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Chattanooga Today, April 11, 2013

110 views · Published 11 April 2013 · 5:42 · Indexed 22 October 2026

Channel: chattanooga times free press · 2013 · News & Politics

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Good morning Chattanooga.

Here's a quick look at today's top five stories.

First of all, President Obama may want to rid the federal government of TVA.
The president's 2014 budget request includes a section called "Reform TVA," that could mean putting TVA in private hands, altering rates for 9 million customers and jeopardizing 12,000 employees.
The passage in a section called "Creating a 21st Century Government" states:
"Reducing or eliminating the federal government's role in programs such as TVA, which have achieved their original objectives and no longer require federal participation, can help put the nation on a sustainable fiscal path."
Now while TVA's $24 billion dollars in debt IS carried as part of the federal deficit, ratepayers, not taxpayers are paying TVA's debt.
And while this isn't the first time TVA's federal status has been under fire, it IS the first time TVA been placed on the cut list by Democrats.
And this time, the proposal appeared to blindside TVA personnel and even Tennessee Democrats.
Many lawmakers are critical of the idea, citing political inconsistencies, no advance notice and fears that electricity rates could spike.
Lamar Alexander called the proposal quote "one more bad idea in a budget full of bad ideas," saying that since there's no federal taxpayer liability for TVA debt, selling TVA would likely end up costing taxpayers even more money.
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Turning to city politics, Mayor-elect Andy Berke is cleaning house at City Hall, letting go 18 of 21 people who served under Mayor Ron Littlefield.
Two administrators say they've been told to be out of their offices by the end of the day Friday.
Parks and Recreation Director Larry Zehnder says he's frustrated at not being given a chance to stay on after 40 years of work in the parks and recreation field and 12 years serving the city.
Others, such as the city attorney, Steve Leach from Public Works, Missy Crutchfield from the Department of Education Arts & Culture, Beverly Johnson from Neighborhood Services and Fire Chief Randy Parker, will all be leaving.
Three employees will stay on -- the city treasurer, Finance Director Daisy Madison, and Deputy Personnel Administrator Richard Beeland.
In addition, Berke has created a new position of public safety coordinator to oversee crime strategy in Chattanooga.
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Next up, the Jackie Robinson movie '42' comes out tonight, and the film is bringing new buzz to Engel Stadium in Chattanooga.
The movie was partially filmed at the historic stadium. And now, new ads are being painted on outfield walls as a way to raise money for renovations there. Take a look:
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East Tennessee saw two very serious crashes yesterday.
An elderly couple died in Polk County after a head-on car crash on Highway 64. The Tennessee Highway Patrol says a 21-year-old driver had been drinking when he went across the center line.
And in Cleveland, Life Force airlifted a 10-year-old boy to the hospital after his bike collided with an SUV. Investigators do not believe the boy was wearing a helmet. The boy's name and condition has not been released.
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Finally, Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal was in Chattanooga Wednesday.

He was in town visiting Chattem's corporate headquarters for the first time.
O'Neal has spent the last 10 years steering the public toward a wide range of Chattem products, and the company couldn't be more pleased.
Officials say the company was a small player with under $40 million dollars as a brand at retail before the partnership with O'Neal, and now Chattem's reached over $105 million dollars at retail and is Number 1 in Brand Awareness.
And O'Neal will soon be appearing in a series of new commercials for Chattem products.
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Looking at today's forecast, we'll see showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. today with a high temperature near 78 degrees. Storms will continue tonight with a low around 51.
I'm Harrison Keely
For more on these stories and updates throughout the day follow us on Facebook and visit timesfreepress.com.

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