Fatality:  John K. Bishop of Decherd, died over the weekend from injuries sustained in a traffic accident near Fayetteville. Watson-North Funeral Home Chapel in in charge of arrangements.

 

Jail Population:  There were 147 prisoners lodged at the Franklin County Jail which is certified for 114. Thirty two are state prisoners, facing or convicted of state charges and Sheriff Fuller noted that at least 80% of those incarcerated are serving time for drug offenses. Many are repeat offenders who has violated their probation or community corrections.  He also noted that 5—10% are child support violators. The Sheriff noted that if it weren’t for the drug court program the population would be higher.  The county has plans to expand the jail.

 

Unemployment:  Franklin County’s unemployment rate dropped in August, but it was still in the double digits. Franklin County rate dropped three tenths of a percent from 10.4 in July to 10.1 in August. There were 2010 unemployed out of a job market of 19,850.

 

Decherd Administrator:  The City of Decherd has received close to a dozen applications thus far for the vacant position of City Administrator. According to Vice Mayor Robin Smith, the city will take applications through next Friday, then start the interviewing process. The position was vacated when the newly elected Board of Mayor and Alderman discharged Shawna Brockman.

 

Winchester Sales Tax:  The world may be struggling to pull out of a recession, but for the City of Winchester business is almost booming. City officials reported that in August, sales tax revenue was virtually $344,100 up 14.8% from August of 2010. For the fiscal year ending July 1st, Winchester sales tax amounted to over $3 million, a 5% increase over the previous year.