NATIONAL NEWS

Study shows Volunteer State true to name Governor Phil Bredesen today applauded Tennesseans for their commitment to volunteer service, following the release of a national brief showing Tennessee had the largest percentage increase in the number of volunteers from 2002 to 2005. The “Four-Year Trend in State Volunteering Research Brief” was released Friday, April 21, by the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network.The study used labor statistics to calculate changes in the number of volunteers across the country from 2002 to 2005. A study of the data showed Tennessee as having a demonstrated a 29 percent increase in the number of volunteers during the time studied, with North Carolina close behind.According to the report, 64 percent of states increased the number of volunteers from 2002 to 2005, with the average increase being about 14 percent. Bear attack suspect still unconfirmed The bear that was caught and killed as a suspect in the mauling of a family of campers at the Cherokee National Forest may not be the right bear. According to a press release from the Tennessee Wildlife resources Agency, “X-rays showed no evidence of a bullet on the body and results of the rabies test were negative.” Shots were fired at the bear by a rescue worker but it is unknown whether or not a bullet hit the animal. Samples have been gathered and are being evaluated by appropriate testing facilities for further forensic analysis. The results of the analysis may take longer since the techniques and technology normally used to deal with human-on-human incidents are being adapted to deal with a wild animal. The bear seriously injured a 45-year old woman and her two-year old son and killed the woman’s six-year old daughter near the Chilhowee Recreation Area, about 22 miles east of Cleveland, Tennessee. Drug investigator arrested for misconduct The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Bradley County drug investigator on two counts of official misconduct. 34 year-old Robin Phillips turned himself in this morning after being indicted by the Bradley County Grand Jury. He is accused of mishandling drug evidence involved in a criminal investigation. The allegations surfaced in early January after Phillips was involved in a wreck in his county owned vehicle. At that time, authorities discovered several evidence bags in the vehicle, and some marijuana and prescription pills were missing.