In spite of efforts to crack down on the state’s prescription drug abuse epidemic, a new report shows that nearly 18 million prescriptions for controlled substances like OxyContin and hydrocodone were dispensed in Tennessee last year – a 23% increase from the previous year. The surging figures in the report to the General Assembly are a setback for those on the front lines fighting to get a grip on the prescription drug abuse epidemic that is rampant across the state. Tennessee has some of the highest prescription drug abuse rates in the country. State Mental Health Commissioner Doug Varney says the epidemic is so bad here that officials are now projecting that requests for treatment for pill addiction will overtake that for alcohol by 2013.

An eighteen-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle on Dogwood Drive in Manchester on Thursday morning (May 24, 2012). The female’s car left the road and struck a tree. She was taken to an area hospital complaining of head, upper back, and other pains. Manchester PD worked the scene.

Law enforcement officers will staff more than 70 checkpoints in Tennessee over the long Memorial Day holiday weekend.

State troopers will work around the clock with a special emphasis on enforcing seat belt use as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign. They also will be looking out for impaired and aggressive drivers.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Col. Tracy Trott said using seat belts is an effective way to save lives. According to a news release from the THP, seat belts have been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45%, and by 60% in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.

So far this year, 369 people have been killed in state traffic accidents, 36 ahead of the 2011 pace.

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 28th, at 11am on the square in downtown Manchester.

The event pays deserving respect to those who have given their all for the liberties and freedoms we hold dear. Scheduled speakers are State Representative Judd Matheny, representatives from Coffee County, the City of Manchester, Arnold Engineering Development Center, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

This will be a brief but educational and enlightening ceremony. The public is encouraged to attend: bring your friends, family, children and neighbors. Seating is limited so arrive early, as these ceremonies are almost always standing-room only.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Coffee County Veterans Building at 130 Shelton Road in Manchester.

What better way to celebrate the heroes that fought for our freedom, than with FREE music and FREE stuff

WHEN
Monday 5/28 – Memorial Day
Noon-2pm

WHERE
John Roberts Nissan
I-24 exit #114 in Manchester

WHAT’S GOIN’ ON

• Free show by the Volunteer String Band
• Free Vietti Chili dogs…served by Aly Sutton, the Vietti Chili girl
• Drawings for Free CD’s, T-shirts and other cool swag compliments of NISSAN

• Register to win free tickets to Music City Roots on a free luxury shuttle from Manchester
• Can be heard Live on WMSR

Music City Roots, is a weekly, two-hour radio show that revives the historic legacy of live musical radio production in Nashville. Music City Roots showcases Nashville’s astonishing music scene, from country and Americana to more progressive interpreters of tradition — a “roots and branches” format that brings together fans of different tastes and generations.