was Dr. Jack Parton after the county commission meeting. My apologies for the misinformation...at least I'm not afraid to admit my mistakes.
You sound a little paranoid. You really should check on some therapy.
In order to correct all inaccurant information that all blogs are submitting the following information is actually being discussed:
1. Bower field is not going anywhere.
2. Only 3 baseball field will fit that allows space for football and soccer fields.
3. The reason for the fencing is to PROTECT the property values around the park. The gate will be closed at night and reopened in the mornings. The field is open for public use except at night.
4. At no time in the last 6 years has anyone from the Community Park approached the Optimist Club about taking over their fields.
5. If anyone would like to TALK about what is coming or what has been talked about coming, Gary Rader or myself are at the ballfield from 4:30p to 10p every night but Wednesday. And by talk, this will be civilized and not yelling, cursing, name calling or accusing.
6. During this conversation all considerations will be taken because plans are not finalized.
7. The money for this new facilty will have to come from the very people fighting it as well as others in the community.
8. This is a VERY LONG TERM process and lots of money must be collected over a long period of time.
Thank you for the information. I really appreciate all that you are doing.
The only other comment I would like to make is . The knob creek org. seems to have very strong leadership. If both our org. were to help each other this could be a wonderful park for ALL to enjoy. I am but just 1 voice in the club but I would be willing to work on a nice comprimise so both parties can move forward with this. This community needs good leaders an from what I know of our org. and how this org. has rallied it looks like we could work together. The only downside I have seen from this org. is the names of good people being ran though the mud. We should work to make ALL of Seymour and surounding area the best we can. This can only be accomplised with cooperation and good communication between the 2 groups. This can be done with no name calling or running people down I know what this community can do I have lived here my whole life I love the way the people here support each other. THIS CAN WORK I PROMISE YOU. I would like to talk and work out something for all of us to enjoy.
Thank you
I would like to say thank you to someone who has been left out of alot of argument in this and other blogs. This man owned the biggest house around and loved kids so much he built a ballfield in his front yard. With instructions not to plant trees around the field so he could sit on his porch and watch games. I would like to thank this man from the bottom of my heart because I have such great memories of playing in his front yard. THANK YOU BEN BOWER!!!!!
Thank you to the Optimist members that have posted and really seem to want to resolve this issue for the best of everyone! I agree that if all parties came together and discussed this rationally, we could come up with an agreement that would satisfy everyone. You have to understand however, that this so called "park" and the agreement was handled in a sneaky way, under the table and with some not so ethical actions. And thank you to the members of the Knob Creek community who took it upon themselves to raise awareness of the misdeeds of the commisioners! I doubt it would have come to this without your voices. That "sports complex" would probably be well on its way to being built already! BRAVO to everyone!
I know for a fact the park would not be further along than what it is now. With ball going on at Bower and no time to work on the other park nothing would have been done at all. This new park will only get done with volunteer workers and donations. The money must come from somewhere before anything can be done. At this moment we have no collected 1 dime for the new park so we are a long way off. That is why we need everyone to help with this park.
If the community had been involved from the beginning and not been misled, we might be much further along than we are now. If the community supports a project, we can most certainly get it done. Instead of collecting $$ for legal counsel, we could have been raising money for the "park." I just don't like the way this was handled from the beginning with all the back room and secret deals. After the group hires legal counsel, NOW you want to sit down and talk nice with us.
While the park is certainly an issue, the real issue is the lack of representation by our commissioners. Their lack of understanding and even worse their flippant attitude toward the community has created this mess. The Knob Creek community sat down and asked questions. We didn't yell at people as some would lead you to believe. We asked direct questions. What we got back was double talk, innuendos and outright falsehoods.
I appreciate the Optimist member willingness to talk but that opportunity was given a month ago. What we got was a member of yours telling us that you could lose Bower Field because it was for sale, telling us that there were going to be four ballfields, a concession area, a building for indoor basketball, a tennis court, and an outdoor basketball court complete with stadium lighting. That is indisputable, it is on tape. We were also told that he didn't care personally that this was not wanted, it was happening. If you truly want to have a dialogue, you need to elect a less polarizing individual as your president.
The real problem is our commissioners. They need to be asked to resign. When the Knob Creek Community found out about this, a meeting was set for two weeks out. Rather than wait until the meeting took place, the commissioners signed the lease three days before the meeting. They then showed up and told us sorry it is a done deal. Show me where on the public record that they discussed this. At best they violated the Sunshine Law for which they will be held accountable. We have gotten so many different stories that if we didn't have them all documented it would be difficult to keep up. Judy Godfrey has outright lied. Buster Norton has outright lied. Bill Oakes has outright lied and now Bryan Delius is working his way towards rezoning a piece of property as commercial that sits right in the middle of this mess. He may have a financial interest in the property.
So rather than sit back and pass judgement on the people who live there, find out the entire story and realize that the sports complex is just one small part of this. The bigger picture is that Seymour has been treated like an after thought for too long. You know it as I hear it everyday from people who have been here their entire lives. Stand up as a group and let the county government know that this has to stop.
Is it time to get TBI involved? It appears that our officials don't care about their public.
Fair representation is what should be happenning instead of politicians greasing their own palms!
Call in the posse!
Thank you for cutting through to the main issue driving all this conflict. All the residents of Seymour need to be represented and informed by the local government; not just those who are in the long term resident's clique, or the well-to-do versus the folks with little economic influence. There is entirely too much name calling going on regarding this issue, clouding the real concerns of all the residents.
Have the folks so concerned about real estate 'for sale signs on Bower property ever considered that those signs were put up as a prank? High school students are well known for moving real estate signs around for relatively harmless fun. Or that they related to adjoining property? Or that the motivation was less than honest, done by folks who wanted to cause the Bower family ill will?
Relating to the comments regarding "hooligans" and "the type of people who hang out at ball fields", I was at the meeting where such comments were made and I understood the meaning totally. You are naive if you think the only people who come to ball fields and play grounds are well meaning, kind hearted people who are related to ball players or good friends of ball players. We have a huge problem in this country with sexual predators and child molestors, who find these areas very attractive hunting grounds. The comment was not relating to the children who play ball.
Why can't Seymour be incorporated, so we are no longer the ugly step-child of Sevier County? Why don't we have a beautiful community center like our sister communities here? Why don't all the residents of Seymour bond together to fund a community center in an appropriate place that shows forethought and urban planning? Why are we out for a quick fix?
A former coach at Bower Field is now a convicted sex offender. That does not mean that all of you are or that the people there are not good people. It simply means that those type of people are drawn to that environment.
As for incorporation, it would result in a loss of power for several of the people standing in the way of true development. Seymour has become the great land grab. Heartland Development owns everything in sight. The whole system is corrupt and do not think it is just at a local level. It includes the state level, and nearly every department of the local level. The problem we face is that everyone knows what is going on but no one wants to speak for fear of retribution.
This comment was deleted by web support
Can an Optimist Club member,not one of the pessimists, that attended these hissy fits called meetings tell me if they are accurate and complete or have they been edited to be as one-sided as the rag articles?
The Seymour Herald recorded parts of the first meeting --hence only parts are shared.
The Seymour Herald recorded all of the 2nd meeting --the entire meeting is recorded in the audio and has not been edited.
The audio was not provided to the Seymour Herald --we recorded this ourselves.
Of course only the parts the Seymour Herald wants shared. Well at least there is proof of Ben Bower lying.
Out of fairness, we will be sharing all recorded video/audio from these meetings. The first meeting was the only one where audio isn't contiguous.
We welcome, and will report on, any comments on this matter. If you would like to schedule an interview and put your name to your claim please let us know by emailing websupport@seymourherald.com.
Do some REAL investigative work and check out the realty company and see if the Bower's are telling the truth or are you going to continue to give a one sided account? Show us that you can do the job and not be just vote hunting.
Joe doest have to check out the realty company. The realtor is his wife and he has known about it all along. He has been banking on no one remembering.
Shame on you!! And you want to present yourself as a potential commissioner for this community and you keep important facts like this from us especially when you are allowing others names to be dragged through the mud. SHAME ON YOU!!!
Makes you go hummmmmmmm....what else is Joe keeping from or manipulating for a "news story". As long as there's a controversy then there's something to report. How about reporting the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
It is easy for folks to hide behind these comments --put your name to it if you believe it.
Did I miss something? Did Joe Karl announce he is running for County Commissioner? Surely he would have said it here if he was....
Joe maybe at the next NKCC meeting you can get some of those people to help pull your head out of your ass
...i'd write in Patrick Doyle. I was at the last meeting and Joe wasn't there.
....meeting two audio says alot about Rader and his motives....
why are you bringing sex abusers into it there are sex abusers in the church too. Should we not bring our kids to church
I have the entire tape of the first meeting, the second meeting and the third. Nowhere did Ben Bower Moore prove he was lying. That was an optimist club member speaking.
It is obvious that some of you have decided to use this forum as a platform to attack someone who reported what happened. This is NOT one-sided. It was really that bad. Had any of you been at any of the meetings you would be as dumbfounded as those of us who were there. The stories changed drastically. Not just the Optimists clubs but also that of the commissioner.
The only newspaper with guts to report what actually happened was the Seymour Herald, The Tri County news was not there. She was a commissioner and has ignored what is news. The Mountain Press printed an article made up of Judy Godfrey quotes that were completely contradictory to what she had said two days earlier. But we all realize that the Mountain Press is the mouthpiece of the county government.
Those of you who choose to attack someone for writing what happened are wrong. You are doing the very thing that has happened all over the world. Because it does not subscribe to your point of view, you attack the messenger. That is why we have freedom of the press. Why are you not attacking the press that was not there and chose not to report it. Why are you not attacking the News-Sentinel for their one-sided view? Because you are so short sided that you cannot see that something may actually be wrong with this whole system.
You can continue to support your friends whether they are part of the optimist club or a commissioner. You can do so in a positive way but rest assured, if something looks like a skunk and smells like a skunk then it probably is a skunk. I will send the entire recording of the first meeting. It has not been edited in any way.
Like I told you before. I don't have a view but I am smart enough to read between the lines. This story is slanted to one side. I will stand up and say it again and again. I don't know who is right and who is wrong but I will tell you from an outsider it's obvious to see the Herald has a side and not hard to tell which side it is.
If you think the Herald has a side, then why would they post the links to the Mountain Press and the Sentinel stories? Why would the Herald post the audio of the meetings?
If they had a side, wouldn't they hide everyone else's opinion.
I applaud the Herald and Joe Karl for uncovering what's really happening in Seymour and the county.
good job
I WAS LISTENING TO THE SECTION OF BEN BOWER TELLING A COMMISSIONER THAT THE LAND HAS NEVER BEEN FOR SALE. WHEN IN FACT THERE WERE SIGNS POSTED ON THE PROPERTY. ANYONE THAT DROVE DOWN CHAPMAN HIGHWAY CAN ATTEST TO THIS FACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. or Ms. ALL CAPS:
Details? Date/Time frame?
[EDITED] John Taxpayer --please do not hijack comment threads. Your post was way off topic and not appropriate for this conversation. (edited by Seymour Herald Web Support)
New Audio added from the Lexington Place meeting that included county commissioners and the optimist club doing Q & A with area residents. http://seymourherald.com/series/knob-cre...
Listen to Ben Bowers conversation with Judy Godfrey. Why did she ask if he would sell the land to the Optimist Club? Who does she represent?
The realty company: Thompson Carr
The realtor: Michele Karl
#63 Your post is completely false and you know it. That company never listed that property. All of this can be verified with one simple phone call which I made. You spend your time emailing everyone and spewing falsehoods. You know this to be incorrect yet to stir things up you decided you would post this. If you do not have anything truthful or informative to add, just stay off of this message board. You may post under several different names and headers but you are doing nothing but causing trouble. Your constant diatribes against everyone in Sevier County are becoming tiresome and boorish. Find something more productive to do with your time.
Put Heartland development in charge isnt he putting a new subdivision on knob creek rd, is that a problem? More cars?
So you say you want a community park on this property which does not have lights? Two of the reasons given against the ballpark are having lights on at night and the claims that a ballpark will bring sex offenders to your neighborhood. Sex offenders are going to be at any park where they think children may be not just ballparks. However, a community park that is off the beaten path, like Knobb Creek, that is not well lit at night is also a magnet for h@m@s*x**ls looking for a place to have encounters with like minded individuals. Such parks are also used by drug abusers. Do you want to use or want your child to use a park where used c*nd*ms and drug paraphanelia may be discarded? Suddenly lights do not sound so bad do they? If you have a park of any kind, the park must have lights to protect the people that want to use the park for legitimate purposes such as walk on the walking trail or shoot baskets on the basketball court after dark as well as protect the neighborhoods surrounding the park. Yes, a community park will and can be used by the public at night. Everyone in Seymour does not work 9-5 and will want to use a park when it is convienant for them not just when it is convienant for the residents of Knob Creek. So do you really want a community park or are just saying that so you do not look like a scrooge?
I listened to Ben Bowers comments and he did not say that the Optimist Club mismanaged the ballfield just the land. That land would be what Ben is living on. Ask Ben who mows/bush hogs the fields around the house property, certainly not the family. They required the Optimist Club keep up this maintenance and that could cost $500-$700 just to bushhog. Now that Knox County has this responsibility they cover this cost. Aren't you glad you're not a Knox Co. resident and have to pay for this without your knowledge or consent?
I do not usually look at and pay much attention to realty signs because they are everywhere. I do remember those signs specifically because my spouse slowed down to look at one of the signs while driving into Bower Park one afternoon during softball/t-ball/baseball/wee-ball season last year. After looking at the sign, my spouse made the comment to me "Michele Karl that is Joe Karl's wife". To which I replied, "I don't know who Joe Karl is". To explain who Joe Karl is my spouse said Joe Karl owns the Seymour Herald which did make a connection because I had seen the Seymour Herald sign on a building on Hwy 411 but had never seen or read a copy. So see the only reason I actaully remember that detail is because my spouse and I did have a conversation about the signs.
what is matt ballard's stand on this
Obviously more than just one person saw these signs.
The NKCA is being used by Joe Karl for political gain and revenge. At one time Mr. Karl wanted to buy the land where the new park is to be built and the owner refused to sell it to him. In addition, the residents of Seymour will not elect Mr. Karl as county commissioner and he resorts to attacking the current county commissioners. The worst thing about it, he uses his newspaper as a way to attack people and spread lies. Mr. Karl has allowed people to think that Bower Field was never for sale and that the Optimist and the county commissioners had lied. But he knew the truth all along and allowed the lies to continue. Can anyone believe anything that he has stated in his articles? To the NKCA, your arguments are becoming more and more irrelevant. They are based on lies and rumors and the more people are finding out, the more they are standing against your organization. You have gotten caught up in this and have not taken the time to seek out truths. You have relied on Joe Karl to do your investigative work and it is obvious he has let you down. You would be surprised at the way your organization is being perceived by the rest of Seymour.
Who is it Joe is after here? Again -- I don't see that Joe is planning to run for office.
I applaud the efforts of Joe and his team for doing their best to report the news of Seymour. Perhaps these stories wouldn't be so 'one-sided', as some claim, if the 'other parites' involve would grant interviews and return calls to the seymour herald. Every article has a note that messages were left for commissioners and they refuse to call back.
At the end of the day, I cant see how having comments on a newspaper website is serving joe personally. I think that this backlash is due largely to the spotlight that being placed on the commissioners and the optimist club aka "the good 'ole boys".
Personal attacks does nothing more than invalidate your own arguments --so try and steer clear of that.
Looks to me like the 'boys' are trying to scare NKCA from the press! heh. pitiful.
if you truly think that ben bower moore, his last name is moore, stood in front of everyone with a prepare statement from his family and lied about whether or not the "bower" property was for sale or not, take it up with the bowers'. it is a moot point and it is distracting from the real issue here which is the 9th district commissioners acting unilaterally, making a decision that directly affects a large portion of their constituents, without any regard to their input or concerns regarding a park. lighting is not the issue, who tried to buy or sell the property is not the issue, or any of this other crap listed here. if it is amusing to you to verbally debate and drag everyone along with you, great, but you are allowing yourself to get further and further from the main issue that started this from the very begining!! commissioners may not act randomly and then not expect to be held accountable for it.
You call the Seymour Herald "the press"? If only they could report both sides of a story and start being objective. What do you have to say about "the press" withholding information about Bower field actually being for sell? And why would anyone(commissioners or the members of the Optimist) want give any quotes to be spun and manipulated? The commissioners and Optimist members speak to the Mountain Press and News-Sentinel. I really wonder why not the Seymour Herald.
who is matt ballard, and why would anyone care what his stand is?
#75: "The commissioners and Optimist members speak to the Mountain Press and News-Sentinel. I really wonder why not the Seymour Herald."
Because Joe ran against them (the commissioners) last time and really gave'm a scare. Another thought is maybe they'd prefer this not be a local-seymour issue. Who knows...
I am curious how many of these posts are from the same person? It would be nice to see associated IP addresses....
where is your IP address???????
I'm happy to share mine too.
Wikipedia as a nice writeup on what they are: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ip_address
How did Joe give the commissioners a scare.... he received the lowest number of votes... LOL The Seymour Community knows of his spun lies... We don't want Joe anywhere near Commissioner!
I walk at Bower Field. I agree it was a Thompson Carr reality sign. I do not know what the realitor name was. But the property was definetly for sale. We commented, me and my walking partner, that we hoped if it sold we could still continue to exercise there at the fields. I cant remember if it was for sale last summer or not but in the last 20 months there was a for sale sign on the property.
STOP IT!!!! who cares? did anyone read #74? stick to the issue, whether you are for the park or not, it is the commissioners we are after. They have got to start representing us and be held to a higher standard.
I bet the people wish they had voted for Joe Karl now. The people of Seymour have had the wool pulled over their eyes by the current commissioners for so long that it’s time someone opened it for them. Some commissioners, especially the two from the ninth district, consider they are above the oath they took when they took office. They don’t care what the community thinks or wants. At least Joe Karl would not be part of the good ole boy regime.
Speaking of not returning calls, the commissioners don’t even return calls to their constituents. Those same commissioners will tell people to their face whatever they want to hear, then do whatever the commissioner want.
And now, it’s proven that Norton, Godfrey and Oakes don’t speak the truth. Just listen to the tapes.
Joe Karl has nothing to do with it – he is just the messenger. Remember when he broke the story of the county has been grinding up dogs and cats and giving that back to the people as compost for years? The Mountain Press said, “what’s wrong with that – it’s legal.” Well, it wasn’t legal and the county had to change their ways. Are you going to attack Joe Karl or the Seymour Herald for that also? Ask anyone how bad the Mountain Press constantly misquotes people and has false information in their paper.
It’s hard to understand the county commissioners, who are public servant, not talking to the media. It’s foolish and arrogant.
But that should come as no surprise. The commissioners have done whatever they have wanted for so long, People are not taking it any more.
So blame anyone you want to, but the responsibility of this calamity lies directly with Buster Norton, Judy Godfrey, Bill Oakes and Larry Waters, the mayor.
After listening to the takes I can say without a doubt you sir are not telling the truth. First off it is not your property to sell you do not own it. I heard you state several times you were not going to sell it. Second the property was not taken from the Optimist Club because of mismangagement that is a bold face lie!! I'm not sure what is in all this for you and why you would choose to lie. Your property was for sale because I called on it to see what the asking price was!! KCreek... be careful who you believe. If you have not checked the facts for yourself please do so. I hate to see people get led down the wrong rode. I am behind you in your concerns. But please don't take the words of this man he has proven himself to be untruthful.
After listening to the tapes.... I do urge you if you have not listened to the tapes to do so.
I just had a Realtor look up the alleged listing for Bowers Field with address of 8750 Chapman Highway Southeast, Knoxville, TN 37920.
The search was on both the Knox and Sevier County multiple listing services.
Since 2002 there was NO listing reported by either Knox or Sevier Multiple Listing. That’s FIVE YEARS. NO LISTING.
Check for yourself. Ask any Realtor to do the search for you.
But still, remember, it’s because of the lack of representation by the ninth district commissioners that we are even in this dilemma.
Of all the people complaining about the current commissioners for Seymour, how many of you have attended the MONTHLY meetings? If you think that they are doing such a bad job, why haven't you done something about it before now? Want to make your voice heard, quit making posts here and attend the meetings!!! Squabbling like children on this site isn't going to get anything done, grow up and handle the situation like an adult.
I agree.
If one wants to change the way things currently work, one has to participate in local government.
A meeting is being held tomorrow (Tuesday, June 4th) at 6:00 at the Pigeon Forge High School.
A NY firm is being paid $60,00 of your tax dollars to "tell" us how we should be building more cabins and resorts on our mountains.
Attend, ask questions and help to shape the future of our county!
Are you saying on one should ever complain? You're kidding right?
Most people have lives to live. They leave the governing up to those they elect until an obvious item jumps up at them like this total lack of proper representation by the 9th district commissioners.
That's usually the only time people get active is when those they have elected do an unacceptable job of representing.
Stop trying to blame it on the people. It sounds like you are one or both of the commissioners trying to shift the blame.
Resign now while you still can and save your reputation.
Citizens should always question local authority, especially when the entire system is based on good old boys making decisions that finacially help them, their family and their buddies.
If anyone in government does something that you don't agree with, you should stand up and make your voice heard.
If the local leaders are crooked, they should be brought before the ethics committee, the courts and rendered to guantanamo for a little friendly interrogation. And, make them bring your own water!
A better idea: TERM LIMITS! That will stop a good old boy network in it's tracks!
people just face it it is the way the world worlds money and people in power always rule the way things go they say goverment for the people in school but in the real world it is who makes the rules and who has the money
just face it it will be what it will be the people in power will always protect their own
Don't forget about your VOTE. That's more powerful than money. Why do you think the rich want the power.
I'm not a commissioner but a concerned citizen. I'm not saying that you shouldn't complain but just do it in a manner that is PRODUCTIVE. Sitting on your computers at home complaining amoungst yourselves is not being PRODUCTIVE. People need to be active in their government always and not just when something goes wrong.
How involved are you in the local government?
Most likely more involved than you are. I have a big mouth and get heard but it's done in a non-hostile, productive manner. Don't like the current plan/issue, come up with your own and present it. Don't forget, there's a meeting tonight........you going to be there? If not, quit complaining.
Commissioners are not mind readers and don't have a crystal ball to look into, if you don't tell them what you want, then how are they suppose to know. I find it hard to always (but sometimes they do deserve it) to blame the politicians. People need to be heard always not just when their upset over an issue. Let them know good or bad about what you want. Otherwise, put back on you blinders and stop complaining.
but I can't let comment #66 go unanswered. That is the most ridiculous and uneducated comment I think I have read on these posts! How laughable is it to bring up the potential for homosexual sex and condoms laying around the park? You're letting your own personal bigotry and homophobia get the better of you! Grasp at straws much? If you're worried about that, then you better stay out of the malls around town as well as home depot and lowes. And god forbid you should go into PotteryBarn! Laughable!
PLEASE NOTE......I am very alarmed at an on-line Herald stroy i just took note of. Why is Barry Schular petitioning for a light at the intersection of Titsworth Springs and Chapman HWY>??????????? What possible interest should he have regarding this intersection??? Smells of possible issues to come.
There is a Shular Realator sign on the property at the corner of Titsworth & Knob Creek. This property is being graded as we speak. Word was at one time that this is to be an upscale subdivision.
That is exactly why that property is being rezoned commercial. Say hello to Weigels.
So how much were they asking? Or were you told it wasn't for sale? You people are such sheep. One person says Thompson Carr had a sign there and the rest of you say yes that's the one. Too bad Mr. Carr personally said they never listed it. In fact, he couldn't find any listing EVER for the property. But of course he could be in this great conspiracy.
Does anyone writing this blog care about the children at all? If something happens to Bowers field where are the children going to go? Are you going to bus the kids to Sevierville/Maryville or Knoxville three times a week or more especially if you have more than one child playing ball? I'll admit I haven't read all the stories about the KCCC in the seymour herald. Joe Karl did run for county commisioner last year and did not win and in my opinion his ego has not recovered. It sounds like he doesn't want the people in the subdivisions on Knob Creek to have to deal with a community park and bringing down their land values.
Sounds like you have an issue with Joe Karl, rather that a dog in the fight about the ball parks. You're doing an awful lot of slandering yourself. Stick to the point, the ballparks!
And as for the children, if you've been paying attention, the children are NOT going to lose their ball parks. Bower field is going no where. And as for Knob Creek, Seymour Community Park is less than a mile away. No one is going to Sevierville or Maryville just to play.
If joe would stick to the real truth and print the whole truth... maybe people would not feel the need to say bad things.
I cannot believe this crap either. How could I possibly expect you to drive your children to maryville or knoxville to participate in an extracurricular activity of their, or your choosing???!!!!! If that happens, do you want to car pool. I drive right by bower 2x a week to go where I feel my child gets a better environment and a better show of support for his activity, and so that my younger children are a priority and have practiced and home in bed by 8:30. and I have done this never once complaining that seymour does not meet my personal needs. I don't expect it to, and I knew that when I moved here!!!! Nor would I ever in my wildest dreams ask the people of N. Knob Creek Rd. to sacrifice their land values or their $250-$500,000 homes to meet the needs of my 5 year old. Yes!! what about the children #102?? grow up, stop being a child and be the parent,and as the parent it is your job to make the sacrifices for your child, not other people. the drive to knox. or marville is a small price to pay.
Someone gets it!
Thank you # 105! Well said!
#77 wrote, "Because Joe ran against them (the commissioners) last time and really gave'm a scare." Norton had 420 votes. Godrey had 380 votes. Karl had roughly 195 votes. How much of a scare was that?!
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