Vivian Wilhoite

Friday, November 14, 2008

Davidson County crime log for Nov. 6-9, 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. Nov. 9 Antioch 4:53 p.m., residential burglary, 400 block Hickory Highlands Drive Donelson 11:23 a.m., holdup/robbery, 500 block Donelson Pike Hermitage 3:14 p.m., residential burglary, 4600 block Forest Ridge Drive 6:13 p.m., holdup/robbery, 5700 block Old Hickory Boulevard 10:51 p.m., cutting/stabbing, 3800 block Bell Road Nov. 8 Hermitage 12:51 a.m., rape, at Jameswood Court 12:01 p.m., residential burglary, 4300 block Valley Grove Drive 6:06 p.m., rape, at Frist Boulevard Nov. 7 Donelson 6:13 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 2700 block Old Lebanon Pike 8:26 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 2700 block Old Lebanon Pike 9:45 p.m., holdup/robbery, 40 block Rachel Drive Hermitage 7:32 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 5500 block Old Hickory Boulevard 10:17 a.m., holdup/robbery, 500 block Tulip Grove Road 2:01 p.m., residential burglary, 1400 block Arbor Creek Lane 5:42 p.m., nonresidential burglary, at Bridgestone Park 6:49 p.m., residential burglary, 4300 block Valley Grove Drive 7:08 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 100 block Bonnabrook Drive Una 4:20 p.m., holdup/robbery, 2500 block Murfreesboro Pike Nov. 6 Donelson 8:59 p.m., holdup/robbery, 3600 block Bell Road Hermitage 9:42 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 4200 block Lebanon Pike 1:22 p.m., shooting, 1000 block Murfreesboro Pike 1:25 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 900 block Lebanon Pike 4:36 p.m., cutting/stabbing, 1000 block Murfreesboro Pike 4:37 p.m., holdup/robbery, 800 block Fesslers Parkway 8:12 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 4200 block Lebanon Pike 9:53 p.m., residential burglary, 700 block Sunnyvale Court Priest Lake 3:31 p.m., residential burglary, 4500 block Hamilton Lane Una 9:05 p.m., holdup/robbery, 2500 block Murfreesboro Pike

More stores close up shop in Southeast

But others interested in opening businesses By Suzanne Normand Blackwood • THE TENNESSEAN • November 14, 2008 In Southeast Davidson County, mom-and-pops and big box stores alike are feeling the strain of the economic crisis. Circuit City announced recently it would be closing four stores in Tennessee, including its Hickory Hollow store. The Cozy Corner Café inside Lenox Village on Nolensville Road closed recently. And Island Sports and Designer Consignor inside the Shoppes at Home Depot on Bell Road have closed. Daniel Gordon, owner of Island Sports, said traffic had been slow leading up to the store's expiration date on its lease. He said this was particularly challenging, since the store already had prices lower than its counterparts. "We're much cheaper than everybody," he said. But although their prices are higher, competition from sporting good chains made it hard for him to stay in business, he said. "That's been very disheartening," he said. Gordon said not having a big advertising budget didn't help. He said it's expensive to advertise, especially on a consistent basis and on a large scale. "That's money we don't have in our budget," he said. Initially, Gordon said he considered getting a loan. But because of the economic crisis, "we couldn't get any more small business loans." That later changed with the federal government's economic aid package. By then, though, Gordon had decided it was not in his best interest to get a loan. Lenox still find tenants Dave McGowan, president of Lenox Village, LLC, said business had fallen off for Cozy Corner Café. After the café's lease expired, "they decided not to go forward," he said. "In this business, what you find is some make it and some don't. "Consumer confidence is way down," he said, and this is having a detrimental effect on retail. "It's a tough economy right now. What you do is try to work with (tenants) the best way you can." However, McGowan said, he believes that, after the first of the year, consumer confidence will build back up. Already, he has interested tenants who are not letting the economic crisis deter them. A family practitioner, a stock brokerage firm, a bakery, a children's clothing store, a coffee shop and a Mongolian stir-fry are planning to move in to the commercial section of Lenox Village. "We're continuing to attract business," McGowan said. Also, "residential sales are still strong," he said, adding Lenox Village will have closed on 100 homes by the end of the year. Closing sales planned But Gordon, who is from Jamaica, described the economic crisis for small business owners right now as "very stressful." "You put all your money in it, all your savings, and then watch it disappear," he said. Island Sports, which is having the last two days of its clearance sale today, Nov. 14, and tomorrow, Nov. 15, specializes in athletic wear and in standard school attire for Metro Schools. The store is offering its merchandise, excluding standard school attire, at 50 percent off. The clearance sale coincides with that of Designer Consignor next door. Gordon said the store has been offering its standard school attire through its Web site for the last few weeks and plans to continue online sales for standard school attire only after Nov. 15. "We're going to reorganize," he said. "Our main focus will be online." Gordon said he is interested in selling the business if he has an interested buyer. He is also willing to donate some of the merchandise to charity if he doesn't sell the business, he said.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Metro student count goes up

By Jaime Sarrio • THE TENNESSEAN • November 13, 2008 Enrollment in Metro Schools climbed by 316 students this year, despite the district's unflattering "corrective action" status under the No Child Left Behind education law. Years of sub-par test scores by some groups of students led to a partial state takeover of Metro Schools in 2007, which included changes to budgets, principals and top leadership. The state's presence increased this year after another round of failing results. But that didn't deter newcomers from moving to the district. Enrollment grew from 74,733 students at the start of last school year to 75,049 this year, according to numbers released this week. The numbers were 300 students below projections, said Larry Collier, who works with the district's student assignment department. Projections for next year will begin in February. The slight growth was spread out across various parts of the district and could not be isolated to one or two areas, Collier said. Enrollment changes could not be tied to the district's testing woes. "I have no basis or data from which I can draw the conclusion that corrective action status has negatively affected our enrollment, he said. Racial demographics in the district changed only slightly in the past year. White students now make up 33 percent of the district's total population, down from 34 percent last year. Hispanic students filled in gap and now comprise 15 percent of enrollment, up 14 percent. Black students are still Metro's racial majority, accounting for 48 percent, no change from last year.

Nashville Metro Transit Authority to hold public meeting

Tennessean Nashville Metro Transit Authority is hosting a public meeting to consider its master plan from 4 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the University School of Nashville, 2000 Edgehill Ave. “This is a first round of meetings to gather general ideas form Nashvillians on the future of their public transportation system,” said MTA CEO Paul Ballard. “We will have more public meetings to share the work on the new strategic plan as it progresses. Attendance at the meeting is not required for comment. Residents can also mail comments to MTA Planning Department, attn: Public Meeting Comments, 130 Nestor St. Nashville, 37210, fax to 862-6208, call MTA Customer Service at 862-5950 or email mta.publicmeetings@nashville.gov.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Davidson County crime log from Nov. 3-5

Council bill would ban alcohol at after-hours clubs

By MICHAEL CASS • Staff Writer (Tennessean) • November 11, 2008 Patrons of Nashville's after-hours clubs would no longer be able to bring their own alcohol to the establishments under Metro Council legislation being filed today. Councilwoman Anna Page said her bill would take all alcohol out of the clubs after 3 a.m. "If patrons want to drink after 3, they need to go home," said Page, a South Nashville councilwoman who recently introduced two other bills to make it more difficult for after-hours clubs to operate. The city's 14 after-hours clubs now allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages after 3 a.m., when bars are required by the city to stop serving alcohol. Page said the clubs would still be able to allow live music and dancing after 3. Contact Michael Cass at 259-8838 or mcass@tennessean.com.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Antioch boosters greet Santa today

The Antioch Pride Campaign's first holiday parade rolls at 2 today at Hickory Hollow Mall, 5252 Hickory Hollow Parkway. The first 200 children under 10 years old to arrive will get a gift card (limited to three per family) from Santa. All guests can register with radio station Mix 92.9 to win an iPod Chromatic and other prizes. Santa will throw candy in the parade, which includes appearances from a marching band and local churches, schools and businesses. Anyone interested in driving their cars and motorcycles in the parade are asked to line up at 1 p.m. in front of Steve and Barry's. The parade starts in front of Macy's and will circle the mall. — MARISSA DECUIR mdecuir@tennessean.com

Antioch students examine presidential election issues

Mock debate helps students increase critical thinkingBy Suzanne Normand • Blackwood • THE TENNESSEAN • November 7, 2008 Antioch High School debate students recently had a chance to demonstrate their oratory skills as well as the importance of staying informed on the issues. The school held a presidential debate Monday on election eve in which one team debated for Sen. Barack Obama, and one team debated for Sen. John McCain. The Obama team consisted of students Marlene Abdelnour, Matthew Benson and Chase Jones and English teacher Marc Quarles. The McCain team consisted of students Purvi Prema and Alexandra Mitchell, psychology teacher Eric Haines, and educational assistant Cephus Trotter of the school's Making A Change program. Carlos Maradiaga, 18, said he voted in Tuesday's historic U.S. election in which Obama was elected the first African-American president. Although he was pretty well informed before the debate, Carlos said the debate did give him some new information, especially about Obama. He said he thought both sides did well "at defending what they believe in." Debate coach Carrol Trusty said she encouraged the students to debate for the side they opposed. "You have to see both sides to do an accurate analysis of a topic," she said. "So in academic debate, they alternate sides." Trusty said doing this leads to "a tremendous increase in critical thinking." As a result, she said she saw in the audience "more of a split" than expected. Senior Tiffany Gains, who is a debate student, said getting the information out there is a huge part of a successful debate. But, added junior Fatma Ahmed, who is also a debate student, debate is more than "saying what you know." It's also getting up there and saying "what you know is right." The idea for the debate originated with a conversation that took place after school one day between a student and Assistant Principal Bruce Curtis, Trusty said. They began talking about the election, and Curtis jovially challenged the student to a debate. Topics mirrored actual ones Most of the debate focused on topics such as the economy; pork barrel spending; health care; the War in Iraq; and the two candidates' energy policies. Marlene, a senior who played the role of Obama, talked about Obama's plans for small business tax credits; his plan to withdraw troops from Iraq; his health-care policy; and his energy policy, among other issues. She said Obama's plans benefit the middle class, while McCain's plans benefit the rich. Regarding the War in Iraq, she spoke about a "cost-benefit analysis." "Is the cost of soldiers dying worth the benefit of patriotic pride?" she asked. Trotter, who played the role of McCain, talked about his "pro growth, pro job" strategy. Although Americans are "resilient," he said, "our economy today is in bad shape." "We feel like with the way the economy is today, we need leadership." Trotter said he was prepared to offer that leadership, but he wasn't so sure that his opponent was ready. Regarding McCain's energy policy, Trotter said, "we've got to separate ourselves from foreign oil." This means finding alternative sources of fuel, he added. Trotter pointed out how "McCain" said he would make health care available to everyone. "How are we going to do that?" he asked. Instead of subsidizing health-care companies, "We would be implementing our own universal health-care plan," Marlene responded. "Universal health care sounds a lot like socialism," countered Haines. Purvi, who is a senior, also questioned how Obama planned to fund his health-care plan. If the government were put in control of health care, "it would bankrupt us," she said. Students felt good afterward After the debate, junior Chase Jones, who was on the Obama team, said he felt his team really did its homework. "We knew our arguments," he said. Although he felt he should have put more thought into his arguments, Chase said he felt the team generally argued its points well. "I was really impressed," said Alexandra, a senior, pointing out how they lost a team member on the McCain side at the last minute to the flu. "We did really well under pressure," she said. "We were prepared, but not as prepared as we could have been," Alexandra added. But, she said, "we worked well together" and "our faculty helped. "They were very informative." Debate a 'tangible outcome' of private donations Antioch High School, which receives funding for its debate program by the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, is the only area public school that offers honors debate classes and has a public policy debate team. The alliance hopes to establish policy debate teams at other schools in the future through funding from its donors, said executive director Pam Garrett. At Antioch, she said, "We're very proud of the debate team." She said it has served as "an example of a number of programs in Metro schools where additional resources have made a difference." There are a number of areas "where we invest private dollars toward making our public schools great," and this debate is "one of the tangible outcomes," she said. Carlos Maradiaga said the debate did not influence his decision to vote, nor did it influence how he voted. "I had already decided," he said. "I keep up with all the debates. I went to the debate here in Nashville." Carlos, a student in the school's ROTC program and a member of the National Guard, said he was also partially influenced by his family. Bret Lanier, 17, said that even though he was not old enough to vote in this election, he believes the arguments in the debate were "well thought out."

English-only fallout hard to predict

Other cities' results offer little insight By Janell Ross • THE TENNESSEAN • November 8, 2008 When Davidson County residents go to the polls Jan. 22, they'll have one thing to consider: Should Nashville become the largest U.S. city to name English as its official language, limiting to English virtually everything from ordinary interactions with government to Metro publications and meetings? What's likely to happen if the plan passes is difficult to measure, based on results from other U.S. cities that have taken similar steps. Advocates have said it's a protective policy able to prevent social fissures and inspire or force English language learning, as well as a confirmation of the Founding Fathers' intent and a money-saver. And, said Metro Councilman Eric Crafton, who has been the driving force behind the conversation about language in Nashville for three years, there's something more: "A long-term effect will be kind of like an insurance policy. … English will be enshrined as our government's official language once and for all." Opponents argue that the measure would do nothing to help or encourage language learning, would make Nashville appear backward and unwelcoming, and potentially would dampen the city's economic and social development. The real value of English-language measures is that they officially identify English as the "controlling" language, said K.C. McAlpin, executive director of ProEnglish, an Arlington, Va.-based organization that supports measures to make English the official language and that provided most of the funding for the Nashville language campaign. The Southern Poverty Law Center, an Alabama-based group that monitors extremist activity, has described ProEnglish as a hate-group-affiliated organization because its founder is linked to organizations, such as the Federation for American Immigration Reform, that have been labeled hate groups. Results are mixed Around the country, 28 states and several cities and towns — all considerably smaller than Nashville — have taken steps to declare English the official language. In Farmer's Branch, Texas, population 27,485, a 2006 English-language measure that included exceptions for matters of public safety led the city to stop sending out notices on water bills in both English and Spanish, and city signs bearing both languages were changed. It remains in effect. "You could also look at what's happened in Farmer's Branch and then look at what's happened in New York City, where Mayor Michael Bloom berg just signed an executive order commanding city offices to (be equipped to) operate in six languages," McAlpin said. "That could have never happened if a law like they have in Farmer's Branch were in place in New York." Farmer's Branch city staff reached this week could not quantify cost savings attributable to the new policy. There also are cities where English-only measures haven't had much of a tangible impact because they haven't remained on the books for long. In Pahrump, Nev., population 24,631, a 2006 ordinance called for all official government business to be conducted in English, keeping legally required public notices out of non-English-speaking publications. Town leaders repealed the measure on the grounds that it may be unconstitutional and un enforceable. And in Valley Park, Mo., population 6,302, a 2006 English-language measure became law along with a requirement that landlords and business owners verify the legal immigration status of renters and employees. At points, all have been the subject of litigation. The English-language and landlord measures were repealed because of legal concerns. Litigation related to the two measures has cost Valley Park at least $200,000, according to public records obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri. On Tuesday, 86 percent of Missouri voters approved a statewide measure making English the state's official language and barring translation services in most cases. But, because the state does not provide any such services, the impact is largely symbolic, said Anthony Rothert, legal director for the ACLU of Eastern Missouri. Nashville is different In Nashville, the measure that voters will consider does include exceptions for matters of health or public safety. And because the change would be to the Metro Charter and not merely an ordinance, it would not be subject to the same sort of council repeals that undid English language measures in other cities. Instead, a separate charter amendment effort would have to be mounted to alter or eliminate it. But the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee has made clear that it will take whatever steps are necessary to block the measure, including litigation. But should the language measure receive voter approval, it may also be stymied by something else. "If the ordinance is passed on January 22, most people, as they go about their lives, won't notice any difference whatsoever," said Jim Boulet Jr., executive director of Springfield, Va.-based English First. English First is a nonprofit organization that advocates for federal law making English the nation's official language. "That's been our experience with these things. ...The reality is that most of the language mandates that drive people crazy are federally mandated." Contact Janell Ross at 615-726-5982 or jross1@tennessean.com.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Bell Road across dam will close temporarily

Tennessean The section of Bell Road that runs across J. Percy Priest Dam will shut down temporarily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 17-20, for a couple of construction-related projects. The road needs some maintenance work, and also a valve for water quality control will be installed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today. For more information, call the J. Percy Priest Lake Resource Managers Office at 615-889-1975.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Obama wins White House

WKRN Channel 2 News Barack Obama has been elected president of the United States, the first African American ever to win the White House. With victories in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other battleground states, the 47-year-old Democratic senator built a commanding lead over Republican rival John McCain. A huge crowd gathered in Chicago's Grant Park to cheer his improbable triumph and await his first public speech as president-elect. McCain gave his concession speech shortly before 10:30 p.m. Central Time. Obama followed with his acceptance speech not long after. "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," he told the crowd. In his concession speech, McCain urged all Americans to join him in congratulating Obama on his election victory. He also said despite their differences, he was willing to work with Obama in the future. "Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face," he said. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate, was standing with him but she did not speak. Afterwards, she mingled with the crowd, talking to supporters and taking pictures. Many of Palin's fans said they want her back on the Republican presidential ticket in four years. Obama surged in the polls in recent weeks, campaigning as the candidate of change. The son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas, he was rather unknown when he made his first run for the Senate, giving a speech just four years ago at the Democratic National Convention. Emphasizing his early opposition to the Iraq war, Obama defeated Senator Hillary Clinton after a long, bruising primary fight. He then beat back Republican efforts to portray him as reckless, naive and inexperienced and combated Internet misinformation questioning his religion and patriotism. Obama attracted millions of first-time voters in his fight to become president and brought the historic American election to the attention of the entire world. *The Associated Press contributed to this report

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day November 4th

Councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite works early morning for Senator Obama on Murfreesboro Road.

Monday, November 3, 2008

50 lbs. pot seized from Antioch home

WKRN Channel 2 News Posted: Oct 31, 2008 05:12 PM CDT Updated: Nov 1, 2008 07:22 PM CDT A residential alarm in south Nashville led to a drug bust early Friday morning. Metro police said they responded to a burglar alarm on Took Drive in Antioch and found evidence of marijuana in the home. "While inside they found evidence that marijuana was being stored here at the location. The scene was held until we could obtain a search warrant and we searched the premises," Det. Jeff Barker said. Police seized 50 pounds of marijuana, hundreds of prescription pills, a large amount of cash and three vehicles. They are working to identify suspects.

Will Dean take helm of Nashville schools?

Groundwork laid for Metro takeover in the event state benchmarks aren't met By Jaime Sarrio and Michael Cass • THE TENNESSEAN • November 3, 2008 Mayor Karl Dean is preparing himself to assume control of Nashville schools should the district again fail to meet state testing benchmarks this school year. The mayor has already hired two new education advisers and said he plans to add more. He is raising millions in private money to fund pet school reform projects and plans to meet with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who assumed control of the school district there in 2002. Questions linger about what a mayoral takeover in Nashville would look like and whether Gov. Phil Bredesen — who could have the final say — would appoint Dean to take the helm. But Dean said he is getting ready for any scenario. "I am preparing myself for any eventuality and that is something that is clearly on the table," Dean said. "And if we make progress and that is not an option, I am still going to be involved in schools." Metro schools are under partial state control because the district as a whole has failed to meet testing standards for five years. State education officials this summer made drastic changes to the district's top personnel and principal lineup, and will have even more control next year if students fail to meet benchmarks again. The law gives the state the authority to wipe out the school board and appoint a new governing body. Metro is also without a schools director, and the mayor's undefined role could further complicate the search. Dean said he believes the city should hire an interim director until the district's future is clearer; state officials and the board want more permanent leadership. Either way, Dean said he wants to have a plan should the governor ask for one in August, when test scores are released. He's been watching the success of mayoral takeovers in other cities such as Washington and New York and is interested in letting the country know that Nashville wants to be a major player in school reform. "It all goes back to accountability and you can have the real political accountability in the mayor's office — all the attention is there," he said. "The board of education, whether that's the right structure for where we are now, I don't know." New law may be needed The state legislature would have to pass a law to give the mayor control over the schools, or the education commissioner — who is appointed by Bredesen — could hand over power under the federal No Child Left Behind law. Lydia Lenker, the governor's spokeswoman, said it is premature to say whether legislation will be needed. "Whether there is a need for legislation will be determined by the path Mayor Dean and Metro take to improve the school system," she said. "The governor has been focused more on raising standards at the state level. That will help all schools and systems across Tennessee, not just Metro." About a month ago, the governor invited Dean to a meeting with representatives from New York and Louisiana, where state officials are reshaping the New Orleans school district. Representatives from the Broad Foundation, an education reform nonprofit whose supporters include mayor-appointed chancellors from the D.C. and New York school districts, also attended. Lenker said the meeting was about general school improvement strategies not specific to Metro. If Dean were to take over the schools, Nashville would be the first metropolitan, or city-county, district in the country to have a mayor in charge, said Kenneth Wong, a former Vanderbilt University professor, and author of the book The Education Mayor. "That really creates a more interesting dynamic because you have a more diverse community to balance things out — racially and incomewise," Wong said. "There are real opportunities, with the right kind of governance, to turn around this system." Other cities are finding mayoral takeovers to be effective because they create more accountability, Wong said. The mayor's role looks different from city to city, but oftentimes he will appoint a school board to serve as an oversight committee, or create other boards for public representation and input. Chamber involved Public support also plays an important role, Wong said. And so far, at least one powerful group is open to the idea. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing Wong in talk about his book in December. Ralph Schulz, president and CEO of the chamber, said the organization hopes to start a community conversation about the next step for Metro schools if they struggle again this year. "We're looking down the line at next August, when the state may end up in full control of the school system," Schulz said. "At that point, there will be a decision to make about which form of governance this system will work best under." Schulz said the chamber wants to learn from Wong's research instead of just batting around opinions. Private businessmen were also essential in helping Dean create his Education First Fund, a pool of money that paid for recruitment services like Teach for America and the New Teacher Project as well as new staff positions. Ben Rechter, a businessman who helped Dean raise money for the Education First Fund and contributed to it himself, said fundraisers have brought in more than $3 million for the fund. "He's doing everything he knows how to do with the authority he has," Rechter said. "Beyond that, I do feel he's preparing himself to deal with whatever the next transition is, and that'll be dictated by the state." Some don't back takeover But not everyone is convinced a mayoral takeover is necessary. Bob Teague, who has one child in Metro schools and two who have graduated from the system, said No Child Left Behind creates an impossible standard of perfection, but the schools are making gains. "The NCLB standard is not the only standard for success in Metro schools," said Teague, a business and technology consultant. "A lot of progress has been made based on earlier plans and earlier leadership and earlier influences." Tammy Grissom, executive director of the Tennessee School Boards Association, agrees. "I think the mayor has several responsibilities I don't know how the mayor would have time to run a school system," she said. "I think there is a separate legislative body that oversees schools for that reason." The mayor is assembling a team to help him identify the problems in Metro schools and introduce new initiatives in Nashville. Danielle Mezera, director of the Mayor's Office of Children and Youth, is Dean's top education adviser and was a major force in bringing Teach for America to Metro. Dean's also hired two new staff members — Candy Markman, who will coordinate afternoon initiatives, and Laura Hansen, a Metro schools employee who was hired to offer the mayor an insider's look at district protocol. "I am building a team to help me with my planning and to help me with the initiatives I would like to see done in the area of reform," he said. "And I am not done yet." While the mayor is building his staff, the board of education is trying to fill a critical position — director of schools. Board members held a retreat Saturday and scheduled dates next month to interview finalists for the position. Pedro Garcia quit in January after conflicts with the board. The board hired a firm to recruit candidates, but the search has been complicated by the district's uncertain future. Dean believes the district should find an interim director until it is clear whether test scores will improve. "One advantage that has been argued for mayoral involvement is that mayors tend to be able to have a little more leeway with who they select for directors," he said. School board Chairman David Fox said the board is continuing its search and acting under the assumption that the district will make gains this year. State officials advised the board to select a more permanent leader, someone who will build on the state's changes. When asked about the mayor's relationship with the board, Fox declined to comment, but said it did appear the mayor was getting things in order. "I assume he is putting himself in a position to have a plan if he is asked to step up," he said.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Davidson County crime log for Oct. 23-26, 2008

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. Oct. 26 Antioch 10:18 p.m., residential burglary, 5100 block Rice Road Donelson 12:27 p.m., holdup/robbery, 400 block Donelson Pike 9:45 p.m., holdup/robbery, 500 block Donelson Pike Hermitage 12:22 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 800 block Briley Parkway 7:34 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 400 block Tulip Grove Road 1:28 p.m., residential burglary, 2100 block Snook Drive 2:19 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 4000 block Andrew Jackson Way Priest Lake 4:49 p.m., residential burglary, 6100 block Mt. View Road South 6:58 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 1300 block Murfreesboro Pike 10:14 p.m., residential burglary, 800 block Murfreesboro Pike 10:32 p.m., residential burglary, 400 block Foothill Drive Oct. 25 Antioch 8:20 a.m., residential burglary, 100 block Hickory Hollow Terrace Donelson 12:50 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 2700 block Old Elm Hill Pike 12:51 p.m., holdup/robbery, 200 block Ellery Court 1:43 p.m., kidnapping, 500 block Donelson Pike Hermitage 4:08 a.m., holdup/robbery, 1000 block Murfreesboro Pike 10:15 a.m., residential burglary, 5800 block Seven Points Trace 10:49 a.m., holdup/robbery, 10 block Fairfield Avenue 2:27 p.m., residential burglary, 800 block Netherlands Drive 7:59 p.m., holdup/robbery, 100 block Spence Lane South 3:26 a.m., holdup/robbery, 900 block Winthorne Drive 6:50 a.m., holdup/robbery, 1900 block Old Murfreesboro Pike 10:59 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 1200 block Antioch Pike 5:54 p.m., holdup/robbery, 5200 block Harding Place 8:08 p.m., holdup/robbery, 2700 block Murfreesboro Pike 9:44 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 5700 block Edmondson Pike Oct. 24 Antioch 5:08 p.m., residential burglary, 4800 block Terragon Trail Donelson 3:48 p.m., residential burglary, 3400 block Harborwood Circle 4:35 p.m., holdup/robbery, 500 block Donelson Pike Hermitage 9:24 a.m., residential burglary, 200 block Millwood Drive 9:58 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 4800 block Lebanon Pike 11:11 a.m., rape, at James Kay Lane 7:13 p.m., residential burglary, 1300 block Tulip Grove Road Priest Lake 2:25 p.m., holdup/robbery, 3000 block Smith Springs Road 10:03 p.m., holdup/robbery, 4300 block Cambridge Drive South 4:01 a.m., holdup/robbery, 800 block Murfreesboro Pike 7:06 a.m., holdup/robbery, 1100 block Murfreesboro Pike 7:45 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 1200 block Lewis Street 9:18 a.m., residential burglary, 1900 block Murfreesboro Pike 11:09 a.m., residential burglary, 800 block Murfreesboro Pike 3:19 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 400 block Metroplex Drive 3:39 p.m., residential burglary, 700 block Bell Road 5:11 p.m., residential burglary, 300 block Cedarcreek Drive 8:02 p.m., shooting, 800 block Murfreesboro Pike Oct. 23 Antioch 5:05 p.m., holdup/robbery, 5200 block Hickory Hollow Parkway 7:05 p.m., residential burglary, 2600 block Oak Forest Drive 9:03 p.m., residential burglary, 2600 block Oak Forest Drive 9:59 p.m., holdup/robbery, 500 block Piccadilly Row Donelson 11:43 a.m., residential burglary, 1800 block Jackson Downs Boulevard 7:06 p.m., residential burglary, 200 block McGavock Pike Hermitage 10:39 a.m., holdup/robbery, 4400 block Lebanon Pike 10:50 a.m., holdup/robbery, 4400 block Lebanon Pike 11:38 a.m., residential burglary, 400 block Yosemite Court 5:12 p.m., residential burglary, 4200 block Laurenwood Drive 8:01 p.m., residential burglary, 4100 block Pepperwood Drive 11:20 p.m., holdup/robbery, 300 block Millwood Drive Priest Lake 6:33 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 2800 block Smith Springs Road 3:44 p.m., residential burglary, 3000 block Anderson Road 6:13 p.m., residential burglary, 3000 block Fieldstone Drive 11:38 p.m., holdup/robbery, 3500 block Roundwood Forest Drive South 4:53 a.m., residential burglary, 800 block Murfreesboro Pike 5:37 a.m., holdup/robbery, 1100 block Murfreesboro Pike 6:18 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 400 block Houston Street 9:58 a.m., nonresidential burglary, 2700 block Murfreesboro Pike 4:36 p.m., holdup/robbery, 5300 block Hickory Hollow Parkway 5:58 p.m., nonresidential burglary, 2700 block Murfreesboro Pike 6:20 p.m., residential burglary, 5800 block Monroe Crossing

WHERE TO GET AID

Metro Action Commission can provide credits for utility bills to Davidson County residents. The office is at 1624 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville, or call 615-862-8860. Information and applications are available on its website, www.nashville.gov/mac.

The Martha O’Bryan Center has emergency aid for rent and utilities. Contact its main office at 711 S. Seventh St., call 615-254-1791 or go to its website at http://www.marthaobryan.org/

Other resources are available by calling the United Way’s 211 number. Advisers there will get specific information about your needs and eligibility and refer you to agencies and programs that can offer assistance.