News 2016

If you happen to drive by the Tennessee State Capitol tonight, you will see the top of the building illuminated in a bright shade of blue as a tribute to the fallen police officers in Dallas, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I’m grateful to see our state offering this simple but meaningful gesture. We must return to a culture that honors the sacrifices of our heroes in blue and that does not allow the indefensible actions of a handful of a small few to taint the honorable and vitally important work of our police force as a whole.
While Tennessee honors our heroes in blue, too often they have not received the same support from our nation’s President. Earlier this year, for example, President Obama brought leaders from the “Black Lives Matter” movement to the White House, and praised their “outstanding work.” While we should all advocate for the equal and unbiased treatment of suspects and victims by law enforcement, the truth is that the Black Lives Matter movement has hurled despicable insults at police, incited acts of violence, and they even condemned the phrase “all lives matter.”  By legitimizing this organization with an invitation to a private meeting at the People’s House, President Obama turned a cold shoulder to law enforcement personnel across this country. 
When I reflect on the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every single day to protect our communities, I am filled with gratitude and respect. My thoughts turn to people like the late Sumner County Sheriff Bob Barker, a longtime family friend and beloved public servant, and people like former Cumberland County Sheriff Butch Burgess, who started the Upper Cumberland’s “House of Hope” program for children in need, and also passed away earlier this year. While Bob and Butch are special to all who knew them, we must remember that, overwhelmingly, the men and women of our police force are much like them – dedicated and compassionate servant-leaders who deserve our thanks. During these trying times, we must reject the irresponsible and hateful anti-police rhetoric that dishonors their work. 
Recently, the House of Representatives worked to equip police forces with the tools they need by passing S. 125, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act, life-saving legislation that reauthorizes grants to provide bulletproof vests to local law enforcement officers. In addition, I have continued to champion anti-sanctuary city legislation that gives law enforcement the authority they need to ensure the safety and security of American citizens. My bill, H.R. 5654, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, includes an important provision to shift legal liability in matters of detaining criminal illegal aliens from the local police force to the federal government. In other words, if federal immigration officials ask a police officer to hold an illegal immigrant for questioning, my bill ensures police are able to comply without fear of being sued. 
As our country begins to heal, our prayers remain with these communities impacted by anti-police violence. We must affirm today and every day that “blue lives matter” and, indeed, all lives matter in the eyes of our Creator and in the words of our Constitution, which guarantees “the equal protection of the laws.”

The Woodbury Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter of Cannon County was presented with the Outstanding Officer Team Award at Camp Clements on July 1, 2016. More than 200 students, advisors and guests attended what was the fourth of seven weeks of Leadership Training Camp offered to the Tennessee FFA membership.
 
Chapter officer teams must be active in officer classes, specialty classes, have a representative elected to Camp Council, and have a large sum of their members qualify for the gold leadership award to be considered for the Outstanding Officer Team Award.
 
This week, the Woodbury FFA chapter took home several honors including: Camp Council Vice President, Jacob Williams; first place in Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Emily Nave; first place in Quiz Contest, Emily Nave; and second place in Quiz Bowl, Jacob Williams, Hannah Haley, Bradly Vickers and Emily Nave.
 
The Woodbury FFA officers are: President, Jacob Williams; Secretaries, Katee Barrett and McClain Bell; Vice Presidents, Zach Melton, Colton Richardson, Bradly Vickers, Dale Thompson, Andrew Young, Hannah Haley, Makayla Underhill, Emily Nave and Bryson Bell. The chapter’s advisors are Jessica Lance and Courtney Nichols.
 
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Nationally, there are 629,367 FFA members, aged 12-21. The Tennessee FFA Association is comprised of 14,084 members from 214 high school chapters, 7 middle school chapters, and 8 collegiate chapters across the state of Tennessee. To learn more about FFA visit www.tnffa.org.
 

Cruise-in On the Square in Woodbury, 4 to 7:30 pm, all cars, trucks & motorcycles welcome, free admission to everyone. Enjoy, music, 50/50 drawings, door prizes, concession and more. Driver of the month is sponsored by Purrfectly Pawlished Pet Salon owned by award winning pet groomer, Angela Tate Mullinax. Contact John Barker at 615-542-4065 or Carolyn Motley at 615-563-2222 for info.
Farmers Market is open at the Pavilion at the Arts Center every Saturday beginning at 6:30 am. Call Bruce Steelman at 615-563-2554 for info.
 

Healthy Tennessee, a non-profit organization founded by Vanderbilt Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Manny Sethi, is partnering with Murfreesboro-based TwelveStone Health Partners to provide a free health fair for First Responders, Military Personnel and  area residents this Saturday, July 23rd at the Smyrna Event Center 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East in Smyrna, Tennessee from 10am to 12pm.  
“For over four years we’ve hosted free health fairs all across Tennessee and we couldn’t be more proud to have this opportunity to honor First Responders such as Firemen, Police, EMT’s and our Military Personnel”, stated Dr. Sethi.
Some of the free health screenings for all ages include blood pressure checks, BMI (body mass index), blood sugar screenings, eye exams, well-child checks, allergy screenings, hearing exams, foot screenings and diabetes risk assessments.  There will also be several local health focused vendors on-site, including gyms, massage therapists, skin care companies, etc. For more information please contact Christian Hidalgo at 615-898-1496 or visit http://www.myhealthytennessee.com

Motlow State Community College will administer the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET™) several times throughout the remainder of 2016. Test locations will be in Winchester and on the Motlow State Fayetteville, Smyrna and Moore County campuses.
A high school diploma remains the primary ticket to many entry-level jobs. In most cases, it is also the prerequisite for advancement in employment, occupational training, and postsecondary education. The High School Equivalency Diploma provides adults with the opportunity to grow, whether it is through further education, enhanced employment or stature within the community.
As of April 1, 2016, the General Education Development (GED) test is no longer an option for the High School Equivalency Diploma for residents of Tennessee. The HiSET is the only option for residents of Tennessee who wish to obtain their High School Equivalency Diploma.
Applicants interested in completing the HiSET must register online at Hiset.ets.org or by calling 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4739).
The fee for the HiSET is $15 per test or $75 for the entire test, and is available in both computer and paper-based format. Applicants should contact the Service Delivery Area (SDA), formerly the Adult Education Center, in their community for information on preparation classes for the tests and vouchers to take the test.
Applicants must complete the online registration form and bring a notarized copy of the Official Practice Test, present a government issued picture identification, confirmation letter, and an Eligibility for Enrollment Form, if applicable, to the test. For more information regarding the tests, visit the Motlow State testing website at www.mscc.edu/testing.

Woodbury Lions Club is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive today at the Woodbury Lions Club Building .
The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets, urging all eligible donors to give now to replenish an extremely low summer blood supply.
Blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations than what’s needed, as well as a significant draw down of the overall Red Cross blood supply. In addition, the Independence Day holiday may have caused many regular donors to postpone donations due to vacation plans. A recent Red Cross poll revealed that more than 75 percent of donors surveyed indicated vacation plans this summer, many of them occurring the weeks before and after July 4.
The Cannon County Comunity Wide Blood Drive has always been a reliable successful blood drive for the Red Cross.  The entire community is invited to come give the gift of life today from noon till 6 at the Woodbury Lions Club Building.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development released the results of a comprehensive study on broadband access in Tennessee earlier today, and Middle Tennessee Electric is encouraged by the report’s findings and recommendations.
The study, which examines broadband use and availability, finds that regulatory barriers in the state restrict investment and reduce competition. The report specifically mentions a state law that prevents electric cooperatives from providing retail broadband.
“The study identifies regions of the state with significant broadband needs. These are the same communities served by co-ops like Middle Tennessee Electric,” said MTEMC President and CEO Chris Jones. “Despite our unique position, Tennessee state law prevents co-ops from providing broadband access to our members. We are confident that the legislature will act on the recommendations of this study, creating an environment that encourages investment, competition and, ultimately, greater access to broadband.”
“MTEMC is committed to improving lives in the communities we serve,” Jones. “We are excited to work with the state to identify real solutions that will benefit our members.”

The Staff of the Cannon County Senior Citizens wishes to remind its members that the McMinnville Walgreens will be on hand Friday morning to make a presentation on disaster preparedness.  Members are encouraged to come by for an educational presentation and they will give you some basics to start a survival kit with.  The presentation is scheduled to start at 11:45 at the Senior Center on Lehman Street.  For more information call 615-563-5304.
 

The Adams Memorial Library is celebrating it’s 50th year of existence.  Saturday morning during the Cannon County Commission meeting, Herb Alsup of the Dr. and Mrs. J.F. Adams Memorial Association announced there’ll be an official celebration to take place later in the year. The expansion was highlighted.  Adams Memorial Library has had 4500 members until the expansion in 2012.  Since the expansion of the library, membership has now grown to 6500.  The library averages visits from 150 people a day and over 50000-80000 resources have been checked out.  Since the library opened on October 1st in 1966.  Plans are to have an official celebration on October 1st of this year.  It will take place at 11 in the morning and more will be announced as the date becomes closer.

Summer and the Summer Reading Program are coming to an end and the Adams Memorial Library will close early Thursday at 2:00 to set up for the Summer Reading Program’s final program event pool party.  The entire community is invited to the community pool from 3:30 to 6:00 Thursday afternoon to enjoy a water filled afternoon.  Hot dogs and drinks will be served for free and other snacks will be available to purchase from the pool snack stand.  
The staff also wants to remind the public that Bob Tarter the Animal Guy will be at the Adams Memorial Library this Saturday at 2:30 to showcase amazing and exotic animals, birds and reptiles.  Both programs are free and open to the public.