The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library received a $10,000 state grant that will be used for a “Teen Center” at the main branch downtown.

State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, was involved in getting the money, according to a news release.

The funds will be used to update a first-floor space that will include a big-screen television, wireless Internet, video games and other offerings. The library already has bought books, games and other items for the Teen Center with funds that were raised last fall, according to the release.

“The library has long been recognized as a leader of early literacy efforts,” David Clapp, the library director, said in the release. “We feel that teens have been overlooked for a long time and are excited to provide cutting-edge technology to young adults as well as new books.”

STRONGER PUNISHMENTS FOR ASSAULTING TEACHERS

Hamilton County Commissioner Fred Skillern on Thursday suggested the possibility of strengthening punishments in Tennessee state law when it comes to students assaulting teachers.

“It seems we have no end to this violence in our schools,” he said. “It’s something that’s becoming too common in our county.”

Currently, assault is a class A felony, which carries a sentence of 11 months, 29 days or less.

Commissioner John Allen Brooks said the General Assembly would have to act to toughen punishments for students who commit assault on a teacher.

LOCAL DEMOCRATS TO BE DELEGATES

Local residents Pat Branham and Justin Wilkins will travel to Denver, Colo., as delegates at the Democratic National Convention this August, according to a post on the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s blog.

Ms. Branham is going to be a delegate for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, while Mr. Wilkins will be one for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, according to the post. Both are from Hamilton County.

FRIENDS WITH FEDEX

A few months after voting to give a FedEx Ground facility in South Chattanooga a tax break, Hamilton County commissioners on Thursday were supportive of a measure to give a FedEx Frieght East facility on Shallowford Road a similar break.

The commission is expected to vote Wednesday on whether to set up a four-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the company. Under the agreement, the company would only pay a portion of its county taxes.

According to Brian Eftink, an attorney representing the company, the facility’s move from its current Polymer Drive location would mean 17 new full-time jobs in addition to 80 existing jobs. The company’s real property investment would be $8.4 million, he said.

“We’re real proud of FedEx,” said Commissioner Curtis Adams. “It just keeps going.”

EMS AWARDS

Two women from Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services were honored recently for their outstanding service, said Emergency Services spokeswoman Amy Maxwell.

Paramedic Debbie Walden and Capt. Darlene Poole were both honored at the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association’s Mid-Winter Conference Feb. 21 in Gatlinburg, Ms. Maxwell said.

Ms. Walden was the 2008 runner-up for the Larry Griffin Paramedic of the Year Award, she said, while Capt. Poole was the winner of the 2008 Thomas Erwin Lifetime Achievement Award.