Families Eligible to receive Help under Recovery Act Funding
Metro Action receives additional $1.8 Million to help low and moderate income families
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today the Metropolitan Action Commission will begin accepting applications from families that are eligible under the new income guideline. It is expected that Metro Action will serve an additional 1,200 families that meet the new income guideline.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services awarded the Metropolitan Action Commission $1.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding through an additional Community Service Block Grant (CSBG).
The Recovery Act increases the amount of income a family can earn in order to qualify for assistance funded through CSBG. Initially a family of four could not earn over $27,562.50 annually. By increasing the poverty rate from 120% to 200% a family of four earning up to $44,100 annually can now receive assistance.
“More families with low to moderate incomes are in need of help with their household payments. Some families have at least two working adults, but are still having trouble with keeping up with basic household expenses,” said Cynthia Croom, Executive Director of Metro Action.
These funds will be available through the agency’s energy and emergency assistance programs. The energy assistance program helps with electricity or natural gas payments. The Emergency Assistance program helps customers who have experienced a change or loss in income within the last 60 days with payments such as rent/mortgage, prescriptions, and property taxes.
Applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Customer Care hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 3:00pm. Metro Action is located at 1624 5th Avenue North (37208).
Customers must meet the federal income guidelines and live in Davidson County to receive services. For a complete listing of other offices serving other counties within Tennessee go to www.tncommunityaction.org.
For more information about programs and services offered by Metro Action, please call 862-8860, Ext 100.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Dear Resident,
I've included a lot of news below that may be of interest. Tonight's council meeting is public hearing night. Numerous items on the agenda but currently the most contentious are two chicken bills regarding changing our city codes regarding chickens and other animals. And I thought there were a lot of feathers ruffled over the guns in parks bill which had its tail feathers clipped on the 18th and sexual orientation bill which will be displaying it's plumage at the September 15th meeting. These two fine feathered bird bills are running through the coop and real fowling things up. Oh, the puns just keep coming. Please forgive the levity, I know that for many on both sides, this is a very important matter. I've currently heard from only a few on each side from here in the district. As always, I welcome your input. You can get more info at the link below and by clicking on the analysis link next to the bill number. These are the first two bills on public hearing numbers 499 and 510. Please, check them out and let me know your thoughts.
http://www.nashville.gov/mc/agenda.htm
At a meeting last week, Nashville State Community College announced they "MAY" be opening a branch location in the old Steve & Barry's area of the mall. An official announcement should be forthcoming before Thanksgiving, if the details are all worked out. This is not official but the meeting was VERY encouraging.
I've scheduled a community meeting for resident in the Apollo Drive area for Sept 10 from 6-8pm at Apollo Middle School. Written notices were sent to 300 households, but you are welcome to attend as well. The discussion will be on traffic calming options on Apollo Drive and the creation of a neighborhood watch in the area. I plan to have some general community concern time on the agenda, also. This might include input about the above mentioned chicken bills. More localized community meetings are being scheduled for the homes on both sides of Richards Road for later this month and early next month. These will continue throughout the district.
I have scheduled a press conference regarding the District 59 State House race I mentioned in the last newsletter. This will be held on September 8th at 10:10am. Your are welcome and encouraged to attend if interested. Let me know and I'll make a special spot just for you.
A district wide town hall meeting is scheduled for September 29, from 6-8pm at the Antioch Church of Christ, 2142 Antioch Pike. The agenda is not set for this event but could include details of the proposed convention center. Your thoughts on concerns to you and our community are welcome. Be sure to save the date and spread the word.
At noon on Friday, September 11, 2009, we will observe the 8th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th with a solemn ceremony on the steps of the Metro Courthouse. If your schedule permits, I encourage you to come down to this respectful observance.
On a more personal note, I would appreciate your prayers as I was told on Friday, that I may have pneumonia. I spent the last three days mostly in bed and am currently taking anti-biotics. Things appear to be improving though the doctor wants to do a follow-up CT scan.
Honored to serve you,
Duane Dominy
District 28 Councilman
101 Cherokee Place
Antioch, TN 37013
615-831-0774
PS Welcome to the new members on this list. Please feel free to share these with other community members and encourage them to sign-up. To stop receiving these newsletters simply reply with "remove" in the subject line.
WARNING: Please pay attention to the School Zones. Speed Limits are being enforced. Don’t speed in these areas.
CODES & COMMUNITY Issues:
We have successfully dealt with all kinds of Code violations, Health violations related to high grass, and various other issues as simple as pot holes or overhanging trees. Should you have an issue, don’t let it go unreported. Please send me any Codes violations that are a concern to you. I need each violation on a separate email for tracking purposes. Some issues, such as abandoned houses and grass not mowed may take months. Other issues get remedied very quickly.
The violations are reported under my name on your behalf. I have a great staff person that follows up on each complaint an reports accordingly. Patti then sends you a periodic update, preferably by email, but we do use US Mail when necessary.
We will need:
• The concern
• The address of the concern
• And your contact information for follow up.
Lots of Press Releases and news included below.
• Free Airfare
• Free Concerts lineup stars
• Sports News of Interest
• The Health Department is making news
• Convention Center Updates
• Police Reports and notices
• Nashville receives $250,000
• Mayor announces new Economic Development Director
• Schools news and links
• Terrorist booked in Clarksville
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AIRLINE LAUNCHES SERVICE WITH FREE FLIGHTS
FOR NATIONAL RELEASE - 8:00 AM CST, 27 AUG 09
Contact: Kahea Reinhardt
KentuckySkies
808-283-4433
AIRLINE LAUNCHES SERVICE WITH FREE FLIGHTS
(OWENSBORO) Kentucky’s newest airline is celebrating its launch by giving away every seat FREE for one week.
“We wanted to do something unique and fun to introduce KentuckySkies convenient new service to Nashville,” said airline President Gabriel Kimbrell. “This is a great way to express our appreciation to the people of Owensboro for their support.”
KentuckySkies will inaugurate service August 30th 2009 with three weekday, and two weekend nonstop flights from Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport to the Music City.
Flights from Owensboro to Nashville will depart at 7:10 AM, 1:15 PM and 6:15 PM weekdays, and at 8:45 AM and 5:00 PM weekends. Return flights from Nashville to Owensboro will depart at 6:05 AM, 12:10 PM and 5:10 PM weekdays, and at 7:40 AM and 3:55 PM weekends.
“We want folks to experience how inexpensive and easy it can be to skip traffic and parking hassles when connecting to flights out of Nashville, or visiting the city to do business or attend sporting and entertainment events,” said Kimbrell.
Owensboro has been without daily scheduled airline service for more than one year, and KentuckySkies will offer an everyday low fare of just $39 in an effort to re-establish air traffic and attract new customers.
“Bringing people together conveniently and inexpensively is what this is all about” says Kimbrell, who oversees a Dallas-based collection of airline brands serving New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, Georgia and Nevada since 1974.
Tickets purchased through the airline’s web site at www.KentuckySkies.com are available for $39 on every flight with no blackout dates. Reservations are also available through KentuckySkies toll-free reservation center or travel agencies at a higher fare.
To celebrate inauguration of service, seats on every KentuckySkies flight departing August 30th 2009 through September 5th 2009 will be available free of charge from the airline’s telephone reservations center on a first-come, first-served basis.
The airline will begin giving away free tickets at midnight tonight, August 27th 2009, and will continue taking reservations until all seats have been sold or given away. Free seats may be reserved by calling KentuckySkies at (877) 849-5007.
Free flights and seats are limited to two per caller, and complimentary travel must occur between August 30th and September 5th 2009.
Free tickets are available by telephone only. Full-fare tickets will still be available online at www.KentuckySkies.com while supplies last. Free tickets have no cash value and may not be sold, transferred, extended or credited toward future travel. Contact KentuckySkies for complete details.
Kimbrell says saving Kentucky residents money is only part of the airline’s “green” strategy for success. “We are committed to quality service and quality of life in the communities we serve.”
KentuckySkies is demonstrating its commitment to a greener Kentucky by partnering with American Reforestation Corporation to plant one seedling tree for every passenger flown. Kimbrell says the idea is to create incentives for Kentucky travelers to “go green.”
“We have seen dramatic carbon reductions and conservation of fossil fuel in other locations where we operate our environmentally-friendly new EcoJets. Saving customers money and minimizing our carbon footprint is the kind of green movement we hope Kentucky will really get behind,” said Kimbrell.
-End-
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LIGHTNING 100 FILLS OUT LINEUP FOR FIRST TWO ‘LIVE ON THE GREEN’ CONCERTS
First in series of free, outdoor concerts on Sept. 3
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville’s new free, outdoor concert series starts next week with a lineup that’s as diverse as Music City’s own array of musical talent.
Live On the Green will take place over six consecutive Thursday nights, from Sept. 3 to Oct. 8, starting at 6 p.m. on the Public Square in front of the Metro Courthouse downtown. The fall concert series is hosted by Mayor Karl Dean and locally-owned radio station Lightning 100.
“This is a chance for us to invite the entire city out to enjoy our Public Square – the only green roof on a municipal building in Nashville – and enjoy the musical talent for which our city is known,” Dean said.
The show on Sept. 3 will include performances by rock bands Toadies and American Bang, as well as Ten Out of Tenn, a unique ensemble of Nashville-based emerging artists. On Sept. 10, the night will be filled with funk, rock, R&B and costumes with Here Come the Mummies, Space Capone and music variety show H-Beam. The complete list of shows and artists is available online at www.liveonthegreen.net.
Live On the Green will also showcase environmental stewardship with a number of green features, including on-site recycling, a free bike check, and merchandise made from recyclable and organic materials. Lightning 100’s Team Green will be organizing community events, such as tree plantings and clean-ups, to offset the carbon footprint for the concert series in effort to make it a carbon-neutral event.
Live On the Green is presented by MGD64, Whole Foods, Comcast and The City Paper. Supporting sponsors include the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Now Playing Nashville, Hard Rock Café, Earth Savers, Doubletree Hotel, Rabbit Hole Recording, and Bradfield Stage Lighting.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Dave Herrell 615.743.3124 | 615.642.7121 mobileDHerrell@NashvilleSports.com
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY TO SQUARE OFF AGAINST
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY IN 2011 & 2013 AT LP FIELD
MUSIC CITY TO HOST SEASON-OPENERS ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND
NASHVILLE, Tenn., (July 29, 2009) – Nashville Sports Council representatives announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Western Kentucky University (Sun Belt Conference) to host two games of a four-game series between the University of Kentucky (Southeastern Conference) and Western Kentucky for their first game of their respective seasons during Labor Day weekend in 2011 and 2013 at LP Field. The specific dates have yet to be determined.
“We are excited to partner with these two great universities on this unique series,” said Scott Ramsey, president & CEO. “We look forward to the opportunity to host the student-athletes, administrators and fans from WKU and UK as they kickoff their seasons in Music City on Labor Day weekend.
Western Kentucky University will serve as the home team for the series. “I want to thank Mitch Barnhart, Rich Brooks and the University of Kentucky for agreeing to this historic four-year series,” said WKU Director of Athletics Dr. Camden Wood Selig. “Their leadership team is a class act, and this four-game series is a great way for UK to welcome WKU to the I-A neighborhood. As the newest of the 120 member Football Bowl Subdivision, our team and fans are eagerly anticipating the journey we are beginning and for future meetings with the Wildcats will certainly add to everyone’s level of excitement. Opening the 2011 and 2013 seasons in Nashville is a creative and unique way to grow our program’s visibility, and it will also be great for football fans and youth players throughout the region.”
Western Kentucky will play the University of Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington in 2010 and 2012 as part of the series.
“Congratulations to Western Kentucky on becoming the state’s third program in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, said University of Kentucky Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart. The game presents an opportunity for people across the Commonwealth to continue watching athletes they saw playing in high school and their progression in the collegiate game. It creates the opportunity to travel to a venue known by many UK fans – the Titan’s stadium at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. Our fans had a great time with all the hospitality Nashville offered the last two times we visited for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl and I am very much appreciative of all the efforts of Wood Selig and Scott Ramsey to make this series work. We look forward to an exciting series against the Hilltoppers.”
The 2011 game marks only the 2nd time that these two programs have played each other in their history.
WKU Head Football Coach David Elson
“The University of Kentucky has many scheduling options, and I compliment them for agreeing to this four game series,” said David Elson. “These match-ups will be exciting for our players, staff and fans and will also result in added exposure to our program. We look forward to returning to Lexington and also playing two home games in the great city of Nashville, where many loyal Topper fans reside. Our transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision has had many firsts, and the first four-year series between these two great schools will benefit many. I congratulate all parties involved in getting this done.”
UK Head Football Coach Rich Brooks
“This will be a very good series for both schools and certainly great for our fans in the western part of Kentucky. We really enjoyed our experiences in the back-to-back Music City Bowls in 2006 and 2007 and we look forward to returning to that venue.”
The Nashville Sports Council hosted similar college football games with the 2006 University of Louisville vs. Middle Tennessee State University game and the University of Tennessee vs. University of Wyoming match-up in 2002.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean
“Kentucky sports fans are an enthusiastic bunch and we’re happy to welcome them here to Nashville for this series of games,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “I am certain once they come to the games in 2011, they will look forward to 2013 that much more – Nashville is a great place to visit and LP Field is a world-class venue. As always, I appreciate the Sports Council’s leadership for continuing to make Nashville a destination for sports entertainment.”
Ticket information details will be available in the coming months and tickets will go on-sale in 2010. For more information, call the Nashville Sports Council office at 615.743.3120 or visit the NSC online at NashvilleSports.com
About the Nashville Sports Council
The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council’s mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted more than 120 major sporting events that have produced more than $350 million in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615.743.3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com.
WKU Media Contact:
To arrange interviews, please contact Todd Stewart at 270.745.3161 or todd.stewart@wku.edu
UK Media Contact:
To arrange interviews, please contact Susan Lax at 859.257.8420 or slax0@email.uky.edu
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Health E-Mail from Metro Public Health
August 25 2009 H1N1 flu update
Cases of H1N1 flu continue to occur in Davidson County and we expect to see an increase in the weeks and months ahead. Community-wide attention to preventive measures is critical to lessening the impact and saving lives in the coming months. A recent essay in the Tennessean presents some reasons we need to take H1N1 flu seriously.
Basic prevention
Like ordinary flu viruses, the 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) virus can spread from person to person when an ill person coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread infectious droplets through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch. The Health Department wants you to help reduce the spread of flu by taking the following steps.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your shirt sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Get the seasonal flu shot when it becomes available.
• Get the H1N1 flu shots when that vaccine becomes available.
What to do if you are sick with fever and flu-like symptoms:
• Stay home until you have been fever free without taking medicine for at least 24 hours.
• Consult your primary care provider if you are concerned about your illness.
• Do not visit emergency rooms unless your symptoms are severe.
• Understand that laboratory testing to determine what kind of flu is present is not always necessary
• If your child is sick, keep them at home. Consult your pediatrician.
Flu-like symptoms include:
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea
Leaders’ and managers’ role
Leaders in schools, workplaces and other organizations can take action now to make it easier for people to adhere to these preventive measures. Frequent reminders and communications including posters, prominent availability of hand sanitizer, and attention to illness and leave policies are a few steps that people can take. Additional resources for worksites are available at the CDC website
Stay informed
Visit the Health Department's website (health.nashville.gov) for information and the latest guidance for the community, including schools, employers, and faith based organizations. The Health Department also has a recorded community information telephone line (615-340-7775) with the latest information about seasonal and H1N1 flu.
Thanks for your commitment to a healthy Nashville!
Bill Paul
William S. Paul, MD, MPH
Director of Health
Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County
311 23rd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203
615.340.5622 (o)
615.340.2131 (f)
"People creating healthy conditions everywhere"
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MAYOR HIRES INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO REVIEW CONTRACTS, SPENDING ON PREDEVELOPMENT OF CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean announced today that Metro Government will be hiring an independent auditing firm to conduct a full review of the communications contract and related spending for the new downtown convention center, as well as a sample review of all other contracts and spending on predevelopment activities for the project to date.
Today’s announcement follows Dean’s decision earlier this month to have the Finance Department review the communications invoices already paid and future invoices for all vendors for the convention center project.
“Questions about spending on this project are valid and deserve to be answered,” Dean said. “When you’re dealing with public money on a public project, the public deserves to know how every dollar is spent. Music City Center is the largest development ever undertaken by Metro. It’s vital to our city’s future economic growth. We need to move forward with this project in a way that allows the public to have full confidence in how it’s being managed.”
Already the Finance Department has:
• Requested a full accounting of all contracts, amendments and payments to date
• Requested a list of all unpaid invoices
• Requested MDHA return $1.6 million advanced for August invoices
• Started working to identify and assign personnel to oversee and control all future spending until transitioned to the staff of the Convention Center Authority
In addition, Dean’s administration filed legislation last week to create a Convention Center Authority. Allowed under the Convention Center Authorities Act of 2009 passed by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year, the Convention Center Authority will provide strong public oversight through a nine-member board appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Metro Council.
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Citizen Shoots & Critically Injures Robbery Suspect
August 31, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A 60-year-old man Saturday night shot and critically injured a 17-year-old robbery suspect outside the victim’s Lindy Murff Court residence.
The teenager and an accomplice, convicted felon Kevin Negron, 19, approached the victim who had just arrived home and was sitting in his car with a friend at 9:30 p.m. The teen, armed with a hand gun, demanded money while Negron stood nearby with a shotgun. The victim retrieved the .38 caliber revolver he was carrying pursuant to a handgun carry permit. In defense of himself and others, he fired on the teenager who was struck in the chest.
Negron drove his injured teen accomplice to the Shell gas station at 197 Haywood Lane where he reported they had been the victims of a crime. South Precinct officers alertly identified both men as the robbery suspects. During interviews, Negron admitted to his involvement in the attempted robbery.
Negron, of Reeves Road , is charged with two counts of attempted aggravated robbery and is being held in lieu of $75,000 bond. He was on probation for an April felony evading arrest conviction. Negron’s arrest history includes theft and domestic assault charges.
The 17-year-old will be charged with aggravated robbery in Juvenile Court upon his dismissal from Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is in stable condition.
Negron’s photo is being withheld pending lineups in similar robberies.
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Police looking for Antwaine Green (photo attached)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police are looking for parolee Antwaine Green, 26, who is believed to be the gunman in this afternoon’s shooting that wounded two people on University Court.
A Convicted robber, Green allegedly fired shots at Anthony Fizer, 22, as Fizer rode his bike in the 100 block of University Court at 2:30 p.m. Assistant Public Defender Laura Dykes and her assistant, Carrie Gleaves, were interviewing a client in the area when a stray bullet struck Gleaves in the arm. Gleaves was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she is in stable condition. Fizer, of Moorewood Drive, was also struck by gunfire. He was transported to Vanderbilt where he is in stable condition.
In addition to his 2003 robbery conviction, Green’s previous convictions include felon in possession of a weapon, evading arrest, and felony cocaine sales.
Fizer, a convicted felon for cocaine possession, also has previous theft and assault convictions.
Detectives are working to identify a second suspect who was with Green at the time of the shooting.
Arrest warrants will be issued charging Green, who was last known to live on Charles E. Davis Boulevard, with attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault. Anyone with information concerning Green’s whereabouts is urged to contact Hermitage Precinct detectives at 862-6993 or Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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South Nashville Man Charged in Child Pornography Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A 32-year-old South Nashville man is charged with sexual exploitation of minors for keeping at least 174 child pornography photos on his home computer.
Clayton Cassidy McGee asked his father to retrieve his home computer and external hard drive from his Philfre Court mobile home while he was jailed on a domestic assault charge. McGee’s father took the equipment home, discovered child pornography, and brought the computer hardware to police headquarters.
Detectives believe the children in the photos reviewed thus far range in age from 6 to 12. The forensic examination on McGee’s computer is continuing. Hundreds of other child porn pictures appear to have been saved. Additional charges are likely.
McGee’s bond on the sexual exploitation charge is set at $30,000.
McGee was arrested August 13th for domestic assault against his girlfriend. His bond is set at $5,000 on that charge.
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South Precinct Officers Seize 102 Pounds of Marijuana After Traffic Stop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Precinct Flex officers working to deter auto burglaries in the Lenox Village complex off Nolensville Pike early today recovered 102 pounds of marijuana from the trunk of a Chevrolet Impala.
The driver of the car, Cesar Vaca-Vargas, 23, also known as Aurelio Aguilar, is charged with possession of marijuana for resale in a drug free school zone (within 1,000 feet of Oliver Middle School and Shane Elementary School), driving without a license and criminal impersonation.
Officers were monitoring the Lenox Village parking areas when they saw the Impala and another vehicle pull into the gazebo area and then leave. Officer Brent Bauer stopped the Impala at Nolensville Pike and Barnes Road because the temporary tag in the back window was positioned in such a way that it was not readily visible. Vaca-Vargas, who claimed to be Aurelio Aguilar, did not have a driver license or any other form of identification and was placed under arrest. Based on a marijuana odor coming from the car, a probable cause search was conducted. Inside the trunk were four shrink-wrapped packages of marijuana. It is not clear where Vaca-Vargas received the marijuana or where he was taking it.
“This is an excellent example of alert officers intercepting a significant marijuana load while working to address an auto burglary issue,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “And as it turns out, it appears this man should not have even been in Nashville to begin with.”
A federal immigration hold has been placed against Vaca-Vargas because he is suspected of reentering the United States illegally from Mexico after having been deported in the past.
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Titans Receiver Chris Davis Charged with DUI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tennessee Titans receiver Chris Davis has been booked on a drunken driving charge after being stopped at 2 a.m. today for speeding on Broadway.
Davis, 25, driving a 2007 Cadillac Escalade, was clocked on radar traveling 44 mph in a 30 mph zone while traveling westbound on Broadway near 11th Avenue. Davis turned right onto George L. Davis Boulevard and pulled over for police at the Grundy Street intersection. Officer Shawn Taylor saw that Davis’ eyes were watery and detected an odor of alcohol on his breath. Davis consented to a breath alcohol test, which registered 0.11%. In Tennessee, a person is considered to be legally under the influence of alcohol with a reading of 0.08%.
Davis completed the Sheriff’s Office booking process at 4:35 a.m. His bond was set at $5,000.
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DHS Case Manager Charged with Rape by Coercion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sex Crimes detectives this evening charged a Department of Human Services case manager with rape by coercion for allegedly performing sexual acts on a female client after leading her to believe that she had to submit to his advances in exchange for help in obtaining food stamps.
Darius Willis, 38, of Nashville, was arrested this afternoon at his DHS office inside Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The 28-year-old victim reports that she went to Willis’ office Thursday to discuss Medicaid and food stamp issues. She said that Willis raped her in the office while implying that if she did not go along with his advances, approval for food stamps would be less likely. The victim contacted police Thursday afternoon and confronted Willis today while detectives monitored the conversation. Willis acknowledged the sexual contact both in that conversation and subsequent questioning by police.
Willis, who has no prior arrest history in Nashville, is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
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Last Weekend's Operation Safer Streets Initiative Netted 84 Arrests
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Last weekend’s Operation Safer Streets gang enforcement initiative, which took place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, resulted in 84 arrests involving 88 misdemeanors, five felonies and eight outstanding warrants. Seized were .5 grams of cocaine, 70.2 grams of marijuana, 98 ecstasy pills, one weapon, one vehicle and $204 cash.
At least three times a week, officers and supervisors representing each of the six precincts and the Specialized Investigations Division (SID) partner together to implement strategies to combat gang crime and activities in various areas of Nashville.
Friday’s enforcement consisted of five SID detectives, four supervisors, 24 patrol officers and two canine officers. Areas targeted were Edgehill Avenue, Murfreesboro Pike, and Harding Place.
Saturday’s enforcement consisted of four SID detectives, ten supervisors, 21 patrol officers and two canine officers. Areas targeted were the J.C. Napier public housing development, Harding Place, Murfreesboro Pike, Edgehill Avenue, Charlotte Pike, Main Street, Dickerson Pike, Lafayette Street, the Cheatham Place public housing development, Clarksville Pike, and 26th Avenue North.
Sunday’s enforcement consisted of six SID detectives, three supervisors and six patrol officers. South Nashville was the targeted area.
So far this year, Operation Safer Streets has resulted in 2,583 arrests on 247 felony charges, and 2,596 misdemeanor charges, 34 gun seizures, the service of 512 outstanding warrants, 345 field interviews of persons believed to have gang knowledge and 9,743 traffic stops in areas with a gang presence.
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Park Smart: Week of August 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, August 16, through Saturday, August 22, shows that 21.4% of the automobiles taken (six of 28) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Officers also urge citizens to SHOP SMART by not leaving purses or other valuables unattended in shopping carts, even for a very short time. An unattended purse is an easy target for a thief.
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Extra Duty Officers Charged 34 Persons with DUI Last Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Officers paid through a Governor’s Highway Safety Office grant charged 34 persons with DUI last weekend in the police department’s continuing DUI initiative using extra duty officers. These officers target impaired drivers Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. in areas with a propensity for fatal crashes, crime and DUI arrests.
Additionally, the DUI Unit charged 40 persons last week with driving under the influence.
Enhanced visibility on Nashville’s roadways and zero tolerance for impaired drivers are the cornerstones of the police department’s DUI initiative.
So far this year, extra duty officers working under the grant have arrested 1,438 suspected drunk drivers, an increase of 18% compared to this time last year. The DUI Unit has arrested 1,259 suspected drunk drivers, an increase of 1% compared to this time last year
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Precinct-Based Undercover Detectives Charged 130 Persons This Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Undercover detectives, assigned to the department’s precincts, charged 130 persons this week with mostly drug and prostitution offenses as the result of investigations in various Nashville neighborhoods.
South Precinct detectives charged 22 persons as the result of investigations on Wallace Road, Polk Avenue, Aaronwood Drive, and Shasta Drive. Seized were 19 grams of cocaine, 242 grams of marijuana, ten Soma pills and two handguns.
Hermitage Precinct detectives charged 30 persons as the result of investigations on Lewis, Cannon, and Lafayette Streets, 1st Avenue South, Spence Lane, Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro Pike, Donelson Pike, and Towne Valley Drive. Seized were 4.5 grams of cocaine, 97.6 grams of marijuana and 46 various pills.
West Precinct detectives charged 29 persons as the result of investigations on 11th Avenue South, 12th Ave North near Herman Street, the 3800 block of Park Avenue, the 2200 block of Elliston Place, and Lenox Place. Seized were 2.5 pounds of marijuana, 45 grams of cocaine, 96 Lortab pills, one vehicle, two weapons and $360 cash. Detectives also provided information to the TBI that led to the seizure of nearly 300 marijuana plants from a Cannon County grow operation.
North Precinct detectives charged 25 persons as the result of investigations on Indiana Avenue, 40th Avenue North, Georgia Avenue, Neelys Bend, Rivergate Parkway, 26th Avenue North, Forrest Park Road, Buchanan Street, and Jefferson Street. Seized were 25.9 grams of cocaine, 33.4 grams of marijuana, ten pills, two weapons and $270 cash.
East Precinct detectives charged 14 persons as the result of investigations on Trinity Lane and Dickerson Pike. One gram of cocaine was seized.
Central Precinct detectives charged ten persons as the result of investigations on North 1st Street, Piccadilly Row, Lafayette Street, Oldham Street, Demonbreun Street and 10th Avenue North. Seized were 310 grams of cocaine, five OxyContin pills, one vehicle and $10,329 cash.
Persons suspecting drug activity in their neighborhoods are urged to call the police department’s 244-DOPE hotline. Callers to the hotline can remain anonymous.
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METRO AWARDED $250K GRANT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal grant to fund energy manager, plan to make city eligible for additional $6M
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean announced today that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has been awarded $250,000 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The grant will fund the first year salary for a full-time energy manager in Metro’s Department of General Services and consultants to develop an energy conservation strategy for Metro. With a completed energy conservation plan, Metro will be eligible to apply for an additional $6 million from the EECBG Program to implement the plan, which will incorporate several recommendations from the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability.
“Sustainable practices tend to save money in the long run, but the initial investments, especially in energy efficiency of buildings and operations, can be a barrier,” Dean said. “The federal government has recognized this and has made significant funds available to entities, like Metro, that want to reduce energy use and emissions. This grant will allow us to map a course to not only fulfill a number of Green Ribbon recommendations, but to meet our end goal of becoming a leading city in sustainable practices.”
Metro has contracted with Gobbell Hays Partners Inc. to write the energy conservation strategy, which must include a number of DOE reporting requirements, such as the number of jobs created, energy savings and reinvestment of saved dollars. Gobbell Hays is partnering with Johnson Control on the project. The plan must be completed and submitted to the Department of Energy within 120 days.
The energy manager will be responsible for implementing Metro’s energy management program, including initiating, coordinating and monitoring energy conservation efforts in Metro’s various divisions and departments.
Over $2.7 billion was made available in the EECBG Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009. According to its Web site, the Department of Energy has awarded 206 grants through the program to date, totaling nearly $111 million.
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Press Release: Mayor Dean announces new Economic Development Director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean today announced Alexia Poe will serve as director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development. She replaces Paul Ney who will be returning to legal practice.
“I deeply appreciate Paul’s service over the last two years,” Dean said. “He has done a great job representing our city, and I wish him well as he returns to his first love, the law. Alexia has a wealth of experience working in both the public and private sectors. I look forward to working with her as we continue to position our city for economic growth.”
Poe currently serves as managing director of the Tennessee office for Peritus Public Relations. Prior to joining Peritus, she was director of public affairs for Gaylord Entertainment where she managed government relations, community relations and the company’s charitable contributions through its Foundation.
Before working in the private sector, Poe spent nearly a decade in public service. She served as communications director for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) in Washington, D.C. where she worked with Tennessee and national press and built the senator’s press office from the ground up. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, Poe served in the White House as deputy press secretary to First Lady Laura Bush.
Her public service began with five years in Gov. Don Sundquist’s (R-TN) press office becoming the youngest person in the state’s history to serve as press secretary. She began her career as a reporter and morning anchor in Northeast Tennessee.
“Nashville is one of the best places in the country to live, work and raise a family, and I look forward to promoting this city and doing my part to promote strategic economic growth,” Poe said.
Poe, 35, is a Knoxville native and graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor of science in communication and a minor in political science.
She serves on the executive committee and board of directors of Fifty Forward (formerly Senior Citizens, Inc.) and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. Poe is also serving as 2009-2010 program co-chair for Leadership Nashville.
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MNPS Children First
Aug. 28, 2009
Click on the date to read the full newsletter. Or visit www.mnps.org.
Inside this Issue:
• Twilight schools provide opportunity for students
• CEO Champions lend support to career academies
• MLK Class of 2009 featured by U.S. News and World Report
• Hunters Lane culinary arts program earns national accreditation
• NASCAR driver Kyle Busch makes surprise donation
• Health Fair at Brick Church Middle
• Ride for Reading makes a pit stop at Alex Green
• Cockrill students enhance their options with Spanish instruction
• Gateway students receive free supplies
• Reading Recovery teachers headed to Ohio State
• Youth Speaks ready for a new year
• Hume-Fogg senior scores perfect 36!
• Kennedy teacher chronicles adventures in the classroom
• Cane Ridge students ready to rumble
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Students Settle In at The Academy at Opry Mills ERC
NASHVILLE, TN (August 27, 2009) – Walk around Opry Mills and you’ll find the usual shoppers milling in and out of stores, having a meal or headed into the theatre. What you won’t see, is approximately 70 students working diligently at the new Academy at Opry Mills Education Resource Center (ERC), located across from the mall offices.
Set back from the main hallway, across from the mall offices, the school opened to students Aug. 14 as a partnership between the mall, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and national nonprofit Simon Youth Foundation (SYF). The Academy provides a second chance for students who are unable to complete their education in the traditional high school setting. Many students typically have family or work needs and are at risk of dropping out without the opportunity to attend this school. In addition to the Opry Mills site, the school district operates a second Academy program at its Old Cockrill building in West Nashville.
“Opry Mills has a longstanding commitment to, and partnership with, the citizens of greater Nashville,” said Opry Mills Mall Manager, Jad Murphy. “We look forward to welcoming these deserving students, and are delighted to play a small role in helping them reach their education goals.”
The school joins a growing network of alternative schools SYF has established across the country. The ERCs are located primarily in malls owned by Simon Property Group. The Academy at Opry Mills ERC is the 25th school and the first ERC in the state, bringing the total to 12 states.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be serving students in Nashville, and to be working with the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools,” said Dr. Rick Markoff, Executive Vice President, Simon Youth Foundation. “Ensuring that our youth receive a quality education, and graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, is imperative.”
The space will be provided to Nashville Public Schools rent free, and the school will receive support throughout the year from SYF such as funds for student and teacher enhancement and college scholarships for graduates. The district provides the teachers, classroom equipment and learning materials, and manages the school on a day-to-day basis.
“The partnership with Opry Mills Mall and Simon Youth Foundation will give our students a wonderful opportunity to earn their high school diploma in an environment that meets their individual needs,” said MNPS Director of Schools, Dr. Jesse Register. “That not only increases the opportunities for each student, but it benefits our community as a whole. The staffs at Simon Youth Foundation and Opry Mills understand the importance of the community’s involvement in education and I appreciate their commitment to our district and our students. ”
The school will celebrate its official grand opening later in the semester, and anticipates graduating its first students by the end of the school year.
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Metro Nashville Public Schools provide a range of educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students in Nashville and Davidson County. The governing body for MNPS is the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Board of Public Education, a nine-member group elected by residents of Metropolitan Nashville. For more information, please visit www.mnps.org.
Simon Youth Foundation (www.syf.org), established in 1998, exists to foster and improve educational opportunities, career development, and life skills that transform the lives of at-risk youth through focused programs and initiatives with our public school and post- secondary education partners. SYF accomplishes its mission through two initiatives: alternative schools called Education Resource Centers and a post-secondary scholarship program. Its 24 ERCs have graduated nearly 6,000 students at a 90 percent rate, and $7.2 million has been awarded in post-secondary scholarships.
Opry Mills is located on the Opryland grounds between Two Rivers Parkway and McGavock Pike, and borders the Cumberland River. Within walking distance of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, and next door to the Grand Ole Opry, the mall features some of the best names in manufacturers' and retail outlets, as well as high quality entertainment venues and themed restaurants.
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TERRORIST – BOOKED IN CLARKSVILLE TN:
Suspected Terrorist Booked In Clarksville Red Flag Pops Up When Man Booked
By Reported by Carley Gordon
WSMV-TV
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - One of the inmates who was taken through the door at the Montgomery County Jail was more than just the average street criminal.
"It's quite interesting and really sort of frightening in a way," said Ted Denny of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. "The feds made us aware that there was somebody on the terrorist watch list that has been to our city." A suspected terrorist arrived at the jail. Officials won't describe the crime for which he was arrested. But when jail clerk Britney Hicks booked the person in, a red flag popped up. "Whenever I received the notification, just the instructions were to call this number, which I did, and I just told them everything that I knew," Hicks said.
"Ms. Hicks contacted the (Terrorist Screening Center) and provided information, which allowed TSC screeners to positively match the individual to a known suspected terrorist on the watch list," said Sheriff Norman Lewis. The FBI is handling the investigation and will not reveal the man's current location.
The inmate's name matched one listed in the FBI's terrorist screening database. Though the FBI won't say who the suspect is or why the person is on its watch list, only people who are known or suspected to have planned, helped or engaged in terrorism are included in the database.
"It's just a reminder that you never know who's passing through your city," said Denny. This hasn't happened in Montgomery County before, but sheriff's deputies said they're not surprised and are constantly on the lookout. "We're the fifth largest city in the state," said Denny. "We have Fort Campbell as a neighbor, and should something happen to them, obviously it will impact our world, and so we're very cognizant of that."
FBI representatives said their terrorist database receives 40 to 50 positive hits a day in the United States. They said they won't tell who those people are because all of them are a part of ongoing investigations. The FBI has a terrorist watch list comprised of 400,000 people, most living outside of the United States.
I've included a lot of news below that may be of interest. Tonight's council meeting is public hearing night. Numerous items on the agenda but currently the most contentious are two chicken bills regarding changing our city codes regarding chickens and other animals. And I thought there were a lot of feathers ruffled over the guns in parks bill which had its tail feathers clipped on the 18th and sexual orientation bill which will be displaying it's plumage at the September 15th meeting. These two fine feathered bird bills are running through the coop and real fowling things up. Oh, the puns just keep coming. Please forgive the levity, I know that for many on both sides, this is a very important matter. I've currently heard from only a few on each side from here in the district. As always, I welcome your input. You can get more info at the link below and by clicking on the analysis link next to the bill number. These are the first two bills on public hearing numbers 499 and 510. Please, check them out and let me know your thoughts.
http://www.nashville.gov/mc/agenda.htm
At a meeting last week, Nashville State Community College announced they "MAY" be opening a branch location in the old Steve & Barry's area of the mall. An official announcement should be forthcoming before Thanksgiving, if the details are all worked out. This is not official but the meeting was VERY encouraging.
I've scheduled a community meeting for resident in the Apollo Drive area for Sept 10 from 6-8pm at Apollo Middle School. Written notices were sent to 300 households, but you are welcome to attend as well. The discussion will be on traffic calming options on Apollo Drive and the creation of a neighborhood watch in the area. I plan to have some general community concern time on the agenda, also. This might include input about the above mentioned chicken bills. More localized community meetings are being scheduled for the homes on both sides of Richards Road for later this month and early next month. These will continue throughout the district.
I have scheduled a press conference regarding the District 59 State House race I mentioned in the last newsletter. This will be held on September 8th at 10:10am. Your are welcome and encouraged to attend if interested. Let me know and I'll make a special spot just for you.
A district wide town hall meeting is scheduled for September 29, from 6-8pm at the Antioch Church of Christ, 2142 Antioch Pike. The agenda is not set for this event but could include details of the proposed convention center. Your thoughts on concerns to you and our community are welcome. Be sure to save the date and spread the word.
At noon on Friday, September 11, 2009, we will observe the 8th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th with a solemn ceremony on the steps of the Metro Courthouse. If your schedule permits, I encourage you to come down to this respectful observance.
On a more personal note, I would appreciate your prayers as I was told on Friday, that I may have pneumonia. I spent the last three days mostly in bed and am currently taking anti-biotics. Things appear to be improving though the doctor wants to do a follow-up CT scan.
Honored to serve you,
Duane Dominy
District 28 Councilman
101 Cherokee Place
Antioch, TN 37013
615-831-0774
PS Welcome to the new members on this list. Please feel free to share these with other community members and encourage them to sign-up. To stop receiving these newsletters simply reply with "remove" in the subject line.
WARNING: Please pay attention to the School Zones. Speed Limits are being enforced. Don’t speed in these areas.
CODES & COMMUNITY Issues:
We have successfully dealt with all kinds of Code violations, Health violations related to high grass, and various other issues as simple as pot holes or overhanging trees. Should you have an issue, don’t let it go unreported. Please send me any Codes violations that are a concern to you. I need each violation on a separate email for tracking purposes. Some issues, such as abandoned houses and grass not mowed may take months. Other issues get remedied very quickly.
The violations are reported under my name on your behalf. I have a great staff person that follows up on each complaint an reports accordingly. Patti then sends you a periodic update, preferably by email, but we do use US Mail when necessary.
We will need:
• The concern
• The address of the concern
• And your contact information for follow up.
Lots of Press Releases and news included below.
• Free Airfare
• Free Concerts lineup stars
• Sports News of Interest
• The Health Department is making news
• Convention Center Updates
• Police Reports and notices
• Nashville receives $250,000
• Mayor announces new Economic Development Director
• Schools news and links
• Terrorist booked in Clarksville
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AIRLINE LAUNCHES SERVICE WITH FREE FLIGHTS
FOR NATIONAL RELEASE - 8:00 AM CST, 27 AUG 09
Contact: Kahea Reinhardt
KentuckySkies
808-283-4433
AIRLINE LAUNCHES SERVICE WITH FREE FLIGHTS
(OWENSBORO) Kentucky’s newest airline is celebrating its launch by giving away every seat FREE for one week.
“We wanted to do something unique and fun to introduce KentuckySkies convenient new service to Nashville,” said airline President Gabriel Kimbrell. “This is a great way to express our appreciation to the people of Owensboro for their support.”
KentuckySkies will inaugurate service August 30th 2009 with three weekday, and two weekend nonstop flights from Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport to the Music City.
Flights from Owensboro to Nashville will depart at 7:10 AM, 1:15 PM and 6:15 PM weekdays, and at 8:45 AM and 5:00 PM weekends. Return flights from Nashville to Owensboro will depart at 6:05 AM, 12:10 PM and 5:10 PM weekdays, and at 7:40 AM and 3:55 PM weekends.
“We want folks to experience how inexpensive and easy it can be to skip traffic and parking hassles when connecting to flights out of Nashville, or visiting the city to do business or attend sporting and entertainment events,” said Kimbrell.
Owensboro has been without daily scheduled airline service for more than one year, and KentuckySkies will offer an everyday low fare of just $39 in an effort to re-establish air traffic and attract new customers.
“Bringing people together conveniently and inexpensively is what this is all about” says Kimbrell, who oversees a Dallas-based collection of airline brands serving New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, Georgia and Nevada since 1974.
Tickets purchased through the airline’s web site at www.KentuckySkies.com are available for $39 on every flight with no blackout dates. Reservations are also available through KentuckySkies toll-free reservation center or travel agencies at a higher fare.
To celebrate inauguration of service, seats on every KentuckySkies flight departing August 30th 2009 through September 5th 2009 will be available free of charge from the airline’s telephone reservations center on a first-come, first-served basis.
The airline will begin giving away free tickets at midnight tonight, August 27th 2009, and will continue taking reservations until all seats have been sold or given away. Free seats may be reserved by calling KentuckySkies at (877) 849-5007.
Free flights and seats are limited to two per caller, and complimentary travel must occur between August 30th and September 5th 2009.
Free tickets are available by telephone only. Full-fare tickets will still be available online at www.KentuckySkies.com while supplies last. Free tickets have no cash value and may not be sold, transferred, extended or credited toward future travel. Contact KentuckySkies for complete details.
Kimbrell says saving Kentucky residents money is only part of the airline’s “green” strategy for success. “We are committed to quality service and quality of life in the communities we serve.”
KentuckySkies is demonstrating its commitment to a greener Kentucky by partnering with American Reforestation Corporation to plant one seedling tree for every passenger flown. Kimbrell says the idea is to create incentives for Kentucky travelers to “go green.”
“We have seen dramatic carbon reductions and conservation of fossil fuel in other locations where we operate our environmentally-friendly new EcoJets. Saving customers money and minimizing our carbon footprint is the kind of green movement we hope Kentucky will really get behind,” said Kimbrell.
-End-
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LIGHTNING 100 FILLS OUT LINEUP FOR FIRST TWO ‘LIVE ON THE GREEN’ CONCERTS
First in series of free, outdoor concerts on Sept. 3
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville’s new free, outdoor concert series starts next week with a lineup that’s as diverse as Music City’s own array of musical talent.
Live On the Green will take place over six consecutive Thursday nights, from Sept. 3 to Oct. 8, starting at 6 p.m. on the Public Square in front of the Metro Courthouse downtown. The fall concert series is hosted by Mayor Karl Dean and locally-owned radio station Lightning 100.
“This is a chance for us to invite the entire city out to enjoy our Public Square – the only green roof on a municipal building in Nashville – and enjoy the musical talent for which our city is known,” Dean said.
The show on Sept. 3 will include performances by rock bands Toadies and American Bang, as well as Ten Out of Tenn, a unique ensemble of Nashville-based emerging artists. On Sept. 10, the night will be filled with funk, rock, R&B and costumes with Here Come the Mummies, Space Capone and music variety show H-Beam. The complete list of shows and artists is available online at www.liveonthegreen.net.
Live On the Green will also showcase environmental stewardship with a number of green features, including on-site recycling, a free bike check, and merchandise made from recyclable and organic materials. Lightning 100’s Team Green will be organizing community events, such as tree plantings and clean-ups, to offset the carbon footprint for the concert series in effort to make it a carbon-neutral event.
Live On the Green is presented by MGD64, Whole Foods, Comcast and The City Paper. Supporting sponsors include the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Now Playing Nashville, Hard Rock Café, Earth Savers, Doubletree Hotel, Rabbit Hole Recording, and Bradfield Stage Lighting.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Dave Herrell 615.743.3124 | 615.642.7121 mobileDHerrell@NashvilleSports.com
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY TO SQUARE OFF AGAINST
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY IN 2011 & 2013 AT LP FIELD
MUSIC CITY TO HOST SEASON-OPENERS ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND
NASHVILLE, Tenn., (July 29, 2009) – Nashville Sports Council representatives announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Western Kentucky University (Sun Belt Conference) to host two games of a four-game series between the University of Kentucky (Southeastern Conference) and Western Kentucky for their first game of their respective seasons during Labor Day weekend in 2011 and 2013 at LP Field. The specific dates have yet to be determined.
“We are excited to partner with these two great universities on this unique series,” said Scott Ramsey, president & CEO. “We look forward to the opportunity to host the student-athletes, administrators and fans from WKU and UK as they kickoff their seasons in Music City on Labor Day weekend.
Western Kentucky University will serve as the home team for the series. “I want to thank Mitch Barnhart, Rich Brooks and the University of Kentucky for agreeing to this historic four-year series,” said WKU Director of Athletics Dr. Camden Wood Selig. “Their leadership team is a class act, and this four-game series is a great way for UK to welcome WKU to the I-A neighborhood. As the newest of the 120 member Football Bowl Subdivision, our team and fans are eagerly anticipating the journey we are beginning and for future meetings with the Wildcats will certainly add to everyone’s level of excitement. Opening the 2011 and 2013 seasons in Nashville is a creative and unique way to grow our program’s visibility, and it will also be great for football fans and youth players throughout the region.”
Western Kentucky will play the University of Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington in 2010 and 2012 as part of the series.
“Congratulations to Western Kentucky on becoming the state’s third program in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, said University of Kentucky Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart. The game presents an opportunity for people across the Commonwealth to continue watching athletes they saw playing in high school and their progression in the collegiate game. It creates the opportunity to travel to a venue known by many UK fans – the Titan’s stadium at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. Our fans had a great time with all the hospitality Nashville offered the last two times we visited for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl and I am very much appreciative of all the efforts of Wood Selig and Scott Ramsey to make this series work. We look forward to an exciting series against the Hilltoppers.”
The 2011 game marks only the 2nd time that these two programs have played each other in their history.
WKU Head Football Coach David Elson
“The University of Kentucky has many scheduling options, and I compliment them for agreeing to this four game series,” said David Elson. “These match-ups will be exciting for our players, staff and fans and will also result in added exposure to our program. We look forward to returning to Lexington and also playing two home games in the great city of Nashville, where many loyal Topper fans reside. Our transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision has had many firsts, and the first four-year series between these two great schools will benefit many. I congratulate all parties involved in getting this done.”
UK Head Football Coach Rich Brooks
“This will be a very good series for both schools and certainly great for our fans in the western part of Kentucky. We really enjoyed our experiences in the back-to-back Music City Bowls in 2006 and 2007 and we look forward to returning to that venue.”
The Nashville Sports Council hosted similar college football games with the 2006 University of Louisville vs. Middle Tennessee State University game and the University of Tennessee vs. University of Wyoming match-up in 2002.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean
“Kentucky sports fans are an enthusiastic bunch and we’re happy to welcome them here to Nashville for this series of games,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “I am certain once they come to the games in 2011, they will look forward to 2013 that much more – Nashville is a great place to visit and LP Field is a world-class venue. As always, I appreciate the Sports Council’s leadership for continuing to make Nashville a destination for sports entertainment.”
Ticket information details will be available in the coming months and tickets will go on-sale in 2010. For more information, call the Nashville Sports Council office at 615.743.3120 or visit the NSC online at NashvilleSports.com
About the Nashville Sports Council
The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council’s mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted more than 120 major sporting events that have produced more than $350 million in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615.743.3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com.
WKU Media Contact:
To arrange interviews, please contact Todd Stewart at 270.745.3161 or todd.stewart@wku.edu
UK Media Contact:
To arrange interviews, please contact Susan Lax at 859.257.8420 or slax0@email.uky.edu
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Health E-Mail from Metro Public Health
August 25 2009 H1N1 flu update
Cases of H1N1 flu continue to occur in Davidson County and we expect to see an increase in the weeks and months ahead. Community-wide attention to preventive measures is critical to lessening the impact and saving lives in the coming months. A recent essay in the Tennessean presents some reasons we need to take H1N1 flu seriously.
Basic prevention
Like ordinary flu viruses, the 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) virus can spread from person to person when an ill person coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread infectious droplets through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch. The Health Department wants you to help reduce the spread of flu by taking the following steps.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your shirt sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Get the seasonal flu shot when it becomes available.
• Get the H1N1 flu shots when that vaccine becomes available.
What to do if you are sick with fever and flu-like symptoms:
• Stay home until you have been fever free without taking medicine for at least 24 hours.
• Consult your primary care provider if you are concerned about your illness.
• Do not visit emergency rooms unless your symptoms are severe.
• Understand that laboratory testing to determine what kind of flu is present is not always necessary
• If your child is sick, keep them at home. Consult your pediatrician.
Flu-like symptoms include:
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea
Leaders’ and managers’ role
Leaders in schools, workplaces and other organizations can take action now to make it easier for people to adhere to these preventive measures. Frequent reminders and communications including posters, prominent availability of hand sanitizer, and attention to illness and leave policies are a few steps that people can take. Additional resources for worksites are available at the CDC website
Stay informed
Visit the Health Department's website (health.nashville.gov) for information and the latest guidance for the community, including schools, employers, and faith based organizations. The Health Department also has a recorded community information telephone line (615-340-7775) with the latest information about seasonal and H1N1 flu.
Thanks for your commitment to a healthy Nashville!
Bill Paul
William S. Paul, MD, MPH
Director of Health
Metro Public Health Department of Nashville/Davidson County
311 23rd Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203
615.340.5622 (o)
615.340.2131 (f)
"People creating healthy conditions everywhere"
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MAYOR HIRES INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO REVIEW CONTRACTS, SPENDING ON PREDEVELOPMENT OF CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean announced today that Metro Government will be hiring an independent auditing firm to conduct a full review of the communications contract and related spending for the new downtown convention center, as well as a sample review of all other contracts and spending on predevelopment activities for the project to date.
Today’s announcement follows Dean’s decision earlier this month to have the Finance Department review the communications invoices already paid and future invoices for all vendors for the convention center project.
“Questions about spending on this project are valid and deserve to be answered,” Dean said. “When you’re dealing with public money on a public project, the public deserves to know how every dollar is spent. Music City Center is the largest development ever undertaken by Metro. It’s vital to our city’s future economic growth. We need to move forward with this project in a way that allows the public to have full confidence in how it’s being managed.”
Already the Finance Department has:
• Requested a full accounting of all contracts, amendments and payments to date
• Requested a list of all unpaid invoices
• Requested MDHA return $1.6 million advanced for August invoices
• Started working to identify and assign personnel to oversee and control all future spending until transitioned to the staff of the Convention Center Authority
In addition, Dean’s administration filed legislation last week to create a Convention Center Authority. Allowed under the Convention Center Authorities Act of 2009 passed by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year, the Convention Center Authority will provide strong public oversight through a nine-member board appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Metro Council.
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Citizen Shoots & Critically Injures Robbery Suspect
August 31, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A 60-year-old man Saturday night shot and critically injured a 17-year-old robbery suspect outside the victim’s Lindy Murff Court residence.
The teenager and an accomplice, convicted felon Kevin Negron, 19, approached the victim who had just arrived home and was sitting in his car with a friend at 9:30 p.m. The teen, armed with a hand gun, demanded money while Negron stood nearby with a shotgun. The victim retrieved the .38 caliber revolver he was carrying pursuant to a handgun carry permit. In defense of himself and others, he fired on the teenager who was struck in the chest.
Negron drove his injured teen accomplice to the Shell gas station at 197 Haywood Lane where he reported they had been the victims of a crime. South Precinct officers alertly identified both men as the robbery suspects. During interviews, Negron admitted to his involvement in the attempted robbery.
Negron, of Reeves Road , is charged with two counts of attempted aggravated robbery and is being held in lieu of $75,000 bond. He was on probation for an April felony evading arrest conviction. Negron’s arrest history includes theft and domestic assault charges.
The 17-year-old will be charged with aggravated robbery in Juvenile Court upon his dismissal from Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is in stable condition.
Negron’s photo is being withheld pending lineups in similar robberies.
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Police looking for Antwaine Green (photo attached)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police are looking for parolee Antwaine Green, 26, who is believed to be the gunman in this afternoon’s shooting that wounded two people on University Court.
A Convicted robber, Green allegedly fired shots at Anthony Fizer, 22, as Fizer rode his bike in the 100 block of University Court at 2:30 p.m. Assistant Public Defender Laura Dykes and her assistant, Carrie Gleaves, were interviewing a client in the area when a stray bullet struck Gleaves in the arm. Gleaves was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she is in stable condition. Fizer, of Moorewood Drive, was also struck by gunfire. He was transported to Vanderbilt where he is in stable condition.
In addition to his 2003 robbery conviction, Green’s previous convictions include felon in possession of a weapon, evading arrest, and felony cocaine sales.
Fizer, a convicted felon for cocaine possession, also has previous theft and assault convictions.
Detectives are working to identify a second suspect who was with Green at the time of the shooting.
Arrest warrants will be issued charging Green, who was last known to live on Charles E. Davis Boulevard, with attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault. Anyone with information concerning Green’s whereabouts is urged to contact Hermitage Precinct detectives at 862-6993 or Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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South Nashville Man Charged in Child Pornography Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A 32-year-old South Nashville man is charged with sexual exploitation of minors for keeping at least 174 child pornography photos on his home computer.
Clayton Cassidy McGee asked his father to retrieve his home computer and external hard drive from his Philfre Court mobile home while he was jailed on a domestic assault charge. McGee’s father took the equipment home, discovered child pornography, and brought the computer hardware to police headquarters.
Detectives believe the children in the photos reviewed thus far range in age from 6 to 12. The forensic examination on McGee’s computer is continuing. Hundreds of other child porn pictures appear to have been saved. Additional charges are likely.
McGee’s bond on the sexual exploitation charge is set at $30,000.
McGee was arrested August 13th for domestic assault against his girlfriend. His bond is set at $5,000 on that charge.
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South Precinct Officers Seize 102 Pounds of Marijuana After Traffic Stop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Precinct Flex officers working to deter auto burglaries in the Lenox Village complex off Nolensville Pike early today recovered 102 pounds of marijuana from the trunk of a Chevrolet Impala.
The driver of the car, Cesar Vaca-Vargas, 23, also known as Aurelio Aguilar, is charged with possession of marijuana for resale in a drug free school zone (within 1,000 feet of Oliver Middle School and Shane Elementary School), driving without a license and criminal impersonation.
Officers were monitoring the Lenox Village parking areas when they saw the Impala and another vehicle pull into the gazebo area and then leave. Officer Brent Bauer stopped the Impala at Nolensville Pike and Barnes Road because the temporary tag in the back window was positioned in such a way that it was not readily visible. Vaca-Vargas, who claimed to be Aurelio Aguilar, did not have a driver license or any other form of identification and was placed under arrest. Based on a marijuana odor coming from the car, a probable cause search was conducted. Inside the trunk were four shrink-wrapped packages of marijuana. It is not clear where Vaca-Vargas received the marijuana or where he was taking it.
“This is an excellent example of alert officers intercepting a significant marijuana load while working to address an auto burglary issue,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “And as it turns out, it appears this man should not have even been in Nashville to begin with.”
A federal immigration hold has been placed against Vaca-Vargas because he is suspected of reentering the United States illegally from Mexico after having been deported in the past.
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Titans Receiver Chris Davis Charged with DUI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tennessee Titans receiver Chris Davis has been booked on a drunken driving charge after being stopped at 2 a.m. today for speeding on Broadway.
Davis, 25, driving a 2007 Cadillac Escalade, was clocked on radar traveling 44 mph in a 30 mph zone while traveling westbound on Broadway near 11th Avenue. Davis turned right onto George L. Davis Boulevard and pulled over for police at the Grundy Street intersection. Officer Shawn Taylor saw that Davis’ eyes were watery and detected an odor of alcohol on his breath. Davis consented to a breath alcohol test, which registered 0.11%. In Tennessee, a person is considered to be legally under the influence of alcohol with a reading of 0.08%.
Davis completed the Sheriff’s Office booking process at 4:35 a.m. His bond was set at $5,000.
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DHS Case Manager Charged with Rape by Coercion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sex Crimes detectives this evening charged a Department of Human Services case manager with rape by coercion for allegedly performing sexual acts on a female client after leading her to believe that she had to submit to his advances in exchange for help in obtaining food stamps.
Darius Willis, 38, of Nashville, was arrested this afternoon at his DHS office inside Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The 28-year-old victim reports that she went to Willis’ office Thursday to discuss Medicaid and food stamp issues. She said that Willis raped her in the office while implying that if she did not go along with his advances, approval for food stamps would be less likely. The victim contacted police Thursday afternoon and confronted Willis today while detectives monitored the conversation. Willis acknowledged the sexual contact both in that conversation and subsequent questioning by police.
Willis, who has no prior arrest history in Nashville, is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
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Last Weekend's Operation Safer Streets Initiative Netted 84 Arrests
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Last weekend’s Operation Safer Streets gang enforcement initiative, which took place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, resulted in 84 arrests involving 88 misdemeanors, five felonies and eight outstanding warrants. Seized were .5 grams of cocaine, 70.2 grams of marijuana, 98 ecstasy pills, one weapon, one vehicle and $204 cash.
At least three times a week, officers and supervisors representing each of the six precincts and the Specialized Investigations Division (SID) partner together to implement strategies to combat gang crime and activities in various areas of Nashville.
Friday’s enforcement consisted of five SID detectives, four supervisors, 24 patrol officers and two canine officers. Areas targeted were Edgehill Avenue, Murfreesboro Pike, and Harding Place.
Saturday’s enforcement consisted of four SID detectives, ten supervisors, 21 patrol officers and two canine officers. Areas targeted were the J.C. Napier public housing development, Harding Place, Murfreesboro Pike, Edgehill Avenue, Charlotte Pike, Main Street, Dickerson Pike, Lafayette Street, the Cheatham Place public housing development, Clarksville Pike, and 26th Avenue North.
Sunday’s enforcement consisted of six SID detectives, three supervisors and six patrol officers. South Nashville was the targeted area.
So far this year, Operation Safer Streets has resulted in 2,583 arrests on 247 felony charges, and 2,596 misdemeanor charges, 34 gun seizures, the service of 512 outstanding warrants, 345 field interviews of persons believed to have gang knowledge and 9,743 traffic stops in areas with a gang presence.
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Park Smart: Week of August 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, August 16, through Saturday, August 22, shows that 21.4% of the automobiles taken (six of 28) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Officers also urge citizens to SHOP SMART by not leaving purses or other valuables unattended in shopping carts, even for a very short time. An unattended purse is an easy target for a thief.
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Extra Duty Officers Charged 34 Persons with DUI Last Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Officers paid through a Governor’s Highway Safety Office grant charged 34 persons with DUI last weekend in the police department’s continuing DUI initiative using extra duty officers. These officers target impaired drivers Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. in areas with a propensity for fatal crashes, crime and DUI arrests.
Additionally, the DUI Unit charged 40 persons last week with driving under the influence.
Enhanced visibility on Nashville’s roadways and zero tolerance for impaired drivers are the cornerstones of the police department’s DUI initiative.
So far this year, extra duty officers working under the grant have arrested 1,438 suspected drunk drivers, an increase of 18% compared to this time last year. The DUI Unit has arrested 1,259 suspected drunk drivers, an increase of 1% compared to this time last year
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Precinct-Based Undercover Detectives Charged 130 Persons This Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Undercover detectives, assigned to the department’s precincts, charged 130 persons this week with mostly drug and prostitution offenses as the result of investigations in various Nashville neighborhoods.
South Precinct detectives charged 22 persons as the result of investigations on Wallace Road, Polk Avenue, Aaronwood Drive, and Shasta Drive. Seized were 19 grams of cocaine, 242 grams of marijuana, ten Soma pills and two handguns.
Hermitage Precinct detectives charged 30 persons as the result of investigations on Lewis, Cannon, and Lafayette Streets, 1st Avenue South, Spence Lane, Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro Pike, Donelson Pike, and Towne Valley Drive. Seized were 4.5 grams of cocaine, 97.6 grams of marijuana and 46 various pills.
West Precinct detectives charged 29 persons as the result of investigations on 11th Avenue South, 12th Ave North near Herman Street, the 3800 block of Park Avenue, the 2200 block of Elliston Place, and Lenox Place. Seized were 2.5 pounds of marijuana, 45 grams of cocaine, 96 Lortab pills, one vehicle, two weapons and $360 cash. Detectives also provided information to the TBI that led to the seizure of nearly 300 marijuana plants from a Cannon County grow operation.
North Precinct detectives charged 25 persons as the result of investigations on Indiana Avenue, 40th Avenue North, Georgia Avenue, Neelys Bend, Rivergate Parkway, 26th Avenue North, Forrest Park Road, Buchanan Street, and Jefferson Street. Seized were 25.9 grams of cocaine, 33.4 grams of marijuana, ten pills, two weapons and $270 cash.
East Precinct detectives charged 14 persons as the result of investigations on Trinity Lane and Dickerson Pike. One gram of cocaine was seized.
Central Precinct detectives charged ten persons as the result of investigations on North 1st Street, Piccadilly Row, Lafayette Street, Oldham Street, Demonbreun Street and 10th Avenue North. Seized were 310 grams of cocaine, five OxyContin pills, one vehicle and $10,329 cash.
Persons suspecting drug activity in their neighborhoods are urged to call the police department’s 244-DOPE hotline. Callers to the hotline can remain anonymous.
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METRO AWARDED $250K GRANT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal grant to fund energy manager, plan to make city eligible for additional $6M
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean announced today that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has been awarded $250,000 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The grant will fund the first year salary for a full-time energy manager in Metro’s Department of General Services and consultants to develop an energy conservation strategy for Metro. With a completed energy conservation plan, Metro will be eligible to apply for an additional $6 million from the EECBG Program to implement the plan, which will incorporate several recommendations from the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability.
“Sustainable practices tend to save money in the long run, but the initial investments, especially in energy efficiency of buildings and operations, can be a barrier,” Dean said. “The federal government has recognized this and has made significant funds available to entities, like Metro, that want to reduce energy use and emissions. This grant will allow us to map a course to not only fulfill a number of Green Ribbon recommendations, but to meet our end goal of becoming a leading city in sustainable practices.”
Metro has contracted with Gobbell Hays Partners Inc. to write the energy conservation strategy, which must include a number of DOE reporting requirements, such as the number of jobs created, energy savings and reinvestment of saved dollars. Gobbell Hays is partnering with Johnson Control on the project. The plan must be completed and submitted to the Department of Energy within 120 days.
The energy manager will be responsible for implementing Metro’s energy management program, including initiating, coordinating and monitoring energy conservation efforts in Metro’s various divisions and departments.
Over $2.7 billion was made available in the EECBG Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009. According to its Web site, the Department of Energy has awarded 206 grants through the program to date, totaling nearly $111 million.
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Press Release: Mayor Dean announces new Economic Development Director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean today announced Alexia Poe will serve as director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development. She replaces Paul Ney who will be returning to legal practice.
“I deeply appreciate Paul’s service over the last two years,” Dean said. “He has done a great job representing our city, and I wish him well as he returns to his first love, the law. Alexia has a wealth of experience working in both the public and private sectors. I look forward to working with her as we continue to position our city for economic growth.”
Poe currently serves as managing director of the Tennessee office for Peritus Public Relations. Prior to joining Peritus, she was director of public affairs for Gaylord Entertainment where she managed government relations, community relations and the company’s charitable contributions through its Foundation.
Before working in the private sector, Poe spent nearly a decade in public service. She served as communications director for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) in Washington, D.C. where she worked with Tennessee and national press and built the senator’s press office from the ground up. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, Poe served in the White House as deputy press secretary to First Lady Laura Bush.
Her public service began with five years in Gov. Don Sundquist’s (R-TN) press office becoming the youngest person in the state’s history to serve as press secretary. She began her career as a reporter and morning anchor in Northeast Tennessee.
“Nashville is one of the best places in the country to live, work and raise a family, and I look forward to promoting this city and doing my part to promote strategic economic growth,” Poe said.
Poe, 35, is a Knoxville native and graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor of science in communication and a minor in political science.
She serves on the executive committee and board of directors of Fifty Forward (formerly Senior Citizens, Inc.) and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. Poe is also serving as 2009-2010 program co-chair for Leadership Nashville.
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MNPS Children First
Aug. 28, 2009
Click on the date to read the full newsletter. Or visit www.mnps.org.
Inside this Issue:
• Twilight schools provide opportunity for students
• CEO Champions lend support to career academies
• MLK Class of 2009 featured by U.S. News and World Report
• Hunters Lane culinary arts program earns national accreditation
• NASCAR driver Kyle Busch makes surprise donation
• Health Fair at Brick Church Middle
• Ride for Reading makes a pit stop at Alex Green
• Cockrill students enhance their options with Spanish instruction
• Gateway students receive free supplies
• Reading Recovery teachers headed to Ohio State
• Youth Speaks ready for a new year
• Hume-Fogg senior scores perfect 36!
• Kennedy teacher chronicles adventures in the classroom
• Cane Ridge students ready to rumble
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Students Settle In at The Academy at Opry Mills ERC
NASHVILLE, TN (August 27, 2009) – Walk around Opry Mills and you’ll find the usual shoppers milling in and out of stores, having a meal or headed into the theatre. What you won’t see, is approximately 70 students working diligently at the new Academy at Opry Mills Education Resource Center (ERC), located across from the mall offices.
Set back from the main hallway, across from the mall offices, the school opened to students Aug. 14 as a partnership between the mall, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and national nonprofit Simon Youth Foundation (SYF). The Academy provides a second chance for students who are unable to complete their education in the traditional high school setting. Many students typically have family or work needs and are at risk of dropping out without the opportunity to attend this school. In addition to the Opry Mills site, the school district operates a second Academy program at its Old Cockrill building in West Nashville.
“Opry Mills has a longstanding commitment to, and partnership with, the citizens of greater Nashville,” said Opry Mills Mall Manager, Jad Murphy. “We look forward to welcoming these deserving students, and are delighted to play a small role in helping them reach their education goals.”
The school joins a growing network of alternative schools SYF has established across the country. The ERCs are located primarily in malls owned by Simon Property Group. The Academy at Opry Mills ERC is the 25th school and the first ERC in the state, bringing the total to 12 states.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be serving students in Nashville, and to be working with the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools,” said Dr. Rick Markoff, Executive Vice President, Simon Youth Foundation. “Ensuring that our youth receive a quality education, and graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, is imperative.”
The space will be provided to Nashville Public Schools rent free, and the school will receive support throughout the year from SYF such as funds for student and teacher enhancement and college scholarships for graduates. The district provides the teachers, classroom equipment and learning materials, and manages the school on a day-to-day basis.
“The partnership with Opry Mills Mall and Simon Youth Foundation will give our students a wonderful opportunity to earn their high school diploma in an environment that meets their individual needs,” said MNPS Director of Schools, Dr. Jesse Register. “That not only increases the opportunities for each student, but it benefits our community as a whole. The staffs at Simon Youth Foundation and Opry Mills understand the importance of the community’s involvement in education and I appreciate their commitment to our district and our students. ”
The school will celebrate its official grand opening later in the semester, and anticipates graduating its first students by the end of the school year.
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Metro Nashville Public Schools provide a range of educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students in Nashville and Davidson County. The governing body for MNPS is the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Board of Public Education, a nine-member group elected by residents of Metropolitan Nashville. For more information, please visit www.mnps.org.
Simon Youth Foundation (www.syf.org), established in 1998, exists to foster and improve educational opportunities, career development, and life skills that transform the lives of at-risk youth through focused programs and initiatives with our public school and post- secondary education partners. SYF accomplishes its mission through two initiatives: alternative schools called Education Resource Centers and a post-secondary scholarship program. Its 24 ERCs have graduated nearly 6,000 students at a 90 percent rate, and $7.2 million has been awarded in post-secondary scholarships.
Opry Mills is located on the Opryland grounds between Two Rivers Parkway and McGavock Pike, and borders the Cumberland River. Within walking distance of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, and next door to the Grand Ole Opry, the mall features some of the best names in manufacturers' and retail outlets, as well as high quality entertainment venues and themed restaurants.
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TERRORIST – BOOKED IN CLARKSVILLE TN:
Suspected Terrorist Booked In Clarksville Red Flag Pops Up When Man Booked
By Reported by Carley Gordon
WSMV-TV
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - One of the inmates who was taken through the door at the Montgomery County Jail was more than just the average street criminal.
"It's quite interesting and really sort of frightening in a way," said Ted Denny of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. "The feds made us aware that there was somebody on the terrorist watch list that has been to our city." A suspected terrorist arrived at the jail. Officials won't describe the crime for which he was arrested. But when jail clerk Britney Hicks booked the person in, a red flag popped up. "Whenever I received the notification, just the instructions were to call this number, which I did, and I just told them everything that I knew," Hicks said.
"Ms. Hicks contacted the (Terrorist Screening Center) and provided information, which allowed TSC screeners to positively match the individual to a known suspected terrorist on the watch list," said Sheriff Norman Lewis. The FBI is handling the investigation and will not reveal the man's current location.
The inmate's name matched one listed in the FBI's terrorist screening database. Though the FBI won't say who the suspect is or why the person is on its watch list, only people who are known or suspected to have planned, helped or engaged in terrorism are included in the database.
"It's just a reminder that you never know who's passing through your city," said Denny. This hasn't happened in Montgomery County before, but sheriff's deputies said they're not surprised and are constantly on the lookout. "We're the fifth largest city in the state," said Denny. "We have Fort Campbell as a neighbor, and should something happen to them, obviously it will impact our world, and so we're very cognizant of that."
FBI representatives said their terrorist database receives 40 to 50 positive hits a day in the United States. They said they won't tell who those people are because all of them are a part of ongoing investigations. The FBI has a terrorist watch list comprised of 400,000 people, most living outside of the United States.
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