JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County school board and county commission are batting back and forth a decision on a controversial rock quarry that is proposed near Campbell County High School.

The school board discussed the proposed Potter’s Southeast Stone Facility, to be opened on Hunter’s Branch Road a short distance from Jacksboro Pike and the school, at their meeting on Tuesday night.

Board attorney Dail Cantrell advised the board that the Campbell County Commission has the power to challenge the proposed quarry while the Board of Education does not. Several board members voiced their concerns about possible damage to the high school from blasting at the quarry, chairman Brent Lester stating, “I’m against it at all costs.”

However, after Cantrell explained that the board really had no power to pass an ordinance or take legal action to challenge the quarry, the buck was passed back to the commission. The county commissioners, at their workshop the previous night, heard the exact opposite advice, being told by County Attorney Joe Coker, “If a suit is filed, the Board of Education should file it.”

The school has already suffered some minor structural damage, believed to be the result of blasting at the county rock quarry that is even farther away from the school than the proposed private quarry.

At the outset of the lengthy meeting, two groups were recognized. Dana Mesa introduced Lion’s Club volunteer Ford Watts, who conducted 972 vision screenings among Campbell County school children in the past year as part of the Lion’s ongoing efforts to help children with vision needs.

Former District Attorney William Paul Phillips, who now serves as General Counsel for the Elgin Children’s Foundation, introduced Dr. Timothy Rogers, Executive Director of the Foundation.

Rogers told the board that when Elgin decided to expand its Child Advocacy centers, Campbell County was one of the first new counties to get a center, and that Elgin had completed 6,245 dental screenings in county schools, among other services.

Rogers then added that his main reason for addressing the board was to thank Campbell County schools for its continuing support for the foundation’s Bible Release Program, pointing out that the program has come under attack in some areas including at the legislature.

“You have continued to support Bible Release and your State Representative (Dennis) Powers changed his “no” vote to support us,” Rogers added, urging Campbell County to continue its support. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/15/2020-6AM)