WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2011 Feds provide $29.

7M for Haslam plan (Nashville Business Journal)

Tennessee has received $29.7 million in federal funding that will fuel a segment of Gov. Bill Haslams plan to spur business investment in the state. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the money today, as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative created by the U.S. Congress last year with passage of the Small Business Jobs Act. Tennessee plans to use the money for the Republican governors INCITE plan, which includes the use of public money to coax additional private investment. The Haslam administration expects the $29.7 million to lead to $297 in investment, in accordance with federal requirements. Access to capital is critical to economic success and this funding will go a long way to ensure Tennessee companies prosper and support job growth in the state, Commissioner Bill Hagerty of the states Economic and Community Development Department said in a statement. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/08/16/tennessee-haslam-hagerty-treasury-funds.html

Independent Bank, State of Tenn. Get Money for Small Biz Lending (M. Daily News)
Small businesses in Memphis as well as across Tennessee stand to benefit from a pair of announcements unveiled Tuesday regarding targeted federal investment in the area. First, Independent Bank is getting almost $35 million to make available as loans to businesses with sales of up to $50 million, for agricultural loans and for owner-occupied real estate. That money is part of the U.S. Treasurys $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund enacted into law as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The fund encourages loans to be made to small businesses by qualified community banks with less than $10 billion in assets. Independent, the second largest bank based in Memphis, is the first local community bank chosen to participate in the SBLF. Our banks performance has created the opportunity to offer this important small business incentive program locally, said Independent co-chair Susan Stephenson. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2011/aug/17/independent-bank-state-of-tenn-get-money-for-smallbiz-lending/

Knox County woman charged with TennCare fraud (Knoxville News-Sentinel)

A Knox County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing her of lying to the state to get TennCare health care insurance benefits. The Office of Inspector General today announced the arrest of Lori N. Sharp, also known as Lori Nicole Lister, 34, of Knoxville. Sharp is accused of five counts of TennCare fraud and one count of theft of property. Charges against her say that from April 2008-April 2010, she received medical services paid for by TennCare even though she wasn't eligible for the program, and that she gained access to TennCare by willfully giving false information, false representation, concealing a material fact and committing fraud. If convicted, Sharp could serve up to four years per charge for the theft of services charge, which is a Class D felony, and two years per charge for the TennCare fraud, which is a Class E felony. District Attorney General Randall Nichols will prosecute. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/16/knox-county-woman-charged-with-tenncare-fraud/

Woman charged second time with TennCare fraud (Cookeville Herald Citizen)
A Coffee County woman is charged -- for a second time -- with TennCare fraud. The Office of Inspector General recently announced the arrest of Vickie Mae Zahn Collins, 38, of Manchester. This arrest was assisted by the Warren and Coffee County sheriff's offices. A Warren County grand jury indicted Collins for one count of TennCare fraud for knowingly obtaining medical assistance benefits she was not entitled to by means of false statement or concealment of material facts. Collins was just arrested last month on a TennCare fraud charge, also in Coffee County. She was accused of filling a prescription for the painkiller hydrocodone, which was paid

for by TennCare, while planning to sell a portion of the drugs. http://www.herald-citizen.com/view/full_story/15110398/article-Woman-charged-second-time-with-TennCarefraud?instance=latest_articles

Report shows Tenn. improving in child welfare (Associated Press)

A national report shows Tennessee is taking better care of its children. The report released Wednesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks Tennessee 39th in child well-being. Linda O'Neal, executive director of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, says the ranking is the state's best ever and "first above the 40s." She says it's evidence that public policies and public-private and state-local partnerships serving children are producing improved outcomes. Tennessee improved in five areas: infant mortality, child death, teen death, teen birth and percent of teens not in school and not high school graduates. It dropped in the percent of children in poverty and those in single-parent families. Tennessee made improvements despite challenges of the recession, which the report said affected most states. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37241783.story

Report: Tennessee shows gains in some areas of child well-being (NS/Nelson)

When it comes to our children's well-being, we're getting better. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, in its National Kids Count Data Book released today, ranked Tennessee 39th in the nation. According to the report, since 2000 Tennessee has decreased its infant mortality rate by 9 percent (although, at 8 deaths per 1,000 live births, it's still higher than the national rate of 6). It's decreased the death rate of children ages 1-14 by 29 percent (putting it almost on par with the national rate) and the teen death rate by 7 percent (still, at 84 per 100,000, higher than the national rate of 62). Accidents, homicide and suicide are the leading causes of teen deaths. Though the percentage of low birth weight babies remained unchanged (and still 10 percent higher than the national average), the state teen birthrate, 56 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19, has decreased by 5 percent (the national rate is 41). Despite improving, Tennessee still ranks in the bottom 40 states in most of those categories. The percentage of children living in poverty, defined by the foundation as $21,756 or less annually for a family of four, went up in Tennessee and nationally. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/17/report-tennessee-shows-gains-in-some-areas-of-of/

State encourages public input on school textbooks for 2012-13 (City Paper)
Tennessee education officials said Tuesday they are seeking public input on textbooks proposed for the 201213 school year. The books involve the following subjects: visual arts, music, theater arts, dance, spelling, literature, driver education, computer science, health sciences education, business technology, marketing education, technology engineering, education and trade/industrial education. The textbooks are now on display in 10 district collection sites across Tennessee. Those interested in reviewing the textbooks should contact the director of the textbook collection site in their area. Forms are available at each site for input and must be completed by Sept. 2. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of materials that enrich and support the curriculum and to address the varied interests, abilities and learning styles of students, Morgan Branch, director of textbook services, said in a release. In addition to citizen input, a state review committee of 34 public school teachers will assist Tennessee Textbook Commission members with their evaluation of the textbooks. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/state-encourages-public-input-school-textbooks-2012-13

Chattanooga State piloting national effort to improve math learning (TFP/Trevizo)

Chattanooga State Community College is leading a national project to increase student success in developmental math courses with help from a grant. Nearly 8 out of 10 community college freshmen nationwide and nearly half of university freshmen require remedial work because they arent ready for collegelevel work, according to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Chattanooga State has been designated the lead institution to help two other colleges redesigning their developmental math sequence by incorporating technology to increase student engagement and learning, according to John Squires, head of the math department at Chattanooga State. As part of the effort, Do the Math! Increasing Student Engagement and Success, Chattanooga State also will open a 185-computer math lab this fall possibly the nations largest among two-year schools, said Squires. The goal of the project is to use technology to provide more individualized assistance so students can work at their own pace, he said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/17/chattanooga-state-piloting-national-effort-improve/?local

TBI investigates Hawkins Co. judge vote (Times News)

Hawkins County Commissioner Darrell Gilliam told the Times-News Tuesday he was offered a bribe by a third party to change his vote from Buddy Baird to Jay Taylor prior to the County Commissions July 25 meeting to appoint a new sessions judge. Several Hawkins County commissioners confirmed Tuesday that they have been interviewed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation regarding allegations of malfeasance during the sessions judge appointment process. Gilliam voted for Baird on June 27 when the commissions first attempt to appoint a new judge ended in a 10-10 stalemate. Gilliam also voted for Baird on July 25 when Taylor won the County Commission vote 11-10. Gilliam added that he was offered a substantial amount of money to change his vote from Baird to Taylor the Saturday before the Monday, July 25, vote. I was called in for questioning, and I was interviewed by the TBI, and I told them exactly what had transpired, said Gilliam. I was offered a bribe. I flatly refused it, and I can prove that I flatly refused it. I stuck with Buddy Baird, but I was offered a bribe. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9034864/tbi-investigates-hawkins-co-judge-vote-commissioner-says-he-wasoffered-bribe

TDOT plans demolition of Clarksville's Lynnwood Tarpley Bridge (Leaf Chronicle)

1931 bridge over Red River coming down Tuesday night The 1931 Lynnwood Tarpley Bridge is scheduled to come down next week, marking the beginning of the end of a reconstruction project that began over a year ago. The Tennessee Department of Transportation plans to demolish the College Street bridge, which spans the Red River, around 10 p.m. Tuesday night, according to a TDOT news release. This is the final phase of a construction project that began in February 2010. Crews have already built the replacement bridge and tore down the existing southbound bridge in January. In the most recent phase, workers had to relocate a city water line. For drivers, the demolition means a delay of around 5 minutes at the time of the explosion, during which all traffic will be stopped. Beginning at 6 p.m., the road will close to one lane in each direction until work is complete. http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110817/NEWS01/108170323/TDOT-plans-demolition-Clarksville-sLynnwood-Tarpley-Bridge

McNally Pleased with Haslams Handling of Amazon Sales Tax Issues (TN Report)
Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, who has worked to require Amazon.com to collect sales taxes on its online sales, said Monday he endorses Gov. Bill Haslams efforts to resolve the issue, calling it a potential win-win solution for the state. McNally also said he appreciates efforts in the Haslam administration to set new guidelines on the handling of private letter rulings or written agreements specific to the taxpayer which might make the process more transparent yet still protect a taxpayers confidentiality. McNally, chairman of the Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee, noted new clout among members of the Legislature from the Chattanooga area, where two of the three distribution centers in the state announced by Amazon will be located. A third center has been announced for Lebanon in Wilson County. Haslam says his administration is in negotiations with representatives of Amazon on establishing a long-term relationship on sales tax collections. The governors efforts come in the wake of an agreement between his predecessor, Phil Bredesen, and Amazon, where the company was granted permission to operate its facilities in the state without collecting sales taxes. http://www.tnreport.com/2011/08/mcnally-pleased-with-haslams-handling-of-amazon-sales-tax-issues/

Anderson commissioners OK $24.75M in bonds for schools, jail (N-S/Fowler)

Anderson County commissioners have approved a series of general obligation bond issues to fund projects ranging from a major expansion of its overcrowded jail to a new alternative school. A property tax increase approved by commissioners last month will be used to pay off those long-term debt issues totaling $24.75 million. One 23-year-long debt will underwrite the state-mandated expansion of the jail that will include a 240bed addition and a 128-bed, dormitory-style, minimum-security lockup. The county's current jail has 226 beds. On Tuesday morning, there were 368 inmates in the facility, Chief Jailer Avery Johnson said. One school general obligation bond issue to be paid back over 20 years will pay for a new school for students with learning problems and disciplinary issues. Now called the Learn Center, that facility is located in a former National Guard Armory off Charles G. Seivers Boulevard and next to the Anderson County Fairgrounds. 3

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/16/anderson-commissioners-ok-2475m-in-bonds-for/

Memphis City Council OKs $215 million to finance Pyramid-Bass Pro deal (CA/Maki)
The Memphis City Council has approved a $215 million financing package to turn The Pyramid into a Bass Pro Shops destination store and to invest in full ownership of the neighboring Memphis Cook Convention Center. The council voted 12-0 Tuesday in favor of the measure with little discussion. The Center City Revenue Finance Corp., the finance arm of the Downtown Memphis Commission, will issue bonds to fund the project, which are to be paid back through increased sales tax revenue collected Downtown. Beyond transforming the now-vacant Pyramid, both Bass Pro Shops and the city say they hope to create an active convention center district, focusing on the connections among The Pyramid, the Mississippi River, Memphis Cook Convention Center and the historic Pinch District. "This is bold action that will completely transform the face of the city," said Mayor AC Wharton. "Although there have been rough obstacles to overcome and high doubt, we're going to get this done." http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/17/transformation/

County to revisit outsourcing food at East Memphis prison (C. Appeal/Connolly)

Thirty-one county jobs and hundreds of thousands of tax dollars are at stake as the Shelby County Commission deliberates today on a proposal to give a $3.2 million contract to food service giant Aramark to prepare meals at the Shelby County Division of Corrections. Proposals to outsource food services at the East Memphis prison came before the County Commission in August 2008 and June 2009 and failed in the face of employee opposition. But commissioners actually approved the outsourcing concept in an annual budget document earlier this year. Some commissioners apparently weren't aware that the budget that they had passed endorsed the plan. The county administration presented the outsourcing plan at a committee meeting on June 1, a day when only a handful of commissioners came. Commissioners present that day agreed to the plan and other cost-cutting measures, and the matter didn't come up again until after the budget passed. "Some of us up here were asleep at the wheel, and they slipped this in," the commission's chairman, Sidney Chism, said last month. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/17/county-to-revisit-outsourcing-food-at-e-memphis/

Most Benton Co. agencies got budget cuts (Jackson Sun)

The Benton County Commission passed a 2011-12 fiscal year budget with a broad range of cuts in an a fourhour county commission meeting Monday night. The budget included an unchanged property tax rate at $2.94, a new requirement for courthouse employees to contribute about 18 percent of their health insurance premiums and a $39,635 drop in the county's funding for the Benton County Public Library. "Got a lot of work to do," newly elected District 1 Commissioner Russell King said. Commissioners voted to appoint King in Monday's meeting, when he was also sworn in. "We're in bad shape money wise," he said. Meeting attendees agreed, but some said they would feel the approved changes more than others. Debbie Hargis, county register of deeds, said courthouse employees, who are mostly single mothers, cannot afford to contribute 18 percent to their health insurance premiums. "I know that's life, and I know that's a recession, but I have to ask for them," she said. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110817/NEWS01/108170310/Most-Benton-Co-agencies-got-budget-cuts

Dyer County Commission to vote on reapportionment committee in September (SG)

In an effort to follow state guidelines, the Dyer County Commission will vote in its upcoming September meeting on who will officially make up the county's reapportionment (redistricting) committee. Dyer County Mayor Richard Hill appointed the current committee this year after being informed by Dyer County Election Administrator Jane Heathcott that one needed to be established for the county's redistricting. Hill chose Heathcott, Dyer County Commission Chairman Milton Magee, Dyer County Road Supervisor Jeff Jones, City IT Director Carmen Cupples, and Dyersburg City School Board member Gleyn Twilla to be on the committee, with Twilla being voted as chairman. Last week, the committee met with Roger Adkins, county government consultant, with the University of Tennessee County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) to review the county's redistricting map he had redrawn. Adkins redrew district lines to account for the population growth in the county after the 2010 Census results. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1753444.html 4

Corker: Federal regs on online taxes 3-4 years off (Associated Press/Schelzig)
Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said Tuesday that could be three or four years before Congress passes national guidelines on tax collections by online retailers like Amazon.com. Corker told reporters after a speech to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce that he understands the complaints of local retailers. "The brick and mortar stores have turned out to be places where people look at the product and try it on and see if it works for them," he said. "And then they go to the Internet and actually buy the product with sales taxes. "Obviously that's unfair." Questions about online sales taxes have come into focus in Tennessee after the state last year struck a deal with Amazon to waive the requirement for the online retailer to collect the taxes on distribution centers being built in the state. Amazon has said it expects to create 1,200 full-time jobs in Bradley and Hamilton counties, and the company has since announced it will build another facility in Lebanon. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37238209.story

Corker says Internet sales tax collections will be resolved (Times FreePress/Sher)
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said Tuesday it may take years before Congress enacts legislation letting states collect sales taxes to items sold over the Internet. Corker, R-Tenn., said he realizes the sales tax issue is a problem not only for state and local governments but for traditional retailers. I have a feeling that, over the next three or four years, its something that will be resolved, I really do, Corker told reporters following an address to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. Corker said he cant say if he will support legislation sponsored by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., that would let states compel Internet retailers to collect sales taxes when they do not have a physical presence in a state. I dont know, Corker said. I dont know what the details of it are. I know that it [legislation] is actually changing right now. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is grappling with a sales-tax collection controversy involving the states recruitment of Amazon to build distribution centers in Hamilton and Bradley counties. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/17/corker-says-internet-sales-tax-collections-will-be/?local

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker sees future action on Web tax (Commercial Appeal/Locker)
Understands both sides of the issue Gov. Bill Haslam wants Congress to pave the way for states to collect more sales taxes on products sold over the Internet, but U.S. Sen. Bob Corker said Tuesday that congressional action on the issue is probably three or four years away. Corker, R-Tenn., said he understands both sides of the issue. But he said he doesn't know if he will support the legislation currently pending for a national solution to the Internet sales tax issue, introduced last month by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and backed by the online retailing giant Amazon.com. "I know it's a problem. In my former life, I built shopping centers. They were bricks and mortar and I know that retailers who invest in bricks and mortar have a disadvantage over those who sell products over the Internet. I think there will be a solution ... I have a feeling that over the next three or four years, it's something that will be resolved. I really do," Corker told reporters after addressing the Smith County Chamber of Commerce here Tuesday afternoon. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/17/corker-sees-future-action-on-web-tax/

Tea party protesters slam Diane Black for debt vote (Gannett)
About 50 tea party activists chanted Bye, Bye Black on Tuesday to show their frustration over U.S. Rep. Diane Blacks recent vote to raise the federal debt ceiling. A few dozen of those attending the rally on the sidewalk in front of Blacks office in Murfreesboro also held 21 signs together to tell the Gallatin Republican why theyre upset with her. Diane Black $25 trillion in debt? Are you serious? We reject your road to serfdom! The debt is projected to reach $25 trillion by 2020 unless Congress takes action to reduce it. The crowd responded to fellow tea party organizer Micah Forrests call to hold a protest rally at Blacks office here. Rutherford County is the largest county in the 15-county 6th District represented by Black. I wanted the people inside (Blacks office) to see the sign because we are trying to get their attention, Forrest said. Black, however, was not in town Tuesday. A Murfreesboro resident, Forrest told the crowd he was upset about leaders in Washington meeting in private to make decisions involving the nations debt. Diane Black, why do you put up with that? Forrest told the tea party crowd. They are talking about trillions and trillions of dollars. Its pretty disgusting. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110817/NEWS02/308170131/Tea-party-protesters-slam-Diane-Blackdebt-vote?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News 5

Herron challenges campaign ruling (Commercial Appeal/Sullivan)

The Herron for Congress committee has sued the Federal Election Commission for what it calls its "arbitrary" and "capricious" abuse of its discretion in dismissing a complaint against U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher's committee concerning a campaign loan. The lawsuit, filed in federal district court here, says the commission's staff failed to establish that the $250,000 bank loan met election law requirements that it be collateralized to give the bank a security interest that assured repayment. Republican Fincher beat state Sen. Roy Herron, DDresden, in last year's 8th Congressional District race. The lawsuit alleges that the loan's collateral, which included Fincher's and his wife's residence and the value of 2010 crops owned by them and others, was not a sound legal basis for the Gates Banking and Trust Co. making the loan. Fincher's father had served on the board of the bank and its chairman made contributions to Fincher's campaign committee. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/16/herron-campaign-sues-federal-election-commission-f/

Herron sues the FEC over Fincher decision (Gannett/Bewley)

The Federal Election Commission may have dismissed its investigation into Rep. Stephen Fincher's misreported campaign loan, but the case isn't closed for Fincher's erstwhile opponent, state Sen. Roy Herron. Herron is suing the FEC, arguing that the commission's June decision to dismiss the case against Fincher was "arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and contrary to the law," according to a complaint filed Friday in federal district court in Washington. The complaint contends that the FEC failed to state its reasons for dismissing the case. Fincher's campaign lawyer, Eliot Berke, said Tuesday that the FEC dismissed the case and he "expects the court to do the same." Herron filed a complaint with the FEC last September arguing that Fincher broke campaign reporting laws when he said a $250,000 loan to his campaign came from personal funds. After November's election, Fincher's campaign filed documents showing the source of the loan as Gates Banking and Trust Co. Herron was harmed by the misreported loan and by the FEC's "failure to take timely action," according to the complaint filed Friday. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110817/NEWS01/108170315/Herron-sues-FEC-over-Fincher-decision

Transportation deadlock keeps states in suspense (Stateline)

When federal lawmakers return to Capitol Hill next month, one of their first assignments will be the normally routine task of finding money for better roads and rails. But given Congress recent track record of letting seemingly mundane matters build to a crisis, transportation experts are keeping a wary eye on Washington. The reason for the concern is the expiration of two key transportation-related statutes. At the end of September, the law providing for a federal gas tax expires. So, too, does the law that authorizes aid for building and repairing roads, subways and bridges. In the past, when the issue has come down to the wire, Congress has simply voted itself more time while it figured out a plan. But thats not a given any more. W hen it comes to transportation funding, Republicans in the U.S. House and Democrats in the Senate have drafted plans that are miles apart philosophically. Hardly anyone expects that they will be able to reach agreement by the end of September. The question is whether they can agree to give themselves an extension, and on what terms. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=594474

Health-Plan Buyers Get a Look Under the Hood (Wall Street Journal)
Consumers shopping for health insurance will soon get a peek at a new standard formakin to the nutrition label on food productsthat will lay out the details of each policy, from deductibles to how much it might cost to have a baby. Federal regulators are expected to unveil the proposed summary form, part of the health-care overhaul law, on W ednesday, and the requirement is supposed to take effect next March. "Now, every consumer will have clear, easy-to-read, and concise information that tells them what they need to know," said Erin Shields, spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services. Officials including Don Berwick, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, are scheduled to announce the proposal. Currently, states mandate certain disclosures from health insurers, but they vary by state. The information often comes as part of a document known as the certificate of coverage or evidence of coverage, which can run to dozens of densely written pages and is often supplied only after a consumer has signed up for a policy. Employers offering coverage typically provide materials to their workers, but these also don't follow any common national format. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904253204576512494056148396.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1 (SUBSCRIPTION) 6

TVA bans zombies from its meeting (Associated Press/Poovey)

The Tennessee Valley Authority has a message for opponents of it finishing a long-shuttered, 37-year-old nuclear plant in northeast Alabama: No costumes. A month after zombie-costumed protesters paraded in Chattanooga to oppose TVA reviving what they described as a "corpse of a power plant," the nation's largest public utility has posted a new ban on costumes at its board meeting Thursday. A TVA spokesman said the nocostume rule is intended to avoid any "disruption" at the meeting in Knoxville when the board acts on a recommendation to finish construction of a reactor at the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant where work was stopped and the site became a pricey scrap yard. An opponent of TVA's plan to restart the nuclear plant construction that was stopped in the 1980s said she and others want to see the project at least delayed. Sandy Kurtz and other members of the Bellefonte Efficiency and Sustainability Team group say promoting conservation and renewable energy sources are better alternatives. "We don't know where zombies will turn up," Kurtz said of the new costume rule. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/17/tva-bans-zombies-its-meeting/

IPayment to leave Nashville (Tennessean/Allyn)

Credit card processing company iPayment said this week that it will move its corporate headquarters to New York City from Nashville to be closer to its customer base and investors Five employees work at the companys Burton Hills complex near Hillsboro Pike. The company has more than 300 call center employees in the San Francisco area. The company reported that revenues increased to $184.6 million in the years first six months from $183.9 million in last years second quarter. The company also said net income lost $8.7 million from a year ago because of the refinancing of the companys balance sheet, which included paying off $900 million in debt, said spokesman Mark Monaco. Gregory Daily, formerly iPayments chief executive, stepped down in May after settling a $350 million court judgment. In other more recent changes, John A. Vickers will be appointed to iPayments board. Vickers, chief executive of Tishman Realty Corp. and Tishman Hotel Corp., will start Sept 1. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110817/BUSINESS01/308170112/IPayment-leave-Nashville? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Cookeville hospital updating pediatrics unit (Associated Press)

Five brightly painted, colorfully coded rooms are now ready to welcome pediatric patients at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. For the first time in some 20 years, the hospital has a dedicated pediatrics unit with a more permanent home. The unit, after weeks of preparation, is covered from ceiling to floor with hand-painted murals. Additionally, the rooms are themed outer space, the jungle, underwater and beyond. According to the Cookeville Herald-Citizen, the hospital's peds unit had shifted to wherever the med-surgery unit was located. Peds patients were mixed with the adult population. Patients also will have access to video games. The exam table is shaped like a fire truck. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37241803.story

TN students score near bottom on ACTs (Tennessean/Hall)

Tennessee continues to linger near the bottom of the U.S. in ACT scores, which hovered between 19 and 20 points in all four subject areas for a second year. Its composite score for 2011 graduates was 19.5, compared with 21.1 for the nation. The highest score possible is 36. A report out today from the group that administers the college admissions test also shows only 15 percent of 2011 Tennessee graduates hit all four benchmarks that indicate career and college readiness. But Tennessee is one of eight states that require all students to take the ACT before graduation, which drops its average score. Only Mississippi, which also tests 100 percent of graduates, posted a lower composite score, 18.7. In 2009, Tennessee launched a stringent new curriculum and testing system aimed at readying students to compete with their peers nationwide. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110817/NEWS04/308170099/TN-students-score-near-bottom-ACTs? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Memphis City Schools cooperating with Shelby County Schools (CA/Roberts)

Memphis City Schools is sending reams of information on its inner workings to Shelby County Schools, hoping to start the arduous process of sorting out best practices, purchases and processes while the fine points of consolidation wind through court. The city school board's attorney is drafting a statement saying how quickly 7

and earnestly the board wants to cooperate with SCS, giving it all the information the city board deems necessary to begin the process. Memphis Supt. Kriner Cash appealed for peace and an end to the backbiting that he blames the media for promulgating. "The notion that no one is cooperating needs to stop," he said, blaming inaccurate, sensational news coverage for creating the impression that the school systems are at loggerheads. "Stop pitting us against the other, and on and on and on, the same record and it is broken," Cash said. Last January, county school administrators asked the city schools for information on school, business and personnel records. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/17/mcs-cooperating-with-county/

Newcomers Over Veteran Teachers? MCS Says Not True (WREG-TV Memphis)
Memphis teachers argue more senior employees of the district are being pushed aside in favor of those with no experience. But the school board says it's not true. This didn't used to be a big issue when there were more openings. But with drastic cuts this year, existing employees who have yet to be placed, compete with outside candidates for vacancies. The school district is now giving principals unprecedented authority to hire whom they believe is the best fit, instead of having faculty placed at schools by the district. This means a principal can now also choose from a wider variety of candidates. In addition to existing MCS employees who were surplussed, people from organizations like Teach for America can be considered. The issue burst into heated debate recently when the public learned MCS renewed a contract with a non-profit teacher training organization called Memphis Teacher Residency. http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-newcomers-over-veteran-teachers-mcs-says-not-true20110816,0,7841163.story?track=rss

Metro to survey parents on calendar (Tennessean/Hubbard)

Metro Nashville Public School parents can expect an automated phone call Thursday night, asking their opinion of a 2012-13 school calendar that would start classes in late July. That calendar would include a week of either remediation for at-risk students or enrichment for high achievers in October and another in March. It would cost the district $20 million to pay teachers for extra days of work. On the phone call, parents can press 1 to support the balanced calendar or press 2 for the traditional calendar. The school board is set to vote on the issue Aug. 23. For more information on the calendar options, visit www.mnps.org . http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110817/NEWS04/308160067/Metro-survey-parents-calendar? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Suburbs W eigh School Options (Memphis Daily News)

Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy is recommending the city hire a consulting firm to research the creation of a municipal school district. But in a written statement that is her first response to last weeks ruling in the federal court schools consolidation lawsuit, Goldsworthy said the exploration of a Germantown school district is one of several options the suburban city is weighing, including being part of a consolidated Shelby County school system. We want to understand every dimension of establishing our own school system, from process to structure to facilities to curriculum and more, Goldsworthy said. At the same time as experts provide us due diligence on a municipal district, we will also be tracking closely with the development of the consolidated system. Unless and until any municipal districts are formed, it is imperative that the perspectives and needs of our student constituencies and taxpayers be an integral part of the systems design. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2011/aug/17/suburbs-weigh-school-options/

Schools Restore Fresh Cooking to the Cafeteria (New York Times)

The idea of making school lunches better and healthier has gathered steam in many parts of the nation in recent years, but not equally for every child. Schools with money and involved parents concerned about obesity and nutrition charged ahead, while poor and struggling districts, overwhelmed by hard times, mostly did not. This midsize city in northern Colorado, where 60 percent of the 19,500 students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, is trying to break the mold. When classes start on Thursday, the district will make a great leap forward and at the same time back to the way it was done a generation ago in cooking meals from scratch. Factory food took over most American schools in a rolling, greasy wave of chicken nuggets and preprepped everything over the last few decades. Now, real ingredients and spices like cumin and garlic and in a modern twist, fiber-laden carrots snuck in where children do not expect them, like pasta sauce are making their return to the cafeteria tray. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/17/education/17lunch.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper 8

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OPINION Editorial: Better DMV service would put better face on state government (J. Sun)
For many Tennesseans, their primary interaction with state government takes place at the local driver's license bureau. Anyone who has been to one already knows the rest of the story: long waits, impersonal service, confusing paperwork, inconvenient hours of operation and, in some counties, lack of convenient office locations. Frankly, it is not the best face of state government. Fortunately, steps are being taken to improve service. Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons is taking steps to improve state services for drivers and others who interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles. He has appointed Memphis police Col. Lori Bullard as assistant commissioner of driver services. Bullard's reported strength is employee training. The 25-year veteran of the Memphis Police Department has extensive experience in all facets of law enforcement work and training. Police work is public service of the first order, often under difficult and stressful circumstances. She should be a natural at improving customer service at state driver's license centers. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20110817/OPINION01/108170307/Editorial-Better-DMV-service-would-putbetter-face-state-government

Guest columnist: UT places itself on austere but solid ground (Tennessean)

Efficiency steps will keep system competitive For the past two years, a lot has been said about the cliff the 9

loss of stimulus funds for higher education. Since July 1, we at the University of Tennessee have stood at the bottom of that cliff, and I am pleased to report we are basically OK. As the academic year begins and almost 50,000 students return to our campuses across the state, were prepared to meet their needs and continue our pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our statewide mission. But we are a good bit leaner. Some classes are going to be substantially larger, with fewer faculty to teach them. Fewer course sections are available for several courses. The grass is cut less often, and we are doing more with less on every front. We began our new fiscal year July 1 down $112 million in state funding from 2008 about 22 percent. Three primary factors enabled us to climb down the cliff: W e had two years to prepare, and we planned well. Two years ago, our Board of Trustees launched a systemwide effectiveness and efficiency initiative that has achieved more than $52 million in savings to date. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110817/OPINION03/308170090/UT-places-itself-austere-solid-ground? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Editorial: Safety first in the schools (Commercial Appeal)

Teachers must feel confident that they can report any student who poses a threat to their safety. The strange and tragic death last week of private-school principal Suzette York provided a moment of extraordinary sadness for the community. It also gave us even more reason to appreciate the people who accept the risks associated with being an educator. York died allegedly at the hands of an angry student. School systems develop student conduct policies designed to change the behavior of trouble makers in the early stages of their development before they become serious threats. At Memphis City Schools, for example, a five-level code of conduct begins with such offenses as failure to conform to the school dress code, works its way through leaving school without permission, gambling, theft, plagiarism and loitering. Some of the next stops: fighting, arson, vandalism, sexting, flashing gang signs, fighting with weapons, sexual battery, assaulting school personnel and possession of firearms. Penalties are graduated, ranging from in-school suspension to expulsion. It's all very clear on paper. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/17/editorial-safety-first-in-the-schools/

Guest columnist: Ketron's defense of Voter ID laughable (Daily News Journal)

As I read state Sen. Bill Ketron's defense of the Voter ID law published in The DNJ on Aug. 3, I could not help but think my state senator must have blinders on or just be purposefully ignorant to the facts. This law claims to "solve" an insignificant problem while actually exacerbating a crisis in our electoral system. Sen. Ketron begins his editorial by comparing voting, the primary right of all citizens and the bedrock of all democracy, with shopping at the mall. It is bizarre to somehow equate blocking this sacred right that to this day millions continue to fight and die for with a retail clerk saying you must pay cash because you forgot your ID. Next Ketron resorts to misleading statements about felons as registered voters (most felons can vote in Tennessee if they file the proper paperwork) and then attempts to persuade us of the benefits of the numerous hoops made available for us to jump through if we want our voices heard. But what I really love is Ketron trying to justify this law by citing all the states that have or will soon have similar restrictions. To this I need only quote my mother, and likely his, by asking "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?" http://www.dnj.com/article/20110817/OPINION02/108170309/Guest-column-Ketron-s-defense-Voter-IDlaughable

Frank Munger: Time running short on USEC's loan quest (Knoxville NewsSentinel)
Deadline after deadline seems to pass on USEC's application for a $2 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, yet the company continues to tread water and keep alive its plans for a new uraniumenrichment plant in Ohio. The manufacturing of machines for the American Centrifuge Project is based in Oak Ridge, where USEC has a partnership with Babcock & W ilcox. Hundreds of jobs are on the line there. USEC had hoped to reach at least a tentative or conditional agreement with DOE by the end of July. But that didn't happen, which in turn threatened the basis for its multi-phase agreement with strategic investors Toshiba and B&W. This week, however, USEC announced that Toshiba and B&W had extended their last-ditch "standstill agreement," and that reportedly will maintain some financial stability until the end of September and give more time to work out a deal with DOE. It would appear, however, that if DOE doesn't come to a decision soon and approve the big loan guarantee, that the American Centrifuge Project could be shut down. But, even as time seems to be running out, USEC continues to project optimism. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/17/time-running-short-on-usecs-loan-quest/ 10

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