Two separate lawsuits by former employees of the Overton County Nursing Home have recently been filed in Overton County Circuit Court against the county-owned nursing facility and its administrator.

Plaintiffs in both suits allege that they were terminated from their jobs at the facility in December of last year as a retaliatory measure for reporting alleged illegal and or unethical conduct, including abuse and neglect and an alleged conspiracy to cover it up. In addition, both plaintiffs, represented by the same attorney, Cynthia Wilson of Cookeville, are seeking $500,000 in compensatory damages and another $500,000 in punitive damages.

Christopher Dale Norris, a former registered nurse and MDS coordinator at the facility, brought a lawsuit against Jennifer Bouldin, Overton County Nursing Home Administrator, Overton County Nursing Home and Overton County, filed December 4, alleging that even though his termination notice on December 5 of last year stated his reason for termination was “violation of HIPPA policy,” that he was actually fired because he talked to the auditor from the State of Tennessee Department of Health concerning allegations of abuse and neglect of a nursing home resident.

The suit also alleges Bouldin conspired to cover up the alleged act or acts by ordering another employee, Debra Wood, to alter documents regarding the alleged incident.

The other lawsuit against the facility is brought by Debra G. Wood, who is the same Wood listed in the other suit. This lawsuit, like the Norris lawsuit, mirrors Norris’ allegations and alleges that she was asked by the nursing home administrator to alter patient documentation.

In addition, the lawsuit states that Wood reported alleged foregoing abuse and neglect of three residents to the State of Tennessee Department of Health and, as a result, subsequently was fired from the facility because of her whistle blowing actions.

The Enterprise called but was unable to make contact with Bouldin for comment on the lawsuits.

County Executive Ron Cyrus was also contacted for comment about the lawsuits but he said, under the advisement of County Attorney Lillie Ann Sells, he could not speak about the pending litigation.

RUSSELL NEWS-REGISTER..

Lindsey Wilson College head coach Paul Peck, a Russell County native, earned his 500th career win as the Lindsey Wilson men’s basketball team defeated West Virginia Tech 108-52 at Biggers Sports Center a week ago Friday night.

Lindsey Wilson (8-5) finished the game with four players in double-digits led by Anthony Crenshaw with a career-high 24 points. D’on Hall finished the game with 18 points while Tony Horne added 12 points and six rebounds. Keshaun Mayfield had a team-high 11 rebounds and six assists. Tyrie Orosco finished the game with 12 points and nine rebounds while Roderick Clark had a team-high five steals in the win.