Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Breaking News - Two People Die In South Nashville Trailer Fire

Channel 5 Posted: Jan 25, 2011 7:28 PM CST Updated: Jan 25, 2011 8:22 PM CST NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people have died in a trailer fire in South Nashville. The fire broke out just after 7 p.m. on Diamondhead Court. When fire crews got on the scene, the trailer was fully involved. Fire crews originally said one person was trapped, and later confirmed that one man and a woman had perished in the blaze. A firefighter was also injured when an aeresol can hit him in the wrist. He was treated by medics on the scene. The trailer was destroyed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Seminars designed to help women cope with cancer's side effects

Metro, Tower Investments dispute land value at convention center site

10 high schools in Nashville to host open houses

Obama to stress cooperation

Rep. Cooper seeks public role in congressional redistricting

Millions of dollars left to weatherize Tennessee homes

Monday, January 24, 2011

Brush and Leaf Collections

Hi District 29 Residents, We are in AREA 4. It's time to get your brush to the curb ASAP! Per Public Works.... Metro Nashville Public Works Department will begin Brush and Leaf collections in our area on 1/26/2011. To ensure that your brush will be collected, you should have limbs and all other yard waste out and ready for pick-up on the date above. Place only limbs, branches and true yard waste by the curb for brush crews. Lumber, household trash and other types of debris found in your brush pile means it won't get picked up. Brush piles should not be placed close to mailboxes, utility poles, fences, trees or other stationary objects. The mechanical arm of the knuckle boom truck needs enough room to lift the brush pile up and into the trailer pulled behind the truck. Place leaves in biodegradable paper bags only. Paper biodegradable bags can be purchased at most hardware stores, Wal-Mart's, Target, Home Depot, etc. Public Works also has a supply of these bags available for purchase at the Omohundro Convenience Center: 5 bags for $3.00 and 10 bags for $6.00. Plastic bags will not be picked up. If you have any questions, please contact us at 615-880-1000 or visit Brush Do's and Don'ts. See the attached map for future dates as well. Please share this information with your neighbors! All Maps - Dates of Pickup and Much More Information can be found at: Public Works Gratefully, Vivian Vivian Wilhoite Councilmember, District 29 www.vivian-29.blogspot.com 589-2003

Monday's Weather

Nashville Electric Service to alter rate structure

Five things that will change your commute this year

Change of classification boosts Metro sex crime tally

Friday, January 21, 2011

Free legal services to be discussed Friday

USA TODAY Posted 1/21/2011 4:06 AM ET NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Supreme Court and its Access to Justice Commission is hosting a daylong conference with attorneys Friday in Nashville to find ways to expand free legal service throughout the state. Court officials will discuss how emerging technologies can be used to provide greater access to legal information and assistance. As part of this presentation, justices will offer a sneak peak at the new Justice for All website that will be launched in the coming months. Featured speakers include Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark and William T. (Bill) Robinson, president-elect of the American Bar Association. Sessions are scheduled on encouraging increased corporate pro bono program participation, providing legal services to rural areas and collaborating with faith-based and other community organizations to offer needed services.

Kroger storm team works 24/7 before snowstorms strike

Unions urge more jobs for locals on Music City Center

Frigid winter weather forces poor to choose heat or rent

School Systems Have Few Options Besides Snow Days

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Haslam Pledges to Make State a Better Place to Live, Work and Raise a Family

Released on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 - 1:04 pm under Governor Haslam Governor-elect Sworn in Today as Tennessee's 49th Governor NASHVILLE – Standing before throngs of Inauguration attendees on Legislative Plaza, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam told Tennesseans across the state he was ready to go to work making Tennessee a better place to live, work and raise a family. "There are opportunities before us. We cannot do or be everything. We have to exercise good judgment as we set our priorities. The path we will travel will not be smooth and there will be a few bumps along the way," Haslam said after taking the Oath of Office from Tennessee State Supreme Court Chief Justice Cornelia "Connie" Clark, the first woman to administer the oath in state history. "As your governor, I promise to be a good listener and a continuous learner, to lead with grace and humility, and when faced with adversity, to respond with determination," Haslam added. "And finally, I will work hard. In business, as a mayor, and as a candidate for governor, I have learned nothing replaces hard work." The inauguration comes at the end of the week Haslam spent on a statewide Swing Tour discussing his ideas for education reform and economic development. His inaugural speech covered his three biggest priorities: job, education and managing the state's budget, as he made several commitments to Tennesseans. JOBS: "Our goal is simple: Top-tier education for our children. Re-training for those out of work and underemployed. A healthy lifestyle. All three will make Tennessee number one in the Southeast for high quality jobs." PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS: "This is my commitment to you: We will improve our teaching, learning, retention and graduation. Every student deserves a great teacher, and every school needs a great principal. The tools will be in place – the rest is up to each of us to seize the opportunities." EDUCATION: "The expectations and standards of education excellence for every student in Tennessee are high. This is the time to continue significant education reform - and shame on us if we let this moment escape without meaningful action. The path for better jobs now and into the future requires more than the current 1 out of 5 Tennesseans over the age of 25 who have a college degree." WORKFORCE DEVLOPMENT: "Government stands ready to assist, but government is not the solution. Offering hope through workforce development, technical training and work keys are building blocks on the road to job recovery and job security. But equally important is the individual determination and drive to invest the time and energy and hard work to be more." STATE BUDGET: "As we slowly reverse the negative trends of the economic downturn that gripped our state and nation, we will be diligent in watching the weight of state government, going on a diet of efficiency and effectiveness. State government will live within its financial means, and a Top to Bottom review will set priorities and establish measurable goals." EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT: "As we begin writing a new chapter in our state's history, I ask you, the elected state senators and representatives, to join with me in rolling up our sleeves and going to work. Our measure of effective state government is whether our citizens are served well and at the lowest possible cost. The people of Tennessee are our customers and we will be all about excellent customer service."

Republican Bill Haslam Sworn In As 49th Tenn. Governor

Barber bill before Metro Council would let stylists work from home

Nashville zoo docent program gives retired teacher perfect volunteer job

Predators, others team up to fight bullying

Governor-Elect Bill Haslam Preparing For Inauguration

Friday, January 14, 2011

STATEMENT FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE

Happy New Year District 29 residences. Here is a response from Mayor Karl Dean regarding the proposal discussed in the newspaper earlier today. Gratefully, Vivian NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Mayor’s Office released this statement today in response to reports of a proposal to improve the current facilities at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds: The Mayor’s Office has not received any proposal for private investment to assist in improving the current facilities at the fairgrounds. However, based on the process that has taken place over the last several years, including multiple studies and extensive community input, Mayor Dean and the Fair Board have concluded that the current fairgrounds is not a viable long-term solution for the State Fair and ancillary events. The Fair Board first decided to study the future of the fairgrounds in 2007 after five years of State Fair losses and declining revenues in other sectors. Markin Consulting conducted an independent study that concluded a successful State Fair would require a new, larger location and a new governance model. Subsequent studies by the Urban Land Institute and the Fairgrounds Task Force also concluded that the current events at the fairgrounds are not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and are hampering its further growth and redevelopment. All three studies concluded that the highest and best use of the property would be a mixed-use / commercial development that would create jobs and grow our city’s overall tax base. The reports are available online at this link: http://www.nashville.gov/mayor/fairgrounds/studiesinput.asp Following the Markin Consulting recommendation to create a new governance model for the State Fair that would allow for true statewide involvement, the new Tennessee State Fair Association was formed. John Rose, chairman of the Tennessee State Fair Association’s board, has also said that a new location would be needed “to have one of the premier State Fair facilities, similar to Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia.” The Tennessee State Fair Association’s full press release is available online at this link: https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:14131.8762488343/rid:802443baf41501b0d4607c87c38f69ca Mayor Dean remains committed to seeing the State Fair, flea market and expo events take place at the current fairgrounds through 2011, while we continue to work on relocation plans for those events. Pending Council legislation would also keep the State Fair at the fairgrounds in 2011 and Expo Center operational at the fairgrounds until a new location can be found. It is clear that these events will continue if the redevelopment of the fairgrounds site moves forward. The only facility that will cease to operate is the racetrack, which has proven to be financially unsuccessful. This is not an issue unique to Nashville. Short tracks all over the country are closing due to similar circumstances. We recognize the long history of racing at the fairgrounds. However, when racing was first started in South Nashville, the surrounding area was much more rural. Nashville has grown, and the fairgrounds is now located in an urban neighborhood that is ripe for new economic development that will create jobs and grow our tax base. The neighbors have clearly stated that the racetrack is their No.1 concern about the property. If Nashville is going to continue to grow and prosper, the best interest of the entire city must come before the priorities of individual interest groups. Janel Lacy Press Secretary Office of the Mayor Direct (615) 862-6020 Cell (615) 438-3416 Fax (615) 862-6040 janel.lacy@nashville.gov

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Metro-Nashville Schools, Others Closed Thursday

Channel 5 News Posted: Jan 12, 2011 12:59 PM CST Updated: Jan 12, 2011 4:43 PM CST NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro-Nashville Public schools will be closed on Thursday, according to an announcement on Wednesday afternoon. The statement said the goal is to be back in school Friday. The school system said that while many roads are safe to travel, several neighborhoods and school parking lots are still covered in ice and snow. On Thursday, the school system's Transportation Department and bus drivers will move buses to safe locations to ensure they are ready to transport on Friday morning. Several other mid-state school systems have also closed their doors for Thursday due to continued winter weather conditions. This will be the fourth snow day for many school districts to be out of school. Cheatham, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, and Wilson Counties decided early Wednesday afternoon to close. Montgomery County Schools students went back to classes on Wednesday after an unscheduled four days off because of snow. They'll have to make one of them up on Monday, which had been scheduled off as a holiday. In Nashville, the public school students will make up a snow day on Presidents' Day. Other make-up days haven't been determined. In Johnson City, the city schools will be in session on three days administrators had planned to not hold classes. Those include Monday - Martin Luther King Day - as well as Feb. 21, March 14 and April 22.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Breaking News - Davidson County Schools Close For Third Straight Day

Congratulations to the Honorable Beth Harwell

Congratulations to the Honorable Beth Harwell who was elected by a unanimous vote of her colleagues as the 1st woman elected as Speaker of the House of Representative of the 107th General Assembly. This is a significant and very important day in Tennessee history.
Congratulations! Vivian Wilhoite

Nissan to shift Rogue production to Smyrna

Bankruptcy judge orders Sommet Group executives to pay millions to creditors

MTA to install new safety device on city buses

Businesses adjust to snow's disruptions

Nashville looks to expand public art beyond downtown

Winter weather advisory in effect; light snow expected

Monday, January 10, 2011

Breaking News -Metro, Other School Systems Announce Tuesday Closures

Channel 5 News NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Several Mid-state school systems - including Davidson County - have announced plans to close Tuesday due to the continued winter weather conditions. Davidson County, Rutherford County, Wilson County made early decisions to close. Visit our Snow Watch School Closing section for a full list of closures. With additional snow forecast for Tuesday and cold temperatures expected the rest of the week, many school systems will wait to decide when students will come back to class. Metro Nashville Public Schools posted a note on their web site that said, "District crews are keeping a very close eye on the forecast and road conditions in an effort to determine when classes can safely •TDOT Smartway School Closing Alerts

Energy loans available again in Tennessee

Spending on rise for job holders

Tennessee road crews brace for snowfall; Metro schools join closures

Weather Round-up County by County

By Andy Humbles • THE TENNESSEAN • January 10, 2011 METRO DAVIDSON COUNTY The General Sessions Courts of Nashville and Davidson County will be closed today because of the inclement weather. Civil cases will be moved to another day, but judges will be on hand and if both parties appear a case could be heard. Felony and misdemeanor jail dockets will still be held.

Nashville flea market buys one more year as Mayor Dean studies options

Snowfall blankets Middle Tennessee

On the move: 3 January 2011

A big-name instructor for the Nashville School of Law, Morgan Stanley office adds advisor, Malham group adds data manager, and more... [From our print edition featured in Monday's City Paper] 01-03-2011 12:01 AM — Watkins adds external relations pros Watkins College of Art, Design & Film has hired Hilrie Brown as its vice president for institutional advancement. In this position, Brown will oversee all development and external relations functions of the college. Brown comes to Watkins after six years with The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where she served as deputy director of development. Previously, she served as vice president for institutional advancement at Battle Ground Academy. She also served as the director of enrollment management and marketing at The Harpeth Hall School for 12 years. Christy Bell has returned to Watkins as the director of external relations and assistant director of development. She left this role briefly to direct the Take Steps fundraising campaigns for the Tennessee Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Bell previously served as corporate relations manager for Hands on Nashville and associate director for new student and family programs at Vanderbilt. Neal joins Nashville School of Law faculty The Nashville School of Law has hired Dianne Ferrell Neal as assistant instructor. Neal is teaching the Tennessee Bar Exam Skills and Review course. After starting her career at a private law firm, Neal spent six years as Tennessee assistant attorney general. Neal was also chief legal counsel to Gov. Ned McWherter and general counsel to the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. After nearly a decade of state service, she served as president and CEO of the Cumberland Science Museum, which is now the Adventure Science Center. Neal received her doctorate of jurisprudence degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law, her M.A. in history from Tulane University and a B.A. in history from Baylor University. Liles joins The Liles Group William N. Liles has joined The Liles Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as a financial advisor. He previously worked for Regions Bank in Nashville and Credit Suisse Securities in Atlanta. He joins The Liles Group after completing his MBA at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Malham names data manager Beth Sanchez has been named manager of data and special projects for Malham Leverage Group, a Nashville-headquartered organization that includes cj Advertising, Legal Intake Professionals and Med View Services. In her new position, Sanchez will facilitate the success of all MLG companies by collecting and analyzing data to set internal goals. Sanchez began her career with cj Advertising shortly after graduating from Vanderbilt University. She joined the company as a media buyer and was promoted to media analyst. In 2008, Sanchez was named a brand manager and manager of agency data for cj Advertising. Atiba appoints Hicks as senior programmer Nashville software developer and Web hosting company Atiba announced it has hired David Hicks as senior programmer for Microsoft.Net and SQL Server DBA work. Hicks was previously employed as a software developer for Cybera and has degrees in software engineering from ITT and computer science from Lipscomb University. Lipscomb names new associate dean Jessie Garcia Van De Griek, formerly the director of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s Latino Achievers Program, has moved to Lipscomb University to establish a Latino program in the office of intercultural engagement and development. Van De Griek will also serve as a mentor for Latino students, emphasizing character development and leadership. She will also work to recruit students and to further strengthen relationships between the university and the local Latino community. Airport Authority promotes Shuff The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority has promoted Chris Shuff, formerly an officer in the Department of Public Safety, to the position of sergeant. In that position, Shuff will serve as the terminal officer in charge, shift commander and supervisor for the other officers on his shift. Shuff received a bachelor’s degree in teacher education from Aquinas College in Nashville and taught high school history before deciding to become a police officer. Attorney joins Miller & Martin Miller & Martin announce that Sara Anne Thomas has joined the firm’s Nashville office. Thomas graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, where she received a B.A. in international studies and Spanish. After UNC, Thomas received her J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Newsletter from Mayor Karl F Dean

Released January 5, 2010 To Read in Full Click here

Stocks trade mixed on weak jobs report

Mulligan's Pub may open under new management

Companies added 297,000 jobs in December

NES maps out electric car hotspots

Nashville doctors report increase in flu-like illnesses

By JENNY UPCHURCH • THE TENNESSEAN • January 6, 2011 DAVIDSON COUNTY Health-care providers in Nashville are seeing an increase among patients with flu-like illnesses, the Metro Health Department said Tuesday. The increase should be an important reminder to take precautions to limit the spread of influenza, said Dr. Bill Paul, director of health for Davidson County. The best step is to get a flu shot. Metro Health is offering flu shots at three locations. They are the Lentz Health Center, 311 23rd Ave. N.; the Woodbine Health Center, 224 Oriel Ave.; and the East Health Center, 1015 E. Trinity Lane). Shots are given between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Flu shots are $20. Medicare Part B and TennCare are accepted. Flu shots are recommended for anyone older than 6 months. State reports of doctor visits for flu-like illnesses in the past 13 weeks show that the biggest percentage of patients are ages 5 through 24.

Nashville's anti-gay bias policy may extend to contractors

Monday, January 3, 2011

Monday's crime log

Tennessean Nightclub shooting on Murfreesboro Pike Police are investigating a shooting that occurred at Silverado’s Saloon & Dance Hall, 1204 Murfreesboro Pike, at 1:35 a.m. today according to the department’s dispatch unit. The dispatch unit also reported that shortly after 3 a.m. a person went to Skyline Medical Center with a gunshot wound, claiming to have been shot at Silverado’s. It is not certain if there was more than one shooting victim. Dead person found A male body was discovered just before 11 p.m. Sunday behind a Mapco at East Thompson Lane and Glenrose Avenue, according to Metro police dispatch. Initial information is that the body appeared to have been dead for a period of days, according to the dispatch unit.

Today's News Poll: TennCare

Antioch mosque project has drawn little attention

New law requires all TN jailers to ask inmates if they are in country legally

TennCare funding problem persists despite overhaul