Entries by Andrew Bledsoe

Hawkins County Commission considers national environmental law center for lawsuit

ExoticRidge is suing Hawkins County saying they are not receiving equal protection under the law violating the 14th amendment and Tennessee Constitution. “The County Commission’s main priority is the health, safety an convenience of the citizens,” Commissioner Robbie Palmer said. At Monday’s meeting, Palmer said he worked closely with attorney Crystal Jesse to find someone […]

Hawkins County receives offer of pro bono legal aid in crypto lawsuit

ROGERSVILLE — The Southern Environmental Law Center offered its pro bono services to Hawkins County, which faces a lawsuit against ExoticRidge Crypto Company.Lawyers from the nonprofit spoke at Monday’s commission meeting. Local attorney Crystal Jessee, who was called to speak by Commissioner Robbie Palmer, introduced the SELC lawyers. Jessee and Palmer have criticized ExoticRidge’s plans […]

“We’re giving you a sledgehammer.” – Crystal Jessee on help in fighting ExoticRidge

Hawkins County Commissioner Robbie Palmer said it best. “They got their slugger, and now we have ours.” When the Commissioners refused a settlement offer from ExoticRidge Crypto Company back in February, not even voting on an agreement that would have let the largely unwanted cryptocurrency mining operation locate in Bulls Gap, it was obvious that […]

Crystal Jessee Of Greeneville, Two Candidates From Morristown File Petitions For Election To Unexpired Term Of Circuit Court Judge

With the qualifying deadline today at Noon for candidates wishing to fill the unexpired term of Judge William E. Phillips II , three potential candidates have submitted their petitions to be on the August 6th ballot. Crystal Jessee of Greeneville, as well as Mark Stephen Stapleton and Aaron Joseph Chapman, both of Morristown, if approved, […]

Greene County To Receive Over $333K From Opioid Lawsuit Funds

Greene County will receive $333,803 in opioid abatement trust funds from the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council, according to the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The Opioid Abatement Council is making the first payments from opioid lawsuit settlements to counties totaling more than $31.4 million, a news release Friday states. The state […]