News 2014

Residents of Tennessee may soon add a new verb to their vocabulary – ‘geek.’ Public libraries across the state – more than 170 so far – are participating in Geek the Library, a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of properly funding libraries. The campaign highlights what people are passionate about and how libraries can provide resources to support their pursuits.
Geek the Library features local educational material that introduces ‘geek’ as a verb, and encourages the public to talk about what they ‘geek’- whether it’s engineering, superheroes, art or other subjects. The public awareness campaign illustrates the fact that everyone is passionate about something (i.e., everyone ‘geeks’ something) and that the public library has books and other materials about all of those different interests.
“This campaign is designed to provoke conversation about the vital role that public libraries and librarians play in our lives,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “No matter what your interests are, you can learn more about them at your local library.”
The campaign features advertising, social networking elements, a website and grassroots community initiatives to draw attention to the need for increased library support. The website, www.geekthelibrary.org, provides information about how people can get active and support their local libraries.
Tennessee libraries will be holding various activities in their communities to promote the campaign. Librarians will be speaking at public meetings, attending local fairs and other civic events, hosting storytelling contests and taking other steps to raise awareness.
 

For the second day in a row, the Cannon County Schools are closed today due to the frigid temperatures and icy conditions.  Those who have reported to WBRY news other cancellations include Dekalb County Schools, Coffee County, Wilson County Schools, Rutherford County Schools, and Warren County Schools are all closed. Murfreesboro City Schools, Manchester City Schools, Temple School of Manchester The Cannon County Board of Education workshop which has been scheduled for tonight at the Central offices have been cancelled, however the Board of Education meeting set for Thursday night will still go on as planned.  All Motlow State Community College campus sites which had been closed early yesterday will reopen at 10 this morning.  The Cannon County UT Extension office will open at 10 this morning.  All Cannon County Libraries are closed today  

The Cannon County Senior Center is closed today. The Cannon County Libraries are also closed today
 
The following school systems in our listening area have announced they are closed due to the weather:  Cannon County Schools, Coffee County Schools Warren County Schools Dekalb County Schools, Rutherford County Schools, Murfreesboro City Schools, Wilson County Schools and Franklin Road Christian School in Murfreesboro.  Other announcements will be ongoing throughout the day, please tune in to WBRY AM-1540/FM 96.7, online at wbry.com or on our Facebook WBRY for the latest announcements

A traffic stop in Woodbury recently resulted in a man getting arrested for DUI after he claimed he was lost in the town of Woodbury.  According to Cannon County Sheriff’s reports Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hainey was traveling on South McCrary Street when a sedan suddenly appeared behind him and followed him too closely.  After the vehicle went around the Deputy, a traffic stop was initiated.  The driver of the vehicle Mr. Tory Bryant told Deputy Hainey that he was lost in Woodbury and had been driving around for an hour trying to find his way back to his girlfriend.  The girlfriend was allegedly inebriated and had asked him to pick up some items from the Quick Shop.  Deputy Hainey noticed an empty bottle of tequila sitting in the sedan. Bryant told Deputy Hainey that he was the designated driver for the evening and hadn’t had anything to drink himself but when questioned about his girlfriend he couldn’t remember her name.  After asking him for vehicle registration and proof of insurance, Bryant produced two purses neither of which belonged to him.  After looking through the purses, Deputy Hainey found the registration of the vehicle belonged to one of the owners.  The purses were confiscated and the Deputy was about to escort him to what they believed to be the apartments that the ladies were at when Bryant almost hit the patrol car with his car on two different instances.  At that point a field sobriety test was run on Bryant in which he failed.  After searching the car, a cup of Coke mixed with either tequila or rum was found.  The owner of the vehicle eventually caught up with Bryant and the Deputies and signed a statement claiming that Mr. Bryant had taken her vehicle without her consent.  Mr. Bryant was transported to the Cannon County Jail where he was charged with DUI, Implied Consent and Joyriding.  

Happy New Year to everyone!  May 2014 bring all of you only good things!  We are getting ready for our exciting visit from the team from the Tennessee State Library and Archives on January 24th at the Adams Memorial Library.  The team will be doing digital imaging of original documents, photographs, and memorabilia from the Civil War. All materials will be returned to the owner that day. If you would like to participate, you need to make an appointment with the team by contacting them at 615-253-3470 or online at http://www.tn.gov/tsla/cwtn. 
We will not be having story time at either location on January 8th, or 9th.  Please join us for our regular preschool story times at the Auburntown Branch Library on Wednesday, January 15th, at 10a.m. and at Adams Memorial Library in Woodbury on January 16th at 10:30 a.m.
 
For any of you who received new e-readers for Christmas, remember that there are plenty of FREE downloadable books available on the READS website which you can access from the library homepage at www.cannoncolibrary.org.  This service is funded by your tax dollars at work.

In an effort to enhance the state’s agricultural industry and to increase farmers’ capacity to produce, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is encouraging producers to take advantage of new continuing education opportunities now offered by the University of Tennessee Extension.“Agricultural leaders recently unveiled a strategic plan to grow and develop our industry over the next decade,” Agriculture Commission Julius Johnson said.  “Education and research were recognized as key components for helping us achieve our goals, and these continuing education opportunities will be important for producers to maximize efficiency in their operations and to increase farm profitability.” 
Beginning in 2015, producers who wish to qualify for 50 percent cost share funding through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program may need to participate in UT advanced continuing education opportunities by certain TAEP reimbursement deadlines. This gives producers nearly two years to complete the new continuing education opportunities. For the 2014 application period, any Master producer certificates received prior to 2015 will still qualify for 50 percent cost share.
A schedule detailing current certification expiration dates and renewal deadlines, by program, is available at www.tn.gov/taep under Master Certification Information in the TAEP News section. Class offerings for 2014 were recently announced by UT Extension and are posted at utextension.tennessee.edu.
All current Tennessee Quality Milk certificates will expire May 1, 2015, so all dairy producers wishing to qualify for TAEP funds in 2015 will need to become certified as a Master Dairy Producer before Dec. 1, 2015.
Once all current certificates expire, producers will need to participate in continuing education programs every three years with the exception of dairy, which is an annual certification based on fewer class hours each year. Applications for 2014 TAEP cost share programs are expected to be available in April.
TAEP was established in 2005 by the Tennessee General Assembly and has been fully funded by Gov. Bill Haslam through a portion of the state’s cigarette sales tax. The program is administered by TDA to assist qualifying producers with cost share funds of up to 50 percent on farm improvement projects to increase efficiency and farm income. A UT study shows that for every TAEP dollar invested nearly $4 is generated in additional economic activity in local communities.
For more information, visit www.tn.gov/taep or call the TAEP general information line at 1-800-342-8206.

Farm School and Cow College Meetings Planned 
                University of Tennessee Extension, meeting sponsors and partners are proud to announce the 1st annual “Cow College” which is a combined effort of Warren, Cannon, and DeKalb County Extension and Warren and Cannon County Cattlemen’s associations.
 Session 1 – Thursday, Jan. 9th Forage Testing… Does it matter? Results of forage tests taken from Warren, Cannon and Dekalb Counties will be discussed. Specialists from TN Farmer’s Coop and UT Soil and Plant lab will be on hand to discuss forage testing and interpreting results. Woodbury Lions Club Bldg. (612 Lehman Street, Woodbury TN 37190) Sponsored By Rutherford Farmers Coop
 Session 2 – Monday Feb. 3rd: Minerals and mineral requirements for the beef herd. Mr. Dale Bryson, Tennessee Farmer’s Cooperative. Location: Warren County Administrative Bldg. (201 Locust St. McMinnville, TN) Warren Co. Farm Bureau and General Equipment
 Session 3 – Thursday, Feb. 6th: Maximizing fescue in pasture and hay fields. Location: TSU Nursery Research Center (TSU Nursery Research Station, 421 Cadillac Lane, McMinnville) Sponsored by Cannon and Warren County Cattlemen’s Association
 Session 4 – Thursday, Feb. 20th: Marketing to Maximize Profit & Mid State Producers Annual Meeting, Dr. Andrew Griffith – Woodbury Lions Club Bldg. (612 Lehman Street, Woodbury TN 37190)
 Session 5 – Thursday Feb. 27th: Reproductive Management. Dr. Justin Rhinehart will be on hand to discuss estrus synchronization, reproductive anatomy and new and innovative techniques in A.I. We plan to have “hands on” activities as well as specimens for producers to get a better understanding of the bovine reproductive anatomy. Location: Woodbury Lions Club, 612 Lehman (Street, Woodbury, TN) Sponsored by Cannon County Farm Bureau                                                                           
 Session 6 – Monday March 3rd: Pasture weed identification and management. Dr. Neil Rhodes will be on hand to discuss new and innovative strategies for weed control in our pastures. Location Warren County Administrative Bldg. (201 Locust St. McMinnville, TN) Warren Co. Farm Bureau and General Equipment
 
This program, like all UT Extension programs, is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status. All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. at their respective locations. Please call Cannon County Extension to register for planning purposes.
 
 Middle Tennessee Grain Conference Planned for January 30th
The ninth annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference set for Thursday, January 30, at Coffee County’s Fairground in Manchester offers farmers insight to a number of emerging corn, soybean, and wheat production concerns. The conference is scheduled to get underway with registration beginning at 7:30 am. Registration is twenty dollars at the door or farmers can pre-register for five dollars by Noon, Monday, January 27 through their local UT/TSU Extension office. Registration fees include the program and materials, refreshments, lunch, a copy of the conference proceedings, and a grain conference cap.
            A trade show of various seed, chemical and equipment dealers will begin at 8:00 am followed by a slate of speakers addressing current production topics for corn, wheat and soybeans beginning at 9:00 am. Production topics for the upcoming conference include soil health, palmer pigweed management, Dicamba tolerant soybean issues, crop fungicide timing, grain market outlook, present and future precision agriculture technology. Lunch will be served on site.
            “Maximum Soybean Yields through Inputs” is the topic of this year’s keynote speaker Dr. Chad Lee.  Dr. Lee, a professor of Agronomy in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Kentucky, is involved with the United Soybean Board’s Kitchen Sink Project. 
            At the conclusion of the conference, participants can re-certify their private pesticide applicator certification needed to purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides. The training cost $15.00 to be paid at the time of the training by cash or checks payable to UT Extension. The training will take approximately one-hour.
 
 
Additional upcoming events;TN Horticulture Expo- Music City Sheraton, Nashville Jan. 30th-31st. www.tnthe.com.
 Tennessee 4-H Market Hog Show- January 21st and 22nd. Tennessee Livestock Center, Murfreesboro.
 National Cattleman’s Association Meeting- Feb. 4th through 7th Gaylord Opryland Hotel. www.beef.org.
 Breeding Soundness Exams Scheduled
 
The Soundness Exam will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Woodbury Livestock Market. The exam will include vaccinations, deworming, physical examination, semen check by Dr. Mandy Willis, Large Animal Vet.. The event is sponsored by Pfizer, Cannon County Farmer’s Co-op, Woodbury Livestock Market, Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association and UT Extension (Cannon/Coffee /Warren).
The entire exam will be performed at a cost of $40.00/bull. Jennie Schutte, Territory Manager for Pfizer, will deworm and vaccinate those bulls participating in the breeding soundness exam.
 
If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please call Dr. Willis to schedule an appointment to bring bulls in for testing. (931-409-3178)
 Artificial Insemination Certification Workshops
 
Two workshops have been scheduled to obtain artificial insemination certification. These classes are a partnership of the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, the University of Tennessee Department of Animal Science, and Southeast Select Sires. Two classes have been scheduled for March 25th  thru 26th or April 22nd thru 23rd.  
 The certificaiton class is held at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center – 1000 Main Entrance Drive, Spring Hill, TN 37174.  For more information to register, contact the Cannon County Extension office or visit our website http://utbfc.utk.edu/Beef-Artificial%20Insemination%20Certification.html.

Tangerine Salon and Spa has been named for the second year in a row one of the top 200 salons in the nation. The coveted 2014 Salon Today Top 200 placement was awarded to Tangerine in the category of Philanthropy based largley on their commitment and creation of the United We Style fashion show which benefits the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.
Tangerine Salon and Spa owners Jim, Mark and Donna McCarrall have held philanthropy in high regard since they frst opened their doors in 2000. They consistently contribute services to various local charities
and organizations; volunteer hair, nail and massage services to the Domestic Violence Center and the Hospice Terminal Patient Program; sponsor Friends of the Greenway Arts Festival, Murfreesboro Studio Art Tour and various children’s sports teams. Their employees also take it upon themselves to participate
as teams in fundraisers such as the Special Kids 5K Run, Girls Scout Troops and the Wounded Warrior Project Golf Tournament.
There was a reoccurring request in 2011 among Tangerine employees to put on a fashion. This interest fueled with the exuberance of salon guest and United Way board member, Tracy Toy, led to the creation of United We Style. The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties is a non-proft organization whose mission is to improve lives by advancing opportunities for education, health and financial stability for all.
Funds raised for The United Way of RCC stay devoted to local causes ranging from disaster relief, women’s initiatives, housing, and educational programs. Jim McCarrall was motivated to partner with the United Way because “Tangerine has always realized it’s potential for being a positive impact leader in the
community, and a partnership with the United Way seemed a natural ft for this grand scale fundraising event.”
Kara Kemp, Salon Coordinator (creatively titled The Ringmaster), response to the award, “United We Style was a team-building opportunity which helped each team member gain a sharper perspective of the power
and potential they possess. The tender hearts of our staff shine brightly in this event as well as with each outreach program they participate in. It is humbling to witness their compassion and strength of character. I recognize it as a powerful tool for team growth that has originated from a simple need in our community. Each team member has answered the call in their own creative way and we have seen how it
changes the fabric of their lives forever. Tangerine would not possess the same zest and constitution were it not for our charitable activities, and we will continue to hold strong to that devotion and lift each other up along the way.”
Tangerine’s third annual United We Style is set for April 5, 2014 at 6:30 PM located at The Gateway Village 820 N Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro. United We Style is currently accepting submissions for the GRAND MAKEOVER WINNER, a chance for an outstanding
individual in our community to receive pampering and a total new look to be spotlighted at the fashion show in April! They are accepting application submissions for local designers and models who wish to participate in the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Any inquiries may be made to Kara Kemp at info@tangerinetn.com. Applications can be accessed via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWeStyle.

The Motlow College Smyrna Center will host its annual College Goal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) event on Jan. 11, 2014 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Last year 66 students, along with their parents, participated in the College Goal event. “Completing the FAFSA is the very first step that all college students need to take if they wish to receive financial aid for college,” said Jonathan Graham, student success coordinator at the Smyrna Center
“This event is open to the public and is designed to benefit all high school seniors regardless of where they decide to attend college,” added Graham.
To reserve a seat for the event, please contact Jonathan Graham by phone at 615-220-7839 or via email at jgraham@mscc.edu.
For more information, call 931-393-1500 or 800-654-4877. – See more at: http://www.mscc.edu/news/121813SmyrnaCollegeGoal.aspx#sthash.SB36EjTZ.dpuf

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has received notification from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Tennessee that the application period has been extended for agricultural and non-industrial private forestland program for technical and financial assistance. The original cutoff date had been Dec. 20, 2013 and has been changed to Jan. 17, 2014.Producers are encouraged to sign up throughout the year. This signup cutoff date is for the first evaluation funding consideration.  Pending the availability of funds, additional evaluation periods may occur. Cutoff dates will be posted on the Tennessee website at http://www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/.  The signup cutoff deadline applies to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and EQIP National Initiatives and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and WHIP National Initiatives.  
“When landowners take part in conservation cost share programs, the funds filter through the community, and the initial investment rolls over several times, benefitting the whole area,” said Kevin Brown, Tennessee NRCS State Conservationist. The funds from both EQIP and WHIP help farmers improve the natural resources on private working lands in Tennessee. Conservation practices help the environment while also making the land more productive by addressing issues like water quantity, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and soil health.
Eligible producers with a conservation plan for their operation receive priority for financial assistance. NRCS staff is available to help producers create conservation plans.  Only projects that are “ready to implement” will be ranked for funding.  Applications can be submitted anytime throughout the year.
NRCS’s conservation programs address resource concerns such as soil erosion, soil health, irrigation efficiency, impaired water quality, and fragmented wildlife habitat.  EQIP, one of NRCS’s largest conservation programs, helps eligible producers plan and implement conservation practices that provide opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, energy, air, and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland.
The TWRA has four private lands biologists that work out of NRCS offices and will develop wildlife habitat plans for landowners and guide them through the USDA application process.  Once plans are accepted in programs, the biologists will also provide advice to help the participants successfully implement their habitat practices.  Their assistance is also available to landowners that do not desire to participate in USDA programs.
Contact information for the TWRA biologists, USDA offices, and information on USDA programs can be found at www.twraprivatelands.org , by contacting their local USDA Service Center, or by calling the TWRA Wildlife and Forestry Division at (615) 781-6610.
More information about WHIP and EQIP and other NRCS programs can be found at  http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs.