Claiborne County Mayor

07/08/2026

Citizens, it is with heavy heart that I announce the untimely passing of Shela McNew. Shela was the Assistant to three county mayor's spanning over two decades of service to this office. Prior to coming to the county mayor's office, Shela worked with the school system for a total time of county employment over forty years.

Shela was more than an employee, she was a friend. I jokingly referred to her as my work mother, my work sister and my work wife. I make no bones about it, Shela ran the county mayor's office and kept it and the courthouse running as a well oiled machine. Pease bare with me as I catch my breath and make the necessary adjusts to the office operations in the coming weeks.

Due to her passing the flag at the courthouse will be lowered to half-staff through Sunday, July 12th and will be returned to full-staff on the morning of Monday, July 13th. Please keep Shela's family in your prayers for comfort over the coming weeks.

07/07/2026

Citizens, I would like to pass along some information about an upcoming Charity Luncheon. This luncheon is in support of the newly formed Claiborne Christian Education Foundation.

The purpose of this luncheon is to raise funding and support for providing Bible Lessons to school age children. For those of us who remember, think back to the Bible Lady that used to come to all the county schools and teach Bible Lessons. Unfortunately, that went away and this foundation will support efforts to bring those same Bible Lessons back to our children, just not at the schools.

Please come out, if you can, to learn more about this organization, help raise funds or just volunteer your time.

I look forward to seeing you on July 14th.

07/02/2026

Citizens, due to the 4th of July holiday the convenience centers will be on the following schedule.

Landfill and convenience centers will be on normal operating hours tomorrow Friday, July 3rd. Saturday July 4th the Landfill and Convenience will be closed.

05/27/2026

Citizens, I know this is late notice due to the notice coming in late but Second Harvest is doing a good distribution this morning. Please see attached for more information

05/25/2026

Wishing each of you a Happy Memorial Day! Today is a day of remembrance to honor those who have lost their lives in service of this country. As we all go about our day today please remember those who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms. All gave some. Some gave all.

05/21/2026

Information regarding this years Memorial Day program.

♥️🤍💙 ATTENTION!!! Please share. The Memorial Day program will take place in the big court room at the Claiborne County Courthouse due to weather. This Saturday at 11 am. Please join us!♥️🤍💙
Tazewell Police Department
Claiborne County Schools
Claiborne County Mayor
Tazewell - New Tazewell Primary School
Soldiers Memorial Middle School
TNT Fire Rescue
CARS - Claiborne Auto & Rod Show
Claiborne Economic Partnership
Covenant Health of East Tennessee
Cumberland Gap Region Tourism Association
Claiborne County Public Library
Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office
Walters State Community College
TNT Lions Club

05/13/2026

It was an honor to welcome Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee to Claiborne County yesterday and introduce him to the citizens who could make it. Governor Lee and I both started our first terms after being elected in 2018, and he has always been available when needed.

Special thanks to Tammy Cheek and Robin Duncan for making the courtroom look very nice for the Governor's visit.