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Chronology of events in term limits, open meetings

Knox County voters, by a 3-to-1 margin, amend the county charter to limit county officials to two consecutive terms.

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Group official praises verdict

The head of an open government watchdog group characterized Tuesday’s verdict that Knox County commissioners violated the state Open Meetings Act as a triumph for citizens.

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Jurors say trial was eye opening

Her verdict is in. Her eyes are open. “That’s definitely something I’m going to be preaching from here on out, is for people to be involved in government,” said Becky Varner, a member of the Knox...

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Apologies and calls for openness

Their reaction in the courtroom was stoic, but after Tuesday’s verdict that Knox County commissioners violated the sunshine law came apologies, a call for a perjury prosecution, a vow of silence and...

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Both sides look to judge, laws, to direct next steps

For three weeks all eyes were on the witness stand. On Tuesday all eyes were on the jury box. Now, all eyes are on the judge. Just what will Chancellor Daryl R. Fansler do in the wake of a finding by...

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County officials violated state law

Twelve Knox County citizens on Tuesday declared their government guilty of doing in private what the law says should be carried out in public.

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Verdict fallout: Hypocrisy, grow government and "perjury"

The hypocritical statement of the day award goes to Commissioner Paul Pinkston: “I’ll never talk to the News Sentinel again. They mislead people.”

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Moore speaks: ‘We tried to do the very best we could’

Knox County Commission Chairman Scott Moore said today he was “not disappointed” in Tuesday’s verdict that found commissioners illegally appointed replacements to 12 term-limited offices.

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Open government's value affirmed

Concerned citizens and officials in East Tennessee universally hailed Tuesday’s Knox County jury verdict invalidating the less-than-public January appointment of 12 officeholders to replace others...

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Statewide effect likely from verdict

This week’s jury verdict against the Knox County Commission over Open Meetings Act violations should have an effect statewide, Roane County Attorney Tom McFarland said Wednesday.

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Moore sets course for allowing input

It took a lawsuit to get Knox County Commission Chairman Scott Moore to talk about allowing more public input at commission meetings.

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Chancellor's sunshine ruling expected Friday

Knox County Chancellor Daryl R. Fansler is expected to issue a written ruling Friday in the News Sentinel lawsuit against County Commission.

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Owings: Keep verdict in mind

As Knox County commissioners prepare to subpoena members of Mayor Mike Ragsdale’s administration, county Law Director John Owings warned them to keep Tuesday’s sunshine law verdict in mind.

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Fansler opinion offers no roadmap for filling officeholder vacancies

Minutes ago, Knox County Chancellor Daryl R. Fansler nullified the 12 appointments made Jan. 31 by Knox County Commission and permanently enjoined commissioners from deliberating in private.

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Sunshine blog: Spangler taking over sheriff’s duties

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tom Spangler sought to reassure citizens that law enforcement will continue, while Mayor Mike Ragsdale expressed concern about a plan to swear in new...

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'A little shocked'

After some initial confusion, county commissioners were clear by day’s end Friday that Knox County’s government is made up of 11 non-term-limited commissioners rather than the 19 members in place since...

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Reaction to the ruling

“I have never been anywhere in the country where a judge overturned 12 elections. People voted for term limits, then turned around and voted these people in again. (Still) we’ll do whatever the court...

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Judge tosses 12

Opening the blinds on local government, Knox County Chancellor Daryl R. Fansler nullified the 12 appointments made Jan. 31 by Knox County Commission on Friday and threatened commissioners with criminal...

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Commission: We'll do it right

This time, things will be different. This time, Knox County commissioners vow the public and nominees for appointments will speak.

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News Sentinel wins third national award for Knox County efforts

The Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel's fight against the behind-the-scenes appointments of replacements for 12 term-limited Knox County officeholders has won a First Amendment award from the Associated...

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