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NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) released college enrollment data for the fall 2018 semester, indicating that 221,775 students across the state enrolled in community colleges and public universities for the 2018-2019 academic year. This marks the third consecutive year that postsecondary enrollment has grown across the state, and an increase of 1,656 additional students compared to fall 2017.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class William Campbell of Elizabethton. Campbell was serving on the USS Oklahoma at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when it was attacked by multiple torpedoes which caused the battleship to sink and resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen to include Campbell. He was 20 years old.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed Darrell L. Scarlett of Murfreesboro as Circuit Court judge for the 16th Judicial District, which serves Rutherford and Cannon counties. The appointment fills a new trial court judgeship established this year by the Tennessee General Assembly. “We are fortunate to have someone with Darrell Scarlett’s experience in the 16th Judicial District,” Haslam said. “That experience prepares him well to serve in this newly created position.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe recently approved more than $550,000 in Façade Improvement Grants to assist Tennessee communities with downtown improvements.

NASHVILLE – In accordance with protocol, inmate Edmund G. Zagorski #102839 was moved to death watch this morning shortly after midnight.

Chatel-Chehery, France – Eighteen members of the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard traveled to France early this week to take part in the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Tennessean Sergeant Alvin C. York’s heroic actions during World War I that merited the award of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 7-13) by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires.

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Andrew J. Gibbons of Kingsport as public defender for the Second Judicial District, which serves Sullivan County. Gibbons will replace Stephen Wallace, whose retirement is effective November 1. Gibbons has been an assistant public defender in the district since 2001. In that position, he handled a wide range of criminal defense cases. A lifelong resident of Sullivan County, Gibbons has worked closely with Wallace in his previous position.

An Obion County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in connection with selling prescription drugs she obtained using TennCare benefits.

A Madison County woman charged with TennCare fraud must repay the state for benefits received through the state’s healthcare insurance program.

Events scheduled across the state to recognize the role employees of the Tennessee Drivers Services Division play in registering state residents as organ and tissue donors

NASHVILLE – Today the American Correctional Association (ACA) announced Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Tony Parker as President-Elect of this nearly 150 year old organization.

A Macon County woman charged with falsely reporting her income in order to enroll in TennCare must now repay the state for healthcare insurance benefits she received during the time she was on the program.

JOHNSON CITY – The Tennessee Department of Correction’s “Operation Clean Up” continued today at the Johnson City Probation and Parole field office. Officers and Special Agents with TDOC, along with officers from the Johnson City Police Department, conducted intensive vehicle searches in the parking lot of the field office. Today’s operation resulted in the search of over 50 vehicles.

NASHVILLE – While technological advances have made everyday tasks easier, they’ve also increased the vulnerability of consumers’ most sensitive personal data. Electronic financial accounts, healthcare information, and social media profiles can be exposed in just a few clicks by enterprising scammers. In recognition of October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs and Securities divisions are providing tips to help keep your information safe online.