NEWPORT-The Newport Planning Commission at their monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 31 heard from Don Hurst, president of the Cocke County Partnership, who requested, and saw approved, a speedier process for property owners who want to be annexed into the city.

The planners approved a motion doing that, which is not a law, but a recommendation to the Newport City Council, which has authority to pass a speedier annexation process.

The motion was approved after a lengthy discussion by the planners with Hurst, who also separately requested, and received, an approval of a "concept" proposal for the future Exit 438 project.

For more details, see this weekend's edition of The Newport Plain Talk.