Mr. Albert Hargrove	Lawrence Funeral Home and Cremation Services	05/18/16
Name	Funeral Home Link	Date of Death

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Marshall County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping for drugs, which is the practice of visiting multiple physicians in a 30-day window to obtain multiple prescriptions for otherwise illegal drugs.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) in a joint effort with the Lawrence County Sherriff’s Office today announced the arrest of 65-year old Annie R. Himes of Lewisburg, Tennessee. She’s charged with three counts of TennCare Fraud, a class D felony, with two counts filed in Maury County and the other in Lawrence County.

Investigators say that on three separate occasions, Himes knowingly obtained medical care and a controlled substance prescription and each time failed to tell providers about the other prescriptions.

“The state of Tennessee, with the help of our law enforcement communities, has emphasized a concerted effort to prevent doctor shopping and to fight the current state of the opioid epidemic,” Inspector Kim Harmon said. “Together we work to keep prescription drugs from being diverted to the streets of our hometowns.”

If convicted on all three counts, Himes could face penalties of up to a maximum of 36 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney General Brent Cooper.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 3,144 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — State Representative Rick Tillis (R-Lewisburg) recently was named Legislator of Year by the South Central Development District.

The annual award recognizes an outstanding legislator for his or her efforts to implement rural economic and community development projects, which are vital to job creation.

Tillis has been a strong advocate for the citizens of his community and rural Tennessee throughout his time serving in our General Assembly. He is committed to providing resources that increase economic and community development in Tennessee’s rural regions.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this prestigious award from the South Central Development District,” said Representative Tillis. “I appreciate their committed partnership, and I know that together, we will continue to find ways to create jobs, and support economic growth in District 92 and in communities across Tennessee.”

Rick Tillis is the House Majority Whip for the 111th Tennessee General Assembly. He is also a member of the House Finance, Ways, & Means, House Local, and House State Committees, as well as the House Departments & Agencies and House Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittees. Tillis lives in Lewisburg and represents Tennessee House District 92, which includes Marshall and parts of Franklin, Lincoln, and Marion Counties.

 

NASHVILLE– A horse in West Tennessee has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a virus that can be fatal for horses and humans. The Tennessee departments of Agriculture and Health are advising citizens to take precautions to protect themselves and their livestock.

Mosquitoes transmit EEE. Humans cannot contract these viral infections directly from infected horses. However, mosquito-borne diseases do pose a public health risk.

“Although Tennessee has never had a documented human case of EEE, it is important for the public to remember mosquito-borne diseases including EEE and West Nile virus can occur each summer,” medical entomologist Dr. Abelardo Moncayo said.

EEE kills up to 90 percent of the horses infected. The horse in Madison County did not survive. Although there is no vaccine for humans, the EEE vaccine for horses is particularly effective to protect horses against the virus.

Standing water provides an ideal location for mosquitos to breed. Mosquito control should include “tip and toss” and “drain and cover” to eliminate standing water around the barn and home, and use of mosquito “dunks” to eliminate larvae in water troughs and ponds. TDH recommends the following to protect people from mosquito bites:

• Apply repellants to skin often. These can include lotions, liquids or sprays. TDH and the Centers for Disease Control recommend the use of repellants which contain DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane 3, 8-diol and IR3535. Duration of protection varies by repellant. Read labels on products to determine when reapplications are necessary for optimal protection. To learn more about insect repellants, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.
• Wear long, loose and light-colored shirts and pants and wear socks. Tucking shirts in pants and tucking pants into socks will help form a barrier. Wear closed shoes or boots instead of sandals.
• Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase clothing pretreated with permethrin.
• In remote locations lacking window screens and/or air conditioning, the use of bed nets is advised. These should reach the floor or be tucked under the mattress.
• Avoid perfumes, colognes and products with fragrances that might attract mosquitoes.

The Tennessee One Health Committee seeks to promote, improve, and defend the health of humans and animal species by enhancing the cooperation and the collaboration among the Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Tennessee Department of Agriculture. See more at http://tn.gov/health/article/one-health-committee#sthash.wiJqCIZs.dpuf.

 

      (NASHVILLE, TN), August 2, 2016 — State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) announced today that Marshall County will receive a major $325,000 Local Park and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant from the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).  The funds will be used for the Marshall County Showgrounds Arena.

Senator Tracy said, “I am very pleased to see these funds coming into Marshall County for the Showgrounds Arena and congratulate our local officials who were instrumental in helping secure the grant.”

The Tennessee General Assembly established the LPRF grant program in 1991 to provide local governments with funds to enhance and expand outstanding recreational projects such as parks, community centers, ball fields and playgrounds. The grants are administered through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).  All LPRF grants require a 50 percent match by the recipient.