‘Click it or Ticket’ Save Lives in Memorial Weekend Statistics Revealed

Safety Department Releases Preliminary Memorial Weekend Statistics

TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL ALSO RELEASES ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY

Nashville, Tennessee — The Tennessee Department of Safety announced Tuesday, June 3, 2008, that preliminary figures show 13 people were killed in traffic crashes in Tennessee during the 78-hour Memorial Day holiday period. That is down from the 21 fatalities during the Memorial Day holiday period in 2007 and 16 deaths in 2006.

Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell said, “While the numbers are still preliminary and could go higher due to delayed reporting from local law enforcement agencies, the Department of Safety is pleased to see the 2008 Memorial Day weekend fatalities will be significantly lower than 2007. We continue to believe rigorous enforcement through sobriety and driver license checkpoints across the state is making an impact on the reduction of fatalities and serious injury crashes in Tennessee.”

During the holiday weekend from 6 p.m. Friday, May 23 through midnight Monday May 26, The Tennessee Highway Patrol deployed Troopers to 85 checkpoints in 8 THP districts across the state in an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injury crashes in Tennessee. Preliminary statistics reveal five (38%) of the fatalities across the state occurred in alcohol-related crashes. Five motorcyclists and one pedestrian were killed.

Seven of the people killed were vehicle occupants and four (57%) were not wearing safety restraints.

THP Colonel Mike Walker said, “Nationally in 2006, 68% percent of the passenger vehicle occupants in fatal crashes who were buckled up survived the crash. Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect you and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” Walker added. “That’s why we stress “Click It or Ticket” to save lives.” Despite Tennessee’s Primary Seat Belt Usage law, Colonel Walker stressed, “Approximately 61% of vehicle occupants who died in Tennessee in 2007 were not restrained.”

During the 2008 Memorial Weekend enforcement period, Troopers issued 5,725 citations for the following violations:

DUI Arrests 59 Child Restraint 131

Speeding 2,062 Safety Belt 788

Other Moving Violations 265 Financial Responsibility  628

Other Non-Moving Violations 1,792

The 78-hour, 2007 Memorial Day holiday period began at 6:00 p.m., Friday May 23, and ended at 11:59, Monday, May 26.

The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.

STATE PARK RESTAURANTS CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY ON SUNDAY, JUNE 15

TREAT DAD TO A DELICIOUS BUFFET AT ONE OF EIGHT STATE PARK RESTAURANTS

Nashville, Tenn. – There’s no better way to express your love and appreciation than to take dad out for a delicious meal amongst the beauty of Tennessee State Parks this Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15.

Tennessee State Parks invite you to spend time with family and friends, celebrate dad’s special day and enjoy Tennessee’s natural wonders at one of eight state park restaurants serving a delicious Father’s Day Buffet. Buffet selections and prices will vary.

The Father’s Day Buffet will be available beginning at 11:00 a.m. until closing at these state park restaurants:

Cumberland Mountain State Park…………… (931) 484-7186

David Crockett State Park (Lawrenceburg)…… (931) 762-9541

Fall Creek Falls State Park………………… (423) 881-5241

Henry Horton State Park………………….. (931) 364-2222

Montgomery Bell State Park……………….. (615) 797-3101

Natchez Trace State Park…………………. (731) 968-8176

Paris Landing State Park………………….. (731) 642-4311

Pickwick Landing State Park……………….. (731) 689-3135

Tennessee’s 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free 1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.

MEXICO REIMBURSES FOREIGN TOURISTS FOR SALES TAX EXPENDITURES

Beginning in June, tourists will be reimbursed at airports in Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta for the amount of sales tax they paid during their visit;

This will apply to travelers who return to their countries of origin by sea or air and who can prove they spent at least 1,200 pesos ($116.03 at the current exchange rate), including sales tax;

The second phase of the refund will be implemented in the airports in Monterrey, Cozumel, El Bajio, Mazatlan and Morelia, and then subsequently at the remainder of the country’s air and sea ports.

Mexico City, June 5, 2008- Sales tax rebates will be paid to foreign visitors beginning in June to enhance the experience of traveling to Mexico and make the country a destination of choice for international tourists. The measure will go into effect once the Tax Administration Service (TAS), grants concessions to three companies to operate the program.

As part of their main objective, which is to increase the flow of international tourists to the country, the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), is spreading the word to their targeted markets where they concentrate heavily on tourism promotion with the hopes of encouraging foreign travelers to visit Mexico this summer

“With this action, Mexico is joining the world’s tourism powerhouses in striving to give a value-added incentive to tourists who are seeking to discover our diverse attractions beyond their borders,” said Oscar Fitch Gomez, CEO of the MTB.

The Value Added Tax (VAT) will be returned to foreign tourists who can prove they have spent a minimum of 1,200 pesos (approximately $160 dollars) – on Mexican territory and who are returning home by sea or air.

Following the model established in other parts of the world, sales tax paid for the purchase of services, such as lodging and food, will not be refunded.

The refunds are applicable for purchases made with debit or credit cards, but only for cash transactions in which the cost of the item was less than 3,000 pesos. The purchases can be made in stores and establishments that are affiliated with a TAS -authorized service operator.

Tourists will have the right to receive up to 50 percent of the net rebate – an amount not to exceed 10,000 pesos – in the form of cash; the remaining 50 percent will be refunded via electronic funds transfer within a period of 40 days.

Travelers that visit our country should present proof that they received the merchandise from the store of purchase and submit a reimbursement request form, along with bank statement.

Foreigners visiting our country should present receipts for their purchases, a form soliciting the rebate and if necessary, a bank receipt. In each case, the rebate operator will install clearly identified service centers where the relevant documentation can be verified and the sales tax refunded.

The procedure will be implemented gradually across the country. The first phase will be launched this summer at air terminals in Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, all of which are cities with a sizable flow of international visitors.

The following phase, scheduled to go into effect six months after the initial launch, will include the airports in Monterrey, Cozumel, El Bajio, Mazatlan and Morelia; the system will later be set up at the country’s remaining airports, as well as at sea ports such as Acapulco, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Huatulco.

The operators of the service – Premier Tax Free, Global Refund Mexico and YVESAM Retornos Mundiales S.A. de C.V. – have successfully applied this model in other parts of the world. Global Refund and Premier Tax Free are companies with presence in over 50 countries.

Since each state possesses different programs of collection, for the structuring and definition of this model in Mexico, the Secretary of Estate and Public Credit (SHCP) performed diverse consultations and carried out comparatives of the systems that operate on a worldwide basis.

The European model, which contemplates various authorized users in free competition, and the systems of the countries of the European Union were also revised such as: Switzerland, Norway, Austria Spain, Italy; as well as the United States of America and Canada; as well as those of Taiwan, Chinese and Thailand, among others.

The Mexico Tourism Board is confident that it will be feasible for SAT to implement the program and resolve the demands of our visitors in a timely manner.

Knox County Parks and Recreation Hosts Meeting

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—The Knox County Parks and Recreation Department will host a meeting on Thursday June 19th, from 5-7 pm at Forks of the River Park, 5414 National Drive, to collect public input on a proposed exchange of park property in the Forks of the River area.

A developer has proposed an exchange of 28 acres at 5428 Strawberry Plains Pike for 18 acres that Knox County now owns at 5414 National Drive. The county park, used for youth soccer, is situated in the Forks of the River Industrial park. The developer has purchased an option on the Strawberry Plains site and realized during discussions with MPC that rezoning would be difficult. MPC staff suggested the exchange as a way to provide a better location for both of the intended uses.

“Although there are many details to work out, I believe this can be a win-win. So far, the feedback from the AYSO soccer organization and the community is receptive. This allows us to concentrate industrial use in the industrial park and provide a much better location for the park,” stated Parks and Recreation Director Doug Bataille.

Citizens may stop by the meeting anytime between 5 pm and 7 pm to review the properties and discuss the project with county officials. For more information call 215-6600.

Mayor Littlefield Targets Graffiti With Summer Youth Workers

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Some call it an eyesore; others call it art.  But the plain fact is that painting graffiti on public or private property is against the law.  Graffiti is a nuisance and in some instances it contains dangerous or offensive messages.  A new and innovative graffiti removal program called the “Chatt City Erasers,” will be made up of workers from the Summer Youth Program who will be responsible for painting over and cleaning up graffiti around the city.  “By utilizing our summer youth workers, we are able to make a noticeable difference,” said Mayor Ron Littlefield.  “Graffiti has become a serious problem for property owners, residents and visitors.  It detracts from the beauty of our city and leaves a negative impression.”

The Summer Youth Program provides employment opportunities and activities for teens and young adults.  Sponsored by the office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, the program encourages positive behavior through summer employment and mentoring.

The City of Chattanooga’s Public Works Department has already cleaned up graffiti on the North Shore and other areas.  Initially, the graffiti clean-up program was to be limited to graffiti removal from public property but was expanded to include private property.  Private property owners will be required to sign an agreement to indemnify and hold harmless before any work can be performed on the property.

Citizens are encouraged to call 311 (425-6311) and report graffiti or visit www.chattanooga.gov and click on the 311 logo.  Graffiti is costly, destructive, against the law, and sends a message that the community is not concerned about the appearance of its neighborhoods.

Join us for this year’s Kuumba Festival Junkanu Parade in Downtown Knoxville.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– African American Appalachian Arts is proud to sponsor the 19^th annual Kuumba Festival.  As always, a major part of the festival is the Junkanu Parade in Downtown Knoxville.  This yearʼs parade is scheduled for Friday, June 27. 2008 at 6:00pm and we invite your group to put on your parade best and strut your stuff!  If you own a float, would like to build a float, have a special interest vehicle, a horse unit or a group that would like to walk or ride in the parade; we encourage you to join us. There is no entry fee for parade participation.  The parade route begins at the corner of Depot and Gay streets and line-up begins at 5:30 p.m. The parade route follows Gay Street and culminates in Market Square where Kuumba Fest Friday entertainment continues.

For complete Junkanu Parade information call the 2008 Junkanu Parade Committee at 865-293-7858.

New assistant dean appointed to Pellissippi State’s Blount County Campus

Maryville native Holly L. Burkett has been named assistant dean of the Blount County Campus of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Allen G. Edwards, the college’s president announced today.

Burkett has been director of admissions and the Communications Center at Pellissippi State since last year. Previously, she worked as alumni relations coordinator for the Pellissippi State Foundation and was enrollment management coordinator for Admissions and Records.

An alumna of Maryville High School, Burkett has a bachelor’s degree in human ecology from the University of Tennessee, where she majored in child and family studies.

“I’m extremely excited about this new opportunity to serve the college, especially at the new Blount County Campus,” Burkett said.

“Having grown up in Maryville, I know the value people who live here place on education, so it’s an honor to be able to help ‘grow’ this new campus for students who want a quality educational experience.”

“Holly has a diverse background with the college and excellent credentials in working with different constituencies that are important to our mission,” said Edwards. “The leadership she has already shown will help us achieve the next level of success with the new programs and opportunities we will offer in Blount County.”

Burkett is the daughter of Shirley and Clifford H. “Bo” Henry of Maryville. Bo Henry is a former member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the college’s governing body.

Burkett assumes her new post Aug. 1. She replaces Bill Eanes as assistant dean. Eanes is now project manager for the Economic Development Board of Blount County.

Rate of Low-Birthweight Babies is the Highest in 40 Years

Essay Focuses on the Urgent Need to Reform Juvenile Justice
BALTIMORE – National trends in child well-being taken together have improved slightly since 2000, according to a report released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The 2008 Data Book also presents a clear path to reducing the number of children and youth in America’s justice system. The 19th annual KIDS COUNT Data Book indicators show:
• Five areas of improvement: child death rate, teen death rate, teen birth rate, high school dropout rate, and teens not in school and not working;
• One area had no change: infant mortality rate; and
• Four areas have worsened: low-birthweight babies, children living in families where no parent has full time year round employment, children in poverty, and children in single parent families.
These national trends are not on par with the well-being improvements that were seen at the end of the 1990s, with little change since 2000. The report cites that more children are living in relative poverty in the United States than in any other economically advanced nation.
“KIDS COUNT contains some good and bad news,” says Laura Beavers, coordinator of the national KIDS COUNT project at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “We continue to see that well-being indicators have largely gotten better for teens, and they’ve gotten worse for babies. The percent of babies born at low-birthweight continues to increase, with the 2005 rate the highest reported since 1968.” Looking across all well-being indicators, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Massachusetts rank highest, and New Mexico, Louisiana, and Mississippi rank the lowest.
Casey’s KIDS COUNT Data Book’s essay, “A Road Map for Juvenile Justice Reform,” discusses developments in the nation’s juvenile justice systems, highlighting recent research and reforms that provide the basis for a fundamental, urgently needed transformation. In 2006, the estimated daily count of detained and committed youth in the custody of juvenile justice facilities was 92,854. In the same year, two out of three (66 percent) of all youth in custody were there due to a non-violent offense and the ratio of rates of youth of color to white youth in custody was 3 to 1.The essay makes the case for keeping youth out of the adult justice system, reducing incarceration, ensuring safe institutions, and eliminating racially disparate treatment.
“The state and federal government must take a much closer look at the problems that are entrenched in the juvenile justice system,” says Douglas W. Nelson, president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore. “These problems often include harsh or abusive conditions; pervasive disparities in the treatment of youth by race and ethnicity; and disproportionate sanctions for minor and predictable misbehavior. We know and there is evidence to prove that with effective interventions, system reforms, and more effective policies, the system can produce better outcomes for young people.”

The KIDS COUNT Data Book’s essay challenges local and state level jurisdictions to develop a starting point for change. More than two decades of research from scholars has expanded the understanding of causes of delinquency and the developmental pathways that lead young people into and out of delinquency. As a result, there are several lessons that states and the nation must consider in order to move forward, such as giving families a critical role in resolving delinquency and reforming practices that blur or ignore the well-established differences between youth and adults.
“Although the juvenile justice system is at a critical stage, these problems can be overcome to yield a far more efficient and fair juvenile justice system,” declares Bart Lubow, the Casey Foundation’s director of Programs for High-Risk Youth. “There is a disturbing and increasing propensity to prosecute minor cases in the juvenile justice system that provides no benefit to public safety, but instead puts kids in harm’s way. Casey’s Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative has indisputably delivered evidence that reform is indeed possible.”
Reforms recommended by the Annie E. Casey Foundation include:
• implementing policies and interventions that are age-appropriate for the child;
• reducing reliance on secure confinement;
• increasing reliance on effective community–based services;
• ensuring safe, healthy, constructive conditions of confinement;
• strengthening and empowering families to help youth succeed;
• keeping children and youth out of the adult justice system; and
• reducing racial disparities.
The essay finds that progress can be made with a strong commitment to reform by diverse agencies and constituents. State and local leaders must find an entry point for their efforts. They should focus on a particular problem or issue, whose solution requires the adoption of policies and programs that can influence other components of the system. Jurisdictions must collect and analyze data in order to hold systems accountable. The federal government can help with reform by making crucial contributions to system funding; promoting aggressive efforts to reverse the disproportionate treatment of minority youth and reducing the alarming levels of abuse in correctional custody; and strengthening protections of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
“We are poised to turn a crucial corner in reforming juvenile justice,” says Nelson. “Over the years, juvenile justice systems have too often become a dumping ground for youth who should be served by other public systems. It is time that this nation realizes the court’s vision as a place where youth receive a measure of justice, worthy of its name.”
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is the largest private charitable organization in the world that focuses exclusively on improving the lives of vulnerable children and families. For more information, visit www.aecf.org.

MAYOR CALLS FOR REDUCTIONS IN FLEET OPERATIONS

<!– @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –> Policy changes to save fuel, funds used for government vehicles

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean today announced significant changes to the fleet policies of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County as a comprehensive effort to offset the impact of rising fuel costs.

Dean has called on department heads to reduce the total number of fleet vehicles by 10 percent and significantly reduce the number of vehicles taken home by employees. Changes to vehicle replacement practices and a no-idling policy have also been implemented to increase fuel efficiency across Metro.

“Everyone – from businesses to families – is looking for ways to cut back on fuel use and government should not be the exception,” Dean said. “We’re already in tight financial times. When you add in the increasing cost of fuel and growing concerns about the environment, it’s clear these changes need to be made.”

Metro department heads have been asked to conduct a thorough review of the vehicles used in the performance of their department’s duties and reduce the total fleet size by 400 vehicles. This reduction is expected to reduce fleet operating expenses by over $1.4 million a year.

Over 900 vehicles are assigned to individuals as 24-hour “take-home” vehicles. The mayor is requiring department heads to review employee assignments to validate the need for a take-home vehicle and unless there is strong justification the vehicles should be parked.

To date, the Fire Department, the Office of Emergency Management and the Water Services Department have voluntarily reduced the number of assigned take home vehicles and have identified vehicles and equipment to remove from their departments.

Dean has also called for a change in the vehicle replacement policy, where opportunities to purchase compact or sub-compact, fuel efficient vehicles in lieu of full- or mid-sized vehicles will be taken, as well as consideration for use of hybrid vehicles.

In addition, Dean has directed Metro employees driving fleet vehicles not to allow engines to idle unless it impedes their ability to perform their job duties or in the case of emergency situations. This practice will not only save on fuel costs but will reduce air pollution and reduce the wear and tear on vehicles and equipment.

6th ANNUAL 2008 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE:

“Empowering Leaders to Serve”

WHAT: The Tennessee Child Care Facilities Corporation along with
conference partners will host its 6th Annual Leadership Conference for
Early Childhood Professionals. This two-day event is dedicated to
enhancing the management skills, professionalism, and leadership
capacity of directors, administrators, program managers, teachers, and
anyone working with or providing care and learning experiences for
children. Featured speakers include: Maurice R. Sykes, Early Childhood
Leadership Institute, University of the District of Columbia,
Washington, D.C.; Sandra R. Williams, Professional Development
Specialist, LeBonheur Center for Children and Families; and Dr. Bernard
Turner, Associate Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations
at Meharry Medical College, Nashville. Conference participants will
walk away with practical and useful organizational and program
strategies helpful in building successful, quality child care programs.
Pre-registration is required. For further information or to register,
please contact 615-532-0936 or 1-888-413-CCFC (2232).

WHEN: Friday, June 27, 2008
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Children’s Concert – Kenneth Jackson- “Rhythm
& Blues Clues”
1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Leadership Institute
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Theatrical Production – “Beating Him at His own
Game” – Presented
by TBTBS Productions

Saturday, June 28, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Conference

WHERE: World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church
6655 Winchester Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38115

MORE: Friday and Saturday’s program will include networking
opportunities, a continental breakfast, luncheon, participant’s
marketplace of Exhibitors and Resource Providers, seminar tracks on
administration, management, leadership and more for Family and
Center-Based Programs, special guest speakers and presenters, a live and
silent auction, prizes and gifts. Conference participants will receive
eight training hours to satisfy DHS requirements and standards.
Training hours will be awarded to those who attend the featured
events—Leadership Institute and Grant Writing 2008: Getting the
Money!

● Cost of Children’s Concert is $3 per child
● Cost of Leadership Institute is $20 per person
● Cost of the Theatrical Production is $10 (tickets sold
separately)
● Cost of Grant Writing: Getting the Money is $20
● Conference cost is $45 per person