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Archives
06-02-2004
New laws aimed at protecting Tennesseans A number of news laws were passed during the 103rd General Assembly to protect the health and safety of Tennesseans. Health Commissioner Kenneth Robinson, M.D., said, "Maintaining good health is of paramount importance to everyone, and a great deal was accomplished during this past legislative session to promote and safeguard the health of our citizens and to stabilize the TennCare program." New laws passed this year related to health care issues include the following: ¥Changes in the TennCare program attempt to ensure that Tennesseans most in need of health care such as children, pregnant women, and the disabled will continue to have coverage. ¥Requirements were established for sprinklers and smoke detectors in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and multi-story and large-bed, single story homes for the aged to help protect elderly residents. ¥Public health nurses and nurse practitioners will be able to apply fluoride varnish to children's teeth during check-ups in order to help prevent cavities and help stop cavities that have already started. ¥Safety belts will be required for all back seat vehicle adult passengers, and any violations of the safety belt requirements become a primary offense, meaning that a law enforcement officer can stop a vehicle and issue a citation based solely on seat belt violations. ¥The Board of Education will be promulgating rules to take effect beginning in the 2005-2006 school year that establish minimum nutritional standards for foods sold in vending machines and from other sources in public schools in grades K through 8 to help prevent childhood obesity. ¥As of July 2005, the Department of Health will be able to respond to a complaint in unlicensed health care facilities and ultimately seek injunctive relief to cease and desist operation if they fail to apply for a license. ¥School employees who volunteer will be able to assist in a student's diabetes care under established guidelines with parental consent and appropriate training. ¥Department of Health will be able to expand programs and services that currently address alcohol and drug abuse to include gambling addictions. ¥Traffic violation fines for speeding, reckless driving, invalid license, and driving under the influence were increased to provide additional funding for services and programs for people with traumatic brain injury. ¥State rabies laws were updated to establish a uniform age of six months for vaccination of both dogs and cats and to allow local governments to establish registration/licensing programs and set their own fees as long as the revenues are dedicated to a rabies or animal control program.
Pontoons can sink when overloaded
courtesy of Ginger Robbins This 24-foot pontoon boat was rented from Horse Creek Dock and almost sank late Sunday afternoon, May 30. Reportedly, two 24-foot pontoons and three ski boats were tied together. Approximately 35 people were on all five boats, with most of the people on the pontoons. One of the pontoons was being pulled backwards part of the time to change locations. This reportedly caused water to come over the back of the pontoon runner and run into the top of the pontoon where there is a hole extending out of the top to allow water to be pumped out if water gets in it. No one was injured, and the boat was soon back upright. Bill Moulton of TWRA investigated the incident.
Memorial Day service held on Livingston Square
photos by Dewain E. Peek/OCN staff Veterans salute toward the Overton County Veterans Memorial after Bobbie Speck, of American Legion Bohannon Unit 4 Ladies Auxiliary, and Marjorie Therrien, of Veterans of Foreign Wars, James T. Davis Post 5062, Ladies Auxiliary, place wreaths at the monument. Speck and Therrien were escorted by guest speaker 1SG Terry Melton of the Tennessee National Guard's Knife Troop. The wreath placement was part of Memorial Day services held on the Livingston Square on Monday, May 31.
Overton County News
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