FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011

Governor delivers 600 000 grant for Rails Trails program (Cookeville Herald-Citizen

Surrounded by local leaders, bicycle enthusiasts -- and one very loud locomotive -- Tennessee Gov. Bill Hasla made a stop in Cookeville yesterday to dole out a $600,000 grant that will help in the construction of the lon awaited Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail. Standing under shade at the Cookeville Depot downtown, Hasla presented the check amid smiles and applause. It's the first time he's awarded funds since he took office months ago this Friday, he said. The moneys are part of a Tennessee Department of Transportation enhanceme grant. "W e all agree Tennessee's a wonderful place to live. But there's certainly things we think can make it ev better," Haslam said, briefly interrupted at one point in his presentation by a passing train, horn blazing. http://www.herald-citizen.com/view/full_story/14701380/article-Governor-delivers--600-000-grant-for-Rails-Trailsprogram?instance=main_article

Downtown rehab on the move (Tullahoma News)

Gifts, no matter what shape or size they come in are usually most welcome, and in Tullahomas case, a very ni present from the State of Tennessee was presented personally to the city Thursday from Gov. Bill Haslam. Hasla made a special trip to Tullahoma to deliver a $256,360 symbolic check to go toward a revitalization effort Tullahomas downtown area. About 125 were on hand to hear the governors presentation. The money is part o two-phase downtown rehabilitation project totaling $685,140 that includes a $364,690 phase one on West Linco Street between North Jackson Street and Atlantic Street and a $320,450 phase two continuing the eff around the corner on Atlantic Street to Grundy Street. The money related to Thursdays symbolic $256,360 che will go toward phase two. The citys phase two share will be about $92,000, including $64,090 as part of the 80percent match with the state paying the greater share, and another $28,000 in engineering, design and right of w costs.http://www.tullahomanews.com/news/view_sections.asp?idcategory=49&idarticle=10515

Schools grade higher in TCAP (Times-Gazette)

Bedford County Schools' system-wide scores in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program te released last week, showed improvement in reading, math and science, but a very slight decline in social studie Students in grades 3-8 take the TCAP test each spring. "Tennessee educators deserve immense credit for th hard work this year in helping our students achieve marked improvements and success," said Haslam in a ne release last week. "W e want to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs, and t cornerstone of that effort is a great education system. I'm very encouraged by these latest results, and we're committed to continuing to work together to improve the classroom experience for every student across the stat According to the state news release, Tennessee students "scored higher in all subject areas and grade levels grades three through eight on this year's TCAP achievement tests by comparison to 2009-2010 results. http://www.t-g.com/story/1744284.html

Volkswagen Celebrates Third Anniversary in Chattanooga (WTVC-TV Chattanooga

On Friday Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations will mark the third anniversary of announcement to build an automobile manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. It was July 15, 2008 wh Volkswagen executives and elected officials stood on a scenic bluff overlooking the Tennessee River to announ the selection of Chattanooga as the home of a new $1 billion factory that would build a new midsize sedan bu especially to accommodate American tastes. Three years later, the factory is open and a new age manufacturing is underway in Chattanooga Tennessee Bill Haslam "Volkswagen is helping Tennessee Gov. establish its reputation as a great place for world-class manufacturing. This is a perfect example of everyo working together to make this project a reality, and that sells well as we go out and continue our efforts to ma Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs."

http://www.newschannel9.com/news/chattanooga-1002986-new-volkswagen.html

Haslam Expects Federal Belt-Tightening to Squeeze Tennessee (TN Report)

Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday that state and local governments should be prepared for less money coming fro Washington as Republicans and Democrats feud over federal debt issues. He reasoned that Tennessee will take hit regardless of how the matter is resolved. In a speech to the Rotary Club in Fayetteville, Haslam also left t door open for possible expansion of pre-kindergarten classes in Tennessee, although not soon. He pointed reasons for his regional jobs approach in the state and said while he thinks the economy is improving it is still long way until we get out of the woods financially. After making brief remarks, Haslam took questions from t audience and was asked what impact the budget battle in W ashington could have on the state. I do think it will g worked out, but there will be less money coming out of Washington than there used to be, Haslam said. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/07/haslam-expects-federal-belt-tightening-to-squeeze-tennessee/

Haslam staying away from Tennessee AD search (Oak Ridger)

Gov. Bill Haslam was more than happy to talk about sports, even if it was for just a few moments in between t political questions he was asked on Wednesday. "I can talk all day about sports," the former mayor of Knoxv said. The governor spent a brief time talking about sports from the high school to the professional level. Includi the Titans, Vols and sports agents during a visit at The Oak Ridger. "Sports in general have become such a hu factor," he said. "It's become part of the entertainment world that we live in." As governor, Haslam is also t chairman of the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees but said he is leaving the Volunteers athletic direc search to the university's five-member committee and Atlanta's Parker Executive Search firm. http://www.oakridger.com/college/x1212192484/Haslam-staying-away-from-Tennessee-AD-search

Haslam refusing some state workers raises (Associated Press)

Gov. Bill Haslam has refused to grant pay raises to hundreds of state workers who have been disciplined in t past year, and he said anything short of good performance doesn't deserve higher pay. The 1.6 percent increas for about 42,000 executive branch workers took effect July 1. Haslam told The Associated Press after a Thursd ribbon cutting at Tims Ford State Park near Winchester that he is "confident the majority of legislators would agr that raises should be for good performance." He said he was told about 100 employees were affected. T Chattanooga Times Free Press reports the governor and top officials excluded employees who have "be demoted, suspended or received more than one written warning in the past year." Tennessee State Employe Association leaders describe the action as "mean-spirited" and said legal action is a possibility. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36965751.story

No Raises for Disciplined State Employees (TN Report)

Gov. Bill Haslam shrugged off complaints by the state employees union over his administrations decision withhold pay raises from workers who got themselves in trouble on the job during the last year. The state deni raises to an estimated 2 percent of executive branch state employees or as many as 850 people this mon after high-ranking commissioners agreed that workers who had been written up at least twice, demoted suspended should not get a 1.6 percent raise written in this years state budget, according to the Tenness Department of Human Resources. Raises are for those employees who performed their jobs well, Haslam to TNReport after a fundraiser for Republican Rep. Ryan Williams in Cookeville Wednesday evening. If an employ has been disciplined or had two written reprimands, Im not certain that qualifies them (as) the type of folks that in very limited economy we want to give raises to. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/07/no-raises-for-disciplined-state-employees/

Ramsey defends Haslam's raise denial to some state workers (City Paper/Woods)

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey is defending the Haslam administrations decision to deny pay raises to sta employees who have been disciplined by their bosses in the past year. I do agree with the governor on this issu Ramsey told reporters Thursday. You reward people with a raise and if you havent been doing a satisfactory jo there ought to be a penalty for that. The only measure in state government [for pay] is longevity, and so there ne to be some other measures in there. So doing your job without reprimand can be part of that.On Gov. B Haslams recommendation, the legislature gave state employees 1.6 percent pay raises this year. But t administration decided to deny the raises to 850 workers 2 percent of the executive branch workforce w had been reprimanded at least twice, demoted or suspended within the past year. The Tennessee Sta 2

Employees Association protested in a letter to Haslam on July 5. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/ramsey-defends-haslams-raise-denial-some-state-workers

Education Department debuts ReadTennessee website (Business Clarksville)

The Tennessee Department of Education announced today the launch of ReadTennessee.org, a website that w help teachers, parents, and community members understand new curriculum standards and increas expectations for learning. The online toolkits provide information on promoting early grades reading a accelerating student achievement for young students across the state. Research has shown that if children do n read on grade level by third grade, they may never catch up with their peers, Tenn. First Lady Crissy Haslam sa ReadTennessee.orgs tool kits offer resources to parents, teachers and community members to help us impro early childhood literacy making our children competitive for college and prepared for a high quality workforc Read Tennessee provides an easy to navigate resource for teachers, families and community members to utilize the classroom and at home. Each section compiles information, activities, and tools to help inspire young childr to engage and develop early grades reading and learning skills. http://businessclarksville.com/2011/07/14/education-department-debuts-readtennessee-website-28682/

THP finishes 2nd in national competition (Associated Press)

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has finished second in the 2011 National Law Enforcement Challenge. It w based on traffic safety enforcement, officer training, public information and crash reduction. The THP finished th in 2009 and 2010, and first in 2006. This year it competed in the state police/highway patrol category for agenci with 501 to 1,000 officers. The competition was sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36968775.story

Port authority working to keep Cates Landing project on schedule (State Gazette)

The Northwest Tennessee Regional Port Authority held its monthly meeting on Wednesday at the Dyersburg-Dy County Chamber of Commerce. The timing on the Cates Landing Project continues to be very tight and keepi the project moving on schedule has had its challenges. John Lannom, attorney for the port authority, briefed t board on the legal issues that can potentially affect the timeline of the project. Lannom reported during June board meeting that the state's $7 million portion was to flow through the Department of Economic and Commun Development (ECD). However, after the agreement was drafted by ECD the state has elected to funnel the proje through the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). According to Lannom, the contract has been sent TDOT for review and it will then require the approval of the state's Building Commission. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1744265.html

State electronic library now has W orld Book (Associated Press)

The Tennessee Electronic Library is now offering material from World Book encyclopedia. Tennesseans c access all the reference products available from World Book, including a Spanish language edition, through t TEL website. According to a news release from the Tennessee secretary of state, the online product is expanded version of World Book's print encyclopedias. Without the space constraints of the printed page, Wo Book has added pictures, sound clips and updated information online. It includes narrated stories, interacti educational games and printable activities. The site is tntel.tnsos.org. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=36973995.story

Affordable loan program helps owners keep homes (Times-Gazette)

Bedford is one of the 29 counties in Tennessee that's been hardest hit by the recession, but fortunately, forgivab loans are available to those who are struggling to pay their mortgage. According to data compiled by RealtyTra one in every 1,358 housing units in Bedford County received a foreclosure filing in May 2011, with the northern p of the county particularly hardest hit. A total of 150 homes are in foreclosure, with an average foreclosure sa price of $69,755 Bedford is one of the 29 counties in Tennessee that's been hardest hit by the recession, b fortunately, forgivable loans are available to those who are struggling to pay their mortgage. According to da compiled by RealtyTrac, one in every 1,358 housing units in Bedford County received a foreclosure filing in M 2011, with the northern part of the county particularly hardest hit. A total of 150 homes are in foreclosure, with average foreclosure sales price of $69,755. http://www.t-g.com/story/1744285.html

Program gives laptops (Jackson Sun)

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Sixteen young adults from W est Tennessee were presented with brand-new laptop computers for th

accomplishments Thursday night at a ceremony at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church in Jackso Computers 4 Kids: Connected Tennessee is a program that has partnered with the state Department of Children Services Independent Living Office to provide computers to children and teens in foster care and in the stat 76 Boys and Girls Clubs. The nonprofit organization was awarded $2.3 million by the American Recovery a Reinvestment Act in August 2010. Melinda Hayes, program coordinator of DCS's Office of Independent Living, sa the youth were chosen based on academic merit or other significant accomplishments that they had achieved the past year. Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris spoke to the recipients before the computers were distribute Connected Tennessee's operations manager Deanna Ward presented the computers to students. She sa Connected Tennessee has been in existence for four years. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110715/NEWS01/107150313/Program-gives-laptops

McCormick creates state gun laws task force (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sher

House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, on Wednesday announced creation of a seve member Republican Caucus Firearms Issues Task Force to study state gun laws and identify if any changes m need to be made. In a news release, McCormick said the task force will study ways we can protect the Seco Amendment rights of Tennesseans and will make recommendations to our majority about good public policy we can support. He said it amounts to a worthwhile effort to streamline the process and build consensus within t General Assembly. The panel is packed with advocates of expanding Tennessee handgun permit holders abi to go armed in public places. Creation of the group comes after majority Republicans drew considerable fire from usual ally, the Tennessee Firearms Association, for not passing several bills expanding handgun permit holde privileges. That included a bill that would have forced private businesses to let employees store their weapons locked vehicles parked on the companys property. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/mccormick-creates-state-gun-laws-task-force/?local

5 apply for interim Senate post (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Donilia)

Commission to pick temporary successor Five candidates applied for the four-month appointment to Jam Woodson's state Senate seat - the wife of a former state senator, the chairman of the South Knoxville Republic Club, the executive director of the Mercy Health and Fitness Center, a longtime legal assistant and a form Brentwood, Tenn., city commissioner. The deadline to apply was Thursday. Knox County Commission w interview candidates Monday afternoon in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building and make a fin selection during its July 25 regular meeting. "We're looking for someone to be a caretaker, and they'll serve un the election," commission Chairman Mike Hammond said. "We don't anticipate for them to do a lot - just to fill t seat in case of an emergency." Woodson, speaker pro tempore, announced in mid-April that she would step dow from her 6th District state Senate seat to become president and CEO of State Collaborative on Reformi Education, or SCORE. She effectively resigned July 9. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/5-apply-for-interim-post/

County Clerk Arriola put campaign treasurer on payroll (Tennessean/Haas)

Davidson County Clerk John Arriola put his campaign treasurer on the clerks payroll with little to no work produ to show for receiving $60,000 since 2006, according to a report by WTVF-Channel 5. Arriola in a statement sa that he has employed his campaign treasurer, Leighton Bush, since 2006 on a part-time basis as a deputy clerk charge of outreach. He said that Bush attends meetings, works with businesses that work with the office and hel with automobile auctions. The news report questioned how Bush could perform any duties for the clerks offi while working at two businesses he owns, an insurance company and a car dealership. Arriola acknowledged th Bush never filled out timecards for the 20 hours a week that he works, and that there are no records of him usi his employee badge to enter the clerks office because he uses a main entrance. But he maintained that Bush h performed work for his office. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS0202/307150059/County-ClerkArriola-put-campaign-treasurer-payroll?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Wharton wants to use grant to fight gun violence, help local economy (CA/Maki)

Mayor A C Wharton says he'll use the $4.8 million that he's getting from the private foundation of New York May Michael Bloomberg to help reduce handgun violence in Memphis and spur economic development in the inner ci The money will pay for "innovation teams" to focus on reviving blighted or abandoned properties in the city co and to approach the problem of handgun violence as a public health crisis, Wharton said. Memphis is one of fi cities splitting a $24 million grant as part of the Mayors Project, a government innovation program of Bloombe Philanthropies. "Mayors are uniquely positioned to tackle some of our most pressing challenges -- from growi 4

jobs to fighting climate change to keeping quality of life high," Bloomberg said. The $4.8 million grant requires a percent local match, which would bring the total to $7.2 million. Kerry Hayes, special assistant to the mayor, said "precise breakdown of public/private sources" for the $2.4 million match hasn't been determined. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jul/14/foundation-grants-memphis-48-million/

Corker Slams Party Leadership on Senate Floor (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

As the debt and deficit talks break down in Washington, Tennessee Republican Bob Corker is calling out what calls childish behavior. Senator Corker says both Republicans and Democrats only want it their way. We do debate tough issues. We hide. We all hide. And we let our leadership concoct ways to keep us from doing t tough things that we need to do. Corkers comments were made today on the floor of the U.S. Senate. concluded by saying the failure to pass a budget is putting the country further down the road toward decline. http://wpln.org/?p=28798

Corker Slams Impasse on Debt Ceiling (Memphis Flyer)

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) has fairly consistently demonstrated during his five years in Washington thus that he is not bashful about taking the lead in controversial matters be they foreign or domestic. An example the former is his aggressive insistence, early on, that the United States distance itself from involvement w Pakistan and begin to disengage from Afghanistan. An example of the latter is his sponsorshi9p of the CAP bill impose a statutory annual limit on federal spending. And, while he is generally content to work within the context Republican Party guidelines, Corker had evinced a willingness to break with his partys leadership if he fe strongly about an issue. Such an issue, evidently, is the current game of chicken going on in Congress regardi the pending vote over increased the nations debt ceiling. http://www.memphisflyer.com/JacksonBaker/archives/2011/07/14/corker-slams-impasse-on-debt-ceiling-sayscolleagues-are-two-bit-pawns-in-election-scenarios

Roe sees no break in debt ceiling stalemate (Times-News)

U.S. Rep. Phil Roe didnt see a way out of a debt ceiling talks stalemate between President Barack Obama a House GOP leaders on Thursday. It looked like both sides were painted in a corner. Theres no way out exce walking through the paint, Roe, R-Tenn., said of the talks in a conference call with reporters. Both sides a pushed up against an Aug. 2 deadline set by the U.S. Treasury to raise the federal governments $14.3 trillion de ceiling or default on its legal obligations. If Congress fails to increase the debt limit, the government would have stop, limit or delay payments on a broad range of legal obligations, including Social Security and Medica benefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds, and many other commitments, said a U Treasury fact sheet. Defaulting on those legal obligations would cause severe hardship for American familie Additionally, it would call into question the full faith and credit of the United States government a pillar of t global financial system. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9033884/roe-sees-no-break-in-debt-ceiling-stalemate

Local musician performs for senators, Tennesseans (Daily News Journal)

U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Tennessee visitors to Washington were treated to a spec performance by Susanna Johnson of Murfreesboro and Kameron Myers of Franklin at the legislators' wee "Tennessee Tuesday" breakfast. Johnson performed on viola while Myers played violin. Both musicians a participating in this year's National Symphony Orchestra National Trustees' Summer Music Institute 2011. "I wi the United States Senate could operate with even a small bit of the harmony you two shared with us this mornin Alexander told the musicians. "I applaud Susanna and Kameron for their talent and commitment to music, whi has been a great source of joy in my life since my mother took me to my first piano lesson as a child. "I told the this morning that when I was a law clerk in New Orleans back in the '60s, I'd go down to a place called Yo Father's Mustache on Bourbon Street and play whatever instrument they needed that night trombone, tuba, washboard," Alexander said. http://www.dnj.com/article/20110715/NEW S01/107150305/Local-musician-performs-senators-Tennesseans

Bill in the works to keep hatcheries open (Johnson City Press)

Language contained within a bill awaiting consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives would, if passe allow the Erwin National Fish Hatchery and other mitigation hatcheries across the country to continue operatio for at least another year. The Erwin hatchery and eight other mitigation hatcheries across the country were faci closure in the upcoming federal fiscal year due to funding cuts. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services proposed budg for the 2012 fiscal year called for an approximate decrease of $6.3 million in the base funding of national f 5

hatchery operations despite a proposed increase of nearly $48 million in funding over the 2010 fiscal year. T departments proposed budget stated that unless reimbursement was received from several agencies for previo fish mitigation related to federal water infrastructure projects, the proposed funding cut could lead to Fisheri Program activities being eliminated or substantially reduced at mitigation hatchery facilities. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=92443#ixzz1SAaWJDv0

Thousands of jobs in jeopardy without more federal roads funds (TFP/Laslo)

Recently released jobs numbers show thousands of workers in Tennessee and Georgia may have to hang up th tool belts unless Congress can find more money for road construction. If the House-passed budget were sign into law, more than 24,000 construction workers in Tennessee and Georgia would lose their jobs, according t Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Members of the GOP are especially torn on the topic transportation funding. On the one hand, they were swept into the majority in the House after running on t promise to cut spending drastically. On the other hand, many Republicans are vocal supporters of fede infrastructure spending. I think its a matter of determining where our priorities are, said Rep. Chuck Fleischman R-Tenn., who sits on the Transportation Committee. We do desperately need to address the nations roads a bridges. Its something that I think we can all agree on. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/thousands-jobs-jeopardy-without-more-federal-roads/?local

State jobs: the long-term view (Stateline)

Last weeks news that the national unemployment rate had ticked up to 9.2 percent came with sobering data state government employment. States had shed 7,000 jobs in a month, bringing overall state employment to lowest level since 2006. While it remains unclear how much further state employment will decline, history sugges that these downward spells are temporary. During the three recessions prior to the one that began at the end 2007, the number of state employees flattened out or declined slightly in the trough of the recession period, only begin rising again shortly afterward. Signs from the recent Great Recession point to a more significant decline, b it remains to be seen whether there will be an upward bounce once the economy begins a more robust recovery. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=587724

TVA's Bull Run expansion plan leaves Claxton residents uneasy (N-S/Fowler)

Georgia Smith doesn't mince words when it comes to TVA's plan to buy property - including her longtime home for an expanded storage area for coal ash and gypsum. "We think it's terrible," she said, seated next to h husband of 57 years. Durrell Smith, 83, was even more plainspoken about the proposal that's vexing the coup and many nearby residents: "I think it's a bunch of crap," he said. "At our age, it would be a terrible thing to have move," 76-year-old Georgia Smith said. Since 1977, the Smiths have lived on 5 acres off Old Edgemoor Lane ne TVA's Bull Run Fossil Plant in Anderson County's Claxton community. The steam plant's smokestacks and the 5 foot-high, grass-covered ash storage mound that TVA wants to someday expand onto the Smiths' land and th neighbors' properties are clearly visible from the Smiths' backyard. Next door, also off Old Edgemoor Lane: a 11 year-old Methodist church and cemetery that TVA also covets. Also in that area: Anderson County's oldest know building - a cabin built around 1799 by Revolutionary War veteran David Hall. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/tva-footprint-looms-over-community/

Tennessee negotiating with Horsehead (Beaver County News)

While state legislators in Nashville have authorized an $8 million incentive for Horsehead Corp. to build its ne zinc plant in Tennessee, Potter Township remains a candidate for the firm's proposed facility. The new facility w eventually replace the existing facility in Potter Township, which employs 600 people. "There remain multip contenders, including (Potter Township)," said Ali Alavi, Horsehead vice president. State Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., 47, New Sewickley Township, said Pennsylvania officials at the state, county and local levels are also providi incentives for Horsehead. "We're still working at it," Vogel said. "They're weighing offers. That's the way the gam is played. But as far as I know, we're still in the game." Vogel said Horsehead's new deal with electricity provid FirstEnergy could help keep the zinc operation in Pennsylvania. He said the new plant will use more electricity th the present plant In June, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill that included an $8 million allocation for "t Horsehead Corp. project." The money can be invested in equipment, building construction and site preparation, infrastructure improvements, including sewer, water or utilities. http://www.timesonline.com/news/tennessee-negotiating-with-horsehead/article_a891810a-90f4-5e1a-9136688597f0e1e1.html

Work on mammoth Music City Center is 40 percent complete (Tenn./Marsteller)

Like a slow crescendo, the Music City Center is gradually taking shape. The $585 million convention center about 40 percent complete, with workers continuing to assemble the 1.2 million-square-foot structures steel a concrete skeleton. Concrete work on the five lower levels is almost done, and steel work on the upper leve should wrap up in December, said J. Holly McCall of the Nashville Convention Center Authority. Once open, t facility south of Broadway will feature a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 90,000 square feet of meeting space a two ballrooms totaling 75,000 square feet. It will have a distinctive green roof, with grass and rolling hills. McC said the facility remains on track for its scheduled opening in early 2013, largely because of cooperative weath The only thing thats slowed us down somewhat has been thunderstorms, she said. This weeks heat wave has hurt the projects pace. None of the roughly 650 workers reported any heat-related problems to on-site medic McCall said. But some took time out to see if it was really hot enough to fry an egg. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/BUSINESS01/307150034/Work-mammoth-Music-City-Center-40percent-complete?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Goodyear plant to join World Color on selling block (State Gazette)

After the recent shutdown of Union City's Goodyear facility and last year's closure of World Color in Dyersbu some might be wondering what comes next for the properties these manufacturers are leaving behind. Goodyea Union City Communications Manager Clint Smith said his company's intention is to sell the 2.2 million-square-fo building, which totals about 52 acres and sits on a 600-acre site. "Once we complete the steps required shutdown and decommissioning, the company plans to sell the building," said Smith. Obion County Chamber Commerce Office and Communications Manager Robbie Green said because Goodyear Tire and Rubb Company owns both the building and the property, officials with the Obion County Joint Economic Developme Council are limited to directing interested parties to the company itself. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1744264.html

Grants to fund school health clinics (Tennessean/Wilemon)

Federal grants totaling $1.3 million will help create new school-based health centers in Davidson and Wils counties. United Neighborhood Health Services will use $500,000 to establish health clinics at Hunters Lane Hi School, McGavock High School, Haynes Middle School and Rose Park Middle School. School-based hea clinics have demonstrated that they help students perform better, improve attendance and avoid serious illne and trips to the emergency room, said Mary Bufwack, chief executive officer of United Neighborhood Hea Services. Nashville-based Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center got a $299,500 grant to replace mobile clinic that was lost in the May 2010 flood. The Medicine and Education Group received $500,000 for school-based clinic operation in Lebanon. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS01/307150061/Grants-fund-school-health-clinics? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Sumner schools may alter policies after accusations of rel. practices (TN/Easton)

The Sumner County Board of Education will change some of its policies in response to a lawsuit filed by t American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee accusing the district of promoting Christianity. The lawsuit, filed May in U.S. District Court on behalf of nine anonymous students from four families, alleges the district has widespread, unconstitutional pattern and practice of religious activities in schools. The board on July 11 approv changes to three policies directly dealing with allegations that the district allowed Bibles to be distributed at Indi Lake and Madison Creek Elementary schools; a youth minister from Long Hollow Baptist Church was allowed proselytize to students at T.W. Hunter Middle School during lunch; and that teachers at T.W. Hunter Middle we leading students in prayer during club meetings. Schools will now either limit or eliminate student interaction w individuals distributing materials, such as Bibles, in order to avoid coercion, proselytizing or the appearance endorsement, the policy states. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS04/307140088/Sumner-schools-may-alter-policies-afteraccusations-religious-practices?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Rutherford school officials to discuss booster club audit (Gannett)

Riverdale High School Principal Tom Nolan took steps to improve record keeping in the Quarterback Club amid state audit, a school system spokesman said. But a state comptrollers report released Wednesday notes seve situations in which Nolan failed to monitor or maintain control over the clubs finances and reporting from Janua 2008 through June 2009. Nolan was notified of the inquiry and knew there were problems with lack 7

documentation, schools spokesman James Evans said Thursday. He had put in some fixes to deal with t problem, Evans said. Tom was aware they were having trouble getting some of the documentation and w helping (the comptroller) get it. The Tennessee Comptrollers Division of Municipal Audit, acting on a paren complaint, audited the booster clubs financial records over an 18-month period and found numerous violations collecting and spending fundraising profits. The club raised at least $113,000 in that time. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/NEWS04/307150075/Rutherford-school-officials-discuss-boosterclub-audit?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

School board may seek more PILOT money (Times Free-Press/Garrett)

If the Hamilton County school board approves a balanced budget next Thursday which would mean almost $ million in cuts Chairman Mike Evatt wants the County Commission to kick in some more money. He said plans to ask commissioners who control the school systems money to release special education funds pa to the county. The payment-in-lieu-of-taxes funds, known as PILOTs, already amount to between $3 million and million and could keep schools from overcrowding and understaffing, he said, which is likely if the stude population jumps more than the 500 students expected next year. We are to the point where I feel like, if we a asked to cut at this level, we will need additional revenue, newly hired Superintendent Rick Smith told the boa Thursday night at a work session to discuss the budget. We are growing. It makes me nervous .... The scary thi will be if a 1,000 [more] kids show up. PILOT agreements are tax breaks used to lure companies, such Volkswagen. Under the agreements, businesses dont have to pay full property taxes for a certain number of yea but they must pay the share of property tax that is slated for schools. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/school-board-may-seek-more-pilot-money/?local

Memphis City Schools caught in seniority quandary (Commercial Appeal/Roberts)

System losing teacher recruits as experience rules in layoffs Memphis City Schools is balancing on the beam spending millions of dollars a year to recruit and keep talent while also complying with teacher union senior rules. In a tough economy -- the city schools have laid off 150 teachers in the past month -- those objectives colli faster than students on the way to lunch. This year, the city schools office of Strategic Teacher Recruitment a Staffing spent $2.5 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recruiting 1,800 experienced teachers fewer than 200 openings in the upcoming school year. On Tuesday, MCS laid off 46 teachers it recruited last ye including four with Teach for America, and Bob Brown, a history teacher with 27 years' experience. He moved he from Johnson City, Tenn., on a few days' notice last year when the city schools offered him a job after Labor Da "All I wanted to do was come to Memphis and teach," said Brown, who wanted to teach civil rights history in a to where much of it was forged. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jul/15/schools-caught-in-seniority-quandary/

Minnesota: Deal Set to End Minnesota Impasse (Wall Street Journal)

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican lawmakers reached a tentative deal Thursday to end the state government shutdown after two weeks. The agreement largely mirrors a budget plan Republicans proposed Ju 30, using deferred payments to schools and the sale of bonds tied to a state tobacco settlement to help close projected $5 billion shortfall over two years. Mr. Dayton gave up his push to raise income taxes on residen earning more than $1 million a year, and Republicans agreed to drop their plan to cut the state work force by 15 and conservative policy goals on education and other issues that they raised during talks. The extra reven generated in the deal presumably would allow the state to come close to funding Mr. Dayton's preferred spendi proposal, which would cost $35.6 billion over the next two fiscal years. That plan would avoid the steeper cutbac to health care and other services Republicans had proposed. "This is an agreement that is difficult for both side Republican Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said during a news conference. Both sides said they expected finalize the budget, call the legislature into a special session and end the shutdown within a few days. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303406104576445954183560810.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1 (SUBSCRIPTION)

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OPINION

Editorial: High expectations lead to higher TCAP scores (Knoxville News-Sentinel)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam rightly congratulated the state's public school teachers last week for the long strid made in student achievement as measured by state test scores. Teachers, who have borne the brunt of the blam for Tennessee's low performance compared to other states, should feel vindicated. They have done an admirab job amid the distractions of tenure reform and the end of collective bargaining with their school system "Tennessee educators deserve immense credit for their hard work this year in helping our students achie marked improvements and success," Haslam said in a statement touting the achievement. But the real kudos, course, should go to the third- through eighth-grade students who took the tests and met the new, tough standards confronting them. Statewide, reading scores in the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment progra improved by 3.7 percent, math by 7 percent, science by 3.5 percent and social studies by 1.4 percent. T advancements were made despite warnings that many would fail to measure up to the more stringent standar imposed by the state. Those standards were set so more students would be ready for college or the workpla upon graduation. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/14/high-expectations-lead-to-higher-tcap-scores/

Greg Johnson: Reforms unions opposed have made education better (N-S)

From deep in their perhaps permanent political exile, Tennessee Democrats scored a Pyrrhic political poi Annihilated/obliterated/decimated (pick one or all) by the Republican rout last November, which gave the GO complete control of Tennessee government, the party of Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Al Go was able to label the pachyderms "teacher haters." The approval rating for the Legislature dropped fro honeymoon highs of two-thirds feeling favorable toward lawmakers in January to less than half approving in Jun according a Vanderbilt University poll. The probably "progressive" pollsters and the definitely "progressive" med hung the hard fall on the GOP's ultimately successful effort to break the stranglehold the Tennessee Educati Association held on teacher representation. "Republicans have passed legislation aimed squarely at teachers, the detriment of our public school system," wrote House Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, in a May Facebook post. Pointed - if entirely predictable - criticism from a "progressive" legislative leader. And abject objectively wrong. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/reforms-unions-opposed-have-made-education/

Bill Ketron: It should be a felony not to report missing child (Tennessean)

Most of us with children have felt the panic of turning around in a store or park and not being able to find your chi Certainly, the younger the child the more unsettling it is, especially as the seconds turn into minutes. It is hard fathom not reporting a child missing for over a month, which is what happened in the case of Casey Anthonys year-old daughter, Caylee. That inaction is unacceptable and should carry penalties under the law. The Antho trial has shined a bright light on the gap in many states laws, including Tennessees, regarding the reporting o missing child. Florida law does not provide any penalties for this inaction. Likewise, while Tennessee requir reporting, it carries no penalties or force of law. Rep. Tony Shipley, R-Kingsport, and I filed legislation this we to change that by making it a Class E felony for a parent, legal guardian or caretaker to not notify law enforceme of a childs disappearance within 24 hours. That legislation will be considered in January when the Gene Assembly reconvenes. The public is rightfully outraged regarding the failure to penalize such inaction as exhibit in the Anthony case.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/OPINION03/307150024/It-should-felony-notreport-missing-child?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Editorial: 'Caylee's Law' movement grows (Tennessean)

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The acquittal in the Casey Anthony trial has resulted in proposed legislation making it a crime to fail to report

missing child within so many hours or days. If convicted of this offense, a parent could go to jail for up to a ye and be required to pay a fine. Such legislation is neither necessary nor appropriate. We already have numero laws which are designed to protect children. These include statutes prohibiting abandonment of childre Tennessee has some of the strongest laws governing both child abuse and neglect. In serious cases, such crim can carry penalties comparable to a murder conviction. Our state has a runaway child statute which provides th shelters for runaway youths must be registered with the Department of Children Services. The law requires su facilities to notify the juvenile court or the runaways parent within one hour of the runaways arrival. It is certain sufficient that Tennessee has mandatory child abuse reporting requirements which apply to all citizens and not ju the parents. I think these good laws effectively protect our children. Yet another law of the sort recently proposed unnecessary. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/OPINION03/307150023/-Caylee-s-Law-movement-grows? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Guest columnist: Balanced calendar offers students gift of time (Tennessean)

Too often in our current debates, more time is spent stressing our differences and not enough on the areas whe we agree. So when I heard Metro Nashville Public Schools was considering a balanced calendar with more scho days, I recognized a great idea that I wanted to urge you to support. As a passionate believer in public educati and a product of Nashville public schools, I am committed to helping all children succeed. I believe addi additional school days will promote great teaching and shrink the achievement gap even more than addition funding, better evaluations, more charters or higher-paid teachers. The research is unequivocal: Increasing time task increases student achievement. This year, LEAD Public Schools 630 students will begin the year on Aug. about two weeks before MNPS, and go to school an additional 1.5 hours per day. Much of our success is due our longer day and longer year. I expect most students across the district would benefit from the extra time. W dont add time simply because more than 95 percent of our students are low-income, more than 15 percent ha special needs, and almost all enter our school reading at least two years behind grade level. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110715/OPINION03/307150026/Balanced-calendar-offers-students-gift-tim odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Editorial: Get center built in Clarksville (Leaf Chronicle)

Once again, the tantalizing prospect of a conference center in Clarksville has been raised. Let's hope that this tim around, it actually moves from an idea to implementation. Clarksville's modern history is strewn with the remains conference center proposals. Two decades ago, a center that would link the historic downtown district and t Cumberland River was proposed, but the idea never got off the drawing boards. More than a decade ago, publicly financed, $20 million, downtown Gateway center was soundly defeated in referendum. Two years ag then-Mayor Johnny Piper suggested that the city consider what Murfreesboro did donate land to a develop who financed and now operates an 80,000 square-feet hotel and convention center there. PKF Consulti conducted a feasibility study and concluded that a site located in the general vicinity of the new Gateway Medic Center/Exit 4 would be the preferred site for a hotel/convention center development. http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110715/OPINION01/107150304/EDITORIAL-Get-center-built-Clarksvill

Times Editorial: Drought likely to be costly (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)

Dont let numbers confuse you. Meteorologists report that the Chattanooga area has received about two inch more rain this year than normal. That is true. It also is misleading. The region is now abnormally dry and som locales in Tennessee are approaching drought status. Thats because much of the rain this year came duri winter and spring. Recently, rainfall has been less frequent, well below average over the last three months. T high heat of recent weeks has exacerbated the lack of moisture. The impact of dry conditions isnt readily visib here yet. Most trees and lawns remain green and there have been few reports of crop damage. There are te tale signs that changes are on the way if significant rains do not occur. Soil moisture levels are dropping and cr growth is slowing in places. Both are especially noticeable in much of Georgia, one of 14 states in an arc th curves from Arizona to the Carolinas that are in the grip of extreme drought. More than half the state is in th category. Louisiana officials say this is the second driest year in 121 years of record keeping. Its not much bet in Texas or Oklahoma. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/drought-likely-be-costly/?opiniontimes

Free-Press Editorial: More 'stimulus' wont pep up our economy (Times Free-Press

All us would love to see some optimistic signs in our sagging economy. W hat could brighten the outlook prosperity? Thats a big question and a big debate. But recent history gives us at least some indication of wh wont boost the economy. Looking back on the failure over the past two years of federal stimulus spending 10

various types to turn the economy around, do you find it encouraging, or alarming, that Federal Reserve Chairm Ben Bernanke has hinted that even more stimulus may be on the way? Is it even conceivable to you that a pers in a position of such importance in our economy would suggest that additional government intervention is what w need to turn around the negative effects of earlier government intervention? We see nothing in our massi national debt, nor in the 9.2 percent unemployment rate, nor in the distressed housing market, nor in painfully hi food and energy prices to suggest that throwing good money after bad is a solution. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/15/more-stimulus-wont-pep-our-economy/?opinionfreepress

Editorial: Studies measure America's expanding waistlines (Knox. News-Sentinel)

What a shocker: Potato chips are the main culprit behind the average American's small but steady yearly weig gain, according to a study at Harvard University. But it's not so much the chips' fault as it is our inability to paraphrasing the slogan of one of the best-known brands - eat just one. There is an art, in fact, to the ability to e even the final crumbs in a bag: Shake the bag, hold out your hand palm up, pour the crumbs carefully into yo cupped hand and toss them back like a handful of pills. Then carefully brush the residual salt and chip fragmen off of your face and look around for somewhere to hide the bag from your significant other. Of course, there nothing to joke about when it comes to obesity, and it's a problem that is getting even bigger in the United State pardon the pun. Two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, according to researchers. Childho obesity has tripled in the past three decades. Many of us remember the "freshman 15" of college. Now children a packing on those extra pounds before they've even left elementary school. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jul/15/studies-measure-americas-expanding-waistlines/

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