Local News
The Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office is requesting more help as they work to curb deadly drug overdoses. Law enforcement leaders are asking county commissioners for funding to hire three additional narcotics agents. Lieutenant Shannon Heflin says the county saw 26 overdose deaths last year, many of which are still under investigation, and another six since January 1st. Heflin adds that Cheatham County is recording the most overdose fatalities per capita in the State of Tennessee.
Law enforcement agencies across Middle Tennessee are partnering with the U.S. DEA for National Drug Take Back Day this weekend. Officials are urging residents to visit a local collection center to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications. Collections around the state will run from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. To find your nearest drop-off location visit D-E-A-dot-gov-slash-take-back-day.
The governor is still trying to reform gun laws in Tennessee. Governor Bill Lee yesterday spoke with reporters and when asked about strengthening gun laws said, “now is the right time to get that accomplished.” Lee last week asked Tennessee lawmakers to create a law allowing judges to take guns away from people considered dangerous. No bill has yet been filed and the legislative session is ending soon. His calls come after waves of protests have taken place in Nashville since the recent Covenant School shooting which claimed the lives of six victims, including three nine-year-old children.
A new strategy addressing the state’s growth and the impact on traffic congestion is the focus of a new law signed by the governor. Bill Lee signed the Transportation Modernization Act. It will invest three-point-three-billion-dollars to give the state Department of Transportation the resources needed to solve the state’s current and future mobility challenges. The plan will explore implementing Choice Lanes on toll roads which would allow drivers to pay a fee to use those lanes which generally move traffic along faster especially during the rush hours.