FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011 Governor d elivers 600 000 grant for Rails Trails program (Cook eville Herald-Citize Surrounded by local leaders, bicycle enthusiasts -- and one very loud locomotive -- Tennessee Gov. Bill Hasl made a stop in Cookeville yesterday to dole out a $600,000 grant that will help in the construction of the lo awaited Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail. Standi ng under shade at the Cookeville Depot downtown, Hasl presented the check amid smiles and applause. It's the first time he's awarded funds since he took office months ago this Friday, he said. The m oneys are part of a Tennessee D epartment of Transportat ion enhancem grant. "We all agree Tennessee's a wonderful place to live. But there's cert ainly things we think can m ake it ev better," Haslam said, briefly interrupted at one point in his presentation by a passing train, horn blazing. http://www.herald-citizen.com/view/full_story/14701380/article-Governor-delivers--600-000-grant-for-Rail s-Trails- program?instance=main_arti cle Downtown rehab on the move (Tullahoma News) Gifts, no matter what shape or size they come in are usually most welcome, and in Tullahoma’s case, a very ni present from the State of Tennessee was presented personally to the city Thursday from G ov. Bill Haslam. Hasl made a special trip to Tullahoma to deliver a $256,360 symbolic check to go toward a revitalization effort Tullahoma’s downtown area. About 125 were on hand to hear the governor’s present ation. The money is part o two-phase downtown rehabilitati on project totali ng $685,140 that includes a $364,690 phase one on West Linc Street — between North Jackson Street and Atlantic Street — and a $320,450 phase two — continuing the eff around the corner on Atlantic Street to Grundy Street. The money related to Thursday’s symbolic $256,360 ch will go toward phase two. T he city’ s phase two share will be about $92,000, including $64,090 as part of the 80 percent match with the state paying the greater share, and another $28,000 in engineering, design and right of w costs. http:/ /www.tullahomanews.com/news/view_secti ons.asp?idcat egory=49&idarti cl e=10515 Schools grade higher in TCAP (Times-Gazette) Bedfor d County Schools' system-wi de scores in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program t released last week, showed improvement in reading, math and science, but a very slight decline in social studi Students in grades 3-8 take the TCAP test each spring…. "Tennessee educators deserve immense credit for th hard work this year in helping our students achieve marked improvements and success," said Haslam in a ne release last week. "We want to m ake Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs, and cornerstone of that effort is a great education system. I'm very encouraged by these latest results, and we're committed to continuing to w ork together to improve the classroom experience for every student across the stat According to the state news release, Tennessee students "scored higher in all subject areas and grade levels grades three through eight on this year' s TCAP achievement tests by comparison to 2009-2010 results. http:/ /www.t-g.com/stor y/1744284.htm l Volkswagen Celebrates Third Anniversary in Chattanooga (WTVC-TV Chattanoog On Fri day Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations will mark the third anniversary of announcement to build an automobile manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. It was July 15, 2008 wh Volkswagen executives and elected officials stood on a scenic bluff overl ooking the Tennessee River to annou the selection of Chattanooga as the home of a new $1 billion factory that would build a new midsize sedan b especially to accommodate American tastes. Thr ee years later, the factory is open and a new age manufacturing is underway in Chattanooga… Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam - "Volkswagen is helping Tennessee establish its reputation as a great place for world-class manufacturing. This is a perfect example of every working together to make this project a reality, and that sells well as we go out and continue our efforts to m Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. "
Governor delivers 600 000 grant for Rails Trails program (Cookeville Herald-CSurrounded by local leaders, bicycle enthusiasts -- and one very loud locomotive -- Tennessee Gov. Bmade a stop in Cookeville yesterday to dole out a $600,000 grant that will help in the construction oawaited Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail. Standing under shade at the Cookeville Depot downtowpresented the check amid smiles and applause. It's the first time he's awarded funds since he tookmonths ago this Friday, he said. The moneys are part of a Tennessee D epartment of Transportation enhgrant. "We all agree Tennessee's a wonderful place to live. But there's certainly things we think can m abetter," Haslam said, briefly interrupted at one point in his presentation by a passing train, horn blazing.http://www.herald-citizen.com/view/full_story/14701380/article-Governor-delivers--600-000-grant-for-Railprogram?instance=main_article
Downtown rehab on the move (Tullahoma News)Gifts, no matter what shape or size they come in are usually most welcome, and in Tullahoma’s case, apresent from the State of Tennessee was presented personally to the city Thursday from Gov. Bill Haslamade a special trip to Tullahoma to deliver a $256,360 symbolic check to go toward a revitalizatioTullahoma’s downtown area. About 125 were on hand to hear the governor’s presentation. The money two-phase downtown rehabilitation project totaling $685,140 that includes a $364,690 phase one on WeStreet — between North Jackson Street and Atlantic Street — and a $320,450 phase two — continuingaround the corner on Atlantic Street to Grundy Street. The money related to Thursday’s symbolic $256will go toward phase two. The city’s phase two share will be about $92,000, including $64,090 as part ofpercent match with the state paying the greater share, and another $28,000 in engineering, design and rcosts. http://www.tullahomanews.com/news/view_sections.asp?idcategory=49&idarticle=10515
Schools grade higher in TCAP (Times-Gazette)Bedford County Schools' system-wide scores in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Proreleased last week, showed improvement in reading, math and science, but a very slight decline in socStudents in grades 3-8 take the TCAP test each spring…. "Tennessee educators deserve immense credhard work this year in helping our students achieve marked improvements and success," said Haslamrelease last week. "We want to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobcornerstone of that effort is a great education system. I'm very encouraged by these latest results, ancommitted to continuing to work together to improve the classroom experience for every student acrossAccording to the state news release, Tennessee students "scored higher in all subject areas and gradgrades three through eight on this year's TCAP achievement tests by comparison to 2009-2010 results.http://www.t-g.com/story/1744284.html
Volkswagen Celebrates Third Anniversary in Chattanooga (WTVC-TV ChattanOn Friday Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations will mark the third anniversannouncement to build an automobile manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. It was July 15, 2Volkswagen executives and elected officials stood on a scenic bluff overlooking the Tennessee River tothe selection of Chattanooga as the home of a new $1 billion factory that would build a new midsize sespecially to accommodate American tastes. Three years later, the factory is open and a nemanufacturing is underway in Chattanooga… TennesseeGov. Bill Haslam- "Volkswagen is helping Tennessestablish its reputation as a great place for world-class manufacturing. This is a perfect example ofworking together to make this project a reality, and that sells well as we go out and continue our effortTennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs."
Haslam Expects Federal Belt-Tightening to Squeeze Tennessee (TN Report)Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday that state and local governments should be prepared for less money coWashington as Republicans and Democrats feud over federal debt issues. He reasoned that Tennesseehit regardless of how the matter is resolved. In a speech to the Rotary Club in Fayetteville, Haslam adoor open for possible expansion of pre-kindergarten classes in Tennessee, although not soon. He
reasons for his regional jobs approach in the state and said while he thinks the economy is improving long way until we get out of the woods” financially. After making brief remarks, Haslam took questionaudience and was asked what impact the budget battle in Washington could have on the state. “I do thinworked out, but there will be less money com ing out of Washington than there used to be,” Haslam said.http://www.tnreport.com/2011/07/haslam-expects-federal-belt-tightening-to-squeeze-te nnessee/
Haslam staying away from Tennessee AD search (Oak Ridger)Gov. Bill Haslam was more than happy to talk about sports, even if it was for just a few moments in bepolitical questions he was asked on Wednesday. "I can talk all day about sports," the former mayor osaid. The governor spent a brief time talking about sports from the high school to the professional levethe Titans, Vols and sports agents during a visit at The Oak Ridger. "Sports in general have become sufactor," he said. "It's become part of the entertainment world that we live in." As governor, Haslam i
chairman of the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees but said he is leaving the Volunteers athlesearch to the university's five-member committee and Atlanta's Parker Executive Search firm.http://www.oakridger.com/college/x1212192484/Haslam-staying-away-from-Tennessee-AD-search
Haslam refusing some state workers raises (Associated Press)Gov. Bill Haslam has refused to grant pay raises to hundreds of state workers who have been disciplipast year, and he said anything short of good performance doesn't deserve higher pay. The 1.6 percentfor about 42,000 executive branch workers took effect July 1. Haslam told The Associated Press after aribbon cutting at Tims Ford State Park near Winchester that he is "confident the majority of legislators wthat raises should be for good performance." He said he was told about 100 employees were affeChattanooga Times Free Press reports the governor and top officials excluded employees who hdemoted, suspended or received more than one written warning in the past year." Tennessee State EAssociation leaders describe the action as "mean-spirited" and said legal action is a possibility.http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36965751.story
No Raises for ‘Disciplined’ State Employees (TN Report)Gov. Bill Haslam shrugged off complaints by the state employees union over his administration’s dwithhold pay raises from workers who got themselves in trouble on the job during the last year. The straises to an estimated 2 percent of executive branch state employees — or as many as 850 people — after high-ranking commissioners agreed that workers who had been written up at least twice, dsuspended should not get a 1.6 percent raise written in this year’s state budget, according to the TDepartment of Human Resources. “Raises are for those employees who performed their jobs well,” HTNReport after a fundraiser for Republican Rep. Ryan W illiams in Cookeville Wednesday evening. “If anhas been disciplined or had two written reprimands, I’m not certain that qualifies them (as) the type of folkvery limited economy we want to give raises to.”
Ramsey defends Haslam's raise denial to some state workers (City Paper/WoSenate Speaker Ron Ramsey is defending the Haslam administration’s decision to deny pay raiseemployees who have been disciplined by their bosses in the past year. “I do agree with the governor on Ramsey told reporters Thursday. “You reward people w ith a raise and if you haven’t been doing a satisfthere ought to be a penalty for that. The only m easure in state government [for pay] is longevity, and so tto be some other measures in there. So doing your job without reprimand can be part of that.”OnHaslam’s recommendation, the legislature gave state employees 1.6 percent pay raises this yeaadministration decided to deny the raises to 850 workers — 2 percent of the executive branch workforhad been reprimanded at least twice, demoted or suspended within the past year. The Tennes
Employees Association protested in a letter to Haslam on July 5.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/ramsey-defends-haslams-raise-denial-some-stat e-worker
Education Department debuts “ReadTennessee” website (Business ClarksviThe Tennessee Department of Education announced today the launch of ReadTennessee.org, a websihelp teachers, parents, and community members understand new curriculum standards and expectations for learning. The online toolkits provide information on promoting early grades reaccelerating student achievement for young students across the state. “Research has shown that if child
read on grade level by third grade, they may never catch up with their peers,” Tenn. First Lady Crissy Ha“ReadTennessee.org’s tool kits offer resources to parents, teachers and community members to help uearly childhood literacy making our children competitive for college and prepared for a high quality wRead Tennessee provides an easy to navigate resource for teachers, families and community m embers the classroom and at home . Each section com piles information, activities, and tools to help inspire younto engage and develop early grades reading and learning skills.http://businessclarksville.com/2011/07/14/education-department-debuts-readtennessee-webs ite-28682/
THP finishes 2nd in national competition (Associated Press)The Tennessee Highway Patrol has finished second in the 2011 National Law Enforcement Challenbased on traffic safety enforcement, officer training, public information and crash reduction. The THP finin 2009 and 2010, and first in 2006. This year it competed in the state police/highway patrol category fo
with 501 to 1,000 officers. The competition was sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Phttp://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36968775.story
Port authority working to keep Cates Landing project on schedule (State GazThe Northwest Tennessee Regional Port Authority held its monthly meeting on Wednesday at the DyersCounty Chamber of Commerce. The timing on the Cates Landing Project continues to be very tight anthe project moving on schedule has had its challenges. John Lannom, attorney for the port authority, bboard on the legal issues that can potentially affect the timeline of the project. Lannom reported durboard meeting that the state's $7 million portion was to flow through the Depa rtment of Economic and CDevelopment (ECD). However, after the agreement was drafted by ECD the state has elected to funnel through the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). According to Lannom, the contract has beTDOT for review and it will then require the approval of the state's Building Commission.http://www.stategazette.com/story/1744265.html
State electronic library now has World Book (Associated Press)The Tennessee Electronic Library is now offering material from World Book encyclopedia. Tennesaccess all the reference products available from World Book, including a Spanish language edition, thTEL website. According to a news release from the Tennessee secretary of state, the online proexpanded version of World Book's print encyclopedias. Without the space constraints of the printed paBook has added pictures, sound clips and updated information online. It includes narrated stories, educational games and printable activities. The site is tntel.tnsos.org.http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36973995.story
Affordable loan program helps owners keep homes (Times-Gazette)
Bedford is one of the 29 counties in Tennessee that's been hardest hit by the recession, but fortunately,loans are available to those who are struggling to pay their mortgage. According to data compiled by Rone in every 1,358 housing units in Bedford County received a foreclosure filing in May 2011, w ith the noof the county particularly hardest hit. A total of 150 homes are in foreclosure, with an average forecloprice of $69,755… Bedford is one of the 29 counties in Tennessee that's been hardest hit by the recefortunately, forgivable loans are available to those who are struggling to pay their mortgage. Accordicompiled by RealtyTrac, one in every 1,358 housing units in Bedford County received a foreclosure fili2011, with the northern part of the county particularly hardest hit. A total of 150 homes are in foreclosuaverage foreclosure sales price of $69,755.http://www.t-g.com/story/1744285.html
Program gives laptops (Jackson Sun)Sixteen young adults from West Tennessee were presented with brand-new laptop computers
accomplishments Thursday night at a ceremony at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church inComputers 4 K ids: Connected Tennessee is a program that has partnered with the state Department ofServices — Independent Living Office to provide computers to children and teens in foster care and in 76 Boys and Girls Clubs. The nonprofit organization was awarded $2.3 million by the American RecReinvestment Act in August 2010. M elinda Hayes, program coordinator of DCS's Office of Independent Lthe youth were chosen based on academic merit or other significant accomplishments that they had athe past year. Madison County Mayor Jimm y Harris spoke to the recipients before the computers were dConnected Tennessee's operations manager Deanna Ward presented the computers to students.Connected Tennessee has been in existence for four years.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110715/NEWS01/107150313/Program-gives-laptops
McCormick creates state gun laws task force (Chattanooga Times Free-PressHouse Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, on Wednesday announced creation ofmember Republican Caucus Firearms Issues Task Force to study state gun laws and “identify if any chaneed to be made.” In a news release, McCormick said the task force “will study ways we can protect thAmendment rights of Tennesseans and will make recommendations to our majority about good public pocan support.” He said it amounts to a “worthwhile effort to streamline the process and build consensusGeneral Assembly.” The panel is packed with advocates of expanding Tennessee handgun permit holdto go a rmed in public places. Creation of the group comes after majority Republicans drew considerable usual ally, the Tennessee Firearms Association, for not passing several bills expanding handgun perm
privileges. That included a bill that would have forced private businesses to let employees store their wlocked vehicles parked on the company’s property.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/mccormick-creates-state-gun-laws-task-fo rce/?local
5 apply for interim Senate post (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Donilia)Commission to pick temporary successor Five candidates applied for the four-month appointmenWoodson's state Senate seat - the wife of a former state senator, the chairman of the South Knoxville RClub, the executive director of the Mercy Health and Fitness Center, a longtime legal assistant andBrentwood, Tenn., city commissioner. The deadline to apply was Thursday. Knox County Comminterview candidates Monday afternoon in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building and mselection during its July 25 regular meeting. "We're looking for someone to be a caretaker, and they'll the election," commission Chairman Mike Hammond said. "We don't anticipate for them to do a lot - jus
seat in case of an emergency." Woodson, speaker pro tempore, announced in mid-April that she would from her 6th District state Senate seat to become president and CEO of State Collaborative on Education, or SCORE. She effectively resigned July 9.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/5-apply-for-interim -post/
County Clerk Arriola put campaign treasurer on payroll (Tennessean/Haas)Davidson County Clerk John Arriola put his campaign treasurer on the clerk’s payroll with little to no woto show for receiving $60,000 since 2006, according to a report by WTVF-Channel 5. Arriola in a statethat he has employed his campaign treasurer, Leighton Bush, since 2006 on a part-time basis as a depucharge of outreach. He said that Bush attends meetings, works with businesses that work with the officewith automobile auctions. The news report questioned how Bush could perform any duties for the clewhile working at two businesses he owns, an insurance company and a car dealership. Arriola acknowl
Bush never filled out timecards for the 20 hours a week that he w orks, and that there are no records ofhis employee badge to enter the clerk’s office because he uses a ma in entrance. But he maintained thaperformed work for his office.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS0202/307150059/CountyArriola-put-campaign-treasurer-payroll?odyssey=tab|topnews|tex t|News
Wharton wants to use grant to fight gun violence, help local economy (CA/MMayor A C Wharton says he'll use the $4.8 million that he's getting from the private foundation of New YMichael Bloomberg to help reduce handgun violence in Memphis and spur economic development in theThe money will pay for "innovation teams" to focus on reviving blighted or abandoned properties in theand to approach the problem of handgun violence as a public health crisis, Wharton said. Memphis is cities splitting a $24 million grant as part of the Mayors Project, a government innovation program of BPhilanthropies. "Mayors are uniquely positioned to tackle some of our most pressing challenges -- fro
jobs to fighting climate change to keeping quality of life high," Bloomberg said. The $4.8 million grant reqpercent local match, which would bring the total to $7.2 million. Kerry Hayes, special assistant to the ma"precise breakdown of public/private sources" for the $2.4 million match hasn't been determined.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jul/14/foundation-grants-memphis-48-million/
Corker Slams Party Leadership on Senate Floor (WPLN-Radio Nashville)As the debt and deficit talks break down in W ashington, Tennessee Republican Bob Corker is calling ocalls “childish behavior.” Senator Co rker says both Republicans and Dem ocrats “only want it their way.”
debate tough issues. We hide. We all hide. And we let our leadership concoct ways to keep us from tough things that we need to do.” Corker’s comments were made today on the floor of the U.S. Sconcluded by saying the failure to pass a budget is putting the country further down the road toward declhttp://wpln.org/?p=287 98
Corker Slams Impasse on Debt Ceiling (Memphis Flyer)U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) has fairly consistently demonstrated during his five years in Washingtthat he is not bashful about taking the lead in controversial matters — be they foreign or domestic. An ethe former is his aggressive insistence, early on, that the United States distance itself from involvePakistan and begin to disengage from Afghanistan. An example of the latter is his sponsorshi9p of the impose a statutory annual limit on federal spending. And, while he is generally content to w ork within theRepublican Party guidelines, Corker had evinced a willingness to break with his party’s leadership
strongly about an issue. Such an issue, evidently, is the current game of chicken going on in Congressthe pending vote over increased the nation’s debt ceiling.http://www.memphisflyer.com/JacksonBaker/archives/2011/07/14/corker-slams-impasse-on-debt-ceiling-colleagues-are-two-bit-pawns-in-election-scen arios
Roe sees no break in debt ceiling stalemate (Times-News)U.S. Rep. Phil Roe didn’t see a way out of a debt ceiling talks stalemate between President Barack OHouse GOP leaders on Thursday. “It looked like both sides were painted in a corner. There’s no way walking through the paint,” Roe, R-Tenn., said of the talks in a conference call with reporters. Bothpushed up against an Aug. 2 deadline set by the U.S. Treasury to raise the federal government’s $14.3 tceiling or default on its legal obligations. “If Congress fails to increase the debt limit, the government woustop, limit or delay payments on a broad range of legal obligations, including Social Security andbenefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds, and many other commitments,” sTreasury fact sheet. “Defaulting on those legal obligations would cause severe hardship for Am ericaAdditionally, it would call into question the full faith and credit of the United States government — a pglobal financial system.”http://www.timesnews.net/article/9033884/roe-sees-no-break-in-debt-ceiling-st alem
Local musician performs for senators, Tennesseans (Daily News Journal)U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Tennessee visitors to Washington were treated toperformance by Susanna Johnson of Murfreesboro and Kameron Myers of Franklin at the legislato"Tennessee Tuesday" breakfast. Johnson performed on viola while Myers played violin. Both musparticipating in this year's National Symphony Orchestra National Trustees' Summer Music Institute 20the United States Senate could operate with even a sm all bit of the harmony you two shared with us thisAlexander told the musicians. "I applaud Susanna and Kameron for their talent and commitment to muhas been a great source of joy in my life since my mother took me to m y first piano lesson as a child. "
this morning that when I was a law clerk in New Orleans back in the '60s, I'd go down to a place cFather's Mustache on Bourbon Street and play whatever instrument they needed that night — trombonwashboard," Alexander said.http://www.dnj.com/article/20110715/NEWS01/107150305/Local-musician-performs-senators-Tennessea
Bill in the works to keep hatcheries open (Johnson City Press)Language contained within a bill awaiting consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives would,allow the Erwin National Fish Hatchery and other mitigation hatcheries across the country to continue for at least another year. The E rwin hatchery and eight other m itigation hatcheries across the country wclosure in the upcoming federal fiscal year due to funding cuts. The U .S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s proposfor the 2012 fiscal year called for an approximate decrease of $6.3 million in the base funding of na
hatchery operations despite a proposed increase of nearly $48 million in funding over the 2010 fiscaldepartment’s proposed budget stated that unless reimbursement was received from several agencies fofish mitigation related to federal water infrastructure projects, the proposed funding cut could lead toProgram activities being “eliminated or substantially reduced” at mitigation hatchery facilities.http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=92443#ixzz1SAaWJDv0
Thousands of jobs in jeopardy without more federal roads funds (TFP/Laslo)Recently released jobs numbers show thousands of workers in Tennessee and Georgia may have to ha
tool belts unless Congress can find more money for road construction. If the House-passed budget weinto law, more than 24,000 construction workers in Tennessee and Georgia would lose their jobs, accSenate Environment and Public Works Committee. Members of the GOP are especially torn on thtransportation funding. On the one hand, they were swept into the majority in the House after runnipromise to cut spending drastically. On the other hand, many Republicans are vocal supporters infrastructure spending. “I think it’s a matter of determining where our priorities are,” said Rep. Chuck FleR-Tenn., who sits on the Transportation Committee. “We do desperately need to address the nation’s bridges. It’s something that I think we can all agree on.”http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/thousands-jobs-jeopardy-without-more-federal-ro ads/?l
State jobs: the long-term view (Stateline)Last week’s news that the national unemployment rate had ticked up to 9.2 percent came with soberin
state government employment. States had shed 7,000 jobs in a month, bringing overall state employlowest level since 2006. While it remains unclear how much further state employment will decline, historthat these downward spells are temporary. During the three recessions prior to the one that began at 2007, the number of state employees flattened out or declined slightly in the trough of the recession peribegin rising again shortly afterward. Signs from the recent Great Recession point to a more significant dit remains to be seen whether there will be an upward bounce once the economy begins a more robust rehttp://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=58 7724
TVA's Bull Run expansion plan leaves Claxton residents uneasy (N-S/FowlerGeorgia Smith doesn't mince words when it comes to TVA's plan to buy property - including her longtimfor an expanded storage area for coal ash and gypsum. "We think it's terrible," she said, seated nhusband of 57 years. Durrell Smith, 83, was even more plainspoken about the proposal that's vexing tand many nearby residents: "I think it's a bunch of crap," he said. "At our age, it would be a terrible thingmove," 76-year-old Georgia Smith said. Since 1977, the Smiths have lived on 5 acres off Old Edgem oorTVA's Bull Run Fossil Plant in Anderson County's Claxton community. The steam plant's smokestacks afoot-high, grass-covered ash storage mound that TVA wants to someday expand onto the Smiths' landneighbors' properties are clearly visible from the Smiths' backyard. Next door, also off Old Edgemoor Layear-old Methodist church and cemetery that TVA also covets. Also in that area: Anderson County's oldbuilding - a cabin built around 1799 by Revolutionary War veteran David Hall.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/tva-footprint-looms-over-community/
Tennessee negotiating with Horsehead (Beaver County News)While state legislators in Nashville have authorized an $8 million incentive for Horsehead Corp. to buzinc plant in Tennessee, Potter Township remains a candidate for the firm's proposed facility. The new eventually replace the existing facility in Potter Township, which employs 600 people. "There rema
contenders, including (Potter Township)," said Ali Alavi, Horsehead vice president. State Sen. Elder Vo47, New Sewickley Township, said Pennsylvania officials at the state, county and local levels are alsoincentives for Horsehead. "We're still working at it," Vogel said. "They're weighing offers. That's the wayis played. But as far as I know, we're still in the game." Vogel said Horsehead's new deal with electricitFirstEnergy could help keep the zinc operation in Pennsylvania. He said the new plant will use more electhe present plant… In June, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam s igned a bill that included an $8 m illion allocatHorsehead Corp. project." The money can be invested in equipment, building construction and site prepinfrastructure improvements, including sewer, water or utilities.http://www.timesonline.com/news/tennessee-negotiating-with-horsehead/article_a891810a-90f4-5e1a-91688597f0e1e1.html
Work on m amm oth Music City Center is 40 percent complete (Tenn./MarstellLike a slow crescendo, the Music City Center is gradually taking shape. The $585 m illion conventionabout 40 percent complete, with workers continuing to assemble the 1.2 million-square-foot structure’sconcrete skeleton. Concrete work on the five lower levels is almost done, and steel work on the upshould wrap up in December, said J. Holly McCall of the Nashville Convention Center Authority. Oncefacility south of Broadway will feature a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 90,000 square feet of m eeting two ballrooms totaling 75,000 square feet. It will have a distinctive green roof, with grass and rolling hi
said the facility remains on track for its scheduled opening in early 2013, largely because of cooperativ“The only thing that’s slowed us down somewhat has been thunderstorms,” she said. This week’s heat whurt the project’s pace. None of the roughly 650 workers reported any heat-related problems to on-siMcCall said. But some took time out to see if it was really hot enough to fry an egg.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/BUSINESS01/307150034/Work-mammoth-Music-City-Cenpercent-complete?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s
Goodyear plant to join World Color on selling block (State Gazette)After the recent shutdown of Union City's Goodyear facility and last year's closure of World Color in Dsome m ight be wondering what comes next for the properties these manufacturers are leaving behind. GUnion City Com munications Manager Clint Smith said his company's intention is to sell the 2.2 million-sbuilding, which totals about 52 acres and sits on a 600-acre site. "Once we complete the steps re
shutdown and decommissioning, the company plans to sell the building," said Smith. Obion County CCommerce Office and Communications Manager Robbie Green said because Goodyear Tire anCompany owns both the building and the property, officials with the Obion County Joint Economic DeCouncil are limited to directing interested parties to the company itself.http://www.stategazette.com/story/1744264.html
Grants to fund school health clinics (Tennessean/Wilemon)Federal grants totaling $1.3 million will help create new school-based health centers in Davidson acounties. United Neighborhood Health Services will use $500,000 to establish health clinics at Hunters School, McGavock High School, Haynes Middle School and Rose Park Middle School. “School-baclinics have demonstrated that they help students perform better, improve attendance and avoid serioand trips to the emergency room,” said Mary Bufwack, chief executive officer of United NeighborhoServices. Nashville-based Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center got a $299,500 grant to mobile clinic that was lost in the May 2010 flood. The Medicine and Education Group received $500school-based clinic operation in Lebanon.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS01/307150061/Grants-fund-school-health-clinics?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s
Sumner schools m ay alter policies after accusations of rel. practices (TN/EasThe Sumner County Board of Education will change some of its policies in response to a lawsuit fiAmerican Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee accusing the district of promoting Christianity. The lawsuit, in U.S. District Court on behalf of nine anonymous students from four families, alleges the distwidespread, unconstitutional pattern and practice of religious activities in schools. The board on July 11changes to three policies directly dealing with allegations that the district allowed Bibles to be distributeLake and Madison Creek Elementary schools; a youth minister from Long Hollow Baptist Church was
proselytize to students at T.W. Hunter Middle School during lunch; and that teachers at T.W. Hunter Mleading students in prayer during club meetings. Schools will now either limit or eliminate student interindividuals distributing materials, such as Bibles, in order “to avoid coercion, proselytizing or the appeendorsement,” the policy states.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS04/307140088/Sumner-schools-may-alter-policies-aaccusations-religious-practices?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|N ews|s
Rutherford school officials to discuss booster club audit (Gannett)Riverdale High School Principal Tom Nolan took steps to improve record keeping in the Quarterback Cstate audit, a school system spokesman said. But a state comptroller’s report released Wednesday notsituations in which Nolan failed to m onitor or maintain control over the club’s finances and reporting fro2008 through June 2009. Nolan was notif ied of the inquiry and knew there were problems wi
documentation, schools spokesman James Evans said Thursday. “He had put in some fixes to deaproblem,” Evans said. “Tom was aware they were having trouble getting some of the documentationhelping (the comptroller) get it.” The Tennessee Comptroller’s Division of Municipal Audit, acting on complaint, audited the booster club’s financial records over an 18-month period and found numerous viocollecting and spending fundraising profits. The club raised at least $113,000 in that time.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS04/307150075/Rutherford-school-officials-discuss-bclub-audit?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s
School board may seek more PILOT money (Times Free-Press/Garrett)If the Hamilton County school board approves a balanced budget next Thursday — which would mean amillion in cuts — Chairman Mike Evatt wants the County Commission to kick in some more money. Hplans to ask commissioners — who control the school system’s money — to release special education to the county. The paym ent-in-lieu-of-taxes funds, known as PILOTs, already am ount to between $3 millmillion and could keep schools from overcrowding and understaffing, he said, which is likely if thpopulation jumps more than the 500 students expected next year. “We are to the point where I feel likeasked to cut at this level, we will need additional revenue,” newly hired Superintendent Rick Smith toldThursday night at a work session to discuss the budget. “We are growing. It makes me nervous .... The will be if a 1,000 [more] kids show up.” PILOT agreements are tax breaks used to lure companiesVolkswagen. Under the agreements, businesses don’t have to pay full property taxes for a certain numbebut they must pay the share of property tax that is slated for schools.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/school-board-may-seek-more-pilot-money/?local
Memphis City Schools caught in seniority quandary (Commercial Appeal/RoSystem losing teacher recruits as experience rules in layoffs Memphis C ity Schools is balancing on thspending millions of dollars a year to recruit and keep talent while also complying with teacher uniorules. In a tough economy -- the city schools have laid off 150 teachers in the past month -- those objectifaster than students on the way to lunch. This year, the city schools office of Strategic Teacher RecruiStaffing spent $2.5 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recruiting 1,800 experienced tefewer than 200 openings in the upcoming school year. On Tuesday, MCS laid off 46 teachers it recruitedincluding four with Teach for America, and Bob Brown, a history teacher with 27 years' experience. He mfrom Johnson City, Tenn., on a few days' notice last year when the city schools offered him a job after L"All I wanted to do w as come to Memphis and teach," said Brown, who w anted to teach civil rights historwhere much of it was forged.
Minnesota: Deal Set to End Minnesota Impasse (Wall Street Journal)Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican lawmakers reached a tentative deal Thursday to end government shutdown after two weeks. The agreement largely mirrors a budget plan Republicans prop30, using deferred payments to schools and the sale of bonds tied to a state tobacco settlement to heprojected $5 billion shortfall over two years. Mr. Dayton gave up his push to raise income taxes onearning more than $1 m illion a year, and Republicans agreed to drop their plan to cut the state work forand conservative policy goals on education and other issues that they raised during talks. The extrgenerated in the deal presumably would allow the state to come close to funding Mr. Dayton's preferredproposal, which would cost $35.6 billion over the next two fiscal years. That plan would avoid the steepeto health care and other services Republicans had proposed. "This is an agreement that is difficult for b
Republican Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said during a news conference. Both sides said they efinalize the budget, call the legislature into a special session and end the shutdown within a few days.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303406104576445954183560810.html?mod=ITP_pageo(SUBSCRIPTION)
Editorial: High expectations lead to higher TCAP scores (Knoxville News-SenTennessee Gov. Bill Haslam rightly congratulated the state's public school teachers last week for the lomade in student achievement as measured by state test scores. Teachers, who have borne the brunt offor Tennessee's low performance compared to other states, should feel vindicated. They have done an job amid the distractions of tenure reform and the end of collective bargaining with their schoo"Tennessee educators deserve immense credit for their hard work this year in helping our studenmarked improvements and success," Haslam said in a statement touting the achievement. But the reacourse, should go to the third- through eighth-grade students who took the tests and met the new
standards confronting them. Statewide, reading scores in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessmenimproved by 3.7 percent, math by 7 percent, science by 3.5 percent and social studies by 1.4 peadvancements were made despite warnings that many would fail to measure up to the more stringent imposed by the state. Those standards were set so more students w ould be ready for college or theupon graduation.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/14/high-expectations-lead-to-higher-tcap -scores/
Greg Johnson: Reforms unions opposed have made education better (N-S)From deep in their perhaps permanent political exile, Tennessee Dem ocrats scored a Pyrrhic poliAnnihilated/obliterated/decimated (pick one or all) by the Republican rout last November, which gavecomplete control of Tennessee government, the party of Barack Obam a, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid anwas able to label the pachyderms "teacher haters." The approval rating for the Legislature dro
honeymoon highs o f two-thirds feeling favorable toward lawmakers in January to less than half approvinaccording a Vanderbilt University poll. The probably "progressive" pollsters and the definitely "progresshung the hard fall on the GOP's ultimately successful effort to break the stranglehold the Tennessee Association held on teacher representation. "Republicans have passed legislation aimed squarely at tethe detriment of our public school system," wrote House Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, inFacebook post. Pointed - if entirely predictable - criticism from a "progressive" legislative leader. Anobjectively wrong.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/reforms-unions-opposed-have-made-educa
Bill Ketron: It should be a felony not to report missing child (Tennessean)Most of us with children have felt the panic of turning around in a store or park and not being able to find Certainly, the younger the child the more unsettling it is, especially as the seconds turn into minutes. Itfathom not reporting a child missing for over a month, which is what happened in the case of Casey An
year-old daughter, Caylee. That inaction is unacceptable and should carry penalties under the law. Thtrial has shined a bright light on the gap in many state’s laws, including Tennessee’s, regarding the repmissing child. Florida law does not provide any penalties for this inaction. Likewise, while Tennessereporting, it carries no penalties or “force of law.” Rep. Tony Shipley, R-Kingsport, and I filed legislationto change that by m aking it a Class E felony for a parent, legal guardian or caretaker to not notify law enof a child’s disappearance within 24 hours. That legislation will be considered in January when thAssembly reconvenes. The public is rightfully outraged regarding the failure to penalize such inaction asin the Anthony case. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/OPINION03/307150024/It-should-felreport-missing-child?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|N ews|s
Editorial: 'Caylee's Law' movement grows (Tennessean)The acquittal in the Casey Anthony trial has resulted in proposed legislation making it a crime to fail t
missing child within so many hours or days. If convicted of this offense, a parent could go to jail for upand be required to pay a fine. Such legislation is neither necessary nor appropriate. We already have laws which are designed to protect children. These include statutes prohibiting abandonment oTennessee has som e of the strongest laws governing both child abuse and neglect. In serious cases, sucan carry penalties comparable to a murder conviction. Our state has a “runaway” child statute which proshelters for runaway youths must be registered with the Department of Children Services. The law reqfacilities to notify the juvenile court or the runaway’s parent w ithin one hour of the runaway’s arrival. It sufficient that Tennessee has mandatory child abuse reporting requirements which apply to all citizens athe parents. I think these good laws effectively protect our children. Yet another law of the sort recently punnecessary.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/OPINION03/307150023/-Caylee-s-Law-movement-grows?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p
Guest columnist: Balanced calendar offers students gift of time (TennesseanToo often in our current debates, more time is spent stressing our differences and not enough on the arwe agree. So when I heard Metro Nashville Public Schools was considering a balanced calendar with mdays, I recognized a great idea that I wanted to urge you to support. As a passionate believer in publicand a product of Nashville public schools, I am committed to helping all children succeed. I belieadditional school days will promote great teaching and shrink the achievement gap — even more thanfunding, better evaluations, more charters or higher-paid teachers. The research is unequivocal: Increasitask increases student achievement. This year, LEAD Public Schools’ 630 students will begin the year
about two weeks before MNPS, and go to school an additional 1.5 hours per day. Much of our succesour longer day and longer year. I expect most students across the district would benefit from the extradon’t add time simply because more than 95 percent of our students are low-income, more than 15 pespecial needs, and almost all enter our school reading at least two years behind grade level.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/OPINION03/307150026/Balanced-calendar-offers-studentsodyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s
Editorial: Get center built in Clarksville (Leaf C hronicle)Once again, the tantalizing prospect of a conference center in Clarksville has been raised. Let's hope thaaround, it actually moves from an idea to implementation. Clarksville's modern history is strewn with the conference center proposals. Two decades ago, a center that would link the historic downtown distrCumberland River was proposed, but the idea never got off the drawing boards. More than a deca
publicly financed, $20 million, downtown Gateway center was soundly defeated in referendum. Two ythen-Mayor Johnny Piper suggested that the city consider what Murfreesboro did — donate land to a who financed and now operates an 80,000 square-feet hotel and convention center there. PKF conducted a feasibility study and concluded that a site located in the general vicinity of the new G atewCenter/Exit 4 would be the preferred site for a hotel/convention center development.http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110715/OPINION01/107150304/EDITORIAL-Get-center-built-C
Times Editorial: Drought likely to be costly (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)Don’t let numbers confuse you. Meteorologists report that the Chattanooga area has received about tmore rain this year than normal. That is true. It also is misleading. The region is now abnormally dry locales in Tennessee are approaching drought status. That’s because much of the rain this year cawinter and spring. Recently, rainfall has been less frequent, well below average over the last three mo
high heat of recent weeks has exacerbated the lack of moisture. The impact of dry conditions isn’t reahere — yet. Most trees and lawns remain green and there have been few reports of crop damage. Thetale signs that changes are on the way if significant rains do not occur. Soil moisture levels are droppingrowth is slowing in places. Both are especially noticeable in much of Georgia, one of 14 states in acurves from Arizona to the Carolinas that are in the grip of extreme drought. M ore than half the statecategory. Louisiana officials say this is the second driest year in 121 years of record keeping. It’s not min Texas or Oklahoma.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/drought-likely-be-costly/?opin iontim
Free-Press Editorial: More 'stimulus' won’t pep up our economy (Times FreeAll us would love to see some optimistic signs in our sagging economy. What could brighten the oprosperity? That’s a big question — and a big debate. But recent history gives us at least some indicatiwon’t boost the economy. Looking back on the failure over the past two years of federal “stimulus” sp
various types to turn the economy around, do you find it encouraging, or alarming, that Federal ReserveBen Bernanke has hinted that even more stimulus may be on the way? Is it even conceivable to you thain a position of such importance in our economy would suggest that additional government intervention need to turn around the negative effects of earlier government intervention? We see nothing in ounational debt, nor in the 9.2 percent unemployment rate, nor in the distressed housing market, nor in pafood and energy prices to suggest that throwing good money after bad is a solution.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/more-stimulus-wont-pep-our-economy/?opinionfreepres
Editorial: Studies measure America's expanding waistlines (Knox. News-SenWhat a shocker: Potato chips are the main culprit behind the average American's small but steady yeagain, according to a study at Harvard University. But it's not so much the chips' fault as it is our inparaphrasing the slogan of one of the best-known brands - eat just one. There is an art, in fact, to the abeven the final crumbs in a bag: Shake the bag, hold out your hand palm up, pour the crumbs carefullycupped hand and toss them back like a handful of pills. Then carefully brush the residual salt and chip off of your face and look around for somewhere to hide the bag from your significant other. Of coursnothing to joke about when it comes to obesity, and it's a problem that is getting even bigger in the Unipardon the pun. Two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, according to researchers. obesity has tripled in the past three decades. Many of us remember the "freshman 15" of college. Now cpacking on those extra pounds before they've even left elementary school.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/studies-measure-americas-expanding-waistlines/
