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Hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line in hopes of turning grass into fuel. Tennessee taxpayers paid $70-million towards the plan to produce ethanol from home grown switchgrass. After five yearsMore >> Hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line in hopes of turning grass into fuel. Tennessee taxpayers paid $70 million towards the plan to produce ethanol from home grown switch grass. After five yearsMore >> A bear is on the loose in Oak Ridge. For one family, the animal came too close for comfort.The bear has been spotted in several locations across the city.
More >> A bear is on the loose in Oak Ridge. For one family, the animal came too close for comfort. The bear has been spotted in several locations across the city.
More >> RICEVILLE (WATE) - A McMinn county boy is recovering after being attacked by a donkey. The 12-year-old told deputies said he was walking on County Road 58 near his Riceville home on Saturday when theMore >> A McMinn county boy is recovering after being attacked by a donkey.More >> Thieves manage to steal a roof right off of a McMinn county cabin.More >> Thieves manage to steal a roof right off of a McMinn county cabin.More >> A day after Knox County Commission Chair Mike Hammond and School Board Chair Thomas Deakins presented a new budget proposal at a joint meeting, some commissioners are discussing supporting it.More >> A day after Knox County Commission Chair Mike Hammond and School Board Chair Thomas Deakins presented a new budget proposal at a joint meeting, some commissioners are discussing supporting it.More >> Debby Jennings, the former associate athletics director for media relations, became a legend behind the scenes for the Lady Vols basketball program over the past 35 years. However, she says was forced to retire.More >> Debby Jennings, the former associate athletics director for media relations, became a legend behind the scenes for the Lady Vols basketball program over the past 35 years. However, she says was forced to retire.More >> Sharlene Justice, 49, the former secretary for the Morgan County Soil Conservation District, was arrested Wednesday on a theft charge.More >> Sharlene Justice, 49, the former secretary for the Morgan County Soil Conservation District, was arrested Wednesday on a theft charge.More >> The doors were locked Wednesday night at Scott County's only hospital, ending decades of service for some doctors, nurses and other staff.More >> The doors were locked Wednesday night at Scott County's only hospital, ending decades of service for some doctors, nurses and other staff.More >> Supporters of a big proposed funding increase for Knox County Schools are stepping up their efforts to sway public opinion.More >> Supporters of a big proposed funding increase for Knox County Schools are stepping up their efforts to sway public opinion.More >> A rare type of meningitis recently took the life of a 12-year-old girl in Roane County. Morgan Peters died in early May after she was diagnosed with bacterial spinal meningitis.More >> A rare type of meningitis recently took the life of a 12-year-old girl in Roane County. Morgan Peters died in early May after she was diagnosed with bacterial spinal meningitis.More >>
NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee State Employees Association says it has ended discussions with Gov. Bill Haslam's administration about legislation that would eliminate most civil service protections for state workers.
Robert O'Connell, the group's executive director, said Tuesday in prepared statements that several weeks of discussions have ended because the "governor's people were unwilling to remove or compromise on the provisions most harmful to state employees."
Haslam's proposal would eliminate rules that allow bumping and retreating, which association officials say removes seniority as a prime protection for state employees when layoffs are deemed necessary.
The proposal would also strip the right of a person that's laid off to be called back to work if the economy improves.
The measure is scheduled to be heard this week in the House State and Local Government General Subcommittee.
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