News 2012

Judge Susan Melton presided over General Sessions Court on Tuesday.  Some of the results of the various cases that appeared on the docket included:Diane Wilson Berninger 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 the costs.
Ernest Shane Bogle 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.
Craig Borzelleca 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.
Jesse M. Burke pled guilty under judicial diversion to reckless endangerment.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, 100 hours of community service, paying a $525.00 fine and the costs.
Temple Lee Coffindaffer 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.
Samuel Cruz Gallegos agreed to the revocation of probation.  He was ordered to serve 30 days and his probation was extended 10 months 29 days.
Jonathan Gibson 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.
Scotty Glenn Grizzle agreed to the revocation of probation.  He was ordered to serve 30 days and his probation was extended 5 months.  In another case Grizzle 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 $100.00 fine and the costs.
Nathan Carl Hale pled guilty to DUI 2nd.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 45 days, 10 months 14 days of probation, losing his license for 2 years, paying a $600.00 fine and the costs.  In another case Hale pled guilty 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 the costs.  This sentence is to run concurrent with his DUI sentence.  In another case Hale pled guilty to resisting arrest.  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.  This sentence is to run concurrent with his simple possession of marijuana sentence.  Hale’s charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.
Elisabeth Ann Harris pled under judicial diversion to domestic assault.  She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs.
Noah Wesley Harris pled guilty to hindering a secured creditor.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying restitution, paying a $600.00 fine, and the costs.
Chase Mckenzie Heath’s charges of vandalism, public intoxication, and simple possession of a schedule VI drug were bound over to the September term of the Grand Jury.
Kenneth Wayne Johnson 3rd pled guilty to theft under $500.00 He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $50.00 fine and the costs.  In another case Johnson pled guilty to conspiracy to commit forgery.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $50.00 fine and the costs.
Audrey Marie Miller’s charge of domestic assault was retired for 11 months 29 days.  She was ordered to pay the litigation tax.
Jason Lee Pugh’s charge of domestic assault was retired for 11 months 29 days.  He was ordered to complete a DVI assessment and pay the costs.
Dillion Jackson Reger’s charge of underage consumption was retired for 11 months 29 days.  He was ordered to pay the costs.
A Capias was issued for Angela Ann Scott’s failure to appear in court.
Ronald Sharp agreed to the violation of probation.  He was ordered to serve his original sentence of 11 months 29 days.
Tammy Renee Southers agreed to 3 violations of probation.  She was ordered to serve her original sentences.
Brian Alan Stafford pled guilty to passing 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.  In another case Stafford pled guilty to theft under $500.00.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying restitution, paying a$150.00 fine and the costs.
Victoria Lafever’s charge of passing a worthless check was retired for 11 months 29 days.  She was ordered to pay the costs and restitution.

Today the public is invited to the dedication ceremony which will take place at the Headwaters Wildlife Management Area in Short Mountain.  At 10:00 this morning the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, The Tennessee Department of General Services, the Office of Governor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation will gather with local officials to celebrate the dedication of land which will become known as the Headwaters Wildlife Management Area. Short Mountain is the highest point in Middle Tennessee.  Its long ridge lines form the headwater boundaries of three watersheds; the Caney Fork River, the Collins River and the East Fork of the Stones River.  The property is part of nearly 1000 acres which will feature small game hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities for public use.  Everyone is encouraged to come be a part of the ceremony.  The event is free.

A referendum will be placed on the August 2 election ballot regarding the local option sales and use tax. The Cannon County Commissioners voted during their monthly meeting Tuesday night to pass the issue on to the voters of Cannon County.Commissioners voted a couple of months ago to increase it a penny from 1.75 to 2.75 percent.  However, they had to rescind the action due to the fact that an increase in the sales tax must be approved by voters via a referendum. The referendum must take place no less than 45 days and no more than 60 days from when the commission votes to place it on a ballot.
They voted unanimously to override a veto made by Cannon County Executive Mike Gannon to increase the local Litigation Tax from $12.00 to $15.00 cover the cost of the state-mandated raise in salary for the General Sessions Court Judge.
The Commissioners also let a veto made by Gannon stand that overrode the enactment of an Archive Fee of $5.00 in regards to preservation and storage of records.
No action was taken on a proposal to require the county attorney to reside within the county.
The Commissioners voted to approve the recommendation of Chairman Bob Stoetzel’s candidates for the Industrial Development Board. Members of the board approved Tuesday night included Mindy Gunter, Neal Applebaum, Corey Davenport, Dean Moore, Doug Bodary, David Vance and Randall Reid. The IDB members will serve in six year increments.
The Commissioners voted to allow the Mooretown Fire Department to work with Jerry Pelham Auto Salvage to take the two old fire trucks that are on the Salvage’s property that belong to the county and transport them to Chattanooga for scrap.  The Mooretown Fire Department will then be allowed
to take the money to buy a cascade system.
The Commissioners approved the bid submitted by First National Bank on a loan to the county for $130,000 for the purchase of two fire trucks.  The Bank came in with the lowest interest rate at 1.9 percent.  
The fire trucks will be purchased for the Gassaway and Westside Volunteer Fire Departments.  There is a company out of Friendship Tennessee that offered the Fire Departments three fire trucks for $150,000.  
The motion was made and approved for the negotiations to see if three fire trucks can be purchased for $130,000 and no more than $150,000.  If the final asking price is $150,000 then the remaining $20,000 would come out of County General Fund Balance.
The Commissioners also approved amendments of the Cannon County Schools, General Budget and Cannon County Election Committees.
The meeting was recessed until Thursday, June 28 so the Commissioners can clean up any budget amendments and vote in a continuing budget until a new budget for the new fiscal year which starts in July can be recommended and approved.

Break-ins and vandalism hit Jennings Jewelers and Smith Funeral Home early Tuesday morning.  Unknown suspects threw a brick through a display window in the front of Jennings Jewelers around 3 in the morning setting off businesses’ burglar alarm.  The strength of the window prevented the brick to completely break the window and as a result nothing was taken.  Also early Tuesday morning a piece of asphalt was thrown through the front door of Smith Funeral Home.  A newspaper carrier discovered the damaged door and called authorities. It is not known whether the damage at the Smith Funeral Home was done before or after the attempted break it at Jennings Jewelers.  Vandals then hit at least 10 cars on Lee Avenue, Kimela Drive and Houston Lane.  Police are looking for information in these break ins.  If you have any information regarding these crimes, you are urged to call the Woodbury Police Department at 563-5940
 

Woodbury, TN June 11, 2012. The Tennessee Department of Health requires certain immunizations for students entering pre-k, kindergarten, and 7th grades.  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 official form prior to or at their child’s registration for pre-k, kindergarten, 7th grade, or as a new student. This form is available from private healthcare providers or local health departments. Parents are urged to begin this process early to avoid a delay in their child’s school year. Medical providers experience high volumes of last minute immunization requests prior to the start of school. Therefore, beginning this process early can assure parents these requirements are met in advance of fall registration.  
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.
 

The Cannon County Commissioners will have two resolutions to readdress when they meet Tuesday night for their monthly meeting at the Cannon County Courthouse.  The resolution to enact fees to cover the cost of the raise in salary for the General Sessions Judge after the first measure was vetoed by Cannon County Executive Mike Gannon.  The second resolution was to enact an Archive fee to be used for the preservation and storage of records pertaining to the county business.  Once again the first measure was vetoed by Cannon County Executive.  In order for the commissioners to override the vetoes they simply need a majority vote.  Both resolutions were passed unanimously last time by the Commissioners.  Up for approval is two amendments.  1 is of the Cannon County School Budget that has already passed the Cannon County School Board.  The other is from the Cannon County Election Committee to move money within its own budget.  The commission will consider the candidates to fill the industrial development board membership.  Thea Prince will address the Board on behalf of the Solid Waste Committee.  Commissioner Tony Neal is scheduled to address the Board on behalf of the county’s Volunteer Fire Departments.  There will be a motion to consider to require that the county attorney reside inside the county for expedience and accessibility.  Michael George wishes to address the commission on the scrapping of the fire department surplus property.  They will discuss and accept lowest bid for financing two used fire trucks for $130,000 and Glenn Steakley would like to address the commission.  The meeting will start tonight at 6:00  

A reckless driver with possession of firearms in his vehicle was recently stopped and arrested by the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department.  According to police reports Jacob Foster, was reportedly driving reckless near the area of the old package store when Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputy Seth Perry passed the Black Mazda car Foster was driving.  After stopping Foster before the city limits he ordered Foster to roll down his window in which Foster refused.  Deputy Perry then saw a shotgun sitting in the passenger side of the car.  Perry then drew his weapon and opened the car door himself during which Foster tried to pull the door back shut.  Perry also noticed a pistol in a shoulder holster.  After ordering Mr Foster to place his hands on the steering wheel of the car, Foster refused to do so as well even at gunpoint Foster continued to move around the car.  Other officers arrived on the scene for backup.  After finally getting Foster out of the car, it was determined through a series of sobriety test that he was driving under the influence.  Foster was also charged with Violation of the Implied Consent Law, Unlawful Possession of Firearms and possession of a handgun while under the influence.  The weapons removed from the car were a 12 gauge shotgun completely loaded and an unloaded Bushmaster AR-15

With summer vacation already starting, the First United Methodist Church will once again be providing Free breakfast to all children and teenagers to the age of 18.  The location has changed however to the Woodbury Housing Authority located at 401 McFerrin Street.  The housing authority office is on the corner of College and McFerrin which is south of Adams Street.  Breakfast will be served for the children from 8:30 to 9:30 in the mornings Monday through Friday from now until July 27th.  If you need more information please call 563-2135.  

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Service Center employees across the state will begin sporting special blue “Donate Life” tee shirts each Friday throughout the summer to encourage customers to register for organ donation. This program is sponsored by Donate Life Tennessee. Tennesseans can register to become an organ donor by simply Checking YES when applying for, or renewing their driver’s license.  A red heart is placed on the driver license, signifying them as an organ donor.
 
As of June 1, over 1.7 million (1,725,718) Tennesseans have signed up through the department’s Driver Service Centers or the online Donate Life Tennessee Registry. On average nearly 3,500 people are added each week.
 
“Our partnership with Donate Life Tennessee has increased public awareness of organ donation and urged many to take action,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “We are proud to have been able to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Tennesseans waiting for life-saving transplants. Fortunately, the registration process is simple; checking “YES!” on your driver license application or renewal can potentially save someone’s life.”
 
The generosity of donors and their families make the gift of organ and tissue donation possible.  Over 114,000 people across the country, 2,419 in Tennessee, are waiting for the call that may save their lives. Last year, 28,535 people received life-saving transplants, with 789 of those being in Tennessee. Additionally, over 800,000 lives are impacted every year with tissue and eye donation in the United States.
 
Tennesseans can register their consent for donation at any state Driver Service Center, or with Donate Life Tennessee at www.tndonorregistry.org.
 
Donate Life Tennessee is a non‐profit, state‐authorized organ and tissue donor registry, administered by the state’s two organ procurement organizations (OPO), responsible for facilitating the donation process in Tennessee: Tennessee Donor Services and Mid‐South Transplant Foundation. The Donate Life Registry assures that all personal information is kept confidential and stored in a secure database, accessible only to authorized OPO personnel.
 

Each year the taxpayers of Cannon County give money to a variety of organizations, associations and agencies.One of those is the Cannon County Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday night, the Budget Committee reviewed the County General Fund “Contributions List” requests for fiscal year 2012-2013, which starts July 1. The requests for next year total $49,454, nearly $10,000 more than this year’s appropriations of $39,747.
The biggest increase being sought is from the Cannon County Chamber of Commerce, which is seeking $10,000 from the County for FY2012-2013.
That amount represents a huge jump from the $50 the County usually contributes to the Chamber. Neal Applebaum, Chamber president, will be asked to be at the next Budget Committee meeting to address the request.
Other increases being sought include the Association of County Mayors, from $150 to $1,300, and Tennessee Rehab, from $250 to $1,000.
The Budget Committee also reviewed the proposed budget of Cannon County REACH Thursday. REACH is an afterschool program.
Currently it serves five of the county’s seven schools. The REACH program is funded by charging the clients on a sliding scale along with the 21st Century Grant and the Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs (LEAPs) Grant. It was noted at the meeting that those grants will be in effect for another two years.
Total revenue brought in by the REACH program including the grants is $193,225. REACH doesn’t cost the County General Fund any money. The REACH program only runs their revenue and expenses through the County’s budget. In the REACH budget, $4,000 of the $20,000 brought in by the program’s sliding fee scale is used to pay the executive’s office for administrative costs.
Glenn Steakley, chairman of the Cannon County Audit Committee, presented his budget request to the Budget Committee. The total requested is $491, to help offset the costs of office supplies, benchmarking and training, postal expenses, advertising notices and any professional assistance that the committee may need.
Since the Cannon County Election Commission hadn’t voted on it’s budget yet, and the Cannon County Rescue Squad hadn’t been notified to be at the committee meeting Thursday, it had no choice but to put the budget hearings of those two departments off for at least another week. 
The next meeting of the Cannon County Budget Committee will be Thursday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cannon County Courthouse.