[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6114964,"mediaKeyId","2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930","parentId",2740653,"title","Second Harvest tells Sullivan County commissioners food insecurity has risen; asks for continued support","audioSeconds",491,"startMs",196000,"endMs",687000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930&start=196&end=687","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930/thumbnail_196000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6114964/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Second-Harvest-tells-Sullivan-County-commissioners-food-insecurity-has-risen-asks-for-continued-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114964-f9f8a00826ed9f7326571d5791b65e1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771017021&Signature=TAQdkhD9X-Q7SA1xA1gvAahj2oG8tDzQikD88y8lWM2q033DYlZWOqIyzIjYT3xsoVYZ5dPlqlpWHxE2sxELUldM24sShjtJ3AZPKAIrN-vXnO7JAJZjRcY6hiK~izzSZ9M29dIjV8bz1eczMLkX3ISCCCiVAsftR~mhUUU3EaZWAcgBY40KMgT4i2xH9B5zr7uUyhbxStigdwBx689wN~qz7LN1JUYXYvR6Cy17cjncXGSFUrXB8t4Hr2WiPQkoPb4NAuJooVsm8d8K6y1nnQB2UCwWY9fMenoH93aCJHrQg6as4VFs~OHKXWlsDfclNdKh8NLXi5sy9HxEjwEVSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sullivan County, TN","date","2025-03-21T11:15:37Z","article","A representative of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee updated the Sullivan County Commission on Thursday about rising local food insecurity and asked county leaders for continued support.

The presenter said Second Harvest distributed nearly 3,000,000 pounds of food across six counties over the past several months and currently assists roughly 43,000 individuals each month through nearly 400 distribution sites in Northeast Tennessee. The food bank also supports about 130 schools with child hunger programs, operates senior nutrition programs and provides emergency disaster relief and nonfood items where needed.

Focusing on Sullivan County, the presenter said the organization estimates about 25,000 people in the county are food insecure and described a projected increase in need since 2017. The presenter noted a reported regional increase from about 71,000 to 87,000 food‑insecure residents in Northeast Tennessee and a child count rising from roughly 13,000 to 18,000 in the same period. The organization said an average cost of $4.10 provides one meal and presented an ‘‘annual food budget shortfall’’ figure (packet material provided to commissioners) representing the funding gap to meet local need.

The presenter described Second Harvest as one of five regional food banks in Tennessee and part of the national Feeding America network. The speaker emphasized the food bank’s role in disaster response, citing a recent hurricane response during which distribution volumes rose about 20 percent above normal in affected counties.

The representative told commissioners that most requests to the county for support are one‑time awards connected to submitted applications and asked that continued community funding be considered during upcoming budget deliberations.

Ending: The presenter offered to answer questions and provided commissioners with informational packets including county‑level data and program descriptions. Commissioners thanked the presenter and acknowledged volunteer support from members of the commission.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sullivan County Commission Meeting - 3/20/25","oneSentenceSummary","A Second Harvest Food Bank representative told the Sullivan County Commission March 20 that food insecurity in the county and region has risen and asked county leaders for continued support to close an identified funding shortfall.","taxTitle","Sullivan County, Tennessee","taxId",3933,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6114969,"Sullivan County Commission defeats audit resolution; approves several funding and procedural measures",335,2269000,2604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930&start=2269&end=2604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930/thumbnail_2269000.jpg","/articles/6114969/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Sullivan-County-Commission-defeats-audit-resolution-approves-several-funding-and-procedural-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114969-a36bd5bcb06009c18f2e9b6b360c57ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771017021&Signature=iBhhe9LVBAxQ2dJDXq4QodfIPOOXe95YllxiC2fKrrwbZ8vkoFCsP~bwlvQFnIJ3LRIHmVyuEEjrtcrL8DOrIGooHw8BEb7W4B7hkRk0zHb6iwyfxDdmgLPK58cFdT5-AOPF7kZyAZXEpEFi7TNf42Oa~07ouVsTI68OoiWQFHN8Cp5jXN1MBzFAOxKl5ffj46zDFOmj5rUJhEJaoKQsT2mGizQo-fJ9wPJoFLGBuFjeJRg~Ji0ofI7cN0dyJ-HvvURlSl-HqJVujygIwFCE4EQ1cnR5MzMdXfsWF8mt1bheo0QQG-WOLvbEzsBgRg6z71rxugWmK4x0HmbjTCHZRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sullivan County Commission members on Thursday rejected a resolution that would have required a performance and operations audit of Mont/Observation Park every three years, deferred a separate resolution about nonprofit funding, and approved several other measures including allocations from an abatement trust fund and a new deadline for filing resolutions.

The failed audit measure, sponsored by Commissioner Harvey, would have required periodic audits of park operations going forward. Commissioners debated whether a department-specific audit was necessary given existing annual or comptroller audits; the resolution’s sponsor said the measure addressed a 30‑year lease and recent operating shortfalls. The commission failed to reach the required majority and the item did not pass.

Other formal actions adopted during the meeting included: a waiver for immediate introduction and adoption of a courtroom audio/speaker repair resolution; an allocation of up to $495,533.39 from the Abatement Trust Fund to nonprofit applicants and a sheriff’s department request; a supplemental court personnel allocation totaling $29,503.44; and a resolution establishing a filing deadline for resolutions prior to commission meetings.

Commission members spoke at length during the debate on the audit resolution about oversight, the comptroller’s existing reports and the recent financial history of the park. Commissioner Jones questioned singling out one department for additional recurring audits. Commissioner Harvey said the measure was intended to keep attention on a facility that has run deficits and has a long lease arrangement.

On the Abatement Trust Fund allocation, county staff explained one of the approved requests included funding for an additional patrol position tied to monitoring work in county facilities; commissioners asked whether the allocation was one-time and were told it was a one-time disbursement tied to the applicants’ submitted application.

Procedural change: the commission adopted a resolution setting a deadline for submission of resolutions by noon on the Monday before regular commission meetings, with enumerated exceptions for time-sensitive legal and financial matters as handled by the county attorney, finance director or purchasing agent.

The meeting record indicates several items were deferred or carried forward: the resolution listed on the agenda as item 2 was deferred to next month by its sponsor.

Votes at a glance
- Item 1: Resolution requiring triannual audit of Mont/Observation Park operations—Sponsor: Commissioner Harvey—Outcome: Failed (did not receive necessary majority). Note: commissioners debated scope vs. existing comptroller audits.
- Item 2: Resolution on nonprofit funding (as listed on agenda)—Sponsor: moved to defer—Outcome: Deferred to next month.
- Item 3: Courtroom audio/speaker repairs—Outcome: Adopted (waiver for immediate introduction and passage).
- Item 4: Allocation from Abatement Trust Fund (up to $495,533.39) to two nonprofits and other applicants including a sheriff’s request—Outcome: Adopted.
- Item 7: Supplemental court staffing allocation —Amount: $29,503.44—Outcome: Adopted.
- Item 8: Resolution establishing a deadline for filing resolutions before meetings—Outcome: Adopted.

Several commissioners requested clarification on funding sources and timing of expected incoming checks that would cover short-term gaps in the Abatement Trust Fund allocations. The clerk announced vote results as recorded in the official minutes.

The commission moved on to regular business following the votes; several consent calendar items were approved earlier in the meeting.

Ending: The commission closed the business portion of the meeting after announcements and routine reports; county officials noted ongoing work on courtroom technology and correctional population management.","At its March 20, 2025 meeting the Sullivan County Commission voted down a proposed triannual audit of operations at Observation/Mon(t) Park, deferred a nonprofit funding resolution, and approved allocations and procedural rules including a spending allocation from the Abatement Trust Fund and a deadline for filing resolutions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6114955,"Public commenters at Sullivan County meeting praise family resolution, question nonprofit funding and report local hazards",171,1669000,1840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930&start=1669&end=1840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930/thumbnail_1669000.jpg","/articles/6114955/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Public-commenters-at-Sullivan-County-meeting-praise-family-resolution-question-nonprofit-funding-and-report-local-hazards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114955-5b28e7b0f5876c255be6ccd8f9eae8d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771017021&Signature=RlZZnQ2~4ugHd3SQx-13A~p0F9zSJdZ-4obYRSq7mKkH39CP0xC7SB1OQ2eh0xZh8jeYbA-DGS0H70j21zFnIgTYYhQrx3QkWohxQ6txju58kp7RbPtnoophHBSMcgbGV4aUEWKEy9xxWT8NuN8aivSjyJK7Yg4kY2PbsVWRBFElBe6xtNeJAoWu5iAaWalAslmh4NWbxeko~6dl~YegQ743cauYQeC5lfWQWxrcnQh0BYnelOG8CJgSIp5KkU3OkvYNqiFNpz5cWDFG1Khj78zJxrCmPLV3tnOq8hl5rnNyEVp5NdSvwKK1yjn70xq1Ym0uStzw3LBVGrmHx0u7aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several members of the public spoke during the commission’s public‑comment period on March 20, pressing distinct concerns and offering praise.

Lady Derek Miller of Kingsport spoke in support of HJR 182 (the \"nuclear family\" resolution), thanking commissioners for what she described as leadership on conservative and faith‑based initiatives and for representing constituents’ values.

Victoria Mills of 4257 Rockhold Road (address given on the public record) spoke in opposition to aspects of a resolution listed as item 2 and raised questions about how the county vets nonprofit applicants. She asked how nonprofits would be screened, how much review commissioners had done, and pointed to materials in the commission packet that she said listed organizations and programs she found objectionable. Mills explicitly characterized one listed program as affiliated with the Satanic Temple; that attribution was presented as her claim and not verified in the meeting record. She also voiced concern about rising property taxes and the local tax burden.

Rodney Madden described a December 5 wildfire near his property and thanked local volunteer fire departments for responding to the incident and containing the blaze.

Commissioners acknowledged the comments and, in several cases, asked clarifying questions; the record shows the item referenced by Mills (item 2) was deferred to next month for further consideration.","During the public‑comment period speakers thanked commissioners for supporting a 'nuclear family' resolution, raised concerns about vetting of nonprofits that might receive county funds, and described a wildfire response near private property.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6114959,"Sullivan County health official briefs commission on national measles outbreaks; no local cases reported",502,729000,1231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930&start=729&end=1231","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2740653-78a5a3bab569b21fc5c4901281c4b930/thumbnail_729000.jpg","/articles/6114959/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Sullivan-County-health-official-briefs-commission-on-national-measles-outbreaks-no-local-cases-reported","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6114959-a1f4ff412ecd60202029270090ef4744/orig.mp4?Expires=1771017021&Signature=bu3RGBabRHPKwkwrHBxCfjEBfobfrso9jDNb6wL0weaRkHSxkvWhit-3CBHoG4FsAMT~eNAAlepj7H6ygmf62cslEoI3MfSGUAgAuFBOdUPO2FTpP3ysPaI78imFzgTw2sRoWGEx0WZW8AghWurkntGC4c5HipVGNRcxhetdgqmcuqcWTal6eEZW53EaDjnouXtkmI4O9bFQQqaoVima71Vimcm9Ldsp1tYZSx2--Nh~dIDQKzJ7RSevTS3DqBaOc8aiuCMS-kS1Y~6U81MZn-VNMvWd0ypZisE0Qj4sHEeC2jpK-h-QxNuzcWPJM9V7FmziW9wbFOm-MUu7kMHslA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A physician from the Sullivan County Health Department briefed the Sullivan County Commission on Thursday about a nationwide resurgence of measles and recommended vaccination and public-health vigilance.

The health official said there were about 325 cases reported across 15 jurisdictions nationally and noted that last year the United States recorded roughly 285 cases for the entire year. The presenter reported two deaths in the current outbreaks and described measles as highly contagious and airborne, remaining infectious in an environment for up to two hours after an infectious person has left.

Key points provided by the health official included: the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is approximately 93 percent effective with one dose and about 97–98 percent effective with two doses; incubation ranges from seven to 21 days (average ~14 days); persons are typically contagious four days before to four days after the rash appears; and complications can include pneumonia, dehydration and rare encephalitis. The presenter said that, as of the briefing, Sullivan County had no confirmed measles cases and that Tennessee had not reported cases at that time, although outbreaks were occurring in other states.

The speaker told the commission that public‑health responses can include providing MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to contacts and administering immunoglobulin for those who cannot receive vaccine (for example, certain immunocompromised persons or pregnant people). The presenter directed commissioners and residents to local and federal resources (sullivanhealth.org and cdc.gov) for additional guidance.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions during the presentation; one commissioner asked whether fully vaccinated children were unlikely to contract measles and the presenter confirmed that two doses provide high protection and noted that the majority of recent cases had occurred in unvaccinated individuals.

Ending: The health official closed the briefing by offering to answer questions and said the presentation was intended as an informational status update rather than cause for alarm.","A Sullivan County health official told commissioners there are about 325 measles cases nationwide across 15 jurisdictions, discussed transmission and prevention, and said there were no confirmed cases in Sullivan County or Tennessee at the time of the briefing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Second Harvest tells Sullivan County commissioners food insecurity has risen; asks for continued support

Sullivan County Commission defeats audit resolution; approves several funding and procedural measures

Public commenters at Sullivan County meeting praise family resolution, question nonprofit funding and report local hazards

Sullivan County health official briefs commission on national measles outbreaks; no local cases reported