News 2012

Voluntary Water Restrictions were voted unanimously to be put in effect immediately during the Woodbury Mayor and Board Of Aldermen meeting at City Hall Tuesday night.  Because of the dry weather, the town is running out of water and is having to buy water from the Consolidated Utility District in Murfreesboro.  In a statement from Mayor Harold Patrick, the Woodbury Water Department has implemented Stage 1 of its Drought Management Plan approved by the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.  The plan requires water awareness and strongly encourages voluntary restrictions by all water consumers within the Woodbury water distribution system including those who are served outside the city limits.  The goal of Stage 1 drought restrictions is to achieve a reduction in total gallons per capita per day. In order to achieve this goal it will take the cooperation of all citizens to work together to accomplish the following steps.  By working together we can hopefully prevent the need to move to mandatory water restrictions.
Stage 1 Voluntary Restrictions include
A reduction in frequency of water new and first year landscaping and foundations.
Only initial filling of ornamental fountains
Reduction in frequency of washing or rinsing of vehicles and recommend use of bucket container, hand held hose with positive shut off or commercial car wash
Reduction in frequency of recreation use.
It is recommended that citizens use the following schedule for non essential watering
If the last digit of your address is an even number Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
If the last digit of your address is an odd number Wednesday Friday and Sunday
Non-essential use of water include laundry and dish washing, watering lawns, washing cars.  Essential use would be for drinking, washing hands, showering etc.
This stage of the Drought Management plan is effective until further notice.  
Woodbury’s water is safe for drinking and meets established state and federal regulations.  This notice serves only as an alert to customers of the need to restrict usage during a period of time.  
 

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott today partnered with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) and various local and state officials to announce this weekend’s first-ever “No Refusal” enforcement campaign. The “No Refusal” enforcement period begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, and will end at midnight, Sunday, July 8. This special enforcement will take place in selected counties where impaired driving and fatal crashes have increased in 2012, specifically, Anderson, Bradley, Davidson, Maury and Warren Counties.  State and local officials will also conduct sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols in those counties as well as in other parts of the state.
 The “No Refusal” law, enacted this year by the General Assembly, allows law enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers. Previously, a suspected impaired driver could refuse a blood alcohol content test and face charges of violating the implied consent law. This new law enables law enforcement to legally obtain blood samples by working with prosecutors and judges throughout the state during the warrant acquisition process. 
 “An enforcement campaign such as this requires the coordination and cooperation between law enforcement, local and state officials, and hospitals and emergency services personnel from across the state,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “The new law is an effective tool to hold impaired drivers accountable, but we hope as well that it will help deter people from driving under the influence in the first place,” Commissioner Gibbons added.
 The preliminary number alcohol-related crashes on Tennessee roadways has increased 7.5 percent for the first six months of 2012, compared to the same time period last year. The THP reports 2,547 crashes involving impaired drivers in Tennessee from January 1 through June 30, 2012. That is 177 more than the 2,370 crashes during those same dates in 2011.
 “It is my goal for the Tennessee Highway Patrol to do everything in its power to reduce alcohol-related fatalities and serious injury crashes on state highways and roads,” THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. “DUI enforcement has been a top priority for our agency over the last few years, and this new law will help keep drunk drivers off of the road.” 
The “No Refusal” event also coincides with the state’s 2012 Fourth of July enforcement period, beginning at midnight, Wednesday, July 4 and ending at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 8. During the 2011 Fourth of July holiday weekend, eight people died in seven crashes on Tennessee roadways. That’s the lowest number of deaths in a 96-hour Fourth of July period on record, yielding a fatality rate of one death every 12 hours. Of the seven vehicle occupants killed last year, five (71.4%) were not wearing seatbelts. One motorcyclist also died during last year’s July 4th holiday weekend. Four of the deaths, or 50 percent, occurred in alcohol-related crashes.
During the 2010 Fourth of July weekend, 392 people were killed in vehicular crashes nationwide. Of those fatalities, 39 percent were in crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 higher.
Impaired-driving crashes killed 10,228 people nationwide in 2010, accounting for 31 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. 
In Tennessee, 946 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2011.  Preliminary statistics indicate 250 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2011 that involved alcohol (26.4%).
“Impaired drivers account for approximately 30 percent of our state’s fatalities,” GHSO Director Kendell Poole said. “With the help of this new legislation, education, and enforcement efforts by our state and local law enforcement partners across the state, we can reduce that number and help save lives in Tennessee.”  
As of July 2, preliminary statistics indicate 497 people have died on Tennessee roadways, an increase of 34 deaths compared to 463 fatalities at this same time in 2011. 
“I am extremely concerned about the number of fatalities occurring on Tennessee roadways, and alcohol is a contributing factor in too many of these crashes,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “Whether it’s displaying the fatality information on our message boards or educating the public about the new No Refusal law, awareness is key in making our roads safer.”

Road construction won’t slow traffic across Tennessee over the July 4th holiday. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 through 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 6 to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.  
“There will be increased traffic on Tennessee’s interstates and state routes during the July 4th holiday period,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “Suspending lane closures over this busy few days is one way to ensure that travelers don’t face construction-related delays as they travel across our state.”
 
Motorists will still encounter some long term lane closures on construction projects. While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on site in construction zones and reduced speed limits in work zones will still be in effect. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
 
“If you and your family are traveling during this holiday period, please buckle up and observe the rules of the road so you’ll arrive safely at your destination,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “During this coming week drivers will notice an increased law enforcement presence on Tennessee’s roadways in an effort to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.” 
 
According to AAA projections, more than 42 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this holiday weekend. That figure is up 4.9% over 2011 and up 42% over 2009, which had the least amount of holiday travelers over the last decade. AAA estimates 753,824 Tennesseans will hit the roadways, while another 36,121 are expected to fly to their destinations. Auto travel will make up 84% of all holiday travelers across the U.S. this year.
 
Travelers are reminded to dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone to access valuable information about travel conditions anytime, or log on to . TDOT is also on Twitter. For statewide traffic tweets follow TN511 or for regional traffic information follow Nashville511, Chattanooga511, Memphis511 and Knoxville511 . Smart phone users can use the new TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs.
 
Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for their destination.
 

More controversy hit the Cannon County Election Commission last night during their monthly meeting.  Election Commission member Louise Mayo got up before the Commission and made a presentation concerning the last few months of tension between Election Administrator Stan Dobson who wrote a letter of complaint against Ms. Mayo and sent it to the State Election Offices.  Commission member Jackie Gannon after the presentation immediately made a motion to fire Stan Dobson  Louise Mayo seconded the motion.  Unprofessional Conduct was the reason cited for the termination of Stan Dobson.  The motion passed 3 votes to 2 with Commissioners Matt Studd and Chairman Dennis Lindbergh voting against the motion.  Sue Patrick was the third commissioner to vote for the decision.  During the process Commissioner Matt Studd questioned the validity of the termination claiming that the Commission can not fire the Administration of Elections.  The Commission members will now check with the State Election Office to find out what the procedure is to naming a successor.  Mr. Dobson threatened a lawsuit and turned in his keys before leaving the building peacefully.  The meeting was then recessed until Thursday night  

Too many complaints concerning roadblocks have prompted the Mayor of Woodbury and the Board Of Alderman to discuss whether or not to limit the number and frequency of the roadblocks through the middle of town.  The complaints voiced are that there are too many and they are holding up traffic through town.  Mayor Harold Patrick and the Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at the City Hall and other items on the agenda include a public hearing on two ordinances which will be an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance of the town of Woodbury to delete references to residential year yard setbacks in the C-3 Commercial zoning district within the zoning ordinance and the other public hearing will be for the ordinance of 445 which wi an ordinance amending the original budget ordinance for the town of Woodbury for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.  After the public hearings the Board will consider to adopt both.  They will also discuss the proposal from the Unisom Site Management in connection with the water tower that has been leased to AT & T.  The meeting will start at 7:00 tonight and  is expected to adjourn in plenty of time for the Cannon Community Fireworks.    

Woodbury Mayor Harold Patrick today announced that due to the severe dryness caused by the current drought, all personal use of fireworks is banned.  Mayor Patrick also announced that any outdoor burning is also banned.  The ban takes effect immediately and is only within the Woodbury City Limits.  The annual Cannon Communities 4th of July Celebration will still take place as scheduled tomorrow night at Dillon Park
Firemen will be stationed at the park in case a situation develops before during and after the show.

Jobseekers in middle Tennessee are invited to begin applying at Tennessee Career Centers on Monday, July 2, for jobs at Amazon’s fulfillment centers in Lebanon and Murfreesboro. These new fulfillment centers will fill customer orders for Amazon and the many third-party sellers from Tennessee and around the country that use fulfillment by Amazon. Amazon is working with Tennessee Career Centers to conduct initial screenings and scheduling of interviews to fill more than 1,500 full-time positions at their new facilities.  Interviews will begin in July, so applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  The facilities are expected to begin operations this fall.“We’re very excited to partner with Amazon to help employ qualified Tennessee applicants at their fulfillment centers,” said Labor Commissioner Karla Davis. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our community.”
Warehouse associates pack and ship customer orders and are empowered to troubleshoot problems. Ideal candidates possesses a strong work ethic, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and a commitment to customer service as it relates to product fulfillment. Warehouse associates are expected to understand all aspects of production and adhere to strict safety, quality, and production standards.Basic Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years old

High School diploma or equivalent

Willing to work all shifts

Work overtime as required

Read and take direction in English

Pass a post offer, pre-employment drug screen and background check

Must lift up to 49 pounds

Stand / walk for shifts 10-12 hours long

Willing to frequently push, pull, squat, bend and reach
Hourly Starting Pay Rate Range: $11.00 (Warehouse Position) to $13.00 (Lead Warehouse Position), plus shift differential, variable compensation pay, company stock, and comprehensive benefits.
With over 65,000 employees worldwide, Amazon has fulfillment centers in multiple states. Amazon already operates fulfillment centers in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Lebanon, employing more than 2,500 workers.
Applications for Amazon jobs are available at the following middle Tennessee Career Center locations from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning July 2 through July 13: Dickson, Franklin, Gallatin, Lebanon, McMinnville, Metro Center, Murfreesboro, and Nashville South. For contact information and directions to the Tennessee Career Center nearest you visit http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/cc/cccounty.shtml.

“Amid the current dismal economic news, there is finally some good news for citizens of theUpper Cumberlandarea who are struggling to pay their utility bills,” recently announced Luke Collins, UCHRA Executive Director. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency has received notice from the Tennessee Department of Human Service of an award in the amount of $3,794,695, the same a last year’s award, for the FY 2013 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“With these funds in the coming year UCHRA will be able to provide utility assistance to in excess of 7,000 low income Upper Cumberland households,” he continued. UCHRA will begin accepting LIHEAP applications at each of its county offices for this funding period beginningJuly 1, 2012.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program, through the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), designed to assist low income households in meeting home energy needs and is intended to supplement energy costs for those eligible households.
Priority for service is not “first come, first served,” rather it is based upon a point system that takes into consideration such factors as household income (maximum of 150% of the Federal Guidelines), and having household members who are elderly, disabled, and/or children (under age 6).  Another factor is the % of income the household pays for its energy. 
Documentation of income will be required for the application process and include proof of all household income. This includes check stubs for 13 weeks, Social Security or Pension Award letters, unemployment benefit letters. Bank statements will no longer be accepted as income documentation.
If self-employed an applicant should provide a tax return or 4 weeks of receipts and expenses. Applicants should also provide a copy for one month of the household’s electric and/or gas bill in the last 12 month (the highest bill is most beneficial to the applicant). Social Security cards are required for all household members. Some additional documentation may be required to process applications.
Assistance provided to households ranges from $300 – $600 depending upon its total points. Once an application has been submitted by a household it will be notified by mail within 90 day of the status of the application.
Households awarded assistance are required to continue paying their energy bills until the awarded payment has been received by its designated utility provider, and when benefit is exhausted the household will return to paying for the energy costs. 
The UCHRA Cannon County office is located at 310 West Main Street, Room 302, Woodbury, TN and can be reached by calling 615-563-2916.

State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Representative Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) announced today that two Cannon County arts organizations will receive a combined total of $32,550 in grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission.  The Arts Center of Cannon County will receive $24,550 and the Cannon Association of Craft Artists will receive $8,000 for the fiscal year 2013.   
“I am delighted that the Tennessee Arts Commission allocated grant money for these worthy efforts in our area,” said Senator Beavers.  “These are very large grants for a county of this size and will be used to promote the arts in our community.”   
 
The Tennessee Arts Commission’s matching grants are made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates. The Commission will award over 900 community grants through the 2013 fiscal year, totaling $7.5 million. The allocation process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and a final review by the full 15-member Tennessee Arts Commission. 
 
“I am very proud of the arts organizations we have in Cannon County,” added Representative Pody.  “I hope these funds will help them in providing their services to area citizens during the coming year.”                     

Several key bills sponsored by Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and passed by the General Assembly this year will become effective on Sunday, July 1.  The new laws include two separate bills to protect children and a measure to stiffen penalties for fraudulent investment operations, or Ponzi schemes.  
Enactment dates of laws passed by the legislature most commonly become effective on the date in which they are signed, July 1 or January 1. 
 
The first child protection law requires a person convicted of aggravated rape on or after July 1, 2012 to serve 100 percent of the sentence imposed by the court undiminished by any sentence reduction credits the person may be eligible for or earn. 
 
“The new law redefines ‘multiple rapist’ to mean a person convicted two or more times of rape, or a person convicted of at least one time of aggravated rape and at least one time of rape,” added Beavers.  “This was a major step forward in seeing that child sex offenders remain behind bars.”
 
The second child endangerment law ensures a multiple DUI offender receives the appropriate punishment when he or she endangers a child in their vehicle by driving under the influence.  This new law makes sure Tennessee’s statues are clear for multiple DUI offenders that the punishment for child endangerment, which is 30 days, runs consecutively with any other sentence received. 
 
“Currently, multiple offenders do not receive an enhanced sentence like first offenders due to ambiguity in the language of a 2005 law which enhanced penalties for child endangerment for DUI offenders,” added Beavers.  “We wanted to make it clear that these offenders will pay the price for endangering children while drinking and driving.” 
 
Finally, legislation is set to take effect on July 1 that allows District Attorneys in Tennessee to more effectively prosecute and punish those who defraud multiple victims through Ponzi schemes or other fraudulent investment practices.  Before, Tennessee law would only have allowed criminals like Bernie Madoff who defraud multiple victims to be punished by 8 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
 
The new law allows prosecutors to aggregate the sum in order to provide stiffer punishment when it totals $250,000 or more,” Beavers continued.  “The new statute makes the crime a Class A felony subject to 15 to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
 
“We need more than a slap on the wrist for this kind of investment fraud,” Beavers continued.  “I am very pleased the General Assembly has approved these public safety measures and glad all three will be implemented beginning July 1.”