Interesting that the sheriff wants students to text messages when cell phones are not allowed on high school campuses.

Okay, this is just creepy: “A lot of students are really concerned about other students home lives. And that’s helpful too, because you don’t want to get parents involved.”

You don't want to get parents involved in the home life of students??

And what happens when students start anonymously tipping FALSE complaints about each other? Call me a skeptic, but I see all sorts of opportunities for new forms of bullying.

And what happens when students start anonymously tipping FALSE complaints about each other?

At one point, that was one of the reasons used get rid of ethics complaints. Funny how those things don't matter when a dept gets to boost their budget for yet another boondoggle.

I think my carrier charges $.10 a message without a texting plan. You must really think our schools are full of snitches to be worried about them running up a huge text charge from this program.

How dare the BCSO try new innovative ways to reach kids (how many kids do you see in woodshop vs the number of kids that have cell phones?). How dare the BCSO and 911 Center try to expand the ways people can reach emergency services. How dare them implement this program that could possibly expanded. How dare the 911 Center provide a way that people in areas with poor cell coverage but still have the capability to text to reach help through the 911 Center. How dare them provide this!!!

HH, what will be the annual cost to the County's taxpayers for this convenience?

You must really think our schools are full of snitches to be worried about them running up a huge text charge from this program.

No I don't think our schools are full of "snitches". Thusly, I think the program is over-reaching and a waste.

How dare the BCSO try new innovative ways to reach kids (how many kids do you see in woodshop vs the number of kids that have cell phones?).

How dare they do it when making 4 or 5 drop boxes so kids can anonymously turn in their classmates wouldn't cost hardly anything. Again, "smaller government".

If your position was, because of the immediate connection and the possibility of immediate responses, we could get rid of SROs and save over $1.2 million a year - we could agree. You know, "smaller government".

How dare the BCSO and 911 Center try to expand the ways people can reach emergency services.

Telling on somebody is an emergency?

How dare them implement this program that could possibly expanded.

Expanded? How does one achieve "smaller government" when the goal is always expansion?

How dare the 911 Center provide a way that people in areas with poor cell coverage but still have the capability to text to reach help through the 911 Center.

Are you still talking about snitching? What you're describing still sounds like an emergency.

The connection you are trying to make with anonymous tips and the BCSO's SROs is ridiculous. Given the use of computer programs that allow texting and the fact that the County already has hundreds of phones they are paying for with a texting plan already, I can't see this costing anything that would shock the conscious of the taxpayer.

As far as expanding the program, I would love to see that happen. Like the article stated, more and more people are texting nowadays. Texting also takes less of a signal/bandwidth than a cell phone call. When the Twin Towers collapsed, the cell service was out - too many people trying to call. Texting however, that still worked.

Drive up on the Dragon and try to make a call...all the way up to mile marker 1 or 2. If you get out up there, and are able to carry on a long conversation without the call dropping off let me know, cause I want your service provider. By expanding the "texting 911 program" riders up there can text a wreck in a lot faster than driving back down the mountain to call it in. The text will work in many cases when the call will not. Plus, some people only have packages that allow texting like Boost Moblie has.

The Highway Dept. can make a few signs and put them up there to inform riders of the text option. So whatever this program cost, having the option to use it to expand the ways the public can request emergency services is well worth the money. For the Dragon, it will increase the response time to accidents - possibly saving some lives. This not only works for the Dragon, put the National Park as well. Back country hikers can be provided with the information at ranger stations and visitors to the park can be informed prior to them entering the Y area.

So while I am in favor of "smaller government," this is an area that I see incredible potential to help provide access to emergency services. I say grow baby, grow with this program. Then again, we could have the high schools build tip boxes and put them in hard to reach places and send the deputies to check them every now and then.

Let me try to clear up one point of confusion. It is not that texting works in areas of no cell coverage. It is simply that when you are dealing with a 911 call it is suppose to jump carriers if needed to find service for that call. Not all calls- that call/text to 911.

The feds make each of the carriers do 911 testing on every face of every tower on a routine basis.

On the face of it this text a tip could be a good thing. But like with standard 911 calling some folks will do dumb things. The idiot who calls 911 for directions probably has a kid who will text a tip to ask that mom bring his or her forgotten lunch to the school.

But what is simply more amazing is that Blount County has so many drug problems that they feel the need for this and SROs and I even heard of a school wide shake down recently. I don't know if that did or did not happen but it certainly is being discussed widely.

How does one achieve "smaller government" when the goal is always expansion?

Thanks for the lesson on the twin towers, the dragon and the park*. What does any of it have to do with this program?

So are you saying you are for "smaller government", just as long as it's someone else's department?

Can you name any department in Blount County that could be cut to achieve "smaller government."?

*If you think that 180ft pole in Townsend isn't FOR park coverage, I've got a bridge to nowhere to sell you.

"Let me try to clear up one point of confusion. It is not that texting works in areas of no cell coverage. It is simply that when you are dealing with a 911 call it is suppose to jump carriers if needed to find service for that call. Not all calls- that call/text to 911."

Texting WILL work in areas of scant coverage when a cell call (whether or not it is to 911) will not. NO coverage=NO TEXT and NO CALLS. When you are in a place that gives you one bar and tries to connect for a minute but can't...TEXT will WORK. Prime example is the Dragon. Also, many of the Lakes (even spots in between Knox and Blount County), the National Park, and on and on.

"On the face of it this text a tip could be a good thing. But like with standard 911 calling some folks will do dumb things. The idiot who calls 911 for directions probably has a kid who will text a tip to ask that mom bring his or her forgotten lunch to the school."

Those idiots are tracked down and prosecuted for abuse of 911 when the action is serious enough. Texting can be tracked just like the 911 call, and those responsible for a false call or abuse will be dealt with appropriately.

How does one achieve "smaller government" when the goal is always expansion?

Rather than pay Troopers or BCSO Deputies butt loads in overtime to extra patrol the Dragon, the BCSO and 911 offers the text option. That is an efficient use of tax payer dollars and much cheaper than paying the overtime. You can look at it as expansion, I see it as a reduction.

So are you saying you are for "smaller government", just as long as it's someone else's department?

Not my department.

Can you name any department in Blount County that could be cut to achieve "smaller government."?

You are the one who is trying to turn this into a conversation about big gov vs small gov, not me. I was talking about a texting plan for the public to reach 911.

I think the Sheriff's Department should be commended for trying to reach out to kids this way. There are kids who thrive on social media in this digital age. It is a good way for them to communicate with kids when the kids are uncomfortable face to face. I would rather see a program like this that could potentially do good and than some of the other stuff out there.

Yes there is a potential for abuse but if that abuse is handled correctly, as I am sure it will be, the benefits outweigh the faults. If a kid is thinking of suicide or suffering at the hands of a bully and a friend notices and sends a message it might save a life.

Rather than pay Troopers or BCSO Deputies butt loads in overtime to extra patrol the Dragon, the BCSO and 911 offers the text option.

Didn't the Sheriff fight to get coverage of the Dragon? Whose jurisdiction was this 20 years ago? How much overtime are we paying the BCSO to cover the Dragon? The Honda Hoot folks aren't coming anymore. What's going on up there that needs so much attention?

You are the one who is trying to turn this into a conversation about big gov vs small gov, not me. I was talking about a texting plan for the public to reach 911.

I thought the thread was about kids, who aren't allowed to have cell phones in school, using them to "snitch" on their classmates. Are you saying this is some sort of broader plan for the public?

I would rather see a program like this that could potentially do good and than some of the other stuff out there.

Like what? What would be the "other stuff" that "good Republicans" could cut so they could achieve "smaller government"?

As for the service, you're for it no matter the cost?

"What's going on up there that needs so much attention?"


2009 - Five deaths as of October 6: HD rider from Miami went off road, reason unknown (possible heart attack). Friends and LEOs searched several hour before finding body. A female HD rider died at mm 5.0 when she went off the road. Another female died a month later in the same area. A 66 year old Goldwing rider died near mm 8. A 49 year old died two months after crashing at the Hump.
2008 - Four deaths: One sportbike went off road and hit tree near Thunder Road Bend. One cruiser went off road in Ron's Run with rider suffering heart attack. One trike went off road and struck tree. One sportbike death in head-on near Parsons Branch.
2007 - Three deaths: One low side at Guadrail Cliff. Trike versus a vehicle near the Wall claimed the lives of an older rider and his passenger. Both accidents in July.
2006 - Two deaths: One rider went off road and hit tree another low sided into an oncoming vehicle.
2005 - Three deaths: All three deaths involved failing to negociate corners - two went off the mountain and one slid into an oncoming vehicle.
2004 - Two deaths: Both deaths apparently caused by speed and then overbraking.
2003 - No deaths: There were several deaths in the surrounding area of the Dragon, but none that we know of on the 11 miles of the Dragon itself.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon.html

An increase in deaths regardless of increased LEO presence. I posted my approval of the program, not because I think it is a great way for kids to rat on one another, I think it is innovative and can be used to expand coverage for our entire county.

I am sorry your hatred of the Sheriff and GOB in Blount County has blinded you to the possibilities of this concept. It has great potential. I hope someone at the BCSO is reading this thread and expands the texting idea to the entire county.

"Didn't the Sheriff fight to get coverage of the Dragon?"

What do you mean by coverage?

"Whose jurisdiction was this 20 years ago?"

It is a State route. Troopers are ultimately responsible for working it. My understanding is that when THP is too far away to provide a timely response to an accident, the BCSO will respond to either work it, or provide support until THP can arrive. While many of the accidents are from tourist, members of our community are also involved in accidents up there.

"How much overtime are we paying the BCSO to cover the Dragon?"

The Governor's Highway Safety Office provides grant money to work some operations up there. ALCOA pays for an increased presence up there.

"The Honda Hoot folks aren't coming anymore."
That is one event. The Dragon is a destination for biker tourist regardless of whether a "Hoot" happens in Knoxville or not.

An increase in deaths regardless of increased LEO presence.

So how has the presence helped?

I posted my approval of the program, not because I think it is a great way for kids to rat on one another, I think it is innovative and can be used to expand coverage for our entire county.

"Snitch" was your word. Getting a laptop for each student would be innovative, but can we afford it?

Still waiting on someone to comment about the first comment..."....students to text messages when cell phones are not allowed on high school campuses. "

Still waiting to hear about the costs as well. But you're right, if they're not allowed, what's the point?

[An increase in deaths regardless of increased LEO presence.

So how has the presence helped?]

It hasn't with the exception of increasing response time in some cases. People are gonna speed on that road no matter how much enforcement it has. They are gonna speed and they are gonna die. Rather than spend the money to have officers up there, put in place a text option that will increase notification time to 911 to get Rural Metro rolling up there. Use that GHSO money for the signs and text plan on a phone.

I'm done....you win, tired of going back and forward with you on this.

I hope someone on the 2nd floor runs with the idea of expanding the TEXT option. I think it could help our county and 911 Center.

"Texting can be tracked just like the 911 call, and those responsible for a false call or abuse will be dealt with appropriately."

Then I guess it wouldn't be anonymous would it?

Another good question is why is this a story for WVLT but not the Daily Times?

Doh- If you have a bar your phone is working with sucky coverage...

Anyone stuck anywhere at anytime and you can't get full service should most certainly try to text their way out of the situation.

Correction for above. The DT did do a story: http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100202/NEWS/302029992

This from it; During school, the tips will be handled by school resource officers. When school is not in session, patrol officers will be responsible for tips of a criminal nature.

Many parents may not understand, that whether at school or home, when the police are asked to get involved in a matter - it becomes a police matter.

Things we used to get paddled for, now may result in your child having a police record.

Cart, meet horse.


Maybe the Sheriff can dictate when the kids should go to lunch and set the curriculum also. This is a bad idea. For teachers anyway.

This is a terrific idea for students to leave anonymous tips. One of the ways our schools stay safe is through the input of the students. The students are responsible and give tips to teachers and staff, principals and yes even SRO's. This is just another avenue for them to let the authorities know what is going on. I am sure the cost would be negligible considering the county already has cell phone service and part of the cost will be shared by the sender.

I haven't written very much lately because I cannot stand Kenny Anderson. He has no other life than this blog he started for personal gain and to attack the GOB of Blount County. I personally like the men and women of the BCSO. They work hard for low pay and when I need them, I want them to be there. I also personally like Sheriff Berrong. We are not inundated by meth labs, homicides, deaths from traffic accidents, etc. We have some of these incidents but I would hate to think where we would be, in this economy, if the word on the street was there is no law enforcement in Blount County.

Lastly, when I do write on this blog, my posts are always censored or eliminated because the moderator feels I am a troll or flamer....what a joke!

Just my two cents!

I personally like the men and women of the BCSO. They work hard for low pay….

I like many too, that’s why I hate to see them driving around in what could be their raises.

Another reason I am not very keen on this blog is because KPA speaks in metaphors..."driving around in what could be their raises." What the hell does that mean? Would you rather they walk? They have mounted patrols but you take issue with that too. You are a tempest in a tea pot. Archie is none to proud of his boy! You were born and bred here or else I would say it...no I am gonna say it anyway. If you don't like it in Blount County vote to change it or leave. I prefer the second choice!!!

Just my two cents!

Re-read or read this Blount Today article; http://www.blounttoday.com/news/2008/jan/07/cars-cops-and-controversy/

Now, maybe you can explain how Sullivan County (Kingsport), Washington County (Johnson City) the Maryville PD and Alcoa PD all get double to triple the miles on their cars than does the BCSO?

The Sheriff spent $600K on new cars just this last year, one of the worst in economic memory. Is that your idea of "Conservative" "smaller government"? Just staggering car purchases every other year would save the County $1 to 1.6 million over 4 years.

$500,000 divided by 250 employees could be $2,000 per employee. If they have all told their boss they would rather have the new cars, then that's on them. The County (ie "We the People) only has so much money.

BTW - We've played this game before; http://www.blounttalk.com/b2evolution/blogs/index.php/2008/09/22/marketers-skirting-donotcall-regs?blog=2

If there is anything with KPA attached to it on this blog that you feel is not accurate - list it. Otherwise, you seem to have no purpose other than to try and goad me into another one of these stupid exchanges. Sure hope you come up with something inaccurate - I'd hate to think these enlightening back and forths would end up merely with your assessment of me. Nothing I can do will reduce your taxes, except for what you said, vote.

E Z Money, if you don't like KPA or his blog, you can a.) start your own, and/or b.) leave.

I happen to think "to attack the GOB of Blount County" is a darn good reason to host a blog. And we'd all gain personally if we could get some fiscally conservative officials up in the courthouse.

TROLL:
1a. Noun
One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument.

You and your disciples (Andy) are just too smart for me. I cannot compete with your knowledge, insight, and wisdom. I will just return to hibernation and try not to present any views that are in opposition to the "right" way of thinking. This blog is such a joke because one cannot present a view in opposition to the moderator.

If KPA doesn't agree he slams you with a multitude of citations and then gets his cronies to jump on that band wagon. I am telling you this...the voters of this county want James L. Berrong as their Sheriff and it is their opinion that counts.

ASS:

noun
1 a hoofed mammal of the horse family with a braying call, typically smaller than a horse and with longer ears. • Genus Equus, family Equidae: E. africanus of Africa, which is the ancestor of the domestic ass or donkey, and E. hemionus of Asia.
• (in general use) a donkey.
2 informal a foolish or stupid person : that ass of a young man.
PHRASES
make an ass of oneself informal behave in a way that makes one look foolish or stupid : he is stewed and about to make an ass of himself.
ORIGIN Old English assa, from a Celtic word related to Welsh asyn, Breton azen, based on Latin asinus.

ass 2 ( Brit. arse)

noun vulgar slang
a person’s buttocks or anus.
• a stupid, irritating, or contemptible person.
• women regarded as a source of sexual gratification.
• oneself (used in phrases for emphasis) : get your ass in here fast | the bureaucrat who wants everything in writing so as to cover his ass.

Just my two cents...

Good explantion of why.

EZ, it's this simple. If you "can't stand" the moderator, why do you suffer through looking over this site? What's the value in it to you?

This difference between your opinion and KPA's opinion is this: "a multitude of citations."

KPA backs up every cotton pickin' thing he says. What you do is just spew. Refuse to answer legitimate questions. Spew some more. Lather, rinse, and repeat.

"... If KPA doesn't agree he slams you with a multitude of citations and then gets his cronies to jump on that band wagon. I am telling you this ... the voters of this county want ..."

Why fyre hair on, e z money?!?!? There's nothing YOU can do that can't be done ... nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game. It's easy.

You don't banter with anyone anymore, but this thread all of the sudden makes follicles aflame--why?

Hey! Leave e z alone, he's entitled to his opinion whether it's backed by facts or simply ASSumed.

I have no facts to support any of my arguments, except the one I presented. James L. Berrong was elected by the voters of Blount County as the Sheriff! Hard for you two or three to dispute that fact or citation.

Just my two cents...