Lone Oak Community Civic League Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm. Opening prayer by Tim Forsythe and Pledge of Allegiance led by Tommy Johnson.

Treasurer’s Report

Mona presented the Treasurer’s Report, reporting a year-to-date net increase of $63,373 for the Community Center.

The 127 Yard Sale generated net proceeds of $31,768, while R&B Resale has contributed $16,681 so far this year. Mona also highlighted that R&B Resale has generated an impressive $181,149 in net proceeds over the past five and a half years. Special appreciation was extended to Rose and Bob for their dedication and hard work in making R&B Resale such a success.

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Mark Kirkpatrick, seconded by David Adams, and approved unanimously.

Fire Department Report

An update was provided on the construction of the new fire department bay. To date, $35,000 has been spent on building materials, $5,000 on excavation, and $5,000 on gravel. The building pad is complete, and construction is expected to begin within the next few weeks under the direction of Moses Kinsey, who built the neighboring building.

The recent Cruise-In and Breakfast was a tremendous success, attracting approximately 90 cars and one tractor. Breakfast sold out twice, and $734 was collected in free-will donations toward the building project. Additionally, 25 raffle tickets were sold at $50 each.

The Fire Department continues its Christmas raffle fundraiser, with a goal of selling 400 tickets. Approximately 200 tickets have been checked out for sale, and additional efforts are needed to meet the fundraising goal.

David Adams will speak with the Fire Chief about securing volunteers to sell raffle tickets during the upcoming Small Town America Festival.

School Board Report

Debbie reported that the next School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 12, and will include the annual dinner with County Commissioners and legislators, including Senator Burleson.

Congratulations were extended to Sophie Pryor, who was named District Student of the Year and will compete for the state award in November. Debbie also shared that representatives from the Tennessee Department of Education recently visited Sequatchie County Schools and expressed high praise for the students and staff.

The school system continues to face a shortage of bus drivers and is actively recruiting substitute drivers at a starting rate of $25 per hour, with certification costs covered. A temporary 15-minute delay for Bus 15, serving the Signal Mountain area, was announced for the following day, and community members were encouraged to share the information.

An update on the backpack assistance program indicated that coordination with Mount Carmel has resulted in very little duplication of services, allowing approximately 45 additional children to receive assistance.

County Commission Report

The County Commission recently re-elected Keith Cartwright as Chairman and Joyce Dodson as Chairman Pro Tem.

Property tax notices have been mailed, with payments beginning October 1.

Road paving continues throughout the county, with crews currently working in Miller’s Cove. School Road is expected to be addressed next due to its deteriorating condition.

Appreciation was expressed to Andrea for her assistance in identifying and reporting potholes and other road concerns while traveling her mail route.

Sheriff’s Report

Sheriff Bill Phillips provided an update on recent law enforcement activity and public safety concerns.

Two recent homicide investigations were discussed, including a tragic murder-suicide involving an elderly couple and a domestic-related homicide on Cagle Mountain. License plate recognition cameras were instrumental in tracking the Cagle Mountain suspect through Chattanooga and Georgia, ultimately leading to an arrest near Marietta. The suspect also faces additional charges in Georgia involving an alleged assault on a correctional officer.

Sheriff Phillips discussed continued concerns regarding illegal drugs and overdose deaths, reporting three overdose fatalities on the mountain this year. He also addressed substances commonly referred to as “gas station heroin” and concerns surrounding K2 and kratom products.

On a positive note, the Sheriff’s Office jail trustee program will participate in the Small Town America Puppy Parade on Saturday at 3:30 PM, accompanied by dogs from the jail’s animal program. Sheriff Johnston agreed to share videos from the event for the Community Center’s social media pages.

Recovery Program and Community Clinic

Discussion was held regarding the possibility of hosting a weekly recovery support program at the Community Center. Linda Lewandowski is researching security requirements and other logistics before further consideration.

The Overcoming Addiction Together (OAT) program currently rotates meetings between Lewis Chapel, Cagle Mountain, and Freedom. Byron and Debbie also shared that Celebrate Recovery meetings are held Thursday evenings at Signal Bible Church.

The need for volunteer nurses to assist with reopening the Community Center’s clinic was also discussed. Board members were encouraged to help identify qualified volunteers.

Upcoming Community Events

Several upcoming events were announced:

• October 10: Fire Department Cookout, 4:00–8:00 PM, featuring barbecue and a collection for social services.
• October 10: Small Town America Festival and Puppy Parade at 3:30 PM.
• October 31: Trunk or Treat, 5:00–8:00 PM. Volunteers are needed to host tables.
• November 21: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
• December 5: Fire Department Breakfast.

Community members were encouraged to continue supporting these events and assisting with fundraising efforts.

Additional Business and Action Items

The following items were identified for follow-up:

• Community members were asked to share the temporary Bus 15 schedule change on Facebook.
• Board members will continue seeking volunteer nurses for the Community Center clinic.
• David Adams will coordinate with the Fire Chief regarding raffle ticket sales at the Small Town America Festival.
• Volunteers are needed to host tables during the October 31 Trunk or Treat event.

Adjournment

There being no further business documented, the meeting concluded at 8:30pm.