Man charged on drug offenses and other news from areas around Chattanooga

Man charged on drug offenses

CROSSVILLE, Ala. - A man was arrested Wednesday at his home on Alabama Highway 227 North.

William Thomas Crane, 56, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

He was taken to the DeKalb County Detention Center.

The arrest came after officers conducted a consent search at the residence.


Programs aimed at energy efficiency

JACKSON, Tenn. - Two new statewide programs aim to make Tennessee more energy efficient.

The Tennessee Energy Education Initiative offers free training for businesses, public officials and communities in energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy management.

The initiative includes free workshops and conferences across the state. Materials from the events will be available online.

The program was announced at a meeting of the Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council in Jackson earlier this week.

Also announced was Tennessee's Qualified Energy Conservation Bond Program. These are direct subsidy bonds that may be issued by state and local governments to finance energy conservation projects.


Teachers file state complaint

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Rutherford County teachers group has filed a complaint over the way the state allows bargaining over pay.

Torian Hodges-Finch, president of the Rutherford Education Association, told WPLN radio that under "collaborative conferencing" there is no way to enforce what was agreed to.

The group filed a formal complaint with the state board of education.

District officials say they are not obligated to have any sort of legal agreement with teachers and that their polices and procedures are sufficient.

The state Legislature banned collective bargaining in 2011.


Fireflies viewing coming in June

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has scheduled June 6-13 as the Elkmont Firefly Viewing Event. A firefly species known as Photinus carolinus flashes synchronously to attract mates. Thousands of visitors throng the park each year to see the naturally occurring show.

Car traffic is halted at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and visitors take shuttle buses to Elkmont.

Visitors are encouraged to get tickets online through http://www.recreation.gov to guarantee parking at the visitor center without having to arrive hours early.

Each reservation costs $1.50.

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