Franklin Facility Accused of Massive TennCare Fraud

Tennessee officials said in a press release this week that members of a Franklin-based facility committed fraud to get $6 million in TennCare benefits to which it was not entitled. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee this week made public a suit filed by Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III against ProHealth Rural Health Services, Inc., and its President and Chief Executive Officer Ray White (pictured above).  By filing the suit, the state intervened in a case initially filed by a whistle blower, according to a press release from Slatery’s office. “As a designated Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike, ProHealth provides healthcare to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. That status entitled ProHealth to receive Prospective Payment Service (PPS) payments, a guaranteed minimum amount of money per Medicaid patient visit,” the press release said. “As detailed in the complaint, the State alleges White knowingly submitted invoices to the State of Tennessee which falsely inflated the number of Medicaid patient visits to ProHealth from 2012-2017. That caused TennCare to pay ProHealth more than $6,000,000 to which it was not entitled.” The press release quoted Slatery as saying members of his office will not permit leniency…

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New PAC to Honor Legacy of Late State Rep. Charles Sargent of Williamson County

State Rep Charles Sargent

The late State Rep. Charles Sargent’s legacy will be kept alive through the creation of a political action committee. The Franklin Republican died of cancer last November at the age of 73. The former House Finance, Ways and Means Committee chairman had announced that fall he would not seek re-election after two decades of service. Now, the Sargent Legacy Fund has been formed by his friends to continue his service to the community and the legislature, the Williamson Herald reports. The Sargent Legacy Fund held a kickoff breakfast last Saturday at Columbia State Community College’s Franklin campus – inside the Charles M. Sargent Building. According to the Herald: The PAC reflects Sargent’s prior focus on three things: limited government, excellent education and fiscal conservatism. The Sargent Legacy Fund was “created to support local candidates who embody Charles Sargent’s character and share his political philosophy of lower taxes, limited government and support for education.” Founders of the PAC include Erin Westrich, Sargent’s previous campaign manager and lifelong family friend; friends Helen and (attorney) Jeff Moseley; Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson; and Sargent’s wife, Nancy. Anderson will serve as treasurer of the PAC. Two Williamson County Republicans shared their thoughts about Sargent with…

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Santa Claus Spotted in Downtown Franklin on a Motorcycle

FRANKLIN, Tennessee — The Tennessee Star caught a glimpse of Santa Claus on a motorcycle in downtown Franklin Sunday afternoon. Accompanied by a green clad assistant riding behind, Santa drove his motorcycle down Main Street, stopping along the way to hand out candy canes to excited children shopping with their parents. Both Santa and his elf assistant patiently accommodated the many requests for photographs that came from children, parents, and adult passers by alike. “We do this every year because we want to,” Mr. Claus told The Star, before he roared away, spreading good cheer to all who watched and waved as he faded out of sight. Sources tell The Star that Mr. Claus and his elf assistant are long-time residents of Williamson County who have conducted their motorcycle candy cane missions for many years during the Christmas season.    

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State Senator Johnson Hosts Annual ‘Boots And Jeans, BBQ And Beans’ Sunday in Franklin

Boots, barbecue, blue jeans and beans are meeting up with politics once again in Franklin. State Senator Jack Johnson (R-TN-23) is holding his 12th annual “Boots & Jeans, BBQ & Beans” event Sunday at 4 p.m. at The Factory In Franklin. Johnson’s event will feature live music from the Austin Brothers and Martin’s BBQ. The event also will feature an all-star lineup of Tennessee GOP figures, including: State Senator Randy McNally (R-TN-05), lieutenant governor U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Bill Lee, Republican nominee for governor State Senator Dr. Mark Green (R-TN-22), Republican nominee for Congress Brandon Ogles, Republican nominee for State House District 61 State Representative Glen Casada (R-TN-63) State Representative Sam Whitson (R-TN-65) Speaking about the event, Johnson said, “I am thrilled and honored to be able host my 12th annual Boots & Jeans, BBQ & Beans event. My family and I look forward to this all year and seeing all of our friends and neighbors come together for a family-friendly afternoon of BBQ and live music.” Event details and tickets are available here. Johnson has lived in Middle Tennessee since graduating from Texas State University with a degree in education, according to his…

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Franklin Workshop Offers to Teach People of All Ages How to Talk Politics Without Losing Friends

An Oct. 6 workshop in Franklin is offering to help high school students – or people of all ages – learn how to have political conversations without losing friends – and there is a taco feast too. The event is titled the Communications Workshop – Getting Your Friends to Understand Why. The Leadership Institute is holding the training from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Blvd. in Franklin. State Senator Dr. Mark Green (R-TN) is the guest speaker. High school economics students may remember the adage, “There is no such thing as a free lunch” (TINSTAAFL), referring to the cost of decision-making and consumption. So what’s the cost of this training workshop and lunch? Only $5. The event page for more information and registration is available here. But the organizers say the worskhop is not only for high school students, but also for any professional who needs advice on crafting his or her communications abilities. According to the Leadership Institute, “The Communications Workshop is designed to help you better connect with your friends. The workshop provides an in-depth look at how you can design and improve your political communications in person and online. You…

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