On September 1, 2021, following a three-day trial in the United States District Court at Chattanooga, a jury convicted Mark Daniel Allen, 64, formerly of Manchester, Tennessee, of unlawfully distributing prescription opioids to patients at a clinic he owned in Manchester, Tennessee. Following the jury’s verdict, Allen was taken into custody. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., before the Honorable Travis R. McDonough. Allen faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of conviction.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Allen was a nurse practitioner who distributed oxycodone not for a legitimate medical purpose outside the course of professional practice and used his clinic for unlawful drug distribution. Specifically, the evidence showed that through his clinic, Volunteer Family Medical, he wrote controlled substance prescriptions for more than 15,000 pills to three women with whom he had sexual relationships, and a male patient who later passed away. Allen was convicted of one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises and six counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance outside the scope of professional practice.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; Special Agent in Charge Joseph Carrico of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Derrick Jones of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) made the announcement.
The FBI, HHS-OIG, TBI, Manchester Police Department, and Coffee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Brooks of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Emily Petro of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section represented the United States at trial.
Coffee County Fair extends pageant entry deadline
Coffee County Fair officials have announced that deadline has been extended to postmark entries into the Coffee County Fair beauty pageants, baby and toddler shows.
The deadline to enter and avoid late fees is now Sept. 7. The final deadline is Sept. 9. Entries postmarked by Sept. 7 avoid late fees.
Print and mail in entry forms with birth certificate and entry fee. If you can not print, a form can be printed at the fair office at 99 Lakeview Dr..
All entries can be turned in at the office as well. Entries must be postmarked by Sept. 7 to avoid late fees and Sept.9 postmark is the absolute deadline. Your child will not be registered unless all required items needed are turned in.
Forms are below and the entire Coffee County Fairbook can be found here.
Report: Tennessee has 20th lowest mortgage loan approval rate in U.S.
Pent-up demand from the pandemic, low interest rates, and a shortage of properties have created a booming housing market with near record levels of refinance activity. While typical home values have increased by 15% from a year ago, the housing market is expected to stay hot in many cities through the end of the year and into next. According to the most recent loan-level mortgage data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, there were 12.1 million mortgage loan applications approved in 2020 with an overall approval rate of 83.6%.
Mortgage loan approval rates vary by purpose of the loan. Refinancing applications for conventional, single-family loans without a cash-out option had the highest approval rate at 86.9%. Home purchase loans had a nearly identical approval rate at 86.3%, and cash-out refinancing applications were just slightly less likely to be approved, with an approval rate of 84.9%. In comparison to these types of loans, home improvement loans were the least likely to be approved—just 61% of home improvement loans were approved in 2020.
Mortgage application approval rates vary not only by purpose of the loan but also by demographic characteristics of the applicant, including race and ethnicity. Co-applicants of different races (“joint”) and non-Hispanic white applicants had the highest loan approval rates, both at 86.1%. Black, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and applicants of two or more minority races experienced the lowest approval rates, ranging from 65.8% to 69.4%. The loan approval rate for Hispanic or Latino applicants was 74.8%—a figure higher than that of other minority groups, but still 11 percentage points below the approval rate of white borrowers.
Differences in loan approval rates are in part due to varying credit profiles and application types across racial and ethnic groups. Members of minority groups are more likely to have lower incomes, lower credit scores, and live in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Still, research points to persistent discrimination in the lending market, and that even controlling for differences in financial health, minorities are denied loans at higher rates than their white counterparts.
Approval rates are highest in the Midwest, while they tend to be lower in the South and Southeast. This is likely due to differences in local demographic makeup and socioeconomic status. At 90.6% and 90.1%, respectively, North Dakota and South Dakota residents experienced the highest loan approval rates in the country. At the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi and Florida residents faced the lowest loan approval rates, at just 74.7% and 77.1%, respectively.
To find the locations with the highest loan approval rates, researchers at Smartest Dollar analyzed the latest data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Zillow. The researchers ranked states according to the mortgage loan approval rate. Researchers also calculated the total loan applications approved, median home price, median household income, and minority population share—defined as the percentage of the population that is not non-Hispanic white.
The analysis found that in 2020, 83.0% of mortgage loans were approved in Tennessee, compared to 83.6% at the national level. Out of all U.S. states, Tennessee has the 20th lowest loan approval rate.
Here is a summary of the data for Tennessee:
– Mortgage loan approval rate: 83.0%
– Total loan applications approved: 235,945
– Median home price: $226,456
– Median household income: $56,071
– Minority population share: 26.7%
For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:
– Mortgage loan approval rate: 83.6%
– Total loan applications approved: 12,107,353
– Median home price: $287,148
– Median household income: $65,712
– Minority population share: 40.0%
Story from WGNS Radio
TDOT lane closure remains halted through 6am Tuesday for Labor Day
Tennessee Department of Transportation will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the Labor Day holiday travel period. Construction crews stopped all lane closure activity at noon on Friday, September 3rd, until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7th. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.
“The Labor Day holiday is typically a busy travel time,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “We want to ensure that the thousands of travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays.”
While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on-site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
Suspect in custody after armed robberies in Shelbyille
Authorities in Bedford County have a suspect in custody after he was allegedly involved in two armed robberies Tuesday, Aug. 31.
According to Shelbyville Police Department, the first incident occurred on Germantown Rd. The victims were in the process of putting children in car seats when two black males exited a Ford Fusion and approached the victims. The suspects allegedly produced a handgun and demanded a wallet.
Later, officers responded to an aggravated robbery at T&M Market on East Depot St. Surveillance shows two black males entering the store while another stood at the door as a lookout. One suspect pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded the money from the register. After taking the money, both black males exited the store and ran from the scene. Video surveillance showed a blue Ford Fusion in the area of the store.
One individual identified as being involved in both robberies is Godice Clark. Shelbyville Police Department updated the public Thursday to say that Clark is now in custody.
Grundy County closes schools, halts extra curricular activities through Sept. 10
Grundy County School District announced on Thursday that it will be closing schools from Sept. 3 through through Sept. 10 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases there.
Three stockpile days and two snow days will be used to cover the closure.
Meanwhile, all school-related extracurricular activities will be cancelled during this time period.
Tennessee announces statewide employment push
To mark National Workforce Development Month, Tennessee is continuing a hiring momentum across the state that is putting Tennesseans back into the workforce. Keep TN Working Week will take place September 13 – 17 to highlight the numerous employers in the state actively searching for new employees.
Keep TN Working Week will include nearly two dozen job fairs in areas across each grand division of the state. These events will help to connect Tennesseans with the skills and opportunities necessary to secure meaningful employment. Nearly 100 job fairs are scheduled across Tennessee throughout September.
“We are committed to providing every necessary resource to get Tennesseans back to work,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to employment across the state, but with over 450,000 available jobs in Tennessee, there is an opportunity for every Tennessean to join our workforce.”
Tennessee employers currently have the largest number of jobs ever posted on the state’s workforce development website, www.Jobs4TN.gov, with over 450,000 positions available. These positions are for every skill level, at every salary level, and in every area of the state.
“Across the state, Tennessee employers continue struggling to find a qualified workforce,” said Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) Commissioner Jeff McCord. “Keep Tennessee Working Week shines a light on the important work occurring year-round to enable individuals with the skill sets employers need. We have the people and the programs available to not only help Tennesseans find employment but help them start on the journey towards a new career.”
Job seekers can find more information about the job fairs taking place during Keep TN Working Week and other events at www.TN.gov/workforce/events.
The highlighted Keep TN Working Week job fairs include:
* September 13 – Breakthrough Knoxville, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
* September 14 – Wilson County Career Expo, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
* September 15 – Gallatin American Job Center, 11 a.m. – noon
* September 16 – Blount County Library, 10 a.m. – noon
* September 16 – Washington County Chamber – Virtual, 9 – 11 a.m., and 2 – 4 p.m.
* September 16 – West Tennessee Employers – Virtual, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
* September 17 – KCDC Knoxville, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
There are multiple resources available to help out-of-work Tennesseans become TN Work Ready. From the Virtual American Job Center, where individuals can access program information, anytime, anywhere, to in-person or virtual Adult Education courses offered in every county in the state, the opportunity to get back to work, or change a career path, is available. TDLWD has created a one-stop website that provides job seekers easy access to information at www.TNWorkReady.com.
Many Tennesseans choosing a new career path are using Registered Apprenticeship programs as a way to earn a living while they learn a new skilled trade. There are currently more than 7,100 apprentices working in Tennessee, the largest number in over a decade. The state has seen a 30% increase in the number of apprentices since TDLWD opened its Office of Apprenticeship in 2019. Employers and job seekers can learn more about Registered Apprenticeship Programs at www.ApprenticeshipTN.com
Tullahoma School System sees growth with value added scores
Tullahoma City Schools saw tremendous growth when the state released the Tennessee Value-Added
Assessment (TVAAS) data Wednesday.
This past spring marked the first time students across the state returned to end-of-year assessments after
sudden school closures in 2020. The most recent test results will serve as a baseline for the district to
determine students’ strong points and what areas need focus and improvement.
“In the face of a challenging year, to see and have this type of growth that we as a district had, it is absolutely amazing,” said TCS Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens. “To place these results in context, scoring a three demonstrates one year of growth in a subject area. Our staff and students worked so hard throughout this past school year, and that effort was reflected in the release of the recent TVAAS data, which highlights fives and significant growth from our students!”
TVAAS measures students’ academic growth over time rather than student proficiency on the Tennessee
Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) and End of Course (EOC) examinations. TVAAS helps
educators identify best practices, implement programs that best meet the needs of their students, and make informed decisions about where to focus resources to ensure growth opportunities for all students.
When TVAAS results are released, growth is determined on a scale of 1-5, with five being the highest level of improvement.
Across all grade levels, TCS had significant improvements in all subject areas with 5s across the board. As a
district, Tullahoma City Schools received a 5 in composite, literacy, numeracy and literacy & numeracy.
Tullahoma students saw exponential growth in all subjects on the EOC exams at the high school level.
According to TVAAS data, THS students received 5s in algebra I and II, geometry, biology and U.S. history.
Additionally, they received 4s in English I and II.
“A 4 represents more than a year’s worth of growth, while a 5 is a significant year of growth,” said TCS Director of Curriculum Susan Fanning. “To see this amount of 5s across the district, particularly in a difficult year with the ongoing pandemic, is tremendous.”
While there are several areas highlighted in Wednesday’s results, there are also subjects where district
improvement can occur. At the sixth-grade level, TCS students received a 5 in math, 4 in ELA, 3 in science and 1 in social studies. Seventh graders received a five in math, 2 in ELA and 1s on science and social studies.
Eighth-grade students received a 5 in ELA, 3 in social studies, 2 in math and 1 in science.
“Tullahoma City Schools had a 97.4 percent participation rate in these end-of-year assessments, which was
higher than the state’s 95 percent rate and we are proud of that,” Dr. Stephens said. “While there are areas to celebrate, we certainly recognize there are opportunities to improve. Our teachers, instructional coaches and administrators will begin the work of analyzing these results to make appropriate instructional
decisions and meet our students’ needs as we continue forward reaching for success.”
THS students additionally saw growth in their ACT scores this past spring. High school students achieved 5s in composite, English, math and reading, while they also received a 4 in science/reasoning.
“As a whole, we are pleased with the success and the amount of growth that the TVAAS results show,” Dr.
Stephens said. “Our students and teachers deserve high praise for these results, as they put in the effort and work to see this successful outcome. Moving forward, we will use this data, along with other data sources, to continue to aid our students’ growth and development. TCS faculty and staff are continuing to work hard to ensure that the growth seen in the most recent results continues to occur.”
The Other Fest to feature some Bonnaroo artists, local favorites this weekend in Manchester
With the cancellation of the 2021 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival that was set to take place Sept. 2-5 in Manchester, community leaders and businesses have quickly teamed up to make the best of a tough situation.
“The Other Fest” is coming to Manchester this weekend – hosted at different restaurants and featuring a few musical acts who were supposed to play at Bonnaroo. Shows will be held at Common John Brewing Company, Praters BBQ and Bites of Europe – all in Manchester.
The Other Fest is organized by Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Unsigned, South Central TN Tourism and others. Bonnaroo artists, vendors, food trucks and patrons are all certainly welcome to share in the experience. Tickets are $20 and are very limited and can be purchased at theotherfest.com or by clicking here.
Artists are being added by the hour. So far, those scheduled to play include Andy Frasco, Big Something, Kid Politics, Jade Million, Phenix Red, Steady Rotation, , Them Guys, Justin Williams and Andy Walker, with nearly 30 total artists set to play. Frasco was slated to play Thursday at Bonnaroo in “That Tent,” Big Something was scheduled for “This Tent” for Thursday,
Click here to see the full schedule, with acts beginning Friday night and running through Sunday evening.
Sponsors include: Cherokee Distributing, Corona, Coors Light, Steve Jernigan with Coffee Co Realty, Snap Fitness, Transformation Wellness and Martial Arts, TN Printworks, Howard Mortgage Group, Peoples Bank & Trust Company, Traders Bank AND Thunder Radio, your official home of Radio Bonnaroo!
Aggravated robberies occur in Shelbyville; suspects sought
Area authorities are searching for suspects who allegedly committed two robberies at gunpoint late Tuesday, Aug. 31.
According to Shelbyville Police Department, the first incident occurred on Germantown Rd. The victims were in the process of putting children in car seats when two black males exited a Ford Fusion and approached the victims. The suspects allegedly produced a handgun and demanded a wallet.
Later, officers responded to an aggravated robbery at T&M Market on East Depot St. Surveillance shows two black males entering the store while another stood at the door as a lookout. One suspect pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded the money from the register. After taking the money, both black males exited the store and ran from the scene. Video surveillance showed a blue Ford Fusion in the area of the store.
One individual has been identified as being involved in both robberies. Warrants are on file for Godice Clark for aggravated robbery. He is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts, contact Detective Nathan Everhart at 931-684-5811.
