Evatt-Henry Clash Has Family Ties, History Of Prior Lawsuit

  • Thursday, September 5, 2013

A race between Larry Henry and Mike Evatt for Circuit Court clerk pits two local political heavyweights - and family - against one another.

Both County Commission Chairman Henry and School Board Chairman Evatt say the family situation and a past family lawsuit are not factors in both deciding to run for the same county office.

They are kin in that Mr. Henry's half-sister, Bobbie, is the step-mother of Mr. Evatt. In other words, Mr. Henry is the step-uncle of Mr. Evatt.

And at one time, Mr. Henry filed a lawsuit in Chancery Court against Bobbie, who was married to Mike Evatt's father, the late Sheriff H.Q. Evatt. It was also filed against his (Larry Henry's) older brother. Mr. Henry said the lawsuit was quickly settled in his favor, assuring that his children continue to benefit from a family trust.

Mr. Evatt said the lawsuit and any prior family disputes were never a factor in his deciding to make the race.

He said, "As soon as Paula Thompson said she was not going to run again, I began getting encouragement to run. It was later when I heard that Larry was interested."

He stated, "I decided to run because I want to continue to serve in a different capacity. I have handled multi-million-dollar budgets, and I know how to talk to people and work with people."

Mr. Evatt said of the lawsuit, "I was not involved in any of that at all. It was between him and his sister and brother."

He said during recent years that he had some dealings with Mr. Henry through their current top local government roles.

Mr. Henry said his relationship with Mike Evatt "is cordial." He said he also believes that "we have buried the hatchet over the lawsuit and there are no grudges."

He said his half-sister, Bobbie, now lives in Hixson and they have "little or no contact," but he said he does not believe there are any ill feelings between them.

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/28/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ADERHOLT, FELICIA DAWN 1110 ST CLAIR ST DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous ... more

Signal Mountain Must Determine How To Use Remainder Of ARPA Funds
  • 3/27/2024

The town of Signal Mountain has $358,637 remaining from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it received and there must be a plan in place by the end of the year for how the money will be ... more

2 Men Charged In Dalton For January Drive-By Shooting
  • 3/27/2024

The Dalton Police Department has charged two men for their roles in a Jan. 28th drive-by shooting near downtown Dalton. Joshua Lee Edwards, 36, of Dalton was charged with two counts of aggravated ... more