Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced Thursday that Tennessee’s unemployment rate for May was 10.7 percent, up 0.8 percentage point from the revised April rate of 9.9 percent.

The May rate a year ago was 6.2 percent. The national unemployment rate for May 2009 was 9.4 percent, up from the April rate of 8.9 percent.

By JENNIFER HORTON
The Wilson Post

Members of the public are invited to attend the upcoming Urban Area Security Initiative Expo at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, hosted by the City of Lebanon in conjunction with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security on Wednesday, June 24.

The hours will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event will highlight the UASI region’s efforts regarding public safety and will also allow the public to see new equipment and see demonstrations of emergency responses.

By BEN DUDLEY
The Wilson Post

After passing a resolution authorizing a continuing appropriation and budget for fiscal year 2008-09 for 30 more days, Lebanon City Council is $527,000 short of balancing next year’s budget.

By CONNIE ESH
The Wilson Post

Lebanon City Council reprimanded City/Utilities Engineer Chuck Boyett Tuesday night for saying in that email that the city government is “clearly targeting individuals” with the job cuts some council members say are needed to balance the budget.

Council took the action in response to a copy of an email handed out by Ward 3 Councilor William Farmer during the regular meeting.

Boyett apologized and said he took back the statement, and that he is sorry if anyone on council took it personally or was offended. He also said he thought the e-mail, which he sent to Pat Hickey, a Clarksville city employee, was a private message.