Sie sind auf Seite 1von 10

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012 Cummins Falls, Tenn's new state park, is safer venue for nature lovers

(TN/Bonner)
While others touted the beauty of Cummins Falls during its dedication Tuesday, Carol Hudelston saw a greater purpose in the new state park. The Cookeville woman lost her 18-year-old son, Bryan, in an accident at the falls in September 2009. Tears flowing, she joined the crowd Tuesday to show her support for the state takeover of the site and its provisions for visitor protection. He came here a lot to swim, Hudelston said. He was walking a trail climbing down, and he fell. Its been my goal for it to be state-monitored, preserved and made safer, and it already is safer. When he fell, there was nothing for safety. For me, it makes it a permanent memorial spot that I know will always be saved and kept beautiful, just like he loved it. Park advocates boast of the beauty of its 211 acres that stretch across the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River in Cookeville, but Meg Lockhart, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, called it a park in progress. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120523/NEWS21/305230098/Cummins-Falls-new-state-park-safer-venuenature-lovers?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Cummins Falls Becomes a State Park (WPLN-Radio Nashville)


The newest state park in Tennessee is now Cummins Falls near Cookeville. The property surrounds the states eighth largest waterfall The park is relatively small, just 211 acres. But it has a gem in the middle. Cummins Falls was ranked as one of the ten best swimming holes in the country by Travel and Leisure magazine. Much of the property was bought at auction in 2010 by conservationists concerned that a developer would build scenic homes. The state then purchased the property and is taking over operations. Governor Bill Haslam says its a landmark that should be accessible to the public. For a lot of Tennesseans, their best chance to enjoy Tennessee a lot of times is in a state park, and this is a way to add to that. http://wpln.org/?p=37545

Mars HQ work will start soon (Tennessean/Page)


The wheels are in motion for Mars Petcares move south. The pet food giant broke ground this week on its $87.9 million regional innovation center in Thompsons Station. It will be Mars sixth site in Tennessee and the companys first U.S. regional innovation center for North America, one of five globally. Its where new pet food recipes will be produced, and researchers and veterinarians will test the foods on dogs and cats that will live there. Mars expects to hire 144 new employees at the innovation center when its complete in 2014. Mars and Nutro in Franklin currently employ about 615 people. The majority of those employees will not relocate to the Thompsons Station site until the headquarters is built in a later phase, said Mars spokeswoman Julie Lawless. A host of officials, including Gov. Bill Haslam, U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Thompsons Station Mayor Corey Napier, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, numerous county commissioners and aldermen, and nearly 300 Mars associates helped Mars celebrate its groundbreaking at the construction site, which is 93 acres at the corner of State Route 840 and Columbia Pike (U.S. 31). http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120523/W ILLIAMSON12/305240002/Mars-HQ-work-will-start-soon? odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7C%7Cp

Mars Breaks Ground On New Facility In Williamson Co. (WTVF-TV Nashville)


Pet food company Mars Petcare broke ground Tuesday morning on an $87 million regional innovation center in Williamson County. Governor Bill Haslam, Congressman Martha Blackburn, and company leaders were on hand for the ground breaking ceremony on Tuesday in Thompson's Station. It marks the beginning of construction on the four-building campus where Mars and the Nutro Company will create new pet food innovations for the North

American market. "A $30-billion company that has operations all over the world chose Tennessee because of a prior relationship and they see how well we've done, (it) speaks volumes," said Governor Haslam. The new center will employ about 144 people and is expected to be finished by the end of 2013. http://www.newschannel5.com/story/18579920/mars-breaks-ground-on-new-facility-in-williamson-co

Mars Plants Research Facility in Rolling Pasture of Thompsons Station (W PLN)


Mars Petcare, which makes well-known brands like Pedigree and Whiskas, has begun construction of a research facility in rural Williamson County. The Franklin-based company plans to hire 150 people. The site includes laboratories, meeting space and pods where dogs and cats will live while theyre participating in studies. David Macnair is vice president of research and development. The campus will serve as our home base for developing new breakthrough products that help make a better world for pets, a reality. Pets are living longer. Macnair says much of the research will be focused on joint care and how to manage conditions like arthritis. Mars has five such innovation centers around the world. W hen it opens in 2014, Thompsons Station will be home to the only one in North America. http://wpln.org/?p=37541

TTDC announces first INCITE investments (Nashville Post)


Late Monday, the Tennessee Technology Development Corp. announced the first round of investments made through the states INCITE Co-investment Fund. Investors participating in the program invested approximately $4.4 million in Tennessee ventures. The companies that received the funds are local players Molecular Sensing, Pathfinder Therapeutics and Pro Player Connect as well as Chattanooga-based SIGNiX and business incubator Venture Incite, which has offices in Nashville and Oak Ridge. We are encouraged by the level of participation in this initial round of INCITE Fund co-investments and are optimistic about the positive economic impact this program will have on our great state, said TTDC CEO Leslie Wisner-Lynch. The program, launched last year, is a co-investment fund backed by $29.1 million from the U.S. Department of Treasurys State Small Business Credit Initiative. Investors wishing to participate in the program must meet certain criteria. The fund is administered by the TTDC. http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/5/22/ttdc_announces_first_incite_investments

Tennessee makes $4M investments from INCITE fund (Nashville Biz Journal)
The state of Tennessees INCITE fund has fueled more than $4 million in private investment in ventures including health care, business services and the sports world. In an announcement, The Tennessee Technology Development Corp., which is administering the fund for the state, announced $4.4 million in private investment following $1.9 million from the government fund. INCITE is a nearly $30 million pot of federal money the administration of Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican, developed as part of a larger innovation and job creation plan. The Nashville Business Journal reported earlier on the funds focus as it ramped up, as well as debate over its guidelines. Excerpts from the recent announcement: W e are encouraged by the level of participation in this initial round of INCITE Fund co-investments and are optimistic about the positive economic impact this program will have on our great state, Dr. Leslie WisnerLynch, president and CEO TTDC, said. of http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/05/22/incite-tennessee-bill-haslam-ttdc.html

Women arrested in drug round up face TennCare fraud charges too (W VLT-TV)
Two Sevierville women are each facing two counts of TennCare fraud following a joint investigation by the Office of the Inspector General and the Sevierville Police Dept., the OIG's office announced on Tuesday. The Special Agents of the Office of Inspector General are working closely with local police officers all over the state especially as it pertains to case involving the illegal use or sales of prescription drugs, Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. The entire law enforcement community is clearly committed to eliminating prescription drug abuse, added Faulkner. Minda McCracken, 38, is accused of using her kid's TennCare benefits to buy Adderall on two separate occasions. The drug, which is prescribed for children with attention deficit, has side effects which can lead to abuse. Police say Jennifer Parton, 36, tried to use her TennCare benefits to get Morphine Sulphate with the intention of selling part of it. http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Women_arrested_in_drug_round_up_face_TennCare_fraud_charge s_too_152669175.html?ref=175

TN drug crimes on rise (Tennessean/Haas)


Battle against painkillers, meth may be fueling more heroin use As Tennessee celebrated four years of general 2

crime declines last month, a devil was lost in the details: Drug crimes rose to their second-highest number in 11 years. The story was repeated across the Nashville area. While overall crime in 2011 was a mixed bag, drugrelated incidents generally rose in Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, W illiamson and Wilson counties. In Davidson and Rutherford counties, drug crimes rose by double-digit percentages, possible fallout from the states battle against prescription drugs and methamphetamine. The prescription drug problem also could be fueling a growing appetite for heroin, law enforcement officials said. It is probably no surprise to law enforcement or anyone who reads the newspaper every day that drug violations are up, especially with the methamphetamine problem the state has been facing and the surge of prescription pills being diverted, said Kristin Helm, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The problem is being felt in homes, as well. As police have increasingly dealt with more drug cases, so have rehabilitation centers, which are ushering in a new generation of drug addicts. Thats exactly what were seeing. I see younger and younger kids that are exposed to opioids, typically prescription opioids, said Dr. Chapman Sledge, chief medical officer at Cumberland Heights Foundation, a drug and alcohol treatment organization. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120523/NEWS03/305230086/TNdrug-crimes-rise-overall-crime-declines?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Grants approved for Tennessee airports (Jackson Sun)


The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced that federal and state aeronautics grants totaling $394,100 have been approved for six Tennessee airports. Airports receiving grants include: McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Madison County; John A. Baker Field in Lewis County; Houston County Airport; GatlinburgPigeon Forge Airport; Hassell Field in Wayne County and Smithville Municipal Airport in DeKalb County, according to a news release. McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport is scheduled to receive money to upgrade perimeter fencing, $67,500 from the state and a $7,500 local match, and for an airport drainage study that includes $16,200 in state funding and an $1,800 local match. The grants are made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportations Aeronautics Division, the release said. The division administers federal and state funding to assist in the location, design, construction and maintenance of Tennessees diverse public aviation system. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120523/NEWS01/305230010/Briefly-Jackson-man-indicted-Regions-Bankrobbery-Grants-approved-Tennessee-airports-Madison-County-budget-panel-meet-today-

THP gearing up for Memorial Day weekend enforcement (Daily News Journal)
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is planning to step up efforts to enforce seat belt usage over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. State Troopers along with other state and local law enforcement agencies are participating in the national seat belt enforcement campaign, Click it or Ticket, May 21 through June 3. The 2012 Memorial Day holiday period begins at midnight Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday. Nineteen people were killed on Tennessee roadways during the 2011 Memorial Day holiday weekend, six more than in 2010. Last year, alcohol was involved in six of the fatalities, and 50 percent of the vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts. During the 78-hour holiday time period, two pedestrians and seven motorcyclists were killed. Drivers can expect to see plenty of State Troopers on the road, enforcing seat belt laws and looking for aggressive and impaired drivers. More than 70 checkpoints are scheduled throughout the long holiday weekend in an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injury crashes in the state. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120522/NEW S01/120522004/THP-gearing-up-Memorial-Day-weekend-enforcement

Tennessee AG "indicates" it won't approve NHI purchase (Nashville Post/Duncan)


National Health Investors' expansion plans likely arent getting any help from the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office, according to a note from one of its borrowers. NHI executives told the Securities and Exchange Commission Monday that ElderTrust of Florida officials have informed them that Attorney General Bob Cooper has told ElderTrust it will not approve the companys proposed sale of seven skilled nursing facilities to NHI. ElderTrust is a not-for-profit entity to which NHI has loaned money. Additionally, according to the filing, the AG's office is considering asking the court to appoint a receiver for the nonprofit. ElderTrust, which is a Tennessee entity, purchased the facilities in question through a mortgage financed by NHI and has contracted with NHIs sister company, National HealthCare Corp., to manage them for a fixed fee. NHI has had trouble with nonprofit organizations with Florida operations in the past. In 2009, Care Foundation of America took legal action against the company claiming that it had manipulated sympathetic board members into buying six Florida facilities at unfair prices. That case was settled a year later, when NHI paid $67 million to buy back the centers and create a $44 million foundation. http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/5/22/tennessee_ag_indicates_it_wont_approve_nhi_purchase 3

Challenger to State Rep. Joshua Evans has DUI Record (TN Report)
A Capitol Hill lobbyist looking to unseat a rank-and-file House Republican has an arrest on suspicion of drunken driving in his history a fact that a couple GOP incumbents want to highlight even while a fellow member of their caucus faces trial for DUI himself. The two legislators are careful to say the run-in with the law shouldnt disqualify Lee Harrell from being seriously considered in the race against Rep. Joshua Evans for the Robertson County House seat, but firmly add that its a fact voters should know. I think its probably important for voters to have that information and be able to use that in their consideration, said Evans, a Republican from Greenbrier and small business owner. Evans is beating back a challenge from Harrell, a lobbyist for the Tennessee School Boards Association, in the 66th District encompassing Robertson County. The August primary election race is one of 21 this year where House Republican incumbents are trying to fend off challengers. Harrell was arrested Sept. 4, 2010, on drunken driving charges and refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test. It was certainly a mistake, but I learned from it. Ive moved on. Im a better person because of it, Harrell told TNReport. http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/05/22/challenger-to-state-rep-joshua-evans-has-dui-record/

Soddy-Daisy not raising tax (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Harrison)


Soddy-Daisy residents will not see a tax hike this year, but city employees could see an across-the-board raise after the City Commission passed the first reading of its $10 million budget. Commissioner Shane Harmon, the lone opponent to the 5 percent raise in last Thursday's 4-1 vote, said he made his decision based on the state of the economy. "I know it's been awhile since employees had a substantial raise, and I know they deserve one. But I think now is the wrong time," Harmon said. "Folks who run their own businesses are having to take pay cuts just to make payroll these days." Harmon, who runs several businesses in Soddy-Daisy, also said he was against across-the-board raises. "You should give raises based on performances," he said. "And you don't award people more money just because they make more money." City Recorder Burt Johnson said most of the city's employees had no idea about the potential raise until after the first vote. "The ladies I work with are very happy and very appreciative this morning. But I did have to tell them that it still had to pass a second reading," Johnson said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/23/tennessee-soddy-daisy-not-raising-tax/?local

No tax hike budget okayed in Clinton (Knoxville News-Sentinel)


A no-tax-hike budget that includes 2 percent raises for Clinton city employees has been approved on first reading, City Manager Roger Houck said. Council members in a 7-0 vote Monday approved the $9,842,504 budget, which keeps the property tax rate at 76 cents per $100 assessed value for the second year in a row. A healthy 7 percent increase in sales tax revenue helped balance the budget, Houck said. Final reading, and a public hearing on the fiscal proposal, is scheduled June 25. Houck said council also approved a policy governing the city's fund balances in which those rainy-day funds aren't to dip below $2 million. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/22/no-tax-hike-budget-okayed-in-clinton/

New Memphis city budget option on table (Commercial Appeal/Maki)


Collins' plan touts balance, keeps libraries open, lowers tax, and dips into reserves for schools A second Memphis City Council member introduced a budget plan that would reduce the city property tax rate. Like Councilman Jim Strickland, council member Harold Collins produced his own budget proposal. Collins' proposal would set the city's tax rate at $3.11, down from the current $3.19 per $100 of assessed value. Mayor A C Wharton has proposed a one-time, 47-cent property tax increase for the next fiscal year to fund Memphis City Schools. The city's current tax rate includes $3.01 for city operations and 18 cents for Memphis City Schools. The budget W harton presented to the council for the coming year calls for a combined tax rate of around $3.66, with $3.01 for city operations and the rest for schools. Collins proposes using $20 million from a reserve account set up for retiree health care costs, $9 million from the sale of the Defense Depot and $19 million from the city's reserve fund among other measures to help balance the budget. Under Collins' proposal, the seven libraries slated for closure would remain open, but city golf courses would be closed during the five winter months to save almost $350,000. Collins' proposal would also require city employees to pay 30 percent for their health care. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/23/new-city-budget-option-on-table/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Commission Approves $1.2 Billion Budget (Memphis Daily News)


4

The Shelby County Commission may not have the last word on a county government operating budget it added nearly $1 million to and for which it raided the countys $90 million reserve fund to balance the budget. They will send the budget up to us and like every resolution, we either sign it, veto it or not sign it, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell said after the Monday, May 21, vote by the commission. Well sit down and well sharpen our pencil and look at what we can do and what cant do and make our decision. Shelby County Commissioners added nearly $1 million in grants, bumping up the county governments consolidated operating budget to $1.2 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1. As part of that, the commission increased funding to the Penny Hardaway Fast Break basketball courts project from the $150,000 recommended by the administration to $300,000. But the commission then made the county funding contingent on moving the location of the facility designed to hold basketball tournaments to the inner city from its planned Cordova site. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/23/commission-approves-12-billion-budget/

Bill aims to make epinephrine in schools mandatory (Herald-Courier)


A new bill co-sponsored by United States Congressman, Dr. Phil Roe, hopes to make epinephrine shots in schools mandatory across the country. Currently only Nebraska and Virginia have laws in place requiring schools to stock epinephrine and school staff to administer it should a student experience an anaphylactic reaction due to severe allergies. H.R. 3627 or the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act is designed to encourage states to adopt the policy which was recently enacted in Virginia following the death of student who had eaten a peanut and experienced an anaphylactic reaction. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/may/22/bill-aims-make-epinephrine-schools-mandatory-ar-1935433/

Straight answers (TFP/Carroll)

rare

in

Tennessee's

3rd

District GOP

primary

debate

Yes-or-no questions don't always get an easy answer from U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann and his Republican challengers. At Monday night's 3rd District GOP primary debate, WRCB-TV anchor David Carroll asked Fleischmann, Ron Bhalla and Weston Wamp to assume they had won the Republican nomination. Would they debate the Democratic nominee? Bhalla and Wamp said yes. Fleischmann praised "the debate process," described it as "very, very informative" and said it was "what our Founding Fathers wanted." Carroll swiveled to a clearly confused Wamp. "Did he commit to debate?" W amp asked. "I believe he did. You have committed to it?" Carroll asked Fleischmann. The congressman nodded "yes" 45 seconds after the question was asked, setting the dominant trend in a debate that often lacked clarity. Since he entered the race last year, W amp, the 25-yearold son of former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, has accused Fleischmann of bending to "pay-to-play expectations" from industry-backed political action committees, also known as PACs. The younger Wamp turned up the heat Monday night after Carroll asked Fleischmann to square his $363,000 in PAC donations with a campaign pledge from 2010 in which he said "special interest groups in W ashington will not find a door in my congressional office." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/23/chattanooga-straight-answers-rare-in-debate/?local

TVA investigates noose found at Browns Ferry plant (Associated Press)


The Tennessee Valley Authority is investigating who hung a noose at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant near Athens, Ala. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports this is the fifth time a noose has been reported at a TVA facility in the past four years. Agency spokesman Travis Brickey said he did not know whether investigators believe the placement of the noose was racially motivated. He said he could not give any other details on the incident. The utility released a statement that reads, TVA sets high standards for employee conduct and this type of activity will not be tolerated. We are conducting a full investigation. That message was echoed by TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore in a an employee newsletter. He called the discovery of the noose an isolated incident but also says it is serious. And Kilgore praises those who reported it. It was the right thing to do. Our core values are critical to our success, he writes. I ask for your confidence that we will do the right thing to prevent future incidents such as this. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120523/NEWS21/305230107/TVA-investigatesnoose-found-Browns-Ferry-plant?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

TVA, marketing firm finalists for Pentagon award (Associated Press)


Two Tennessee employers are finalists for an award sponsored by the Department of Defense. Iostudio of Nashville and the Tennessee Valley Authority are competing for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which honors employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. 5

They are among 30 finalists; 15 winners will be announced this summer. Iostudio, a marketing firm, sends care packages to deployed employees throughout the year. TVA sent 4,000 care packages to service members overseas among other initiatives. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/23/tva-marketing-firm-finalists-for-pentagon-award/

TVA, Native American tribes hold workshop (Associated Press)


The Tennessee Valley Authority and Native American tribes in the valley have consulted on issues affecting both. A three-day workshop May 15-17 in Chattanooga fulfilled a requirement that TVA consult with tribal leaders routinely. The federal utility has conducted the workshops every five years since 2002. TVA historian and Native American liaison Pat Ezzell said a strong relationship with the tribes is important because each tribe is recognized as its own sovereign nation. In attendance were representatives from the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Muscogee Creek Nation, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/23/tva-native-american-tribes-hold-workshop/

Surprise hospital bill shows quandary of quotes (Tennessean/Wilemon)


Aileen Stalvey says she was born to shop, but shopping for surgery left her with a bill from Baptist Hospital for more than twice the amount shed been quoted. Even though we asked for a price and got a written estimate, the invoice comes out afterward charging us double what we signed for, said the Inglewood woman, whose disputed bill has been turned over to a collection agency. Its like a roofer saying, Im going to go do your roof, and then afterward sending a bill for the tiles. We found out later that the implants needed to do my operation were not included in the estimate. Her quandary is one that more will face as employers increasingly switch to high-deductible health plans some of which require workers to spend as much as $5,000 before filing an insurance claim. These plans are intended to lower overall health spending by making consumers more costconscious, but experts say hospitals and physician practices have been slow to embrace the changes to make this paradigm work. The vision was we were going to expose patients to greater financial responsibilities for the cost of their care, and we were going to give them the tools to help make them make better informed decisions, and there was going to be transparency on cost and quality, said Alwyn Cassil, director of public affairs for the Center for Studying Health System Change. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120523/NEWS07/305230101/Surprise-hospital-bill-shows-quandaryquotes?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

STEM Academy finishes first year with success (Knoxville News-Sentinel/McCoy)


Knox County Schools' makes end of school year today During her freshman year at the L&N STEM Academy, Gillian Davis and her classmates got an opportunity to visit Dollywood, but it wasn't just for the thrill of the roller coasters. Instead the students used the rides in the amusement park to record the movement of things for their physics class. "It made it even cooler to see how motion worked because I had never really thought about it," said Davis, who is 14. It was just one of the many unique lessons that took place in the first year of the L&N STEM Academy the district's newest high school which has a larger focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Located in the former L&N railroad station at World's Fair Park, it uses cutting edge technology, with each student having his or her own iPad 2. Today marks the end of the school's first year and the last day of classes for the year. Becky Ashe, the school's principal, said the first year was a success. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/23/stem-academy-finishes-first-year-with-success/

Dobyns-Bennett ranked No. 8 among state's high schools (Times-News)


Dobyns-Bennett High School is ranked eighth across Tennessee and just past 1,000th nationwide in a list of best high schools from U.S. News and World Report. It is among two Tri-Cities high schools that made the top 10 in the Volunteer State and three in the top 16. In a list where magnet schools were in the top three positions statewide, D-B was fifth best among non-magnet schools and ranked 1,037th nationally among all high schools, which for purposes of the rankings are magnet, charter and all others. University School in Johnson City, part of the Washington County school system, ranked 10th statewide and 1,091th nationwide. Johnson Citys Science Hill High School ranked 13th statewide and 1,748th nationwide. The top four in the state got gold medals, and the next 12 including D-B, University School and Science Hill received silver medals. Elsewhere in East 6

Tennessee, Bearden High School in Knox County ranked 11th statewide and 1,303th nationwide, Morristown West ranked 12th statewide and 1,471th nationwide, and Greeneville High ranked 15th statewide and 1,895th nationwide. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9046954/dobyns-bennett-ranked-no-8-among-states-high-schools

Memphis-Shelby Co. school merger planners hint at system proposals (CA/Kelley)


Transition panel nears completion of outline The commission planning the transition to a merged city-county school system gave the unified school board a brief introduction Tuesday to what it has in mind. The Transition Planning Commission will reach a key milestone on June 14 with the completion of the first draft of its plan, TPC chairwoman Barbara Prescott said in a presentation to the board at its weekly work session. The board will get the draft -- about 150 pages of text and PowerPoint slides -- on June 25. Board members will have a chance to make suggestions before the commission approves any necessary revisions on Aug. 9. That leaves a year to implement the plan before the first school bell rings on the new unified district a year later. Following Prescott to the podium, TPC committee chairmen Fred Johnson, Daniel Kiel, Chris Richards and Martavius Jones, also a member of the school board, gave board members a preview of some of the recommendations that the plan will include: An expansion of access to prekindergarten for perhaps as many as 4,000 more 4-year-olds. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/23/school-planners-hint-at-system-proposals/ (SUB)

MNPS

to

cut

100-plus

special-ed

jobs

as

stimulus

funds

dry

up

(C.

Paper/Garrison)
Faced with depleted federal stimulus dollars, Metro Nashville Public Schools plans to cut jobs of more than 100 special education paraprofessionals, or trained aides, the school district announced Tuesday. While cutting positions is not easy, we have been very careful to review all students needs and we will continue to meet those needs, said Debbie McAdams, the districts executive director for Exceptional Education, the division that oversees Metros special-needs students. According to Metros central office, the district currently employs 632 paraprofessionals who work with students with special needs or disabilities. School officials maintain that the elimination of the 100-plus positions does not signal a redirection from new employment policies or its focus on inclusive special-ed practices; rather, the federal stimulus dollars that paid for the extra special-needs instructors are no longer available. MNPS leadership anticipates retirees and employees leaving the district or changing positions will reduce the number of employees directly affected; a final number, however, wont be known until later this summer. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/mnps-cut-100-plus-special-ed-jobs-stimulusfunds-dry

MNPS to Cut 100 Stimulus-Funded Jobs (WPLN-Radio Nashville)


There will be at least 100 fewer people working with students who have disabilities in Metro Schools next year. The district announced the job cuts today, blaming an end of federal stimulus money. Attrition may ease some of the job cuts. Others are expected to take positions as bus drivers or cafeteria workers. But the district may still resort to layoffs. A statement from Metro Schools says the full number of positions that need to be reduced wont be known until later this summer. So-called para-professionals work with disabled students, even just getting them from class to class. A spokesperson for the district says those who require one-on-one attention will still get it, even after the reduction. Right now, Metro Schools has 632 employees working with disabled students. Those whose jobs are being cut will get an official letter later this week. A new employment policy allows the district to decide who stays and who goes based on skills and abilities rather than just seniority. http://wpln.org/?p=37557

Bradley County Schools budget ready for review (Times Free-Press/Leach)


Bradley County education officials want to hire a few more guidance counselors, offer school system employees a raise and tackle a few small capital projects in the coming budget year. In a meeting with Bradley County commissioners earlier this week, schools administrators announced plans to increase service levels, energy efficiency and safety on Bradley school campuses while staying within a limited budget. "What makes a great school system is great people," said Johnny McDaniel, director of the county school system. "That's what we try to do in Bradley County: Hire the best people, the best teachers for our children." He said the proposed budget calls for an across-the-board 3 percent raise for system employees. Staff salaries make up 80 percent of the school budget, said Rick Smith, financial director for the system. The county system tries to stay competitive with 7

Cleveland City Schools to keep the best teachers, although with fewer resources, he said. The county schools plan to add two middle school guidance counselors, a special education instructor and four part-time special education assistants. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/23/cleveland-bradley-schools-budget-ready-for-review/?local

School board, commission meet to discuss budget (Knox News-Sentinel/McCoy)


Alternate proposal also discussed at meeting Members of the Knox County school board and County Commission publicly met Tuesday for the first time to discuss the school system's request for an additional $35 million for a much broader, long-term plan that targets a number of educational investments, including technology and additional instruction time in classrooms. Commissioners asked questions about accountability and additional instructional time. School board members stood their ground, saying the funds are necessary and will help them reach academic achievement. Commissioner Mike Brown told the group he has agonized over the budget for the last six weeks. "You can have wants. You can have needs," he said. "The school system is going to have to show Knox County voters that this will work. They are not convinced right now." School board member Karen Carson said the plan would be different for each community. "What we need to do for the community I represent is very different than what we need to do for the Pond Gap community or the New Hopewell community," she said. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/23/school-board-commission-meet-to-discuss-budget/

Blount County meth lab busted; 2 people in custody (Knoxville News-Sentinel)


Two people were arrested when Blount County authorities raided a residential methamphetamine lab Tuesday afternoon. Blount County Sheriff's Office deputies and investigators with the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force responded to the residence on Old Chilhowee Road, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. It was not immediately clear how authorities were first alerted to the scene. Authorities allegedly discovered four separate "one pot" methamphetamine labs outside, where the suspects apparently were attempting to burn any remaining evidence. Marijuana plants also allegedly were found growing outside. The Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force responded to the scene to dispose of the hazardous materials. Charges are pending against the suspects, a man and a woman, who were not identified by authorities. Both now are being held at the Blount County Detention Facility. One of the suspects also has an active warrant on file in Knox County, according to the news release. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/22/blount-county-meth-lab-busted-2-people-in/

Elizabethton man picks up meth charges after traffic stop (Times-News)


The Carter County Sheriffs Department and the Elizabethton Police Department worked together Monday to make a traffic stop and arrest the driver on methamphetamine charges. The driver was identified as Dallas C. Vance, 23, 206 Mosier Road. He was charged with possession of schedule III drugs, possession of schedule IV drugs, initiation of methamphetamine manufacture, promotion of methamphetamine manufacture and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff Chris Mathes said the officers conducted a brief surveillance of Vance on Monday and then made a traffic stop of a black Ford truck in front of 1515 U.S. Highway 19E. As a result of the traffic stop and search of the vehicle, deputies discovered three duffel bags containing components needed to manufacture meth. The items included psuedoephedrine, Coleman lantern fuel, sodium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate and lithium. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9046964/elizabethton-man-picks-up-meth-charges-after-traffic-stop

Kansas: Kansas Governor Signs Tax-Cut Bill (Wall Street Journal)


Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law Tuesday a tax-cut measure that had divided GOP lawmakers in one of the country's most fiscally conservative states, pitting tea-party advocates who argued it would spur economic growth against some fellow Republicans who worried the cuts go too far. The tax plan, which was the subject of weeks of intense debate and political maneuvering in the legislature, will reduce the top individual state income-tax rate to 4.9% from 6.45% in 2013. It also will eliminate income taxes on non-wage income for about 191,000 small businesses. The plan likely would require additional cuts in spending on education and social services to cover a reduction in annual tax revenue projected by the Kansas Legislative Research Department to exceed $800 million by 2014, or 12.8% of projected state revenues. Rep. Owen Donohoe, a conservative Republican who backed the tax cuts, said the state would be able to cover shortfalls through 8

increased revenue from better economic growth and from further cuts to state payrolls and spending on schools. "This was just a war," Mr. Donohoe said. "There is just no doubt we can become more efficient." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304791704577418641784902500.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1 (SUBSCRIPTION)

MORE

OPINION Editorial: Corker makes his call (Commercial appeal)


It's good news that Bob Corker has decided to seek a second term as a U.S. senator from Tennessee. This is not to say Corker's record is perfect or that he shouldn't face a strong challenger from the Democratic Party. Nobody's perfect in politics. Every politician needs to be true-tested by a tough race. But Corker clearly has grown and expanded his political range in his first term. For Memphis, Corker's victory over local phenom and congressman Harold Ford Jr. was a tough pill to swallow for many. But in fact, Corker has been a solid and improving senator from Day 1. He's sincerely tried to learn the job. He's avoided the easy rhetoric and demonizing of the other party. And he's brought forth ideas that got some traction related to federal budget reduction. Perhaps most encouraging of all was Corker's reasoning for why he decided to seek a second term. After a year or more of soul-searching about whether he wanted to devote more of his life to the sometimes toxic world of partisan Washington politics, Corker decided that he could continue -- because he believes his next term in the Senate could be something more than gridlock. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/23/editorial-corker-makes-his-call/ (SUB)

Times Editorial: Tennessee 3rd District debate in a vacuum (Times Free-Press)


When Chuck Fleischmann first ran for his 3rd District congressional seat two years ago, he adamantly refused to participate in public debates. Now we know why. In his first such debate -- on Tuesday night, and now in his pursuit of a second term -- Fleischmann appeared uncomfortable yet uneasily eager to appear assertive and in 9

charge, which had the contrary effect of making him seem defensive and rote, his scripted responses more programmed, strident and vacuous than convincing. By comparison, Weston Wamp, the congressman's 25-yearold novice challenger, came armed with a broader view and more nimble, reasoned and naturally assured responses. In arguing persuasively for bipartisan outreach to break the congressional gridlock in Washington, he seemed more the thoughtful veteran on the stage than his incumbent opponent, who bragged about his lockstep opposition to any give-and-take with the Obama administration. The third candidate in the debate, Ron Bhalla came off more humble and human, even though he discounted the merit of his candidacy by promising always to vote, in the widening digital age, according to the continually polled views of the majority of his constituents. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/23/tennessee-debate-in-a-vacuum-tn-third/?opiniontimes

George Korda: Education funding and the meatiness of message (News-Sentinel)


Much of the taxpaying public has, over time, been inoculated against a blanket call for more money for schools. Thats a problem for the present effort to pump $35 million new dollars annually into the Knox County school system. Mayor Tim Burchett has said hell veto a tax increase to provide the money. Supporters of additional funds for education are pouring pressure on county commissioners to approve the school budget increase and override a mayoral veto. There are guest columns, editorials, Facebook posts, TV and radio appearances by school system officials and other campaign elements underway supporting new money for the school system. The meat is in the message. But is the message meaty? The additional funding is described as an investment in Knox County schools and students. You make investments to improve things. But when taxpayers are told they need to make an investment they might wonder what return they should expect. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/22/george-korda-education-funding-and-meatiness-messa/

Editorial: Full Disclosure for Student Borrowers (New York Times)


For too many students, a college education that is supposed to create opportunities can also mean years of struggle to pay off tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Schools must be required to do more to educate students about the real cost of their education and about a complex borrowing process that even the most sophisticated people have trouble understanding. An article in The Times last week described the experience of 23-year-old Kelsey Griffith. She currently earns a meager wage as a restaurant worker and owes $120,000 in student loans for an undergraduate degree from Ohio Northern University, a college whose recent graduates are among the most indebted in the country. Nationally, about two-thirds of bachelors degree recipients now borrow from either public or private lenders, up significantly from the early 90s, when about 45 percent of graduates borrowed from all sources, including family. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/23/opinion/full-disclosure-for-student-borrowers.html?ref=todayspaper (SUB) ###

10

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen