Anderson County Regional Planning Commission member Harold Edwards addresses the Anderson County Commission about data centers. - Ben Pounds
Anderson County will have a moratorium on data centers, crypto mining facilities and large battery facilities for two years while officials figure out the best ways to regulate them.
The moratorium passed unanimously during the Monday Anderson County Commission meeting.
County Law director James Brooks and County Mayor Terry Frank told The Courier News they did not believe the county could permanently ban any of these types of facilities, but that the moratorium, giving time to look at regulatory options, is legal.
Commissioner Chad McNabb made the motion for the moratorium, and Commissioner Anthony Allen seconded.
The vote came after many citizens and commissioners shared concerns about issues at these types of facilities like noise, emergency response and water usage, among others.
“We just need to slow it down and look at it and make sure we have all the information to make sure we can make appropriate decisions and consult the experts,” McNabb said.
The county Planning Commission had earlier drafted a series of zoning code amendments to regulate these types of facilities in the unincorporated parts of the county.
They would have allowed them only in the county’s industrial zones and only after going through an approval process,
Jo Williams has announced her campaign for re-election to the Anderson County School Board, District 1, where she will appear on the August general election ballot as an independent candidate.
Williams brings years of proven experience, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to the students, families, teachers, and staff of Anderson County Schools, she said.
Throughout her time on the board, she has served as chairman and currently serves as vice-chairman. She is a Master School Board Member, an All-Tennessee School Board member, and a Tennessee School Board Association Ambassador.
Williams said she believes experience is vital when making decisions that affect children, classrooms, school safety, academic progress, and the future of the entire school system.
Her background in policy development and board leadership has helped her understand the importance of thoughtful, informed decision-making.
The Pearl at Aspire serves as the centerpiece of the 370-acre outdoor destination in Clinton, where Aspire will host a daylong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, June 27. The free event will feature live music, food vendors, family activities and a patriotic drone show, with a $10 per-vehicle parking fee. - Tony Cox
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, local outdoor destination Aspire will host an entire day of festivities on Saturday, June 27, at its 370-acre property in the heart of Clinton.
The event, which will kick off at 10 a.m., will include vendors, live music and various family-friendly activities, and culminate with a patriotic drone show at 10 p.m.
“The whole day is designed to get people here and keep them entertained leading up to the drone show,” said Andrew Smiddy, Aspire administrator.
“So, for example, as soon as gates open and people start arriving, we’re going to have some first responders, as well as some military personnel with a fire truck, and a few other military implements for kids to climb on and learn about things like that throughout the day.”
Then, at 11 a.m., attendees will have the opportunity to attend a “table-dump” seafood boil and visit beverage vendors at Aspire’s open-air pavilion known as The Exchange.
Smiddy said that menu options like burgers and tenders will also be available for attendees to enjoy at The Launch, along with kayaks, paddleboards and tutorials from Oak Ridge-based River Run Outfitters.
Norris is accepting applications now through Monday, June 22, from any qualified resident who wants to be appointed to fill out the unexpired term of Councilwoman Loretta Painter, who resigned in May.
The council will consider those applicants and appoint a new council member during its next regular meeting, July 13.
That person would serve through November. The regular biennial council election will be held on Nov. 3, and the new council will take office in December, beginning with the regular council meeting Dec. 14.
The city of Norris posted this notice on its website on June 9:
“At the June 8, 2026, regular City Council meeting, the Norris City Council accepted the resignation of Councilmember Loretta Painter and declared a vacancy on City Council.
“City Council will consider an appointment to fill the vacancy at the July 13, 2026. regular City Council meeting.
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank, front-center, talks about the new county animal shelter on Carden Farm Road in Clinton during an event Monday morning celebrating the start of construction on the building, which will be in the area to the rear. Looking on to Frank’s left are Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and Clinton Mayor Scott Burton. To Frank’s right are, from left, Cindy Boshears, field representative for U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann; Emily McCaul, field representative for U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty; Chelsea Merrell, state field director for U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn; and Patrick Jaynes, rural development state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture - G. Chambers Williams III
Construction has begun on the building to house the new Anderson County Animal Shelter on Carden Farm Road in Clinton, where County Mayor Terry Frank and others held a brief ceremony Monday morning to mark the occasion.
“They are already pouring the footings for the building,” Frank said as she and other participants in the event stood in front of the planned shelter.
Also among those on hand for the Monday event were Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally; Clinton Mayor Scott Burton; Cindy Boshears, field representative for U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann; Emily McCaul, field representative for U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty; Chelsea Merrell, state field director for U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn; Patrick Jaynes, rural development state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and County Commission Chair Denise Palmer.
The USDA’s Tennessee office provided the county a low-interest loan to finance the project.
If you think an employee of the city of Clinton is doing a good job, you can nominate them for “Employee of the Quarter.”
To nominate, fill out the form at clintontn.net/employee.
“An employee or citizen may recognize a city of Clinton employee for going the extra mile, having an idea that improved a work process, having an idea which increased the efficiency of service, set a good example for others, handled a challenging situation or exemplified stellar service,” the city website states.
The Employee Engagement Committee will then review these nominees the public chooses.
Each employee may only win one quarterly award per calendar year.
Eligible are Parks and Recreation, police, fire, public works and administrative employees.
Clinton City Schools and Clinton Public Library employees will not be eligible.
