Victory Pharma will pay $12.2 million for allegedly paying doctors to write prescriptions for its drugs, Attorney General Roy Cooper announced Feb. 18.

“Tax dollars were wasted on what may have been unnecessary prescriptions,” Cooper said. “This kind of fraud drives up health costs for all of us, and that’s why we’re continuing to crack down on it.”

The settlement resolves allegations that Victory Pharma paid physicians for writing prescriptions for the drugs Naprelan (an anti-inflammatory drug), Xodol (a painkiller), Fexmid (a muscle relaxant) and Dolgic (used to treat tension headaches) for three years beginning in 2007.

With just a little more than a year's operating experience under their belt, Luxury Therapeutics of Franklin was named a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winner last week by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The company was recognized for its “dedication to the principles of free enterprise and its contribution to restoring jobs and prosperity.”

“The Blue Ribbon Award winners show that, even facing uncertainty and economic challenges, small businesses can grow and succeed,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO.“They are America’s economic engine, driving growth and job creation all across this country.”

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting celebrating a complete remodeling of the Habitat for Humanity Resale Store located at 56 W. Palmer Street.

The Resale Store opened its doors in 2001 and offers clothing, furniture, home décor, building supplies and more at great prices. The clothing department also offers a fitting room to try on garments you are interested in. The building supplies department has hardware, plumbing and electrical supplies as well as counters, sinks and so much more.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for the non-profit organization One Dozen Who Care, Inc. located at 245 Sloan Road in Franklin. Present for the ribbon cutting were former executive director, Ann Woodford; current executive director, Lynn Brumby; newly elected president, Zula Cox; vice president and finance officer, Stella Moore; parliamentarian, Patricia Washington; Carrie Swanson; guests, Jill Gottesman and Shirley Parks; executive assistant and program coordinator, Alice Blanton; Commissioner Ronnie Beale; as well as representatives from the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.