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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012Saks picks LaVergne for fulfillment expansion (Business Clarksville)Retailer Saks Incorporated (NYSE: SKS) announced on Feb. 13, it will add a new distribution and fulfillmfacility in LaVergne, Tenn. in 2012. The announcement was m et with much excitement in the Rutherford Couregion as it brings the promise of more new jobs to the areas residents. The new state-of-the-art distribution afulfillment center will occupy approximately 564,000 square feet of leased space and will be equipped w itsophisticated mobile-robotic fulfillment system that has been successfully utilized in the companys Marylafacility. The Company expects the Tennessee facility to be operational by August 2012 and ultimately to empover 250 full-time associates at complete capacity. Saks Incorporated has made a great decision in choosiTennessee as its newest d istribution center location, and I am pleased to welcome this well-respected compato Rutherford County. Were working to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quajobs, and by focusing on a business-friendly environment, it encourages businesses to invest, grow and creajobs, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said.http://businessclarksville.com/2012/02/17/saks-picks-lavergne-for-fulfillment-expansio n-39573/

Guns-in-Parking-Lots Compromise Could Win Haslam Support (TN Report)Gov. Bill Haslam hinted this week he wouldnt necessarily shoot down legislation that would allow Tennessgun owners to keep a firearm stored in their vehicle while they are at work even over the objection of themployer. Still, the proposal idling in the General Assembly seems overly broad to the governor. But duringmeeting with the Capitol press corps Wednesday, Haslam suggested that if the House and Senate can passcompromise, hell likely sign on. Sen. Mike Faulk and R ep. Eddie Bass are sponsoring the legislation, w hgained some traction last year but not enough to win over GOP leaders in the House. Proponents are confidenwould pass if Speaker Beth Harwell, of Nashville, and Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, of Chattanooga, wto allow the bill to come to the chamber floor for a vote.http://www.tnreport.com/2012/02/guns-bill-compro mise-could-win-haslam-support/

Haslam offers $10k reward for east Knoxville shooting death (WVLT-TV KnoxvilleGov. Bill Haslam is offering a ten thousand reward for information leading to the apprehension, arrest, aconviction of whoever w as involved in the shooting death of Robert "Ernie" Reno at an east Knoxville home lNovember. Haslam announced the reward late Friday afternoon. He is asking anyone with information to contthe Knoxville Police Department's crime information line at 865-215-7212. Reno was found lying face down in of a home on Selma Ave. just after midnight on November 11 with several bullet wounds in his legs, accordingKnoxville Police Dept. spokesperson Darrell DeBusk.http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/Haslam_offers_10k_reward_for_east_Knoxville_shooting_death_9542198.html

Haslam's pick may have edge in Davidson Circuit Judge race (Tennessean/Gee)On the same day Gov. Bill Haslam interviewed candidates for his first Nashville judicial appointment, votebegan casting ballots for who would get the job on a more permanent basis. Two of the three candidatrecommended to Haslam by the states Judicial Nominating Commission, Stan Kweller and Phillip Robinsalso are running in the Democratic Partys primary election for the post. Early voting began Wednesdayvacancy on the Davidson County Circuit Court was created by the retirement of Third Circuit Judge BarbaHaynes last year. The primary election winner w ill advance to the August general election and face independcandidates Scott Rosenberg, a Juvenile Court magistrate and the third candidate under consideration Haslam, and John Heacock, who also applied to replace Haynes but didnt make the Judicial NominatiCommissions short list. Judicial vacancies in Tennessee are temporarily filled by the governor until an election
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held.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0201/302180025/Haslam-s-pick-may-edge-Davidson-Circuit-Judge-race-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews

Hagerty: ECD incentives bill being reworked, diligence a priority (Nash. B

Journal)Gov. Bill Haslam's top economic development official today acknowledged he's reworking a controverincentive bill, saying his main concern is getting more material for due diligence on companies. CommissioBill Hagerty said the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is still considering wposition it will take on legislation that has spurred criticism among legislators concerned about keeping secret townership of companies receiving incentives. Hagerty said his legislation aims to get vital financial informatcompanies often won't hand over because there's no guarantee it will remain private. "We'd like the abilitymake more informed decisions," Hagerty said in an interview. The legislation would stipulate that proprietinformation, including investors in privately held companies, would be kept private. The idea that ownershipcompanies receiving incentives would be kept from the public spurred outrage from government transparenadvocates like Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, and Republican leadership acknowledged their own concerns tweek as well.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/02/17/hagerty-haslam-ecd-transparency- jobs.html

Huffman meets privately with Hamilton school board (Associated Press)

Officials with the state Education Department and the Hamilton County School Board are pointing blame at eaother for declaring a recent meeting closed to the public. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that punotice of Thursday's meeting between the board and state Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman was issuto the media last week. But when reporters tried to gain access to the meeting, they were den(http://bit.ly/ygHHU4 ). Department spokeswoman Kelli Gauthier said local officials had decided to close meeting because the panel was discussing a competitive grant. But school board chairman Mike Evatt aSuperintendent Rick Sm ith said the meeting was closed at Hu ffman's request. Evatt said he saw no need for tpanel to meet in executive session. "It wasn't my call," Smith said. "It was the commissioner's call." The meetalso included representatives of the local teachers' union, the Public Education Foundation and schadministrators. Kent Flanagan, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, said that state's Sunshine Law operates on the presumption of openness, and makes only l imited allowances executive sessions.http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38603981?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Confusion surrounds closed school meeting (Times Free-Press/Hardy)The Tennessee Department of Education and local officials haven't been able to pinpoint just who is responsifor moving a Thursday school board meeting behind closed doors. The Hamilton County Board of Education mwith school administrators and Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman after his address to tChattanooga Rotary. They were discussing an upcoming grant that Hamilton Coun ty likely will apply for to starSchool Innovation Zone, which would target low-performing schools by allowing greater flexibility in how schooperate. A public notification was distributed before the meeting, as usually occurs with other board meetinBut as the meeting was starting, reporters were told by Huffman spokeswoman Kelli Gauthier that the meetwas closed to the m edia because officials were discussing a competitive grant application. W hen askGauthier couldn't cite the law that allowed them to circumvent the Tennessee Sunshine Law and close meeting. G authier addressed reporters and shut the door, but said she was only repeating information sh

been told. She said the decision to close the m eeting was made by local officials.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/b1-confusion-surrounds-closed-school-meeting/?local

Agencies push prep for severe weather (Jackson Sun)TEMA announces release of Ready TN mobile application The Tennessee Em ergency Management Agency aNational Weather Service are promoting preparedness for families, individuals and businesses durTennessee S evere Weather Awareness Week, which begins Sunday and runs through Saturday. Tennesshas experienced two years of unprecedented natural disasters, and individual preparedness is more importthan ever, said TEMA Director James Bassham in a news release. Emergencies and disasters can happanywhere and anytime, so we hope Tennessee citizens will take an active role in the preparedness of thfamilies, their neighborhoods and their communities. Throughout the week, NWS, TEMA and other supportgroups will conduct educational activities and drills to help people prevent injuries and deaths from tornado
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0201/302180025/Haslam-s-pick-may-edge-Davidson-Circuit-Judge-race-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0201/302180025/Haslam-s-pick-may-edge-Davidson-Circuit-Judge-race-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/02/17/hagerty-haslam-ecd-transparency-jobs.htmlhttp://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38603981?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/b1-confusion-surrounds-closed-school-meeting/?localhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0201/302180025/Haslam-s-pick-may-edge-Davidson-Circuit-Judge-race-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0201/302180025/Haslam-s-pick-may-edge-Davidson-Circuit-Judge-race-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/02/17/hagerty-haslam-ecd-transparency-jobs.htmlhttp://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38603981?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/b1-confusion-surrounds-closed-school-meeting/?local


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damaging winds, flash floods, lightning and hail. The release said TEMA also is announcing the release of a nmobile, smartphone application, Ready TN. Ready TN is a tool to help citizens know the hazards in thcommunity and the preparations they should take to be ready for any emergency. The application providlocation-based information on severe weather, road conditions, open shelters and local government contacts.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120218/NEWS01/302180006/Agencies-push-prep-severe-weather

Tenncare offers help to those struggling with medical bills (WBIR-TV Knoxville)

Tennesseans struggling w ith medical bills may have an opportunity for help next week. State officials announcFriday that the Tenncare Standard Spend Down program will offer another round of open enrollment. It giveslimited number of qualified people access to Tenncare coverage. Low-income people or those with high unpmedical bills who are aged, blind or disabled, or the caretaker of a Medicaid eligible child meet the qualificatioThe only way to request an application is by calling the program's toll-free number next Tuesday. That numbe1-866-358-3230 and will be open between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. eastern. Operators will close the phone lonce 2,500 applicants call in.http://www.wbir.com/news/article/206312/2/Tenncare-offers-help-to-those-struggling-with-me dical-bills

Brady Banks resigns from state Books From Birth post (City Paper/Garrison)Metro Councilman Brady Banks, arrested Thursday on a misdemeanor charge of patronizing prostitution, hresigned from his job as acting officer and outreach coordinator of the Governors Books From B irth Foundati

According to Gov. Bill Haslams office, the foundations board of directors notified the governors office of B anresignation on Friday. Banks resignation is effective immediately. As of Friday afternoon, Banks still hadtalked publicly about his arrest or addressed his future as a city councilman. The Governors Books From BiFoundation is a partner of Dolly Partons Imagination Library. Founded in 2004, the Governors Books From BFoundation seeks to serve as a catalyst and tangible resource to Tennesseans establishing and sustaincounty Imagination Libraries, according to its website. The foundation relies on public and private funds.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/brady-banks-resigns-state-books-b irth-post

Brady Banks' political future unclear after arrest in prostitution sting (Tenn/CassDay after prostitution sting, fellow council members say he needs to focus on family With a wife whos a minisa divinity degree of his own, a beautiful baby boy and a penchant for ending phone calls with the words good, Metro Councilman Brady Banks had a reputation for clean living and a rock-solid character. But thimage took a hit late Thursday afternoon, when Banks was accused by police of paying a female undercoofficer $100 for sex at a MetroCenter hotel. He was arrested at 4:40 p.m. on a misdemeanor chargepatronizing prostitution and released that night after posting a $1,000 bond. The first-term councilman, who welected from a southeast Davidson County district in a runoff last September, has not responded to repeatrequests for comment since his arrest. He spoke briefly to WSMV-Channel 4, saying only that he mademistake and that his first priority was saving his marriage, the station reported. Banks resigned Friday from job of nearly two years as outreach director of the Governors Books from Birth Foundation, effecimmediately, Gov. Bill Haslams office announced.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0202/302180013/Brady-Banks-political-future-unclear-aftearrest-prostitution-sting?odyssey=tab|topnews|text| News

Dozens of tickets, cases trashed because of ex-trooper's credibility (N-S/Lakin)A hundred-plus drivers can tear up their court papers and walk away, courtesy of the ex-Tennessee Highw

Patrol trooper fired for driving past a fiery wreck last year. Knox County prosecutors dropped charges Fridayall cases handled by Charles Van Morgan, a veteran trooper who routinely logged the most drunken-drivarrests in the Knoxville district for years. M organ lost his job this month after THP internal investigatdetermined he drove by the Nov. 26 wreck that killed Gordon Kyle Anito on Andersonville Pike in North KnCounty and didn't stop. The agency fired him for neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming a trooper. "Morgan's actions were so egregious as to com pletely destroy his credibility," Tammy Hicks, an assistant distattorney general, wrote in a motion. "As such, the district attorney general's office cannot continue with tprosecution of his cases." The cases dismissed Friday ranged from felonies to misdemeanors and amounted95 defendants, some facing more than half a dozen charges each. About half the defendants appeared to be foffenders, with others on their second and third DUI arrests. That number doesn't include minor traffic tickeProsecutors said they're still trying to sort through those and drop them one by one.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/dozens-of-tickets-cases-trashed-because-of-ex/
http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120218/NEWS01/302180006/Agencies-push-prep-severe-weatherhttp://www.wbir.com/news/article/206312/2/Tenncare-offers-help-to-those-struggling-with-medical-billshttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/brady-banks-resigns-state-books-birth-posthttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0202/302180013/Brady-Banks-political-future-unclear-after-arrest-prostitution-sting?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0202/302180013/Brady-Banks-political-future-unclear-after-arrest-prostitution-sting?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/dozens-of-tickets-cases-trashed-because-of-ex/http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120218/NEWS01/302180006/Agencies-push-prep-severe-weatherhttp://www.wbir.com/news/article/206312/2/Tenncare-offers-help-to-those-struggling-with-medical-billshttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/brady-banks-resigns-state-books-birth-posthttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0202/302180013/Brady-Banks-political-future-unclear-after-arrest-prostitution-sting?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS0202/302180013/Brady-Banks-political-future-unclear-after-arrest-prostitution-sting?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/dozens-of-tickets-cases-trashed-because-of-ex/


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New dorm will help overcrowding at UT (News-Sentinel/Boehnke)"The problem with the waiting list is those people didn't go away or go to another school or anything, they jlooked in the community," said Ken Stoner, associate vice chancellor for student life. "Now if we're their fchoice, we'll be able to accommodate that need." The dorm, funded through student housing fees, will be bnear Presidential Courtyard, on what is now a gravel parking lot north of Andy Holt Avenue between FranStreet and Melrose Avenue. The rooms will likely be configured as "super suites," which would include doub

bedrooms with a shared living space, bathroom and kitchenette. It will also include two dining venues, thouwhich concepts will be offered hasn't been determined yet, Stoner said. The project was originally approvedthe State Building Commission in 2007 for $41.5 million, but the price tag has since jumped $17.5 million. Tstate approved the new figure on Feb. 9 The increase came when officials decided to up the size of the projecinclude an additional floor for a total of seven and 100 additional beds.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/new-dorm-will-help-overcrowding-at-ut/

THP nam es Dwayne Stanford Trooper of the Year (WRCB-TV Chattanooga)The Tennessee Highway Patrol named Trooper Dwayne Stanford the 2011 Trooper of the Year at an awaceremony held Thursday evening. This marks the second consecutive year Trooper Stanford, a third generatState Trooper, has earned the honor. He was also recognized in Gov. Bill Haslam's State of the State addressJanuary. Additionally, seven other State Troopers received Trooper of the Year honors in their respect

districts. Awards were also given to the Investigator of the Year and Interdiction Trooper of the Year, while troopers were also recognized for their DUI enforcement. "It is a privilege to honor the recipients of this yeaTrooper of the Year award," Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons sa"These men and women represent just a small number of State Troopers who are on the front lines every dayensure Tennessee is a great place to live and work. We thank them for being true public servants for the sta"The 12 individuals recognized tonight are true examples of what our agency stands for professionalisintegrity and pride," THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. "This job can be a thankless profession at times. It's importthat the troopers in the field see that we recognize their sacrifices, we honor their commitment and we athankful for their dedication to service and safety."http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/16961824/thp-names

THP Troopers, Dispatchers Honored (WTVC-TV Chattanooga)The Tennessee Highway Patrol named Trooper Dwayne Stanford the 2011 Trooper of the Year at an awaceremony held Thursday evening. This marks the second consecutive year Trooper Stanford, a third generatState Trooper, has earned the honor. He was also recognized in Gov. Bill Haslams State of the State addressJanuary. Additionally, seven other State Troopers received Trooper of the Year honors in their respectdistricts. Awards were also given to the Investigator of the Year and Interdiction Trooper of the Year, while troopers were also recognized for their DUI enforcement. Trooper Dwayne Stanford earned the Trooper of tYear honor after several significant events throughout the year, including the arrest of suspects involvedarmed robbery, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possible terrorism, home invasions, apossession of stolen guns and stolen vehicles. Most notably, Trooper Stanford initiated a traffic stop September 28, 2011, where he was shot in the chest by the vehicles passenger. The vehicle was pulled over traffic related violations on Interstate-40 westbound near m ile marker 115. Trooper Stanford took the femdriver into custody for an outstanding criminal warrant.http://www.newschannel9.com/news/trooper-1009127-stanford-year.htm

Gun bill sponsor Bass still unsure of party-switching (Times Free-Press)So is Democratic Rep. Eddie Bass of Prospect, Tenn., welcome in the Tennessee R epublican Party or not? TMiddle Tennessee rural, conservative Democrat this week told The Associated Press he hasn't decided which party he'll affiliate with when seeking a fourth term in the House. Bass is now in a Republican-leandistrict. Republican House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, of Chattanooga, said he likes the potential Gcandidates in Distr ict 65 and was dismissive of Bass. "I'd rather he'd stay where he is, to tell the trutMcCormick told AP. "He's not doing himself any favors running that gun bill." Bass is sponsoring a National RAssociation bill that would require public and private employers to let workers store their firearms in lockvehicles parked on company lots. Businesses oppose the measure saying it violates their right to determine whappens on their property, and Republican leaders are trying to devise a compromise. Speaking to reportlater in the week while McCormick stood by, House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, was asked about Basswelcome everyone into the Republican Party," Harwell said. "But I've made no attempt to recruit Rep. Bass."
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/new-dorm-will-help-overcrowding-at-ut/http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/16961824/thp-nameshttp://www.wrcbtv.com/story/16961824/thp-nameshttp://www.newschannel9.com/news/trooper-1009127-stanford-year.htmhttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/new-dorm-will-help-overcrowding-at-ut/http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/16961824/thp-nameshttp://www.newschannel9.com/news/trooper-1009127-stanford-year.htm


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For Some Hit by 2010 Flood, No Safeguard Too Costly (WPLN-Radio Nashville)Last night Metro officials gave an update on plans theyre drafting in case of another big flood, like in May2010. WPLNs Daniel Potter reports some hit hard by the disaster two years ago want to spare no expensekeeping it from happening again. Metro is looking at all kinds of options for areas the last flood left under watThey could build floodwalls or earthen levees, or tear down more houses near rivers. They say deciding just w

to do, and where, will mean a balancing act between risk and cost. You never know. It could not happen agfor another 500 years. Tamlin Lorenz says after her home in Pennington Bend flooded, she had to take oufederal loan to afford cleanup costs which will take 17 years to pay back. While Metros flood prevention planmonths from a cost estimate, Lorenz thinks being on the safe side is worth any expense. To not have to through what I went through again, I think most people would be wil ling to put out a l it tle bit mohttp://wpln.org/?p=342 42

Panel OKs anti-terror training (Daily News Journal)POST Commission initially said hours wouldn't count A state panel now says anti-terrorism training in RutherfCounty this week will count toward the 40-minimum hours all officers are required to get every year to be certifwith the state. The Muslim civil rights organization Council on American-Islamic Relations is among those thhave publicly denounced the Understanding the Threat to Am erica course by the Strategic Engagement Gro

a Virginia nonprofit, which was presented over three days to local law enforcement officers. Brian Grisham, wis the director of the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, was asked in a letter Tuesdayinvestigate the appropriateness of the training presented by SEG because of its anti-Muslim leanings. False ainaccurate training is ultimately counterproductive and could have a detrimental effect on officers ability to fapolice the community they serve, reads a Tuesday letter from Washington-D.C.,-based CAIR. The letter singout trainer John Guandolo for scrutiny.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/NEWS/302180022/Panel-OKs-anti-terror-training?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Georgia again debates tapping TN water (Associated Press)Once again, Georgia lawmakers are debating whether they can pipe w ater from the Tennessee River to fiwater shortage in metro Atlanta. Republican Rep. Jay Neal wants the General Assembly to pass a resolutasking environmental regulators and others to study the feasibility of capturing water that flows into Tennessee River and diverting it south toward Atlanta. Neal says conservation alone wont answer Georgiwater needs. Environmental watchdog groups say it would be cheaper and more effective to conserve warather than building expensive pipelines. Senior Republican leaders have floated tit-for-tat trades with Tennessauthorities so they can get water from the river shed. Tennessee House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick snothing has changed to make his state interested in parting w ith its water.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS21/302170145/Georgia-again-debates-tapping-TN-water?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Redistricting Up for Second Reading (Memphis Daily News)Shelby County Commissioners will see Monday, Feb. 20, if there is still a seven-vote majority on the bodypass a new set of district lines and a new commission structure on the second of three readings. The plan thwould convert the commission from a 13-member body of five districts to a set of 13 single-member districtsthe third attempt by the comm ission since late last year to com plete its once-a-decade redistricting process. T

process was supposed to be completed at years end. It is the subject of a pending Chancery Court lawsuit fby commissioners Walter Bailey, Mike Ritz and Terry Roland. The district lines of the commission and othlocal, state and federal legislative bodies are redrawn once every 10 years to reflect population changes ashifts in the U.S. Census. The com mission meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Vasco Smith Administration Building, 160Main St. The single-member district plan passed two weeks ago on first reading. Passage of any plan on threading requires a nine-vote, two-thirds majority.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/20/redistricting-up-for-second-reading/

Ray is gone as CEO of KTSC, and the Hall of Fame (News-Sentinel/Witt)When Gloria Ray retired Friday from the tourism group she helped developed, she also stepped down president and CEO of the nonprofit over the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame which she helped build. It
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uncertain who will follow her to lead the nonprofit Sports Management Inc., which runs the Hall of Fame. Aunclear is what will happen to $4 million in an investment account for the Hall of Fame. The money was raisfor Hall of Fame capital improvements and property purchase, but because of an uncertain future in relationship between SMI and the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corp., there's no straight answer as to how it be spent. "We will know early (this) week," Kim Bumpass, interim president of the KTSC said Friday about trelationship between the two groups, and funds for the Hall of Fame. Ray was head of both nonprofits underagreement with KTSC and SMI. "Until there's a resolution to everything that's going on, I'm not goingguesstimate or have any thoughts," Karla Douglas, who is on the Hall of Fame board of directors, said Friday.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/17/ray-is-gone-as-ceo-of-ktsc-and-the-hall -of-fame/

Most TN lawm akers vote no on payroll tax-cut extension (Tennessean/Bewley)Most members of Tennessees congressional delegation wanted nothing to do with the tax-cut extensCongress passed Friday, arguing it adds too much to the national debt. But two Tennessee Republicans Reps. Stephen Fincher of Frog Jump and Chuck Fleischmann of Ooltewah voted for the bill, which extenthe 2-percentage-point payroll tax cut through the end of the year. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, also votyes. To be clear, this is no time to raise taxes, Fincher said after the vote. I voted to extend the payroll tax and stop a 2 percent tax increase on Americans. The tax cut will save around $80 a month for people earn$50,000 a year and will save high-income workers a maximum $2,200 for the year. It also extends benefits the long-term unemployed and prevents a large cut in Medicare reimbursements to doctors. It pays for that called doc fix in part by cutting $5 billion from a fund created by the 2010 health-care reform law that aims

prevent certain diseases. Fincher and Fleischmann said they liked that the bill cuts funding for a provision of health-care reform law.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS02/302170139/Most-TN-lawmakers-vote-no-payroll-tax-cuextension?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Tennessean Congressmen Split on Payroll Tax Bill (WPLN-Radio Nashville)The Tennessee congressional delegation was divided over legislation to extend a payroll tax holiday for millioof average workers, but unlike past battles the bills critics didnt put up m uch of a fight. The bill puts around othousand dollars into the pockets of average workers. Many Republicans, such as Tennessee Senator BCorker, dont like that the tax cut isnt paid for and comes from money intended for the Social Security TrFund. Its just not good public policy to really deteriorate the w hole Social Security trust by doing this. Teventually will lead to Social Security being a welfare program. Freshmen Republicans have won many batt

in this Congressforcing party leaders to avoid compromising on what they say are conservative principlsuch as not adding to the deficit. Not this time. Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais says thats pabecause the bill wasnt released publicly until last night. Final details were not presented until really jyesterday so there wasnt a lot of time to discuss it further.http://wpln.org/?p=342 34

Roe votes against payroll tax cut holiday, unemployment benefits extension (T-NU.S. Rep. Phil Roe reported he voted against the payroll tax cut holiday and unemployment benefits extenslegislation that passed in the House Thursday and the Senate today. Roe, R-Tenn., stressed the bill puts already at-risk Social Security system in greater peril. "By passing this bill, we are taking nearly $100 billdollars from Social Security, at a time when it is already running deficits. We are also continuing a trend of payfor current benefits out of future generations pockets," Roe said in a prepared release. Further, this bill providanother short-sighted, temporary fix to Medicare physician payments by cutting from one part of the system

patch another. The Affordable Care Act already cut $500 billion from Medicare and our seniors deserve bettTaking money away from Social Security, our seniors safety net, poses a great risk to seniors who depend that income. In fact, Social Security was the primary source of income for 64 percent of retirees in 2008, and a third of them those checks represented 90 percent or m ore of their income."http://www.timesnews.net/article/9042472/roe-votes-against-payroll-tax-cut-holiday-unemployment-be nefits-extension

Romney leads in Tennessee fundraising (Gannett/Bewley)If campaign donations translated into votes, former Massachusetts Gov. M itt Romney would sail to victory in Volunteer State. Campaign finance records show Romney raised $898,081 from Tennessee donors as of De31 almost double President Barack Obamas haul of $482,599 and more than four times as much as tnearest Republican rival, Texas Rep. Ron Paul. Romney raised most of his money 57 percent during the f
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/17/ray-is-gone-as-ceo-of-ktsc-and-the-hall-of-fame/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS02/302170139/Most-TN-lawmakers-vote-no-payroll-tax-cut-extension?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS02/302170139/Most-TN-lawmakers-vote-no-payroll-tax-cut-extension?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://wpln.org/?p=34234http://wpln.org/?p=34234http://www.timesnews.net/article/9042472/roe-votes-against-payroll-tax-cut-holiday-unemployment-benefits-extensionhttp://www.timesnews.net/article/9042472/roe-votes-against-payroll-tax-cut-holiday-unemployment-benefits-extensionhttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/17/ray-is-gone-as-ceo-of-ktsc-and-the-hall-of-fame/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS02/302170139/Most-TN-lawmakers-vote-no-payroll-tax-cut-extension?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS02/302170139/Most-TN-lawmakers-vote-no-payroll-tax-cut-extension?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://wpln.org/?p=34234http://www.timesnews.net/article/9042472/roe-votes-against-payroll-tax-cut-holiday-unemployment-benefits-extensionhttp://www.timesnews.net/article/9042472/roe-votes-against-payroll-tax-cut-holiday-unemployment-benefits-extension


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three months of the year. While former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was the top fundraiser in Middle Tennessee whreports w ere last filed on Sept. 30, Romney had taken over that title by years end. He brought in more th$379,000 from donors in ZIP codes beginning with 372, 370 and 371, which encompass Nashville, ClarksviMurfreesboro and surrounding areas. That accounts for 42 percent of Romneys fundraising statewide. Overthe presidential candidates have raised more than $2.4 million in Tennessee so far. More than 45 percent of tsum came from Middle Tennessee.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/NEWS/302180007/Romney-leads-Tennessee-fundraising?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Report: Nuke contractor overbilled TVA (Tennessean/Paine)A nuclear contractor overbilled the Tennessee Valley Authority by more than $1.2 million over three yeaaccording to a TVA Office of Inspector General report. Out of a total of $67.9 million in costs that were auditWilliams Plant Services LLC, which supplied supplemental maintenance, technical support and modificatiocharged too much or bil led for items it should not have, the report said. These included $714,288 subcontractor costs for Williams sister company, W illiams Specialty Services; $279,288 for payroll tax costsnon-manual employees; and $225,463 for labor costs, including $190,804 in fringe-benefit costs for non-manemployees who did not receive fringe benefits.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS11/302160098/Report-Nuke-contractor-overbilled-TVA?

odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

TVA laying off security force (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Marcum)TVA announced Friday it is laying off the 61 uniformed employees in its Police & P hysical Security organizatand is moving to contract employees as part of an organizational realignment meant to cut costs and make federal agency more competitive. It is ending uniformed patrols, stationing contract guards 24 hours a daycritical TVA locations and increasing the use of security technology at non-nuclear power facilities, TVA said iprepared statement. Security at TVA nuclear facilities is not affected. "There are 61 uniformed officers," Tspokeswoman Barbara Martocci said of the security organization. "They are all losing their jobs, but they whave the opportunity to apply for other jobs within TVA." The security personnel also will receive severanpackages, she said. The layoffs will take effect in 60 days. The security division changes are part of a generealignment the agency announced in early February, Martocci said. When TVA Chief Operating Officer B

McCollum announced he would retire, TVA said it would launch an evaluation of how it could make changesmore efficiently support its goals and business priorities.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/17/tva-laying-61-police-physical-security-em ployees/

Y-12 says max exposure equal to 10 chest X-rays (News-Sentinel/Munger)The government's contractor at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant says the maximum radiation dose any workcould have received from using a dirty respirator was about 100 millirems roughly the equivalent of havingchest X-rays. That's based on the m ost contaminated equipment found so far as B&W Y-12 continuesinvestigate the extent of the problem at the Oak Ridge plant, where workers use respirators to protthemselves while performing tasks in certain radiological areas. Last week, a rad technician discovered tsome of the plant's respiratory equipment, including m asks and breathing tubes, were contaminated wuranium even though they had been sent to an off-site laundry facility and reportedly returned to Y-12

packages certifying they were clean. Subsequent inspections found more than 200 pieces of supposedly cleequipment that had "unacceptable levels" of contamination. B&W this week provided information to Yemployees on the situation. "There is currently no evidence that workers have been harmed," the contractor sahttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/y-12-says-max-exposure-equal-to-10-chest-x-rays/

Cuts at Erlanger to save $2.5 million a year (Chattanooga Times Fre

Press/Martin)Erlanger Health System will cut 23 to 30 management positions by March 31 and offer a voluntary buyoprogram at the staff level as part of an ongoing plan to get the public hospital back into the black. Most of tmanagement positions were cut this week. The manager and director layoffs comprise about 20 percent to percent of Erlanger's midlevel management and will save the hospital about $2.5 mill ion a year, Ch
http://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/NEWS/302180007/Romney-leads-Tennessee-fundraising?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/NEWS/302180007/Romney-leads-Tennessee-fundraising?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/NEWS/302180007/Romney-leads-Tennessee-fundraising?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS11/302160098/Report-Nuke-contractor-overbilled-TVA?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS11/302160098/Report-Nuke-contractor-overbilled-TVA?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/17/tva-laying-61-police-physical-security-employees/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/y-12-says-max-exposure-equal-to-10-chest-x-rays/http://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/NEWS/302180007/Romney-leads-Tennessee-fundraising?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/NEWS/302180007/Romney-leads-Tennessee-fundraising?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS11/302160098/Report-Nuke-contractor-overbilled-TVA?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS11/302160098/Report-Nuke-contractor-overbilled-TVA?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/17/tva-laying-61-police-physical-security-employees/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/18/y-12-says-max-exposure-equal-to-10-chest-x-rays/


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Administrative Officer Gregg Gentry said Friday. "We wanted to start at the leadership level," Gentry said. Lmonth, the hospital eliminated six executive positions, about 40 percent of its executive ranks. Estimated savinare about $1.4 million to $1.6 million. Employees in some of those positions were moved to budgeted positioelsewhere in the hospital, so the savings occur with the elimination of the executive posts. Erlanger's Budget aFinance Committee will meet Monday to discuss January financial figures. Executives have acknowledged thexpect Erlanger to lose money for several more m onths. In the first six months of the fiscal year, the hospital l$10.3 million, primarily because of lower surgery numbers, administrators have said.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/218-a1-cuts-at-erlanger-to-save-25-million-a-y ear/?local

Suburban Schools Train Has Left the Station (Memphis Daily News)The six suburban mayors say the train to municipal school districts is on the tracks and has no time to stopconsider whatever plan the schools consolidation transition planning commission comes up with for a mergpublic school system. But in the first formal meeting between the mayors and the planning commission lweek, the mayors got an earful from the commission about their concerns of a municipal school districts trwreck the commission may have to clean up. Come August 2013, we will have a plan that can serve yochildren and serve them well, planning commission chairwoman Barbara Prescott told the suburban leadeThere has to be that. Were going to take in to consideration all of your concerns. We will have a plan taddresses many of your stated concerns. It may not go far enough. Asked if there was anything in the structof a consolidated school system that m ight prompt the suburban leaders to halt or delay their plans and join merged school system, Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald replied, I would never say never. But its unlikely. T

train has left the station.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/20/suburban-schools-train-has-left-the-station/

Lebanon raid targets prescription drug abuse (Tennessean/Smietana, Haas)Police swept through Lebanon on Friday morning arresting 19 people suspected of illegally selling prescriptdrugs. Most were low-level dealers, said Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen. Sometimes we target the top guwho are dealing drugs, he said. This time we targeted the street-level dealers. Bowen said that Lebanon Polhad warrants for 29 people and will continue to look for the last 10 suspects. He said Fridays raids had beplanned for a week, and the total investigation had been under way for 15 months. A lot of these folks transient; they move from place to place, he said. To get 19 of 29 is great. With the help of Wilson Cousheriffs deputies, the state inspector generals office and the FBI, Lebanon officers confiscated prescriptdrugs such as oxymorphone and Roxicet. They also confiscated marijuana, crack cocaine and d

paraphernalia during the early morning raids.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS03/302180014/Lebanon-raid-targets-prescription-drug-abuse?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

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http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/218-a1-cuts-at-erlanger-to-save-25-million-a-year/?localhttp://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/20/suburban-schools-train-has-left-the-station/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS03/302180014/Lebanon-raid-targets-prescription-drug-abuse?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS03/302180014/Lebanon-raid-targets-prescription-drug-abuse?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/218-a1-cuts-at-erlanger-to-save-25-million-a-year/?localhttp://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/20/suburban-schools-train-has-left-the-station/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS03/302180014/Lebanon-raid-targets-prescription-drug-abuse?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/NEWS03/302180014/Lebanon-raid-targets-prescription-drug-abuse?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews


9/11

OPINION

Editorial: Bagging Saks a big boost for La Vergne (Daily News Journal)This weeks announcement that Saks Inc. plans to open a distribution and fulfillment center in La Vergne shocome as a breath of fresh air to unemployed residents and a potential boost to the citys bottom line. The nfacility, which will move into the Borders facility that closed last summer, is set to be fully operational by AuguIt will bring 250 full-time jobs and some interesting technology with it. Saks will invest as much as $15 million alease 564,000 square feet in La Vergne in addition to its smaller distribution centers in Aberdeen, Md., aOntario, Calif. The La Vergne facility will be equipped with a sophisticated mobile-robotic fulfillment system frSaks Maryland facility. Saks plans to ask the Rutherford Coun ty Industrial Development Board for a seven-ybreak on personal property taxes, which the IDB will consider on Feb. 29 as a part of an inducement package Saks. That would serve as a well-needed shot in the arm for La V ergnes industrial landscape. Saks CEO S teSadove said he was excited about Middle Tennessees workforce, which we believe is more than capabletaking on the technological challenges that come with the new facility. Workers in La Vergne and Rutherf

County are well prepared for these new jobs, and will likely line up for a shot to work at Saks.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/OPINION/302180008/EDITORIAL-Bagging-Saks-big-boost-La-Vergne

Times Editorial: Where gun rights end (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)Tennessee's legislators generally don't worry much about the social impact of widening gun rights in the staDespite the solid opposition of law enforcement officials who fear more gun violence, lawmakers have madelegal for gun-permit holders to carry guns into state parks and, subject to local approval, into local parks and ibars where alcohol is sold. They've also considered allowing gun-carry rights in churches. Now, they're pushfor the next round of the National Rifle Association's guns-everywhere agenda: allowing employees to bring guto work and to leave them in their vehicles in their employers' parking lots. On this specific issue, however, tbusiness lobby is rightly balking. Owners of companies are obviously aware of the nation's dreadful recehistory of angry, aggrieved employees walking out their company's door and roaring back in with pistols

assault rifles blazing -- killing or wounding several or more fellow employees. Such horrific tragedies haenormous costs, both in the shattered lives of affected employees and their families, and in the related lossesbusinesses. They also raise the risk of employers' severe financial liability for allowing em ployees to bring guonto their parking lots. The NRA apparently isn't concerned about employers' liability concerns, never mind tprospect of multimillion-dollar lawsuits for employers who fail to take due diligence steps to keep guns off thproperty.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/0218b-t1-where-gun-rights-end/?opiniontimes

Times Editorial: Cheating the public interest (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)It's not clear which official barred the press from attending a meeting here Thursday between TennessEducation Commissioner Kevin Huffman and our county school Superintendent Rick Smith, along with momembers of the board. Each leader told our reporters it was the other who excluded them. H ow lame. Both had
http://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/OPINION/302180008/EDITORIAL-Bagging-Saks-big-boost-La-Vergnehttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/0218b-t1-where-gun-rights-end/?opiniontimeshttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120218/OPINION/302180008/EDITORIAL-Bagging-Saks-big-boost-La-Vergnehttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/0218b-t1-where-gun-rights-end/?opiniontimes


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duty to invite the press and hold an open, public meeting. Both the nature of their meeting and the topicdiscussion demanded adherence to the state's open m eetings act. The meeting occurred after Huffman spokethe Chattanooga Rotary Club about the state's new School Innovation Zone program, for w hich a competitgrant of $30 million to $40 million will be awarded. School systems have to bid for the grant, and Huffman saidhopes the Hamilton County school system will apply. Officials here seem likely to do so. School patroteachers and parents surely would have been interested in the discussion in the follow-up meeting, in anotroom at the Chattanooga Convention Center, between Huffman and our school officials. The winner of program will get to use state taxpayer funds to design and implement creative programs to improve studachievement outside the bounds of regular school rules. They might, for example, use longer school days ause differentiated curriculum.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/0218b-t2-cheating-the-public-interest/?opi niontimes

Editorial: Mayors didn't come to listen (Commercial Appeal)Suburban mayors' drive for municipal schools suggests we're heading back to separate urban and suburbdistricts. After a meeting Thursday between a delegation of suburban mayors and the advisory panel plannthe merger of Memphis and Shelby County schools, it's obvious that there is not going to be one unified pubschool system in the county. The mayors made it clear to the Transition Planning Commission that the tracarrying plans to start municipal school districts had left the station. Unless something happens to change minpublic education in Shelby County will effectively revert to the status quo -- separate districts for urban asuburban families. We don't necessarily think that is the best route for the children of this community. It would n

be fair to begrudge suburbanites for wanting, like all parents, the best education options for their children. But regret that the mayors won't heed the advice of Gov. Bill Haslam, county Mayor Mark Luttrell and SenaMajority Leader Mark Norris to give the merger process a chance to work. The TPC appears amenableworking with the suburban mayors to find structural options for the merged district that would give the suburbschools more autonomy.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/18/editorial-mayors-didnt-come-to-listen/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Free-Press Editorial: Front-runner Santorum to firm up Tennessee edge (TFP)In the seesaw race for the Republican presidential nomination, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorumleading the pack, partly on the strength of primary and caucus wins last week in Colorado, Minnesota aMissouri. Santorum is slightly or well ahead of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in recent national poAnd polls show Santorum w ith a considerable lead over Romney even in Rom ney's home state of Michigan. T

Michigan primary is Feb. 28 -- less than two weeks from today. Given Santorum's current front-runner status, isignificant that he plans to visit Chattanooga next Saturday. According to a recent poll, he leads Romney in Volunteer State by 7 percentage points. Santorum will be at Abba's House in H ixson, headlining a ChattanooTea Party event. That highlights his conservative credentials, which have helped vault him past the mmoderate Romney and fellow conservative Newt Gingrich. During his Chattanooga visit, Santorum will seeking to firm up his lead in Tennessee and make further inroads in Georgia. It is impossible, though, to coout Romney, or Gingrich for that matter. Romney has vast financial backing that can buy m uch more politadvertising than the other candidates can afford, and Gingrich has a way of attracting support by cleaarticulating the frustrations and hopes of many votehttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/18/welcome-mr-santorum/?opinionfreepress

Guest columnist: Regulate sugar, and personal responsibility dissolves (Tenn)

Like a lot of people, Im increasingly concerned about an expanding waistline and lifestyle-related illnessewant my kids to live long, happy, healthy lives, and I w ant them to develop good eating habits. Unfortunately, public health community sees this as an opportunity to scaremonger and clamor for government interventiinstead of as a teachable moment about personal responsibility. The m ost recent example comes to us frthree scholars at the University of California-San Francisco, who recently suggested that the United Stashould regulate sugar the way we regulate alcohol and tobacco. Their logic: Since the United Nations fingsmoking, drinking and eating poorly as the biggest causes of noncommunicable diseases, governments shodo for the last behavior what theyve already done for the first two: regulate and tax them. Most Americaprobably recoil instinctively at this idea as w ell they should. Simple logic is in their favor. Lets take professors arguments one by one. For starters, the fact that the number of deaths from noncommunicadiseases is now higher than the number of deaths from communicable diseases is not something to lament.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120218/OPINION03/302180009/Regulate-sugar-personal-responsibility-dissolves?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

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