News of the Week: Bill to arm Tennessee teachers clears subcommittee

Mar 01, 2018 at 02:19 pm by Michelle Willard


Humphrey on the Hill reported that a bill that would allow Tennessee teachers to carry guns in schools passed Wednesday a House subcommittee on a party-line vote.

The bill in question would allow for the expansion of a program in two Tennessee counties that gives training opportunities for teachers who wish to carry guns in schools. The program requires teachers to complete the same training as a police officer. It was enacted to fill a need for student resource officers in Pickett and Wayne counties.

At nearly the same time, a bipartisan group of lawmakers held a news conference to propose having the state pay off-duty police officers $50 an hour to patrol schools, according to Humphrey on the Hill.

Tom Humphrey noted that across the state there are "just over 900 police have been assigned to schools. That’s enough for one officer in every two schools."

The issue of arming teachers or assigning more cops to hallways will likely be debated over the coming weeks.

Landfill nears capacity

As the Middle Point Landfill (a.k.a., Mount Trashmore) nears the end of its lifespan, county leaders are looking at ways to dispose of trash and replace the $800,000 a year it gets from being the midstate's trash can.

WGNS reported County Mayor Ernest Burgess said the county makes more than $800,000 annually on tipping fees and gets to dispose of its trash for free.

In total, the county will have to find millions of dollars to pay for someone else to take its trash after Mount Trashmore closes.

This has some thinking that maybe the landfill isn't so bad after all and the County Commission is considering allowing for an expansion, The DNJ reported.

Currently, Mount Trashmore fills 400 acres off East Jefferson Pike in the Walter Hill community but it could add another 288 acres and 15 years to its lifespan. The landfill is set to be filled in eight to 12 years.

Finding an alternative could cost households from $100 to $300 a year, depending on the level of services provided by the county.

Other stuff

• MTSU is planning an upgrade to its athletic facilities. Watch a video from the DNJ

• Rutherford County Judicial Center opening set for late spring, according to Nancy DeGennaro.

• Fireworks surprise The Gateway-Blackman residents, The DNJ reports.


Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics, true crime, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.

 

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