News 2014

Veterans and Concerned Citizens of Veterans last week named the various grand marshals for the upcoming Veterans Day Parade in November. The Air Force Grand Marshall is Paul Cureless, Chief Master Sergeant E-9, was born and raised in Bluff City, Illinois.  He entered the U.S. Air Force in
1961 after high school.  After an assignment in Korea, he was stationed at Ellsworth, AFB, SD, with B-52 Strategic Bombers
and 150 Minute Man Missiles.  Paul retrained into the career field of Civil Engineering Production Control. Cureless served
in Tehran, Iran for 2 years.  After Iran he served with the 68th Bomb Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB,  NC.  His next assignment
was  at Whiteman AFB, MO.  Paul was then assigned to Diyarbakir Turkey – Radar Site watching the Russians on the Black Sea.  
Cureless was promoted early to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant with only 18 years of service.  This promotion
normally took 23 years of service.  As Chief E-9 he was assigned to Clark Air Force Base, Philippines, as Deputy Chief of Operations Civil Engineering, where he supervised a workforce of 500 personnel, through 9 first level superintendents and 21 shop foremen.  After Clark AFB he was assigned to Anderson AFB, Guam, as Chief of Resources and Requirements.  Paul’s last assignment was at Norton AFB, CA., as Chief of Production Control, Civil Engineering.
During his last 10 years in the Air Force he preached and taught Bible Classes as a member of the Church of Christ in Iran, Turkey,
Philippines, Guam, and state side.  Paul retired in 1983 with 22 years of service. He is currently a full time Preacher for the
Murfreesboro Church of Christ. He also works as a Deputy Sheriff-court officer, for the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, DarrellYoung.  Paul is married to Betty (Trail) Cureless.  
They have four children: Gregory, Brenda, Kevin, and Kelly.  Paul loved the U.S. Air Force and highly recommends the Air Force to all young men and women.   Chief Cureless received numerous awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal.  He was selected as the NCO of the month, NCO of the Quarter, nominated as the America’s Ten Outstanding Young Men Award in 1976, and as the “Twelve Outstanding Airman of the Year Award”, also in 1976.
 

As the days shorten and the fall air becomes cooler each day, it is a good time for farmers to start planning for winter weather. Cold weather can have a drastic impact on the performance of cows and calves. In fact, it can have as much of an effect on production as hot weather. So, understanding how cattle deal with cold will help understand how to bring cattle through without losing performance or wasting resources. First, understanding some terminology is important. The thermo neutral zone is the range of temperature where weight gain and efficiency are at their peak. Another way to look at that is, when cattle are in their thermo neutral zone, they do not have to expend extra energy to maintain a constant core body temperature. The lower critical temperature is the point where cattle begin to experience cold stress. In an ideal environment, that temperature is 32°F. But, other factors such as wind and rain make a higher air temperature seem colder to cattle. This is called the effective temperature. So, a 10 mile per hour wind can create cold stress even when the air temperature is 40°F and the cattle have a dry winter hair coat.
The most logical way to combat cold stress is to provide shelter from wind and precipitation. This will allow cattle to realize a higher effective temperature. Building new wind breaks and shelters is likely cost-prohibitive. Planning pasture rotation so that cattle are in areas with shelter during winter months is often a better idea. If cattle are not able to avoid cold stress by seeking shelter, their metabolic rate will increase because the heat from normal body function is not adequate to maintain their core body temperature. The increase in metabolism will make the cattle require more energy for maintenance. Simply stated, when cattle are cold stressed, they need to eat more just to stay warm. Energy intake requirements can increase up to 20%. That can translate into 3.5 to 4 extra pounds of hay intake or 2 to 2.5 extra pounds of supplement.
We’ll continue preparing for winter weather in our Tuesday newscast on WBRY.  For more information please refer to this news story on our website at wbry.com
A good rule of thumb taken from several studies is that, for every one degree below the critical temperature, a cow’s energy requirement increases 1 percent. It is also very important to keep water available because decreased water intake can reduce feed intake. Be sure to break ice in waterers and on ponds so cattle have access at all times. Anticipating the increased nutritional need from prolonged cold stress can provide some flexibility. It is a good idea to maintain cows in a body condition score 5 and heifers in a body condition score 6 so that they have energy reserves to draw from if nutrition is lacking.
Mud also has an effect on nutrient requirements of cattle. The relationship to how much more feed is required is less clear but some have estimated an increase in maintenance requirements of up to 30%. So, rotating feeding areas or improving rations for cattle that constantly have to deal with mud can improve performance.
For herds that calve late into the winter months, it will be important to keep an eye on calve born in extremely cold weather. Especially when it is wet and muddy (the ground has not frozen yet). If calves are dropped in mud or water, they can experience fatal cold stress very quickly. Even if calves are not lost to cold stress, it can negatively affect their immune system. Make sure that they have colostrum in the first 12 hours after calving. Again, make sure that younger cattle have some type of shelter from driving wind.
The best ally for handling cold stress is to be prepared. Anticipating increased hay, winter forage and/or supplement needs will ensure the cattle do not go without. But, remember that cattle are made to live in what people feel as inclement weather. So, providing adequate nutrition and some simple shelter should ensure that they remain healthy and productive through the winter.  For more information and tips about preparing for winter weather contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County UT Extension Office at 563-2554
 

If Livingston’s homecoming queen held her court in the Livingston end zone, she would be very familiar with the Livingston Wildcat football team as they scored 9 touchdowns Friday night to run away from Cannon County early and grab a homecoming win 61-0.  Once again the Lions saw an opposing team score on the opening kickoff an 85 yard score to start the scoring output 7-0.  Lion quarterback Josh Walkup was rattled early as he threw a total of 4 interceptions against what possibly could be the most talented defensive secondary the Lions have faced all year.  Livingston would score on each of the turnovers and on a blocked punt.  The mercy rule was on in the second half as Livingston went to halftime with a 54-0 lead.  Livingston’s second and third string team would add one more touchdown to the total in the 4th quarter.  Cannon County offensively had a total of 23 carries for 8 total yards.  Josh Walkup ended up 5 for 14 for 58 yards and 4 interceptions giving Cannon 66 yards of total offense.  Livingston would counter with 272 yards on the offensive side of the ball.  Cannon County will play their final home game of the season hosting Smith County Friday night.

The Cannon County Lions football team hasn’t scored more than 13 points this season.  Their opponent in Livingston hasn’t allowed more than 13 points in the 5 wins they’ve collected so far.  The Lions average giving up 32 points per game.  Livingston averages scoring 35 points per contest.  Just those numbers alone doesn’t fare well for a Cannon County victory tonight.  Add on top of that it’s Livingston’s homecoming and the Lions will have to find a way to slow down the Wildcats who average 350 yards a contest.  The Lions offense has gained 230 yards per game in the last two games, however costly penalties and turnovers have cost the Lions a chance to stay in striking distance in a few games this season.  The trip to Hogeye will be a difficult one for the Lions who are 0-6 while Livingston is 5-1.  We’ll start our coverage of Football Friday as Murphy Fair will give his predictions of all the football contests on the high school slate starting at 5:30 with Murphy’s Matchups.  Rutherford, Coffee, Bedford, Cannon, and Wilson County will all have representatives giving live field reports on the pregame Friday Night Thunder at 6:00.  Then at 6:45 it’s off to Tailgate giving you the projected starters of both offense and defense while 7:00 will be the kickoff.  You can catch all the action on AM-1540/FM96.7 WBRY online at wbry.com or through smartphones and tablets through the Tune In Radio app WBRY  

Cannon County has been awarded a USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant for home rehabilitation with the purpose of bringing homes in rural Cannon County up to the Southern Building Code Standards.  Applications will be taken for those interested in having repairs made to their home at the Cannon County Courthouse on Monday October 13th at 5:00 pm.  To be eligible you must have owned your home for a period of one year and presently live in the home you need repaired.  You must be low income as information on income guidelines will be available.  In addition your home must need repairs to bring it up to local standards.  This is not a remodeling program and only those in need will be considered for this grant.  As with all federal funding, you must provide certain information in order to apply.  Those who are physically unable to attend this meeting should contact the County Executive’s office at 563-2320 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  This grant complies with federal regulations and will not discriminate based on race creed color national origin sex marital status or handicap.

Tennessee’s First Lady, Crissy Haslam, presented her message regarding the importance of early literacy to the charter members of the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Upper Cumberland (CRF of the UC) on September 23 during their foundation’s kickoff event. Leaders from school districts and communities throughout the Upper Cumberland came together to show support for improving early childhood reading skills. “One of the main things the governor hears when it comes to recruiting industry are concerns about the education of our workforce. Reading helps children go on to find high-quality jobs. It’s the key to everything they do in school,” said Haslam. The First Lady also emphasized the importance of parent involvement in their child’s education and encouraged parents to read to their children 20 to 30 minutes everyday.
Following the First Lady’s remarks, plaques were presented to representatives from each school district.  Among those receiving a plaque from the First Lady was       Cannon County’s Director of Schools, Barbara Parker.
The goal set by members of the CRF of the UC is that 90% of third graders in the Upper Cumberland will be reading at, or above, grade level by the 2021 school year. With that goal in mind, the foundation is partnering with the National Children’s Reading Foundation to offer free READY! For Kindergarten classes for parents and caregivers of children ages birth to 5 years. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving more information about the classes, please contact Dr. Regina Merriman, Preschool Director, at 615-563-5752.
 

 Being a teen can be difficult enough, but losing a loved one at a young age is one of the hardest things there is. Coming up in Rutherford County Oct. 17-19, the Alive Teen Retreat will give grieving youths a weekend full of new friends, support and fun. Registration for the Alive Teen Retreat will continue through today. It’s offered for teens (eighth grade through high school seniors) who have lost loved ones and will be held again this year at a beautiful lakeside camp in Rutherford County. There is a cost of $50 per participant, and financial assistance is available based on need. To register, call 615-346-8680.
The Alive Teen Retreat, a program of Alive Hospice, will bring together grieving adolescents, counselors and volunteers for a three days and two nights. They’ll make new friends as they participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that will teach them about the grieving process and coping with loss. It’s also lots of fun!
In addition to the Alive Teen Retreat, Alive Hospice offers individual counseling and grief support groups for adults, teens and children throughout the year. For more information about bereavement support, call 615-346-8680 or visit www.alivehospice.org.
 

Our first bit of frost has put a damper on the growing season. Before you know it, a killing frost will sweep thru and put an end to our summer favorites. It’s not too late to prepare for winter and stock up on some tasty treats for the winter. Make plans to drop by the Market this Saturday for a taste of Cannon County. We will also have a fresh pot of coffee brewing as well, so drop by and enjoy the season. For those looking for locally grown farm fresh fruits and vegetables, drop by the Cannon County Farmers Market this Saturday for a great selection of fruits, vegetables and baked good including; decorative gourds, butternut, peppers (Anaheim, bell, banana, Poblano, cayenne, jalapeno, sweet banana), okra, potatoes (sweet, Yukon, red Pontiac, cobblers and Kennebec), squash (zucchini, butternut, patty pan and yellow), sweet corn, tomatoes (red, yellow and green), turnips, watermelons. Irene Hollis has a great selection of homemade fried pies and assortment of jams, jellies and baked goods. Harold and Thurman will have Tennessee grown apples also available. If you need a few items to decorate this fall, a great start is gourds, decorative flags and door stops found at the Cannon County Farmers Market.
The Cannon County Farmers Market is located in the Farmers Pavilion at the Cannon County Arts Center (1424 John Bragg Hwy, Woodbury, TN 37190)  every Saturday beginning at 6:00 A.M. Our producers are proud to offer locally grown farm fresh produce. Most Saturdays the market is open until noon or until the farm fresh fruits and vegetables have been sold.
If you need more information concerning the market or would like to become a vendor, contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County Extension Office (563-2554), bsteelman@utk.edu or Cannoncountyfarmersmarket.com.  

Charlie Harrell, Commander, of the Hilton Stone American Legion Post 279 in Woodbury, recognized and honored, the outstanding employees of the City of Woodbury, at the Town of Woodbury Mayor and Aldermen’s monthly meeting at the Nolan Dude Northcutt Building formerly known as City Hall John House was honored as the Outstanding Policeman for the City of Woodbury 2014.  Joe
Loftus was honored as the Outstanding Fireman for the City of Woodbury 2014.  Perry Stone was honored as the Outstanding Employee of the City of Woodbury 2014.  All three of the Honorees
received a Certificate of  Service and a trophy from the American Legion Post 279 in appreciation for their outstanding services to the Citizens of the City of Woodbury.
The American Legion post wishes to express that it is a great honor for the Post to work with
the City of Woodbury and Cannon County to pay tribute to the Outstanding Employees.

A tour of the Reading Safari Bus and a presentation about the Homework Hotline highlight Thursday night’s meeting of the Cannon County Board Of Education.  Other items on the agenda Regina Merriman will address the Board concerning the adoption of the Reading Initiative Goal.  Bonnie Patterson will address the Board concerning a new safety plan.  Approve Pest Control Bids, Fire Extinguisher Bids and approve bids for the Cannon County High School football field lighting.  The Board will also discuss a proposal submitted by Arts Center of Cannon County Director Neal Appelbaum.  The meeting will take place Thursday night at the Woodbury Grammar School Cafeteria at 6:30.