News Around Our Area

Knoxville
Going Broke in Huskey Case
A prosecutor says the state’s fund for expert medical witnesses is nearly broke, jeopardizing the retrial of a murder case (according to USA Today). Randy Nichols says he needs more time to provide a list of witnesses for the September trial of Thomas “Zoo Man” Huskey, accused of killing four women. But only about $2,000 from the $150,000 witness fund remains, he says.
Knoxville
Shumaker Making Big Bucks
Pledges to “Give Back”
The University of Tennessee’s Trustees Executive Committee approved the contract for new UT President Dr John Shumaker paying him $365 thousand a year for six years ($735 thousand with all “extras” included), an increase of $115 thousand over last years President. After signing the agreement, Shumaker announced that he would spend $300 thousand dollars of his own money to set up a scholarship fund so UT students may study abroad.
Sevierville
Camping at Wal-Mart, No More
Beginning in June motor home users can no longer spend the night in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The Mayor and Aldermen unanimously voted to restrict the use of mobile homes, trailers and other such vehicles for overnight stays at the Sevierville location. The ordinance was passed due to problems that have arisen from over campers. Wal-Mart’s nationwide policy is to allow recreational vehicles to park overnight in its stores’ parking lots.
Nashville
Tennessee House Speaker Naifeh Threatened
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating a man who may have telephoned a death threat to the office of House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh last Tuesday. Jeanne Broadwell with TBI stated that the agency is investigating the threat and will turned its findings over to the Nashville prosecutor’s office.
Knoxville
TVA May Restart Browns Ferry Reactor
The TVA Board may decide to continue with the two billion dollar startup of on old nuclear reactor in Alabama. The board will meet in Huntsville, Alabama on May 16th to discuss the matter. The agenda includes recommendations to extend two operating reactors at the Browns Ferry station and restart the plant’s third reactor.
Chattanooga
Tennessee taxes low
According to the U.S. Bureau of Census Tennessee ranks second only to South Dakota for keeping state taxes low. The average Tennessean paid $1,362 in all forms of state taxes in 2001, the Chattanooga Times/Free Press reported. That’s nearly 31% less than the USA’s average. Tennessee collects about 60% of its revenue with sales taxes; while the national average is 35%.
Knoxville
Teacher Resigns
West Valley Middle School teacher Earl W. Howe signed after allegations that he helped students during the recent T-CAP tests. Howe used test items to prepare review material for the T-CAPS and it was reported that he improperly assisted students during the test. Based on his help, the 6th grade student’s science portions of the test were deemed invalid.
Knoxville
“On Call with Bill Frist” to air in Knoxville
U.S. Senator Bill Frisk (R-TN) will broadcast his monthly cable program on Wednesday, May 15th at 6:00 p.m. EDT on Scripps Howard Community Channel 12. This month’s show will discuss trade legislation being debated in the Senate, the national nursing shortage, airline security and a variety of health issues affecting teenagers today.