A corrections guard stands on the yard at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex.

Heat goes out at Bledsoe County prison

BLEDSOE COUNTY, Tenn. - Inmates in one of the buildings at the new Bledsoe County Correctional Complex west of Pikeville, Tenn., had a chilly day as temperatures dipped inside after the heat went out.

Tennessee Department of Correction officials said heating systems at some of the buildings at the prison in Bledsoe County were having "mechanical issues" that crews at the prison could not fix themselves.

Eleanor Fleming, who has a relative at the prison, said the lack of heat was the cause of "condensation forming, with wet beds and mattresses with water forming on the floor," according to an email she sent to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

"Initially, we were unable to make the repairs on site, therefore, we began working with a contractor to complete the necessary repairs and fully restore heat as soon as possible," an email from TDOC spokeswoman Cindy Dunning said.

"We are anticipating the contractor will be onsite to start the repairs today," Dunning said Tuesday.

Warden Eric Qualls "has been communicating with all of the [inmates]," and "although the inside temperature is 65 degrees, we have supplied additional blankets to anyone who requests them," Dunning said.

"I can assure you we are working diligently to make the repairs as quickly as possible and will remain committed to operating a safe prison," she said.

Businessman named to seat

NASHVILLE - Republican businessman and farmer Paul Bailey has been appointed by the White County Commission to succeed Democratic state Rep. Charles Curtiss in the General Assembly.

Bailey, who is also a county commissioner, says he will serve out the remainder of Curtiss' term, but will continue to run for the state Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Charlotte Burks this fall.

His appointment to the seat representing all of White and Grundy counties and part of Warren County gives Republicans control of 71 seats in the 99-member chamber.

Bailey said he was approached by fellow county commissioners to stand for the seat after Curtiss announced he would step down. His Senate bid will be covered by the state fundraising ban during the course of the legislative session.

School assault draws prison term

DONALSONVILLE, Ga. - A South Georgia woman has been sentenced to 35 years in an attack on an elementary school teacher that left her with injuries to her neck and spinal cord.

WALB-TV reported that Seminole County District Attorney Joe Mulholland called Neotha Fedd's attack on the victim at Seminole County Elementary School one of the worst beatings he's ever seen.

The school's surveillance cameras were recording as Fedd dragged the victim down a hallway May 7, 2012, and repeatedly kicked her.

Fedd was a volunteer at the school, and authorities have said the beating took place after a teacher who was monitoring the halls asked her what she was doing.

Fedd was convicted of aggravated battery and assault. She must serve 20 years of her sentence in prison and pay a $10,000 fine.