News 2012

The Cannon County Election Commission did something in regards to electing personnel that they hadn’t done in the past several meetings.  They agreed. The Commission moved to the next chapter when they elected Dorinda Makin Interim Administrator of Elections Monday Night by a 4-0 vote.  New Commissioner Corey Davenport made the motion and the motion was seconded by Matt Studd.   Then the commission agreed to put her in office until after the November election becomes certified.  The Commission then made a motion to look into sick days and time accrued for Ms. Mankin.  Once they get a copy of the county policy they will then look into seeing what Ms. Mankin is eligible for.  The meeting was then adjourned.

After taking a week off, the Cannon County Budget Committee will get back to work tonight in what they hope to be the final meeting of working up a budget.  The Committee trimmed the numbers a week and a half ago and now they are at the stage to where they will fine tune the budget and look into ways to fund the budget one last time before voting on a recommendation that they will present to the full Cannon County Commission when they meet August 14th.  The meeting tonight starts at 7:00 at the Cannon County Courthouse

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is offering free radon test kits to Tennessee households beginning July 22 through July 30, 2012, as part of an ongoing effort to educate citizens across the state about the dangers of radon exposure.  There is a limit of one free test kit per address.“This outreach effort is our way to encourage action and to help Tennesseans identify and address potential radon problems in their homes with these easy-to-use test kits,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau.  “Every household is encouraged to take the important step of testing their home to safeguard the health of loved ones from the dangers of exposure to radon.
To receive a free test kit during this special offer, visit www.tn.gov/environment/ea/radon or mail a request to the Office of Sustainable Practices / Tennessee Radon Program, 8th Floor L & C Tower, 401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243.   
Additionally, a limited number of test kits will be available at the Division of Ground Water Protection’s local county offices. The nearest county office and contact numbers may be found at www.tn.gov/environment/gwp/contacts. Please contact the local Ground Water Protection field representative to arrange a time to pick up your test kit. 
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation.  It cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, but in concentrated levels radon can pose a threat to human health.  The EPA estimates that approximately 70 percent of Tennessee’s population lives in high risk or moderate risk radon areas.  According to the EPA, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
While the kits are being offered in July, the best time to test is during consistently cold weather, usually from October to March.  This is the time of year when doors and windows are shut, so the test results are more representative of in-home exposure.  Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost comparable to that of many common household repairs, such as painting or installing a new water heater.  
“Testing is such an important step because radon acts unpredictably,” Martineau added.  “Nationally, about six percent of homes surveyed had elevated levels of radon.  In contrast, 16 percent of Tennessee homes surveyed had elevated levels and in some counties, 33 to 75 percent of homes had elevated levels of radon.” 
Radon poses a serious threat to our community’s health.  Radon test kits are the first step toward a straightforward solution and are simple to use. In Tennessee, radon test kits can be purchased at most local hardware and home improvement stores, or through the American Lung Association.  TDEC also offers an online system for Tennesseans to order radon test kits at a reduced price, making it easier than ever for citizens to identify and address potential radon exposure problems at home.   
To learn more about the dangers of radon exposure, call the department’s Tennessee Radon Program toll free at 1-800-232-1139, e-mail TDEC.Radon@tn.gov or visit the website at www.tn.gov/environment/ea/radon.   
 

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties will partner with Middle Tennessee Medical Center and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce to kick off its annual fund-raising campaign at Business Before Hours on August 23 from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM. During the kick off, the fund-raising goal will be announced, the Pacesetter campaigns will be revealed, and this year’s campaign leaders will be recognized.
The annual campaign has a goal of securing pledges from the community through workplace campaigns and individual contributions that will benefit programs in United Way’s impact areas of education, income, health, and rebuilding lives. Contributions collected through the spring of 2013 will be invested into programs beginning July 1, 2013.
The Business Before Hours is a Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce event that is hosted by Chamber members at various locations in Rutherford County.
The cost to attend is $5 for Chamber of Commerce members and $15 for non-members.
 

The Cannon County Election Offices is looking for a new administrator of elections again.  The Cannon County Election Commission is looking for a new Chairman.  Resignations over the weekend included Interim Administrator of Elections Mary Lynn Bush who resigned Saturday and election commission Chairman Lindbergh Dennis who also resigned Saturday.  Dorinda Mankin who was the former assistant Administrator of Elections was hired Saturday before Bush resigned.  There is some confusion concerning tonight’s “Emergency Meeting” of the Cannon County Election Commission which was originally scheduled for Tuesday.  The confusion surrounds the original reasoning why the meeting was to take place. Back on the  July 10th meeting, then chairman Lindbergh Dennis due to feelings that the termination of former administation of elections Stan Dobson was handled all wrong called for a commissioner  to make a motion to reinstate Dobson with the idea of giving the public more notice and then voting to terminate him at another meeting.  .  The motion failed 4-1.  However one of the stipulations of the reinstatement called for a public notice to run in the paper and have the termination meeting on July 24th.  The only topic on the agenda is to appoint an interim administrator of elections which was done on July 10th before the resignation of Ms. Bush Saturday.  There are four Cannon County Election Commissioners which include Democrats Sue Patrick and Jackie Gannon.  The Republicans are Matthew Studd and newly appointed Corey Davenport who took the place of Louise Mayo who was removed from the local commission by the state election commission last Monday.  The meeting tonight starts at 5:30 at the Election Office in the Adams Office Building on West Tatum Street.  

Walk Across Tennessee in Cannon County is a five-week program that is a friendly competition between teams of five that compete to see who can log the most “miles” doing physical activity. The kickoff is Saturday, August 4 at the Auburntown Red Apple Days 5K/1.25 mile Fun Walk. Teams will keep track of their miles beginning August 4 and ending September 8. Teams’ progress will be posted in the UT Extension Office at 614 Lehman Street, Woodbury and other places involved with having teams in the Walk Across Tennessee.
The finale to recognize participants and teams who log the most miles will be in conjunction with the Cannon Blast 5K on Saturday, September 15.
To participate in Walk Across Tennessee, first get a team together of five. Choose a team captain and name your team. Fill out a registration form available at the UT Extension, Cannon County Office, 614 Lehman Street, Woodbury. Then log your physical activity for 5 weeks.
There is an equivalents chart if you prefer to bicycling, aerobics, swimming, tennis, water aerobics, weight lifting, and more. The first five teams to turn in their registration packet will receive first aid kits. Not only does regular exercise help relieve stress and anxiety, physically active people out live inactive people.
For more information, call the Extension office at 563 -2554. Walk Across Tennessee results will be posted at the Cannon County Courthouse and our University of Tennessee Extension Office.
 

The fourth annual Camp ENRGY, a free, five-day event for youth with physical disabilities, is slated for July 23-27 at Middle Tennessee State University.“The camp’s mission is to promote physical activity in a population that is at risk for sedentary behavior,” said Dr. Sandy Stevens, camp co-director with doctoral student Jenny Hutchens.
“Participation in this camp increases the level of activity in these children year-round.”
Sponsored by the MTSU Center for Physical Activity and Health in Youth, Camp ENRGY — which stands for Excellence ‘N’ Recreation and Games for Youth — includes baseball, basketball, yoga, a nutrition session, gymnastics, cheerleading, nature trail, martial arts, alpine tower, golf, football, kayaking, soccer and geocaching.
Many activities are scheduled to take place in the MTSU Health, Wellness and Recreation Center. Some activities will take place at other campus venues.
The camp has been funded with a grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We feel fortunate to have had funding from the CDC,” said Stevens. “And, while the grant is expiring this year, we hope we can find more funding to keep the camp going in the future.”
For more information, contact Stevens at sstevens@mtsu.edu or 615-478-9001 or Dr. Don Morgan, director of the MTSU Center for Physical Activity and Health in Youth, at 615-898-5549 or dmorgan@mtsu.edu.

Today is the day to rock and roll up your sleeve and participate in the Cannon Community Blood Drive.  The Drive will be hosted by the Woodbury Lions Club from noon to 6 located on the corner of West Lehman and West Adams Street.  All presenting donors will be receiving a Rock and Roll T-Shirt and be eligible to win a Gibson Guitar.  The American Red Cross recently alerted the public that blood supplies are lower than normal.  WBRY radio will have reports throughout the afternoon of the Blood Drive at the Woodbury Lions Club Building.  

A benefit ride, auction, meal and creek side gathering is planned for this special little girl who is awaiting a heart transplant. It will be on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the Benny & Patricia Lance farm, 2240 River Road, Woodbury, TN, beginning arrival at 11 for more information call 615-653-7156. Lexi is the daughter of Jack and Michelle (Bauman) Browning of Woodbury. Lexi is an over-active beautiful little girl that can out-ride most adults and had been riding horses since she was able to sit in the saddle. Lexi has been diagnosed with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy and has undergone surgery at Vanderbilt for her heart and is going to be blessed with a heart transplant when the time is right.
If it is too hot to ride, bring your lawn chair and sit in the shade by the creek and enjoy the meal. Come and keep your eye on a favorite item at the silent auction or bid at the end of the day in the open auction. There will be plenty of fun and activities.
If you cannot attend, by all means send a donation. All proceeds will go towards assisting Lexi’s family during this trying time.

Judge Susan Melton presided over General Sessions Court on Tuesday. Some of the results of the various cases that appeared on the docket included:Kayla Renee Besner pled guilty to offensive touching. She was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs. In another case Besner pled guilty to attempted domestic assault. She was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, completing a DVI and paying the costs.
Kimberly Ann Besner pled guilty to DUI. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 55 days in jail, 10 months 4 days on probation, attending DUI School, 24 hours of litter removal, paying a $350.00 fine and the costs. In another case Besner pled guilty to domestic assault. She was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 55 days in jail, 4 months 5 days probation, and paying the costs. In another case Besner pled guilty to trespassing. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. Besner also agreed to a violation of probation. She was ordered to serve 55 days and her probation was extended 8 months and 6 days. Besner’s charge of passing a worthless check was retired for 11 months 29 days.
William Kevin Bryant’s charge of aggravated domestic assault was nollied.
Patrick Dewayne Clark pled guilty to domestic assault. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying $600.00 in restitution and the costs. Clark also agreed to a revocation of probation. His probation was extended for 11 months 29 days.
Earl H. Dixon 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 the costs.
Cory Wade Foster pled guilty to attempted failure to appear. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 76 days, 8 months 29 days on probation and paying the costs. In another case Foster pled guilty to theft under $500.00. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 76 days in jail, 8 months 29 days on probation and paying the costs.
Cody C. Fricks pled guilty under judicial diversion to 3 counts of theft under $500.00. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying $3300.00 in restitution and paying the costs.
Justin Blake Kelly 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, losing his license for one year, paying a $50.00 fine and the costs.
Floyd David Kirby agreed to the revocation of probation. He was ordered to serve 45 days and his probation was extended 12 months 27 days.
Kimberly Ann McCullum’s charge of allowing an unlicensed driver to drive was retired for 6 months. She was ordered to pay the costs.
Trinity Shane Ruth’s charge of leaving the scene of an accident was retired for 60 days.
William Kelly Spradley pled guilty to driving without a license. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon paying a $2.00 fine and the costs.
Terry Stembridge charge of assault was retired for 9 months. He was ordered to pay the litigation tax.
Clifford Brothers agreed to the revocation of probation. He was ordered to serve 6 months in jail.
Jessica Ring pled guilty to vandalism. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 14 days in jail, 11 months 15 days on probation, paying restitution and the costs.
Ricky Leach pled guilty to DUI 2nd. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 90 days in jail, 8 months 29 days on probation; lose his license for 2 years, paying a $600.00 fine and the costs.
Mandi Mathews pled guilty to 2 counts of phone harassment. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 5 days in jail, equal time on probation, and paying the costs. In another case Mathews pled guilty to passing a worthless check. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 5 days in jail, equal time on probation, paying $300.00 restitution and the costs. In another case Mathews pled guilty to trespassing. She 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 Mathews pled guilty to assault. She 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 Mathews pled guilty to theft under $500.00. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying $35.00 restitution and the costs.
A Capias was issued for Isaiah Dennis Burton for failure to appear.
A Show Cause was issued for Gretchen L. Hall for failure to pay court costs.