March 2009

Runner's High

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 30, 2009 - 11:37pm

Congratulations to everyone who competed in this weekend's Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K. Yours truly, trudged around the 5K course more than a minute "slower" than last year.

WATE's Running Crew, however, was well represented finishing second in the Team Competition.

For the record our team this weekend was: Don Dare, Kristin Farley, Matt Hinkin, Jill McNeal, Prentice Elliott, Brian Englestad, Angie Froemel, Dan Froemel, Doug Patterson, Blair Patterson and Patty Weaver.

State Reps on Budget

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 27, 2009 - 9:39pm

State Representatives Joe Armstrong and Ryan Haynes join us on Tennessee This Week Sunday.

The two discuss the Governor's budget proposal. Surprisingly, Armstrong, a democrat, has some issues with the Governor's spending plan.

The program marks Haynes first appearance on Tennessee This Week.

Kelvin Moxley and Cortney Piper wrap up the program with the Final Word.

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Muslim Center Worried about Liquor Sales Next Door

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 25, 2009 - 7:58pm

A local Knoxville restaurant is hoping to sell beer and liquor at its location next door to the Muslim Community Center. The restaurant - dubbed The Hill - is a work in progress, including applications for both liquor and beer permits.

If you thought it was illegal to serve beer within 300 feet of a church or school in Knoxville, you're correct. But there is a loophole in the law.

If you're able to get a state liquor license - it voids Knoville's beer sales restriction.

TCPR Testifies About Wine Sales in Grocery Stores

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 24, 2009 - 8:49pm

The Tennessee Center for Policy Research - testifying today before the House State and Local Government Committee - says Tennessee's ban against wine sales in grocery stores is "bad policy" and that "these restrictions leave consumers without meningful choice and inflated wine prices."

TCPR's Justin Owen and Shaka Mitchell told Committee members today that because of that "bad policy," Tennessee's wine industry isn't contributing to the state's economy as it should.

No Wine-ing

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 20, 2009 - 4:29pm

Tune in Sunday to Tennessee This Week. Among the topics: wine sales in grocery stores. Right now Tennessee is just one of about 17 other states that ban sales of wine in its groceries.

Ashe to be Honored in Nashville

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 17, 2009 - 8:28pm

Former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe - the current Ambassador to Poland - is being honored in Nashville next week.

He's in Nashville March 25 and 26. He's speaking to the Nashville Council of Foreign Affairs on the 25th. His topic: Poland's role in today's Europe.

He'll be honored with a resolution - sponsored by Senator Douglas Henry - for his service as a U.S. Ambassador on the 26th.

While in Nashville, he's also scheduled to meet with Governor Bredesen and former U.S. Senator Bill Frist.

Pork Barrel or Neccessary Spending?

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 11, 2009 - 11:54pm

One of the state's biggest critics of the recently passed federal omnibus bill - is also one of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation's biggest beneficiaries of the so-called pork contained within it.

Republican Congressman Zach Wamp has been a vocal critic of earmarks. He voted against the 418 billion dollar omnibus bill - in part - because of the more than 5 billion dollars in pork barrel spending.

Yet - the group "Taxpayers for Common Sense" point out that he sponsored 12 projects - totaling more than 6-million dollars.

A Streak to Remember

Submitted by Gene Patterson on March 11, 2009 - 1:48am

Today's record breaking warm weather reminded me of one of the more crazy times I spent at the University of Tennessee.

It was a three day stretch in early March 1974. Like today - it was unseasonably warm and after months of cold, dreary weather, the warm stretch of days was a great break from the monotony of winter and studying.

It was so warm - especially at night -- that it seemed the natural thing to go outside and enjoy ourselves. And boy did we ever.