STATE BRIEFS
SODDY-DAISY – Officials say two contractors have been burned while working at a nuclear power plant in Tennessee.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports they were hospitalized Friday night for first- and second-degree burns after working at the Tennessee Valley Authority Sequoyah Nuclear Power Plant.
The contractors’ employer is Day & Zimmerman, and neither was shocked nor contaminated by any radiation. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says in its report that an arc flash burned the workers but what caused it is unclear.
An arc flash is essentially an electrical discharge. But unlike a shock, a person doesn’t have to touch an electrical conductor.
Officials did not release the contractors’ names.
Discrimination trial begins for gay ex-Tennessee magistrate
CHATTANOOGA – The discrimination trial has begun for an openly gay former Tennessee magistrate who sued in 2015 over her firing.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported Monday that was the first day of trial for Elizabeth Gentzler, 38, who filed the lawsuit against Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw and his administrator, Sam Mairs, seeking $500,000 in damages.
Gentzler testified before U.S. District Court Judge Travis McDonough, saying both men created a hostile work environment before her September 2014 termination.
Gentzler’s attorney, Stuart James, says Philyaw didn’t believe Gentzler’s sexual orientation would reflect well on Republican constituents as he ran for re-election.
The county has denied many of Gentzler’s claims in court filings.
Teague named executive director of Tennessee Democratic Party
NASHVILLE – A former Planned Parenthood official has joined the Tennessee Democratic Party as its executive director.
According to news release from the party, new executive director Jeff Teague most recently served as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee.
Teague has also served in campaign and vice presidential office roles for Al Gore. He replaced former party executive director Jason Freeman.
Search in Tennessee for man placed on most wanted list
JACKSON – Authorities are offering a reward for information related to the search for a Tennessee man who has been added to the state’s most wanted list.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday that Charius Darel Ross, 36, of Humboldt is charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. The bureau says Ross should be considered armed and dangerous.
Ross is 6 feet 2 inches tall and has black hair with brown eyes. He is believed to be traveling with Catherine Emily Connors and her 31⁄2-year-old son.
A $2,500 reward is being offfered for information leading to Ross’ arrest.
— Associated Press