State to begin revoking licenses for overdue child support payments

More than 15,000 parents who are not paying child support face losing their driver’s, professional and/or recreational licenses if they don’t pay up soon. Letters from the Department of Human Services warning delinquent parents are being mailed now, informing parents that if they are behind at least $500 in their child support and haven't made a payment in more than 90 days, they could lose their licenses. More than 20,000 licenses could be revoked. Revocation letters have been sent to non-paying mothers and fathers in every county in Tennessee, covering more than 2,250 cases in Davidson County, 4,500 in Shelby County, 1,350 in Knox County and 1,150 in Hamilton County. At least 18,000 driver's licenses could be revoked. More than 400 professional licenses issued by the Departments of Commerce and Insurance, Health and Education are also at risk. About 1,200 hunting and fishing licenses will also be subject to revocation. There are currently 260,000 child support cases under court order in Tennessee. Of these, roughly 55 percent pay their court ordered support in a timely manner. —RACHEL STULTS (Tennessean)

Mayor Dean: Water reform needs to happen this year

By: Nate Rau, nrau@nashvillecitypaper.com Posted: Monday, September 15, 2008 2:18 am Councilman Parker Toler a former water department employee, says the public works committee could impose an incremental rate increase for water and sewer. Matthew Williams/The City Paper To continue with story:http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=62799

Many Nashville-area stations run out of gas

By KATE HOWARD • Staff Writer (Tennessean) • September 15, 2008 Rapidly rising gasoline prices became a moot point at some Middle Tennessee markets this weekend as the stations ran out of gas. Nashville-area stations started feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike on Friday, the morning the storm bore down on Texas. Many stores in Williamson County have been out of gas since that night, and pumps across Nashville have been bagged to let consumers know they can't fill up there. "It seems to be pretty much countywide," said Williamson County Sheriff's Cpl. Mark Livengood. "Several (stations) are out of everything but premium, and several are just completely out." Livengood said the shortage hasn't led to any law enforcement problems, and officers haven't seen any increase in stranded motorists. But travelers are frustrated. "Friday and Saturday, we had people coming in and saying they couldn't find gas anywhere," said Ashley Felts, a cashier at the Mapco Express on Hillsboro Road in Franklin, which has been out of fuel since Friday. "They were using our phone book." Shortages have been reported across Nashville as well, including at stations in the West End area and in Donelson. Many are stores in the Mapco chain. A Mapco representative couldn't be reached Sunday night and other industry sources were not available to explain the reasons for the shortages. Metro boosts reserves Hurricane Ike battered the heart of the U.S. oil industry: Federal officials said a number of production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were destroyed, though it was too soon to know how seriously that would affect oil and gas prices. Pump prices jumped above $5 per gallon in some parts of the country Sunday as the hurricane, which caused less destruction than feared, left refineries and pipelines idled. Fuel reserves for Metro Nashville vehicles have been increased at the request of Mayor Karl Dean, to ensure that gas is available for the city's public safety officers, Metro police spokesman Don Aaron said. "If an officer has difficulty finding fuel at neighborhood gas stations, he or she can drive to a government pump," Aaron said. While Nashville Fire Department officials have noticed the bagged pumps, drivers have been diligent about topping off their trucks, said spokesman Ricky Taylor. "We're trying to stay on top of it, because we know it could get critical on us also," Taylor said. Far beyond areas struck directly by high winds and flooding, Ike left behind a bizarre pattern of prices at gas pumps, with disparities of more than $1 a gallon in some states, and even on some blocks. "We're on the other side of the looking glass," said Claire Raines, who lives near Knoxville. "I just passed three gas stations with prices that ran from about $3.50 to close to $5 within walking distance." Differences of more than $1 a gallon in the price of regular gas were reported in Smyrna and Nashville. Average prices exceeded $4 per gallon in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, South Carolina, Hawaii and Alaska, according to auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express. States fed directly by refineries along the Gulf Coast were particularly hard hit and supply may be sporadic for the next few weeks with refineries shut down, said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst with the Oil Price Information Service. Whatever pain is being felt at U.S. gas pumps probably will be a very brief phenomenon, analysts said. The Associated Press contributed to this report.Contact Kate Howard at 615-726-8968 or kahoward@tennessean.com.

Save the date: Walk to School Day

Parents, if you’re interested in participating in this year’s Walk to School Day with your child, mark your calendars. The day has been set for Wednesday, Oct. 8. Nashville hosts one of the largest International Walk to School Days in the country.Last year, 42 schools and about 7,000 people across Davidson County walked to school.This year, MNPS hopes to increase that number of participating schools to 50.Walk to School Day is one of the events during Walk Nashville Week. This week-long celebration seeks to spotlight walking as a component to healthy living.

Davidson County crime log for Sept. 4-7, 2008

CRIME LOG These are the most serious calls handled by the Metro police, listed by time, crime reported and address. Some reports may be unfounded. Police calls are listed by police precinct or town. When police cannot immediately determine the location of a crime, the address given is that of the police station or hospital where the crime was reported. Antioch 8:48 a.m., residential burglary, 1700 block Arbor Ridge Drive Donelson 2:30 p.m., residential burglary, 200 block Stewarts Ferry Pike Hermitage 3:11 a.m., residential burglary, 7000 block Bonnalake Drive 12:17 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 800 block Briley Parkway 12:42 p.m., holdup/robbery, 5100 block Old Hickory Boulevard 2:27 p.m., cutting/stabbing, at Lafayette Street and Lewis Street 6:56 p.m., residential burglary, at Maxwell Road and Lavergne Couchville Pike 9:22 p.m., holdup/robbery, 1600 block Lebanon Pike Priest Lake 1:30 p.m., residential burglary, 100 block Del Crest Drive Una 2:29 a.m., residential burglary, 1400 block Doubletree Lane 1:17 p.m., residential burglary, 1400 block Doubletree Lane Sept. 6 Antioch 1:34 a.m., residential burglary, 1500 block Bell Trace Drive 10:58 a.m., rape, at Rice Road Hermitage 1:17 a.m., holdup/robbery, 5800 block Old Hickory Boulevard 12:41 p.m., holdup/robbery, 70 block Maury Street 7:55 p.m., holdup/robbery, 1000 block Murfreesboro Pike 11:25 p.m., residential burglary, 200 block Millwood Drive Sept. 5 Antioch 10:19 a.m., rape, at Richards Road 12:17 p.m., holdup/robbery, 900 block Richards Road Donelson 4:12 p.m., residential burglary, 3200 block Priest Woods Drive Hermitage 7:24 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 1800 block Air Lane Drive 11:53 a.m., residential burglary, 1900 block Hobson Pike 12:05 p.m., holdup/robbery, 200 block Bonnalynn Drive South 3:27 p.m., holdup/robbery, 300 block Harding Place 7 p.m., holdup/robbery, 100 block Plus Park Boulevard 9:29 p.m., holdup/robbery, 800 block Murfreesboro Pike 10:42 p.m., holdup/robbery, 700 block Bell Road Una 6:55 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 2500 block Murfreesboro Pike Sept. 4 Antioch 3:11 a.m., residential burglary, 1200 block Bell Road 2:45 p.m., holdup/robbery, 2400 block Murfreesboro Pike Hermitage 7:19 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 4700 block Lebanon Pike 9:50 a.m., residential burglary, 1900 block Dabbs Avenue Priest Lake 10:27 a.m., residential burglary, 100 block Islandia Drive South 8:03 a.m., rape, at Second Avenue South 8:48 a.m., holdup/robbery, 5300 block Mt. View Road 9:35 p.m., holdup/robbery, 30 block Shepard Street

Mosquito spraying scheduled for Antioch

Davidson County The Metro Public Health Department continues to spray a section of Antioch after two more batches of mosquitoes collected in late August tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were trapped near the intersection of Bell Road and Murfreesboro Road. The department planned to spray Thursday, if conditions permitted, and to spray again Monday. Spraying will begin at 7 p.m. in selected areas within the following boundaries: South of Nashboro Boulevard and Smith Springs Road, west of Owendale Drive and Butler Road, north of Anderson Road and Bell Road and east of Murfreesboro Road. Four mosquito samples collected from July 17 to Aug. 15 have tested positive for the West Nile virus. Health department officials will trap more mosquitoes Tuesday to be tested for the virus. "Having repeated positive mosquitoes over a period of time in one residential area is very rare in Davidson County," Bill Paul, director of health, said in a statement this week. "We are taking additional, targeted action because these conditions represent a significant public health threat." The department also has stepped up efforts in the Antioch area to kill mosquito larvae, remove standing water and caution residents to avoid mosquito bites. For information, contact mosquito control at 340-5668. — JENNY UPCHURCH jupchurch@tennessean.com

Metro schools add security at football games

Earlier shooting raises concerns By TOM KREAGER • Staff Writer • September 12, 2008 Metro officials have added security for some football games this season after a shooting in McGavock's parking lot during a basketball game last season. Security will be heightened tonight because of expected large crowds for Maplewood's game at Hunters Lane and Pearl-Cohn's game at Whites Creek, said Ralph Thompson, the assistant superintendent for student services for Metro Public Schools. This will mark the first time that Metro officials have hired security to search cars, Thompson said. There also have been more security wands used as metal detectors at stadium entrances. "There is definitely more security than last year," said Thompson, who added that the shooting last November served as a "wake-up call" for Metro. "We always have had basic security. We had that at that game where it occurred." Every game will not have an increase in security. Rivalry games and contests where tips of possible trouble are received generate the need for more security, Thompson said. A minimum of four officers, who are off-duty police officers, are hired to work high school games in Metro. Hunters Lane Athletics Director Chip Sullivan said at least 10 security officers will work the Warriors' game tonight. That includes two patrol cars — one car will be helping to direct traffic. At Whites Creek, Thompson said about six security officers will work the game. Prevention or panic? Reaction from parents has been mixed. "There is a need for added security because of the student rivalries," Hunters Lane parent Mary Clark said. "There is a lot of bad blood between some schools." "I never felt unsafe last year," Antioch parent Gretchen Cantrell said. "I think (the Antioch) area gets a bad rep. I defend Antioch. I guess it would depend on where I'm at. At (Antioch High) I'm fine. Some of it is overblown." But parents don't know what goes on behind the scenes, Thompson said. School officials sometimes get tips leading to the need for more security. No tips involving the games at Hunters Lane or Whites Creek have been received, Thompson said. "When we can prevent something from happening we want to do that," Thompson said. "Parents may say, 'What's the big deal? Nothing happened.' That's a good sign." Metro's budget covers up to four officers per game. Any additional officers are paid through the school's general athletic fund. Security officers are paid $25 an hour with a minimum of four hours. Sullivan said an officer with a patrol car costs between $70-80 an hour. Games in Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson and Williamson counties range between $80-85 per officer. None of those counties uses security wands. Principals outside Metro also gauge the need for increased security by the opponent. "If it's an 8-0 team playing an 0-8 team we may have six," Riverdale Principal Tom Nolan said. "But we'd probably have more if it were two 8-0 teams because it would be a bigger game. "We consult with our (school resource officers) before the season and make another judgment call a week or two before the game." Big-game decisions Oakland Principal Butch Vaughn said 14 officers — including two mounted patrolmen — worked the season-opening game with Class 5A rival Riverdale, and there were about 6,000 fans. Tonight for Oakland's homecoming game with Franklin County, six security officers will be used. "I'd rather have too many and not need them than not enough and need them," Vaughn said. Last week six security officers were used for Ravenwood's home game with Franklin, which had about 3,000 fans. That's two more than games that don't pit two Williamson County teams against each other, Ravenwood Athletics Director Patrick Whitlock said. Bill Tollett, athletics director at Class 1A Eagleville, said two officers are at every home game. All security costs come out of the football team budget in Rutherford, Sumner and Wilson counties. In Williamson, costs are taken out of each school's general athletic budget.

To see the agenda for the Metro Council Meeting September 16, 2008

Click link below: http://www.nashville.gov/mc/analysis.htm

We will not forget

Please take some time today and remember all the people we lost today seven years ago today!

English-only revision allows exceptions

Crafton changes wording to try to satisfy critics By MICHAEL CASS • Staff Writer (Tennessean) • September 11, 2008 Eric Crafton is trying to regroup. Now that the Tennessee Supreme Court has refused to expedite his appeal to get the English-only initiative on Metro's Nov. 4 general-election ballot, Crafton is focusing on a winter special election and reworking his proposal to appease his critics. On Wednesday, the Metro councilman said a new drive requiring Nashville's government to communicate only in English would include language allowing the city to make exceptions for health and safety reasons. "We want to demonstrate that we're trying to be reasonable, that we want to listen to what people are saying while still making English the official language," Crafton said Wednesday in a phone interview. Crafton said new petition postcards would be mailed to some registered voters today or Friday. The petition would call for a special election on Thursday, Jan. 22, at a cost to taxpayers of about $350,000, to hold a referendum on changing the Metro Charter. Crafton's effort to get on the Nov. 4 general-election ballot was denied by a Davidson County chancellor last week. This week the Tennessee Court of Appeals and state Supreme Court shot down his attempts at appeal. The twin rulings effectively ended his bid to have the English-only issue decided this fall. Crafton's previous petition did not specify that Metro could make exceptions to the English-only law, but critics said the new wording wouldn't make much difference. "By excluding any provision for health and safety exceptions, the charter amendment will be ruled unconstitutional in about 10 minutes after it passes," Councilman Mike Jameson said via e-mail. "Mere assurances that necessary exceptions could be added later probably doesn't change that." The Metro Council passed a law in 2007 requiring the government to do business in English "except when required by federal law or when necessary to protect or promote public health, safety or welfare." Then-Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed the council's action, in part because city attorneys said even that version could be challenged on First Amendment grounds. Crafton said his own lawyers are confident the latest proposal would withstand legal scrutiny.

The mass transit push: Mayor Dean says it's time to get serious

Job one is startup funds, regular revenue; legislature and voters must approveBy CHRISTINA E. SANCHEZ • Staff Writer • September 11, 2008 Each city has set up fees or taxes to guarantee millions of dollars for mass transit. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and other community leaders say it's time to stop talking about doing something like that in Middle Tennessee and get on with it. "In areas like Nashville or the suburban areas or the more rural areas, there is increased desire from the public to see mass transit," Dean said Wednesday, two days after he issued the challenge in a speech to the Rotary Club of Nashville. "The public expects us to get something done. We are closer than we ever have been before." Nashville and some of its suburbs have bus service. The 10-county Regional Transportation Authority operates a commuter train, express buses and vanpools. But recent service cuts, fare hikes and budget shortfalls add pressure to find the means — and the will — to guarantee a way to fund those services. Leadership Middle Tennessee, an organization that promotes regional planning, will talk about how to get sustainable funding and other regional transportation issues at a meeting today in downtown Nashville. Figuring out what the revenue source might be is just a small piece of the puzzle. The long and complicated process would require approval from the legislature, and probably voters, before anything would be implemented. Also, leaders would have to determine who or what agency would handle the funding. Tax groups are watching Advocates for responsible taxation say they will wait to hear about any proposals before they pass judgment on talk of creating another tax. Ben Cunningham, spokesman for Tennessee Tax Revolt, said he would want details. "As far as taxpayers are concerned, it is way too early to be talking about a tax," Cunningham said. "We need to see what is being proposed, and we need to tie down the cost very closely. You have to tell us why you need a dedicated funding source and what benefit we'll get from it." Don Bailey, who commutes an hour each way between Dickson and Nashville, has dreams of a commuter rail line that he could take to work. He spends about $600 a month on gas and would prefer to pay for a monthly transportation pass. He said he would entertain the idea of an extra tax or a fee, depending on the proposal. "Food and gas taxes would concern me; people are already struggling," said Bailey, who works at Vanderbilt. "If it was a tax on luxury items or a tax on vehicle tags, I could go for that." Dean has been meeting with county and city mayors from communities surrounding Nashville, as well as with regional planning groups, to discuss how to move forward. "The first step is to get authorization from the state to receive funding and collect funding, and then the next step would be identifying the source," he said. "There have been several recent success stories where this was approved in other cities." Officials in Allegheny County, Pa., home to Pittsburgh, passed in January a 10 percent tax on poured alcoholic drinks in restaurants and bars as well as a $2-a-day rental car fee. The combined taxes are expected to generate at least $30 million annually to operate mass transit, and anything above that amount will go toward capital transportation projects, said Kevin Evanto, communications director for the county. "We are also looking toward public-private partnerships to expand some of our systems, including for possibly expanding rapid transit from downtown Pittsburgh to the Pittsburgh airport," Evanto said. "We are trying to be creative." In Birmingham, Ala., beer bought in bars provides about $2 million toward transit funding. And in Charlotte, N.C., a half-cent sales tax is dedicated to transportation. Funding remains issue Funding transportation in Middle Tennessee has been a challenge. Two of the region's major mass transit agencies struggled through the budget process to fund public transportation for the 2009 fiscal year. Dollars had to be stretched to do the same with less and expenses had to be reduced. Nashville's Metro Transit Authority cut some routes, reduced service and stopped providing buses in July for the Regional Transportation Authority's relax and ride Gallatin-to-Nashville route. The RTA's Music City Star commuter rail budget has a $1.7 million shortfall, which could be filled pending a multi-way deal involving MTA and state and local governments. MTA is also slated to take over the financial operations of the Star on Nov. 1. "Dedicated funding is not a new topic in the region. It has just become more pronounced," said Michael Skipper, director of the Nashville Metropolitan Planning Organization. "Because there is not a dedicated funding source, we're going to go though a pretty cumbersome budget process every year." With the scheduled October opening of MTA's new indoor-transit station on Charlotte Avenue and a soon-to-be-restored express bus between Gallatin and Nashville, leaders want to make sure they can provide current services and grow transportation options in the region. Bus rapid transit and light rail are often mentioned as potential expansion projects, said Paul J. Ballard, chief executive officer for the MTA. Pending approvals, Ballard also will become head of the RTA when the MTA takeover begins. "We need to start to come together and see, how do we pay for these things," Ballard said. "We can go out and get 50 percent federal money to do that, but beyond that there has to be a long-term commitment

ALERT!!! More Spraying Scheduled in District 29

Dear Friends: Below is a press release from Dr. Bill Paul of the Metro Health Department informing area residences of District 29 of their plans to spray this week. I am not fond of spraying but I do believe that ample notification for folks like my son who has asthma can be informed and not go outside. I do have concern about the signs that the Health Department uses to alert folks about the spraying and have asked that Dr. Paul contact me to discuss further. I will update you on this matter. Vivian Mosquito Control Update Information below may also be found on the Health Department's website: http://www.health.nashville.gov/"> area is very rare in Davidson County" said Bill Paul, M.D., Director of Health. "We are taking additional, targeted action because these conditions represent a significant public health threat." Spraying will take place on Thursday, September 11 and again Monday, September 15th, weather permitting. Spraying will occur in selected areas within the following boundaries: South of Nashboro Boulevard/Smith Springs Road West of Owendale Drive/Butler Road North of Anderson Road/Bell Road East of Murfreesboro Road Spraying will begin at dusk (7 p.m.) and nighttime hours when female Culex mosquitoes are most active. If it rains, or winds are greater than 10 miles per hour, then the Health Department will reschedule spraying. Health Department staff will return to the area on Tuesday, September 16 to trap mosquitoes. Trapped mosquitoes will be sent to the Tennessee Department lab to be tested for West Nile virus. The Health Department will utilize ultra low volume (ULV) application of sumithrin/piperonyl butoxide (Anvil 2+2) by licensed technicians on trucks to control adult mosquitoes. Anvil 2+2 is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in residential and recreational areas. The first batch of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in Antioch July 17th. The Health Department increased trapping and testing efforts in the area to determine if there was sustained transmission of infection or if this was an isolated occurrence, and also stepped up efforts to remove standing water, apply larvicide, and notify residents to avoid mosquito bites. Despite these actions, a second batch of mosquitoes tested positive July 31, a third batch collected the first week of August tested positive, and a fourth batch collected August 15 test positive documenting sustained transmission of the virus in this area. Health Department officials continue to monitor standing water areas and apply larvicide when mosquito larvae are present. Mosquito traps are monitored twice weekly in all areas within Davidson County. The Health Department uses several modes of communication to notify community members of when and where spraying will occur in an effort to reduce surprising residents and give them time to go indoors if they choose. Spray Notification: * Distribution of news releases and map of specific boundaries to Nashville news media. * Spray notification announcement with maps placed on the Health Department's website. (www.health.nashville.gov) * Spray notification details placed on Health Department telephone hotline (340-5668). * Signs placed 48 hours in advance at spray boundary entries notifying residents of spraying. * Use of Reverse 911 technology to send spray notification details to all households within the planned spray area with a telephone. * Inform those who have submitted cell phone numbers to the Health Department. * Spray notification maps and details placed on Metro 3 (Cable channel 3). * E-mail spray notification specifics with maps to Mayor's office and Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods. * E-mail spray notification specifics and maps to Metro Council Members. * E-mail spray notification specifics to Health Department "Health E-Mail" Subscribers. * Health Department staff drive through each neighborhood within the boundaries two hours leading up to spraying to inform those outside that spraying will occur. * Each spray team is made up of a two vehicles: * The lead vehicle is in place to provide last minute notification and reduce surprises. (If necessary, the person in the lead vehicle will radio the person in the spray vehicle to turn off the spray unit to allow those who are outside time if they choose to go inside their home.) * The second vehicle is the truck with the spray unit. Each spray truck is equipped with yellow flashing lights. It is important to know the spray unit sounds similar to a chainsaw and that the compressor continues to operate even when the spray has been turned off. The pesticide, Anvil 2+2 has been used for many years for mosquito control in residential areas. It will be applied in accordance with the EPA label and state regulations. The ultra-low-volume (ULV) spray applies approximately 3 ounces of compound per acre of land. Individuals who choose to reduce their exposure may take the following steps: * Remain indoors during and 30 minutes after spraying occurs. * Close windows and doors in your home during the spraying process. * Do not allow children or pets to follow the Mosquito Control truck while spray unit is engaged. * Make yourself as visible as possible if you are outside when the trucks are in your area. * Make sure pets are indoors or out of the front yard during the spraying process. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes carrying the virus. Human cases of the virus have been rare in Davidson County, with five cases and one death. The Health Department recommends that everyone take steps to protect from mosquito bites: * Limit time outdoors at dusk and nighttime hours when mosquitoes are most active. * If you must be outdoors then wear a CDC recommended mosquito repellent that contains either Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). * Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Pant legs should be tucked into shoes or socks, and collars should be buttoned. Light colored clothes are less attractive to mosquitoes. * Make sure all your windows and doors have screens and are in good repair. Spraying and larviciding will not fully eliminate the presence of mosquitoes. The health department stresses taking the necessary measures to reduce mosquitoes in your neighborhood: * Reduce or eliminate all standing water in your yard - especially in children's toys, bird baths, clogged gutters, tires, flowerpots, trashcans, and wheelbarrows. * Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with Gambusia fish. * Apply mosquito dunks in standing water areas on your property. * Cut back overgrown vegetation (mosquito hiding areas). The Metro Public Health Department has a mosquito control information hotline with a recorded message about mosquito control efforts in Davidson County - 340-5668.

Gun found in Antioch student's trunk

WKRN Channel 2 Posted: Sep 9, 2008 10:43 AM CDT Updated: Sep 9, 2008 01:19 PM CDT A 17-year-old senior at Antioch High School in Nashville was arrested Tuesday morning after a gun was found in the trunk of the car the student was driving. Police said the .45-caliber pistol was located during a random search by school security. While the gun was not loaded, a magazine containing seven bullets was also found in the vehicle. The teen told police he borrowed the car and did not know the gun was in the trunk. He was charged with carrying a gun on school property in juvenile court.

Dean pushes riverfront's development

Mayor Karl Dean has asked the Metro Development and Housing Agency to oversee redevelopment of Nashville's downtown riverfront and will include redevelopment funding in his capital spending plan, he plans to announce today. "The Cumberland River should be a focal point of our city," Dean said in a news release. The city's riverfront plan, which a consultant completed more than 18 months ago, includes parks and play spaces, greenways, boardwalks, piers, a public fountain at the end of Broadway and an "urban forest" of trees in some of LP Field's parking lots. The plan also envisions private development along the Cumberland. Ed Owens, a principal in charge of planning and urban design at Gresham Smith and Partners for the past 10 years, will be MDHA's waterfront redevelopment director. Chris Koster, who directs riverfront development for Metro Parks, will continue to lead the Parks projects. — MICHAEL CASS (Tennessean)

Antioch student drunk, under influence of marijuana at school, police say

Staff Reports • September 9, 2008(Tennessean) An Antioch High School junior who was taken to the hospital Monday morning was found to be drunk and under the influence of marijuana, Metro Police reported. The 16-year-old student had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit and tested positive for marijuana use. He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after becoming ill during class. The student said he had bought a small amount of a liquid intoxicant from another student in the school parking lot Monday morning, but he was unable to provide the seller’s name, police said.In a separate incident last week, a 17-year-old McGavock High School student was hospitalized after taking a liquid intoxicant that he said another student gave to him.That liquid has been identified by the TBI Crime Laboratory as 1,4 Butanediol, an industrial solvent known by some users as “One Comma Four,” “One Four Bee,” or “One Four B-D-O.” The substance produces effects similar to GHB, the so-called date rape drug. It slows central nervous system functions, reduces breathing rate and slows reflexes.