Commission OKs broadband funds
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Jackson Perkins, a Clinton Middle School student, shared a prayer and a scripture reading at the Ander- son County Commission’s Dec. 16 meeting and joined in for the Pledge of Allegiance. - Ben Pounds
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Anderson County Board of Education member Dail Cantrell watches as fellow board member Jo Williams tries out a Meta Quest 3S headset after the Dec. 9 work session. Director of Technology Wade Haney and service team coordina- tor David Beets explained that middle school students in the Anderson County school system will use these devices to virtually practice various career and technical tasks, including construction, cooking, and piloting aircraft. - Ben Pounds
The Anderson County Commission on Dec. 16 approved matching funds for a grant to help provide broadband access to underserved areas.
It’s to cover part of a federal broadband grant provided to the county through the state of Tennessee to help serve several eligible areas within the county.
County officials said the state has yet to approve the specific areas of the county involved, although it has “tentatively identified” 1,178 locations that could qualify for help with the grant.
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank told commissioners that the state requires counties to accept whoever wins the grant award. However, the commission also voted to authorize Frank to write a letter supporting the company Frontier.
Fire academies
The commission voted to approve Frank sending a letter to state officials promoting regional fire academies to help train firefighters, and offering space in Anderson County for one such academy
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Guardrail
Finance Director Robby Holbrook said a motor vehicle accident caused guardrail damage, and the county received $6,162.50 in insurance reimbursements for repairs.
The commission accepted these insurance funds as part of the Highway Department budget at the meeting.
Afterschool, lottery
The commission approved $325,000 in lottery funds to go to afterschool programs at Anderson County’s elementary schools, specifically Briceville, Claxton, Dutch Valley, Grand Oaks, Norris and Norwood.
The money will go toward salaries and benefits for the program’s staff.
Unrelated to the County Commission’s actions, the school board also approved $1,835 for school nurses’ work “above and beyond the normal scope.”
Animal Shelter
The commission approved $5,000 in vaccines and other supplies for the Anderson County Animal Shelter, and $2,750 for T-shirts and uniforms for the shelter’s staff and volunteers.
Agriculture
The commission voted to have Shane Ogden replace Joe Hall on the UT Extension Office Agriculture Committee.
He serves as one of the required farmers on the committee.
Powell-Clinch Utility
Dusty Irwin was appointed to another term on the Powell Clinch Utility District.
Libraries
The commission approved $7,004 for library processing equipment, half of which the state plans to match.
Cheerleaders
The commission approved $1,800 for Clinton High School cheerleaders to compete at the National High School cheerleading championships at Disney World in Florida.
The money came from unused parts of the Waste Management Fund.
