: a statement or report current without known authority for its truth

In no way is it defined as a downright lie. I guess that's why they don't let country folk like me write dictionaries. I tend to be blunt and my wife can tell you, don't ask my opinion if you don't want it.

Back when Paulette was just getting started a lady ran all over Union County putting up signs. The signs said that there was a meeting... The fact was there was no meeting. I still don't know what the thinking was behind that.

But rumors get out and sometimes they provoke the worst in us. Some people use rumors when they have no facts to support their position. Others use them to try to provoke action from a group of people. But I have made up enough rumors myself to understand not to believe them.

The rumor seems to be going around that Paulette can not open because the sewer won't be done. I first heard this rumor a couple of months ago at the Courthouse. It took me about 20 steps to get to an official to put the rumor to rest as far as I was concerned.

But the topic just keeps popping up and I would like to put it to rest here and now.

There is some truth to it!

The truth is that the sewer probably won't be finished in time. I even predicted that when it went past November and the County had not acted. But somehow this became "...won't be ready in time." to "...Paulette won't open."

The fact is the architects and Mr. Goforth had planned for this and several plans are in place to deal with the issue. I doubt the sewer will be ready when the school is, but there are three plans on the table already calculated to deal with sewage during those few days.

In cases like this the state can allow temporary sewage removal using storage tanks.

It is an inconvenience but not anything that will cause a major issue. It is not something that wasn't planned for and it will not postpone the opening of the new school.

Now in fairness another part of this rumor places the blame squarely on the table of County Court. One said that the County did not issue bids as they were supposed to.

This also is simply a rumor. I have obtained a copy of the letter sent by our Mayor soliciting bids. I have included a copy of this letter below. It shows by the date that bids were taken.

There are enough problems in the world without us adding to them. In my opinion the County and the Schools are working together to do something good and we should allow it to happen. Any time you build a multi-million dollar project there will be hiccups. This is not a sign of conspiracy or wrongdoing it is simply one of those things. I applaud both parties for 1) The County getting it done and 2) the schools having a plan in place should it not be completed on time.

This is planning that our State and Federal government could learn by.

Date: Tuesday, January 11 2011

Union County will receive separate sealed BIDS for the construction of Union County Sanitary Sewer System Improvements Serving Paulette School at the Union County Mayor's office until 11:00 a.m. local time on February 10, 2011 and, then at said time, publicly open and read the BIDS aloud.

The work to be bid on is as follows: installation of a new sanitary sewer pump station, upgrading two additional pump stations, installation of 11,200 linear feet of 4" diameter of force main and all associated appurtenances. The allotted time for construction is 240 calendar days

The Information for Bidders, Form of Bid, Form of Agreement, Drawings, Specifications, Forms of Bid Bond, Performance Bond, Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the addresses below: Robert G. Campbell & Associates, L.P.

7523 Taggart Lane Knoxville, TN 37938 Union County Mayor 901 Main Street Suite 124 Maynardville, TN 37807 Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be obtained at the office of Robert G. Campbell & Associates, L.P., located at 7523 Taggart Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938, upon a non-refundable payment of $125.00 for each set.

No bid may be withdrawn within 90 days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form, and subject to the conditions provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

All Bidders must be licensed Contractors as required by the Contractor's Licensing Act of 1994 (Latest revisions). Bidder's name, address, license number, license limit, expiration date and that part of classification which applies to the Project(s) and the name, address and licensing information for Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical Contractors must be on the sealed envelope containing the executed Bid Proposal. All required items must be listed, with any item(s) that are not applicable to the Project in accordance with the Regulations to be marked "not applicable to this project." In compliance with the act, sealed envelopes will not be opened unless all required information is properly displayed.

This contract is expected to be funded in whole or in part using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Section 1605 of the ARRA prohibits the use of these funds unless all iron, steel, and manufactured goods are produced in the United States. All iron and steel manufacturing processes must take place in the United States, except for metallurgical processes involving refinement of steel additives. There is no requirement for the origin of the components and subcomponents of manufactured goods. Products listed at 48 CFR 25.104 (a) have been determined to be unavailable in the United States and if required for the project may be purchased from foreign sources. No unauthorized use of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods will be allowed on this project.

Union County, Tennessee Michael Williams, Mayor