Fentress County will look to appoint a new sheriff in March.
The County Commission voted to set the deadline for qualifications for March 2 and the appointment date on March 23. The county has 120 days from the day the resignation letter from former Sheriff Michael Reagon was received. County Attorney Leslie Ledbetter said the dates would give the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) less time to qualify a candidate.
“Just so you know, if P.O.S.T. calls back and we don’t think we can do that, you all may have to amend that date,” Ledbetter said. “But I do think from what P.O.S.T. has told us previously, that should give plenty of time for them to qualify any appointment candidates.”
Ledbetter said the appointed sheriff would take office immediately. Ledbetter the appointed sheriff would serve the remainder of Reagon’s term.
“We are not appointing for a short period of time,” Ledbetter said. “We are appointing to fill the unexpired term of the previous sheriff.”
Fentress County Resident Anne Featherston spoke to the commission about the importance of the appointment.
“There is no way all of your decisions can please everybody, and it is a difficult place to be,” Featherston said. “The decision-making process may not be understandable to all, but we, the citizens of Fentress County, are trusting you to protect the county with the decisions you make.”
In other business, the commission approved renting an office space at the Workforce/Adult Education building.
The commission set May 8, 2026, as the delinquent sale date. Ledbetter said this is for those who are delinquent on 2023 county taxes.
The 2026 County Road List was approved.
The commission approved Linda Conatser as the 3rd district member on the county’s planning commission. Johnathan McCoy and Vickie Reagan’s terms were renewed.
The commission approved a contract with Roane State Community College to provide clinical services for the school’s new Paramedic program.