News 2011

Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation’s Customers Care has donated $2,000 of its Operation Round Up funds to Challenged Athletes Playing Equally (CAPE).“This grant will give our athletes the opportunity to participate in CAPE activities,” Rick Ryan, Executive Director of CAPE said. ”We are very thankful for the donation and would like to invite anyone to visit us during our summer session at the Smyrna Bowling Center.”
CAPE is a non-profit organization for physically or mentally challenged persons. It seeks to increase their self esteem and enhance their social skills by providing non-competitive fun with positive reinforcement.
Operation Round Up began in 2003 and has distributed more than $5 million into MTEMC’s communities.
The initiative “rounds up” members’ bills to the next highest dollar, with that extra change set aside for worthy causes. It is the responsibility of the Customers Care Board, which is composed of seven MTEMC members, to evaluate grant requests and send the money back to qualifying organizations.
Incoming contributions are tracked by county so that the Customers Care Board can do its best to ensure money contributed by members in a certain county goes to that county. Any balances are carried over each month.
MTE Customers Care funds may not be used for political or expressly religious purposes, schools or school-related organizations.

The Woodbury Police Department and the Cannon County Sheriff’s Departments today announced that they will join nearly 10,000 other law enforcement agencies nationwide in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving August 19–September 5, known as “Booze It & Lose It.”The problem of impaired driving is a serious one. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows the number of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in America fell from 2008 to 2009, but the numbers are still too high.
In 2009 alone, 10,839 people died in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider was at or above the legal limit, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes was the 21-to-24 age group.
“All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless disregard for human life. Because we’re committed to ending the carnage, we’re intensifying enforcement during the crackdown. Since twice as many alcohol-impaired accidents occur over the weekend and four times as many occur at night, we will be especially vigilant during these high-risk times when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads,” said Chief Burnett and Sheriff Young.
Across the country, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or higher. According to the latest data, nearly a third of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC above the legal limit – an average of one fatality every 48 minutes.
The crackdown will include law enforcement officers in every state, Washington, D.C., and many U.S. cities and towns.
Chief Burnett and Sheriff Young said their officers and deputies will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired — regardless of age, vehicle type or time of day.
“Not only is it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, it is also an offense to drive impaired on illegal and prescription drugs, said state law enforcement liaison Clint Shrum. “Certain prescription drugs can impair a person’s ability to operate just as bad as alcohol and sometimes even worse. Be sure to read your warning labels and check with your doctor before operating a vehicle while taking a prescription” commented Shrum.
According to law enforcement officials violators often face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

Judge Susan Melton presided over Cannon County General Sessions Court on Tuesday. Some of the results of the various cases that appeared on the docket include.Barry Wayne Bynum was bound over to the September term of the Grand Jury. He is charged with domestic assault and resisting arrest.
Nathan Jasper Cantrell agreed to the violation of probation. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 14 days in jail and 11 months 29 days on probation.
Mary Ellen Carmack was bound over to the September term of the Grand Jury. She is charged with burglary of a vehicle, theft under $500.00, vandalism over $500.00, and filing a false report.
Dillan Anthony Collette was bound over to the September term of the Grand Jury. He is charged with simple possession of marijuana.
Albert Wayne Couch’s charge of leaving the scene of a property crash was set for retirement in 30 days. He was ordered to pay costs.
Karen Luann Dinovo pled guilty to driving without a license. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, attending driving school, and paying a $2.00 fine and costs.
Nery Marcito Enrige pled guilty to driving without a license and driving without insurance. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying $102.00 in fines, and costs.
Marlene Espinoza pled guilty to driving without a license. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and costs.
Jerry Ray Gunter pled guilty to driving without a license and driving without insurance. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended equal time on probation, paying $102.00 in fines, and costs.
Barbara D. Heath pled guilty to driving on a suspended license. She was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, losing her license for one year, paying a $50.00 fine and costs.
Clarissa Hernandez agreed to the violation of probation. Her probation was extended 11 months 29 days and she was ordered to pay costs.
Jason Lee Hodge agreed to the violation of probation. He was sentenced to 7 days in jail and his probation was extended 11 months 29 days.
Ricky Dale Manier agreed to the violation of probation. He was ordered to serve 11 months 29 days in jail.
Kenneth Albert Marx pled guilty to simple possession of schedule II drugs. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $750.00 fine, and costs. In another case Marx pled guilty to simple possession of schedule VI drugs. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $250.00 fine and costs. In another case Marx pled guilty to simple possession of IV drugs. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $750.00 fine and costs.
Dustin Matthew Mayo agreed to the violation of probation. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 7 days in jail, equal time on probation, paying a $250.00 fine and costs.
Rafael Castillo Medellin agreed to the violation of probation. He was ordered to serve 30 days in jail and his probation was extended 6 months.
Timothy Ryan Mix pled guilty to DUI. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 48 hours in jail, losing his license for one year, paying a $350.00 fine and costs. In another case Mix pled guilty to simple possession of schedule VI drugs. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $250.00 fine, and costs.
Ruben Scott Murphy agreed to the violation of probation. He was ordered to serve 35 days in jail and his probation was extended 10 months 24 days.
Jessee Colton Norwood agreed to the violation of probation. He was ordered to serve 14 days and his probation was extended 11 months 29 days.
John Lee Okain pled guilty to driving without a license. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and costs.
Misty C. Pickett pled guilty to simple possession of marijuana. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $250.00 fine and costs.
Ashley Nicole Pope agreed to the violation of probation. She was ordered to serve 40 days in jail and her probation was extended 10 months 29 days.
Timothy D. Richards was bound over to the September term of the Grand Jury. He is charged with reckless endangerment, evading arrest by motor vehicle, and evading arrest on foot.
Juana M. Rodriguez pled guilty to driving on a suspended license. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, losing his license for one year, paying a $50.00 fine and costs.
Timothy Ray Rogers’ charge of trespassing was set to retire in 12 months.
James Edward Rollins agreed to the violation of probation. His probation was extended 10 months 19 days.
Christopher Shawn South pled guilty to driving without a license. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time in jail, paying a $2.00 fine and costs.
Joshua Val Stansbury pled guilty to driving on a suspended license. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, losing his license for one year, paying a $50.00 fine and costs.
Jeffery Lynn Thomas agreed to the violation of probation. He was ordered to serve 11 months 29 days in jail.
Terry Brian Tramel pled under judicial diversion to driving on a suspended license. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentenced was suspended upon equal time on probation paying a $50.00 fine and costs. In another case Tramel pled under judicial diversion to simple possession of marijuana. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $250.00 fine and costs.
Timothy Michael Young agreed to the violation of probation. He was ordered to serve his original sentence.

Lindsey Jordan Reed, an upcoming senior at Cannon County High School, recently attended the Volunteer Girls State leadership program at David Lipscomb University in Nashville.Volunteer Girls State (VGS) is a leadership and citizenship-training program offered to young women in Tennessee by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). It is a one-week program offered to rising seniors in high school. The mission of Volunteer Girls State is to provide a practical application of Americanism and good citizenship. The program, as sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, is a nonpartisan, non-political attempt to teach and to instill in the young women of Tennessee a love of God and country.
Lindsey was sponsored by American Legion Post 279 in Woodbury, and the faculty at CCHS selected Lindsey to represent Cannon County. Nationally recognized as one of the top Girls State programs in the nation, Volunteer Girls State provides young women the opportunity to form and run a mock government by meeting, living, and working with other young female leaders from across the state. All events and activities that citizens experience or participate in are designed to provide opportunities to practice good citizenship and leadership and instill a sense of pride in our state and country. Lindsey had a memorable and exciting experience at Girls State. She learned much about leadership and made many new friends from all over the state. There were also a few memorable highlights from the week: During one of the sessions, Governor Bill Haslam, along with First Lady Crissy Haslam, spoke to the Girls State citizens and later answered questions from some of the students in the audience. Also, the Tennessee Supreme Court heard arguments during one of the sessions on an on-going case that could change the way alimony is awarded in the Volunteer State. The case involves a bitter divorce in which the wife was awarded lifetime alimony in the divorce settlement. Bringing the court proceedings to the Lipscomb campus during Girls State was part of a Tennessee Supreme Court educational program that teaches students how the court system works. The knowledge Lindsey received during the sessions and activities at Girls State provided invaluable leadership tools that will be used for a lifetime. Lindsey truly appreciates the support of the American Legion Post 279 and the faculty at CCHS for making this opportunity available to her. Lindsey resides in the Short Mountain community. She is the daughter of Ricky and Greta Reed and the granddaughter of David and Linda Parton of Short Mountain and Jerry and Betty Reed of Iconium

Last week, the Naked Neck Chickens came to visit the Senior Center here in Woodbury. This week is the Weird and Unusual Animals visit Auburntown and Woodbury. Bob Tarter The Wildlife Guy will be bringing his animals that feature unusual adaptions for survival. The program will be featured atthe Auburntown Library Thursday at 10 AM and at 1PM at the Adams Memorial Library. The program is suitable for all ages and is funded by a Tennessee Kids in the Outdoors Grant from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation and by generous donations for the Friends Of The Adams Memorial Library.
The officials at the Adams Memorial Library would like to remind anyone interested that this is the last week of the Christmas in July” hardback sale at the Friends of the Library Book Sale at Adams Memorial Library. New materials are being placed in the sale every day

Children’s auditions will be held tonight at 6:00 at the Cannon County arts Center for the production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Roles are available for one girl age 9ish and two boys age 8-13ish. Scarlett Turney will be conducting the audition. Anyone in those age groups wanting to audition but unable to make tonight’s even pleas contact her at 563-2787.Production dates for To Kill a Mockingbird will be October 7th-22nd

Why did the chicken cross the road? The answer to that old joke and many more classic jokes can be heard throughout the day at the Cannon CountySenior Center as they celebrate national tell an old joke day. The activity starts at 11:30 and all senior citizens are encouraged to attend and share their favorite joke. Today’s activities also at the Center include the weekly bingo game as well as line dancing for those interested.

A very successful blood drive was held at the Woodbury Lions Club Building this past Thursday. Due to past experience and national trends the American Red Cross set a goal of 46 units collected during the 6 hour period. Of the 71 people that signed in, fifty nine people were actually able to donate of which two were double red cell donors making sixty one units donated. Pam Steakley donated for the first time. Perry Loudon received a one gallon pin. Rita Cook was a double red cell donor and received a two gallon pin. Phyllis Robinson and Mary Duncan received 6 gallon pins and James Ferrell a 7 gallon pin.The Woodbury Lions Club would like to thank all those that came out. The Red Cross has a shortage of blood supply and everyone that came out to
help has made a difference. The Woodbury Lions Club feels honored to have so many loyal donors in Cannon County and great community support

In 2010, the Tennessee Department of Health instituted a new Official Certificate of Immunization and updated the immunization requirements for all students entering 7th grade. There is now only one official TDOH certificate of immunization that must be completed by medical providers for delivery to schools. Parents should present this new form prior to or at their child’s registration for pre-k, kindergarten, 7th grade, or as a new student. This form will only be available from a private healthcare provider or local health department.Below is a summary of the TDOH rule 1200-14-1-29 which details the immunization requirements for children enrolling in Tennessee Schools.
Children in Pre-School or Pre-K
• Current immunization requirements:
o Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
o Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)
o Measles, Mumps, Rubella (1 dose of each, usually given together as MMR)
o Varicella (1 dose or history of disease)
• New additional immunization requirements:
o Hepatitis B (HBV)
o Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib): age younger than 5 years only (this requirement is resumed following suspension during a national Hib vaccine shortage in 2008-2009)
o Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV): age younger than 5 years old.
o Hepatitis A (1 dose by 18 months of age)
Children entering kindergarten
• Current immunization requirements:
o Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
o Hepatitis B (HBV)
o Measles, Mumps, Rubella (1 dose of each, usually given together as MMR)
• New additional immunization requirements:
o Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV): final dose on or after the 4th birthday now required
o Varicella (2 doses or history of disease): previously only one dose was required
o Hepatitis A (2 doses): effective July 1, 2011
Children entering 7th Grade
• New immunization requirements:
o Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (“Tdap”)
o Verification of immunity to varicella (2 doses or history of disease)
New Enrollees in a TN School in Grades other than K or 7th
• Current immunization requirements:
o Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)
o Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR)
• New additional immunization requirements:
o Hepatitis B (HBV): previously only for kindergarten, 7th grade entry
o Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV): final dose on or after the 4th birthday now required
o Varicella (2 doses or history of disease): previously only one dose was required
Children with medical or religious exemption to requirements:
• Medical: Healthcare provider must indicate which specific vaccines are medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the new form. Other vaccines remain required.
• Religious: Requires only a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. If documentation of a health examination is required, it must be noted by the health care provider on the immunization certificate. In that case, the provider may explain the absence of immunization information by checking that the parent has obtained a religious exemption.
For more information, contact the Cannon County Health Department, your child’s physician, your school nurse, or Connie Foster, Director of Coordinated School Health at 615-563-5752 x 245 or connie.foster@ccstn.com.

What to expect for Saturday, July 23 at the Farmers Market – Cannon County Farmer’s Market has a wide selection of local favorites, items that you can find this coming Saturday-July 23rd are; beans (roma II and half runners as well as blue lake and organic blue lake beans), blackberry plants, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, handmade crafts, herbs, hickory nuts, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers (sweet banana and Jalapeno and Cheyenne, habanero & green), potatoes, squash (patty pan/acorn, zucchini, yellow & miscellaneous squash), sweet corn (bodacious and peaches and cream), tomatoes (green and vine ripe and roma), and a great selection baked goods, jams and jellies.We are starting to see a better selection of beans and peas at the market. Tn. white crowders, purple hulls peas, speckle field peas, Dixie peas, Mccaslan beans, blue lake, Kentucky Wonders and half runners. Growers are telling me that their egg plants are coming along and should have some at the market this coming Saturday.
The Cannon County Farmers Market is located at the Cannon County Arts Center every Saturday beginning at 6:00 A.M. The Market has a vast selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables along with baked goods, crafts, jams and jellies and an occasional blackberry plant. Our producers are proud to offer locally grown farm fresh produce. Most Saturdays the market is open until noon or until the farm fresh fruits and vegetables have been sold. Best way to get the best selection is to come early! Also this week, local vendors will distribute recipes provide by Erin Nichols, TNCEP Program Assistant. Mrs. Nichols also plans to have fresh homemade salsa samples from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00. If you need more information concerning the Cannon County Farmers Market, contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County Extension Office (563-2554)