Stories from Monday, March 17, 2008

NASHVILLE (AP) -- Nearly three years after the Tennessee Waltz corruption scandal led to demands for stronger open government laws, the Legislature is poised to approve a measure to improve access to public records. But efforts to strengthen laws requiring local governments to conduct their business in open meetings have been jettisoned for at least another year...

State Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens recently honored 2007 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion owners Lee Wall and Mike McGartland and trainer Jimmy McConnell. Givens recognized Wall, McGarland and McConnell during a luncheon of industry leaders and supporters at the Ellington Agricultural Center. Givens represented Gov. Phil Bredesen at the event, which has become a tradition to recognize the contributions of the Walking Horse industry to the state...

The Tennessee Department of Revenue announced the change of the special spring Sales Tax Holiday dates to Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27. This one-time holiday will offer three full days of tax savings to shoppers on clothing, school and art supplies and computers...

While just under an inch of rain fell Friday and Saturday at Normandy Reservoir, the level of the lake is up nearly a foot and a half from the same time last week. According to figures reported by the Tennessee Valley Authority's web site today at 6 a.m., Normandy was at an elevation of 860.15 feet above sea level, with water flowing out of the lake at a rate of 42 cubic feet per second (cfs)...

Despite wet weather, Bell Buckle enjoyed a respectable crowd for its annual Daffodil Day Festival. Ribbons were awarded during the Daffodil Flower Show to all who entered. Daffodil Day included the annual Arbor Day ceremony at which Bell Buckle was awarded its eighth-year Tree City USA designation; it is the smallest city in the state to earn that honor. Shelbyville-based Duck River Electric Membership Corp. won the Tree Line USA award for the fourth year...