Sweetwater's city pool opened Tuesday to a big crowd, Parks and Recreation Director Greg Newman said.

During the weekly department head meeting at City Hall Wednesday, Newman said leaks in the pool had been repaired before the swimming season started and that is saving on water and chemical costs.

Code Enforcement and Planning Officer Scott Wilson said he continues to send letters out asking people to mow their yards and lots.
There are several landowners who live out of town and that can make the problem of overgrown lots worse during rainy springs.

Wilson said a farmer recently turned over two horses to Monroe County Animal Control after an investigation into malnourished animals.
The horses, a mother and colt, are receiving care at the University of Tennessee's Veterinary Hospital.

Since the man turned them over voluntarily, Wilson does not expect to file charges.
Sweetwater Police Chief Eddie Byrum said with hot weather now here, his department through its Elder Watch officer, Teddy Waters, is keeping a close watch on the older residents in town.
Byrum said Waters is volunteering most of this time and the department would accept donations of fans to give to older residents without air conditioning.

He thanked the Fire Department for their professional work at a wreck scene on Billy R. Ridenour Highway (Highway 322) Tuesday.

He said one driver, 16-year-old Justin Settles, had suffered a broken back and ankle but the Fire Department and police officers on the scene kept him from moving and making his injuries worse.
City Recorder Jessica Morgan and the department heads discussed the rules and regulations for using young workers, age 16-24, during the summer months through a federal work program for youth.
The city will employ about four or five workers for the next week and the city school system will employ workers as well.

tommy.millsaps@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101