11/20/2001

Ron Darden - Yes, Ron, not Don. We've hired Ron Darden (Don's twin brother) as a management consultant in the Knoxville office. He will start Monday, December 3 (or maybe November 26 if we can get the paperwork done fast enough) Ron is currently city manager in Red Bank. He has been public works director for LaVergne and was city administrator for Tullahoma.

Sharon Rollins - Sharon received the W. Larry Eddins Award for outstanding service to the American Public Works Association and to the Tennessee Chapter at TCAPWA's annual conference in Chattanooga on Oct. 29, 2001. Check out the new plaque in her office.

Jim Finane - Jim is out of the hospital and recovering at home. He's getting around with a walker as his hip heals. He says it doesn't hurt a long as he doesn't move!

Sewer Lagoon Workshop - Steve and Brett averaged 33 persons per day at a three day workshop they taught last week in Jackson. They had operators from 20 cities, 2 counties, 1 private industry,1 consulting engineering firm, and 4 from TDEC-Water Pollution Control.

More classes - Rick Stokes is in the middle of a very successful tour of the state with City University. His class on Employment Law has been well attended. I really appreciate Rick stepping in to teach this class. Donna Leydorf had been scheduled to teach it when it was placed on the schedule. Not only did Rick step in to do a great job covering the subject matter, but he's drawing crowds wherever he goes. You can catch him next week in Jackson and Germantown.

TML Legislative Meals - We've started another round of meals for members of the House and Senate to meet Rae Bond (mostly) and me (slightly) along with groups of their city officials. Monday we had lunch in Spring with Sen. Gene Elsea, Rae, and Warren and city officials from Spring City, Athens, Etowah, Decatur, Dayton, Graysville, Doyle, and the county executive from White County. Monday evening we had dinner with Rep. Dewayne Bunch, Rae Bond, and Mike Tallent and the Mayor and City Manager of Cleveland.

At the moment we have meals scheduled for Bartlett and Bolivar next Tuesday and we are working on Gallatin, Monterey, Savannah, Lawrenceburg, Dickson, and Knoxville.

Happy Thanksgiving - Speaking of meals, have a happy Thanksgiving.