News 2012

The Mid-Cumberland Head Start / Early Head Start Program is recruiting children for Fall classes. Children from birth to age four are age eligible; however, a child must not have turned five by September 30, 2012. Pregnant mothers are encouraged to apply. Children with special needs are also encouraged to apply.  Any parent/ guardian who is interested in enrolling their special needs preschooler in the Head Start/ Early Head Start Program for the 2012-2013 school year is urged to contact:
Lori Reed, Family Service Coordinator or Eva Woodlee, Area Manager
(615) 563-5852 or come by 630 West Lehman Street in Woodbury
 

If you missed retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s Feb. 8 visit to MTSU, the College of Liberal Arts has a special gift for you—three free public screenings of the night’s chat!The videotaped program will be shown Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 12:40 to 1:40 p.m. and twice on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. in the Keathley University Center Theater.
Each screening is open to the campus and surrounding community. The KUC Theater is located on the building’s second floor and seats about 300. Off-campus visitors should be aware that nearby construction and midday classes will limit parking opportunities.
University Parking and Transportation officials are encouraging visitors to park in the South Rutherford Boulevard lot and ride the Raider Xpress shuttle into the campus core to reach the KUC. A printable campus map, with the KUC shown almost directly in the center, is available at www.mtsu.edu/parking/Map_2011-2012.pdf.
Initially billed as a “lecture,” Justice O’Connor set an overflow crowd at the Wright Music Building straight from the start as to her Feb. 8 visit’s intent.
College of Liberal Arts Dean Mark Byrnes, left, listens as retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor makes a point during the Windham Lecture in Liberal Arts inside MTSU’s Wright Music Building Feb. 8. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
“I hate to disappoint you,” she opened with a grin, “but this isn’t going to be a lecture. It’s more of a conversation.”
The justice quickly created an atmosphere where the enthusiastic crowd was listening to a favorite aunt—the droll, brilliant one you adore and would never dare to cross—tell an insider’s tale of life at the highest level of the U.S. judiciary.
Justice O’Connor’s visit was part of the University’s Windham Lecture Series in Liberal Arts, which has brought renowned speakers to the Murfreesboro campus since 1990 to address topics spanning from American music to presidential rhetoric to gambling to U.S. foreign policy.
Justice O’Connor became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court when President Ronald Reagan named her as an associate justice in 1981. During her almost 25 years on the high court, she cast tie-breaking votes in more than three-fourths of the panel’s 5-4 decisions.
“It took 191 years to get the first woman on the Supreme Court,” she mused. “That was quite a wait. And frankly, I’m still astonished that I was that woman.”
After taking her conversation through a brief explanation of her career and her appointment by Reagan, Justice O’Connor outlined the process of a case’s transit through the high court, noting that the justices “were very respectful toward each other … and try to persuade each other with their writing. The process is much more effective that way.”
The veteran jurist then brought up one of her favorite topics: civics education, much to the approval of the crowd of college students, community residents and several members of the local judiciary.
“We became aware of a great deal of criticism of judges … and it all boiled down to education,” she explained. “People aren’t learning how courts work, how to elect a president, how government works.
“Half of our states now have dropped their requirements for civics education. We got our public schools in this country because our leaders said they needed every citizen to know and understand our government, so they can be a part of making it work. And instead of continuing that education, states have stopped requiring it. I think it’s critically important.”
Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, left, greets Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Janice Holder during a Feb. 8 reception for O’Connor before MTSU’s annual Windham Lecture in Liberal Arts. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
She put that determination into action by teaming with experts to launch iCivics (formerly OurCourts), a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in democracy.
“Young people love to play these games, and they learn a lot from it,” Justice O’Connor said. “It’s a very effective tool, and it’s free! It’s at www.iCivics.org. They’ve passed a Sandra Day O’Connor Law (for civics and legal education) in Florida, so talk to your legislators and see if you can get something like that here. ”
The justice waxed eloquent during her introductory remarks as well as during a session with Dr. Mark Byrnes, dean of MTSU’s College of Liberal Arts, offering questions submitted from students. Topics ranged from the pros and cons of an elected judiciary to her status as a member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, thanks to her Arizona cattle-ranch upbringing.
She was eloquent, that is, until Byrnes asked, “During your tenure on the court, is there a particular decision of which you’re most proud?”
“Nope,” Justice O’Connor shot back with a smile. The audience, realizing her intent not to politicize her visit, paused and then burst into appreciative laughter.
The Feb. 8 “conversation” was sponsored by the MTSU Centennial Committee, the College of Liberal Arts, the University Honors College, the American Democracy Project and the MTSU Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties announced today that $2,955,799.40 was secured in pledges during the 2011 fundraising campaign – a record for the local non-profit, whose previous highest fundraising campaign resulted in pledges of $2.734 million in 2009. The announcement was made at the annual Community Celebration, which recognized the achievements of United Way corporate partners and volunteers for the 2011 year. The event was sponsored by Regions Bank, Nissan, Publix, Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Embassy Suites and Ben and Janice McCloud of Recognition Concepts.
Individuals recognized during the Community Celebration included this year’s Loaned Executives, which are employees from various companies that are loaned to United Way for assistance during the fundraising campaign while the employer continues to pay salary and expenses. The 2011 Loaned Executives were:
Part-Time Loaned Executives
Corey Cato, General Mills
Erin Cayll, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic
Kirk Garrett, Regions Bank
Travis Lampley, McCarter, Catron and East, PLLC
Sandra Mason, US Bank
Crystal McPherson, SunTrust Bank
Courtney Weaver, General Mills
Full-Time Loaned Executives
Josh Charles, Publix
Debbie Coleman, State Farm
Craig Hamby, State Farm
Media partners, recognized for their contributions in marketing and communications pertaining to United Way over the past year, included:
Cannon Courier
WBRY Radio
The Daily News Journal
The Murfreesboro Post
WGNS Radio
Hob Nob
VIP Magazine
Murfreesboro Magazine
The top ten campaigns in order of total funds raised were also announced during the event, which included:
10. City of Murfreesboro – $35,449.00
9. Heritage Farms Dairy, Inc. – $42,026.00
8. Bridgestone LaVergne Plant and the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund – $67,025.00
7. Middle Tennessee State University – $81,578.00
6. State Farm Insurance Company – $126,245.00
5. Nissan North America, Inc. – $140,494.00
4. Rutherford County Government and Schools – $190,698.00
3. Yates Services – $205,220.00
2. Publix Super Markets & Publix Super Markets Charities – $274,684.00
1. General Mills – $671,325.00
United Way also recognized the best overall campaigns in each category, which were determined on various factors such as percentage increase in employee giving, percentage increase in participation, volunteering with United Way, and conducting special events to benefit United Way. Those campaigns were:
Best Health Services Campaign
Middle Tennessee Medical Center
Best Industry Campaign
Thompson Services, Inc.
Best Non-Profit Agency Campaign
Boys & Girls Club of Rutherford County
Best Professionals Campaign
First Tennessee Bank
Best Retail Campaign
Publix Supermarkets & Publix Supermarkets Charities
Best Major Firms Campaign
General Mills
Best Public Service Campaign
City of LaVergne
Best New Campaign
MAHLE Filter Systems North America, Inc.
Most Improved Campaign
Yates Services
Best Special Event
Rutherford County Government and Schools – Rutherford’s Got Talent
Most Creative Campaign
MAHLE Filter Systems North America, Inc.
The school awards were as follows:
Best Elementary School Campaign
Wilson Elementary
Best Middle School Campaign
Rockvale Middle School
Best High School Campaign
Blackman High School
Best Overall School Campaign
Blackman High School
Additional individuals recognized during the Community Celebration were the Campaign Cabinet, which plays a key role in the overall planning and implementation of the United Way campaign. Tracy Toy served as this year’s campaign chair, and Campaign Cabinet members included:
Terry Cunningham
Kenny Edwards
James Evans
Phil Holt
John Hood
Faye Knox
Ryan Moore
Charlie Myatt
Joey Monteleone
Pat Murphy
Bryan Nale
Dr. Liz Rhea
Michelle Russell
Steve Sax
Jim Thompson
The Best Overall Campaign award recipient was General Mills. The local operation increased their overall employee gift by more than 15%, increased their overall campaign total by almost 15%, had a 7% increase in leadership donors, an increase of 23% in leadership donor dollars, a 27% increase in average gift, and a 25% increase in employee per capita.  General Mills also provided 25 volunteers for United Way’s 2011 Day of Action, and provided two Loaned Executives for the 2011 fundraising campaign.
Following the Community Celebration, United Way will host its third annual 3 Point Play meet and greet with the MTSU Lady Raiders on February 28 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Toot’s at 860 NW Broad Street. A silent auction will be held to benefit United Way.
 

Middle Tennessee Electric’s 2011 tax payment was one of the largest in each of the primary counties it serves. The electric cooperative pays out ad valorem (“according to the value of”) taxes annually. The tax is based on the assessed value of Middle Tennessee Electric’s infrastructure — buildings, substations, transformers, poles, lines.
The cooperative’s total ad valorem tax payout across its service area for 2011 was approximately $4.8 million.
MTEMC’s tax payment was Wilson County’s largest, just ahead of Nashville Superspeedway. MTEMC paid out $1,231,903 in total taxes to the county. In addition, tax payments were also made to Lebanon for $59,497 and to Watertown for $6,689.
MTEMC’s tax payment was Cannon County’s largest. The ad valorem tax total in the county was $218,371. Also, $20,582 was paid out to the city of Woodbury.
In Williamson County, Middle Tennessee Electric was seventh on the list of the county’s top taxpayers, paying out $1,364,435. In addition, tax payments were made to the city of Brentwood for $12,831; Fairview received $10,367and $49,634 was paid to Franklin.
In Rutherford County, Middle Tennessee Electric was the second highest taxpayer, behind Nissan. Middle Tennessee Electric’s Rutherford County ad valorem payout was $1,486,855. In addition, a check for $240,665 was made out to Murfreesboro and Smyrna received $66,031.

Tourist Activity  makes a big impact and is one of the leading sources of revenue here in Cannon County.  According to a 2010 Tourism Economic Fact Sheet.  Cannon County Businesses and Vendors generated $3.49 million dollars in direct tourist spending.  The spending produced .35 million in worker income and paychecks and created .25 million in local county tax revenue, generating 0.47 million in combined state and local taxes.  The Study concludes that 10 jobs were generated in 2010 through the activity.  As a result of taxes generated by tourist activity in Cannon County Each household pays $79 less in local and state taxes, $42 less in local county taxes and $37 less in state taxes.  The 2011 figures have not been released.  The study was down by the southeast tourism society led by Dr. Steve Economist of the University Of Tennessee

The Upper Cumberland Business Journal is reporting that the selection committee which is searching for the next Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency executive director has narrowed the candidates down to 11.  One of those candidates is Cannon County’s own executive Mike Gannon. Interviews will begin Wednesday and after all interviews are completed the search committee hopes to recommend its pick or picks to the UCHRA policy counsel which by statue appoints senior staff positions.  The appointment would then be ratified by the full board.
Mike Gannon is joined in the candidate category by Putnam County Executive Kim Blaylock and since both Blaylock and Gannon are UCHRA board members per their roles as county executives they can not be employees of the agency.  if one is selected as UCHRA executive director they’d have to resign their current elected board member post.  But the question is whether or not that resignation would come before or after the vote is taken by the policy counsel.  If a resignation is needed before, there’s no guarantee the vote would fall in their favor.  The matter will be discussed by a Tennessee General Attorney ruling on the matter.  The counsel hopes that ruling will come before the counsel starts the interviews.
 

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties is currently seeking volunteers for its annual Days of Action which will be held March 29-31, 2012.The event is set to partner with MTSU’s “Big Event” program and the local churches’ Operation In As Much program as an opportunity to engage more volunteers in a collective effort.  During the Days of Action, teams of volunteers from employers, schools, churches, civic organizations, and MTSU will perform community service for United Way’s partner agencies as well as local schools and other non-profit and community organizations. These projects may vary from landscaping to painting a room to delivering meals to those in need. Those wishing to participate may volunteer for one day or all three days.
 Organizers are expecting as many as 600 volunteers this year. In 2011, the event consisted of 407 volunteers completing 1,789 hours of service that benefitted 25 organizations and schools.
 Volunteers wishing to register a team through United Way should complete the online form at http://www.uwrutherford.org/volunteer.aspx  no later than March 1. MTSU students may register to volunteer through the MTSU Student Government Association at (615) 898-2464. Operation In As Much volunteers may register by contacting Kristina Brown at kbrown@fbcmboro.org.

On Friday, February 10, three Cannon County teachers were paid a surprise visit by Director of Schools, Barbara Parker, and several Central Office Supervisors. The purpose of the visit was to announce the Cannon County Teachers of the Year for 2011-12. The district finalists were Kathy Mullins (K-4), Melissa Patterson (5-8), and Rhonda Sims (9-12).Kathy Mullins is a 2nd grade teacher at West Side Elementary. Melissa Patterson is a middle grades social studies teacher at West Side Elementary. Rhonda Sims is a math teacher at Cannon Co. High School. These three teachers will compete for regional honors in the Upper Cumberland region.
The teachers who received school level Teachers of the Year include the following:
Auburn–Tracy Hollandsworth (K-4), Emily Crook (5-8)
East Side – Ana Smith (K-4), Amy Underwood (5-8)
Short Mountain – Brad Underwood (K-4), Stephanie Alexander (5-8)
West Side – Kathy Mullins (K-4), Melissa Anderson (5-8)
Woodbury Grammar – Ken Overall (K-4), Emily Hughes (5-8)
Woodland – Carla Parker (K-4), Mitzie Bush (5-8)
CCHS – Rhonda Sims
 

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded 16 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grants in Tennessee. These schools received grants during the fall 2011 grants cycle, which encompassed more than 585 schools and parent organizations that were awarded a grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States. West Side School in Readyville received a $3,000 grant, which will be used for playground renovation.
 “Through Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant program, we are acknowledging parent-initiated efforts that enhance the learning environments of children in the communities we serve,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation.
“By supporting schools in Tennessee, we are rallying behind a cause that is important to both our customers and employees, and we’re helping to build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”
Launched in partnership with PTO Today, a leading organization serving parent-teacher groups, the Toolbox for Education program has provided nearly $30 million through more than 6,000 grants since its inception in 2006. The grants have affected more than 3.7 million schoolchildren.
Grants are available to public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects and large schools or school districts may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000 for school improvement initiatives. All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible. Parent groups may apply by visiting www.toolboxforeducation.com.   
Since its inception in 1957, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions.

County Electric Demonstration Contest- This past January saw some of the most interesting, and innovative demonstrations in the history of the electric demonstration contest. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor (MTEMC), we are pleased to announce the date of the 2012 Cannon County 4-H county electric demonstration contest. This year’s county electric demonstration contest will be held Tuesday, March 13th at Woodbury Grammar School with registration beginning at 6 and the contest beginning at 6:30 p.m. everyone who participated in the local (or classroom) contest is invited to come and participate, as all participants will be recognized with awards. As always, the 1st place winning 6th and 7th grade winner will receive a trip to 4-H electric camp which will be held this June at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.March is Bread baking Month- The month of March is always one of the most popular with our 4-H members. Not only do we discuss and promote both Junior and Junior High 4-H camp, our contest for the month is the bread baking contest. Listed below are the guidelines for the contest:
4th grade- Chocolate Chip Cookies
5th grade- Brownies
6th grade- Cornbread
7th grade- Banana Nut Bread
8th grade Sweet Muffins
Please remember that all entries must be homemade and there needs to be at least 3 of the items (i.e. cookies, muffins, etc.). For more tips and suggestions, please refer to your 4-H yearbook.
Horse Enrollment Forms- The horse program is another popular animal project for our 4-Hers. Our 4-H Horse Shows are held in June each year and contain a wide variety of classes, etc. that will accommodate each horse and rider. To participate in the Tennessee 4-H Horse Shows, all persons must complete a Tennessee 4-H Horse Enrollment Form. This form must be completed and returned to the 4-H office by March 1st. The forms can be picked up at the 4-H office or can be found at the following website: http://animalscience.ag.utk.edu/Publications-4H.html.
 
4-H Camping Opportunities- Although we are still in the midst of dreary, rain-filled days, thoughts of sunshine and summer opportunities will begin to consume our thoughts. I wanted to take a moment and let everyone know about the dates and costs of this years’ junior and junior high camp: