News 2013

The Relay for Life ‘Love Lights a Tree’ Ceremony was celebrated recently on the Cannon Courthouse lawn where friends and family purchased a light in honor or memory of family members who have fought cancer. The rainy weather did not deter the faithful crowd as Bro. Herb Alsup began the ceremony with an opening prayer. 
Sue Conley-CEO of Stones River and DeKalb Community Hospital recited the list of honorees adorning the live tree. “It is touching to see the care and support of our community,” said Conley, “Cancer has affected almost everyone in some way, and this tree is a reminder of hope when we all work together for a cure. Anyone that would still like to purchase a light for our tree can do so until Christmas by stopping by Stones River Hospital.”
 
Young Addison Melton performed for the crowd by giving a speech in honor of her cousin, Brandon Swartz, who is a recent cancer survivor. Melton wrote the speech originally for her school’s annual 4-H speech competition. “There is no one braver than my cousin, Brandon,” Melton smiled, “He is strong and I knew he would beat cancer.”
 
2013 Honorees and Memoriam included:
 
In Memory of:
 
Annie Northcutt and Jean Keathly given by Britt and Faye Knox
Maurene Mooneyham given by Nathan, Mindy, Cody, Bell and Lily Sanders
Jeremy Warren given by Mindy and Cody Sanders
Billy Joe Mathis, Clifton Murphy & Louise Murphy given by Jean Murphy
Michael Wayne Davis given by Nathan “Dick” Davis
Jeff Nichols given by Barbara, Bubba & Dustin Nichols
Charlie B. Mathis, John Mears & Sam Mathis given by Pat Mears, Mazel Mathis & Robert Mathis
Billy Joe Mathis, Betty Markhum, Frank Markum, Jerry Mathis, Elizabeth Mathis Merritt, & William “Bill” Mathis given by James & Joyce Weise
Essie B. Tenpenny given by Hal and Lois Larimer
Jo Ann Hancock & James Dutton given by Gary and Jama Hancock
Kenneth Sissom given by Mike & Melissa Anderson
Betty Rigsby given by Greg & Connie Rigsby
Guy Alexander & Charlie Potts given by Bo & Shelley Alexander
Clennie Snow Bryson, Dovie Lee (Jones) Bryson, James Harley Smith, Clennie James (Jimmy) Smith, Royce Wayne & Bobbie Attress Prater given by Ida Smith and family
Russell Fann given by Josh and Brooke Fann
Eileen Lovett & Geraldine Walsh given by Sue Conley
 
In Honor of:
 
Sharon Fann given by Josh and Brooke Fann
Robert Pitts & Claudia Johnson given by Jeremy & Bridget Simmons
Travis Goodnight given by Sue Conley
 
To support Relay for Life, you can purchase a light for $5.00 in honor or memory of someone by contacting Lois Larimer 563-1858, Corey Adcock 563-2311 or stopping by The Stones River Hospital Administration Office. 563-7207

Michelle Russell has joined the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ staff in the role of Relationship Manager.  
Most recently, Russell was the Executive Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and was the General Manager for The Daily News Journal prior to that.
 
Russell has served on the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ Board of Directors as well as the Business Women’s Council for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.
 
Russell will be advancing United Way’s corporate and investor relations by promoting engagement with United Way through giving, advocating, and volunteering.
 
Meagan Flippin, President and CEO of United Way, said, “I believe Michelle’s relationship-building skills, leadership style, and professional experience as an executive will be an ideal asset to the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ mission and vision.”
 
Russell and her husband David have made Murfreesboro home for the past nine years.  Russell has two daughters that both graduated from MTSU. Christina teaches at Smyrna High School and Katie teaches with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.  
 
 
Russell can be reached at Michelle.Russell@yourlocaluw.org or (615) 893-7303.
 

Middle Tennessee State University will be closed from Tuesday, Dec. 24, to Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, for the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. 
With a few exceptions that include Public Safety (campus police), Facilities Services, Housing and Residential Life and other essential personnel, all university offices and departments will be closed during this time.
 
The closures include the Cope Administration Building; James E. Walker Library; Student Health, Wellness and Recreation Center, Health Services and Campus Pharmacy; Student Union; Keathley University Center; ARAMARK/MT Dining food service facilities; and James Union Building.
 
All MTSU offices and departments will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2.
 
The Campus Recreation Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 2-3. For its spring 2014 hours of operation, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/camprec/springhours.php.
 
For the Student Union’s January break hours of operation, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/mtunions online and click on “Union Building Hours.”  
 
Library winter break hours can be found at http://library.mtsu.edu.
 
Spring 2014 semester classes will begin Thursday, Jan. 16.

Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for November is 8.1 percent, which is four tenths of one percentage point lower than the October revised rate. The national unemployment rate for November 2013 was 7.0 percent, down three tenths of one percentage point from October. Economic Summary:

Tennessee’s October to November rate change is the largest monthly decline since April 2010.

Total nonfarm employment increased 9,400 jobs from October to November. The largest increases occurred in leisure/hospitality, durable goods manufacturing, and professional/business services.

Over the year, nonfarm employment increased 39,200 jobs. The largest increases occurred in leisure/hospitality, professional/business services, and durable goods manufacturing.
 

6 3-pointers from Cory Henley was not enough to keep the Cannon County Lions from collecting their 13th win of the season.  The Lions opened first round action of the Heritage Athletic Russell Christmas Tournament with a loss to Knoxville Hall 61-58  Henley was able to score 19 to lead the team and Tanner Larson finished with 16.  Cannon will move into the losers bracket in Maryville and will play at 1:30 CST.  58 points was enough though for the Cannon County Lionettes to move on to the semifinal round in the Rhea County Booster Club Pre Christmas tournament.  Sequatchie County from neighboring District 7-AA gave the Lionettes a challenge before they were able to close the game with a 58-47 win.  Abbey Sissom scored 20 to lead all scorers.The Lionettes will now play at 8:00 CST in the second round of the Evensville TN tournament.  

The Arts Center Of Cannon County is looking for a few more adult singers to add to the cast of The Secret Garden.  The beautiful score demands a well rounded chorus of various ages.  The ability to read music is a plus.  If you are interested, please notify Scarlett Turney at scarlett.turney@gmail.com.  The Secret Garden is directed by Scarlett Turney and music directed by Becky Hayes.    

Stones River Hospital hosted a Holiday Brunch for their local volunteers from the Ladies Auxiliary  of Cannon County recently. The brunch featured a delicious breakfast in the facilities board room adorned with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. 
“Stones River Hospital is known for our wonderful volunteers of the Ladies Auxiliary who work year round, while always providing a warm smile as you enter the facility,” said Marketing Director Shan Burklow of Stones River and DeKalb Community Hospitals, “It is a rare thing to find such a loyal group of dedicated volunteers. They help because they care and receive nothing but our admiration in return. We hope they know how much they mean to us. This brunch just gives us an opportunity to remind them of that fact.”
 
To show their appreciation, the hospital, along with HR Director Brian Woods served up the festive meal in the ladies’ honor. “Brian takes a hands on approach to this event. He made his famous breakfast casserole and served the ladies himself,” said CEO Sue Conley of Stones River and DeKalb Community Hospitals.
 
The ladies arrived all decked out in their holiday attire and enjoyed the late morning festivities together, compliments of the hospital they serve so well.
 
 

The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency would like to remind those who receive assistance through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as Commodities; it is time for recertification of their commodities card.  With 2014 deliveries right around the corner, it is very important for recipients to recertify their commodity card with their local county offices prior to the first pick-up date.Recertification date starts January 2nd
If you think you or someone you know qualifies for this program, please contact the UCHRA office in your county for more information.
The UCHRA county telephone:  Cannon County 615-563-2916

A cracked windshield led to the arrest of a Woodbury man on drug charges.  According to Murfreesboro City Police reports Police observed a car with a windshield that was cracked so bad that the drivers side visibility was obstructed.  After pulling over the car, they discovered there was a smell of marijuana about the persons in the car.  28 year old Preston Scott Ramsey of Woodbury, admitted he had marijuana in the car.  Police found the drugs in the center console of the car and also found drug paraphernalia in the left side pocket door of the car.  Ramsey was arrested on violation of probation, simple possession of schedule 6 drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

The Cannon County Lions and Lionettes high school basketball team continued to pick up wins right before the Christmas break.  Monday the teams hosted the Warren County Pioneers and Lady Pioneers.  The Lionettes got 21 points from Abbey Sissom, and 11 from Kellie Davis to go 12-1 on the season as Cannon easily won 75-45.  The Cannon County Lions mirrored the same results against the Pioneers as they jumped to a 43-21 lead at half coasting to a 70-39 win.  Cory Henley scored 15, AJ Daniel finished with 6 and Tommy Mitchell contributed 7.  The Lions are also 12-1 on the year.