[{"_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",6477594,"mediaKeyId","5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de","parentId",5711516,"title","Council asks state to ban synthetic kratom sales in Tennessee after public concerns; amendment passes unanimously","audioSeconds",2635,"startMs",695000,"endMs",3330000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de&start=695&end=3330","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de/thumbnail_695000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6477594/Jackson-City/Madison-County/Tennessee/Council-asks-state-to-ban-synthetic-kratom-sales-in-Tennessee-after-public-concerns-amendment-passes-unanimously","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477594-6967e2ed33b38ab48251e5da97d80ed9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181751&Signature=SpVqW7umUU72NDnD50gqJQOUDLiAaZF8yk-fLVH~eOe~vcAFQ7THtJcMk1YnMicHi1iVRyyGgnUs5Ewwvxp~f6i1F5HrrMWpb-cvthtqlSt0plbCFPFgyV8jcsVeoRb49GCBevnN-8VQlED~zLkDPnwlf86BR-sVeOknHWwMpArGkVEtImyHsmFs2pXgwyeZUc2VBoxRhXN45OBYIfdvSj9Z17-1d8LsB4VELC2-T0ACl5WJNCo27nnUjWRV0fnZEbzzQ9l8K~Imc2vAJ-4feCY~aiYDYLm8zKhUko5WXq9uqFsyVM4wWuUZqBKvEsG2bne-iJ9XuHYsfYN68lkwHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jackson City","date","2025-09-03T16:25:28Z","article","Jackson City Council voted 8‑0 to send a resolution to the Tennessee General Assembly requesting a ban on the sale of synthetic kratom in the state after residents raised concerns about packaged, altered kratom products sold at convenience stores and vape shops.

Councilman Stobel introduced the item and said the resolution responds to media reports and constituent concerns that some products marketed as kratom are adulterated and sold in youth‑oriented packaging. “There have been 2,000 deaths associated with this nationwide,” Councilman Stobel said during the council discussion, arguing the city should ask the state to consider criminalizing or restricting the synthetic products.

John Schenholzer, who identified himself as advocacy director for American Veterans for Kratom Safe and a kratom consumer, urged the city not to ban the natural plant product and asked the council to “pause the resolution” while the plant’s properties and the differences between natural and adulterated products are better understood. During public comment Schenholzer said, “The natural kratom plant itself has already been proven to be very safe,” and distinguished between raw leaf products and synthetically refined or adulterated mixes he said are dangerous.

Council members discussed that the state legislature had previously considered kratom measures and that county and other local governments have pursued companion resolutions. After an amendment was proposed and seconded, the council changed the resolution language to request a state ban specifically on the sale of synthetic kratom rather than a general ban on the plant. The amendment passed 8‑0, and the amended resolution passed 8‑0.

Council members and staff noted that the city lacks authority to ban kratom statewide and that a local resolution’s purpose is to urge state action. Staff and speakers said the principal concern for the resolution is synthetic or adulterated kratom products sold in convenience stores, which proponents described as resembling “sour candy” packaging and potentially appealing to young people.

The council did not adopt an ordinance; it voted only to forward the amended resolution to state legislators.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Jackson, TN September 2, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Following public comment, Jackson City Council voted unanimously to forward a resolution to the state legislature requesting a ban on the sale of synthetic kratom in Tennessee; council amended the original text to specify synthetic products rather than the natural plant.","taxTitle","Jackson City, Madison County, Tennessee","taxId",5104,"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},6477601,"Council approves $425,000 transfer to complete senior centers project amid oversight questions, 7-2",334,2509000,2843000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de&start=2509&end=2843","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de/thumbnail_2509000.jpg","/articles/6477601/Jackson-City/Madison-County/Tennessee/Council-approves-425000-transfer-to-complete-senior-centers-project-amid-oversight-questions-7-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477601-c7b48b2c92efa3c02506c68b1d494437/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181751&Signature=mKg1MrbswL8SOtJIvvUCuHpxRlQqJr4C59HNY5xnNVjJNmSCv0~LnnriIvm5WVSJZoAqElXrGNMOIlMggvZD6QMPHRxWk73935DngzU7430du6zaV5gxrc7BO-HydQxOYv2ZzjOKX-wzaY9e1UN7Jdk22HCqExHy8U~CRQ-5nTMoGqD4Xhx09FgZhwraxAHPkJrTLTXbTUeaaE6-my9vwTqWvu-J~aG3v5qGyry3vrNFPEutHDNlGPL06fVFtwJ6NMazCt9Pu3kyubbb8yT7sFIdZ5Vcz1pbAEwM2rzTM5sJ47D00G1gFKogWN5sipYPqdpoSjd7IC61~G4vJWda5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jackson City Council voted 7‑2 to approve a budget amendment moving $425,000 from recreation administration capital accounts into the senior centers project so the city can finish construction and pay related contractors.

Council members raised concerns that portions of the senior centers’ completion and furnishing had been overlooked during the FY‑26 budgeting process. A city staff member said the amendment is budget neutral and will not affect the fund balance: “This is budget neutral. Doesn't affect the fund balance at all,” the staff member said, explaining the funds came from previously approved capital appropriations and that contractors must be paid to keep the project on schedule.

Councilman Lorenz and others questioned why the transfer was happening before council had time to review department budgets in detail; Lorenz said the city should hold major capital spending until department reviews are completed. Staff replied that the amendment is intended to place funds in the correct project accounts so work and contractor payments can continue and that the city will return with any additional amendments if line items are exhausted.

Council members also asked whether reallocating the capital money would short other planned purchases — including ADA equipment and parking‑access projects. Staff said they reviewed line items and do not expect the transfer to prevent purchase of ADA equipment in future years, though some recreation equipment purchases would be delayed into a later fiscal year.

The motion passed 7 to 2. Council members voting against the amendment expressed a preference to pause capital transfers until a broader departmental budget review is completed; supporters said the amendment was necessary to fulfill contractual obligations and keep the senior center project on schedule.","Jackson City Council approved a budget amendment to reallocate $425,000 from recreation administration capital lines to complete the senior centers project and cover building and equipment needs, despite council questions about why the funds were omitted from the adopted FY‑26 budget.",{"_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},6477606,"Council approves rezoning for 191 Van Drive over neighborhood objections, 6-3",2243,974000,3217000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de&start=974&end=3217","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de/thumbnail_974000.jpg","/articles/6477606/Jackson-City/Madison-County/Tennessee/Council-approves-rezoning-for-191-Van-Drive-over-neighborhood-objections-6-3","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477606-8488c9ffa1411416ee66e84c1a4dc822/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181751&Signature=fDofJPo4-~RfnoPdx-RL3y2DqN5-ynir4DuUuZ7obj6zzUipI7DhcMw82P2oO4NUjc480V9XaYTTU7TsnCUpQmpz70plVItkMN0xrAd9cVDlbmYvH-QwGPRSILePhZiEarB6XKOnX3xkdWXXRp2RJWeCkZyRqy3ZRQ~7Xjyjz9BxAHujX9wmTiYcKATbVnth9cpfJ-oJ9EbNiQQKghJzEBL4rq8gUT7RrjtnFZ7a9dcvNeMtdGeCXJGch4VyDcIk25VsknPpftXic08Vub9BB2j-xYqIfYgdSQvkqsaoDdA9KmDG485kOSiEHKUY~2DeIMESmYFZBCShKYQodFocgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jackson City Council approved an ordinance on first consideration to rezone 5.03 acres at 191 Van Drive from RG‑1 (General Residential) to SC‑1 (Plan Unit Commercial Development), a 6‑3 vote that divided council members and local residents.

Developers and property owners Joel McAlexander and Colin Miller addressed the council in favor of the rezoning, arguing commercial use is the highest and best use of the parcel. “In our opinion, the best use for this property is the commercial,” Miller said, adding the site could generate substantially higher property tax revenue than residential development.

Neighbors and other residents urged the council to reject the change, citing concerns about drainage, traffic and neighborhood character. Todd Seroqui, a nearby resident, said developers “backed out on a handshake deal” with the country club and called the developer’s previous comments about producing “slum” housing offensive. Several speakers noted the planning commission did not forward a recommendation because it failed to receive the requisite votes.

City planning staff described the next steps if the rezoning is approved. The SC‑1 zoning would allow a predevelopment plan and, if that succeeds, a preliminary development plan to be reviewed by the planning commission and later detailed permitting, including required traffic and hydraulic (drainage) studies. Staff emphasized the city’s stormwater standard: developers must engineer site drainage to achieve “0 net increase” in runoff compared with predevelopment conditions; that mitigation would normally be accomplished with detention systems sized and engineered by licensed consultants.

Developers and several council members discussed attempts to reach a private agreement with Jackson Country Club concerning drainage, landscaping easements and other design controls. Alex Holman, who also represents the property owners, said parties had been “close to having an agreement” but that proposed written terms included additional approval language his attorneys would not accept. He said the owners “are the ones borrowing the money and taking the risks to develop it.” Opponents said material terms were changed after a first reading and that the country club withdrew its support.

Council members asked staff how traffic and drainage reviews will be handled. Planning staff said traffic engineers hired by developers prepare studies that are then reviewed by the city’s consultant; the state may require off-site improvements such as turn lanes or signals if warranted by traffic generation. The staff also said detention and retention pond sizing depends on engineered plans and the site’s hydrology.

The ordinance passed the council vote 6 to 3. Council members and staff noted a failed rezoning by property owner vote usually prevents the owner from re-submitting for 12 months, though city or staff-initiated actions differ. The vote does not authorize construction; it only changes the parcel’s zoning. Any subsequent site plan, traffic or drainage approvals will be subject to separate public review and technical checks by planning and engineering staff and the planning commission.","Jackson City Council voted 6-3 to rezone a 5.03-acre parcel at 191 Van Drive from RG-1 (general residential) to SC-1 (planned commercial), prompting concerns from neighbors over drainage, traffic and process and questions about a withdrawn private agreement with the adjacent country club.",{"_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},6477611,"SBA details economic-injury disaster loans available to Madison County businesses after April storms",376,268000,644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de&start=268&end=644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711516-3fb0a71b2c769032bd0b8f938f27d1de/thumbnail_268000.jpg","/articles/6477611/Jackson-City/Madison-County/Tennessee/SBA-details-economic-injury-disaster-loans-available-to-Madison-County-businesses-after-April-storms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477611-5301a63575753a91508578ab5897d039/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181751&Signature=lrSRN0elMNDuL4ihaclCCZyyFS8oMny5Y4wLmOgUkVhYQgTA~tx~At~X9HYy04RIgsGKsIDhMEfRVhPpJ5GehLoAO61bGPmdR3Qr~kFSKuuXmox16ZCCFDcLdNfHXFp4fWGWQIdlsbyl9CJq9AGNyggYbO7xoDZZzgmybPJHFLO0zeFFESiNNrN2Bfb2DWgmBoV~FOF7OxH3UqYuwsO3Eyw0vITlQ2qMCwIvNoQIWnpUTkSRlPv2FNVDu0J45PxIUUqbgdx2wUKU3cMzsxbcnbaRwywW9ACpJElPY3icon1KOQPUa0Oq6khI~SRZK19Nv5TMicQDOhqilytAC-NkEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DJ Chiquela, a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Recovery and Resiliency team, told Jackson City Council on Tuesday that Madison County businesses impacted by April storms are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans.

Chiquela said the loans can provide working capital to “keep the lights on, keep inventory, pay their staff,” and that the maximum loan amount available is $2,000,000. He added these loans have low fixed rates — “just under that at 3.625 for nonprofit organizations” and about 4 percent for businesses — and offer no payments and no interest for the first 12 months.

The SBA official stressed that applying is an important first step even if business owners expect an insurance payout: “When the insurance comes, if you've qualified for our loan, you can pay off the loan without penalty.” Chiquela also described federal mitigation funding that can be available when physical disaster loans are approved: mitigation can cover up to 20 percent of an eligible physical disaster loan and help strengthen structures against future events.

Chiquela said SBA partners such as Small Business Development Centers are available to help prospective applicants with the process, and he provided the agency’s application portal and hotline: sba.gov/disaster or the SBA toll-free number. He encouraged any business that believes it may qualify to apply.

The presentation preceded the council’s agenda and did not result in any formal action by the council; it was delivered as an informational briefing for businesses and residents.

Chiquela said SBA has been in the region multiple times in recent years in partnership with agencies such as FEMA and that physical disaster loans are separate from economic injury loans and can cover homeowners and renters when a county is designated a primary disaster county.

The SBA speaker left materials for the council and said SBA staff can walk applicants through insurance and loan requirements. He urged business owners and nonprofit operators who believe they experienced reduced working capital after the April storms to consider applying.","A Small Business Administration public-affairs specialist briefed Jackson City Council on economic injury disaster loans available to Madison County businesses affected by April storms, outlining eligibility, terms and mitigation funding for future resilience.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council asks state to ban synthetic kratom sales in Tennessee after public concerns; amendment passes unanimously

Council approves $425,000 transfer to complete senior centers project amid oversight questions, 7-2

Council approves rezoning for 191 Van Drive over neighborhood objections, 6-3

SBA details economic-injury disaster loans available to Madison County businesses after April storms