BBBTV12 – The Roane County Commission met Monday night in its regular session, with notable absences and an unexpected health concern. Commissioners Mike Hooks and Ben Wilson were unable to attend due to health issues. Hooks is recovering from recent heart bypass surgery, and Wilson is hospitalized in Knoxville with stomach problems. During the meeting, Chairman Stan Hester experienced chest pains and had to leave. He was taken to the hospital, and Executive Wade Creswell led a prayer for all three commissioners at the close of the meeting.

Key decisions from the meeting included a unanimous vote to add three new armed security personnel at the courthouse during court proceedings. The decision came after a 30-minute discussion, during which local judges advocated for the increased security. The new officers will be POST-certified and stationed at the courthouse to enhance safety.

In other business:

• Amy Cole was hired as a codes enforcement officer.
• Another individual was appointed as a records keeper to manage courthouse records that have been moved to the newly remodeled County Health Department building. The move is intended to alleviate weight concerns on the courthouse’s top floor. The new hire will also assist in digitizing the records for public access.

The full meeting, which lasted approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, is available for viewing on the Roane County Government YouTube channel.