NEWPORT-Jeffrey Dykes, general manager of Newport Utilities, is resigning and taking a new position as President and CEO of the Johnson City Power Board.

That's according to NU board member and vice-mayor of the City of Newport, Bill Costner.

Costner said on Friday, Nov. 23, that Dykes' resignation caught him and others at NU by surprise.

"Everybody liked him," Costner said of Dykes. He added, "We hate to see him go. I hadn't heard one negative comment (about Dykes) from anyone."

Costner also said, "I hate to see Mr. Dykes go."

Dykes was hired at NU's general manager in March 2011, replacing Ron Fugate. Dykes had also recently been elected chairman of the Cocke County Partnership.

Dykes submitted his letter of resignation, effective Dec. 28, to NU Board Chairman Dan Lindsey on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

For more details, please see the weekend edition of the Newport Plain Talk.