News 2013

Seasoned Murfreesboro attorney Howard Wilson announced today that he will seek the Republican Party’s nomination for Chancery Court Judge in Tennessee’s 16th judicial district during the May 6, 2014 Rutherford County primary. If elected, Wilson would succeed retiring Chancery Court Judge Robert Corlew. The 16th judicial district encompasses both Rutherford and Cannon Counties.A lifelong resident of Tennessee and MTSU graduate, Wilson has been a licensed attorney for over 24 years in Murfreesboro. Wilson has handled more than 4,000 cases during his more than two decades of experience. His practice consists of criminal and civil matters, including bankruptcy, workers’ compensation, personal injury, construction law and divorce. In addition, Wilson has argued before the state appellate court, including the Tennessee Supreme Court Worker’s Compensation Panel.
Wilson presided as an Administrative Law Judge for the Tennessee Department of Special Education for 15 years, as well as serving as special judge for the General Sessions Court and Murfreesboro Municipal Court.
Wilson worked on his family’s cattle farm, helping grow tobacco and haul hay.
“Working on the farm instilled a strong work ethic in me,” Wilson said. “I worked my way through college, loading UPS trucks at night as well as working for an attorney full-time while I attended law school,”
Wilson added, “I started my own law practice 24 years ago and believe my work ethic and dedication to the law and our community has helped me be successful.”
A passionate community servant, Wilson is proud to have provided free legal service to individuals and advice to local non-profit agencies, including preparing contracts for a playground to be built in an under privileged neighborhood for the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon County.
Wilson lives on small farm in Lascassas with his wife, Susan. They have two adult children, a daughter Claire, who resides in Murfreesboro and son, Matt who attends the University of Mississippi. He has served on the Murfreesboro Historical Zoning Commission, the City of Murfreesboro Planning Commission, and the Main Street Board; he also served as the Chair of the Jazz Fest committee and has served on the Board of the United Way of Rutherford and Canon Counties since 2008.
A member of the Rutherford County Republican Party, Wilson served on the GOP Executive Committee as Parliamentarian and currently serves on the Issues and Government Relations Committee.
The Wilson’s have been members of First Presbyterian Church of Murfreesboro since 1994 where Wilson has served as an Elder and Sunday school teacher. He and his wife are also proud supporters of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee and have mentored a child for six years.
“This judgeship will allow me to use my knowledge and extensive experience to make a difference in my community and continue my public service,” Wilson says.

The second MTSU Prescription Drug Take-Back Day proved almost as successful as the first one, event organizers said.As part of a national initiative, the drug take-back day was held outside the Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center. Campus Pharmacy, Public Safety and Health Promotions co-sponsored the event.
Campus Pharmacy Director Tabby Ragland said 23 pounds of prescription drugs and over-the-counter items were turned in by the campus community and public. In April, more than 29 pounds was collected.
“We had a good turnout of people and 23 pounds is still a good amount that was collected,” Ragland said.
This event allows the MTSU community and general public the opportunity to dispose of expired or unneeded prescriptions and over-the-counter medications responsibly, said Lisa Schrader, director of MTSU Health Promotions.  
“We appreciate the support of campus in public health-related events like these,” Schrader added. “People who brought medicines to our event can know they really contribute to a safer and more environmentally friendly community.”
October is Medicine Abuse Awareness Month, and the campus drug take-back event gives the MTSU community an opportunity to get medicines they no longer need out of their homes and out of danger of being misused, Schrader added.
Organizers requested people keep medications in their original packaging when possible, and black out any personally identifying information on the labels.
Ragland said the organizing committee will determine a date for the spring drug take-back day.

Motlow College will administer the complete Residual ACT assessment twice before the end of the year. Applicants under 21 years of age, who have missed taking the ACT during one of the national test dates, can register for the Residual ACT assessment for admission to Motlow. Community colleges are allowed to administer the test for admission to their school only. Scores cannot be transferred to another college/university. The tests will be administered in Crouch Center Room 1046 on the Moore County campus. The first date is Tuesday, Nov. 5 and the second date is Friday, Dec. 6, both lasting from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
All applicants taking the Residual ACT must have an admission’s application on file at Motlow prior to taking the test and are encouraged to complete the process as soon as possible to be eligible. Applicants must also complete the ACT application and enclose a check or money order for $32.00. Picture identification is required on the day of the test.
For complete information regarding the test or to obtain a printable application, visit the Motlow website at www.mscc.edu/testing or contact the testing office at 931-393-1763, or 1-800-654-4877 ext. 1763. –

Happy Halloween everyone!  The library will be closing two hours early on Halloween to help eliminate traffic before the police close off College Street for the evening’s festivities.  Library staff will be treating trick-or-treaters right near the parking lot driveway entrance.  
With the cooler weather upon us, it is a good time to curl up with a god book.  When you visit to check library materials out, why not visit the Friends of the Library book sale table for a few bargains you can own.  All sorts of new materials are being added to the sale weekly.  You can’t beat the prices!
 
Please remember that you can renew most library materials from your home computer 24 hours per day.  We do not renew DVDs, but books and audiobooks can be renewed for 2 additional two-week periods unless someone else has requested the item.  If you haven’t tried the TEL (Tennessee Electronic Library) lately, please take a look at this free online resource.  It’s like having a resource library in your home.  You can find it by clicking on the logo on our library homepage at www.cannoncolibrary.org.

I wanted to invite you to join me for my TeleTown Hall on MONDAY, October 28th, at 7 PM CST. This is a great way to ask me your questions directly and speak out on matters of importance to you. In order to join the call, simply dial 877-229-8493 immediately before the scheduled start time. Then, when prompted, enter the participant passcode: 18578. I will kick off the call by giving an update on the implementation of Obamacare and the bicameral budget conference committee, then I will open the lines to take your questions.
Look forward to hearing from you Monday night!

he Tennessee Historical Commission is now accepting nominations for its Certificate of Merit Awards to honor individuals or groups that have worked to preserve Tennessee’s cultural heritage during 2013. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2013.  “Although much of our work at the Tennessee Historical Commission focuses on efforts to preserve and to restore historic structures, we also want to recognize people for the work they do in the areas of publication, commemoration, and education to safeguard our history and heritage,” said Patrick McIntyre, executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission.
The awards program recognizes individuals or groups throughout the state who have worked to conserve or highlight Tennessee’s cultural heritage during the past year. The awards recognize historic preservation projects as well as work in the field of history. Award recipients will be honored in 2014.
The Tennessee Historical Commission Awards program began in 1975. Certificates of Merit are presented annually to individuals, groups, agencies or organizations that have made significant contributions to the study and preservation of Tennessee’s heritage during the 12 months prior to the application deadline.
To make a nomination for a Certificate of Merit Award, please contact the Tennessee Historical Commission and request an application or visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/history/. The Commission can be reached by calling 615-532-1550, by writing to 2941 Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37214, or by contacting Angela Miller via e-mail at Angela.Staggs@tn.gov. 

As part of its mission to enhance public safety, the Department of Correction (TDOC) will expand efforts to protect Tennessee children on Halloween night.  The agency’s probation/parole officers and apprehension unit will be joined by local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Marshals to ensure sex offenders under TDOC supervision adhere to strict guidelines. “Operation Blackout” will result in an increased presence of law enforcement in the community and random visits to the homes of sex offenders who must adhere to the following guidelines:
Remain inside their homes between the hours of 6:00pm -6:00am.

Leave porch lights off on Halloween night.

Are not permitted to open their doors for trick-or-treaters.

Only open their doors for law enforcement officers.

Are not permitted to display fall decorations, wear costumes or dress in disguise.
 
Offenders who are found to be in non-compliance with imposed restrictions could face additional charges for probation or parole violations that may result in jail or prison time.  “Our agency is committed to enhancing public safety, ” Commissioner Derrick D. Schofield reiterated.  “This Halloween we’re asking citizens to partner with our 6,800 employees by remaining vigilant and reinforcing general safety practices to help keep trick-or-treaters safe.”

It’s a game that will determine who finishes in the bottom of the district.  Tonight the Cannon County Lions will host the York Instititute Dragons out of Jamestown at Fred Schwartz Field.  York Institute planned for a successful 2013 campaign until multiple injuries rocked the entire roster from the start of the season.  They are currently 3-5 coming into the game but are 0-4 in District play.  The Dragons are coming off a bye week.  Cannon County suffered their worse loss of the season in a 54-0 shutout in Carthage at Smith County last Friday.  Smith County was able to turn 5 interceptions and a fumble recovery into points to easily win last week.  The Lions should be able to pass more efficiently however against a weaker York Institute defense.  Tonight’s schedule starts at 5:00 with Tailgate followed by Murphy’s Matchups at 5:30.  Dennis Weaver and the Friday night Thunder crew rolls in at 6:00 with prep football previews from high school football fields all across the state of Tennessee.  At 6:45, we’ll start the live game coverage on AM-1540/FM96.7 WBRY.  You can also check out the webstream broadcast on wbry.com and if you have a smart phone don’t forget to download the TuneIn Radio app and type in WBRY in the search engine.  Save it in your favorites and tune in on your smart phone tonight.  

A man staying in a camper behind a victim’s residence is the main suspect in an recent automobile theft.  According to Sheriff’s reports Monday Sgt. Tommy Miller was dispatched to a Carole Anne Drive residence to take a report for a stolen vehicle.  Upon arrival, Sgt Miller was met by Mike Pennington who stated that a guy named Chase was staying in a camper behind his residence.  Chase had been remodeling his house and that he met him in Coffee County.  Sunday night, Pennington stated that he and Chase and went and rode four wheelers all night and didn’t return home until early Monday morning.  After Pennington woke up he noticed that his Ford-F150 and Kawasaki Motorcycle was missing.  Chase was missing too.  Mr. Pennington told Sgt. Miller that he had overheard Chase talking to his wife about returning home to Ohio.  Also to make matters worse the tires on his Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee and Ford Explorer were slashed.  Mr. Pennington believes that Chase took his motorcycle and truck and headed back to Ohio.  The value of the vehicles is $10,500.  Police believe that Chase is back in Ohio by now.  

Russel Mobley was an award winning photojournalist known for his feature photography. During his years as a journalist for newspapers and publications in Georgia and Tennessee, he received numerous awards in feature news and sports photography. The photographs and artwork of Russel Mobley will be on display in the Marly Berger Gallery at The Arts Center of Cannon County October 24 – November 27. For over a decade, Russel was an integral and valued member of The Arts Center family. He generously gave of his talent and time and produced for The Arts Center a unique legacy of unforgettable photographs that spanned over 11 years of productions. His vision and the photographs he made became the “face” of The Arts Center. He also was the photographer for various other arts organizations in the Middle Tennessee area and maintained a website featuring arts events of interest Admission to the gallery is free. Gallery hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The Arts Center is located at 1424 John Bragg Highway, Woodbury, TN 37190. For more information call (615) 563-2787 or (800) 235-9073.