'Right to counsel' topic of talk and other news from areas around Chattanooga

'Right to counsel' topic of talk

CHATTANOOGA - Although the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that everyone accused of a crime has the right to an attorney, the same isn't true in civil cases.

The Tennessee Bar Association and Legal Aid of East Tennessee will hold a public panel discussion Friday on the idea of a "civil right to counsel." The session is set for noon to 2 p.m. in Hunter Hall, Room 307, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

"There is no accommodation in the law to provide counsel in most civil cases including eviction, denial of child custody, or issues addressing basic human needs for children, the elderly, and the disabled," said David R. Yoder, executive director at Legal Aid of East Tennessee. "If you can't afford a lawyer in these cases and cannot get help from the grossly underfunded legal aid programs, you're denied the American promise of 'justice for all.'"

For more information, contact Legal Aid associate director Russell Fowler 423-756-4013.


Murray sheriff gets traffic grant

CHATSWORTH, Ga. - The Governor's Office of Highway Safety has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Murray County Sheriff's Office for its work as assisting coordinating agency in the Mountain Area Traffic Enforcement Network, according to a news release.

The state maintains 16 regional traffic enforcement networks to help enforce safety belt, speed, and impaired-driving campaigns, the release stated.

Half the grant will support operations in the Mountain Area Network, which includes Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Whitfield and Walker counties.The other half will help buy safety equipment for the Murray County Sheriff's Office.


Crews mowing on North Georgia roads

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. - State mowing crews will be working this week on state roads in area counties, according to a Georgia Department of Transportation news release. Locations include:

• State Route 1/U.S. Highway 27 in Chattooga County

• SR 299 and SR 58 in Dade County

• SR 60 in Fannin County

• SR 156 and SR 225 in Gordon County.

Work is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today through Thursday, weather permitting. Motorists are asked to slow down and use extra care when workers are present.


Groups help fight diabetes in Tennessee

NASHVILLE - Several Tennessee groups are playing a role in the fight against diabetes.

The Tennessean reports some state YMCAs are joining the National Diabetes Prevention Program, in which counselors help at-risk people with diet and exercise. Memphis has already started a program, Chattanooga is launching one, and a program is expected to be in Middle Tennessee soon.

Vanderbilt University scientists are also studying how particular foods affect diabetics. They're looking for diabetics 31 to 60 years old who don't smoke and don't take insulin. Participants will get nutrition counseling and help with glucose management and problem solving.

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