A newspaper’s analysis of state government data shows an inconsistent process of investigating sexual harassment complaints involving Tennessee agencies and handing out punishments.
The Tennessean reports at least 460 such complaints have been lodged against state employees or contractors since 2010. About 190 incidents were found to have merit, and the consequences for state employees varied widely.
According to the newspaper, employees in one agency were given minor sanctions, while at other agencies, workers were fired for verbal harassment. Nearly two-thirds of complaint investigations were closed because investigators said they found no wrongdoing.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Bill Haslam referred questions to Department of Human Resources Commissioner Rebecca Hunter, who said government employees receive regular training on workplace discrimination. She says sexual harassment in state government isn’t rampant.
Category: News
Report: Inconsistent Process Investigating Sexual Harassment Complaints in Tennessee Agencies
Students Score Well on Nation’s Report Card
Gov. Bill Haslam
The last time fourth and eighth grade students both took NAEP science was 2009, and the 2015 NAEP results show Tennessee is the only state to grow faster than the nation in both grades with Tennessee students doubling the average national growth.
Tennessee also narrowed or eliminated several achievement gaps. The gap between the science performance of male and female students was completely eliminated in both grades. In both fourth and eighth grade science the gap in achievement scores between white and African-American students narrowed, and the gap tightened between white and Latino students in fourth grade.
With these scores, Tennessee now ranks 19th and 21st in the country on fourth and eighth grade science, respectively – the highest rankings the state has ever had on the Nation’s Report Card.
Since 2007, Tennessee has been working to raise academic expectations and strengthen teaching across subjects, building all students’ critical thinking and problem solving abilities. In addition, the state has invested in innovation and technology, encouraging more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for students in every grade and strengthening college and career pathways for all students.
Halloween Information and Safe on the Square
Scenes from Safe on the Square… Photos by Tiffany Clutter
Its survey found more than 171 million Americans celebrated Halloween, spending an average of $82.93, up from last year’s $74.34.
Handing out candy is the most popular Halloween activity, with 70 percent planning greeting trick-or-treaters at the door. Approximately half of those celebrating the holiday decorated their homes, dressed in costumes or carved a pumpkin.
Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center held its 10th annual “Safe on the Square,” on Monday. The yearly event is a safe and family friendly trick-or-treating event for area children around the historic Manchester Square. A tremendous amount trick or treaters filled the Manchester Square to celebrate Halloween. The Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center would like to thank everyone including the many, many businesses who came together to make this event possible for our community!
Man Arrested after Shooting Reported
Gregory Lane Hollis… Photo provided by the CCSD
According to the arrest warrant, witnesses state that 39 year-old Gregory Lane Hollis fired at least 3 rounds from a shotgun at the victim’s vehicle that had two adults and a 7 month old child inside.
As deputies were conducting the investigation, Hollis allegedly became combative and officers restrained the man and placed him under arrest.
Hollis was searched and deputies allegedly located 7 pills on the man wrapped in plastic; 4 hydrocodone pills and 3 tizanidine pills. Also recovered was a 20 gage shotgun, 3 live shells, and 3 spent shells from the scene.
Deputy Jeremy David charged Hollis with 3 counts aggravated assault, 3 counts of reckless endangerment, schedule III drug violations, possession of legend drug with no prescription and resisting arrest. Bond was set at $68,000 and Hollis will be in court on Monday (Oct. 31).
Over 9,000 have Voted Early in Coffee County
Early voting only has 4 days to go for Coffee County voters. In Manchester, residents can vote at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza, which is located at 1329 McArthur St., Suite 6. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today through Wednesday. The hours will be extended through 5:30 p.m. on the last day of early voting, which is Thursday, Nov. 3. In Tullahoma, voters can cast their ballots at the C.D. Stamps Community Center, located at 810 S. Jackson St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today through Wednesday. The hours will also be extended through 5:30 on Nov. 3. Election Day is November 8.
On the ballot:
President
United States House of Representatives
(6th Congressional District)
Tennessee State Senate
(16th Senatorial District)
Tennessee House of Representatives
(47th House District)
The total number of registered voters in Coffee County is more than 32,000.
So far 9,221 people have voted early with the most votes cast on the first day of early voting, October, 19 with nearly 1,300 people casting ballots. In Tennessee over 1.1 million people have voted early so far.
Live Election Day coverage begins at 6pm Nov. 8 on WMSR.
County Unemployment Numbers Released
County unemployment rates for September show the rates decreased in 21 counties, increased in 46 and remained the same in 28 counties.
Coffee County went from 4.9 in August to 5.2 percent in September.
Grundy County rose from 6.6 to 6.7. Cannon County went from 4.9 to 5.1 percent. Bedford and Franklin counties had their unemployment rate stay the same at 5.3 and 5.7 respectively. Moore County saw its rate fall from 4.2 to 4% and Warren County’s unemployment rate for September was 4.9 percent, a slight increase from the August rate of 4.8 percent.
Williamson County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 3.7 percent, while Hancock County had the highest at 8.4 percent.
Police Officer Honored
Sgt Chris Patterson on the air
On Saturday Sgt. Chris Paterson with Manchester Police Department, the October “Hometown Hero” was interviewed live at Al White Motors on the Coffee Coaches Show.
We are looking for the public’s help. Go to the Thunder Radio or Al White Ford Lincoln Mercury Facebook page to nominate a law enforcement official. Tell us why you think a Coffee County deputy, Tennessee Highway Patrolman, Manchester Police officer or Tullahoma Police department officer deserves to be honored.
The man or woman that is selected each month will be recognized on WMSRradio.com and receive a nice surprise from Al White Motors.
Thank you to all that serve and protect us, our Hometown Heroes.
Special Halloween Programs on WMSR
Tune in tonight, IF YOU DARE, to enjoy four Radio Dramas with a spooky twist. These radio dramas star students at Westwood Middle School under the direction of Mrs Karen Lewis.
“These students and Mrs Lewis have done a fantastic job of creating some fun and entertaining programs I know our community will love, We at WMSR are honored to be a part of this and are excited to air these programs on Halloween night” said Rob Clutter of WMSR Radio.
There will be four produced Audio Dramas: “Sorry Wrong Number”, “The Thought”, “Graveyard Mansion”, and “The Shadow People”
The programs will air tonight at 8PM on WMSR Radio and can be heard at 107.9FM, 1320 AM and worldwide online at WMSRradio.com or via the free Thunder Radio APP and in case you miss them tonight they will be available afterward as podcasts on our website.
Cast members:
Sorry Wrong Number
The Man in Black: Blake Perry
Mrs. Stevenson: Kelley Lovell
Operator: Hallie Wimberley
1st Man/3rd Man: Eric French
George/Chief Operator: Brett Jones
Sgt. Martin: Kaiden Mullican
Information: Kiele Smith
Hospital Receptionist: Sunshine Mai
Computer Tech: Jalen Shelton
The Thought
Announcer/Computer Tech: Hunter Massicotte
MC/Female in Audience: Andie Clutter
Marlow: Ethan Rivera
Heckler/Stage Hand: Peyton Leath
Marino/Police Officer: Andrew Green
Helen: Bre Chansky
Mildred: Hallie Wimberley
Marie: Sunshine Mai
Jack: Trenton Stacey
Paul: Kaiden Mullican
Doctor/Doorman: Ricardo Garcia
Graveyard Mansion
Cab Driver: Eric French
Curtis: Dale Hoffman
Alan: Ethan Rivera
Netty: Kiele Smith
Dr. Brochard: Andie Clutter
Computer Tech: Brett Jones
Live SFX: Steven Steele
The Shadow People
Announcer & Shadow Whisperer: Ricardo Garcia
Shadow: Andrew Green
David: Noah Helwig
Elaine: Sophie Harris
Brian: Jalen Shelton
Secretary: Cynthia Brewer
Mrs. Davis: Cara Bell
Dr. Hesselius: Hunter Massicotte
Computer Tech: Blake Perry
Live SFX: Steven Steele
Road Closure 10-28–11-14-2016
Brent Carter, Public Works Director for the City of Manchester, has announced that the public works department will be replacing drain tile going across the road on the Old Tullahoma Hwy starting at 8:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm on 10-28-16 and going thru 11-14-16. The Old Tullahoma Hwy will be closed starting at Bartlett Dr and ending at Old Seminary Rd.
Tullahoma Police Investigating Theft from Antiques Store
Tullahoma Police are investigating the theft of items from Reminisce Antiques located on North Jackson Street.
Aaron Jones reported on Wednesday (Oct. 26) to Officer Tim Brandon that someone took a greenish bronze horse with a hockey player attached to a black marble base from the store, the item was valued at $600. Also taken was a clear and pink bowl on a pedestal from the store valued at $200.
Tullahoma Detective Tyler Hatfield is investigating the theft.
