FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011 Haslam in Johnson City: Better education means better economy (J.

City Press)
Improving education is one of the keys to furthering economic development in Tennessee, Gov. Bill Haslam told an audience of state Chamber of Commerce executives in Johnson City on Thursday. We most definitely need to address the challenges of work force development and education, Haslam said. He shared some statistics about Tennessees education rankings, remarking that the state is ranked 45th in the nation for its fourth-grade reading scores and 43rd in eighth-grade math levels. Only 21 percent of Tennesseans graduate from college, and thats something Haslam wants to change through legislation. We cant accept the status quo and expect to see jobs created, he said. Though Tennessee needs improvement in its educational efforts, Haslam said his job is to sell the state and its best features: no income tax, a low cost of living, a great location, a good state financial situation and a productive work force. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=93522#ixzz1VTCoQ5V2

Governor Haslam on job creation and economic development (Herald-Courier)

As unemployment hovers around nine and a half percent in the volunteer state, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is on the road to encourage small businesses, and the communities. Today, he made several stops in Northeast Tennessee. The Governor was in town to dole out a few grants to local community projects. His big reason for being in Northeast Tennessee: the state's overall economy. Governor Haslam met with Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives today. Two big issues were on the Governor's mind as he spoke to chamber executives today, job creation and economic development. The Governor reminded the chamber executive group that they are on the front lines of selling Tennessee to potential business and industrial prospects. He asked the group about their views of what Tennessee has to offer new businesses that are looking to locate in the Volunteer State. The Governor says that getting new business to locate here, is the key to lowering high unemployment rates. http://www2.tricities.com/m/news/2011/aug/18/governor-haslam-job-creation-and-economic-developm-ar1247664/

Governor Haslam Visits Tri-Cities (WCBY-TV Johnson City)

As Governor Bill Haslam kicked off Thursday's tour of the Tri-Cities, the Gray Fossil Site received a check for more than $145,000 to create a picnic area, some new signs and landscaping. The project will be underway this fall in an effort to attract more visitors. "We continue to have visitors from all over the country and all over the world. It's a great economic boon to their part of the state of Tennessee," says Museum Director Jeanne Zabada. "In Tennessee quite frankly, we can use all of the sales tax revenue we get and so we're hoping to get some pay back for this investment as well," added Governor Haslam. The celebration was short-lived as the talk turned to job creation across the state. Specifically, the jobless rate. "Statewide, we've had about 9.5 percent, but some rural areas we're looking at 15, 16 or 17 percent," said Haslam. Governor Haslam met with Tennessee Chamber of Commerce representatives from all across the state. http://www.wcyb.com/news/28908096/detail.html

Morristown company expands, Haslam touts new jobs (WVLT-TV Knoxville)

Governor Bill Haslam stopped to talk jobs on the heels of some good news. Mahle Morristown is growing. "Morristown truly is friendly to industry. They really do have a good workforce, a developed workforce," said Plant Manager Jim Sexton. Mahle makes parts for cars and trucks. Sexton says demand for its products is up and that means the company needs more help. Mahle Engine Components, Inc. announced a two-part expansion for new products beginning next year. "W e are looking to add between 100 and 150 positions," said Sexton. The company will add 30,000 square feet for an assembled camshaft product, then another 55,000

square feet for a light duty steel piston in a second phase. "Are there hopeful signs around Tennessee? You bet," said Haslam. http://www.volunteertv.com/state/headlines/Morristown_company_expands_Haslam_touts_new_jobs_1280513 88.html

Governor Haslam speaks about state's economy (W BIR-TV Knoxville)

Governor Bill Haslam said the state is doing everything it can to create new jobs. The Governor spoke about the economy on Thursday at a meeting at Walter's State Community College in Morristown. New numbers out on Thursday show Tennessee unemployment rate remained unchanged and held steady at 9.8%. Governor Haslam said he believes confidence is key to making real economic progress around the country and here in Tennessee. "I don't think that confidence level is here mainly because of a lot of uncertainty coming out of washington. and until that happens, i don't think you're gonna see the economy turn around," said Haslam. The Governor went on to say that even though many Tennesseeans are still without a job, there ar hopeful signs that hiring is beginning to pick up around the state. http://www.wbir.com/news/article/180603/2/GovernorHaslam-speaks-about-states-economy

Quaprotek Opening Ripley Facility (TN Report)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today joined with Lauderdale County officials in announcing the decision by Quaprotek USA to locate a manufacturing facility for the production of metal parts for vehicles, engines and power trains in Ripley, Tenn. The German-based company will invest $22 million to fit out a 63,000 square foot existing building on Highland Street in Ripley, creating 126 jobs over a five year period to supply leading manufacturers within the automotive industry. We appreciate Quaprotek USAs investment in Tennessee and in Lauderdale County, Haslam said. This company is known for incorporating high technology into a high volume business, and the opportunities they will create line up well with our goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. Quaproteks decision tells us that Governor Haslams Jobs4TN strategy is striking the right balance between serving Tennessees existing business and aggressively recruiting new companies to our state, Hagerty said. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/08/quaprotek-opening-ripley-facility/

Haslam wants quicker national online tax rules (Associated Press/Schelzig)

Gov. Bill Haslam said Thursday that not every member of Tennessee's congressional delegation shares his urgency about establishing national rules for collecting online sales tax from retailers like Amazon.com. Haslam said after an appearance at East Tennessee State University that he's hoping for national guidelines on the issue within the next two years. Fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said earlier this week that it could take up to four years for Congress to act. "Bob thinks that's probably right, but it kind depends on who you talk to in Congress," Haslam said. "Some folks like Senator (Lamar) Alexander because he's been a governor kind of understand the urgency of it. "Some of our House district representatives aren't so sure of why it's important." The governor said he is trying to make the case about the "considerable" loss of state and local sales tax revenues. The University of Tennessee has estimated that the state will lose $410 million in forgone sales tax revenues from online sales this fiscal year. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37252997.story

Southern governors converge on Asheville to discuss economic strategies (C-T)

A few rounds of golf. A Puerto Rico Late Night Party. Politics over breakfast. Other than those timeouts for a bit of play, nine southern governers gathering at the Grove Park Inn beginning today have an agenda that includes bringing capital to the marketplace and finding better jobs for underemployed middle-class workers. The Southern Governors Association three-day conference is being held in Asheville for only the fourth time, the last one happening in the mid-1980s. It likely will go on without Texas governor and Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry, who isnt scheduled to attend. But there will be no shortage power players in politics and industry. Twenty CEOs of various industries will join in on sessions on innovation as a strategy for economic development. These governors are here to make sure theyre here to do everything possible to create jobs and promote economic development, said Diane Duff, executive director of the Southern Governors Association, which is holding its annual meeting at the resort. http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110819/NEWS/308190037/Southern-governors-converge-Asheville? 2

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Sumner volunteers receive Environmental Stewardship Award (Tennessean)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Deputy Gov. Claude Ramsey and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau presented the 2011 Governors Environmental Stewardship Awards at the Ellington Agriculture Center campus in Nashville on Aug. 12, recognizing 15 honorees statewide whose efforts have made a positive impact on the states natural resources. Among the winners was a nine-member water quality committee from Sumner County, created to ensure the protection of Slaters and Mansker creeks in the cities of Millersville and Goodlettsville. Consisting of volunteers, this nonprofit committee has successfully cleaned the two streams through three separate events. Activities include removing more than 5,000 pounds of metal, which was recycled and generated $500 in revenue; and collecting more than 500 bags of household trash, which was removed from the creeks and banks along with many larger items that would not fit into trash bags such as broken bikes, an above-ground swimming pool and tires. The committee successfully pursued the prosecution of one illegal dumping case in the city of Millersville, along with aiding in the correction of two illicit connections to Slates Creek. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/GALLATIN01/308190015/Sumner-volunteers-receiveEnvironmental-Stewardship-Award

State gets $1.4 million for suicide prevention (Associated Press)

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health has been awarded a grant of more than $1.4 million to fight suicides by youths. The grant, over three years, was made by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It will be used to increase the skills of individuals who work with high-risk youths. The money also will go toward follow ups with youths who have made suicide attempts. The grant is targeted toward ages 10 to 24. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37259127.story

Long DMV lines prompt outrage, scrutiny and quick changes (Tri-State Defender)
Complaints regarding the long lines forming outside of the Shelby Countys drivers license centers in hard-tohandle hot weather have prompted national outrage, scrutiny and some quick fixes. The New Tri-State Defender was first to report last month that some Memphians at the drivers license center at 6340 Summer Ave, had to wait four to five hours to get their drivers licenses and state-sanctioned photo ids, while in some predominantly white counties customers waited on average 20 minutes or less. Since then, bloggers, newspapers and commentators across the nation have added their voices to a chorus of complaints. Starting in 2012, Tennessees new photo ID law will require voters to have photo ids to cast a ballot. Acceptable forms of identification will include passports, state military ids and state identification cards, which will be processed by the overwhelmed drivers license centers. http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/6562/1/brLong-DMV-lines-prompt-outrage-scrutiny-and-quick-changes-/Page1.html

July unemployment holds at 9.8 percent (Associated Press)

Tennessee's July unemployment rate of 9.8 percent remained unchanged from the previous month. State Labor Commissioner Karla Davis says "statistics behind the unchanged unemployment rate show a slight drop in employment numbers along with an overall decline in the labor force." The national unemployment rate for July was 9.1 percent, down from 9.2 percent the month before. According to a survey of businesses, monthly employment increases came in mining, logging and construction, up 1,900 jobs; local government educational services, up 1,400; hospitals, up 900 jobs; and durable goods manufacturing, up 900. Food services and drinking places decreased by 1,600 jobs, and state government also declined by 1,600. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37254643.story

State Unemployment Stands Still at 9.8 Percent in July (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

Fewer people were looking for work in Tennessee last month but not necessarily because they found jobs. The states monthly unemployment rate stood still in July, holding at 9.8 percent, above the national average. Overall U.S. unemployment for the month was down slightly from June, to 9.1 percent. State officials say last month the number of working Tennesseans dropped by more than ten thousand, while even more people stopped looking for jobs. http://wpln.org/?p=29665

Tennessee unemployment steady at 9.8 percent in July (Memphis Biz Journal)

Tennessee maintained its 9.8 percent unemployment rate in July as both the states employment and labor force notched a decline. The state jobless rate was higher than the national rate, which fell to 9.1 percent in July compared to 9.2 percent in June. The number of employed Tennesseans decreased 12,200 from June to July while the civilian labor force, or those actively looking for a job, decreased by 15,100, according to a household survey compiled the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The department also conducts a monthly survey of 10,000 businesses in Tennessee which is factored into the states unemployment rate. The business survey does reveal some positive indicators with a private employment growth rate of 1.3 percent over the year, said Commissioner Karla Davis. Construction and durable goods manufacturing are both showing strong short- and long-term growth which is better than weve seen during the past few years. http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2011/08/18/tennessee-unemployment-steady-at-98.html

Grant to aid screening, staffing at convention center worksite (City Paper)

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in conjunction with the Nashville Career Advancement Center, has awarded a one-year $100,000 grant to fund positions that will aid in the screening and staffing at the Music City Center, Convention Center Authority Chairman Marty Dickens announced Thursday. The grant will fund salaries for three full-time staff members who will facilitate hiring during construction of the project. Two Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development employees will work onsite at the Music City Center. Additionally, the grant will fund the salary of full-time program administrator Autumn Henderson, who worked on the program during its first year. The Convention Center Authority approved the grant at its Aug. 4 meeting, and the Metro Council ratified it Aug. 16. One goal, Dickens said, is to provide more opportunities to job seekers through economy of scale. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/grant-aid-screening-staffing-convention-center-worksite

Expansion permit proposed (Marshall County Tribune)

The Tennessee Department of Environment has a proposal for the expansion of Cedar Ridge Landfill, which, if approved by the state Solid Waste Disposal Control Board, could lead to a permit to let Waste Management Inc. bury trash over a sinkhole to be capped on eight unused acres of Cedar Ridge Landfill. "It's been expected by us because we've been in a legal action through the federal courts for the release of information," Elizabeth Murphy, an attorney for plaintiffs alleging Waste Management has violated environmental law as it operated the landfill west of Lewisburg. "It remains a mystery to us as to why they (TDEC leaders) no longer have a problem" with expansion of the landfill. Former TDEC Commissioner Jim Fyke denied the expansion permit. Waste Management appealed Fyke's decision to the Solid Waste Disposal Control Board. Subsequently, TDEC negotiated an agreement with Waste Management that could lead toward expansion and resumption of trash deliveries. A TDEC spokeswoman says negotiations started before Gov. Bill Haslam succeeded Phil Bredesen. http://www.marshalltribune.com/story/1754410.html

APSU, Vol State create transfer program (Tennessean/Young)

Austin Peay State University and Volunteer State Community College have joined forces to offer a new transfer degree program. The Chemical Engineering Technology 1+1 Agreement allows students to transfer from the Sumner County community college into the chemical engineering technology program at Austin Peay in Clarksville. Students may take up to 33 credit hours in general education courses at Vol State before transferring into the degree program at Austin Peay for the remaining 27 credit hours in chemical engineering technology. For more information, contact Chester Little, director of the APSU program, at 931-221-1601 or littlect@apsu.edu or the Vol State Math and Science Division at 615-230-3272 or Nancy.Morris@volstate.edu . http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/NEWS04/308190060/APSU-Vol-State-create-transfer-program? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

MTSU, Army will team up on drones (Tennessean/Bewley)

Middle Tennessee State University is partnering with the U.S. Army to research and develop drones, officials announced Thursday. Officials say the partnership the first between the Armys drone office and a university will allow the Army to more easily recruit MTSU graduates for jobs and will help soldiers who want classroom training in operating drones. This agreement is another in a series of bold steps forward that weve taken to provide the very best in facilities, training and service in this important area, MTSU President Sidney McPhee said Thursday at a conference of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International in 4

Washington. No money will be exchanged in the agreement, but the Army may loan three drones and two control stations to MTSU in the fall, according to university officials. To the degree that the Army can promote independent research and development at the university level, develop student interest in what the Army does in unmanned aircraft systems, and then ultimately hire many of these students, its a win-win situation, said Tim Owings, deputy project manager at the Armys Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Office, based in Huntsville, Ala. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/NEWS04/308190074/MTSU-Army-will-team-up-drones? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

States try to make kids count (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Carroll)

When it comes to health studies, Southern states often scrape the bottom of the national barrel. That tendency held up in a comprehensive children's wellness study in which Mississippi took last place and other Southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Carolina, rounded out the bottom 10. Tennessee officials, however, touted the state's highest-ever overall ranking -- 39th. "We celebrate Tennessee's best-ever ranking and first above the 40s," said Linda O'Neal, executive director of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. Released this week, the 2011 Kids Count Data Book examines health indicators such as infant mortality, free and reduced-price school lunches and teen sexually transmitted disease rates to present a picture of children's wellness in every state. The report was issued by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a Baltimore-based private charitable outfit. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/19/819-a1-states-try-to-make-kids-count/?local

Judicial shuffle turns divorce court into crapshoot (Tennessean/Gee)

A collective groan rose up from Nashvilles family lawyers Thursday afternoon when the news came down: Beginning next month, new divorce cases that go to trial could end up in one of 12 courts and the decision wont be made until the day of trial. The arrangement is one component of a larger plan devised to divide the domestic relations docket in Davidson County. Changes were necessary to accommodate Eighth Circuit Judge Carol Soloman, who has asked out of an offer she made eight years ago to hear half the domestic docket. The other half is heard by Judge Philip Smith, whose Fourth Circuit Court is legislatively required to hear domestic cases exclusively. Most other Circuit Court cases are divided among the other six circuit judges. Soloman has asked to be thrown back into this pool, saying Thursday that the high-drama family court cases wore me out. Efforts by Smith and Joe P. Binkley Jr., presiding judge of Davidson County trial courts, to get another judge to volunteer to take Solomans place have proved unsuccessful. Both judges ramped up the pressure on their colleagues Thursday, when changes were announced to the local family law bar. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/NEWS03/308190065/Judicial-shuffle-turns-divorce-court-intocrapshoot?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Watson Working for Tax-Ruling Transparency (TN Report)

Hixon Republican Bo Watson backed off state legislation this year that would bring transparency to so-called private letter rulings written statements issued to taxpayers from tax-collection agencies because he was satisfied with efforts by the Tennessee Department of Revenue commissioner to do it on his own. But even Sen. Watson remains uncertain if the effort for more openness is workable, because of privacy issues related to the rulings. Private letter rulings have become a point of attention in the state this year because of the ongoing controversy over Amazon.com and its exemption from collecting sales taxes. Speculation has risen that Amazon may be benefiting from a letter ruling from the state, but such information has never been made public. In fact, Watson said his dealings with Commissioner of Revenue Richard Roberts on making letter rulings more public have had zero to do with Amazon in particular. He and apparently Roberts just want more openness on the letter rulings issued by the department. An effort to reach Roberts on W ednesday was unsuccessful. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/08/watson-working-for-tax-ruling-transparency/

Governments share planners (Jackson Sun)

Cities like Bolivar and Parsons join Hardeman and Haywood counties At least eight local West Tennessee governments have solved the problem of losing city planners whose salaries were partially funded by the state. The cities of Bolivar, Brownsville, Henderson, Lexington, Parsons and Stanton along with Hardeman and Haywood counties have contracted with the state's Department of Economic and Community Development to hire two professional planners. The planners help develop the cities' and counties' roadways, infrastructures, 5

commercial and residential districts. In May, Gov. Bill Haslam announced the state would close six Local Planning Assistance Offices across the state, one of which was in Jackson. The offices were subsidized with state and counties' and cities' money, which funded the salaries and benefits of 60 employees. Planners from that office helped townships, smaller cities and county governments throughout West Tennessee with city and land use planning, zoning and meeting state building codes. Officials in the local governments feared closing the office would leave them without planners. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110819/NEWS01/108190304/Governments-share-planners

EPA says Clarksville's air quality meets standards (Leaf Chronicle)

Ozone improves with fewer drivers on roads, new tech Out of a bad economy comes improving air quality for the four-county Clarksville Metropolitan Statistical Area. That was essentially the word Thursday from the Clarksville Urbanized Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, a multi-county group that focuses on transportation issues of common interest. The federally recognized MSA here consists of Montgomery and Stewart counties in Tennessee and Christian and Trigg counties in Kentucky. Todd County, Ky., is also a closely allied neighbor to the north. Representatives from Montgomery, Christian and Todd counties learned during the MPO meeting that ozone levels across the region, measured over three-year increments, are now generally in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards. "This is good news, especially considering the heat wave we've just been through, and this is typically the worst time of year for ozone," said MPO Director Stan Williams. "We didn't exceed the ozone standard." Previously, the area had gone through a period of being either out of EPA air quality compliance or dangerously close to it, and that brought a myriad of concerns. http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110819/NEWS01/108190319/EPA-says-Clarksville-s-air-qualitymeets-standards

Fleischmann checks in from Israel (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)

U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., hosted a media conference call Thursday and discussed his trip to Israel, but he decided against answering questions that were a little closer to home. Fleischmann, a freshman congressman for Tennessees 3rd District, said he hadnt seen Perrys remarks because hes been busy in Israel, where 80 other representatives have either already made or will take a trip for diplomatic and educational purposes. Fleischmann stressed a continued strategic alliance with Israel, saying financial assistance was the best way to handle the nations unstable domestic situation. A strong, secure Israel benefits us, he said. Asked which Republican presidential candidate he supported on the heels of the Iowa straw poll, Fleischmann answered without naming a candidate, saying he wanted to be very, very careful. W e need a change in the White House and I am confident that we will nominate a strong Republican candidate, he said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/19/fleischmann-checks-israel/?local

Fincher describes (CA/Sullivan)

fact-finding

trip

to

Israel

as

educational,

emotional

Describing his first trip to Israel as both an emotional and an educational experience, U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher checked in by telephone Thursday night from the Sea of Galilee. Fincher and his wife, Lynn, have traveled all over the region since Monday and have met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and senior Palestinian officials but not President Mahmoud Abbas, who had a scheduling conflict W ednesday and had to be in Lebanon, Fincher said. Netanyahu told the group that he's "ready and willing to sit down with President Abbas -- any time, any place -- to try to work out something, to negotiate, but it just seems kind of locked up right now," Fincher said. "(Israeli officials) are ready to sit down. But it is going to be a process. President Abbas has got to admit that, in a two-state agreement, that Israel will be rewarded a Jewish state. He has yet to do that. He will say a state, but he's yet to agree to a Jewish state. That's a key part in this process." http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/18/us-rep-stephen-fincher-describes-his-fact-finding/

Fleischmann Affirms U.S. Commitment in Israel (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

Tennessee Congressman Chuck Fleischmann underscored the United States devotion to Israel today, calling it Americas steadyfast ally and a beacon of democracy. Fleischmann spoke to reporters on a conference call from Israel, where 81 members of Congress are traveling during the August recess. Fleischmann called from Tiberias, in northern Israel, far from the recent violence near the Egyptian border, where Palestinian 6

gunmen were blamed for killing at least seven and wounding 40 more. Fleischmann says that tragedy reflects the need for peace in the region. Israel continues to search for peace offers, and has made offers of a twostate solution. Unfortunately those negotiations have apparently ceased with the Palestinians, and it looks like unfortunately the Palestinians are going to go to the United Nations. Next month the Palestinian Authority is expected to ask for U.N. recognition as an independent state a move Fleischmann describes as wrong and an impediment to the process. http://wpln.org/?p=29680

11 Tennessee sites added to historic register (Associated Press)

Eleven Tennessee sites, from Fort Nashborough in downtown Nashville to Vanderbilt University's Alumni Memorial Hall, have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Other Nashville sites include the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center in Shelby Park, which has a faade that resembles the prow of a ship, and the Tennessee State Office Building, known better as the Sevier Building. In Middle Tennessee, sites include the Asia School in Franklin County, the Coats-Hines Archaeological Site in Williamson County, the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway Section House in White County and the Searcy-Matthews-Tarpley Farm in Rutherford County. In East Tennessee, sites include the Oak Grove Elementary School in Hamilton County, the Henry Farm in Blount County and Contractor's Supply, Inc., in Knoxville. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37256057.story

TVA board approves construction of Bellefonte nuclear plant (AP/Poovey)

Board also votes unanimously to raise rates $1.60 per month The Tennessee Valley Authority board voted unanimously Thursday to finish construction of the 37-year-old Bellefonte nuclear plant in northeast Alabama and to increase rates for average residential customers by $1.60 a month in October. The nine board members took both votes first on the plant and later on the rate increase at a daylong meeting that drew about 200 people, including opponents and supporters of restarting construction of a reactor at the shuttered nuke project. TVA Chief Financial Officer John Thomas said the projected $4 to $5 billion cost of building the reactor with construction scheduled to start in 2013 will likely be paid for by arranging a lease transaction with investors. About $394 million will be spent on the Bellefonte project in the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1. TVA said the 2 percent increase in the utilitys average wholesale rate will help cover a projected $234 million shortfall in the utilitys 2012 budget that includes making safety changes as a result of the Fukushima disaster and clean air initiatives. The nation's largest public utility is also buying the Magnolia Combined Cycle Gas Plant near Ashland, Miss. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/NEWS11/308190073/TVA-board-approves-constructionBellefonte-nuclear-plant?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

TVA officials say 2% increase to cover 2012 shortfall (Times Free-Press/Sohn)

Electricity will cost more come October. On Thursday, TVAs board unanimously approved a 2 percent rate increase effective Oct. 1. Officials say the increase is to help the utility cover a $234 million shortfall in its 2012 fiscal budget. The rate increase will amount to about $1.60 on the average residential bill, said TVA Treasurer John Thomas. Thats about half the price of a gallon of gas, said TVA president and CEO Tom Kilgore. Thomas said TVA registered only 1 percent revenue growth in the past year, something he blamed on the economy and on tornado damage and plant shutdowns that forced TVA to buy replacement power. TVA officials said Tennessee Valley power retail rates still rank the utility 43rd lowest among 100 utilities. Despite the shortfall forecast for fiscal 2012, TVA officials told the board that fiscal 2011 to date has been good, and the utility is expected to end the year with positive cash. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/19/officials-says-2-percent-increase-cover-shortfall/?local

TVA approves completion of Bellefonte nuclear plant, rate increase (NS/Flory)

Not even Santa could stop the resurrection of Bellefonte. TVA's board of directors on Thursday voted to approve completion of the Unit 1 reactor at the mothballed Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in North Alabama. No board members voted against the move, which was strongly opposed by many clean-energy advocates. Also during the board meeting at TVA's Knoxville headquarters, directors approved a 2012 budget that includes a $234 million base rate increase effective Oct. 1. On the average customer bill, that increase would result in a rate hike of approximately $1.60 a month. The Bellefonte approval stipulates that construction on the plant's 7

Unit 1 reactor will not begin until fuel-loading is complete at the W atts Bar Unit 2 reactor, a step that is expected to happen at the end of next year. Uniformed officers prohibited several costumed protesters from entering the board meeting. The protesters, including one dressed as Santa Claus, instead demonstrated outside TVA's downtown office tower. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/18/police-turn-away-costumed-protesters-attending/

Bellefonte restart gets green light (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sohn)

After hearing about 70 speakers support or oppose nuclear power and the completion of the half-finished Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, the TVA board voted unanimously on Thursday to restart construction. The ninemember Tennessee Valley Authority board also authorized paying for Bellefonte's completion by selling the nearly complete Watts Bar Unit 2 nuclear reactor in Rhea County and the John Sevier gas plant. TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore said TVA would lease the plants back and operate them. Chief Financial Officer John Thomas acknowledged that the lease transaction would raise costs for ratepayers, but said those would be "significantly less than us doing rate increases to pay for it." Bellefonte's construction will not begin until Watts Bar Unit 2 is complete, likely in 2013. The North Alabama plant will generate 1,260 megawatts, enough to power 750,000 Tennessee Valley homes. Construction will create 2,800 temporary jobs and operation will create 650 permanent jobs, TVA officials say. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/19/819-a1-bellefonte-restart-gets-green-light/?local

TVA board approves pollution-control measures at Memphis plant (CA/Charlier)

About $600 million in scrubbers approved for the Allen Fossil Plant on Thursday will remove thousands of tons of pollution from Memphis skies, but utility customers will help pay for the cleaner air with a rate increase. The Tennessee Valley Authoritys board of directors on Thursday unanimously approved spending more than $1.5 billion to install pollution-control equipment at the Allen facility and at the Gallatin Fossil Plant near Nashville. The action ensures that the Allen facility, a 52-year-old coal-fired plant on McKellar Lake in Southwest Memphis, will remain in operation. Under a consent agreement settling environmental litigation, the facility would have been retired by the end of 2018 if the scrubbers hadnt been approved. The TVA board also agreed Thursday to proceed with a $4.9 billion project to complete the Bellefonte Unit 1 nuclear facility in Alabama, and it voted to purchase a natural gas-fired combined cycle plant near Ashland, Miss., about 65 miles southeast of Memphis, though no final price has been set. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/18/tva-board-approves-pollution-control-measure-s-mem/

TVA to Pursue a Restart at Bellefonte (W PLN-Radio Nashville)

The Tennessee Valley Authority is picking up steam on nuclear power. The utilitys board of directors voted Thursday to restart another mothballed nuclear plant called Bellefonte, in northeast Alabama. During hours of public comment, environmentalists like Jeannie Cerulean asked that TVA instead put the nearly $5 billion into renewable energy. Respect for the people who are victims of the disaster at Fukushima alone would say, right now, lets not lead that nuclear charge forward, just out of respect. Another woman came to tears asking TVA directors to steer away from nuclear power because of radiation concerns. Those in favor of the restart say it will be an economic stimulus. Bobby Klein with the International Brotherhood of Electrical W orkers says Bellefonte could produce years of work for 1,500 craftsmen. One of the things that we need in order to get this country back on track is jobs, and I challenge the TVA board to help us do that. http://wpln.org/?p=29671

TVA backs off plan to relocate historic Anderson County cabin (N-S/Fowler)
Faced with stiff opposition from the owners of Anderson County oldest known building, TVA has backed off plans to try to acquire their property and relocate the structure. But officials with TVA are still eyeing other areas of the Claxton community near the old David Hall cabin for a proposed expansion of a coal ash storage area. "We're still studying our options, but TVA has taken the position that we will not force anyone to sell," John C. Kammeyer, a TVA vice president, stated in an email Thursday. Kammeyer said a number of sites are still being considered, adding that it's "too early in the process to discuss details." He said TVA is in the process of obtaining appraisals for landowners that are considering selling their homes and land, and that process will take four to eight weeks. Meanwhile, TVA officials are planning to update local officials on the status of their efforts during a Sept. 12 meeting of the Anderson County Commission's legislative committee. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/19/tva-backs-off-plan-to-relocate-historic-anderson/

Memphis, Shelby Co. schools under gun to reach agreement fast (CA/McMillin)
As the parties involved in the school-merger lawsuit meet today with U.S. District Court Judge Samuel "Hardy" Mays, there is widespread agreement on at least one thing -- the judge wants them to reach a settlement. And those involved also seem to share this sentiment -- the sooner an accord is reached, the better. The clock is ticking fast toward the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, the deadline Mays set for merging Memphis City Schools with the currently all-suburban Shelby County Schools. "If the parties come together in good faith, we can in fact reach some sort of agreement that will allow us to put our focus on the enormous task of addressing all the various issues," said David Pickler, the longtime chairman of the SCS board. Allan Wade, the attorney for the Memphis City Council, sees an agreement as possible, "especially if they mean what they say about being in it for the kids and not their own political positions." He added: "If the objective is to get a good product, it ought to be settled. If the objective is to have political divisiveness, it won't be settled. If turf is the issue, it won't be settled." http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/19/no-time-for-bickering/

Metro staffing increased for school vaccines (Tennessean)

Metro Public Health has beefed up nurse staffing and opened another shot clinic so children who havent received required immunizations can get back into school. The number of nurses who will staff a clinic today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m in the Lentz Health Center has increased to five. The department will open another Fast Lane clinic in the auditorium of the center on Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The department took the actions after learning that many students still do not have their required vaccinations and cannot start classes. The department has already provided vaccinations to more than 1,000 students at clinics in July and August. The shots are free to Davidson County residents in kindergarten through 12th grade. The vaccines also are available at East Health Center, 1015 E. Trinity Lane, and at Woodbine Health Center, 224 Oriel Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/NEWS07/308190063/Metro-staffing-increased-school-vaccines? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Bradley County leaders hear school system requests (Times Free-Press/Leach)

While Bradley County Schools plans to spend about $26.5 million on construction projects, the system's needs go well beyond that, its superintendent says. The system also needs to examine the recurring costs within its operating budget, especially in regard to technology, Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel told county commissioners this week. "It's time right now -- I'm already getting that from my staff -- that we've got to keep the technology up to date," said McDaniel. The system spends about $800,000 annually to adequately refresh the school system's computers, servers and assorted peripheral machines, he said. In a special meeting with the County Commission's finance and education committees, McDaniel presented several priority funding needs and said the school system's most important capital projects amount to about $26.5 million. The expenses will cover the purchase of land for a third middle school, construction for a new elementary school in southern Bradley, an eight-classroom wing for Walker Valley High School and a new building and improvements for Lake Forest Middle School. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/19/bradley-county-leaders-hear-school-system-requests/?local

Committee given options for Knox school board redistricting (N-S/McCoy)

In one of the five plans presented for the realignment of the Knox County school board's nine districts, a majority of residents would remain in the same district and all nine school board members would also keep their respective districts. On Thursday, the committee in charge of redistricting the nine school board districts was presented for its review and eventual approval four plans developed by Tim Kuhn, manager of the geographic information services for the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission. Also presented to the panel was a plan devised by county residents. Kuhn said the plans allow committee members to see how its decision would "alter or change their district" and also allow residents to see where precincts would be moved in or out of a district based on which plan is selected. The plans may be viewed at http://www.knoxcounty.org/election/redistricting/data_maps.php of the plans were developed in line with . Two current Knox County Commission districts, one from the school board districts and one that is a combination of both bodies. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/18/committee-given-options-for-knox-school-board/

New Carter school possibly dead (Knoxville News-Sentinel/McCoy, Donila)

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Monday's final vote may be tabled 90 days The proposal to build the Carter community a new elementary school is now on hold and possibly dead after the developer pulled out Thursday, saying "political agendas" and opposition have "significantly changed the dynamic" of the plan. The announcement, made by the Devon Group which officials hoped would oversee the construction of the $13.8 million project comes about nine months after the mayor started working to bring a new school to the East Knox County area and just days before county commissioners were set to vote on the overall initiative. I am greatly disappointed for the children and the community of Carter," Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said. "I'm disappointed, but that's part of it. I can't change it." Burchett said he plans to meet with schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre and some board members this morning "and I hope to resolve this issue." Earlier this month, the school board signed off on the plan that officials spent the better part of the year trying to develop. The board on at least three occasions felt a $2.5 million facelift was enough to fix the historic school's problems. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/18/mayor-burchett-new-carter-elementary-may-be-defunc/

Fairview City Hall evacuated after seized meth ingredient causes fumes (TN/Young)
Fairview City Hall had to be evacuated and 13 people were taken to local hospitals after an acid obtained during a meth lab bust was released into the air. Fairview Police Sgt. Pat Stockdale said officers made a traffic stop at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday near City Hall, where the police offices are housed. During the stop a shake and bake or one pot meth lab was found inside the car. Four suspects were taken into custody, Stockdale said, and charges are pending. After the stop, one of the components from the vehicle was brought to City Hall for field testing, Stockdale said. The officer did not know it was hazardous. The ingredient, muriatic acid, is commonly sold in hardware stores. The mist and the solution have a corrosive effect on human tissue, causing potential damage to respiratory organs, eyes, skin and intestines. Once the container was opened up, people began complaining of respiratory problems, Stockdale said. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/NEWS03/308190076/Fairview-City-Hall-evacuated-after-mobilemeth-lab-bust-nearby?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Connecticut: Workers Approve Contract They Had Rejected (New York Times)
Two months after Connecticut workers rejected an agreement meant to save $1.6 billion over two years, union leaders said on Thursday that they had accepted the same deal, bowing to the threat of layoffs in a year full of battles between unions and state governments. After the June vote, unions representing 45,000 state workers changed the voting rules to make approval more likely. But with 3,000 layoff notices already sent out and 2,000 or more still possible, all 14 unions that have completed a new vote have approved the deal, officials said, meaning it would have passed even under the old rules. The agreement includes a two-year wage freeze and concessions on health care and pension benefits. In exchange, the unions secured a four-year no-layoff clause and a promise that the state would not demand unpaid furloughs. The changes are expected to save about $1.6 billion over two years and $21.5 billion over 20. Pension and compensation packages for workers hired after July 1 will be reduced even further, and will not include the longevity pay that had rewarded workers for staying on the job. The votes played out against a now-familiar backdrop: a state government under fiscal stress, pushback against public-employee unions, and an economy struggling to create jobs. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/19/nyregion/connecticut-workers-approve-contract-they-had-rejected.html? _r=1&ref=todayspaper (SUBSCRIPTION)

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OPINION Editorial: Gov. Haslam must be firm in renegotiating Amazon sales tax deal (N-S)
Gov. Bill Haslam is trying to work out a deal with Amazon that would result in the online business moving forward with plans to build three distribution centers in Tennessee and collect state sales taxes like any other retailer. Under an arrangement with Haslam's predecessor, Phil Bredesen, Amazon would remain exempt from collecting sales taxes from Tennessee customers even though its proposed warehouses would give the company a physical presence in the state. The warehouses planned for Chattanooga, Cleveland and Lebanon would bring more than 1,200 new jobs to Tennessee. Amazon officials have threatened to build the facilities elsewhere if forced to collect Tennessee sales taxes. Haslam has said he would honor Bredesen's commitment to Amazon, which amounted to selling out the state's brick-and-mortar retailers through a deal of dubious legality. Now the governor is trying to negotiate a more reasonable deal with Amazon by the end of the year. There's nothing wrong in offering incentives to businesses in an effort to get them to move to Tennessee, but Bredesen erred in exchanging sales tax collections for jobs. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/19/gov-haslam-must-be-firm-in-renegotiating-amazon/

Greg Johnson: 'Slobberknocker' of debate is expected (Knoxville News-Sentinel)

It's almost football time in Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee Volunteers will soon provide distraction from the Obama Malaise and the D.C. Dysfunction. While Big Orange fans anticipate an invasion by Grizzlies from Montana, most folks aren't vetting the guys in the black and white who will maintain order on the field at Neyland Stadium. State Supreme Court Justice Gary Wade finds that fine. Wade spoke to me this week about Tennessee's judicial selection process in anticipation of a slobberknocker of a debate over the way the state picks its appellate and trial judges when the Legislature reconvenes. "The role of a judge is not unlike the referee at a football game," Wade said. "The referees shouldn't be hired by fans or paid by the fans." W ade favors the current method, the "Tennessee Plan," in which a judicial nominating commission, appointed by the speakers of the House and Senate, reviews applications for open judgeships and forwards recommendations to the governor, who makes the appointment. Those judges then stand for a retention election at the end of their term. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/19/slobberknocker-of-debate-is-expected/

Guest columnist: Nashville in fight to promote tolerance (Tennessean)

Will Nashville boom or bust? In June, Forbes declared the Music City third in the nation on its list of cities positioned for growth and prosperity in the next decade. According to the experts, factors like low housing prices, a pro-business climate and a high quality of life make Nashville an attractive city for the groups that will determine future success: college-educated workers, new families and immigrants. Today, the mix is working, and Nashville is on track. But that may not last long, if politicians in the General Assembly have their way. Last year, Nashville made headlines for its ability to come together to respond to the flood. This year, state legislators stole the show. And the result wasnt pretty. Lawmakers skipped meat-and-potato issues like building roads in favor of cotton-candy issues that offered little more than a rush of publicity. Their proposals this year included legislation to criminalize the religious practices of Muslim-Americans, deny birth certificates to some U.S. citizens, and ban discussion of homosexuality in schools. The resulting headlines put Tennessee in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/OPINION03/308190034/Nashville-fight-promote-tolerance? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Editorial: Tea Party protest of Black sign of troubles (Daily News Journal)
They march to their own beat politically, so much so that you never know what's next when it comes to the Tea Party. Just ask Diane Black. The 6th District congressman found her Murfreesboro office the site of about 50 Tea Party protesters this week. Their complaint? Black's eventual vote earlier this month to raise the federal debt limit. It was part of a compromise between Republican and Democratic leaders that kept the nation from defaulting on its debts for the first time in history. Diane Black not conservative enough? That's a risky claim considering the Gallatin Republican's already raised profile among GOP House freshmen who have flexed their political muscles since being swept into office last year. Black has relished attacking President Obama 11

and the Democrats during the ongoing budget debate. The local protesters obviously wanted Black to vote no against raising the debt ceiling, but we're not sure what that would have accomplished on the heels of the grueling impasse that gripped the Capitol and the nation. The fact of the matter is, raising the debt ceiling was an act that simply meant America was going to pay the bills it had already made. Taking the country to the brink of default was irresponsible and the subsequent dips in the stock market and a lowered national credit rating were the unfortunate results. http://www.dnj.com/article/20110819/OPINION01/108190312/Editorial-Tea-Party-protest-Black-sign-troubles

Guest columnist: Meth-lab cleanup gets tougher (Tennessean)

Law enforcement finds efficiencies in central storage Since 1999, through federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force has been a successful partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies serving the citizens of Tennessee by working to combat methamphetamine. There have been more than 12,000 meth lab seizures in Tennessee since the task force began. The state has battled this scourge head-on. The meth manufacturing process involves heating and mixing several flammable and toxic chemicals, including camping fuel, lye, red phosphorus, acetone, brake cleaner, racing fuel and muriatic acid. Poisonous gases and deadly liquids are produced during the cook and all that remains is hazardous waste. Once a lab is found, law enforcement arrests those making the meth, and approved Drug Enforcement Administration clean-up contractors dispose of the waste; that is, until this year. In February, the Department of Justice ceased funding the cleanup of hazardous waste associated with meth labs, leaving Tennessee law enforcement agencies the bill to clean up each lab located in their respective jurisdictions. W ith more than 2,000 labs seized in Tennessee in 2010, that price tag totaled a hefty $4.5 million paid for by the federal funding. This reduction in funding has prompted law enforcement to develop a new way to dispose of meth-lab waste. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/OPINION03/308190030/Meth-labcleanup-gets-tougher?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Guest columnist: Program gives investigators more time (Tennessean)

The effects of methamphetamine within Warren County can be seen by all that live within its boundaries. The underlying cost of protecting the community from the drug is one that is reserved for those that are generally directly affected. The countless hours endured by officers in an attempt to keep the lethal drug from reaching the streets, the dismantling of homemade laboratories used to manufacture the drug, and the cost of disposing of the toxic and deadly byproducts left behind produce a strain on the financial stability of the county. With the recent elimination of Justice Department funds to local law enforcement agencies to combat the use and production of Methamphetamine, W arren County has had to find alternate ways to maintain a proactive stance in the fight. In August 2010, Warren County had already worked, dismantled, and disposed of more than 70 methamphetamine laboratories that year with the aid of funding from the federal government. As of August 2011, the Narcotics Unit, without this funding and having to divert efforts to more cost-effective means of fighting the drug war, has worked only 24 meth labs for the year. Although the proactive response to working methamphetamine was preferred, the financial backing was not there, leaving the Warren County Sheriffs Department having to find alternate methods. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110819/OPINION03/308190031/Program-gives-investigators-more-time? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Columnists: ObamaCare's Latest Judicial Defeat (Wall Street Journal)

In the most comprehensive judicial opinion to date, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit last week ruled (2-1) that Congress cannot compel Americans to buy and maintain health insurance. Unlike the Florida district court that earlier found ObamaCare unconstitutional, the 11th Circuit did not invalidate the entire law. But it likewise reaffirmed the fundamental constitutional rule that our federal government is one of enumerated powers with judicially enforceable limits. Congress enacted the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 in order to guarantee near-universal health-insurance coverage. According to this law, individuals who do not have a health plan through their employers, and who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid benefits, must buy a plan from private insurance companies. Congress relied on its constitutional power to regulate interstate commerce to impose this unprecedented mandate. In fact, the individual insurance mandate does not regulate commerce. It imposes a freestanding obligation that must be satisfied regardless of whether one is engaged in commerce. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903480904576512591390602176.html?mod=ITP_opinion_0 (SUBSCRIPTION) 12

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