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Archives
08-03-2005
Overton County's 67th fair provides thrills
The 67th Annual Overton County Agricultural Fair was held at Overton County Fairgrounds July 25-30. Fairgoers were treated to the sights and sounds of colorful rides, such as the new Catch 'N Air (above), along with games and carnival food.
Putnam woman charged with fraud in Overton County A Putnam County woman has been charged with TennCare fraud in connection with obtaining prescription drugs. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced last week the arrest of Amanda Maynard, 25, of Cookeville. She is accused of committing the felony offense of fraudulently obtaining TennCare medical assistance benefits by presenting six invalid prescriptions between March 22 and April 23 to a pharmacy in Livingston. Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said, "Once again, the cooperation we receive from local law enforcement has been instrumental in making a TennCare prescription fraud arrest. The Livingston Police Department assisted the OIG in the matter." If convicted of the Class E felony, Maynard could be sentenced to up to two years. She turned herself in at Overton County Sheriff's Department. Bond has been set at $5,000. District Attorney Bill Gibson is prosecuting. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or by logging on to www.tennessee.gov/tenncare and following the prompts that read "Report Fraud Now".
Funds appropriated for Overton County projects The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) highway bill conference report includes significant funding for Tennessee highway, transit, and safety programs, according to U.S. Representative Bart Gordon and U.S. Senators Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander. Senator Frist said, "After a long and hard-fought process, I'm pleased that we've been able to secure a highway bill that funds Tennessee's transportation priorities.ÊThis legislation supports critical infrastructure projects and will spur economic development in the 6th District.Ê "As Majority Leader, I'm committed to bringing this bill to the floor quickly so we can get it to the President for his signature.ÊI want to thank Senator Alexander and Congressman Gordon for all of their hard work on behalf of Tennesseans." More than $200 million was secured for Tennessee transportation projects. Senator Alexander said, "Better roads mean better jobs. This bill provides funding to improve our interstates, highways, and transportation infrastructure, which are critical to economic developmentÊin the 6th District and across the state. "I will continue to work with Senator Frist and Congressman Gordon to make sure Tennessee communities receive the federal assistance they need to grow and prosper." Representative Gordon said, "Three mules working together to pull a wagon do a better job than one. I am pleased to have worked with Senators Alexander and Frist to secure funding to help improve the infrastructure and quality of life in Middle Tennessee." The legislation ensures that the state of Tennessee will receive a 26.71% increase in its highway formula funding over TEA-21 enacted levels. On average, Tennessee will receive an extra $168 million each year. Tennessee's rate of return for federal highway formula funding will increase from 90.5% to 91.5% in FY07 and to 92% in FY08. The transit title of the highway reauthorization bill provides funding for a number of vital urban and rural transit programs and specific transit related projects. Overall, the state of Tennessee's transit formula apportionment will increase 164% over the previously enacted highway reauthorization bill. Tennessee will receive $216.7 million from FY2006 through FY2009. In addition, the state will receive $44.4 million for specific transit projects across the state. The Middle Tennessee funding in the highway bill conference report includes $40,000 to plan and construct improvements in the Livingston public square, and $300,000 to plan and construct an access road for the Overton County Industrial Park. The bill also includes $2 million to construct a bicycle and pedestrian trail in Cookeville. The $40,000 will help the Courthouse Square Committee install decorative paving that will be used for crosswalks. The decorative paving will help complete the ongoing Courthouse Square renovation project, which has included new pavement, sidewalks, lighting, and storm-water drains. Representative Gordon said, "Livingston and Overton County, as well as their business community, have worked closely on this revitalization project. Because so many people conduct business on the public square, it makes sense to keep the area vibrant. "That's why I have worked closely with local, state, and federal officials to make sure the community has the resources it needs to be a desirable place to live and raise a family. Residents of Livingston and Overton County are fortunate to have good schools, a good business community, and an enviable quality of life." John Roberts, executive director of the Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce, said the Courthouse Square Committee has worked on the renovation project for the past four years. "The Courthouse Square Committee works hard on this project," Roberts said. "It's a great community effort, and it has given people pride in the area." Livingston Mayor Frank Martin and Overton County Mayor Kenneth Copeland agreed. Mayor Martin said, "We have a beautiful, old-town atmosphere. The paving will be a great addition to the other improvements on the square." Copeland added that the project is useful as an economic development tool. "Companies look at the square and the existing business community before they locate here," Copeland said. The conference report is expected to be approved by
Senate prior to the August recess and will then go to President
Bush for his signature.
Overton County News
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