Bank plans supply drive for troops ... and more

Bank plans supply drive for troops

From Tuesday to July 9, American Patriot Bank will be collecting non-perishable supplies to send overseas to U.S. troops.

Supplies can be dropped off in the lobby of the branch located at 710 South Foothills Plaza Drive.

On July 9 at 2 p.m., the supplies will be officially donated to local armed services. Several members of the Chamber of Commerce and local state officials will be present for the ceremony.

For more information, call the bank at 977-5411.

Magazine lauds Tennessee's liability reforms

"Directorship Magazine," a national publication targeted to business leaders, named Tennessee the best state in the nation for its litigation climate due to medical malpractice liability reform legislation sponsored by State Rep. Doug Overbey, R-Maryville.

"I sponsored the medical malpractice legislation first and foremost to lower health care costs for Tennessee families," said Overbey in a news release announcing the national ranking. "But I am also very proud that, especially in these difficult economic conditions, we could put Tennessee at the top of the list for attracting businesses and jobs to our state."

Overbey's legislation will help eliminate frivolous and unsubstantiated malpractice lawsuits early in the legal process, while still allowing legitimate legal actions to protect the patient, according to the news release. The bill was recently signed into law.

Tennessee moved up 11 spots in the annual ranking, stating that the "state's liability climate encourages growth and job creation."

However, the article notes "it's also a state to watch because its tort laws do not place limits on non-economic and punitive damages and there are some plaintiff-friendly venues in Tennessee. The state Supreme Court is considered neutral on liability issues."

Sex offender law changing

Beginning Tuesday, sex offenders must provide new information to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry to comply with a new state law.

Sex offenders must provide e-mail addresses along with instant message, chat or any other Internet communication identities to their registering agency. However, the information will not be available to the public.

All sex offenders must provide a DNA sample. This was formerly required only for offenses committed after July 1998.

The law also tightens restrictions on sex offenders spending time at schools. Offenders whose crime was against a minor will not be allowed to work where they may have direct, unsupervised contact with a minor.

Grandview Drive closure Tuesday

Grandview Drive, close to Grandview Subdivision, will be open to only one lane of traffic from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Maryville Water Quality Control crews will be installing a water line in the area. Motorists are encouraged to take an alternate route.