Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Gannett Co. lays off 700, including 14 at 'Tennessean'

Needy will have to wait until Oct. 1 to apply for utility bill aid

IMAX, Dave & Buster's to open at Opry Mills for 2011 holiday season

Metro Council approves $1.61M for IQT's downtown relocation

Fire fighters union announces Metro Council race endorsements

The City Paper
Monday, June 20, 2011 at 5:57pm
Staff reports

The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 140 announced endorsements for Metro’s elections Monday, handing all but one of the five incumbent at-large council members its support.

The local fire fighters union has endorsed at-large council members Megan Barry, Tim Garrett Ronnie Steine and Charlie Tygard, but has not endorsed Councilman Jerry Maynard. Instead, the fire fighters have put their backing behind at-large candidates Ken Jakes and Antioch-area Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite.

In addition, the organization has endorsed Mayor Karl Dean’s re-election bid and the candidacy of Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors. District incumbents who did not receive the firefighters’ endorsement are Karen Bennett, Duane Dominy, Robert Duvall, Jim Hodge, Walter Hunt [running unopposed] and Carter Todd. Election Day is Aug 4. Early voting starts in four weeks. Endorsements in district races are as follows:

District 1: Lonnell Matthews Jr.

District 2: Frank Harrison

District 3: No recommendation

District 4: Brady Banks

District 5: Priscilla Eaton

District 6: Peter Westerholm

District 7: Randy Reed

District 8: Nancy VanReece

District 9: Bill Pridemore

District 10: Douglas Pardue

District 11: Darren Jernigan

District 12: No recommendation

District 13: Marilyn Robinson

District 14: Bruce Stanley

District 15: Phil Claiborne

District 16: Anna Page

District 17: Sandra Moore

District 18: Burkley Allen

District 19: Erica Gilmore

District 20: Buddy Baker

District 21: Edith Langster

District 22: Seanna Brandmeir

District 23: Emily Evans

District 24: Jason Holleman

District 25: Sean McGuire

District 26: Brock Parks

District 27: Davette Blalock

District 28: Tanaka Vercher

District 29: Karen Johnson

District 30: Jason Potts

District 31: Fabian Bedne

District 32: Jacobia Dowell

District 33: No recommendation

District 34: No recommendation

District 35: Bo Mitchell

Friday, June 17, 2011

Cold medicine remains challenge in meth war

Holy donation, Batman! Man gives comic book collection to Middle TN Goodwill

An anonymous donor from Rutherford County has given 12,626 vintage comic books to Goodwill.


The comics are being sold through Goodwill's auction site, http://www.onlinegoodwill.com/ and not in stores.

Goodwill's Suzanne Kay-Pittman said that the value of the comics is around $42,000, are categorized and preserved in Mylar sleeves with acid-free backer boards.

Some of the comics date back to 1962 and include Superman, Spiderman, Batman and Vampirella.


What a great Jesture!

Friday's crime log

New TN law limits lawsuit payouts

New TN meth law adds protections of children, further restricts ingredient sales

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Social Security overpaid billions

Corruption claims hit TDOT again

DCS glitch strains others

Nashville residents fed up with illegal signs

Metro Government Launches YouTube Channel

Channel 5 News
Posted: Jun 16, 2011 12:26 PM CDT


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - There's a whole new way to stay informed about what's going on with Metro Government.

Mayor Karl Dean announced the launch of Metro's new YouTube channel. You can find it on the YouTube site by going to "MetroGovNashville".

All future Metro Council meetings will be available on the channel, and users can also view the Mayor's State of Metro Address as well as archives of Metro Council meetings dating back to July first of last year.

Metro launched its official Facebook page last year.

BREAKING NEWS: Rep. Weiner Resigns In Wake Of Sexting Scandal

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The Ins and Outs of District 29 From Council Lady Vivian Wilhoite

Reminder



Community Meeting


6:00 pm, Tuesday, June 14, 2011


444 Bell Road



In the recent Ins and Outs of District 29, I indicated that a location is to be announced.


So here is a recap of what I sent out around 8 am Wednesday morning and also posted on my blog of www.vivian-29.blogspot.com


There is a request for a proposed Billboard to be erected at the intersection of Bell and Murfreesboro Road. More specifically, it is an electronic billboard. The applicant's request was denied and now the applicant is appealing the denial to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board of Zoning will deliberate the applicant's appeal on Thursday, June 16, 2011.


I would not support such a request for the primary reason that this intersection is quite busy and dangerous. I am of the belief that an electronic billboard would be a distraction and could compromise safety to everyone that travels through that area. Nevertheless, I have invited the staff of the Board of Zoning Appeals and the applicant to this meeting to provide specifics and answer questions from the community.



See you at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, June 14, 2011


444 Bell Road.







Vivian's Blog... Email Me!







Please visit my blog often for up to date information in and around District 29. Also email me at www.vivianwilhoite@comcast.net



or call me at 615.589.2003 to share your concerns. I want to hear from you about this issue or other concerns you may have.

Westboro Baptist protesters have tires slashed, leave funeral site after 10 minutes

Group sues to overturn TN law blocking Nashville's nondiscrimination ordinance

Bus offers 30-minute mammographies for poor, uninsured or busy women

Metro to consider starting school in July

Monday, June 13, 2011

Controversial Church Protests At Nashville Marine's Funeral

Soldier's Funeral To Occur At 3 P.M.

Reported By Cynthia Williams (Channel 4 News)

POSTED: 6:23 pm CDT June 12, 2011

UPDATED: 1:47 pm CDT June 13, 2011

About 15 people with the controversial Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kans., were protesting at the Gordon Jewish Community Center hours before the the funeral of a Nashville Marine on Monday. In a stance of opposition to the church, about 60 people were protesting the church's protest.


Marine Sgt. Kevin Balduf, 27, was killed during a firefight in Afghanistan last month.

Balduf's funeral is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Woodmont Hills Church of Christ.

When protesters arrived, supporters flooded Franklin Road. Police pushed back the crowd and there was a near confrontation in the middle of the highway.

In addition to the Gordon Jewish Community Center, the church planned protests at Woodmont Hills and the Islamic Center of Nashville.

Members of Westboro feel when soldiers die, God is punishing the nation for its tolerance of controversial issues such as homosexuality.

Metro Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite had plans Sunday to stop future protests in Metro with an ordinance or resolution.

"It's unfortunate and I want to see what we can do," she said. "I've asked the council attorney to look at this and see what we can do to show I'm in support, and hopefully other council members are in support, of stopping these types of disrespectful acts from occurring."

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prohibiting Westboro Church from picketing soldier funeral is unconstitutional because it violates freedom of speech.

Metro Councilman Jason Holleman is an attorney who says there's already a statute that sets distance boundaries for protests. Holleman feels whatever else is decided needs to be carefully considered.

"As a lawyer I have to see what the language is and whether it is within our constitutional boundaries," said Holleman. "And if so, then absolutely we want to respect the privacy of that family as much as we can."

Officials with the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ have met with Metro Police about the issue. They feel they have a plan in place that will allow Sgt. Kevin Balduf's family an opportunity to bury him with the least amount of disruptions.

To Watch the Video :http://www.wsmv.com/news/28213940/detail.html

Proposed Billboard Draws Protest In Antioch

Residents Concerned Sign Could Create Distraction
POSTED: 6:49 am CDT June 13, 2011
UPDATED: 7:29 am CDT June 13, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Flashy ads and digital billboards are nothing new along roadways, but one sign in Antioch is getting some attention.


Richardson Outdoor Advertising wants to put up a 50-foot-high digital billboard on Bell Road at Murfreesboro Place.

Thousands of drivers go by there every day, but some people say the flashy sign could distract drivers and lead to more accidents.

Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite said the issue goes beyond distraction.

“Once you take a look at the intersection, it’s very much comprising as far as what lane you’re in, whether you’re turning left or go straight,” said Wilhoite.

The general manager of Richardson Outdoor Advertising said the brightness of the billboard would be monitored.

There also wouldn't be any moving figures on the board.

A community meeting on the digital billboard will be held Tuesday night.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Updated -The Ins and Outs of District 29 From Council Lady Vivian Wilhoite

Follow up  on Community Meeting -



6:00 pm, Tuesday, June 14, 2011


444 Bell Road



In the recent Ins and Outs of District 29, I indicated that a location is to be announced.

So here is a recap of what I sent out around 8 am Wednesday morning and also posted on my blog of http://www.vivian-29.blogspot.com/

There is a request for a proposed Billboard to be erected at the intersection of Bell and Murfreesboro Road. More specifically, it is an electronic billboard. The applicant's request was denied and now the applicant is appealing the denial to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board of Zoning will deliberate the applicant's appeal on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

I would not support such a request for the primary reason that this intersection is quite busy and dangerous. I am of the belief that an electronic billboard would be a distraction and could compromise safety to everyone that travels through that area. Nevertheless, I have invited the staff of the Board of Zoning Appeals and the applicant to this meeting to provide specifics and answer questions from the community.

See you at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, June 14, 2011
444 Bell Road.


Vivian's Blog... Email Me!


Please visit my blog often for up to date information in and around District 29. Also email me at mailto:www.vivianwilhoite@comcast.net
or call me at 615.589.2003 to share your concerns. I want to hear from you about this issue or other concerns you may have.

The Ins and Outs of District 29 From Council Lady Vivian Wilhoite

Community Meeting - Tuesday, June 14, 2011


Location to be announced

There is a request for a proposed Billboard to be erected at the intersection of Bell and Murfreesboro Road. More specifically, it is an electronic billboard. The applicant's request was denied and now the applicant is appealing the denial to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board of Zoning will deliberate the applicant's appeal on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

I would not support such a request for the primary reason that this intersection is quite busy and dangerous. I am of the belief that an electronic billboard would be a distraction and could compromise safety to everyone that travels through that area. Nevertheless, I have invited the staff of the Board of Zoning Appeals and the applicant to this meeting to provide specifics and answer questions from the community.

Please attend at 6:00 pm Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at a location that will be announced by tomorrow.

Historic Gran Dale Manor


Look out for date - Community Open House

Very recently, and working with Mr. David and Becky Waynick, owners of the Gran Dale Manor, I represented them at the Planning Commission on May 26, 2011. I spoke to encourage members of the Commission that the Gran Dale request to continue under the Neighborhood Landmark while operating a law office and events hosting location is an excellent contribution to our community. I spoke to the members of the Commission and prior to the hearing, we invited members of the Planning and Historic Commissions to come out and tour this jewel. The Commission also recognized the importances of this historically restored building and not only approved Mr. David and Becky Waynick's request, but approved it by consent.

I cannot say enough how much we appreciate the Waynicks for seeing the vision in that old white house. I am very glad that I did not agree to developers that wanted to do other things at that location. I've always believed that the Gran Dale had so much to offer. Now we will all know thanks to the Waynicks.

Be on the look out for an open house for the community. At that time, we will also show our appreciation to Mr. David and Becky Waynick.


Just in case you missed this from my previous newsletter.....



Why the dirt?
Explanation from an on-site worker

Some of you have contacted me to ask about the big, big piles of dirt at the old Publix location (across from First Tennessee Bank) on Murfreesboro Road. It's dirt for sale! That right, dirt for sale, according to one of the workers on the site. I understand that the giant wall behind the old Publix building was damaged in the May flood and is now being repaired. The repair required some in depth digging out of soil affiliated with the wall and that is the piles that you see. It's a great time to buy some dirt.


Office Hours at First Tennessee Bank


Join me on Saturday, June 18, 2011 from

9-10 am. Since elected in 2003, I have held monthly office hours so that you can personally come and talk with me about issues in and around the district. Come talk to me about your concerns.

79 arrested on drugs, prostitution charges by undercover officers

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Central Parking part ways

House staff collect bonus

Friday, June 3, 2011

Garage Sale at The Nashboro Grrens Condos"


Garage Sale at the Nashboro Greens

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Time: 7:00 AM to ???

Located in the Nashboro Village Community!

Nashville police shuts down club

Davidson, Sumner among counties to receive storm recovery grants

Twitter role hinted at Nashville park violence

TN Supreme Court may shape alimony