News 2012

The Cannon County Audit Committee led by Glenn Steakley prepared a report for the Cannon County Commissioners to look over in their monthly meeting Tuesday night.  After the committee was established in October of 2011, the audit committee met a total of 9 times, 8 of those were after the release of the 2011 audit by the State Comptroller’s office.  To assist the Committee and future audit committees, a formal request was made to CTAS that audit committee training should be developed either by the Advisory service or the State Comptroller’s Office.  The purpose of that training would be to help committees meet their obligations without having to spend considerable amounts of time researching laws.  The 2011 audit revealed that Cannon County had been charged with at total of 25 finding incidents of which 10 were considered recurring and affected 9 different county department heads.  The findings were carefully reviewed by the committee with the information supplied by the auditor on each finding, countermeasures were developed.  The Committee began their meetings with each of the department heads which had findings in that audit.  Three departments County Clerk and Master, County Executive and Sheriff’s Department supplied supporting documentation that they had already begun addressing at least some of their findings before the audit committee met with them.  The entire committee wishes to thank all the departments that helped worked together with the committee to resolve most of the audit findings.  The full results of combined efforts will not be known until the Comptroller’s office releases the 2012 Annual Financial Report.  

A Cannon County Woman who has been piling up charges recently was arrested again last week.  This time she has been charged with domestic assault for allegedly burning her son with a cigarette.  According to reports Woodbury Assistant Police Chief Lowell Womack and Woodbury Police Officer Tracey Stoetzel were dispatched to the residence of Kimberly Ann Besner on East High Street in Woodbury.  They spoke to the victim who told police that his mother came home screaming about a radio early that morning.  After taking a shower, the victim was sitting in the living room when the mother threatened to burn him.  A few minutes later, Besner made good on the threat and burned him in the neck with a cigarette.  Besner admitted to police that she had consumed alcohol.  Her bond was increased to $20,000.  Besner’s next court date is September 18th  

Journeys in Community Living will hold their Annual Community Awards Banquet and Silent Auction on August 23, 2012 from 5:30—8:00pm.  The auction begins at 5:30, with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. 
During the program at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, awards will be presented to volunteers, community leaders and businesses that have supported the nonprofit organization over the years.
 
“Community support has helped us establish a residential facility for three clients with challenging health issues. It has also helped acquire “real world” employment for five clients with intellectual disabilities who had never worked outside a sheltered workshop”, says Vicki Baldwin, Development Coordinator. This year, Journeys in Community Living faces new challenges, including continuing quality services despite a significant decrease in overall funding, and the need to secure computer hardware and software funding in order to shift into a 21st century electronic record keeping system.
 
To help Journeys meet these challenges, purchase your tickets and attend this year’s event. Tickets are $35 per person or $300 for a table of 10 people. You may purchase tickets online (www.journeysincommunity.org) or by calling 615-890-4389. If you would like to pay at the door on August 23rd, please call 615-890-4389.
 
To mail your payment, please mail a check for the total amount of your tickets (made payable to Journeys in Community Living) to: 1130 Haley Road, Murfreesboro, 37129). 
 
For more information about the event or to donate an auction item, call Vicki Baldwin at 615-890-4389, ext. 45 or email info@journeysincommunity.org.

An accident on State Route 53 Monday afternoon sent four Woodbury people to area hospitals. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred near the intersection of State Route 281.
The THP reports that at around 4:28 p.m. a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville being driven by Janis Ann Smith of Woodbury was traveling northbound on SR 53. A 2006 Toyota being driven by Redena Murdock of Woodbury was traveling southbound on SR 53.
Murdock’s vehicle was in the turning lane, attempting to turn onto Hwy 281. Murdock apparently did not see Smith’s vehicle approaching and pulled out, causing Smith’s vehicle to hit Murdock’s on the right side.
Smith and an unidentified passenger in her vehicle were transported by air for medical treatment. Murdock and a 14-year-old passenger in her vehicle were transported by Cannon County EMS to Stones River Hospital.
One patient reported had a severe laceration to the head. The initial caller to Cannon County Dispatch advised one person was entrapped and another was ejected.
In addition to the THP and Cannon County EMS, the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, the Mooretown Volunteer Fire Department and the Cannon County Rescue Squad worked the accident.
One of the initial first responders to get on scene reportedly was Tim Bell, who works for Lifeflight and who lives close to the vicinity of the accident.
 

The town of Wartrace is holding its seventeenth annual town-wide yard sale Friday and Saturday August 24 & 25. The event, sponsored by the Wartrace Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Wartrace, has evolved into more than just a yard sale. It has taken on a festival-like atmosphere over the years and now attracts thousands of visitors for two days to the community known for Tennessee Walking Horses, hand made guitars, and long freight trains.     The sale, running from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday, is noted for the variety of merchandise available along the side streets and main thoroughfares through town. Shoppers can choose from antiques, appliances, used cars, baked goods, clothing, crafts, electronics, toys and much more. There’s also food vendors and music from the Well House stage in the downtown square.
     A 12’ by 12’ booth is available for $35. for both days and needs to be  reserved in advance. Contact the Wartrace Town Hall at 931-389-6144 or the Wartrace Chamber of Commerce at 931-389-9999 for reservations.
     The town of Wartrace is located ten miles off I-24 exit #97 on state highway 64 west. From  Alabama take take I-65 north to exit #22 and then onto highway 31-A through Lewisburg. Turn right on state highway 64 east through Shelbyville to Wartrace. A map is available on the Chamber of Commerce website at www.wartracechamber.org.

The Cannon County Budget Appropriations and Tax rate for the fiscal year 2012-2013 were passed last night at the monthly meeting of the Cannon County Commissioners but not before another potential issue was discussed.  Before the items came up on the agenda, county Commissioner Clint Higgins asked EMA Director Faye Morse some questions about Homeland Security Grants and the Homeland Security Budgets from previous years.  Then Commissioner Jim Bush wanted to see the rest of the equipment list from the EMA.  Director Morse didn’t have enough time to put together the complete list because of personal situations taking up most of her freed up schedule.  She explained to the Commissioners that the list was really close to being complete and accurate but stated to the Commissioners that if they were looking for something specific that if it wasn’t on the list, she should be able to explain the situation.  After a heated exchange with Commissioner Bush, Bush then read the contents of an email that he had received from Ricky Harris from the State Fire Marshall’s office in July.  In the letter, Mr. Harris noted that the County Volunteer Fire Departments recognized as such by the State expired on Sept 30 of 2010 and after several notificiations as such was not renewed.  Therefore until an application has been completed and notarized and returned with a $50 renewal fee, the State does not recognize the County Fire Departments as being valid.   This means that it is illegal for any of the County Fire Departments to do any fundraising until this matter is straightened out.  To add to that Ms. Morse who was appointed County Fire Chief in 1995 had her certification expire in April of 2009 and will not be renewed until she attends a 16 hour Fire Chief orientation course given by the state as required by state law.  The next class is not until October 27th and 28th at the Fire and Codes Academy in Bell Buckle.  Director Morse countered that claim saying that she was told by the powers to be that she did not have to certified as she had been grandfathered in when the new regulations took effect in 2008  Gary Farless, who was in the audience and also works for the state fire marshall’s office, speculated that he didn’t think to his knowledge there was a grandfathered clause in effect with this issue.  Doug Bodary, CTAS Advisor, will check with the state Wednesday morning and talk with Ricky Harris about this issue and what needs to be done in order to comply with regulations from the StateThe Commission will call a special called meeting Tuesday September 4th to discuss any regulations that hasn’t been taken care of between Wednesday and then. In other items before the Commission, they voted to approve the appropriations for the fiscal year of 2012-2013.  One of the key items of the budget was the 3 percent raise for all County employees.  The Commission also voted to approve the tax rate to fund the appropriations.  The property tax rate stays at $2.44  Commissioner Jim Bush and Kevin George who serve the community where Hollow Springs Road is located will work with Ms Audrey Cawthorn on getting Historical Signs to mark the community since most of the historical landmarks are gone.  Glenn Steakley presented the Cannon County Audit Committee findings and recommendations.  The biggest recommendation to the Commissioners at this time is for the departments to begin establishing written process procedures to assist in controlling and supporting department operating processes.
The Capital Outlay Project to provide the funding for 5 Cannon County Sheriff Patrol Cars was approved. The bidding will be open soon for local banks and the state pool to bid to finance the loan for these vehicles.  
The Sales Tax issue was brought up but it was moved to the September 4th meeting in order for the public to be better notified of the matter.
The Beer Board will meet September 4th to discuss Short Mountain Market’s ability to sell beer.  The market is in close vicinity to a church.
Gary Farley Director of Contract Inspection Services explained to the Commission about the Residential Building Permit and Inspection Program.  The program had been voted down in a previous commissioners meeting about two years ago.  It was noted that each time there is a change in the Commission the program has to be brought up before the full County Commission.  It was explained to Mr. Farley that there wouldn’t be a decision about the matter tonight and it would be brought up at a later date.
The next meeting of the Cannon County Commission will be a special called meeting on Tuesday September 4th

Cannon County ended up with two grammar schools placed in the state’s focus schools category In accordance with Tennessee’s new accountability system, designed through the state’s waiver from No Child Left Behind, the Tennessee Department of Education announced a list of Priority Schools and Focus Schools. Priority Schools are the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools in Tennessee, in terms of academic achievement. These 83 schools are eligible for inclusion in the Achievement School District or in district Innovation Zones. They may also plan and adopt turnaround models for school improvement.  Cannon did not have any schools in this designated list
Focus Schools are the 10 percent of schools in the state with the largest achievement gaps between groups of students, such as racial and ethnic groups, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities and English-language learners. The department has named 167 schools as Focus Schools.in which Woodbury Grammar School and Short Mountain School
Districts are measured on their abilities to raise overall achievement and close gaps between groups of students.
Districts reach Exemplary status for raising proficiency levels, narrowing achievement gaps and guaranteeing growth for all students.
Districts that fail to reach the majority of their targets for both achievement and gap closure are In Need of Improvement. These districts will meet in-person with department officials to set an aggressive, effective plan to meet the goals they missed the year prior.
Districts may successfully attain their goals in achievement, gap closure or even both, while experiencing declines among particular groups of students. These districts are designated In Need of Subgroup Improvement.
 

The Cannon County Commission will be called upon tonight to approve the appropriations and set the tax rate for the fiscal year 2012-2013.  No property tax increase has been recommended by the Cannon County Budget Committee.  In other business that will be brought before the Commission includes the requests by the Commission for Cannon County EMA Director to bring her budget before the Commission and in addition it has been requested for Ms. Morse to submit the rest of the equipment list from the EMA. Glen Steakley will bring the Audit Committee report to the Commission.  They will readdress the pay per meeting of the Commissioners.  Mrs. Audrey Cawthorn wants to address the commissioners about the Historic Hollow Springs Community and the commission will discuss the capital outlay for Patrol Cars for the Sheriff’s Department.  The meeting will start tonight at 6:00 at the Cannon County Courthouse.  

There are no more vacancies to fill on the Cannon County Election Commission.  The State Election Commission met Monday and appointed James W. Hill of Woodbury.  He will fill the void opened by the resignation of Lindbergh Dennis.  Hill is a Republican.  State Senator Mae Beavers and Representative Mark Pody make recommendations on appointees.  The State Election Commission selected Hill from a number of resumes that had been submitted   The next scheduled meeting of the Cannon County Election Commission is Monday August 20th County election commissioners must be registered voters who have been residents of the state for five years and residents of the county for which they are appointed for two years
 

An accident on State Route 53 Monday afternoon sent four Woodbury people to area hospitals.According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred near the intersection of State Route 281.
The THP reports that at around 4:28 p.m. a 2001 Pontiac Bonteville being driven by Janis Ann Smith of Woodbury was traveling northbound on SR 53. A 2006 Toyota being driven by Redena Murdock of Woodbury was traveling southbound on SR 53.
Murdock’s vehicle was in the turning lane, attempting to turn onto Hwy 281. Murdock apparently did not see Smith’s vehicle approaching and pulled out, causing Smith’s vehicle to hit Murdock’s on the right side. 
Smith and an unidentified passenger in her vehicle were transported by air for medical treatment. Murdock and a 14-year-old passenger in her vehicle were transported by Cannon County EMS to Stones River Hospital.
One patient reported had a severe laceration to the head. The initial caller to Cannon County Dispatch advised one person was entrapped and another was ejected.
In addition to the THP and Cannon County EMS, the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, the Mooretown Volunteer Fire Department and the Cannon County Rescue Squad worked the accident.
One of the initial first responders to get on scene reportedly was Tim Bell, who works for Lifeflight and who lives close to the vicinity of the accident.