All County officials found to have acted inappropriately should be held accountable. One Knox County Parks and Recreation Department employee has been fired and another suspended following an internal review of their conduct while on county time, 10News has learned. Knox County mayor’s chief of staff resigns, parks & rec director fired amid misconduct investigation Toggle header content U.S. health officials are seeing an astonishing lack of demand for COVID-19 medicines that may help keep infected people out of the hospital, drugs they rushed out to states over the past few weeks as deaths set new records. According to a release, the resignation of Chief of Staff Bryan Hair and the firing of Senior Director of Parks and Recreation Paul White was announced Monday morning. Concord Park Maintenance Superintendent: Jason Halliburton and James Major. James currently serves as Director of Parks. Doug Bataille - Senior Director - Knox County Parks and Recreation | LinkedIn. The signs are designed to help emergency responders more quickly identify those who might need medical assistance on the trail. “This was not only a mistake on my part, but a lapse in judgment. INTERACTIVE: When is the last day to ship a package in time for Christmas? Hair’s brother, Brad, also serves as the mayor’s. Recreation Manager: Troy Fleming. County Communications Director Mike Donila said, “When the investigation is concluded, at that point we’ll answer all questions.”, In response to a text message, Hair wrote, “I appreciate the mayor launching this investigation and I will fully cooperate. Online tools to track them down, US jobless claims rise to 885,000 amid resurgence of virus, Tennessee reports most new weekly unemployment claims since mid-October. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ Chief of Staff Bryan Hair and Senior Director of Parks and Recreation Paul White were placed administrative leave, effective Tuesday, Oct. 13, … NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that opioid producers can be sued under the state’s Drug Dealer Liability Act, allowing a lawsuit filed on behalf of children born dependent to opioids to move forward. Chuck James and Shauna Godlevsky will oversee Parks and Recreation operations. In November of 2017, Knox County voters reaffirmed their commitment to a robust parks and recreation system, when they renewed the park levy. “As I’ve said before, ethics are not ambiguous. To actively promote a healthy and enjoyable parks enviroment for all residents and visitors of Knox County by providing a diverse blend of recreational and natural opportunities through the responsible management of human, financial, and enviromental resources. County Mayor Glenn Jacobs did not provide details of the outside inquiry but promised transparency when it is concluded. We have safeguards in place to help employees in bad situations and they are ethically bound to use them when appropriate,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Bill Lee. White is a former co-worker of Hair’s at Tennessee State Bank and was brought in by Jacobs as senior parks director. Dwight Van de Vate and Chris Caldwell will continue sharing Chief of Staff duties. Thanks to Knox County voters passing a modest parks and trails levy in 2008, new parks and programs and much progress has been made on developing the Heart of Ohio Trail. While specific details are still being uncovered, I trust this investigation will be handled in a timely and transparent manner. Godlevsky currently serves as Parks Planning & Development Manager. On Tuesday, Knox County Commissioner Dave Wright and Knox County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Bataille met with other community partners at Mascot Park to thank EXEDY America Corporation and First Choice Community Credit Union for their donation of two basketball goals at the park. Tennessee Dept. Jacobs did not say why they were under investigation, with the statement specifying only that the mayor was “made aware of potential wrongdoing.” The accounting firm Pugh CPAs, the county’s external auditor, is conducting the inquiry. Troy Fleming. There’s nothing more important than earning and maintaining the public’s trust. Knox County Finance Director and Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Caldwell on Wednesday asked for a meeting with the State Comptroller’s Office, which has since been accepted. Hair is a graduate of Carson-Newman University who earned an MBA at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga in 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile. Violations may result in suspension from park … PREVIOUS STORY: Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs placed Chief of Staff Bryan Hair and Senior Director of Parks and Recreation Paul White … Fleming was a letterman in football, basketball, and track. In the most recent county salary database, Bryan Hair is listed as making $170,635.66 a year. I’m looking forward to getting back to work.”. Hair’s brother, Brad, also serves as the mayor’s executive assistant. If Congress approves a stimulus check, how long will it take to show up in your bank account? “Ethics are not ambiguous, and it is important that Knox County be above reproach,” said Mayor Jacobs. This is a developing story and we’ll continue to update the details as they become available. To view calendars and create your account you will need to do this from a PC or Laptop. The latest videos from WATE 6 On Your Side. Those years are distinguished by a couple of “firsts:” The first African American female to serve as deputy director of Public Service, her first position with the city, and the first female Parks and Recreation director. UPDATED 6:30 p.m. 10/14/20 with statement from County Commission Chair Larsen Jay. Ely has been part of the city government for 4 1/2 years and in charge of Parks and Recreation for 2 1/2 years. He did not have previous parks and recreation experience. The high court made the unanimous ruling Thursday, stating that the plaintiffs have standing to bring their case against Endo Health Solutions, Endo Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA under the law that protects people and entities injured by illegal drug use. Knox County Engineering and Public Works has cleared land for a dog park at New Harvest Park. My priority continues to be the business of Knox County.”. ... More:Knox County chief of staff and Parks and Rec director … Mike Donila is deputy director for Knox County Parks & Recreation. Justices: Opioid lawsuit can proceed under drug dealer law, Demand is low for COVID-19 antibody drugs, but shortages loom, Mild side effects among East Tennessee healthcare workers one day after COVID-19 vaccination, WATCH: Twist on porch pirate crimes captured on video in Missouri, Six Oak Ridge National Lab scientists named ‘Distinguished Inventors’, Lady Vols seeking replacement opponent after Jackson State cancels due to COVID-19 contact tracing, Davis, Burrell lead Lady Vols past No. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One Knox County Parks and Recreation employee has been fired, while another is suspended after they were caught doing side work on county time. Hair and White were placed on administrative leave on Tuesday. Troy Fleming, Recreation Manager Address: 2447 Sutherland Ave., 37919 Office: 865-215-6611 Fax:865-215-6603 Email: troy.fleming@knoxcounty.org Jennifer Gentry, Sports Operations Manager jennifer.gentry@knoxcounty.org Address: 2447 Sutherland Ave., 37919 Office: 865-215-6600 Fax: 865-215-6603 Jeff Kincaid, Sports Operations Manager jeff.kincaid@knoxcounty.org Address: 2447 Sutherland Ave., 37919 Office: 865-215-6624 Fax: 865-215-6603 White is a former co-worker of Hair’s at Tennessee State Bank and was brought in by Jacobs as senior parks director. Red tape, staff shortages, testing delays and strong skepticism are keeping many patients and doctors from these drugs, which supply antibodies to help the immune system fight the coronavirus. The work was reportedly performed on behalf of two former high-ranking county officials, former Chief of Staff Bryan Hair and former Senior Director of Parks and Recreation Paul White. He then moved back to Tennessee in 2007 and went into banking, working for several area lending companies until ending up at Tennessee State Bank, where he was a vice president and commercial banker. Knox County will cut the ribbon on the 22nd annual Holiday Festival of Lights at The Cove at Concord Park (11808 S. Northshore Drive) at a family-friendly event starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec 3 with Mayor Glenn Jacobs greeting guests and passing out candy “Kanes.”..more Parks information, photographs, events, cabin and camping rates, facilities and contact information. I encourage all parties involved to cooperate with the Comptroller’s investigation regardless of employment status.”. Former Parks and Recreation Director Paul White, whose firing was announced Monday, was paid two bonuses since he was hired — a $4,200 bonus in 2019 and a $5,000 bonus in 2020. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, County Commission Chair Larsen Jay said, "I commend Mayor Jacobs for quickly initiating an independent investigation into this matter. Parks Shelter Reservations. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)- One day after the first group of frontline healthcare workers in East Tennessee received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, there are no issues or reactions reported. Bryan Hair, chief of staff to Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and one of the highest-paid employees in county government, has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an internal investigation, along with Paul White, the county’s senior director of Parks and Recreation. He worked in Washington, D.C., for a year as a “leadership engagement coordinator” with AIPAC, the powerful Israeli lobbying group. Hair has been Jacobs’ right-hand adviser since the professional wrestler’s grassroots campaign in 2018, which somewhat unexpectedly landed him in the county mayor’s office. Apply to Activities Director, Activity Assistant, Grounds Maintenance Worker and more! Bryan Hair, chief of staff to Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and one of the highest-paid employees in county government, has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an internal investigation, along with Paul White, the county’s senior director of Parks and Recreation. Troy is originally from Franklin, Tennessee where he earned various accolades throughout his adolescence. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Two employees in the Office of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs have left their positions amid an investigation into potential misconduct. The county golf courses, tennis courts, parks and greenways are currently open, but the skateparks, sports fields, basketball courts, restrooms and playgrounds are closed in compliance with Executive Orders 22 & 23 from Gov. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' chief of staff has resigned and his park director has been fired. Hair released a statement Thursday night regarding the investigation, claiming he borrowed a county-owned golf cart to use at his home while his wife recovered from a broken foot. The following rules and regulations apply to all Knox County Parks. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Two employees in the Office of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs have left their positions amid an investigation into potential misconduct. Covenant Health, Tennova Health, East Tennessee Children's Hospital, and UT Medical Center each had groups of healthcare workers and hospital leaders get the vaccine publicly. Formerly known as a Tennessee Titan fullback. © 1998 - 2020 Nexstar Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Knox County to host 22nd Annual Holiday Festival of Lights. Masters is working with the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department and Rural Metro to place the markers on the east side of Concord Park. Parks & Recreation. ", Tags:Bryan Hair, Glenn Jacobs, homepage, investigation, Paul White, In a statement released Wednesday in response to questions from Compass, Jacobs said, “. An MBA with a background in banking and politics, Hair served as Jacobs’ transition director and then was appointed as chief of staff when Jacobs took office. Troy currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife and four children. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -Knox County Parks and Recreation announced Friday that the East Knox ball fields had been vandalized. 15 Indiana, NFL rushing leader not worried about workload for Titans, Titans determined to focus only on Lions, not playoff math, Russia can’t use its name and flag at the next 2 Olympics, Randy Boyd joins Memphis Redbirds ownership group, Ripley’s Believe it or Not/Aquarium of the Smokies, Knoxville Wholesale Furniture Design Center, Holiday fun and music hosted by Maypop Fields, #MOMLIFE: Cultivating Calmness in children, Train the brain with Learning RX’s methods on sharpening cognitive skills, Local consulting firm unveils new Black business directory, Air fryer Olive and Tomato Dip from The Ingles Table, Lead researcher behind Moderna vaccine answers your questions, East Tennessee healthcare facility leaders give update virtually ‘COVID and the Community — Our Next Steps Together’, Zoo Knoxville hosting animal art auction via 32auctions, Read Tennessee’s plan for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, amid an investigation into potential misconduct, The two were placed on administrative leave last week, Statement released by Knox County staffer on leave for investigation into misconduct, Can you still buy hot tech gifts for the holidays? It was not wise for me to borrow something that belongs to the citizens of Knox County, and for that, I’m deeply sorry,” Hair said. The investigation is expected to take up to several weeks. Director of Parks: Chuck James. The following activities are prohibited in all Knox County Parks. The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department works hard to improve the City’s existing parklands, recreational facilities and trail facilities. These goals are part of the only all-age access basketball […] … Once received, Mayor Jacobs may take further action if needed. Only 5% to 20% of doses the federal government allocated have been used. 31 Recreation jobs available in Knox County, TN on Indeed.com. Please contact the park administration office at 215-6600 if you have any questions. White’s salary is $115,823.76. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Some people talk about spring cleaning, but in the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department it’s often more about “fall cleaning.” Crews have been busy sweeping leaves off the greenways, striping the parking lots and hitting the parks, getting rid … KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — One Knox County Parks and Recreation Department employee has been fired and another suspended following an internal review of their conduct while on county time, 10News has learned. Knox County chief of staff says he was suspended over borrowed golf cart owned by county. Share your thoughts in the subscribers-only conversation group. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs announced Monday morning that his chief of staff, Bryan Hair, had resigned and Paul White, the county’s senior director of parks and recreation, had been fired as investigations continue into possible unethical behavior. In the interest of transparency, I believe a thorough and speedy investigation is vital. In a statement released Wednesday in response to questions from Compass, Jacobs said, “In the interest of transparency, I believe a thorough and speedy investigation is vital. The two were placed on administrative leave last week after the mayor was made aware of potential wrongdoing. Troy Fleming is the Recreation Manager for Knox County Parks & Recreation. My priority continues to be the business of Knox County. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has accepted Chief of Staff Bryan Hair’s resignation and dismissed Senior Director of Parks and Recreation Paul White. UPDATED 6:30 p.m. 10/14/20 with statement from County Commission Chair Larsen Jay. White declined the opportunity to resign, according to a release from the mayor’s office. The Comptroller’s Office will share their findings with Knox County when the investigation is complete. You will not be able to do this from a smartphone and you will not be able to make the reservations online, but you will need to create an account and then call our Parks Office at 865.215.6600 and we will be happy to make the reservation for you. Work started this week on the first of five new dog parks that the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department will begin building thanks to a contest and grant program initiative paid for by the Boyd Family Foundation. of Health launches COVID-19 vaccination reporting dashboard, Knox County reports 10 more coronavirus-related deaths, toll reaches 247, Tennessee leads the country in new daily COVID-19 cases per capita over the past week, TDH: Tennessee expects first shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine around Dec. 21, Biden adviser Cedric Richmond tests positive for coronavirus, Pence gets COVID-19 shot as US about to approve second vaccine, As US rushes to give shots, Tennessee builds vaccine reserve, Covenant Health frontline workers get first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, TBI investigating after robbery suspect killed in Sevierville officer-involved shooting, Community in mourning after Hardin Valley Academy assistant principal dies unexpectedly, Morristown restaurant in compliance after inspection finds dishwasher, food temperature issues, Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank responds to Oak Ridge’s request for mask mandate, The Longest Night: Former WATE 6 On Your Side Anchor Kristin Farley shares efforts to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s & dementia, First COVID-19 vaccine deliveries highlights importance of logistics and planning, Home for the holidays: Knox County Health Department urges public to stay in place amid pandemic, WATCH: Drone video shows aftermath of rock slide, train derailment in Harlan County, Doctor: Tennessee is ‘worst in the world’ for coronavirus transmission. “Public trust is fragile. White was also a vice president at Tennessee State Bank at the same time. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs announced Hair's resignation Monday morning, along with the firing of Parks and Recreation Director Paul White, who had been hired by Hair. Mission Statement. The investigation is being conducted by the county's external auditors. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ chief of staff Bryan Hair and senior director of parks and recreation Paul White were placed administrative … He did not have previous parks and recreation experience. Donila confirmed that Dwight Van de Vate, the county’s community development director and a longtime county employee, is for the moment helping out in the mayor’s office to handle some of Hair’s administrative and managerial duties. Through planning, development, maintenance and facilities management projects, staff work continually to enhance and expand facilities to better serve the community and visitors. 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