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BOE rep asks why CCHS track is locked up after hours

Andy Vaughn 5-9-08

The Cumberland County Board of Education discussed the community use of school facilities at Tuesday’s monthly meeting. 2^nd District Representative Rob Safdie asked why the track at Cumberland County High School was being locked after hours preventing its use by the community. CCHS Principal Janet Graham stated that the lock out is due to recent vandalisms on the property. Graham said that school custodians have had to clean up spray paint, graffiti, and fire damage at great expense to the school. She said that locking the track also keeps out bike riders and skateboarders who ruin the track surface. Mr. Safdie commented that because the schools are built with tax payer money, the community should have the opportunity to utilize them. Stone Memorial Principal Dr. Janet Brooker told the board that the city and county have beautiful parks with walking trails that could be used by residents. Director of Schools Aarona VanWinkle said that she would provide the board with a list of damages from the incidents, and the discussion was tabled for a later time.

Cookeville mother & son face federal indictments

A.Vaughn/Herald Citizen 5-9-08

The Herald Citizen is reporting that a Cookeville mother and her son have conned residents out of more than $64,000. Mary L. Hopson and her son John reportedly charged people in an internet scam for items and then never sent them. Both have been taken into custody by U.S. authorities and face federal indictments.

UT economists expect economy to continue to slow

Associated Press 5-9-08

UT economists say expect a dreary rest of 2008. A forecast Thursday by the university's Center for Business and Economic Research says the economy in the state and nation continue to slow and "will teeter on the brink of recession." The report cautions there is unlikely to be any improvement until sometime next year.

Arnold ’s funeral set for Wednesday at the Ryman

Associated Press 5-9-08

Funeral services for Eddy Arnold have been set for Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville . Arnold was one of country music's most successful singers, selling 85 million recordings in a career than spanned six decades. He died Thursday morning in Franklin , just days short of his 90th birthday.

State education officials hope to keep tuition prices down despite state funding cuts

Associated Press 5-9-08

Higher education officials hope to keep tuition hikes below 10 percent despite a $55 million cut in state funding. Gov. Phil Bredesen says the state's public colleges and universities will have to manage through a 5 percent cut in operating funds that are part of his effort to deal with the state's nearly half-billion dollar budget shortfall.

Roane County residents not pleased with “clothing optional” resort

Andy Vaughn/Rhea County Online 5-08-08

Several residents of Roane County have decided to sound off against a plan to bring an adult resort which would cater to those living alternative lifestyles near Harriman. According to Roane County news, the county zoning office has been bombarded by calls about the proposed Rosebud Lodge. The resort will reportedly accommodate the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, and will be clothing-optional three weeks of the month. The 60 acres is located on the Clinch River next to the Cedar Lake Retreat. The property would have to be re-zoned, but if plans are approved, the resort could be open by August.

Spring City Historical Museum and Depot will hold Grand Opening Saturday

Andy Vaughn/Rhea County Online 5-08-08

Rhea County Online is reporting that the Spring City Historical Museum and Depot will hold its grand opening Saturday, May 10^th. The museum, which will be located in a portion of the Depot, will tell the pictorial history of the city through various displays and historical items donated by area residents. The little red caboose is also a part of the museum and will tell the story of the horrific train-school bus accident of 1955. It will be a tribute to the children who were killed in the accident and in honor of those who survived.

Reward being offered for information on theft and vandalism at Tennessee Outdoors

Christy Lewis 5-08-08

Police continue to investigate the recent theft and vandalism at a local business. Last week, thieves broke into at least 20 RV’s at Tennessee Outdoors in Crossville. Forced entry was made into many of the recreation vehicles with thousands of dollars worth of electronics taken. A trailer owned by Tennessee Outdoors was used to haul off the stolen merchandise; the trailer was recovered by police the next day nearby. A reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the theft and destruction is being offered. You can submit information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at 484-7231-ask for Major Terry White.

Local pair requesting approval to build landfill in Crab Orchard

Andy Vaughn 5-08-08

Is the county ready for a new landfill? The Cumberland County Environmental Committee heard from Barry Field with Field Environmental on behalf of Dennis Hinch and Pat Stone concerning the possibility of putting a demolition/construction landfill at a quarry site in Crab Orchard. He asked the committee “wave” the Jackson Law, which states the county has the authority to say where waste can be placed, so permit and information work on the site can begin. While committee members cannot “wave” a law, they could “approve” the location. Several Crab Orchard residents attended the meeting, along with Mayor William Sherrill. He requested the committee hold off on granting approval to the request until further environmental and state guideline information could be gathered. Commissioners agreed to table the request until both the county and Crab Orchard attorneys could look into the matter. They have also been tasked to see if the Jackson Law applies to Crab Orchard since it has municipality status.

Cumberland Cove residents want solution for use of convenience centers

Andy Vaughn 5-08-08

Several residents of Cumberland Cove attended Wednesday’s Environmental Committee meeting. Spokesperson Phillip England said about 20-30 households in the area live inside Putnam County and had been disposing trash at Cumberland County Convenience Centers. Recently Cumberland County Commissioners have made it known that out of county residents will no longer be able to use the county’s centers. England said he will have to travel 45 miles roundtrip to Monterey to dispose of trash, with some residents having to travel further. He said although the residents live in Putnam County , they spend 99% of their money with Cumberland County merchants and all they needed was a simple solution to using the county’s convenience centers like a visible sticker or ID card. Commissioner Kenneth Carey commented he had talked to a Putnam representative who said their commission would be open to a possible subsidy for the Cove’s use of Cumberland County Centers. A motion was passed to task Mayor Hill to get together with the Putnam County Mayor to work out a plan.

Closing Cumberland County’s landfills will be costly-Soil for closure ok’d

Andy Vaughn 5-08-08

The Cumberland County Environmental Committee heard from Landfill Engineer Ronnie Reese at Wednesday’s meeting. He reported the county landfills will be at capacity in December of 2009, and according to state regulations, the county will have 180 days to cap and seal them. According to his estimates it will cost $2 million for the Class One and $1 million for the Class C, for a total of $3 million. Reese suggested the county close off the Class One landfill in two phases, allowing the money to be split between the 2008-09 and 2009-2010 budgets. He also asked the county’s permission to approach the state with the idea of re-designing the top cap for the Class C landfill because of the discovery of better soil in the area that will utilize less volume in filling. The re-design can save the county $350,000 according to Reese. A motion was made and passed by the committee to phase in the Class One fill and approach the state with the major modification for the Class C landfill cap.

Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill brought the Environmental Committee some good news Wednesday. Mayor Hill stated previous investigation had turned up good soil on the Harrison property adjacent to the county landfill that could be used to fill in the area after its close in December of 2009. The property however, was not for sale. It has a new owner, and according to Mayor Hill, William Christner is interested in selling the soil at a price of $2.25 per cubic yard with a minimum purchase of 100,000 cubic yards. According to Engineer Ronnie Reese, the soil would be enough for the landfill, and that reclamation of the land would be included in the package. A motion was made and passed by the committee for the county mayor to enter into contract negotiations with Mr. Christner.

Traffic stop turns sour for three individuals

Andy Vaughn 5-8-08

Crossville Police observed a vehicle using the middle turn lane to pass several vehicles on Main Street Saturday. After pulling behind the vehicle, they also noted someone toss something from a window. After stopping the car, police found a small white rock along the street which tested positive to be cocaine, and 22 year old Anthony R. Sandridge of Elmore Road was charged with simple possession of drugs. During the stop, a male subject reportedly approached the scene and began yelling at Sandridge. Jacob M. Brewer, age 22 of Red Fox Court was later charged with public intoxication after it was discovered that he had been in a vehicle with two females, following Sandridge. Danielle M. Jones, age 19 of Obed River Road was also charged with simple possession after police discovered several prescription drugs in her purse.

Legislation requiring all charged with DUI to serve at least 48 hours in jail heading to Governor

Associated Press 5-08-08

Legislation that would require all individuals convicted of drunken driving to serve at least 48 hours in jail is headed to the governor's office. Currently, DUI offenders less than 21 years of age must serve at least 48 hours in jail. The minimum period of incarceration for DUI offenders who are 21 years of age or older is 24 hours.

Lenoir City teen dead after collision with player in flag football

Associated Press 5-08-08

A 14-year-old boy has died after colliding while playing flag football during a physical education class. A Lenior City Schools official says Coty Bluford went up for a pass and struck heads with another boy. The freshman student was pronounced dead at the University of Tennessee Medical Center Wednesday.

Crossville Police apprehend man wanted in Hamilton County

Andy Vaughn 5-8-08

Last week local authorities were informed that a male subject, who was wanted in another county, could be located in a local pawn shop. Police discovered Gary F. Schwab, age 57 of Highway 127 South, in the business. Schwab was listed in NCIC as being wanted in Hamilton County. He was taken into custody without incident, and was taken to the Justice Center to await extradition to Hamilton County.

Board of Education to hold energy conservation work session

Andy Vaughn 5-8-08

The Cumberland County Board of Education will hold work sessions concerning energy conservation Monday and Tuesday May 12^th and 13^th. The BOE will see presentations from four different providers concerning the update of new energy saving lights to be installed throughout most Cumberland County Schools in the near future. After the second night work session, board members will decide on a date and time for a special called meeting to discuss and vote on the information. The sessions are scheduled from 5-7 PM each night in the boardroom of the Central Office.

Haynesworth missing from this week’s mini-camp

Associated Press 5-08-08

The Tennessee Titans will be holding a minicamp without defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. The Titans are due to hit the field Thursday and Friday as part of their on-field training, but they will not have arguably their best defensive player with them. His agent says Haynesworth is working out on his own.

Former player Daedra Charles-Furlow hired as an assistant for Lady Vols-Warlick staying put

Associated Press 5-08-08

Tennessee Coach Pat Summitt has hired former player Daedra Charles-Furlow as an assistant. She will replace former assistant Nikki Caldwell, who last month accepted the head coaching job at UCLA. Charles-Furlow has spent the last two seasons as an Auburn assistant.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley will leave her hometown of Philadelphia to become head women's basketball coach at South Carolina. Staley replaces Susan Walvius, who resigned after 11 seasons with the Gamecocks. Long-time Tennessee assistant Holly Warlick was a candidate for the job.

Tennessee News from The Associated Press

5-08-08

A proposal that seeks to crack down on racial profiling by law enforcement officers is headed to the governor for his consideration. The measure passed the Senate 23-5 on Wednesday. The companion bill was unanimously approved in the House last month.

The last University of Tennessee students have moved out of Sophronia Strong Hall. After 83 years of use as a women's dormitory, the landmark building on Cumberland Ave. will eventually be renovated as instructional and laboratory space for the anthropology department. The last students moved out Wednesday at the end of the spring semester.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has been asked to decide whether a minister had a responsibility to seek medical help for a 15-year-old Loudon County girl who lived with him and died of cancer. State attorneys say Ariel Sherman acted as the spiritual father and caregiver of Jessica Crank. They say he had a duty to pursue treatment for her.

A marketing firm has withdrawn a proposal to transform the vacant Memphis Pyramid into a theme park. Greg Ericson says city and county leaders delayed acting on the proposal. The Pyramid closed early last year, losing out to the newer FedEx Forum which opened in 2004.

Governor announces plan to lay off 5% of state employees

Associated Press 5-07-08

Gov. Phil Bredesen has announced plans to lay off 2,000 state workers. Bredesen said in unveiling the plan Wednesday that the administration will make the cuts voluntary and will offer buyouts as an incentive. The layoffs will represent a 5% reduction in the state work force.

State DOE issues 12 point action plan for BOE/County Finance officials to address

Andy Vaughn 5-7-08

According to information presented at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, officials with the Cumberland County school system and county government leaders are willing to work together to iron out past differences. School and county officials met with State Dept. of Education officials in Nashville March 7^th to help gain a better understanding of the board’s request to be removed from the Financial Management Act of 1981. The meeting resulted in a 12 point action plan. Items included involve the county’s Financial Dept. allowing BOE/School Dept. viewing access to accounting data, approval of line item changes in the school budget by the county Budget Committee without question, and more accountability from county finance in school audits and payroll. One change that the board implemented Tuesday, was the suggestion of holding BOE monthly meetings at the end, instead of the beginning, of the month so that monthly accounting data can be collected and reviewed. Both county entities are required to send the state a progress report within 60 days.

Seasons over for SMHS and CCHS Men’s Soccer

Submitted S. Douglas/Christy Lewis 5-07-08

The Stone Memorial High School Men’s soccer team traveled to Knoxville Catholic High School Tuesday for a Round Two District Tournament match. The Panthers were downed by Knox Catholic 9 to 0. Catholic scored four goals in the first half and added five more in the second half; the Panthers only had one shot attempt on goal for the entire game. They finished their season with a record of six wins, five losses, and one tie.

The Cumberland County Jets were also in action Tuesday. The Jets played Cleveland in the District 5AAA semifinals, losing 0 to 3. The Jets end the season with five wins, six losses, and five ties.

Frist says two-thirds of deaths among children are preventable

Associated Press 5-07-08

Nashville surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says 27,000 children die worldwide each day, but two-thirds of the deaths are preventable. Frist visited Memphis on Tuesday as a board member of Save the Children. He said many children suffer and die from such treatable diseases as pneumonia and diarrhea.

TDOT makes Right-of-Way offer to BOE

Andy Vaughn 5-7-08

The Tennessee Dept. of Transportation is gearing up for the long-awaited widening of Lantana Road, and Tuesday night, they presented their offer on the purchase of the right-of-way at South Cumberland Elementary to the Cumberland County Board of Education. TDOT spokesperson Tammera Hicks presented the offer that would acquire a trac of 35-55 feet of land and include fencing and part of the driveway. The TDOT offer, which includes the land and improvements, is $50,300. An electric sign will also have to be moved, and Jerry Melton, TDOT Right of Way Agent, stated that the school system would be reimbursed an additional $6800 for its re-location. According to Hicks, the construction letting date on the project is May 2009, and no other action was taken as board members took all of the information under review.

Legislation to strengthen Tennessee's child abuse law passes in the House

Associated Press 5-07-08

Legislation to strengthen Tennessee's child abuse law has unanimously passed the House. The bill would add starvation and dehydration to the list of child abuse charges. Sponsors say the measure was motivated by the story of a Lebanon teenager who was starved and chained to his bed by his father and stepmother in 2004.

Cumberland County ’s Relay for Life is Friday, May 9^th

Submitted 5-07-08

Teams of Cumberland County residents will gather at the Cumberland County Community Complex this Friday for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. At this year’s event, teams have the opportunity to win the Spirit of Relay award. The Spirit of Relay award is a competitive and fun approach to learning more about health and wellness. The award will be a traveling award, with the winning team keeping it until next year’s event. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Survivor registration begins at 4:30 in the Exhibit Building; the Opening Ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Change order approved for new Phoenix/Alternative School project

Andy Vaughn 5-7-08

Tuesday, the Cumberland County Board of Education approved a change order for the Phoenix/Alternative School project. Director of Schools Aarona VanWinkle presented the board with the $12,500 change order for additional plumbing and electrical work involving food service. This is the second change order that the BOE has approved bringing the total amount of the project to nearly $1.2 million. She also stated that Crossville Ceramics will be donating all of the ceramic tile for the project. The BOE was also informed of a meeting of the New School Building Committee on Monday May 26^th at 5 PM. Committee members will be meeting with Upland Design’s Kim Chamberlain on further details for the Baker’s School project.

Attorney general's office won't fight appeals court decision to release death row inmate Paul House

Associated Press 5-07-08

The Tennessee attorney general's office won't fight an appeals court decision that clears the way to release or retry death row inmate Paul House, who has been imprisoned nearly 22 years. Appeals courts have questioned whether he was fairly convicted. A May 28 hearing will set the conditions of House's release.

Sewer contract between Uplands & Pleasant Hill Elementary addressed by BOE

Andy Vaughn 5-7-08

The deadline is looming for sewer work at Pleasant Hill Elementary. Board of Education Attorney Earl Patton previewed the latest draft of a contract between the BOE and Uplands Retirement Village Tuesday night. The contract calls for the BOE to provide a drip application system to handle the extra load of effluent going through the system. Uplands has been limited to 40,000 gallons per day, while the daily treatment capacity with Pleasant Hill has been estimated at 66,000 gallons. According to a recent fax sent by Uplands, if the 40,000 gallon per day discharge is exceeded, its possible the state may not require the school provide the additional system. Director of Schools Aarona VanWinkle suggested changing the wordage in the document to reflect that the BOE and Uplands work together to their best advantage in the matter. The contract was approved unanimously by the BOE, pending approval of the changes.

Drivers who ignore flood warning signs/barricades could be charged with reckless driving

Associated Press 5-07-08

Tennessee drivers who ignore flood warning signs or barricades could be charged with reckless driving under a bill headed to the governor for his consideration. The legislation would also prohibit lawsuits by drivers or passengers hurt after ignoring the barricades. Gov. Bredesen's position on the measure has not been made public.

Bill requiring deposit on drink containers dead for the year

Associated Press 5-07-08

A legislative proposal to require 5 cent deposits for drink containers in Tennessee is likely dead for the year. State Sen. Roy Herron of Dresden called on opponents of the bill to meet with environmentalists over the summer to find a comprehensive approach toward fighting litter and encouraging recycling.

Board of Education spotlights Pre-K program & SCOPE awardees

Andy Vaughn 5-7-08

During Tuesday night’s Board of Education monthly meeting, the spotlight was on the Cumberland County Pre-K program. Jamie Coburn with the Tennessee Dept. of Education highlighted the presentation with a short slideshow and several Pre-K students performed a nursery rhyme skit. According to county Pre-K director Tammy Lane, the school system has requested an additional 4 Pre-K rooms be funded by the state for the next school year. 2^nd District Rep Rob Safdie also presented the local SCOPE award winners with certificates of excellence in recent high school debate activities. High achievers included Cassie Conley, Sidney Delvers, Allie Gentry, and Mathew Pennycuff.

State News Briefs

Associated Press 5-07-08

A Brownsville woman hoping to get her driver's license reinstated accidentally backed her car into a Jackson driver's license station. Sheree Covington tried to move her car before the driving test and plowed into the front entrance. She faces moving violations and did not win reinstatement of her driving privileges.

One version of a sweeping lottery scholarship proposal is on its way to a vote in the Tennessee Senate. Some legislators say they haven't had time to study changes made to the proposal since projections for lottery revenues were decreased last week. An issue is whether to earmark more money for scholarships or capital projects at schools.

A bill to legalize and regulate "mixed martial arts" competitions in Tennessee passed the state House but stalled in a Senate committee on Tuesday. The bill would create a new commission to regulate amateur and professional contests beyond the boxing and kickboxing currently permitted in Tennessee.

Angry parents have asked Memphis' Board of Education to take action against a principal accused of publicly identifying two students as gay. A letter from the American Civil Liberties Union has accused staff at Hollis F. Price Middle College High School of compiling a list of dating students, including a gay couple.

Nearly 300 Tennessee National Guardsmen are scheduled to return home in a week after a year-long deployment to Iraq. Members of the 1175th Transportation Company are units from Tullahoma, Brownsville and Jacksboro. Right now they are at Fort Bragg , N.C.

Former Lady Vol Candace Parker already having impact on Sparks

Associated Press 5-07-08

Former Tennessee Lady Vol All-American Candace Parker is already having an impact on the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. Since the team drafted her, ticket sales are up and more team merchandise is being sold. The team also is being boosted by the return of Lisa Leslie, who'll be back after a year off to give birth.

Tennessee House honors Memphis Tigers Basketball team

Associated Press 5-07-08

The Tennessee House of Representatives passed resolutions honoring the Memphis Tigers for their trip to the NCAA national championship. The Tigers made school history with a record 38 wins before losing only their second game of the season in a 75-68 championship loss to Kansas in overtime.

Budget & Environmental Committees meet this week

Andy Vaughn 5-6-08

The Cumberland County Budget Committee will meet this afternoon. Items on the agenda set for discussion include a presentation by the DCI Group LLC, a request by the House of Hope and a review of proposed budget amendments. Commissioners will also meet with Sheriff Butch Burgess to discuss his 2007-08 budget, and will discuss traffic light maintenance/repair with Highway Superintendant Wendall Houston. The meeting will begin at 4:30 PM in the small courtroom of the courthouse. The public is invited.

Commissioners on the Environmental Committee will meet Wednesday. Matters to be discussed on the agenda include the Crab Orchard landfill, out of county resident’s convenience center usage, and the landfill closure. Discussion will also center around the 2008-09 solid waste budget, and the recycling center project. The meeting starts at 4:30 PM in the small courtroom of the courthouse and the public is invited to attend.

Tennessee Outdoor reports 15 RV’s vandalized

Andy Vaughn 5-6-08

A local business has reported a vandalism which will incur thousands of dollars worth of damages. According to police reports, approximately 15 RV’s and campers at Tennessee Outdoor and RV Center were vandalized sometime Saturday. Several television sets were also stolen from the vehicles. A complete list and estimate of the loss and damage was not available, and the investigation is continuing.

Two businesses burglarized on Monday

Andy Vaughn 5-6-08

Two Crossville businesses reported burglaries Monday. An employee of Wholesale Furniture discovered a side door window busted and various objects inside the building were moved around. However, at the time of the report, nothing was found missing. $150 in damage was estimated. The same day an employee at the Old Handle Mill on East First Street found the rear door to a workshop destroyed. Thieves stole a pressure washer, tools and power tools worth $110. There are no suspects.

Cookeville man charged with possession of cocaine for resale

Andy Vaughn 5-6-08

Last week, Crossville Police stopped a vehicle at Short Stop Market for a routine traffic violation. During a consent search of the vehicle, officers found a bag containing a white powdery substance which tested positive to be cocaine and a bag containing marijuana. A personal search of a passenger, 34 year old Darren B. Hamby of Cookeville , yielded a bag with a small amount of a crystal rocky substance believed to be meth. Hamby reportedly claimed ownership of all of the drugs and was charged with possession of cocaine for resale, and simple possession of marijuana. He was placed under $30,000 bond and is scheduled for court on May 12^th.

South Cumberland 2^nd grader wins state golf title

Submission 5-6-08

A South Cumberland Elementary second grader has won a state championship title. Hogan Herring recently won the Tennessee State Drive, Chip and Putt Competition held in Franklin Tennessee. Hogan won the overall championship in a putting playoff and was crowned state champion in the 7-8 year old group. He will now represent the state in the national competition in Orlando Florida in August, which will be televised live on the Golf Channel. Hogan is the son of CCHS Golf Coaches Kim and Randy Herring.

Both CCHS & SMHS men’s soccer win 1-0 in district play

S. Douglas 5-6-08

Monday evening was a good day for men’s soccer in Cumberland County as both the Cumberland County High School Jets and the Stone Memorial High School Panthers hosted district games and came away victorious, each winning by a score of 1-0. The Jets hosted Rhea County High School . They scored twice in the first half but the first score was nullified by an off sides call. A few minutes later Mikey Roos booted one in for the only score of the game. The Jets defense faced a stern test in the second half as a Jet player was ejected for an illegal hit on a Rhea player. The team was forced to play short handed for the final twenty-two minutes of the game. The Jets travel to Rhea County Tuesday (today) for a second round game.

At Stone Memorial High School Sammy Fuentes broke up a scoreless game with the only score of the game at the sixty-eight minute mark. The Panthers had a first half goal nullified by an off sides call. The Panthers play Tuesday evening at Knoxville Catholic High School for round two of District play.

Cookeville’s Jere Whitson Elementary School receives Goody’s Grant

A.Vaughn/Herald Citizen 5-6-08

According to the Herald Citizen, students at Jere Whitson Elementary School are singing the praises of Goody’s. Last week, students and staff gathered in the gymnasium for the presentation of a $10,000 grant from the Goody’s Family Clothing Good Deeds For Schools program. The grant will be used to replace the school's music equipment lost in the fire March 17^th , 2007, that destroyed the school. According to Principal Dr. Teri Andreson, the school’s music program will be restored even better than it was before.

Wal-Mart expands discount drug program

Associated Press 5-6-08

According to a story by the Associated Press, Wal-Mart is expanding its discount prescription drug program to offer a 90-day supply for $10. It's also adding several women's medications and cutting the price on more than 1,000 over-the-counter drugs. This means the world's largest retailer is now filling prescriptions for up to 350 generic drugs for $10 for a three-month supply. Sam's Club and Neighborhood Market pharmacies are included along with Wal-Mart stores. Wal-Mart also says it's lowering prices on more than 1,000 over-the-counter medications to $4 or less. It says the discount drug program has saved Americans more than a billion dollars since it was introduced in 2006.

Gov. Bredesen may begin budget discussions today

Associated Press 5-6-08

Gov. Phil Bredesen says he may reveal his budget plan this week that could include laying off some of the state's nearly 47,000 employees. Bredesen told reporters during a break of an energy task force meeting on Monday that he may discuss the plan as early as today.

VW plant competition between Tennessee & Alabama

Associated Press 5-6-08

A business leader in Dothan , Alabama , says it appears competition for a Volkswagen plant is now between northern Alabama and Tennessee. The Chamber of Commerce official said he learned the Dothan area has been eliminated as a possible site. Tennessee officials have previously pitched a site near Chattanooga to carmakers.

Federal Appeals Court upholds House release

Associated Press 5-6-08

The federal appeals court in Cincinnati has upheld a Chattanooga federal judge's ruling to release a Tennessee death row inmate. Paul House has been in prison for nearly 22 years. His murder conviction and death sentence were overturned nearly two years ago by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Bible curriculum bill advances in state house

Associated Press 5-6-08

A bill that would let state education officials develop a Bible curriculum is advancing in the state House of Representatives. Democrat Mark Maddox's bill unanimously passed the House Education Committee on Monday. The measure would require local school districts to teach the course consistent with the U.S. and Tennessee constitutions, using an approved text book.

Dead Deer used as message towards gas prices

Associated Press 5-6-08

A dead deer with a message was found at a gas station in Cheatham County . Sheriff John Holder said someone had written, "Lower gas prices. Humans are taking it out on us." The sign was placed on the deer carcass, which was tied to the post of gasoline price sign in the county just west of Nashville .

Regional jet lands safely in Knoxville after mechanical problems develop

Associated Press 5-6-08

A US Airways regional jet landed safely in Knoxville after developing mechanical problems en route from Washington , D.C. , to Nashville . The twin-engine Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet made an emergency landing Monday afternoon at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport. No one was hurt.

Clemons denies affair with teenage Mindy McCready

Associated Press 5-6-08

Major league baseball player Roger Clemens has apologized for mistakes in his personal life, but denies having an affair with a teenager. Published reports have linked the seven-time Cy Young Award winner to country music singer Mindy McCready. She has said the reports are essentially true.

UT postpones attempt to get beer sale approval at Thompson-Boling

Associated Press 5-6-08

The University of Tennessee is postponing its attempt to get approval of beer sales at Thompson Boling-Arena. Tennessee Athletic Department officials have said such sales could help offset the $1 million annual operating deficit incurred by the arena. School administrators had signed off on the plan for non-university events.

Physical altercation reported at local nail spa

Andy Vaughn 5-5-08

Crossville Police were dispatched to Tony’s Nails for a fight report Saturday. Officers were advised that the suspect was leaving the parking lot in a white colored Chevy pick up, and police stopped 49 year old Robert L. Steakley of Cookeville along Highway 70 East, where he reportedly confessed to being involved in the fight. Further investigation revealed that Steakley entered the business and initiated a physical altercation with the owner. He was charged with simple assault and vandalism due to over $3000 in damages incurred in the business during the fight.

Intoxicated ER Patient causes ruckus

Andy Vaughn 5-5-08

Employees of the Cumberland Medical Center ’s Emergency Room had their hands full Saturday evening. According to the report, Richard M. Frazier, age 34 or Polk Patch Road , was transported to the ER from the scene of a single vehicle crash on Browntown Road . Frazier had previously been determined to be intoxicated, and while being treated for injuries he became out of control, allegedly striking and spitting on a nurse. He was charged with disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, and his 2^nd DUI.

Two crashes involve vehicles attempting to negotiate curves

Andy Vaughn 5-5-08

Sheriff’s Deputies investigated two similar vehicle crashes recently. Saturday, a 2003 Dodge Neon driven by Kelly J. Dew, age 16 of Highway 127 North, lost control while attempting to negotiate a curve on Plateau Road . The vehicle left the wet roadway, traveled over shrubbery and struck a tree. Friday, a 1995 Plymouth van driven by Elrod V. Altizer, age 19, of Deer Circle, left the road after attempting to negotiate a curve on Pigeon Ridge Road . The van slid sideways, through barbed wire and struck a wooden fence. There were no injuries reported in either accident.

Separate crashes killed two people Saturday morning within two hours. Just before 8:30 a.m. emergency personnel responded to a wreck on Highway 70 East involving a 1994 Ford truck. The driver, 63 year old David O. Norris of Cherry Branch Road, was traveling west, when the truck traveled off the left side of the road and went down an embankment. The truck struck a concrete building killing the lone occupant.

The second wreck occurred on Highway 70 West right at 10:00 a.m. Saturday when a 1993 Chevrolet hydroplaned on the wet roadway traveled down an embankment overturning, partially ejecting the driver 25 year old Laura Whicher of Stanley Street. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt and in the officer’s opinion use of safety restrained would have made a difference in the outcome.

A convicted murderer who was accidentally released from a Tennessee prison last month has been captured in Atlanta. Tennessee Department of Correction spokeswoman Dorinda Carter says a clerical error allowed 35-year-old Edgar Bailey Jr. to leave South Central Correctional Facility in Clifton, TN on April 22. The error was not discovered until this week.

Clint Bowyer has raced to his first victory of the season in winning the Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Kyle Busch ran second, followed by Mark Martin, Tony Stewart and Martin Truex Junior.

The National Weather Service says four weak tornadoes were spawned by a storm system that moved through Montgomery County. The weather service said trees snapped, mobile homes ripped from their foundations and a wooden pavilion at the fairgrounds was destroyed. Officials said there were at least 4 injuries reported as a result of severe storms.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler says he should have recognized something was wrong last season when lost 35 pounds and some of the zip on his famous fastballs. The former Vanderbilt star said Friday he attributed his lack of energy to stress before a routine blood tests revealed that his sugars were about five times higher than normal. Doctors last month told him he's an insulin-dependent diabetic.

Concerns that realistic-looking toy weapons are confusing police and threatening safety have led 15 states to take a crack at going beyond gun control to implement fake-gun control. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, this year seven bills limiting fake guns are pending, including one in Tennessee.

Emmitt Smith has some advice for suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones: Stay out of trouble. Smith, NFL career rushing leader, was visiting the Cowboys rookie mini-camp Saturday. The Cowboys acquired Jones from the Tennessee Titans last week, and Smith said he thought it was a good trade to bolster the Dallas secondary.

Lobbyists are regulated by the Tennessee Ethics Commission, but now the professional association that represents them is advising members not to seek opinions from the commission on ethics questions. Commission officials say they are disappointed at the directive.

Former Hamilton County Sheriff Billy Long will have a rearraignment hearing Monday when he could change his plea in a criminal case. Earlier he pleaded not guilty to federal extortion and drug charges. His trial was set earlier for May 13.

State Funding Board officials tried to keep documents used to determine the severity of the state's budget shortfall from public inspection. Charts comparing tax collections in Tennessee with other states were passed out to members of the board last week, but a reporter was denied when he asked for a copy.

Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed into law a measure to close public access to state and local government employees' home addresses and telephone numbers. Sponsors say it's designed to protect government workers from harassment or stalking. Elected officials are not under the provisions.

Crossville resident Wanda Marsh is the lucky winner of the April 30 $130,000 Pick 5 jackpot. After recently moving to Crossville to be near her sister, Wanda feels especially grateful for the win. Wanda's sister sold her motorcycle to help finance the move. Now, Wanda will be able to replace the motorcycle and have enough money to help finance a new home.

Last weekend Crossville Police answered a hit and run call on Interstate Drive in front of the Rocky Top 10 Theater. Witnesses told officers that they were forced off the road by someone in a white Jeep Cherokee who was traveling in the opposite lane and sideswiped the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle. The Jeep was stopped by Sheriff’s Deputies on Peavine Road, where the 17 year old male driver was discovered to be in a highly intoxicated state. He was remanded to Juvenile detention and charged with DUI, drinking below legal age, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Drug related arrest made after authorities investigating report of stolen vehicle

Local authorities were dispatched to a Brown Drive residence Wednesday for the report of a possible stolen vehicle. Deputies tracked the vehicle down along Highway 70 North, where the driver, 27 year old William Ray Thacker of Robin Court told deputies that his cousin, who was related to the owner of the car, was walking along the highway because they had run out of gas. Authorities were able to call the cousin, who said that he was in Nashville with a friend. A personal search of Thacker yielded numerous prescription pills and rolling papers, and he was charged with theft over $1000, 2 counts of drug possession and drug paraphernalia.

Jets soccer team drops regular season final game; will play in District Tourney action Monday

The CCHS Jets Men’s Soccer Team closed out its regular season on Thursday evening, losing to visiting Livingston Academy by a score of 7-0. Livingston scored quickly in the first half, scoring four goals in the first ten minutes and a total of six in the half. The Jets defense tightened up in a rough and tumble second half, allowing only one additional score but picking up three yellow cards and an ejection. The Jets will host Soddy-Daisy High School on Monday afternoon in a first round District Tournament game.

Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl says sophomore forward Duke Crews and sophomore guard Ramar Smith are being dismissed from the team. Pearl says the two players did not meet his expectations after they were given every opportunity to succeed. They'll transfer to another school. The dismissal comes after both reportedly failed drug tests.

Severe weather moved into West and Middle Tennessee Friday evening, bringing soaking rain, strong winds, hail, lightning and the threat of tornadoes. No injuries or major property damage was reported. The Coast Guard confirmed a tornado over the Mississippi River late Friday afternoon near Dyer County.

Officials believe a 1.5-mile "missing link" section of the Foothills Parkway overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee could be completed by 2016. It's now estimated to take $138 million to complete the link from Walland to Wears Valley. Meantime, sightseers can view a 9-mile section of the parkway this weekend that hasn't been open to the public since 1998.

Federal marshals ran into some travel problems in fetching former state Sen. John Ford from a prison in Louisiana for a court hearing in Nashville. The hearing was set for Tuesday, but a federal judge ordered it postponed until June 9. Ford, of Memphis, is scheduled for trial on charges he failed to report $800,000 in consulting payments from state contractors.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has added a convicted murderer to its list of Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives. The TBI says Edgar Bailey Jr. was inadvertently released from the South Central Correctional Facility in Clifton, TN on April 22. He is wanted for a 2004 murder conviction in Chattanooga.

The Crossville Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam going around the area. According to Chief of Police David Beaty, several citizens in the city and county are reporting receiving phone calls from someone acting as a credit card company representative who is asking for birthdates and social security information for account verification. This is a scam. Once again, you are warned by police that banks and credit card companies will not ask you to verify personal information over the phone in this manner. Please do not give the information out over the phone or in e-mail. If you have been approached, please report the incident to the Crossville Police Dept. at 484-7231 or the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Dept. at 484-6176.

The Cumberland County Board of Education will be holding their monthly meeting on Tuesday may 6^th. Items on the agenda include 2008 SCOPE recognition, the construction and legal reports, and the Director of Schools report, which will include a TDOT presentation. Other agenda items include the approval of several grant applications, 1^st and 2^nd reading approvals of various policy changes along with approval of the consent agenda. The meeting will begin at 6 PM in the board meeting room in the Central Complex.

According to a story in the Roane County News, County Executive Mike Farmer is not thrilled with how the county’s new jail project is going. A jail construction oversight committee met Wednesday to address concerns, and even though the project is months behind schedule, and the county has been named in a lawsuit filed by a sub-contractor, committee members were still optimistic. Commissioners stated that concrete is being poured and that things are beginning to fall into place on the $10 million dollar development. Work started in August of 2007 on renovating the present structure; the second part of the project consists of building a dormitory to house prisoners. At this point, officials are not stating when construction will be finished.

In every American community, committed law enforcement officers watch over our neighborhoods to make it safer for our families to live. These extraordinary men and women work to see that laws are upheld and serve on the frontline in the fight against crime and terrorism. Everyone owes a lasting debt to those that have sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting, and because of this, the week of May 4^th- 10^th has been designated Police Week in the city of Crossville . Wednesday May 14^th has been selected as the local Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. The Frank Clement FOP Lodge #38 will hold a special service on that day from 12 Noon- 1PM at the courthouse gazebo, and encourage everyone to come. Refreshments will be served at the Palace Theater from 11-2 PM for family members of all local officers.

State Attorney General challenges attorney’s advertising expertise in DUI cases

Tennessee's attorney general says state Senator Rosalind Kurita's bill to bar attorneys from advertising their expertise with DUI cases could be challenged. Attorney General Bob Cooper said the measure violates the separation of powers and raises serious First Amendment concerns.

Nashville police have arrested a suspect in more than a dozen rapes over the last 15 years. Robert Jason Burdick was arrested Thursday morning. He was charged in a "John Doe" warrant two years ago in Nashville and will now be listed as the person indicted. The rapes occurred in Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties.

Former University of Tennessee basketball guard Chris Lofton says he is now free of cancer, but battled the disease during his senior season. In a statement released by the university Thursday, Lofton revealed he underwent surgery and radiation for testicular cancer a year ago.

Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess is supporting construction of a Bible-themed park. He said the project would benefit local tax revenue (in the county southeast of Nashville ). The proposed park has drawn both opposition and support from the county.

A man charged with shooting three people outside a Las Vegas strip club denies he was involved and accuses suspended NFL cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones of ordering the shooting. Arvin Kenti Edwards of Renton , Wash. , told WTVF-TV of Nashville that Jones is framing him to avoid identifying the real shooter.