Crime up on Tennessee campuses

By Heidi Hall • The Tennessean • March 31, 2010 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report out this morning says campus crime was up about 9 percent in 2009, the first increase in five years. The biggest reason given by universities, it said, was increased enrollment prompted by the recession. Here are some highlights: * Most of the crimes were theft or larceny -- 38.5 percent. * Drug violations were up 16 percent. * Fraud was up 75 percent. * Rapes increased from 12 in 2008 to 17 in 2009

Crime Briefs: Nashville police charge shooting suspect in earlier homicide

Tennesean April 1, 2010 A man who shot and wounded a staffer from the Davidson County Public Defender's office last summer has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old woman. After 11 months of investigation, Metro Police say they have tied Antwain Green, 27, to the death of Jazma Jackson, of Kingview Drive. Jackson was walking into the house at 2545 Highland Trace Drive on April 29, 2009, when she was shot, police said. Green is in jail on attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault charges in connection with the August 2009 shooting of Carrie Gleaves, 35, an intern working in the Public Defender's Office. Gleaves was shot in the arm while helping an assistant public defender interview a client in the University Court apartment complex. — NICOLE YOUNG Cab driver charged in rape of Fort Campbell soldier A Yellow Cab driver has been charged with the rape of a 21-year-old Fort Campbell soldier after she hired him to drive her home. From a lineup of about 200 Yellow Cab drivers, the victim picked Abdiwahab Kheir, 26, of Whispering Oaks Place, as the person who raped her on Feb. 28, Metro Police said The Tennessean does not identify sexual assault victims. The soldier said she called a cab after visiting a downtown nightclub, but instead of taking her home, the driver took her to the rear of the Yellow Cab Company headquarters on Third Avenue South, where he attacked her. She told police the driver dropped her off at the Greyhound Station on Eighth Avenue after the rape. She hired another cab to take her to Fort Campbell and reported the attack. Kheir was arrested Tuesday and taken to General Hospital. He refused to take an HIV test, later given by court order, and refused to talk to police. Investigators are urging any other possible victims to call the department's Sex Crimes Unit at 862-7540. — NICOLE YOUNG

Recycling initiatives offer tangible benefits

By Wendy Koch • USA TODAY • March 29, 2010 Americans are being paid to save energy and recycle. A growing number of private and public programs are offering cash, gift cards and other rewards such as cupcakes and massages for eco-friendly behavior. "We definitely see this as a trend," said Jennifer Berry of Earth911, a group that runs a recycling database. "When you give people a reward for positive behavior, they're more likely to participate." The incentives go beyond federal tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades: • U.S. cities are partnering with New York-based RecycleBank to give people points based on how much they recycle. Points can be redeemed at local stores, most commonly $10 grocery gift cards. They also get discounts on eBay purchases. "We reward people for doing the right thing," said Ron Gonen, who founded the company in 2004. Los Angeles announced last month that it would try the program with 15,000 households for a year. That boosts participation to 300 cities in 26 states. • Thousands of households in all 50 states have registered to earn reward points for energy conservation through Earth Aid, a company based in Washington. Its software tracks utility bills and, based on savings, offers points to be redeemed at stores. "It's icing on the cake," Chief Executive Officer Ben Bixby said, because participants also benefit by lowering their utility bills. RecycleBank is starting a similar program in Chicago. • CVS Pharmacy gives customers $1 vouchers for every four times they skip using a plastic bag. Many grocery stores offer 5 cents for every reusable bag customers carry. • Companies such as Gazelle.com are paying people for used gadgets such as MP3 players, which they recycle if the items can't be resold. • Two states, New York and Connecticut, expanded their "bottle bills" last year. Bills in 11 states pay customers to return used bottles, typically a nickel each. Berry says those states have higher recycling rates.

H1N1 flu may be on rebound in Southeast

Vaccine still plentiful, TN health officials say By Christina E. Sanchez • THE TENNESSEAN • March 29, 2010 The fresh smell of newly cut grass is in the air, birds are bustling and the temperature is heating up. Signs abound that it is spring, a time many equate with the end of flu season. But the H1N1 flu virus isn't gone. In fact, the southeastern United States, including Tennessee, has seen a slight increase in H1N1 cases. Clusters of cases have been reported in Nashville and Knoxville, according to Tennessee health officials. The pandemic virus can last for up to two years. This spring marks the end of year one. Health officials are hoping people will get one of the million remaining H1N1 vaccine shots, especially since another wave of H1N1 cases could be looming. About two-thirds of Americans have not gotten the vaccine. The shot is free and is available at local health departments, retail stores and doctors' offices. "H1N1 never went away; the disease is still out there," said Dr. Kelly Moore, director of the state immunization program. "Because this is a new strain of flu, it could hang around and cause local flare-ups for weeks or months to come." In Knoxville, several recent deaths could be linked to H1N1, said Knox County Medical Director Dr. Martha Buchanan. It's hard to say how many, Buchanan said. "They may get sick at home and come to the hospital with something else and not even know they have" the flu. Health officials aren't sure whether the recent rise in the number of H1N1 cases in this region represents the expected third wave of the pandemic. Tennessee has seen two waves, as has much of the rest of the country. The first wave occurred in April 2009. The spread of the virus slowed over the summer and picked up again when school resumed in August. Flu is unpredictable, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University and liaison member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. "The southeastern part of the U.S. is seeing a small increase in cases again," Schaffner said, stopping short of saying the spike would continue. "I would still say the best thing people can do to protect themselves is to get vaccinated against H1N1." Tennessee health officials don't track how many H1N1 cases the state sees, but they check a sample of flu tests sent to their lab each week. About 23 percent of samples are testing positive for H1N1. The state knows that H1N1 in Tennessee has killed 66 people, of whom 13 were children. Nationwide estimates of the impact of H1N1 show that the virus has made about 60 million people sick, has led to 265,000 hospitalizations and has caused more than 17,000 deaths, according to the CDC. "The H1N1 flu virus has caused substantial outbreaks of disease outside of the normal influenza seasons," said Dr. Tim Jones, state epidemiologist. "Our surveillance systems show that the virus is still active in Tennessee and could continue to cause local outbreaks for weeks or months." There's still plenty of vaccine to go around. The federal government has shipped 124 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine around the country and will order more if people want it; about 70 million doses have been given nationwide. Tennessee's health department distributed 2.5 million doses, though the agency does not track how many have been given out to people Reid Huffman, a sophomore at Belmont University, is one person who has not gotten the vaccine. He was surprised to hear that H1N1 was still an issue, and he doesn't think he'll get the shot. "I just didn't want to bother with it," Huffman said about why he initially didn't get it. "You can spend your time worrying about every bad thing that might happen … but that can take up a lot of time." Combo shot planned Next year, people won't have to get two flu shots. The regular seasonal flu shot, which includes up to three flu strains each year, will include H1N1. The timing will be good, since the CDC believes that's when the next wave could hit. Health officials are watching the Southern Hemisphere to see how H1N1 plays out there. The countries there are in the fall season. Health officials are asking doctors or clinics with the H1N1 vaccine to hold on to the solo H1N1 vaccine in case the next wave hits before the seasonal vaccine becomes available. "We're concerned about people who haven't been vaccinated, particularly pregnant women and young adults with underlying health conditions," Moore said. "The vaccine doesn't do anyone any good sitting on a shelf, and people shouldn't wait to get it."

Metro Nashville budget talks find no slash is too deep

Mayor, Metro departments to discuss next year's cutsBy Michael Cass • THE TENNESSEAN • March 29, 2010 Metro libraries would lose as much as half of their hours. Public Works would stop picking up brush from residents' yards and close all but four recycling drop-off sites. More than 90 police officers would no longer serve and protect. Those are some of the grim scenarios painted by Metro departments after Mayor Karl Dean asked them to explain how they would handle a 7.5 percent cut in another difficult budget year. With the economy still struggling and state sales taxes underperforming, the city will have to decide how to maintain essential services. Facing 10 percent unemployment and coming off approval of a controversial, $585 million convention center, Dean could be reluctant to raise property taxes. But as Dean starts holding public hearings with each department today to discuss the 2010-11 budget, it's clear that some proposals are less palatable than others. The mayor will protect education, public safety and direct services to the public as much as possible, while other areas will be more likely to feel the pinch. "It's very unlikely that 92 police officers are going to be taken off the streets," Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling said last week. "I don't see any dramatic changes to the areas of the mayor's priorities." The mayor's operating budget proposal is due to the Metro Council by May 1. The council must set the budget by June 30. Metro's current-year budget is $1.54 billion. The departmental scenarios would lay off hundreds of city employees, increase a few fees and cut direct assistance to some poor residents. The county clerk would eliminate its Green Hills satellite office for vehicle registration renewals, and parking at Metro Council meetings would no longer be free. The Parks and Recreation Department would reduce tree planting and landscape maintenance and open Wave Country at 11 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday, except on Labor Day and Memorial Day. But Riebeling and other officials stressed that the process is just beginning. Layoff numbers wound up well below initial projections in each of Dean's first two budgets, and some departments' cuts were less than the percentages that guided each process. "We just have to dig into it," Riebeling said. Libraries may cut hours The Nashville Public Library's main building downtown, which is closed on Mondays under the current budget, wouldn't see any changes in hours. But the five area libraries — Bordeaux, Edmondson Pike, Green Hills, Hermitage and Madison — would go from 50 hours a week to 40, and each community branch would drop from 40 hours a week to 20. Deanna Larson, a library spokeswoman, said a 7.5 percent budget cut would make it difficult to staff the 15 community branches full time. The goal, she said, is to have the branches fully functioning as much as possible. "We don't want to open with a skeleton staff of one person," Larson said. She said the community branches generally serve fewer people than the larger area libraries. Metro Public Works would make a number of cuts to direct services that residents have come to rely on. Residential brush pickup, which has gradually been reduced from monthly to five times a year to three times a year, would go away altogether. Eight of the city's 12 recycling drop-off sites would close. Unless productivity numbers change before the fiscal year ends, the only centers to remain open would be Green Hills, Bellevue, Elysian Fields and Hermitage. Billy Lynch, Public Works director, said he'll be disappointed if those services have to go. But if the 38 layoffs the department is proposing come through, the Public Works staff will have been reduced from 572 employees to 325 — a 43 percent reduction — in six years. "We had exhausted all options," Lynch said. "We had to take a step back and say, 'What are we mandated by law to do?' " So if it loses 7.5 percent of its funding, Public Works will focus on picking up trash, maintaining roadways and traffic signals, and performing other required services, he said. Public safety jobs at risk Along with the 92 police officers, the cuts would eliminate 91 firefighters and engineers, 23 fire captains and eight of 55 fire companies. Eighty-seven sheriff's office correction officers and warrant deputies also would be cut. The police force has 1,365 officers, spokesman Don Aaron said Friday. "Any loss of officers would diminish the department's effectiveness," Aaron said. "But we know the mayor's priorities haven't changed." The Metro school district, which will meet with Dean on April 13 about its budget, has a $25 million budget shortfall. It plans to make up some ground by paying bus drivers for seven hours per day instead of eight. The district also would contract out custodial and landscaping duties to a company that promises to hire current school employees. Riebeling said he can't promise at this point that the city will find the money to meet all of the schools' needs. "That's the $25 million question," he said. "Right now, it's a challenge. It's a sizable number we've got to come up with." The hearing schedule is online at: www.nashville.gov/citizens_budget/hearings_mayor_schedule.asp. All hearings will be broadcast live by Metro 3 on cable and online via streaming video at www.nashville.gov/metro3.

Wooded Rapist convicted in third case

Tennessean A Davidson County jury took less than an hour Thursday to return the third rape conviction against the man police and prosecutors call the Wooded Rapist. Robert Jason Burdick was found guilty of aggravated rape and especially aggravated kidnapping in a 2000 attack on a south Nashville mother and daughter, according to Susan Niland, spokeswoman for the Davidson County district attorney's office. He broke into the home and held the mother and her grown daughter at gunpoint, according to testimony in the trial before Criminal Court Judge Seth Norman. The two women testified that he forced the mother to keep three young children in another room while he raped the daughter and later made her take a shower. DNA taken from a rape kit was matched to Burdick. His lawyers tried to show that there were problems with the DNA testing, but the jury apparently didn't buy that argument. Norman will sentence Burdick on May 5. He faces up to 50 years on the two convictions. Burdick is already serving 42 years after convictions in two other rape cases. He faces more charges in Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties. His next trial is set for Oct. 11 in Davidson County.

Davidson clerk's office to expedite passports

DAVIDSON COUNTY The Davidson County Clerk's office will accept and process passport applications from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For one day only, applicants in need of expedited passport processing can request this $96 service at no extra charge. The office ordinarily accepts and processes passport applications from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday though Friday. Starting in 2007, American citizens were supposed to have passports to visit nearby countries and regions including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and all the countries in the Caribbean. But application backlogs led the State and Homeland Security departments to delay the deadline for travelers to June 2009. To remind Americans of the need for passports, the State Department named Saturday "Passport Day in the USA." Applications will be accepted Saturday at the clerk's main office at 523 Mainstream Drive in MetroCenter. Visit www.dcclerkonline.com/passports.php for detailed information about what documents, photos and fees applicants must provide. — JANELL ROSS THE TENNESSEAN

MTSU student finds cash in parking lot and makes someone's day

He turns it in and Arby's rewards him with $1,000 scholarship; owner is 'shocked' to get money back By Mark Bell • GANNETT TENNESSEE • March 26, 2010 MURFREESBORO — An MTSU student was rewarded Thursday for the "integrity" he showed in turning in $1,200 he found in an Arby's parking lot. There's "no question" that Dallas Blackwell deserved to be rewarded, said Melissa Howard, director of operations for the Nashville Arby's district. The reward, a $1,000 scholarship, was presented at Arby's Northwest Broad Street restaurant. "We as a company see integrity as one of our key behaviors, and Dallas reflected that well in the decision he made to turn the money in to the police," Howard said. "He could have very easily have kept it and used it, but it was about doing the right thing." Blackwell's father, Lucky Blackwell, said he was very proud of his son. "It's not unexpected because that's just the way he is," Lucky Blackwell said. "I don't take credit for it. Everybody makes their own choices. "He's always done the right thing and he cares about other people. I've always told him just to do the right thing. "There's always consequences for your decision-making, right or wrong." Lucky Blackwell also believes his son's experience of losing about $300 at a bank played a factor in the return of the money. "He was at a bank and had $300 in an envelope and left it in there," he said. "He went back to get it there and it was gone." Dallas Blackwell said he's "had a lot of people call me to say thank you" for what he did. "One person came to me and said she was kind of losing hope in humanity and by doing what I did . . . a little bit of faith in humanity was restored," he said. He thanked Arby's for the scholarship and said it was totally unexpected. "This shows that if you do the right thing, good things happen in return," he said. The biggest reward of all, Blackwell said, was the look on the face of the man who got his money back. The man was not identified. "I met with him the day he went to go claim it," he said. "I didn't expect anything more than a thank you, but he decided to give me $100 from his pocket. "He said it turned his stomach upside down when he lost his money. He thought he would never get that back. When he found out from friends that someone turned it in he was shocked. "It makes me feel really good to know that I made a difference in someone's life like that."

Autism Speaks and Dollar General Launch Fundraising Campaign for Autism Awareness Month

Press Release Source: Dollar General On Tuesday March 23, 2010, 11:04 am EDT GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, and Dollar General (NYSE: DG - News), the nation’s largest discount retailer by number of stores, today announced their partnership to increase awareness of autism and raise funds for autism research and advocacy during Autism Awareness Month in April. To kick off the month-long campaign, Dollar General has donated $50,000 to Autism Speaks. “We are excited to partner with Dollar General and very grateful for their support and commitment to our cause,” said Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks. “This partnership will raise critical funds for our research and advocacy efforts and also bring our awareness message to Dollar General’s millions of customers.” Throughout April, Dollar General will offer customers the opportunity to make donations to Autism Speaks during check-out. In addition, the Autism Speaks puzzle piece logo will appear on Dollar General’s NASCAR Nationwide Series No. 32 car and Sarah Fisher’s No. 67 IZOD IndyCar Series car for the month of April to drive awareness for the campaign. Dollar General will make an additional $50,000 donation to Autism Speaks for every race won by either Dollar General car in April. “We are proud to partner with Autism Speaks to support the fight against autism,” said Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Dollar General. “Many of our customers are affected by this disorder, and we are happy to offer them the opportunity to help fund research for the cause.” About Autism Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown. About Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. About the Co-Founders Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. He also serves on the boards of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Suzanne Wright has an extensive history of active involvement in community and philanthropic endeavors, mostly directed toward helping children. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is a Trustee Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater. In 2008, the Wrights were named to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world for their commitment to global autism advocacy. About Dollar General Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with more than 8,800 neighborhood stores. Dollar General stores provide convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The company has a longstanding tradition of supporting literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $40 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 2.1 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency.

Tennessee To Send Out 853 Layoff Notices This Week

News Channel 5 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Governor Phil Bredesen said Tennessee will mail out over 800 layoff notices to state employees this week. Another 300 hundred notices will go out in the next several months. The Democratic governor said Wednesday that the layoffs are being made for "business reasons" amid bleak budget conditions. Bredesen said the laid off workers will be given three months notice that their jobs are being eliminated. They will also be paid $3,200 in severance and be eligible for college tuition credits. Bredesen said notices will be sent out to 853 workers mostly in the intellectual disabilities and children's services field. Another 317 will be sent to workers over the next six months as the state shuts down the Clover Bottom long-term care facility for the mentally disabled in Nashville. (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Nashville gets $7.5 million to fight obesity

City will use grant to promote healthier lifestyles; 1 of 5 children and 2 of 3 adults in the city are overweight By Christina E. Sanchez • THE TENNESSEAN • March 24, 2010 If people don't have a bike, the city will rent them one. If someone can't drive to get an apple, the city will bring fresh fruits and vegetables to nearby stores. If people won't stroll outside because of a lack of sidewalks, the city will build them. Nashville health officials say they know how to shrink waistlines, and a new $7.5 million federal grant will get the city started. One of five children and two of three adults in the city are overweight, and obesity-related medical costs in the state were more than $1.5 billion in 2008. The state's ranking as fourth fattest in the nation is a glaring reminder of the work that needs to be done. "For the first time, our children may not live as long as we do because of obesity, diabetes and a failure to eat healthy and partake in physical activities," said Dr. Bill Paul, director of the Metro Public Health Department. "We want to make Nashville healthier. We're already starting." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Nashville an obesity prevention grant that will be used over two years to target the city's obesity epidemic. The money will be used to: • Make safe walking routes to school for children, an initiative in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools. • Begin The Golden Sneaker program, which will help teachers incorporate physical activity and healthy eating into the curriculum. • Create bike rental kiosks around Nashville so people can see the city and get exercise at the same time. • Promote healthy eating by putting fresh foods in corner stores and neighborhood markets. • Increase awareness about cyclists and motorists sharing the road and improve policy and signs on shared roads. Initiative to create jobs The health department will create 40 full-time jobs and 40 part-time jobs to run the program, which includes collaboration with the mayor, Metro public schools, the chamber of commerce and local advocacy groups. The department will post jobs and begin hiring key positions immediately. Nashville was the only city in the state to get the federal money, though Shelby, Knox and Hamilton counties also applied. More than $372 million was awarded to 44 cities nationwide for the initiative, Communities Putting Prevention to Work, aimed at reducing obesity and smoking, and increasing physical activity. Adults and children will be targeted. A recent Harvard study found that rapid weight gain in the first six months of life increases a child's chances of being obese by age 3. In some obese toddlers, doctors see signs of hardening arteries around the heart. Too much fast food, sugar-sweetened drinks and increasingly sedentary lives aren't helping. Obesity can lead to higher rates of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, increased chances for breast and colon cancer, and greater likelihood of liver or gallbladder diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Due to lifestyle choices, too many Americans are experiencing preventable disease that lessen their quality of life and shorten their life span," Mayor Karl Dean said. "The people of Nashville are no exception." Progress reports Nashville health officials will work with the CDC to monitor — monthly, quarterly, annually and at the program's end — the impact on people's health and waistlines. Measurements of success will come from looking at policies and systems in place. For example, are more people getting on bikes available for rent? Is healthy food made available in communities without grocery stores? "We want to ensure we are on the right track, and if we don't measure along the way, we won't achieve a healthier community," said Dr. Alisa Haushalter, bureau director for the local health department and lead writer for the city's federal grant application. The state is grappling with how to turn the obesity epidemic around and get people to quit smoking. Tennessee was awarded nearly $2 million in grants to work on policies that include requiring physical activity in child-care settings and increasing anti-smoking programs. In Tennessee, more than 30 percent of adults are considered obese — about 68 percent are overweight — and among children, about 17 percent of whom are obese. The obesity and diabetes epidemics don't help the state's overall health rating; the United Health Foundation ranks Tennessee 44th in the U.S. "Most Tennesseans want to do the right thing, but if they have to get on a bus to get healthy food, it's hard," State Health Commissioner Susan Cooper said. "If you look at public health, our role is to create an environment of health. Reforming health sits square in the middle of the health debate going on now."

Tennessee considers extra fines for 'super speeders'

By Erik Schelzig • ASSOCIATED PRESS • March 18, 2010 Tennessee lawmakers are considering ways to add new monetary penalties for speeding drivers as a way to boost funding for the state's trauma centers, where speeders often wind up needing treatment. As introduced, the "super speeders" bill would fine drivers $200 for traveling 15 mph above the speed limit. Republican Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin said he plans to rewrite the bill to target drivers going more than 25 mph above the posted speed limit. A vote was rescheduled Tuesday for the next Senate Transportation Committee meeting on March 23. The move to add penalties comes amid dwindling tickets issued by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Troopers wrote half as many speeding tickets in 2008 as in 2001. During the same period, the number of ticketed drivers who would have met the original "super speeder" criteria proposed in the bill rose from 21 percent to 27 percent. Statistical analysts at the Safety Department say there isn't any single factor that explains the decrease in traffic citations, spokesman Mike Browning said. Possible reasons include decreased travel speeds, higher gas prices and the number of troopers assigned around the state. The super speeders proposal mirrors a law that went into effect in Georgia this year. Johnson said the bill is needed because Tennessee court rulings have found that excessive speed alone is not enough reason to charge motorists with reckless driving. But Sen. Doug Jackson argued that many judges don't read the law that way and can sentence offenders to jail time and set fines up to $500. "What you're doing here, I think, is going to become the de facto alternative to reckless driving," said Johnson, D-Dickson. "And the argument could be presented that you're tying the hands of the judge." 'Just another fee grab' Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville and the main sponsor of 1998 legislation that increased the state's maximum speed limit to 70 mph, said he considers the proposal "just another fee grab." "It probably sounds good for the voters and the folks back home," Burchett said, "But in reality, I don't think it would generate all that much money." The Tennessee Department of Transportation's most recent annual traffic study found that 70.5 percent of drivers exceeded the speed limit on freeways with a 55 mph limit, while nearly 44 percent drove faster than a posted 70 mph limit. The sensors monitored traffic on 323 miles of Tennessee freeways with a 55 mph limit and 709 miles with a 70 mph limit.

State medical examiner arrested

Levy faces marijuana charges in Mississippi By Chris Echegaray • THE TENNESSEAN • March 18, 2010 The Tennessee state medical examiner's career is in jeopardy and some of his biggest cases under scrutiny after Mississippi investigators uncovered a package of marijuana addressed to him and more of the drug in his hotel room. Mississippi, Tennessee and Metro Nashville suspended contracts for forensic work done by Bruce Levy's two companies after his Tuesday arrest in Ridgeland, Miss., on felony marijuana possession charges. Levy, 49, was due to collect $3.8 million this year from Metro alone through Forensic Medical Management Services. He posted bond Wednesday and retained Nashville attorney David Raybin, who said his client had no comment. Defense attorneys who have encountered Levy wonder what the arrest could mean for his past findings. His most recent high-profile ruling was in the death of 12-week-old foster child Cherokeewolf Deidrich. Levy said his death was due to natural causes after doctors at Vanderbilt's children's hospital said Cherokeewolf's injuries weren't accidental. The foster parents' attorney, Jennifer Thompson, said one of Levy's assistants, not the medical examiner himself, performed the autopsy, even though Levy announced the findings. "When incidents like these come up, it brings into question any medical examiner's credibility," Thompson said. Last year, Levy's office ruled the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was a murder-suicide, although Levy didn't perform that autopsy, either. The family of McNair's accused girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, and a former Metro police officer publicly questioned the findings. Nashville defense attorney John Herbison said it would be tough to measure any impact of Levy's arrest before the case is complete. The process of reviewing Levy's medical license hasn't begun. "He's not one of my biggest fans," Herbison said. "But I was really surprised to learn of this." It's too early to say whether the state will review Levy's rulings on autopsies, Tennessee Department of Health spokeswoman Andrea Tur-ner said. Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents arrested Levy at a hotel in Ridgeland after a drug dog sniffed out less than an ounce of marijuana bound for Levy during a search of packages from a courier service, said Jon Kalahar, the agency's spokesman. Agents searched Levy's hotel room and found several more containers of marijuana. The agency didn't release the total amount found. Levy, who was there to testify in a court case, posted $25,000 bond. Controversy follows Levy is president and CEO of Forensic Medical Management Services, drawing a $411,000 salary from the company, Metro officials said. He launched Global Forensics to handle work in Mississippi and started taking cases there more than a year ago. Tennessee had a $237,480, five-year contract with Levy that began July 1, 2007. The state also paid his company $192,000 over that same time for administrative services associated with the medical examiner's office. There were no drug-testing requirements for the state and Metro contracts. In addition to both states suspending contracts with Levy's companies, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean suspended Levy, an appointed official, for 90 days. Under the law, the city council has to vote to remove him. Dean named Dr. Amy McMaster, deputy medical examiner and chief operating officer for Forensic Medical, acting county medical examiner. The state has yet to name an acting medical examiner, but Health Commissioner Susan Cooper said she would do so while working to terminate Levy's contract. Levy was a controversial figure since becoming the Nashville and state medical examiner in 1998. Levy testified against his predecessor, Dr. Charles Harlan, whose medical license was revoked for misconduct. Complaints against Harlan included incomplete examinations, botched conclusions and bizarre personal behavior that included storing body parts in his laundry room. Several people complained about Levy after their dead relatives' autopsies were videotaped for the cable TV program True Stories from the Morgue. Prosecutors were critical as well. The network pulled unaired shows, but in 2005, jurors awarded an elderly widow $200,000 after she sued, claiming her husband's autopsy was recorded for the show without her permission.

Honda will recall 410,000 vehicles for brake problem

By Tom Krisher • ASSOCIATED PRESS • March 17, 2010 Honda Motor Co. will recall more than 410,000 Odyssey minivans and Element small trucks because of braking system problems that could make it tougher to stop the vehicle if not repaired. The recall includes 344,000 Odysseys and 68,000 Elements from the 2007 and 2008 model years. Honda said in a statement that over time, brake pedals can feel "soft" and must be pressed closer to the floor to stop the vehicles. Left unrepaired, the problem could cause loss of braking power and possibly a crash, Honda spokesman Chris Martin said. "It's definitely not operating the way it should, and it's safety systems, so it brings it to the recall status," he said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported three crashes due to the problem with minor injuries and no deaths, Martin said. Honda notified NHTSA of the recall on Monday, he said. Honda has traced the problem to the device that powers the electronic stability control system, which selectively brakes each of the wheels to keep the vehicles upright during an emergency situation. When the device, called a "vehicle stability assist modulator," tests itself when the vehicles are started, it allows a small amount of air into the hydraulic brake lines. Over time, an air bubble in the lines can cause a loss of braking power and require that the pedal be pushed farther toward the floor than normal to stop the vehicles, Martin said. "Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly," Honda said in a statement. Notices go out in April Under the recall, which Honda said it volunteered to do, Honda said that owners should wait to get a letter from the company before scheduling a repair because the parts are not yet available. Letters should go out toward the end of April. Drivers who fear that they've lost braking power should have their dealer check the brakes sooner, Martin said. The dealer can "bleed" air bubbles out of the hydraulic lines, which should fix the problem until the parts arrive for the final repair, he said. Honda technicians will put plastic caps and sealant over two small holes in the device to stop the air from getting in, Martin said. The automaker is preparing a list of affected vehicles. After April 19, owners can determine if their vehicles are being recalled by going to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling 800-999-1009 and selecting option number four.

3 Nashville council members push gender identity rights

Steine, Barry, Cole want private companies accused of discrimination investigated By Nate Rau • THE TENNESSEAN • March 17, 2010 Three Metro Council members are pressing the city's human rights agency to investigate private companies accused of discriminating against workers based on gender identity. It's the latest front in an ongoing and divisive debate about the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens in the workplace. A letter from the three council members, who supported an update to the city's nondiscrimination policy last year, urged the Metro Human Relations Commission to investigate complaints of private sector workplace discrimination over gender identity. The letter also encouraged the commission to develop private educational programs related to gender identity discrimination. In September the council created a policy preventing Metro government from discriminating against workers or prospective employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Supporters cited a legal opinion by council attorney Jon Cooper as the basis for their letter. "While this codifies the policy pertaining to hiring, promotion and discharge of employees by the Metropolitan Government, we believe more can be done under our existing laws," council members Megan Barry, Ronnie Steine and Erik Cole wrote in their letter. Barry said the goal was to gather information on potential instances of workplace discrimination. "Since the commission hasn't been told to embrace this, that's what this letter does," Barry said. "It asks them to investigate and gather data." Motives questioned But Councilman Jim Hodge, who opposed the new nondiscrimination policy, questioned the motives of his colleagues. Hodge said the letter was meant to go "behind the backs" of the council in an effort to extend the reach of the nondiscrimination policy. "It seems to me they're attempting to come in the back door with something they're unwilling to bring to council," Hodge said, adding that he believes there is no appetite for the government to investigate workplace policies of the private sector. "It doesn't surprise me," he said. "That is part of the national homosexual agenda. "They can't eat the whole elephant so they'll just nibble away at it a little bit at a time." Human Relations Commission Executive Director Kelvin Jones said he had no comment until the matter is discussed at the commission's April meeting. Jones said that since the new nondiscrimination policy passed in September, there has been one inquiry but no direct claims of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Nate Rau can be reached at 615-259-8094 or nrau@tennessean.com.