Stories from Monday, July 14, 2008

Marshall County property taxpayers are facing a property tax rate hike this year, according to three prominent members of the County Commission. "I don't see how we can avoid it," Commissioner Joe B. Brandon said during a Budget and Finance Committee meeting this week. "But we're working to limit it."...

A 10-year-old Lewisburg girl got more than a heart transplant at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital this spring. She got inspiration for a career. "I want to be like the girl, Cathleen" at the hospital, says Katie Davenport of Hull Avenue who had surgery nearly seven weeks ago and fondly remembers one of the caregivers who helped her recover...

CHAPEL HILL -- Citing concerns about public safety and the number of exits at a barbecue restaurant that's requested a permit to sell beer with sandwiches, the town's Beer Board on Tuesday voted to delay its decision on the request. Alderman Henry Frame raised the issue about how Sambo's Barbecue restaurant is laid out since proprietor Tina Wesson expanded the store, which already has a retail permit to sell carry out beer. ...

Lewisburg's City Council decided on Tuesday to huddle with its attorney next week before readdressing its decision on whether it still wants control over expansion of Cedar Ridge Landfill. Comments at and after the monthly Council meeting this week indicate that the city may be facing a lawsuit regardless of what's decided. Meanwhile, City Attorney Bill Haywood has publicly advised that exempting Cedar Ridge expansion from public hearings "won't hold muster."...

The "citizen input" portion of Lewisburg City Council meetings will apparently return next month after what might be called rules of engagement are verified and documented, according to a Council vote Tuesday night. Councilwoman Quinn Brandon called for a vote to resume the tradition of hearing directly from residents without prior notification, but without another Council member supporting that direct step, the motion failed and Brandon seconded a motion by Councilwoman Betsy Shelton...

No statements were heard regarding employment prospects at the business -- beyond previous announcements that indicated dozens of jobs may be available several months from now.

Jury selection began yesterday in the trial of Ashley Cook