News

A Rutherford County woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services in an indictment alleging that she falsely reported her income to receive TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of 40-year old Tonya S. Bowman of Murfreesboro.  

Authorities say Bowman under reported her income to the state, resulting in TennCare payments of $4,159.75 on her behalf to healthcare providers. If her actual income had been reported, she would not have qualified for the state program.

“The Office of Inspector General is determined to catch people who try to take advantage of Tennessee’s Medicaid program,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We will continue to demonstrate a proven commitment through our diligent investigation process to ensure that our taxpayer’s money is being used properly.”

If convicted, Bowman could face penalties of up to a maximum of 24 years in prison for both Class D felonies.  The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney Jennings H. Jones of Rutherford County.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated over 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 million ordered in restitution to TennCare.  This has helped lead to a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to the latest figures. To date, 3,134 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”

The first responders of the Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department started the year by responding to a motorcycle crash on Auburntown Road. It happened in the curves just before the bridge. The driver, who was part of an out-of-town group, suffered only minor injuries. However, fire department members remind the public to drive carefully, and watch traveling speeds to insure a safe trip.

The DeKalb County Jail and Annex will be recertified for another year.

DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray reported to the county commission Thursday night that the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) has granted recertification now that the county has agreed to seek a partnership with TCI and the County Technical Advisory Service (CTAS) in developing a “plan of action” for addressing deficiencies found at the Jail and Annex during recent state inspections. TCI had threatened to decertify the jail had the county not requested the partnership.

A “plan of action” allows a facility to maintain a certified status after failing to meet all minimum standards while demonstrating to the TCI Board of Control that the facility is making measurable progress over a period of time (months or years) to rectify deficiencies found during inspection.

“I went before the TCI board in Nashville on December 4 and explained to them that we had requested to enter into a plan of action partnership that you (county commission) agreed to and Tim (County Mayor) and I signed. They accepted that request and also recommended 2019-20 recertification of the jail because we had gone into that plan of action with them. We are still awaiting our certification paperwork from the state,” said Sheriff Ray.

“As part of the partnership, my office has to send a monthly report to them (state) of what we are doing . For example, I will include in my December report that I met with TCI and that I reported to you (county commission) tonight about that meeting. We have to do updates to keep the state informed on what we are doing to resolve any issues they have found at the jail,” added Sheriff Ray.

DeKalb County Mayor Tim Stribling said the next step is for the county to comply with the state’s request to form an ad hoc committee to begin discussions on meeting needs at the jail.

Source: Media Partner WJLE

This week the Town of Woodbury made a schedule change in order for employees to enjoy Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day. Director of Public Works Shane Gannon reports that the Christmas holiday schedule change caught a few people unaware. The sanitation department ran the Tuesday route on Monday this week.  For those who may have missed the truck, the department will run the Tuesday route again today (Friday).

Cannon County High School students recently used their skills and talents to wish their fellow students, faculty, and staff a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  CCHS Library Helpers under the supervision of CCHS Librarian Mrs. Lynda Martin, constructed a “Christmas tree” made entirely of books from the CCHS Library.

CCHS Librarian Mrs. Lynda Martin stated, “I am very proud of these Library Helpers who used their skills and knowledge to construct this gift to the CCHS students, faculty, and staff. They are excellent students, and I am proud to be their sponsor!” 

Director of Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis, stated, “I am very encouraged by the Christmas Spirit shown by the CCHS Library Helpers who have demonstrated their creativity and talents to construct this book ‘Christmas Tree.’  They and CCHS Librarian Mrs. Lynda Martin personify why Cannon County Schools are living up to OUR MISSION – ‘Preparing All Our Students for Their Future’ through OUR VISION – ‘The New E3 – ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’ I would like to wish the entire Cannon County Community a wonderful Christmas Break and a very Happy New Year 2020!”

A reminder that Cannon County Schools are “Back in Session” on Monday, January 6^th, 2020.

The flu vaccine is now being offered at no charge to patients at Tennessee’s county health department clinics as long as supplies last. Seasonal influenza is now widespread across Tennessee, but it’s not too late to get a flu shot! 

‘’I urge anyone who has not received a flu shot this flu season to get one as soon as possible,’’ said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. ‘’It’s extremely important for young children, the elderly and pregnant women to receive a flu vaccine because they are at the most serious risk for illness or death from influenza.”

Vaccine supplies will vary from county to county, so contact your local health department for information on getting a flu vaccine. To find a county health department near you, visit www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments.html. In addition to health department clinics run by TDH across the state, free flu vaccine is also available now at the Shelby County Health Department in Memphis and the Metro Public Health Department in Nashville.

After getting the flu vaccine, it’s still important to wash your hands with soapy water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue to help prevent the spread of illness. People who are sick should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading illness to co-workers, friends and others.

Cannon County’s Health Department is located on Alexander Drive in Woodbury near St. Thomas-Stones River.

Learn more about preventing seasonal flu at www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/index.html. 

 Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at 12:00 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2019 until 6:00 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 2020. 

According to TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright, “With 2.59 million motorists expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, keeping traffic moving and getting motorists to their destinations safely is our top priority. As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive.”

Except for a few long-term closures which must remain in place for safety, all construction related closures will be suspended during the holiday period.  Workers may still be on-site in some construction zones.  Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas.  Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. 

According to AAA, 115.6 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more, with 104.8 million expected to drive to their holiday destinations. In Tennessee, AAA predicts 2.59 million motorists will travel by automobile between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, an increase of 4.4% since 2018.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.  As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

A lot of basketball action is underway at the Smoky Mountain Classic in Gatlinburg and the teams from Cannon County are in the action.

Yesterday the Lionettes defeated George Wythe of Virginia by a score of 70 to 44. In the boys game Cannon won over Kentucky’s Bath County, 53 to 51.

Today the Lions face Buckhorn from Perry County Kentucky at 3:00 followed by the Lionettes taking on tournament host Gatlinbury-Pittman at 4:30. The 3:00pm game will be in the Gatlinburg-Pittman main gym and the girls game will be in the aux gym.  Our goal with today’s broadcast is to cover both games.  We will attempt to  transfer personnel and equipment in a short piece of time from one gym to another one.  The end goal is the make sure our listeners don’t miss a moment of the action.

The broadcast today will begin with Coaches Corner at 2:50pm on am 1540, fm 107.1 and streaming at wbry.com.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is accepting applications for the position currently held by the Honorable Royce Taylor. Judge Taylor will retire on March 3, 2020. He currently serves the Circuit Court’s 16th Judicial District, which covers Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 30 years of age, have been residents of the state for five years, and are residents of the 16th Judicial District. Interested applicants must complete the Trial Court Vacancy Commission Application, which is available at www.tncourts.gov, and submit it to the Administrative Office of the Courts by noon CST on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Complete application instructions posted on the website.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. CST at the Rutherford County Courthouse in Murfreesboro to consider the applicants. The meeting will include a public hearing, during which anyone may express their opinions in opposition to the applicants. The Commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and forward three names to Governor Lee for his consideration.

For more information, visit https://www.tncourts.gov/administration/judicial-resources

More Tennesseans took home paychecks in November, leading to a slight drop in statewide unemployment. New data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) shows a 0.1 of a percentage point decrease in unemployment when compared to the previous month, setting the new rate at 3.3 percent. The current seasonally adjusted rate is close to the historically low unemployment rate Tennessee marked earlier this year. In February, the rate dropped to an all-time low of 3.2 percent and remained there for three consecutive months. In a year to year comparison, Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate mirrors the rate from November 2018.

Tennessee employers added 9,200 new nonfarm jobs across the state between October and November. Companies in the manufacturing sector added the most new jobs, followed by the leisure/hospitality and education/health services sectors. Over the last year, nonfarm employment in Tennessee increased by 46,700 jobs. The leisure/hospitality sector created the largest number of new jobs in the state, followed by the professional/business services and education/health services sectors.

Tennesseans looking for employment, or to change their current job situation, can access assistance and more than 198,000 current job openings through the state’s workforce development website, www.Jobs4TN.gov. They can also visit more than 80 local American Job Centers across the state.