Morristown is the center of the seven county Lakeway Area, so named because the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Cherokee and Douglas lakes are within the area, as is a small section of Norris Lake. The lakes offer boating, fishing, swimming, camping and much more. People come from many states to take advantage of what Morristown and Hamblen County residents live with every day. Morristown has many city parks that offer a
• The Hamblen County Commission meets on Thursday following the third Monday of each month at 5 p.m. in the large courtroom of the Hamblen County Courthouse. • County Commission committee meetings are held on Monday 10 days prior to the regularly scheduled commission meeting at 11:30 a.m. in conference room at the Health Department. • The County Planning Commission meets the fi rst Monday of the month at 4:30
Hamblen County was formed in 1870 because of transportation difficulties brought on by bad roads and rivers to cross. The line between Jefferson and Grainger counties was down the middle of Main Street in Morristown, according to Hamblen County historian Bill Henderson. Those on the south side had to go to Dandridge to conduct any business at the courthouse. Those living on the north side had to trek to Rutledge.
The Hamblen County Commission is made up of 14 members, each representing one of the county’s 14 districts. The chair of the commission is elected by his or her fellow commissioners. The commissioners meet for committee meetings on the second Monday of each month beginning at 11:30 a.m. Barring special circumstances, the finance committee meeting is fi rst and each of the following committee meetings begin when the previous one
Hamblen County’s property tax rate is $1.64 per $100 of assessed value for property and homeowners outside the city limits and $1.05 for residents living inside the city of Morristown. Residents outside the city limits pay an additional 21 cents on the tax rate to finance garbage, recycling, pickup and disposal. They pay a total of $1.85 per $100 of assessed value. The deadline to pay city taxes without penalty
Any new resident of Morristown and Hamblen County should go to the County Election Commission to change or apply for voter registration. At that time, office staff will tell new residents in which district they live and in which precinct they will vote. The Election Commission office is on the first floor of the Hamblen County Courthouse on 511 W. Second North Street. Jeff Gardner is the administrator of elections
The Morristown-Hamblen Emergency Management Agency was established following September 11, 2001. The agency maintains contact with first responders to ensure preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation during disasters. Director Chris Bell and Deputy Director Dale Griffie ensure all associated agencies are prepared and know which agency to dispatch to emergency situations. There are 23 EMA volunteers who also work with victims to overcome the effects of a disaster. The volunteers are
Hamblen County native, Sheriff Esco Jarnagin, has more than five decades of experience with law enforcement, criminal justice and the military. He was elected to serve the four-year term as sheriff of Hamblen County in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010. Jarnagin’s journey began when he volunteered for military duty during the Vietnam War in 1966. He received several commendations and medals and was honorably discharged in June 1969. In
The Hamblen County Sheriff’s Department has been enforcing the laws of Hamblen County for more than a century. The department, headed by Sheriff Esco Jarnigan, works with local, state and federal agencies in the arrest and apprehension of criminals. Chief Deputy Wayne Mize assists the Sheriff in supervising the multiple divisions that create the department. Together, they work to ensure the safety of citizens, respond to disturbances, emergency calls and
Residents living outside the city limits of Morristown depend on four volunteer fire departments in Hamblen County for protection. Volunteer men and women staff the locations in North, South, East and West Hamblen County. When a structure is on fire at least three of the departments typically respond. The volunteer departments rely on fundraisers, donations and grants to fund the resources needed to extinguish fires. None of the volunteers are
County Mayor The county’s executive official is Bill Brittain, who has served two years in office. The Hamblen County Mayor oversees the day-to-day operations of Hamblen County government. His office is in the courthouse; the office phone number is 423-586-1931. The county mayor serves as a nonvoting, ex-officio member of each committee of the Hamblen County Commission. He also appoints members for the following boards: planning commission, which oversees zoning
The past few months has been an exciting time for Gabriella (Gabby)
During the annual meeting of the Walters State Foundation Board of Trustees
The past few months has been an exciting time for Gabriella (Gabby)
During the annual meeting of the Walters State Foundation Board of Trustees
The Walters State athletic department has set a standard for excellence that
The Dodgers made quick work of the Senators in Little League action.