News 2016

Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) and Representative Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) announced Thursday that  the Tennessee House Representatives passed legislation aimed at giving rural counties in the state an economic boost. The Rural Economic Opportunity Act of 2016 passed unanimously. Representative Curtis Halford (R-Dyer) ushered the legislation through the process. Nearly three in ten Americans, and nearly half of all Tennesseans, live in a rural area or small city.
“I was proud to vote for this legislation today,” said Speaker Harwell. “Last year, I created a Task Force on Rural Economic Development, and this will greatly aid those efforts of making our rural communities more prosperous.”
The bill has two main parts. First, it implements a program called ‘Propelling Rural Economic Progress’ (PREP). This program allows grants from the PREP fund to be used to help rural counties build sites and infrastructure, making their communities more attractive to prospective companies. Second, the legislation would restructure the county tier system making it easier for businesses in rural counties to qualify for job tax credits. This, in turn, will make it easier for businesses in those counties to expand and hire new workers.
“Our rural communities are lagging behind other parts in the state economically, and this legislation will help remedy that,” said Representative Pody. “I’m proud of our elected officials coming together to aid rural counties as we all work to make the state more prosperous for all Tennesseans.”

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today applications for the Tourism Enhancement Grant are now available for counties or cities to enhance or create new tourism infrastructure to increase economic impact.

“Tourism development is economic development. In many of our communities, tourism is the most important driver in the economy,” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “With this grant, communities will be able to invest in key assets, from docks to pavilions to signage.  We will work in partnership with the Department of Tourist Development to ensure that we help communities invest wisely and in ways that will get them the maximum return on this investment.”

“During my listening tour, leaders across the state told us tourism is a top priority that drives their local economy, and communities need assistance expanding and enhancing these assets,” Assistant Commissioner of Rural Development Amy New said. “As Team Tennessee, we want to be that partner in assisting them. We are excited to partner with our stakeholders as we continue to build thriving communities throughout Tennessee.”

“Tourism development and economic development go hand in hand,” Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett said. “As the partnership between our two departments continues to grow, we have an even greater appreciation for the support TNECD is providing through opportunities like this for tourism initiatives across the state.”

The goal of the Tourism Enhancement Grant is for cities or counties to improve and create local tourism infrastructure assets, such as wayfinding signage, stages, boat ramps, scenic pull-offs and public restrooms to improve their tourism economic impact. This grant will be available for up to $50,000 with a match requirement based on economic status. The grant is also eligible for up to $20,000 for counties or cities who have a desire to develop a tourism asset plan.

All interested local governments must submit their completed applications by April 18, 2016. Applications and additional information regarding the grant can be found at tn.gov/TourismGrant.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
 

Even as Tennessee’s fire fatality rate dipped to an historic low last year, fire hazards associated with home medical oxygen tragically remains one of the Volunteer State’s leading contributing factors in fire fatalities.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to take extra care when using medical oxygen because it adds a higher percentage of oxygen to the air a patient uses to breathe. Oxygen saturates fabric-covered furniture, clothing, hair and bedding, making it easier for a fire to start and spread.

“When more oxygen is present, any fire that starts will burn hotter and faster than usual,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “It is crucial to follow safety precautions when medical oxygen is in use in a home.”

From 2010-2015 there were 34 fire fatalities in which medical oxygen was reported as present in the residence, according to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS). Seven fire fatalities involving medical oxygen occurred in Tennessee during 2015, the second highest recorded number in the state’s history (2014 was first with 9 fatalities).

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoking is the leading heat source resulting in medical oxygen-related fires, injuries and deaths.

Homes where medical oxygen is used need specific fire safety rules to protect people from fire and burns. The SFMO encourages Tennesseans to remember the following important precautions regarding home medical oxygen use:

SAFETY TIPS

    There is no safe way to smoke in the home when oxygen is in use. A patient on oxygen should not smoke.                                     
    Candles, matches, wood stoves and even sparking toys can be ignition sources and should not be used in the home.                                                           
    Keep oxygen cylinders at least five feet from heat sources, open flames or electrical devices.
    Body oil, hand lotion and items containing oil and grease can easily ignite. Keep oil and grease away from where oxygen is in use.
    Never use aerosol sprays – especially those whose cans indicate flammable contents – near the oxygen.
    Post “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs in and outside the home to remind people not to smoke.
    Ensure smoke alarms are working by testing them monthly and replacing any smoke that is 10 years old or older.
    Plan a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place. Practice the plan with every member of your household.
 

With spring drawing near, Tennesseans are taking advantage of the mild weather to work around the home or farm. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry wants to remind citizens that if they plan to burn outdoors, a burn permit is required.

“With two of the past three years experiencing record low fire numbers, we hope to see a continuation of that trend,” State Forester Jere Jeter said. “But we need our citizens’ help. Burning leaves and brush that have accumulated around the yard or using fire to clear an old field is an efficient way to get rid of vegetation. However, it is very important that citizens practice safe outdoor burning. Requiring a burn permit is our way of making the public aware of those recommendations and helping them know when, where, and how to safely burn.”

The free burn permits are required by law until May 15, unless otherwise covered by local ordinances. Residents should check with their city and county government for any local requirements or restrictions.

Permits can be obtained online for burning of leaf and brush piles measuring less than 8 feet by 8 feet in area. The online system also provides permit access during weekend and evening hours. Access the system by visiting Burn Safe TN. The website is a good source of information for safe debris burning practices and fire prevention tips, including how to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.

The permits can also be obtained by calling your local Division of Forestry office at 615-765-7373 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Permits are typically valid for 24 hours and can be issued for weekend burning. Phone numbers for each office can be found in the state government section of your local phone book, or by visiting Burn Safe TN.

More than 387,000 permits were issued last year for outdoor burning of brush and leaves, untreated wood waste, and burning to clear land. The volume of requests on any given day can be high, so the Division asks residents to exercise patience if they experience delay in reaching a permit writer. The online system is most effective obtaining a permit for a small debris burn.

Once a burn permit is obtained, debris burners should practice common sense.

* Establish a control line around the fire, down to bare soil before conducting the burn.
* Notify neighbors and local fire departments in advance as a courtesy.
* Have tools on hand such as a leaf rake and garden hose or bucket of water to help control fire that escapes.
* Watch for changing weather conditions as winds can blow the fire in the wrong direction.
* Always stay with your fire until it is completely out. It is illegal to leave an open fire unattended.

Despite the low number of fires in 2015, escaped debris burns were still the leading cause of wildfires in Tennessee, accounting for 251 fires that burned more than 1,900 acres. The Division’s burn permit system has dramatically helped reduce the number of escaped burns since the program began in 1995. Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $50.

Wildfires caused by arson were the second leading cause of wildfires last year, but damaged the most acreage, burning nearly 5,600 acres. Wildland arson is a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1-800-762-3017.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/38482#sthash.eoBjke5e.dpuf

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture will soon accept applications for the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The application period is April 15 until May 6. With that time being relatively brief, participants are encouraged to plan project details before the application period begins.

TDA Assistant Commissioner for Market Development Ed Harlan advises eligible individuals and organizations to prepare proposals in advance, using the 2016 project template. That template and information required to apply are available here.

“Specialty crop block grants can take established operations from good to great,” Harlan said. “Competitive projects will have the potential to benefit our rural communities and the citizens of Tennessee.”

The USDA grants are authorized through the federal Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 and are administered by TDA. The SCBG funds are granted to enhance production and competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, floriculture and other nursery crops.

Universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, and industry or community-based organizations may submit a proposal for funding. The program aims to support projects that directly affect multiple Tennessee producers and have a positive, long-lasting impact on Tennessee agriculture. All recipients must be recognized by the IRS.

Proposals are reviewed and ranked according to criteria provided on the website. Applicants will be notified by June 13 whether TDA intends to present their projects to the USDA. First-time recipients have a funding limit of $25,000.

For more information about the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, email tn.scbg@tn.gov.

A couple of fund raising benefits,  a celebration on the square and music night highlight the weekends events in Cannon County.  Today on the square between 3-5 this afternoon, the UT Extension office will be hosting a celebration on the square.  The public is invited to come out and participate.  There will be several door prizes to be awarded.  Games, Food and more.  For more information about the activity this afternoon please call the Cannon County UT Extension Center at 563-2554.  Music Night is tonight at the Cannon County Senior Center.  The guest musicians are the Gilley Brothers.  Admission is $5.  Music Night starts at 6:00 tonight.  For more information contact the Cannon County Senior Center at 615-563-5304
Saturday is the first of two benefits over the weekend.  
West Side Community and School announces a Benefit Soup Dinner for Drew Corley taking place at the West Side School on Saturday March 19th from 2 to 6P  $7.00 for soup, side item, drink and dessert.  Drew is a junior at Cannon County High School.  The son of Donald and Rose Mary Corley and is battling cancer at this time and currently receiving radiation treatments.  For more information call Bobbi or Kathy at West Side School at 563-4482.  The School is located at 3714 Murfreesboro Road in Readyville.
Sunday is the benefit shower for Bill and Linda McPeak whose home burned in January.  The Benefit will take place at the Cannon County Senior Center 609 Lehman Street from 3 to 5.  The McPeaks lost everything in the fire.  All donations appreciated.  
Todays the last day to make reservations for the 15th annual Waterfall Tour organized by the Friends of the Edgar Evans State Park.  The Tour will have stops at  Old Stone Fort State Park, Cascade Hollow Falls near the George Dickel Distillery and Rutledge Falls.  Participants will eat lunch at the Farmers Market Family Buffet in Manchester.  
Expect short walks on uneven ground.  Cost is $15 per person, plus lunch.  Reservations are required.  Please call the park office at 931-858-2114 for more information.
 

On Saturday, March 19, any Tennessee resident may bring his or her household hazardous waste to Big Springs Parking Lot at 108 Lane Parkway in Shelbyville from 8 a.m. until noon. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Diane Forbes at (931) 684-4651.
HHW material is considered flammable, toxic, reactive and/or corrosive and should not be placed with regular garbage. Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals and paint thinner.  Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, medical waste and any empty containers.

While household waste may be disposed for free, there is a cost for disposal of Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Waste (i.e. wastes from non-household sources such as businesses, schools, farms, churches, etc.).  An appointment is also necessary.  Call (615) 643-3170 to request a price quote and schedule an appointment.

When transporting materials to the site, place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper to prevent spills and cross-contamination in the trunk of a car or back of a truck. Be sure to keep materials away from children and pets.  Materials should be kept in the original containers whenever possible.  If not, place each waste in a separate plastic container with a secure lid and label its contents.  

For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call 1-800-287-9013

The Cannon County Community Red Cross Blood Drive which is hosted bi-monthly by the Woodbury Lions Club is today from noon to 6

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross invites individuals to become everyday
heroes by giving blood.

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by every U.S. president since 1943. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities, helping to prepare for and bringing help and hope after emergencies.

For more than 30 years, blood donor Sherri Kay has been helping the Red Cross fulfill its lifesaving mission. “Knowing that I help to save lives and make a difference through the Red Cross is one of the most significant things that I do,” she said.

Heroes of all blood types are needed to ensure a sufficient blood supply this spring. The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Come be a hero today by donating blood from noon to 6 at the Woodbury Lions Club Building on the corner of West Adams and Lehman Street.

The Hilton Stone American Legion Post 279 is having an “OLD FASHION
POT LUCK DINNER” Tonight , at the Senior Citizens
Center, at 5:30PM.  The Post 279 meeting follows dinner at 6:30pm.
Participants are encouraged to bring input ideas and share with us what we can do better
for our Community, our Youth, and our Veterans

Several Cannon County athletes participated in the Tennessee Special Olympic basketball clinic and floorball clinic. held at David Lipscomb Academy High School.  This clinic was open to athletes from all over the state and helped athletes learn the fundamental skills needed to participate on a basketball or floorball team in the future.
Athletes are: Victor Cook, Matthew Martin, Nate McKee, James Wheeler
Peer buddies: Ian DeArmond, Rudy DeArmond, Taylor DeArmond, James Martin, Sarah Wheeler