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Judy Byrge brings you Local News weekdays on WECO TODAYS HOT COUNTRY & YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE STATION 101.3 FM at 7AM, 9AM, 12NOON and 5PM. Local News may also be heard on our SOLID GOSPEL Station AM 940 at 7:20AM, 11:49AM & 4:49PM.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of March 14, 2010 on Hwy 62 @ Hwy 116 in Morgan County. Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 others every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving.
Morgan County has been awarded federal funds under the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Funds received for Morgan County will be used to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army; American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; United Jewish Communities and, United Way of America. A local board made up of the County Mayor, representatives of the Social Service Agencies, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Church Associations and others determine how the funds are to be awarded to local Morgan County agencies. Public or private non-profit agencies that have an accounting system and the ability to serve Morgan County residents may be interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds. Agencies may call (423) 346-6651 for more information on or before March 19.
In his capitol update, Sen. Ken Yager says the State Senate continued to spend the majority of its time this past week hearing budget proposals from various agencies and departments of state government, amid news that Tennessee continues to fall short of budget projections for the current fiscal year. Budget Director Bill Bradley of the Department of Finance and Administration told Senate Finance Committee members on Tuesday that February revenues were worse than expected and that the administration will likely bring recommendations for further reductions in the budget presented to the General Assembly on February 1.
The budget proposal assumed the state would fall $153 million short of the budgeted tax estimates in the general fund for the current 2009-2010 fiscal year. As of January, the state was already under collected by $152 million. There was also an assumption that the budget collections would improve in the second half of the fiscal year, which began on January 1.
Reductions would not only effect this year’s budget, but have a ripple effect to lower the recurring base for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, meaning further reductions for the upcoming budget year. Bradley said the shortfall is also likely to alter the state funding board projections. Among other duties, the Funding Board is responsible for providing the Governor and the General Assembly estimates of state revenue for the current and upcoming fiscal year. The governor’s budget proposal is crafted from the high end of the revenue figures adopted by the Funding Board at the 1.9 percent growth rate. The Board is scheduled to meet on March 31.
Morgan County voters living in areas of the county where district lines were in question should be able to continue to vote in the district and at the precinct where they've gone for the last 10 years. This decision came during last night's county commission meeting. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a resolution allowing voters to stay where they are until the new Census is completed and the reapportionment of county boundaries made.
The Morgan County Election Commission adopted the same resolution during its meeting. Habitat for Humanity affiliates will celebrate the 3000th house built in the state of Tennessee with host affiliate, Appalachia Habitat for Humanity. The ground breaking will be held at 249 Shirley Ford Road, Robbins, TN 37852 on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 12:00 noon.
Appalachia HFH is not only the first Habitat affiliate in Tennessee, but they are the second oldest Habitat affiliate in the world. This year they will celebrate 32 years!
The 3000th Habitat house in Tennessee will be built for a single lady named Wanda who was chosen from the waiting list according to need.
Wanda is sixty years old and has many health issues. She had been living in a mobile home that was over 25 years old and had seen better days when it suddenly caught fire about a month ago and burned to the ground. She moved in with a relative that is actually a Habitat homeowner.
Wanda was devastated and felt she had nowhere to turn. She came to the Habitat office seeking assistance and guidance. She had very little fire insurance coverage, not nearly enough to purchase a good, used trailer, much less buy a new one through a conventional loan.
After applying for a new Habitat for Humanity home and being approved, Appalachia Habitat choose her for the 3000th house. She is very excited and is ready to start her “sweat equity” and become a new Habitat homeowner!
In his capitol update, Sen. Ken Yager says the State Senate continued to spend the majority of its time this past week hearing budget proposals from various agencies and departments of state government, amid news that Tennessee continues to fall short of budget projections for the current fiscal year. Budget Director Bill Bradley of the Department of Finance and Administration told Senate Finance Committee members on Tuesday that February revenues were worse than expected and that the administration will likely bring recommendations for further reductions in the budget presented to the General Assembly on February 1.
The budget proposal assumed the state would fall $153 million short of the budgeted tax estimates in the general fund for the current 2009-2010 fiscal year. As of January, the state was already under collected by $152 million. There was also an assumption that the budget collections would improve in the second half of the fiscal year, which began on January 1.
Reductions would not only effect this year’s budget, but have a ripple effect to lower the recurring base for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, meaning further reductions for the upcoming budget year. Bradley said the shortfall is also likely to alter the state funding board projections. Among other duties, the Funding Board is responsible for providing the Governor and the General Assembly estimates of state revenue for the current and upcoming fiscal year. The governor’s budget proposal is crafted from the high end of the revenue figures adopted by the Funding Board at the 1.9 percent growth rate. The Board is scheduled to meet on March 31. The Lady Yellow Jackets from Coalfield will be making their second appearance in the state tournament on Wednesday. The Lady Jackets won their sectional game over Hampton Saturday night 63-56 to advance in post season. The last time the Lady Jackets made TSSAA tournament was 2005.
The Lady Bulldogs from Wartburg made their third consecutive appearance in a sectional game at North Greene on Saturday. The Lady Bulldogs lost on the road by a score of 62-45, ending their 2009-10 basketball season.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $980,691 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program to local fire departments and emergency responders in the state of Tennessee.
“When it’s your home that catches fire, you become the first responder,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May. “That’s why one of the focuses of the AFG grant program is to educate the public on both fire prevention and safety. When our citizens know what do in a fire, they reduce the danger to themselves and to firefighters.”
This week’s round of the national Assistance to Firefighters Grants include grants provided to the following first responders in from the Tennessee: Wartburg VFD Operations and Safety $98,078
The Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program is an important component of the administration’s larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The AFG is designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury. Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.
These grant programs are administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the Grant Programs Directorate and the United States Fire Administration. The full list of past and current recipients and other Assistance to Firefighter Grant program information is posted on the AFG website at (www.firegrantsupport.com).
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced the winner of the first-ever statewide Missing Children Poster contest. The winning poster (pictured below) was created by Destiny Carter of Pineview Elementary School in Rockwood, TN. The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Child Protection Division, sponsors this annual contest for 5th grade students to develop artwork that will represent America’s united goal to bring missing children home safely. TBI is the clearinghouse for missing children in the State of Tennessee and held the contest at the state level which focused on the theme: Bring Our Missing Children Home. Each year, more than 1.3 million children are reported missing in the country. Every year the U.S. Department of Justice takes time to commemorate the valiant and unselfish acts of the many organizations and individuals who bring our missing children home. Destiny Carter’s artwork will be entered in the national contest on behalf of the state and a national winner chosen. The winning artwork will be displayed at the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony, to be held on May 25, 2010. The national winner will win a trip to travel with his/her parents to Washington D.C. to participate in a ceremony.
The likelihood of drivers in Knoxville stopping or leaving a ‘sorry’ note on your windshield if they hit your car is not very good according to new Allstate claims data released today. 61% of Knoxville hit-and-run collisions involved a parked vehicle.
While Tennessee requires a driver responsible for an accident with an unattended vehicle to notify the owner, such as leaving a note, some do not. “Leaving a note after hitting someone’s vehicle is simply the right thing to do, even if it was just a scrape,” said Knoxville Allstate agent, Bob Regal. “If you caused damage to a vehicle, you are liable and can be held responsible. Having the proper insurance coverage will help protect you from the cost of these damages.”
Nationally, 69% of the country’s hit-and-run collisions involved a parked vehicle (national figure reflects data for America’s largest 200 cities). Below is a look at other Tennessee cities:
City, State % Hit While Parked Chattanooga, TN 59% Memphis, TN 59% Nashville, TN 67%
Allstate offers the following tips on what to do if someone has hit your parked vehicle:
Get the facts at the scene – Ask people nearby the scene if they witnessed the accident. Take down their reports and contact information. Check for surveillance cameras – If the accident occurred in a parking lot, check to see if a surveillance camera caught the incident on tape. Contact your insurance company - Report even a minor accident to your insurance company immediately.
For more information about the hit-and-run report, log onto www.allstatenewsroom.com
Mitchell Heidel, Career and Technical Director for Morgan County was recently nominated by the East Tennessee District Supervisor and Career and Technical Directors from Knox and Campbell counties for the Trailblazer Award. This award is to recognize those CTE Directors which have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in their home county and at the state and national levels. Specifically mentioned were innovative programs in dual enrollment, agriculture and distance learning, partnerships with business and industry and green technology. After being selected from the East Tennessee District, Mr. Heidel competed with the other Tennessee districts and was selected as runner up in the state competition. Mr. Heidel credits his staff for making this award possible because of the additional work and collaborations they have accomplished throughout the past year. Pictured is Ralph Barnett, Assistant Commissioner of Education, Career and Technical Division presenting the award.
The Senate Education Committee has voted to restore state funding for York Institute, a 700-student high school located in Fentress County. The action came after Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman), who represents Fentress County in the State Senate, urged committee members to keep the commitment made 85 years ago to World War I hero Sargent Alvin York to fund the school he struggled to build.
The York Institute funding was cut by Governor Phil Bredesen's 2010-2011 budget, which was presented to the General Assembly on February 1. Until the budget was presented, school officials and Fentress County officials were not aware of the impending cuts.
"I am very pleased that the committee heard our voice today and voted to restore funding for this school," said Senator Yager. "We do not want to be the General Assembly that pulls the plug on this school, which was Sargent York's dream for rural education. Tennessee made a commitment to fund the school in 1925 and since that time it has been a model institution bearing his name through 14 governors and 64 General Assemblies."
Yager questioned State Commissioner Tim Webb regarding the state's plan to transition the school. The budget would become effective on July 1, which Fentress County officials say does not provide adequate time for a transition to occur if the funds are cut.
"I don't have a solid transition plan," said Commissioner Webb. "This conversation has been an ongoing conversation since the budget document was produced."
The committee also heard from Edward York, the son of Sargent York, who said his father laid the posts for the school to realize his dream for a quality education for rural Tennessee students and mortgaged his house to pay teacher salaries. He pointed out that funding for the school went through many lean years in Tennessee history, including the Great Depression.
According to Principal Phil Brannon, the school has a high success rate with 90 percent of students who move on to enroll in college and a 73 percent college retention rate. The school has a satellite campus of Roane State Community College on the York Institute property, which helps students who are dually enrolled receive college credit.
In addition, the committee heard from Mike Jones, Superintendent of Fentress County Schools regarding the inability of the county to immediately raise funds to make up the $2.3 million it would take to serve students enrolled in York Institute. Jones said the county has the second worst unemployment rate in the state at 16 percent, giving the county few options to raise needed funds. He said the county's unemployment rate could be as high as 30 percent if you count those who are still without employment, but who are no longer eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
"The proposed cuts would result in great financial hardship for residents of Fentress County who would, without warning, would have to take in these students at a time when citizens are suffering from high unemployment and job loss," added Yager. "We will continue to fight to keep the funding in place as it would be short-sighted to break this time-honored agreement which has very successfully showcased rural education in our state."
Tennessee has again been ranked among the top states in the nation in Site Selection magazine’s annual Governor’s Cup rankings for its economic development performance in 2009. The economic development publication put the Volunteer State at No. 5, the highest ranking of any Southeastern state. The Governor’s Cup award recognizes states with the most new or expanded private-sector capital projects as tracked by publisher Conway Data Inc.’s New Plant Database. The magazine gave its top ranking to the state of Ohio, followed by Texas, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
“I’m pleased the editors of Site Selection have included Tennessee among the top performing states in the nation for job creation,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “We’ve worked hard to develop and enhance a strong business climate and to create strategies aimed at placing Tennessee at the forefront of emerging industries. That hard work is paying off for Tennesseans.”
“This recognition is especially rewarding because it comes during one of the most challenging economic development environments in decades,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Tennessee’s ability to help companies with projects by reducing red tape, finding answers quickly and developing partnerships with local communities has been a key differentiator for our state.”
Since January 2003, ECD-led economic development projects have resulted in the creation of more than 179,000 new jobs, $29 billion in new capital investment and 49 new corporate headquarters.
In addition to the state’s recognition, a number of Tennessee municipalities were ranked among the top communities in the nation for economic performance. Memphis ranked No. 9 in metropolitans with a population of more than 1 million people. Jackson and Morristown tied for sixth place on the Top Metropolitans list for cities with populations of less than 200,000 people.
In the Top Micropolitan category, Tennessee tied for third place among states, with a total of ten communities ranking among the top small cities in the country. Among Tennessee communities named, Tullahoma tied for twelfth place, and Cookeville and Lewisburg tied for seventeenth place. Other Tennessee cities and towns named to the rankings include Greeneville, Humboldt, Athens, Columbia, McMinnville, Shelbyville and Union City.
The tallies are based on expansion or relocation projects that meet at least one of three standards: a capital investment of at least $1 million, creation of at least 50 new jobs or creation of at least 20,000 square feet of new floor space. Only corporate projects are considered, meaning the magazine does not track retail or government projects, hospitals or schools.
Site Selection, published by Conway Data, is the oldest publication in the corporate real estate and economic development field and the official publication of the Industrial Asset Management Council.
Many corporate real estate analysts regard the magazine’s rankings as “the industry scoreboard.” Site Selection’s audience consists of executives involved in corporate site selection decisions, most at the CEO/President/COO level.
The Governor’s Cup is the latest in a number of honors Tennessee has added to its mantle in the past year. Most recently, Business Facilities magazine named Tennessee it’s State of the Year. In addition, Tennessee was ranke d among the top five states in the U.S. for best business climates by Site Selection magazine and named co-state of the year by Southern Business & Development magazine. In 2009, Area Development magazine presented the state with its prestigious Gold Shovel Award, which is presented annually to the state achieving the most success in terms of job creation and economic impact.
To read more and see the complete Governor’s Cup rankings, visit Site Selection’s Web site, www.siteselection.com ( http://www.siteselection.com/ ).
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd
Cafters, vendors, and community organizations are encouraged to apply for FREE booth space at the 2010 Discovery Fest in Wartburg on Saturday, April 17. All spaces are 12' x 12' and are outdoors on Kingston Street on the east side of the Morgan County Courthouse. Electric power is available on a very limited basis; first come, first served. Exhibitors must provide their own shelters, tables and other fixtures. Set-up is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. and exhibitors should remain until 4 p.m.
For space applications and further information, call the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at 423-346-5740 ( e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). On site attractions include free access to a 30-foot climbing wall and other childrens activities, plus live music all day. Offsite plans include paddling and rock-climbing clinics, hikes and trail rides. Watch for future announcements.
District Attorney General Russ Johnson announced yesterday that a Sunbright man has pleaded guilty to two counts of child rape and entered into a plea agreement. Roger Williams was accused and later indicted by grand juries in both Morgan and Scott Counties. The investigation into the offenses was mostly conducted by Scott County law enforcement with assistance from Morgan County when it was learned that some victims were assaulted here. Prosecutor Frank Harvey said Williams will serve 20 years on each count and he is to serve 100 percent of the time. There is no possibility of parole or credit for time served. Harvey said Williams was given the underage girls for sex in exchange for drugs. The victims have been removed from the custody of the adults who were their guardians at the time of the assaults, according to Harvey. Harvey said he is pleased with the outcome within what the law allows but that he would like to see stiffer penalties available Tennessee. The prosecutor said: “Twenty years is just a start of what I think the sentence should be for a crime like this.”
The House of Representatives votedoverwhelmingly to pass historic legislation repealing the antitrust exemption that health insurance companies have enjoyed for more than half a century. If signed into law, this bill would impose criminal penalties on health insurance companies that participate in price fixing and collusion. "There is no reason why health insurance companies should be exempt from a keystone of free market capitalism that has often contained prices," said Congressman Lincoln Davis. "Health care premiums are skyrocketing, and Tennessee families are hurting. These companies should be required to compete in a fair and free market just like other businesses." organ County Schools now have three days to make up thanks to yesterday's missed school day. Members of the school board are expected to make a decision about how those days will be made up during their upcoming meeting on Monday. U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis released the following statement on the bi-partisan health care summit that took place at the Blair House in Washington, D.C.:
Legislation to prohibit "drive-through" sales of beer statewide has stalled in a Senate committee as the sponsor sounds out support for modification of the measure. As drafted, the bill - SB2486 - would simply forbid cities and counties from issuing or renewing any beer permits to stores that sell the beverage to customers at a "drive-through" window or through curbside services. But sponsor Sen. Mike Faulk, R-Kingsport, said discussions with members of the Senate State and Local Government Committee indicated it was short of support needed for passage in its current form. A vote has been rescheduled for next Wednesday. ast Tennessee Human Resource Board Chair, Becky Ruppe says living longer, active lives has increased the desire of many seniors to begin exciting, new career paths. Employers are also recognizing the many positive traits a mature worker brings to the job.
The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) is connecting seniors to jobs right here in the local communities including Morgan County. “In the commercial world age 70 is now considered the new 60 and age 80 the new 70. The decision to retire is often short lived with many highly active seniors. Rising costs for utilities, medicine, gas and other expenses has also fueled interest in supplementing retirement income,” said Ruppe.
“Seniors may hesitate to reach out because it has been many years since they have gone through an interview process,” according to Arlita Brisbin, ETHRA’s Senior Employment Coordinator. “ETHRA staff is prepared to help them step right into a job where they can be coached along their new career path.” Working around 20 hours a week, individuals quickly develop new job skills, gain self-confidence and earn wages that supplement retirement and Social Security.
A simple phone call can lead to a new career and new friendships that will last a lifetime. “We are recruiting right now,” said Brisbin. Ruppe says ETHRA already has jobs lined up with non-profits and other local public facilities such as libraries, hospitals, senior centers, and schools in Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan, Scott and Union Counties.
Ruppe says, “If you are 55+ and have income of $13,538 or less for a single person household or $18,213 or less for a two person household, call to set an appointment in your county. Unemployment and disability benefits are not counted toward household income.
There are exciting opportunities available and employers are looking forward to connecting with talented and experienced seniors. Brisbin said “Don’t hold back and wonder if you can get a job. A simple phone call is a first step in reaching out.”
Call 800-552-0127 extension 4347 for Arlita Brisbin. For additional information call Becky Ruppe in the Morgan County Executive’s Office. If Executive Ruppe isn’t available to take your call, please leave your name, phone number and state that you are interested in Connecting Seniors to Jobs and she will return your call. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have brought in large hydraulic dredge equipment to expedite the removal of ash from the Emory River. To keep the river as safe as possible, the Emory River will continue to be closed until May 15, 2010 from mile marker 0 to mile marker 6.
The initial river closure began on Aug. 11, 2009, and was extended through Feb. 15, 2010. The U.S. Coast Guard, EPA and TVA reevaluated dredging operations and concluded that an extension to the closure area is necessary for continued public safety. No river traffic will be allowed through this area. After that time, EPA and TVA will review the situation and determine when the river can safely be re-opened.
EPA’s closure map can be found at http://www.epakingstontva.com.
Individuals requiring further information or instructions regarding recreational use of Watts Bar Reservoir should contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, Stephanie Y. Brown at 1-800-564-7577 or 865-717-1635.
For more information about EPA’s oversight and response activities at the Kingston site, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region4/kingston and http://www.epakingstontva.com.
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