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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012Haslam pitches legislative agenda to Chamber audience (News-Sentinel/Flory)Facing a hometown audience hosted by the Knoxvil le Chamber, Gov. Bill Haslam on Monday outlinedlegislative agenda that's heavy on business-oriented goals. S peaking at a breakfast meeting, the formKnoxville mayor touched on everything from crime to education, but many of his goals relate in some wayimproving Tennessee's business climate. Haslam is pushing to build more flexibility into the process for recruitnew businesses and supporting existing ones, particularly when it comes to cash grants provided by the state infrastructure and job training. In addition, he is calling for reductions in the state's inheritance tax, with immediate goal of raising the inheritance tax exemption from $1 million to $1.25 million, with an eventual goaraising the cap to $5 million. While that change would likely affect a relatively small number of TennesseaHaslam pitched a cut in the sales tax on food — from 5.5 percent to 5.3 percent, with an eventual goal ofpercent — as a way to enact broad-based tax-cutting. "If we're going to lower taxes for all Tennesseans, thathe right place to attack it," he said.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jan/23/gov-bill-haslam-speaks-to-knoxville-chamber/?partner=yahoo_feeds

Gov. Haslam speaks to packed crowd in Knoxville on Monday (WBIR-T

Knoxville)Monday morning, Governor Bill Haslam made a stop back at his old stomping grounds. Governor Haslam spoto a crowd of nearly 500. The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce sponsored a breakfast with the Governor at tKnoxville Convention Cen ter. Haslam spoke about what he hopes to accomp lish this legislative session. Amohis ideas are job incentives, decreasing the grocery tax, and increasing jail time for repeat violent offenders. GoHaslam would like to increase sentencing for people who commit crimes and have a prior felony and are also

possession of a firearm. Also, for gang related crimes, and repeat domestic violent offenders. Governor Haslsaid, "If you go talk to the District Attorneys across the state, including Randy Nichols here in town they wosay we don't have the tools in the tool box to put the kind of penalties in place. We haven't done it in the pabecause when you increase those jail sentences that means more money, we have to put more money in budget. So, it will cost us an extra 6-8 m illion dollars this year for increased jail time and we have to pay that awe think that is a good trade to make for a safer society."http://www.wbir.com/rss/article/202028/2/Gov-Haslam-speaks-to-packed-crowd-in-Knoxville-o n-Monday

What about jobs? Gov. Haslam weighs in (WVLT-TV Knoxville)Tennessee's leader is sharing his ideas for the upcoming legislative session. Local 8 News asked the questyou keep asking, "What about jobs?" Governor Haslam says our state is in a service industry. And Tennessneeds to offer better service. "It's addressing crime and safety issues where Tennessee is still too high, or tthings we're doing to bring in jobs. All those things work together," said Other priorities include educatioupdating the way Tennessee hires its state workers and something m any of you are calling for -- more work. T  jobless rate hit a three-year low in December at 8.7 percent. "It's still too high. The encouraging thing is thmeans we're on the right track there," said Gov. Bill Haslam. "We're at the state doing everything we canencourage the job growth to happen here." The Knoxville Chamber and other businesses are calling for tincentives to lure companies away from other states. "To some extent, Tennessee right now is at a competitdisadvantage," said Garrett Wagley, the vice president for policy and public relations for the Knoxville Chamb"To ink the deal a lot of times, it comes down to incentives."http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/What_about_jobs_Gov_Haslam_weighs_in_137895823.html 

TDOT awaits green light from feds to reshape I-40 exit 407 (WBIR-TV Knoxville)

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TDOT is waiting for the green light from the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) to build a gem of a desat one of East Tennessee's busiest intersections. "If you've been at the 407 exit [on I-40], then you have sattraffic before," said Steve Borden, TDOT Region 1 Director. "There at the interchange of I-40 and Highwayyou routinely have traffic that backs up off the ramp and into the right lane of the interstate." TDOT has submita proposal to the FHWA to reshape the junction into a diverging diamond interchange. The first divergdiamond design was first implemented in the United States in 2009. TDOT constructed a diverging diamondAlcoa at the interchange of Middlesettlements Road, Bessemer Street, and U.S 129. Borden said a divergdiamond at exit 407 could free up traffic flow for millions of drivers who use Highway 66 as the gateway to tGreat Smoky Mountains National Park. The main change involves weaving traffic to flow in the opposdirection on each of the two Highway 66 bridges that overpass I-40. "A diverging diamond is a new technolowith interchanges. Even as an engineer you look at it and say, 'Oh gosh, I'm driving on the w rong side of road.' But when you actually drive it, it is very natural and you don't notice it," said Borden.http://www.wbir.com/rss/article/202108/2/TDOT-awaits-green-light-for-Exit-407-diverging -diamond

Food Lion layoffs under way (Knoxville News-Sentinel)Layoffs at Food Lion stores around Tennessee already are being reported to the Tennessee DepartmentLabor and Workforce Development, which announced today that 354 workers have been laid off at Food Llocations across the state, with 151 of those in East Tennessee. Belgian supermarket chain Delhaize Groowner of the Food Lion stores, announced Jan. 12 that it would close 113 of the stores as it faces tight consumspending and increased competition. This would include 25 Food Lion stores in Tennessee and a distribut

center in Clinton and put 1,100 people out of work. The state's Labor and Workforce Development departmereported today it had received notification of the scheduled closing of 10 of the stores. These include 34 workto be laid off Feb. 15 at a Washington County Food Lion, 23 workers on Feb. 11 in Greene County, 40 aHamblen County store on Feb. 7, and 29 at a Sevier County location Feb. 12, O ther layoffs at Food Lion s toclosing in Tennessee in January and February include 40 at a W hite County store, 35 at a Sumner County sto26 at a Davidson County store, 105 from three stores in Rutherford County and 22 from a Marshall Countyhttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jan/23/food-lion-layoffs-under-way/?partner=yahoo_feeds

5 Middle TN Food Lions set to close (Tennessean/Marsteller)Several M iddle Tennessee Food Lion Stores w ill begin closing next week, costing more than 160 employetheir jobs. The five stores in Davidson, Rutherford and Sumner counties will close between M onday and Feb. according to layoff notices sent to the state. Those closures will result in the layoffs of 166 people. The store

4337 Old Hickory Blvd. in Old Hickory is the first slated to close, on Monday. That will result in 26 layoffs. Tother stores are scheduled to close Feb. 15: » 103 Glen Oak Blvd., Hendersonville, 35 jobs. » 3060 S. ChurSt., Murfreesboro, 35 jobs. » 2061 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, 30 jobs. » 564 Nissan D rive, Smyrna, 40 joBelgian supermarket chain Delhaize, which owns Food Lion, announced earlier this month that it was cutt5,000 jobs and closing 113 under-performing U.S. stores. That includes 25 in Tennessee, seven of themMiddle Tennessee.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120124/BUSINESS01/301230038/5-Middle-TN-FoodLions-set-close?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

TWRA officials say red deer still remain in Claiborne County (WATE-TV KnoxvilleTennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials said as of January 20, hunters have only killed six of the mothan 30 red deer that escaped from a private owner's property in Claiborne County. Officialsopened a two-weekhunting seasonto sportsmen and women earlier this month in the hopes of killing the animals. Because the dee

are not native to East Tennessee, wildlife officials are worried that the animals could spread disease to natwildlife populations. Though no announcement has been made yet, officials may open a second seasonextend the current one in an attempt to capture and kil l all of the deer. The original hunting season wscheduled for January 14-22.http://www.wate.com/story/16575459/twra-officials-say-red-deer-still -remain

Man Released After 30 Years Wants Name Cleared (WTVF-TV Nashville)Lawrence McKinney spent half his life in prison for a crime he did not commit. DNA evidence cleared McKinnbut the state still hasn't exonerated him. "Thirty-one years, nine months, 18 days and 12 hours," is the timMcKinney said he spent behind bars. In 1977, McKinney was sentenced to life in prison for rape, but three yeago science cleared him and he was released. "The DNA evidence was conclusive. A mistake was made aan injustice occurred," said David Raybin, one of McKinney's attorneys. Raybin figured McK inney would eaqualify for state compensation, that is monies for those wrongly imprisoned. "It's up to a million dollars," said Ja

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Lowery, McKinney's other attorney. To pursue that claim the Governor must exonerate McKinney, but in a moLowery and R aybin find difficult to figure out the state Board of Probation and P arole did not recommend clearMcKinney's name. "I think it's terrible," said McKinney's wife Dorothy. She said her husband goes to church avolunteers, but has trouble finding a job. She can't understand why he's still paying for a crime he didn't commhttp://www.newschannel5.com/story/16582598/man-released-after-30-years-wants-name-cleared

Making Changes to Tennesse’s Tax Code (WPLN-Radio Nashville)Tax season is here. Maybe you’ve already started work on your returns for 2011, but Governor Haslam and

Tennessee Legislature are looking at changes that w ill affect some Tennessee taxpayers in the coming years.http://wpln.org/?p=331 75AUDIO:http://wpln.org/wp-content/2012/01/chc-3. mp3

TN businesses press for end of estate tax (Tennessean/Sisk)Robert Doochin says his next step is fairly simple: After nearly half a century at the helm of American PapeTwine Co., pass the business on to his three children. But w ith an estimated value of $10 million to $20 millithere’s one problem: the tax bill. Doochin’s estate attorney has advised him to move out of state, he says. Hconsidering it. “It’s a big hit,” he said. “You take this business. We’ve never cashed in. So where does that moncome from?” Doochin, l ike many successful business owners, has been pressing state leaders to lowTennessee’s main tax on wealth, the estate tax. Gov. B ill Haslam and Republican leaders in the state legislatare poised to grant that wish this year with a bill that would eliminate the estate tax for about one in four of t

Tennessee families who currently face it. Haslam says the bill marks the first step toward phasing out the tax all but the w ealthiest families; anti-tax groups hope it will open the door to the tax’s elimination altogether. Gleaders say the tax is encouraging an exodus of wealthy retirees to Florida and other states that do not have estate tax. Evidence for this trend is spotty, but economists who have studied tax migration say there agrounds for believing that people like Doochin will at least change where they say they live, if not sell their hoand move away entirely.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120124/NEWS0201/301240022/TN-businessespress-end-estate-tax?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

GOP Proposals Take Aim At Tennessee Courts (Associated Press)Republicans in the Tennessee Legislature are taking a close look at the judiciary branch this year, with seveproposals expected to be taken up early in the session. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey told reporters last wethat he plans to get fellow lawmakers to take the first step toward approving a constitutional amendmentresolve legal questions about the way appeals judges are appointed and retained. Ramsey said he is joinedGov. Bill Haslam and House Speaker Beth Harwell in opposing the popular election of Supreme Court justicRamsey said he also expects lawmakers will replace a commission that disciplines Tennessee judgespromote greater transparency, though he said he disagrees with a fellow Republican senator's proposal to sthe courts of the power to throw out state laws.http://www.newschannel5.com/story/16580501/gop-proposals-take-aim-at-tennessee-courts

Legislative Leaders Declare Economic Development, Jobs the Top Priority (WPLState lawmakers are scrambling to hand in proposed new legislation before a Thursday deadline. But politileaders in the Tennessee House say that no matter what shows up, they’re going to pay most attention to babout jobs and economic issues. House Republican Leader Gerald McCormick says one major idea is to all job-creating industries to get cash incentives, real money, as soon as they start up. The money would be handout by the Department of Economic and Community Development. “They have found out through talking

different companies, that the companies would rather have more flexibility up front to get their facilities goirather than having a long, drawn-out process of doing tax credits.” That bill is part of the governor’s legislat“to-do” list, and McCormick is the governor’s point man in the House. The minority party will put up their oeconomic proposals, says House Democratic Leader Mike Turner. “Our Number One focus this time is tryingmake sure we have jobs. …we’ve got a jobs package we’re putting forward, and hopefully the Republicans wsupport it, and we’re willing to support any job measures they have, if it puts people to work, and is faDemocrats had a similar package last year – but Republicans ignored it.http://wpln.org/?p=332 33

Sen. Mae Beavers w ithdraws bill to ban jud icial review (Associat

Press/Schelzig)Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Mae Beavers has withdrawn her proposal to strip Tennessee courts of the pow

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to overturn laws enacted by the state legislature. T he w ithdrawal late Monday came after the proposal caunder heavy criticism from members of both parties, including Republican Senate Speaker Ron RamsBeavers, a Republican from Mt. Juliet, said last week that her bill was aimed at reeling in what she called out-control courts. Democratic senators argued the proposal would threaten the independence of the couMeanwhile Ramsey said the proposal would simply go too far because it would be “crossing the line separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branchehttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120124/NEWS0201/301240029/Sen-Mae-Beavers-withdraws-bill-ban- judicial-review?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Ne ws|s

GOP Leaders Look to Limit Judicial Selection Debate (TN Report)Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey last week reiterated his opposition to the people of Tennessee electing state SupreCourt judges, even while acknowledging the Tennessee Constitution probably requires it. The BlountvRepublican, who since 2007 has served as speaker of the Senate, said he’ll push ahead this legislative sesswith an effort to amend the Constitution to scrub any reference to voters choosing Supreme Court or appella judges. Ram sey wants to replace the vexing language with phrasing that enshrines and legitimizes the so-cal“Tennessee Plan,” which is the current method for appointing the state’s most powerful judges. According to tTennessee Constitution, “The judges of the Supreme Court shall be elected by the qualified voters of the StatThe state government’s foundational document also declares, “The judges of the Circuit and Chancery Couand of other inferior Courts, shall be elected by the qualified voters of the district or circuit to which they are to assigned.” Speaking to reporters in his Capitol Hill office Thursday, Ramsey said,http://www.tnreport.com/2012/01/gop-leaders-look-to-limit-judicial-selection -debate/ 

STEM Legislative Committee Meets On Capitol Hill (WTVF-TV Nashville)State lawmakers are getting serious about their commitment to education, specifically science and math. A nlegislative caucus met M onday for the first time to discuss the importance of education of Science, TechnoloEngineering and Math, also known as STEM. The S TEM legislative comm ittee formed just last month after yeof discussion and finally met for the first time Monday. Their goal was to provide information to lawmakers abhow to improve the education system in Tennessee in regards to STEM classes. It's estimated that in 6 years state will need to fill more than 100,000 STEM related jobs. It's up to educators to give kids a chance to qualified. "It is absolutely critical that we stand here today and do everything we can to make sure that the wforce of the future is capable to address the technological challenges that industry faces and our nation facesaid one member. And students will want to pay attention to those lessons and initiatives involving STcourses, the average job right now in Science and Engineering pays about $75,000 a year.

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Bill to require students perform hands-on CPR (Associated Press)A proposal to require hands-on CPR practice in high school resuscitation programs has passed the Senate. Tmeasure sponsored by Republican Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville was approved 31-0 on Monday. Tcompanion bill is still awaiting a vote in the House Education Committee. Instead of just requiring instructionthe techniques and skills associated with CPR, the proposal would require "students learn the techniques apractice the psychomotor skills associated with performing CPR."http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38409091?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Lawmakers trying to allow displays of commandments (Associated Press)Two Republican state legislators are pushing a measure aimed at allowing local governments to display the T

Commandments in county courthouses or on public grounds in Tennessee. Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville and RMatthew Hill of Jonesboro have introduced a bill authorizing counties and cities to set up displays of historidocuments and monuments and writings "recognized to commemorate freedom and the r ich historyTennessee and the United States." The proposed list includes the Ten Commandments, England's Magna Cathe Pilgrims' Mayflower Compact, the U .S. Constitution, the Tennessee C onstitution and "other such historicsignificant documents." Bell told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that such displays should withstand lechallenges (http://bit.ly/wLKYBl ). The director of Am ericans United for the Separation of Church and S tate ssuch displays are constitutionally questionable.http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38408273?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Tennessee representative fighting for Ten Commandments legislation (WSMV-TVWill you soon see Ten Commandments monuments on display in government buildings? If one Tenness

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lawmaker has his way you will. Republican Rep. Matthew Hill of Jonesborough is behind the legislation thanow being called the Ten Commandments Bill. While some Tennesseans support Hill's fight, others say unconstitutional. Hill says city and county municipalities should have the right to display historic documents lthe Bill of Rights or even religious monuments showing the Ten Commandments in government buildings. Bhe wouldn't be the first politician with that idea. In Alabama, Chief Justice Roy Moore was removed from tbench in 2003 for refusing to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse. Rep. Hintroduced similar legislation in 2006, but it didn't pass.http://www.wsmv.com/story/16581450/tennessee-representative-fighting-for-ten-commandments-legislation

Shipley seeking earth barricade at I-81 crash site (Times-News)Tennessee state Rep. Tony Shipley is preparing an alternate plan to build an interstate safety barrier protectShipley Ferry Road homeowners amid yet another vehicle crashing into the neighborhood over the weekeThe Tennessee Department of Transportation determined last fall the area at mile marker 59 of Interstate north didn’t need a barrier. “TDOT has taken the position that the road conformed to safety standards and thwere going to do nothing,” Shipley, R-Kingsport, said M onday. On Saturday, a vehicle apparently hydroplanedthe interstate, ran through a barbed wire fence, and then struck an unoccupied pop-up camper parked next tShipley Ferry Road barn. The driver, 48-year-old Deborah Harris-Fields of Fairview, N.C., was not injureaccording to Kingsport police. “This is the third wreck in the past six months,” neighborhood resident Mary Shsaid of the incident.http://www.timesnews.net/article/9041240/shipley-seeking-earth-barricade-at-i-81-c rash-site 

County Commission Starts Over On Redistricting, Resolves Some Turmoil (MDNA seven-vote majority for leaving the Shelby County Commission at five districts collapsed dramatically MondJan. 23. And at the sam e comm ission meeting a resolution to change the ground rules to permit a majority vto remove the chairman was withdrawn. Meanwhile, a censure resolution against two com missioners also fizzas larger differences among commissioners continued to emerge. The five-district plan leaving the commisswith a set of four districts, each represented by three commissioners, and one single-member district failed the second of three readings as leaders of the Memphis branch NAACP weighed-in in favor of a change to single-member districts. Most of the coalition favoring just a tweaking of the district lines were out of the rowhen the vote was taken despite an extended debate. But with all of them in the room, they still came up shorthe votes needed to reconsider the item, which failed on a 6-7 vote. Key to the outcome were commentscommissioners Henri Brooks and James Harvey who indicated they would be willing to work on a set of ndistrict lines for the 13 single-member districts map. Key to the compromise is the belief that representation the body for the suburban areas could be by four comm issioners instead of the current three and the commiss

could have a seven-vote African-American majority.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/jan/24/county-commission-starts-over-on-redistricting-resolvessome-turmoil/ 

Commission still fighting over redistricting (WM C-TV Memphis)The battle to redraw Shelby County's voting lines is back to the drawing board, again. This is the second map commission could not agree upon. The issue has already been in and out of court after a judge tcommissioners to figure it out on their own. But disagreements still abound and the item is once again headiback to committee. Shelby County C ommission Chair Sydney Chism calmly officiated the latest redistricting vshortly before the commission was set to discuss another vote to establish a rule of order for ousting comm isschairs. "People posturing in order to establish turf never bothers me," Chism said. He said the ouster talk waseffort to try and force him to stop promoting a map that would give his fellow Democrats an additional seat in

next election. Commissioner Brent Taylor said it's simply procedural. "It is merely to put in place a procewhether it be Chairman Chism or a future chairman, can be removed by an orderly process," he said. Taysupported a map that he said would ensure balanced Democratic and Republican representation on the boardbalanced African-American and white breakdown and a balance of city and suburban commissioners.http://www.wmctv.com/story/16582425/commission-still-fighting-over-redi stricting

Officials in Chattanooga propose tougher gang law (Associated Press)Chattanooga-area elected officials, law enforcement officers, state and federal prosecutors and social agenrepresentatives have joined in seeking tougher sentencing guidelines to punish gang violence and to expaefforts to keep children from joining gangs. Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield at a City Hall news conferenMonday said gang members should know that the community is united in the effort. He said the effort also wmean new costs. He did not mention a dollar amount but said it wil l be up to the community's legislat

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delegation to sell their colleagues from rural areas on tougher sentencing measures. The proposed legislatwould amend the Tennessee code definition of racketeering activity to include criminal street gangs. The otproposal would provide longer sentences for gang m embers who commit felonies.http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38407765?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Tougher laws sought to deal with Chattanooga's gang problem (TFP/Burger)Darryl Hill, resident agent in charge for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, put a f

point on Chattanooga's gang problem M onday afternoon at City Hall. He pulled three bullets from his pockThey fit the chamber of an AK-47 assault rifle, a round used in a World W ar II rifle and .223 bullet used in an A15 assault rifle. "All three of these are being carried by gang members and are used by gang membersChattanooga," Hill told the crowd gathered for a news conference on stopping gang violence. The ATF agwas among representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies who joined city and couofficials to announce the formation of the Chattanooga Area Gang Enforcement Team. "The problem is serious and pervasive that we cannot allow inter-agency bickering, jurisdictional concerns, past efforts or aother impediment in addressing and solving this problem," U.S. Attorney Bill Killian said. "It will require innovatideas and approaches from every corner of our society. It will require every state, local and federal agencysacrifice." Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield said he is working with me tro mayors across the state to lobby stiffer gang laws. The task could be a challenge as officials from the large cities in Tennessee take their casestate legislators who primarily serve rural populations where gangs are not a priority. City officials wantpersuade the Legislature to include prosecution of criminal street gangs under the Racketeer Influenced a

Corrupt Organizations Act, which according to current state law only applies to sex trafficking and large-scdrug trafficking.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/24/chattanooga-tougher-laws-sought-to-deal-with-gangs/?local

Tennessee Voters Hold Power In Primary (WTVF-TV Nashville)By this time in the game, a clear front runner is usually decided in the primary elections. But now that thdifferent candidates have each won a state, including Newt Gingrich's recent round-up of South Carolina, it cobe up to voters in Tennessee to decide on a leader. Elections are known for their storylines. And as expectthe plot thickened on Monday for the Republican primary with no clear front-runner in sight. "It's a little different this is the first time I know of that we've had three different winners in the three different states earsaid Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney. In years past, by the time primary polls openedTennessee, a leader would already be decided, but this time around it's any man's game. "I think it's hard t

year to predict what's going to happen and since it's the first time ever that a different guy has won each onefar, maybe you guys will go for a fourth," said voter Julia Dought. Now it seems Tennessee is poised to playmore valuable role in the primary. Depending on what happens in Florida, Tennessee votes could theoreticabe just the thing to push one man to the f ront.http://www.newschannel5.com/story/16582512/tennessee-voters-hold-power-in-prima ry

Newt Gingrich backers see Tenn. following South Carolina's lead (N-S/HumphreyState legislators leading Newt Gingrich's Republican presidential campaign have returned from a weekend tripSouth Carolina saying the former U.S. House speaker will be poised to repeat his Palmetto State victory in Volunteer State. "We wanted to see how we're dovetailing (in Tennessee) with what they were doing in SouCarolina," said state Rep. Tony Shipley, R-Kingsport. "I can say now that Team Tennessee is ahead of wheSouth Carolina was on election night. We're going to shock people when we roll out our ground game." "It w

electrifying," said Sen. Stacey Campfield, R-Knoxville, of the journey to South Carolina, where Gingrich wSaturday with 40 pe rcent of the Republican presidential primary vote to 27 percent for runner-up M itt Romneythink he (Gingrich) is really rallying the Republican base," said Campfield, which he said is similar to conservative GOP base in Tennessee. Campfield contrasted that with the reaction by Romney and supporters. "They're good people, but I don't know how really fired up and motivated they are," he said. James"Jim" Haslam II, founder of Pilot Corp. and co-chairman of the Romney campaign in Tennessee, disagreedthink we're every bit as excited as the Gingrich people," Haslam said, adding he believes that excitementbacked up by better organization, financing and "(Romney's) proven record as a businessman and as goverof M assachusetts."http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jan/24/gingrich-backers-see-tennessee-following-south/ 

Politicians use GIS technology to their advantage (WKRN-TV Nashville)

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Geographic Information System or G IS technology, which is used in many government departments, will soonuseful for politicians too. GIS technology has been used by Sumner County for about five years for propeassessment, saving taxpayers money. Sumner County's Property Assessor John Isbell said, "We used it durour review cycle. We're able to go in and look at these properties and get an idea if there's been any changesthe property." It's a system he hopes to help further develop and share with officials statewide. "This is a mowe're going to share across Tennessee to help them use the system as well," said Isbell. As the campaseason stirs up, candidates will be using the technology to their advantage. By combining GIS mapptechnology with statistics from TDOT, campaigns can figure out which streets are the busiest. Then, they cstrategically place their signs, and when canvassing door-to-door, they can be tracked via cell phone.http://www.wkrn.com/story/16582178/politicians-use-gis-technology-to-their-ad vantage

Welcome to Cleveland, Tenn.: the city without a nickname (TFP/Higgins)There is still no nickname for Cleveland. When Mayor Tom Rowland spoke M onday to MainStreet Cleveland,said "the name will be revealed this afternoon." After the mayor called for a nickname contest with a $1,0prize, more than 1,800 responses came in. A Chamber of Commerce intern organized them. A committeevolunteers sifted through them, coming up with two. The City Council was going to pick. "I lost friends wheappointed those committee members," Rowland said. The winnowing was hard. Committee Chairwoman M elisWoody said one nomination was "City of Champions." "OK, so when our football team loses?" she asked. Otoptions are "The City With Spirit" and "Hometown Feel, Global Appeal." "I have not had the first positive careported Counci lman David May when the council convened later in the day. The mayor had anot

commitment and w as not there. Councilman Dale Hughes said he had "only a couple of calls." "I don't know hyou go about starting again," Hughes said. "So we are going to hold this for the mayor?" asked CouncilmAvery Johnson. The Council took no action. Rowland's real purpose at MainStreet Cleveland was to givepreview of his annual state of the city speech. That address is made each year before the Kiwanis Club, whmeets Thursday.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/24/cleveland-still-without-nickname-tenness ee/?local

Cleveland, Tenn., approves bonds for airport, road projects (TFP/Higgins)The Cleveland C ity Council approved three bond resolutions Monday to finance portions of airport constructiconnector roads to a future industrial park and road work near the new Whirlpool site. A $1.5 million dfinanced through the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund will be used toward an airport terminal at the new Tasarea airport. The variable rate loan will be for 15 years. The airport is expected to be finished by the end of

year. The Cleveland Municipal Airport A uthority wants a terminal building ready to open at the same timesecond debt will be for $1.7 million to help fund local connector roads to a future interchange on APD 40 neexit 20 to Interstate 75. The connector roads will be between Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 11. The fixed-rloan will be financed for 20 years through the bond fund. The Cleveland school board ac tually will be paying tdebt, City Manager Janice Casteel said. The city lent the school system $1.7 million for Arnold ElementSchool improvements several years ago. The school board agreed to pay the city's next bonded debt in retuup to $1.7 million. The third debt of just over $1 million will cover road work for Benton Pike, Durkee Road aMichigan Avenue Road to serve the new Whirlpool plant. It is a variable-rate loan financed through the bond fufor 15 years. The Whirlpool bond received unanimous approval, but Councilman Bill Estes voted "no" for airport and connector road bond issues.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/24/cleveland-approves-bonds-for-airport-road-proj ects/?local

Ray defends pay, tourism organization's role and success (News-Sentinel/DonilaRepresentatives from the Knoxville Tourism and S ports Corp. on Monday attempted to "clear up the air" wKnox County Commission as officials held a number of meetings to discuss the operation's structure, missand results. During two public hearings, KTSC President and CEO Gloria Ray, in her "Focus on the Facpresentation, defended her organization for several hours, detail ing to county leaders how and why organization is successful. Ray, who has been the object of media scrutiny in recent weeks because of hsalary, also defended her annual pay, noting that the KTSC executive committee puts together her compensatcontract. "I do not set my pay," said Ray, who makes $405,000, which is more than what executives at simiorganizations in the state make. "I gratefully take it, but I hope the numbers will show that the growth in otourism has been significant. In sports, which is my background, if you win games, you get to stay, and the myou win the more you make. If you lose games you get fired." The meetings came in the wake of plans to sell tWomen's Basketball Hall of Fame, which KTSC manages, and a surprise over how much Ray earns.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jan/23/knox-county-commission-ktsc-to-discuss/ 

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Ketron says won't seek congressional seat (Associated Press/Johnson)Sen. Bill Ketron said Monday he will not seek the new 4th Congressional District seat in Tennessee becausefamily obligations and unfinished business in the state Senate. The Murfreesboro Republican said after his fatdied 11 months ago, his father "made a promise to him that I would take care of my mother, my family and tbusiness that he started 43 years ago." Ketron said he also wants to ensure the proper implementationlegislation he sponsored, such as a new controversial law that requires voters to show a state or federal photo

at the polls before they can vote. "That's going to take some time this year," he said. Ketron added that if he run for the congressional seat, raising money for his campaign would be tough because he'd more than likehave to catch up to the other candidates. "I'd be on the phone right now," he said. "I'd have to raise $850,0between now and August. That would take away time from people electing me to come up here." This is Ketrotenth year in the G eneral Assembly, representing Maury, Lincoln, Rutherford and Marshall counties.http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38409107?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Sen. Bill Ketron won't run for Congress (Gannett)Republican state Sen. Bill Ketron ended speculation Monday of a run for Tennessee’s newly drawn Congressional District seat, largely because of family and financial considerations. Ketron said Monday tserving in Congress is the pinnacle of “civic responsibility,” but the most important step in launching a campais considering its impact on fam ily. “My family is my inspiration and support. My father, who was my best friepassed away 11 months ago. I made a promise to him that I would take care of my m other, my family and

business that he started 43 years ago,” he said. The M urfreesboro Republican also told The Associated Presswould have to raise $850,000 by August to catch the competition in a congressional race. “That would take awtime from people electing me to come up here,” Ketron told an AP reporter in Nashville. For the past year, Ketrsaid he was considering a run for C ongress and was expected to enter the fray once a reapportionment plan wapproved. He served on the Republican-dominated Senate committee that helped draw lines for the new District, giving a candidate from Rutherford County a distinct advantage because it makes up 37 percent of tnew distr ict’s population.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120124/NEWS02/301240025/Sen-Bill-Ketron-won-t-run-Congress?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Ketron won’t run for Congress (Columbia Daily Herald)Republican state Sen. Bill Ketron said Monday he will not run for the 4th Congressional District seat. Ketron,Murfreesboro, has been widely speculated as a candidate for the spot after the 4th District was redrawninclude Rutherford County as part of Republicans’ redistricting plans. “I have grown up believing that electoffice is still one of the best ways a person can contribute to our society; and service in the United StatCongress is certainly the pinnacle of civic responsibility,” Ketron said in a statement. “The most important steplaunching any campaign, however, is to evaluate the impact it wil l have on your family. My family is inspiration and support. My father, who was my best friend, passed away 11 months ago. I made a promisehim that I would take care of my mother, my family and the business that he started 43 years ago.” Ketron, wis chairman of the Republican majority caucus, said he has more work to accomplish in his current offi“Another factor which has significant weight in this decision is that my leadership position in the TennessSenate affords me the opportunity to positively impact the future of my district and our state,” his statement reahttp://www.columbiadailyherald.com/sections/news/local/ketron-won%E2%80%99t-run-congress.html

Ketron Opts Not to Challenge DesJarlais for U.S. House (WPLN-Radio Nashville)State Senator Bill Ketron says he won’t run for Congress this fall. Many had expected him to challenge freshm

Scott DesJarlais in the GOP primary. Ketron says he’s wanted to run for Congress since he was young, amany thought this was his year. He just helped redraw the Congressional map to shift his political baseRutherford County into DesJarlais’s district. But now he thinks he can do more good in the state Senate thanthe U.S. House. “Serving here in this position, I’m one of 33, in leadership… versus one of 435 up there, startat the bottom, in the pecking order if you will, that’s how it goes up there. It’s all about seniority.” Ketron saysalso has a responsibility to his family. He says he promised when his father died last year to see after his motand the family business. Ketron says he’s backing Congressman DesJarlais’s reelection bid. So far no one hfiled to challenge DesJarlais in the primary. As to the general election, Democratic State Senator Eric Stewsays he’ll run for the post.http://wpln.org/?p=332 70

Duncan says Knox County commissioner misrepresented their meeting (WAT

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TV)Congressman John Duncan, Jr. says Knox County Commissioner Larry Smith's claim that he warned him to saway from his son regarding a trustee's office issue has been mischaracterized. Bonuses paid by congressman's son, county Trustee John Duncan III, to himself and his staffer were returned last week. Tmoney was paid for online training classes that had yet to be completed. They were part of the UniversityTennessee County Technical Assistance Services (CTAS) program. Commissioner Smith said last week received a tip that someone in the trustee's office may have taken a test for others and then tried to cover it

The DA's office is now investigating the matter. Congressman Duncan spoke Monday about a meeting he hwith the commissioner. "Larry Smith has presented a very false impression of the meeting I had with hbecause he's made it sound like I threatened him or intimidated him in some way, and I have never done thaasked him at the start of the meeting what would be said about John. He said, 'I'm not going to say anythabout John. I'm going to talk about the process.' And he kept saying that and after he said that, I would have hno reason to pressure him or threaten him. But you know it's politics, and I guess he wants to look like some kof a hero."http://www.wate.com/story/16583091/congressman-duncan-says-knox-county-commissioner-mispresented-themeeting

Nashville airport security stops Sen. Rand Paul (Associated Press)Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the son of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul and a frequent critic of

Transportation Security Administration, was stopped by security at the N ashville airport Monday when a scanset off an alarm and Paul declined to allow a security officer to subsequently pat him down. The White Housaid airport security acted appropriately. Police escorted Paul away, but he was allowed to board a later fligThe security scanner identified an issue with the senator’s knee, although Paul said he has no screws or medihardware around the joint. Paul, who frequently uses the airport about an hour from his home in Bowling GreKy., told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that he asked for another scan but refused to submit tpat-down by airport security. Paul said he was “detained” at a small cubicle and couldn’t make his flightWashington for a Senate vote scheduled later in the day. White House spokesman Jay Carney did not confthat the incident involved Paul, but said the passenger in question was never detained. He defended the TSA.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120124/NEWS01/120123028/Nashville-airport-security-stops-Sen-Rand-Paul

Rand Paul says Nashville airport went too far after he refused pat-dow

(Tenn/Haas)U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Monday joined the list of people who say that Nashville’s airport securscreeners have gone too far in the name of keeping air travelers safe. Six months after a Clarksville, Tenmother was arrested for objecting to the pat-down of her 14-year-old daughter, Paul found himself on the wroend of a millimeter wave scanner at Nashville International Airport while trying to catch a plane Monday morniAfter the machine’s alarm went off — apparently signaling an anomaly on Paul’s leg — he refused to undergpat-down and was escorted out of the security line. He ended up missing his flight but catching a later one afgoing through security a second time. “Today, I went through the scanner and it went off and I just requested tI either show them my leg, which I did, or that I get to go back through the scanner again,” Paul told CNN ’s WBlitzer on Monday afternoon. “But they wouldn’t let me go through the scanner, they insisted on a pat-dosearch, and I just didn’t think that was appropriate.” The U.S. Transportation Security Administration, whperforms the screenings at airports, declined to address Paul’s complaints directly.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120124/NEWS01/301240020/Rand-Paul-says-Nashville-airport-went-toofar-after-he-refused-pat-down?odyssey=tab|topnews|text| News

State special education rates vary w idely (Stateline)Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, but it has every other state beat by one measure: A higpercentage of its students are in special education than anywhere else. An analysis of U.S. DepartmentEducation data shows that the percentage of students in special education varies widely among states. WhRhode Island tops the country at 18 percent, Texas, at 9 percent, is at the bottom. The average percentaacross all states is 13 percent, and two-thirds of states are above that number, according to the data. Thodifferences could have major financial implications for states. Special education funding can account for up topercent of school budgets, according to a 2010 report by the Economic Policy Institute. Overall funding

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special education has remained mostly intact during the recession, but looming cuts at the federal level cospell trouble if state and local resources, which already pick up most of the tab for special education, astretched even further. Already, several states have asked for federal exemptions to allow them to cut speceducation support. Schools have fairly high discretion in identifying special education students within the fedeguidelines, according to officials at the Department of Education. Changing understandings of the disabilitithemselves, can also have an impact.http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=6 26715

State Support Slumps Again (Inside Higher Ed)The news will come as no surprise to the public college administrators and faculty members who've seen thbudgets slashed over the past year. But an annual study of state spending on higher education finds that staappropriations for colleges and students sunk by 7.6 percent in 2011-12, the largest such decline in at leashalf century. The annual Grapevine study, conducted by the Illinois State University Center for the StudyHigher Education and the State Higher Education Executive Officers, finds that all but nine states experiencone-year declines from their 2010-11 totals. The 41 states that cut their spending did so by widely varyproportions, from as little as 1 percent ( in Indiana and North Carolina) to as much as 41 percent (NHampshire), with a full third seeing double-digit drops (see table below). The declines, which were driven heavby the depletion of federal funds from the 2009 stimulus legislation, leave many state higher education systein significantly worse shape than they were in before the economic downturn began. Twenty-nine staallocated less money to higher education in 2011-12 than they did in 2006-7, and nearly half -- 14 -- providedleast 10 percent less than they did five years ago.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/01/23/state-funds-higher-education-fell-76-2011-12#ixzz1 kNMuBZq

Undisclosed Investor Group Buys TVA Natural Gas Plant (WPLN-Radio NashvilleAn anonymous group of investors has purchased a new natural gas plant from the Tennessee Valley AuthorThe so-called “lease-purchase transaction” helps TVA raise a bil lion dol lars without running intocongressionally-imposed debt ceiling. The accounting maneuver has raised questions about who is on the otside. In the first of several deals in the works, TVA sold its soon-to-be-completed John Sevier Combined CyPlant to a l imited liabil ity corporation registered in Delaware. It’s name…John Sevier Combined CyGeneration. TVA’s chief financial officer John Thomas says he’s legally bound and can’t disclose who is behthe LLC. But he says they are large institutional investors with names people would recognize. “It’s not ththere’s anything nefarious going on. They’re really trying to protect their competitive interest.” TVA’s oworkforce has been asking who the company is. The utility told them TVA itself is not an investor, nor are any

its employees. Fitch Ratings agency calls it an “arms length transaction.” For that reason, though, analyst BhMehendale says the LLC’s debt is not as highly rated as TVA’s bonds, which enjoy the implied backing of tfederal government.http://wpln.org/?p=332 26

Guard allegedly found asleep at Oak Ridge nuke facility (News-Sentinel/Munger)The government's security contractor confirmed Monday it is investigating allegations that a security officer slon the job and also used an unauthorized cellphone inside a high-security facil ity at Oak Ridge NatioLaboratory. "WSI-Oak Ridge (formerly known as Wackenhut Services) has initiated an investigation into all allegations," spokeswoman Courtney Henry said in an em ail response. Photographs of the individual in questwere distributed anonymously to multiple groups, including WSI, the News Sentinel and the U.S. DepartmenEnergy. The photographs were reportedly taken inside Building 3019, the highest-security facility at ORN L. T

building houses a large stockpile of fissionable uranium-233, which could potentially be used in an atomic bomHenry would not confirm the identity of the individual or whether the photographs were taken inside 3019. "At ttime the investigation has been initiated and until it is complete I don't have any further details," she said. "Wwon't know the exact building where the photos were taken or any other facts until that time." O RNL DirecThom M ason, who was on the distribution list for the letter and photographs, referred questions to DOE. He not comment on whether he'd received the photographs, but he noted that responsibility for Building 3019located in the lab's central campus — has been shifted to DOE 's environmental managem ent organization. WOak Ridge, the security contractor, doesn't report to the lab but has a direct contract with the DepartmenEnergy, he said.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jan/24/guard-allegedly-found-asleep-at-oak-rid ge-nuke/ 

Biotech Firm Lets W orkers Go While Waiting For FDA Approval (WPLN-Radio)

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Franklin-based BioMimetic is getting rid of a quarter of its staff. The company had hoped to gain FDA approlast year for its flagship product, a bone graft therapy called Augmentin. But now it looks like it will take anotyear or two for that approval to come through. In the meantime, the company can only sell Augmentin in Canaand Australia. A document filed with the Securities Exchange Commission says the company will save 2 andhalf million dollars a year by reducing its workforce.http://wpln.org/?p=332 83

New d istillery to open in Gatlinburg (Associated Press)

There's a thirst in the mountains for legal Tennessee moonshine. Sevierville attorney and co-developer of tOle Smoky Distillery Joe Baker said he and another partner bought the Legends Restaurant on the Gatlinbudowntown parkway and will distill different spirits there. Additionally, Baker and his original Ole Sm oky partnhave bought land in the Glades arts and crafts community to open a branch of the original distillery, accordingThe M ountain Press. Small distilleries have blossomed since passage of a 2009 statute that allows logovernment legislative bodies to decide whether to allow them. Sponsors said the law is meant to give crdistilleries the same opportunity as wineries in the state. Prior to the statute's passage, only Jack Daniel's aGeorge Dickel whiskeys and Prichard's rum were legally produced in M oore, Coffee and Lincoln countrespectively -- all in Middle Tennessee. Ole Smoky Distillery opened in Gatlinburg in 2010. The distillerwebsite shows off m ason jars of spirits, labeled Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, Moonshine Cherries and ApPie Moonshine. The distillery bills itself as the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East TennesseeNovember 2010, a launch party in Nashville for Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey began distributiof a legal version of the famed late moonshiner's product. Country artist Hank Williams Jr. is an owner of t

brand.http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/New_distillery_to_open_in_Gatlinburg_137888533.html

Ole Smoky Moonshine expanding (WVLT-TV Knoxville)Three years ago it was illegal now its part of an economic boom. It's a good time to make shine. Ole SmoMoonshine is taking advantage of an effort to lift the ban on the liquor across the country. Owners have decidto expand the business, they've purchased the former Legend's Restaurant in Gatlinburg and a 5 acre plotland. Both we be used for distilling and bottling. "I hope we continue to see the rise of the ban across tcountry." Smoky owner Joe Baker told us, "As long as we do I think that we'll be able to provide a lot of jobsthe good people here in East Tennessee." Baker hopes to open the new bottling plant in 6 months, and tcould mean added jobs to the area. Currently O le Smoky Moonshine can be found in 30 states, the compa

employs 50-60 people.http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Ole_Smoky_expanding_137923783.html

Chattanooga's Erlanger Health System facing bleak quarter (TFP/Martin)Erlanger Health System will likely continue to lose money for the next three months, as the public hospitaleaders work to bring down costs and increase their surgeries, hospital executives said M onday evening durinBudget and Finance C ommittee meeting. The ho spital lost $3.9 million in December, bringing the total lossesthe fiscal year to $10.3 million. The hospital is cutting costs and improving revenues but it w ill take some time finances to improve, hospital leaders assured the committee. "We continue to have some challenges -- the doare not returning as quickly as w e would like them to," interim CEO Charlesetta Woodard-Thompson told committee. "You won't see things settling out until April." After former CEO Jim Brexler left at the end of the yehospital leaders implemented a labor management plan that included asking certain employees to take sotime off before March and accept voluntary buyouts, am ong other changes. The goal was to reduce costs

address the revenue issue, stabilize the hospital and then focus on growth, Woodard-Thompson said. Last wethe hospital announced it had cut six executive positions, going from 15 positions to nine. Erlanger has nprovided information on whether those vice presidents have been terminated or given other positions at hospital.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/24/chattanooga-erlanger-facing-bleak-quarter/?local

Nashville schools eager for Inc. (Tennessean/DeVille)Academies seek partners, offer naming rights At McGavock High, students bank at an on-campus credit unoperated by their peers through the Academy of Business and Finance. Routine vis its from GaylEntertainment Co. execs through the Academy of Hospitality help them learn about future jobs. Those kindspartnerships are changing the way M etro Nashville high school students learn, district leaders say. There arecareer academies within 12 Metro high schools where students study engineering or nursing, communications

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law, construction or art. Earlier this month, the school board granted Gaylord Entertainment Co. exclusnaming rights to McGavock’s hospitality academy for $100,000 the first year and $50,000 thereafter in in-kservices, including speakers, professional development for teachers and equipment. There are four simnaming deals in M etro Nashville, one at Antioch High, one at Glencliff and two at McGavock. Businesses souto help students Nationally, school districts are turning to donors and corporations to finance building projectsfrom football stadiums to school cafeterias — in exchange for naming rights. But while the naming rights habeen welcomed at the three Nashville high schools, Metro officials say they want all sorts of partnershbetween academies and schools to keep students interested.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120124/NEWS04/301240040/Nashville-schools-eager-Inc-?odyssey=tabtopnews|text|News

Germantown, Collierville start process to form their own school districts (

Appeal)In separate votes Monday night, Germantown and Collierville took steps to create their own school districts. TCollierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 5-0 to prepare an ordinance authorizing a public referendumlet voters decide whether they want to form a municipal school district. The referendum, which the board wato hold May 10, will also ask voters if they approve a half-cent local option sales tax to fund the district. If thmeasure fails, the board can impose a property tax increase of 15 cents on each $100 of assessed property. Tordinance will be on the board's Feb. 13 agenda. A second reading and public hearing will be Feb. 27, follow

by a special called meeting March 6. In Germantown, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 5-0 to authorMayor Sharon Goldsworthy to "engage ... in meaningful dialogue" with the unified school board and Transition Planning Comm ission about forming their own school system by August 2013. "Tonight, we asked mayor to visit with the Transition Planning Commission as well as the unified school board," Alderman MBillingsley said. "Tonight's vote is just one piece of the process. It's another step."http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/23/germantown-collierville-start-process-for m-their-o/ (SUB)

Audit notes minor Shelby County Schools deficiencies (C. Appeal/Roberts)District official says 'material weaknesses' included no significant infractions Students using school credit caand taxes paid on nontaxable items were among the deficiencies revealed in financial audits of the SheCounty Schools, according to auditors' reports the unified school board will discuss tonight. An audit of schactivity funds found nearly three dozen material infractions in the county's schools, including purchases mawithout bids and requisitions approved without dollar amounts. In 21 schools, receipts did not have datsignatures, making it possible the district paid for services it did not receive. While most of SCS's lapses crean unclear audit trail, some of the instances could misstate or misappropriate district revenue. The mistakprovide "opportunity of theft or unauthorized use of the school's money," auditors wrote, but the report did nconclude that money was missing. It did recommend that Germantown High students be barred from usschool credit cards to make school-related purchases. Auditors attributed dozens of the material procedeficiencies to staff not following policy. "As far as the audit goes, they found some material weaknesses there were no significant findings, which is what you are really looking for," said Supt. John Aitken.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/24/audit-notes-minor-scs-deficiencies/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Murfreesboro City Schools board to seek new school (Daily News Journal)$25M funding request includes K-6 school, Hobgood expansion Continued growth in the western part of the has prompted Murfreesboro City Schools officials to formally request a $20 million school in that part of tow

Murfreesboro City Board of Education is expected to forward the request to the City Council when it meets6:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Council chambers at City Hall, 111 W. Vine St. The new K-6 school is among so$25 million in funding the board is seeking for projects to begin later this spring. Plans call for the school to opwith 800 students, but will be able to serve up to 1,000, according to district files. The scheduled completion dis June 2014. West M urfreesboro residents are served by the city's Scales Elementary and Cason LaAcademy, as well as Rutherford County Schools' Blackman Elementary. Murfreesboro City Schools boChairwoman Mary W ade said the project has been on the radar for a few years. "We knew once Scales openthat the need would be there. We're just surprised by how that whole area has grown," she said. Built in 199Cason Lane Academy has 936 students this year, while Scales, which opened in 2005, has 1,020. Neither hhad any major renovations since opening.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120124/NEWS01/201240311/Murfreesboro-City-Schools-board-seek-new-schoo

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Meth fills hospitals with burn patients (Associated Press)A crude new method of making methamphetamine poses a risk even to Americans who never get anywhere nthe drug: It is filling hospitals with thousands of uninsured burn patients requiring m illions of dollars in advanctreatment -- a burden so costly that it's contributing to the closure of some burn units. So-called shake-and-bameth is produced by combining unstable ingredients in a 2-liter soda bottle. The slightest error can causeexplosion resulting in disfigurement, blindness, even death. An Associated Press survey of key hospitals in tnation's most active meth states showed that up to a third of patients in some burn units were hurt while mak

meth, and most were uninsured. One study found that the average meth patient runs up medical bil ls$130,000.http://www.wbir.com/rss/article/202030/2/Meth-fills-hospitals-with-burn- patients 

Florida: Scott, lawmakers agree: Schools need at least $1 billion more (M. HeraldIs the tide turning for education funding? Taking a cue from Gov. Rick Scott, Florida House Speaker DeCannon put forth a budget proposal last week that would pump an additional $1billion into statewide schoolsspending. The next day, Senate education leaders seem determined to top that figure. “I hope that we can mhim and actually raise him,” said Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, who chairs the Sensubcommittee on P reK-12 education appropriations. “I hope that we will be able to add $300million to that.” Theconversation, albeit early in the legislative session, stands in sharp contrast to last session, when the educatbudget was cut by $1.35billion. School spending has fallen drama tically since the economy started to tumble in

2007, forcing districts to cut back on programs and teaching positions. The state’s total education funditumbled from 2007’s almost $19 billion to about $16.6billion in 2011. But school district officials and unionleaders aren’t ready to celebrate. Some question whether the additional $1billion will make it into the finalbudget. Others say the $1billion doesn’t go far enough. “Like Gov. R ick Scott’s earlier plan, this proposal puts asmall bandage on the gashes inflicted w ith last year’s budget,” said Florida Education Association PresidAndy Ford. “We need to do better.”http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/22/2602956/scott-lawmakers-agree-schools.html

Kansas: Brownback’s tax proposal on the ropes (Lawrence World-Journal)Gov. Sam Brownback's tax plan was on the ropes Friday after reports and studies showed it would increataxes for many Kansans while cutting taxes for businesses and the wealthy. House Democratic Leader PDavis of Lawrence said he doubted the plan by Brownback, a Republican, could pass either the House or Seneven though the GOP has huge majorities in both chambers. "There is opposition all across the politispectrum for a lot of different reasons," Davis said. House Republican leaders praised Brownback for produca plan, but on Friday offered one of their own. In a statement, the House GOP leaders said they wantedcomprehensive plan that increased jobs "while not increasing the tax burden on lower-income Kansans." Inews conference, Brownback defended his proposal, which he unveiled 9 days ago. But Brownback added the was "open to suggestions." He maintained that tax rates must be cut to spur economic developmeBrownback's proposal would lower state income tax rates and cut taxes for nearly 200,000http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2012/jan/20/brownbacks-tax-proposal-ropes/?kansas_legislature

Mississippi: Pardons benefited whites by big margin (Reuters)

Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour's grants of commutations or pardons to more than 200 prisoners,but eight in his final days in office, disproportionately benefited white offenders among a predominantly blaprison population, a Reuters analysis found. Barbour, a former R epublican National Committee chairman, stiran uproar in Mississippi last week by the surprise grants of clemency, which numbered far more than any of recent predecessors' in a state where law and order are hallmarks of political rhetoric. The list included pardons for four convicted murderers and an armed robber who worked at the governor's mansion on priswork release. Most of the pardons were granted to convicts who had completed their prison sentencMississippi's attorney general has filed a complaint alleging that 156 of the pardons were unconstitutionalstate judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday. Overlooked in the controversy has been the racial compositof the list of inmates and ex-convicts Barbour pardoned. Barbour granted 222 acts of clemency in his tenure221 individuals: one convict's sentence was initially suspended in 2008 and he then received a full pardon lweek. Of those, roughly two of three were white, according to data from the Mississippi Department

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Corrections and a search of public records.http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/20/us-usa-mississippi-pardons-idUSTRE80J25K20120120

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Clay Bennett Political Cartoon: “Charlotte & 7th) (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)http://media.timesfreepress.com/img/news/tease/2012/01/23/120124_Charlotte__7th_t618.jpg?ba5b5b122dd3d37cc13d83e92a6a0ec0d5bfa32a

Editorial: Tying the future's hands (Commercial Appeal)An amendment to the state Constitution banning any state or local tax on earned personal income or payrosounds good. The G eneral Assembly and most Tennessee citizens have shown they have no appetite for

income tax. There is no likelihood that an income tax will be approved anytime soon. So why w eigh down tconstitution with an amendment that our grandchildren or great-grandchildren may see as a stumbling blockfunding better government? The state Constitution should lay out broader, long-term governance issuesshould not be loaded up with narrowly constructed amendments that deal with the "today" without a thought twhat's important now, may not be important 40 years from now. Last week, the House voted 73-17 in favor of amendment, which w as approved by the Senate last year. The measure still has to be approved by a two-thivote in both chambers during the legislature's next two-year term. Then voters have to approve it. Supporteargue that not having an income tax helps attract jobs to the state. Opponents argue that reliance on a sales is regressive because it disproportionately burdens the poor. Those arguments aside, what a no-income-amendment will do is tie the hands of future citizens and legislators who may feel that reliance of a sales taxnot the best way to fund state government.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/24/tying-the-futures-hands/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

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Editorial: Emphasis on writing a script for all schools (Daily News Journal)We wish the state's fifth- and eighth-grade students good luck as they prepare to take a writing test next weekpart of the Tennessee Department of Education's annual Comprehensive Assessment P rogram. The Feb. 1 twill count as one third of schools' annual TCAP scores. We're pretty sure many of the students at Smyrna's JoColemon School will be ready to write as teachers have been working with them to get their creative juicflowing. The fifth-graders will be asked to write a narrative for their test, and to get them ready, educators at Jo

Colemon have set up "Writer's Toolboxes" in the school. These are posters giving tips on "showing verstelling" through the use of onomatopoeias — words that sound like their meanings. Think of sounds creatwhen saying "Boom!" or "Thud!" Dry-erase m arkers and an easel in the hallway encourage students to wdescriptive synonyms for the word on display. The exercises are for all the students to help them thdescriptively as they grow their vocabulary. Teachers are not waiting until the test year to push the curriculuand practice the test.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120124/OPINION01/201240303/EDITORIAL-Emphasis-writing-script-all-schools

Guest columnist: Governm ent websites fail 'adequate notice' standard (Tenn.)We should resist efforts to limit public notic When the first Congress met in New York City in 1789, the Actsthe First Session required the new government to publish all bills, orders, resolutions and congressional votesat least three newspapers. A few years later, Tennessee adopted its constitution. It requires the legislature

publish any amendment approved by the General Assembly, giving notice that the next legislature also w ill hato vote on it. In the 1974 Sunshine (Open Meetings) Law, the General Assembly required government bodies“give adequate public notice” before all meetings. The state courts have defined “adequate” to include: Notmust be posted in a location where a mem ber of the community can become aware of such notice. The purpoof notice in all three examples is to protect the public trust. However, public notice in newspapers has beunder attack in the Tennessee legislature for a while. Efforts to move public notice from newspapers to exclusive control of government websites continue to gain steam in the legislature here and elsewheResearch continues to show that the Internet in general and government-run websites in particular fall shortmeeting the definition of “adequate notice.” The public trusts and depends on the current system for practireasons. Newspapers are independent of government.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120124/OPINION03/301240014/Government-websites-fail-adequate-notice-standard?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Editorial: Races still wide open for Super Tuesday in Tennessee (News-Sentinel)Newt Gingrich's convincing win in the South Carolina Republican primary blew open the race for the GOpresidential nomination and likely put Tennessee into play. Prior to Saturday's vote, many pundits were sayinwin by Mitt Romney would all but seal the nomination for the former Massachusetts governor. By the tiTennesseans cast their votes on March 6, according to the conventional wisdom, Romney would have tnomination sewn up. But Gingrich's win, coupled with a revised count in Iowa giving Rick Santorum, the formPennsylvania senator, the victory in the caucuses in that state, burst all those expectations. Gingrich garneredpercent of the vote in the Palmetto State, winning everywhere except Columbia and the coastal areas in aaround Charleston. The primary battles continue, next in Florida on Jan. 31. Eight other states will hold primaror caucuses between now and Super Tuesday, when Tennessee Republicans will join their counterparts froAlaska, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Vermont and Virginia in picking thpreference as an opponent to President Barack Obama. Romney and Gingrich must be considered

frontrunners at this juncture, but Santorum and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas remain in the race. The topsy-turnature of this season's campaign has proven that no one is assured of victory and no one is out of contention.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jan/24/editorial-races-still-wide-open-for- super-in/ 

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