News 2011

Judge Susan Melton presided over General Sessions Court on Tuesday. Some of the results from the various cases that appeared on the docket included:A capias was issued for Samer W. Abdalla for failing to appear in court.
Noe Israle Campos agreed to the violation of probation. His probation was extended 6 months. In another case Campos pled guilty to driving on a suspended license. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $150.00 fine and the costs.
Jeffery W. Christy’s charge of theft over $10,000.00 was bound over to the January term of the Grand Jury.
Erica Danielle Cunningham agreed to a 3rd violation of probation. She was ordered to serve her original sentence.
Larry Van Davis pled guilty to reckless burning. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying restitution, and the costs.
Rebecca Louise Glowacky agreed to the violation of probation. Her probation was extended 6 months.
Joseph Tyler Green pled guilty to evading arrest. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.
Michael Shane Greer pled guilty under judicial diversion to domestic assault. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs. In another case Greer pled guilty under judicial diversion to 2 counts of writing a worthless check. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying restitution and the costs.
Katie Jo Grider pled guilty to DUI 2nd offense. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 21 days, 11 months 8 days probation, paying a $350.00 fine and the costs.
Dakota Trey Jones judicial diversion for simple possession of schedule II drugs was terminated. 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 the costs. In another case Jones agreed to the violation of probation. His probation was extended 11 months 29 days.
Charles G. Light agreed to the violation of probation. He was ordered to serve 47 days and his probation was extended 9 months.
James Christopher Shamlin II pled guilty to driving on a suspended license 2nd offense. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $150.00 fine and the costs. In another case Shamlin agreed to the violation of probation. His probation was extended 6 months.
Catherine Marie Sherrell’s judicial diversion for simple possession of a schedule VI drug was terminated. 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 the costs. In another case Sherrell agreed to the violation of probation. Her probation was extended 11 months 29 days.
Joseph Matthew Starnes 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, paying a$50.00 fine and the costs. In another case Starnes pled guilty to a second driving on a suspended license. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $50.00 fine and the costs.
Charie A. Urban pled guilty to driving on a suspended license. Urban was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $50.00 fine and the costs.
Jessica Walls agreed to the violation of probation. Her probation was extended 11 months 29 days.
 
 
 

The undefeated Cannon County Lionettes bring their 5-0 record to Robert A Harris Gymnasium before the home crowd as they host the Tullahoma Lady Wildcats.  The Lady Cats have a 2-3 mark but have lost three in a row.  Last time these two teams met Cannon won 74-27 back in January.  The Lions will have to show improvement if they want to reach 3-3 record after  tonight.  Tullahoma brings in a boys team that has wins against Upperman and Oakland and are 2 and 1.  WBRY AM 1540, FM 96.7 will have the live broadcasts tonight beginning with the Coaches Corner at 6:15 followed by the tipoff at 6:30.  The games will also be streamed live through our website tonight at wbry.com

The voter registration process will change starting with the 2012 election. Citizens in the State of Tennessee will have to show government-issued photo identification in order to cast a ballot at the polls. The Upper Cumberland Rural Public Transit System is designed to benefit the entire community. We provide vital transportation for Upper Cumberland residents of all ages linking them to doctors, employment, grocery stores, senior citizen centers, schools and much more.
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) can provide transportation service to the Drivers Service Centers to voters who otherwise would not have transportation.
Voters in Cannon County may call their local UCHRA county office at (615) 563-2916 for more information about scheduling a trip and trip fares that apply.
For information about the Upper Cumberland Rural Public Transit System, visit www.uchra.com/transit . 

Winter is fast approaching and more and more Tennesseans are flipping the switch on their heaters and discovering it is time to upgrade their systems. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Energy Division reminds Tennesseans that there is still more than $1 million remaining for energy efficient appliance rebates for consumers who have upgraded to a qualifying Energy Star® appliance since April 22, 2010. As of Oct. 30, 2011, ECD’s Energy Division reports that 17,491 rebates, totaling $4,131,760, have been paid to Tennesseans through the program. Tennessee consumers can still purchase and install eligible Energy Star Appliances to replace less efficient models and receive a rebate debit card on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 14, 2012. Tennesseans can track funds still remaining at http://teearp.efi.org.
“As the clock winds down on this program, ECD’s Energy Division would like to encourage Tennesseans to take advantage of the rebate while it is available,” Molly Cripps, director, Energy Division, ECD, said. “Energy Star heating and cooling units will decrease energy usage which can result in lower bills for our residents, all while supporting the state’s conservation efforts.”
Eligible appliances include air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, gas furnaces and room air conditioners with the Energy Star designation. A rebate of $250 is available for the air source heat pumps and central air conditioners, a rebate of $150 is available for gas furnaces, and a rebate of $40 is available for room air conditioners. Purchases made on or after April 22, 2010 are eligible for the rebate.
To qualify for the program, consumers must complete the following steps in applying for a rebate:
1. Visit www.e-rebates.org/teearp to begin the online rebate application process. Consumers who do not have access to the Internet should call 1-877-741-4304, and an application will be mailed.
2. On the website identify the qualifying appliance at the top of the page and click “Proceed” to begin an application.
3. Complete the application in its entirety, and then print, sign and date. Note: The most common issue with applications have been incomplete paperwork filed by the applicant or contractor. Please be sure that the application is fully completed, signed and dated.
4. All completed and signed applications must be mailed along with (a) a sales receipt or invoice that shows the date of purchase, cost, and equipment make and model and (b) a copy of a recent electric utility bill for the installation address to one of the addresses below.
For rebates on air source heat pumps, central air conditioners or gas furnaces, mail the signed, completed application and supporting documents to:
CSG Incentive Processing
TN Appliance Rebate Program
P.O. Box 290189
Nashville, TN 37229-0189
For rebates on room air conditioners, mail the signed, completed application and supporting documents to:
EFI Incentive Processing
TN Appliance Rebate Program
Room AC Application
P.O. Box 1248
Westborough, MA 01581-1248
Rebate applications logged through the online reservation system or postmarked before January 14, 2012 will be eligible, provided funds are still available. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the application’s postmarked date. Rebates will be distributed as a prepaid Citibank® MasterCard® and will take approximately 6-8 weeks to receive. Only one rebate per household will be accepted.
All rebates are processed by Conservation Services Group (CSG), a third-party rebate administrator selected by the state of Tennessee after a competitive bid process. Questions about the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program should be directed to CSG at 1-877-741-4304.

The MTSU Concert Chorale and Middle Tennessee Chorale Society will partner once again to create the memorable music of Handel’s “Messiah” for the community Dec. 4 and 5. Concerts are scheduled at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, and at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in Hinton Music Hall inside MTSU’s Wright Music Building. The event is part of the University’s Centennial Celebration.
In addition to “Messiah,” the concert will feature the MTSU Women’s Chorale performing a portion of Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols.”
“This is my 27th year of conducting the ‘Messiah’ for MTSU and the Rutherford County area,” says Dr. Raphael Bundage, director of choral studies at MTSU and conductor for the Middle Tennessee Choral Society. “I want to particularly thank the MTSU Choral Society for their annual support of this event over the last 27 years.”
Bundage adds that the choral groups, which number about 150 members, will perform “the Christmas portion of the ‘Messiah,’” which makes the work last about an hour.
Advanced vocal majors from MTSU will serve as soloists, the director says, noting that there are approximately 20 soloists over the two nights of performances.
The “Messiah” chamber orchestra comprises professional musicians from the Nashville area and MTSU faculty members Angela Tipps on organ and Pat Ward on harpsichord.
Tickets for each of the Dec. 4 and 5 performances are $10 for general admission and $5 for non-MTSU students. MTSU faculty, staff and students will be admitted free with valid IDs, and senior citizens can receive discounted prices. Tickets will be available at the door one hour before each performance.
For more MTSU School of Music concert information, call 615-898-2493 or visit www.mtsumusic.com and click on the “Concert Calendar” link.
 

Local kids will have bigger fun and brighter futures thanks to funds from the United Way, leaders of several local organizations say. United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties helps to develop boys and girls through funding of a number of programs, including the Boy Scouts of America, Middle Tennessee Council, and the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro.
“We couldn’t do what we do for the kids without the money from United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties,” said Don McKinney, director of finance services with the Middle Tennessee Council.
This year, United Way allocated $37,000 to the Boy Scouts program in Rutherford and Cannon Counties, which is seven percent of a $532,000 budget for the two counties.
McKinney said money from United Way helps with volunteer training materials.
“We are very active in recruiting kids and organizing Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops in both counties,” McKinney said.
All told, 3,305 children and youth are served in the two counties, and they are not all boys.
“We also serve Venturing and Exploring for girls in senior high school; ages 14 and up,” McKinney said.
Programs are available in Boy Scout for ages 6 to 18 guide in the development of citizenship and leadership.
Thanks in part to United Way, dollars are available for scouts who would not otherwise be able to attend a week-long camping experience. Cub Scouts can attend a day camp at Barfield Crescent Park, and in another park in Smyrna.
Discovery Center was allocated $25,000 for 2011-12 from United Way.
“We use it for our project reach out,” said Jennifer Neal, development coordinator for the hands-on museum and nature center for children. “It includes scholarships for children on free and reduced lunches. When they come on their school field trips, they don’t have to pay.”
Project Reach Out also includes free events for the community, such as a community open house at Discovery Center.
“We found on surveys that (many) would not be able to come if there is no free day,” she said.
Free memberships are also provided for disadvantaged families through the allocation.
The hands-on museum receives $122,000 per year, with other funds coming from grants and operating funds.
“United Way’s funding is extremely valuable,” Neal said. “It provides support for our community outreach initiative. It also allows us to work with other agencies.”
Neal said some families from Discovery Center also have open membership for adults to participate in Preparing Adults for Self Sufficiency, a United Way initiative.
Scouts have also helped to clean out or work on the city-owned wetlands which are adjacent to the Discovery Center.
“The city lets us use the wetlands for educational purposes,” Neal said.
The work scouts’ work in the wetlands goes towards earning badges, or event completing Eagle Scout projects.
 

Many Tennesseans find themselves at the time of year when they’re adding holiday wish lists and health insurance plans to their budgetary considerations. And, with the ongoing economic downturn coloring those decisions, the Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is reminding consumers of a free insurance resource.  
“The Department’s Consumer Insurance Services section of the Insurance division exists to educate consumers and mediate insurance-related disputes,” says TDCI Commissioner
Julie Mix McPeak. “CIS’s programs cover a vast array of insurance-related issues, disaster assistance and referrals to special programs.
 
“Tennesseans have already paid for these services – so, they don’t have to pay anything else,” she says. “Consultants and businesses charge consumers up to hundreds of dollars to explain competing plans’ coverage options – but all that separates Tennesseans from having a free consultation with the State is making a phone call or sending an email.”
 
“A Tennessee insurance consumer can call us up, and we’ll help them understand the terms of the plans they’re considering – so they can make an informed decision about their coverage,” says CIS Director Vickie Trice. “We don’t have a stake in which plans get picked – other than helping ensure that Tennesseans sign up with licensed insurance carriers.” Contact CIS at 800-342-4029 or CIS.complaints@tn.gov.
 
The Department cautions Tennesseans from signing up with unlicensed insurance companies – particularly those who advertise through blast faxes and e-mails or signs posted at street corners. Such companies work under the radar of insurance regulation, collect high premiums from often-desperate individuals and deny claims after expensive treatment or procedures.
 
Some even deny an obligation to pay their “members.” Check with CIS or visit https://sbs-tn.naic.org/Lion-Web/jsp/sbsreports/CompanySearchLookup.jsp to see if a company or agent is licensed to sell insurance

Two points was all the Cannon County Lionette defense allowed the White County Lady Warriors to score in the second quarter. The Lionettes smothering pressure caused over 20 White County turnovers.  Abbey Sissom scored 19, Lindsey Reed had 14 and Madison Walkup added 10 off the bench as Cannon beat White County in the final day of the Mitch Wilson/ Huff and Puff Thanksgiving classic 66-33.  The Lionettes record remains unblemished at 5-0.   The Lions shot only 12 of 44 on their homecourt as Jackson County took the final game of the night 57-46.  Jackson County led throughout the game as Jackson outplayed the Cannon County squad.  Jarrett Melton led all Lion scorers in the loss with 11 points
Cannon County’s next game will be Tuesday as they host the Tullahoma Wildcats
The taped replay of the Cannon County White County contest and the Cannon County Jackson County game will be Monday at 12:45 following the swap and shop

Woodbury Grammar School11:00  Upperman vs Greater Gwinett (Girls)
12:30 Upperman vs Greater Gwinett (Boys)
2:00 Notre Dame vs Warren County (Girls)
3:30 Notre Dame vs Warren County (Boys)
5:00 Brentwood vs Tullahoma  (Girls)
6:30 BGA vs Webb School (Girls)
8:00 Franklin County vs Webb School (Boys)
At Robert A Harris Gym:
9:30 Cookeville vs Tullahoma (Boys)
11:00 Cookeville vs Blackman (Girls)
12:30 CAK vs Grundy County (Girls)
2:00 Brentwood vs Lebanon (Boys)
3:30 Smith County vs Sequatchie County (Girls)
5:00 Smith County vs White County (Boys)
6:30 Cannon County vs White County (Girls)*
8:00 Cannon County vs Jackson County (Boys)*
WBRY will broadcast the Cannon County games tonight at 6:30
 

The Greater Gwinette Lady Barons received a rough introduction to theMitch Wilson Classic in Woodbury last night. The home school team
originating from Georgia played the Lionettes of Cannon County last night
in the final girls game of the first day of the two day basketball
marathon. The Lionettes opened up a 33 to 8 lead at the end of the first
quarter as the Lionettes shot 37 of 72 from the field en route to a 85-28
win. Lindsay Reed led the team with 19 points. The Lionette basketball
team is now 4-0. The Lions evened their season record at 2-2 with a 59-49
win over the Greater Gwinette Boys team. The Barons kept within striking
distance during the game as Baron’s guard Nathan Palmer lit the nets with
26 points. The Lions were led by Cory Henley and Tanner Larson who scored
9 points each in a balanced scoring effort from the Lions