News 2016

MTSU’s School of Music continues its new Keyboard Artist Series Tuesday, Jan. 19, with a special free performance by School of Music professor Arunesh Nadgir in the university’s Wright Music Building.
Nadgir’s 8 p.m. free public concert, the fourth in the series, will be conducted inside the Wright Building’s Hinton Music Hall.
The coordinator of keyboard studies for MTSU’s renowned School of Music will perform “Sonata in E major” by Joseph Haydn, “Kreisleriana” by Robert Schumann, “Rain Tree Sketch II“ by Toru Takemitsu and “Sonata No. 3 in F sharp minor” by Alexander Scriabin.
“The Haydn E major sonata is very charming and sweet,” Nadgir explained. “Although the second movement has a more inward character, the outer movements are very light and carefree.”
Calling the Schumann piece “one of the great monumental achievements of the Romantic period” and the Takemitsu composition “a hauntingly beautiful work,” the professor added that each movement of Scriabin’s sonata, which the musician titled “States of the Soul,” “provides a glimpse into the human spirit.”
Nadgir has performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician in the United States, South America, Europe and Asia, in venues that include the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, and has participated in several international music events.
Nadgir, who’s taught piano students since he was 17, was a member of the faculties at the New England Conservatory Preparatory in Massachusetts, the Eastman School of Music in New York and the Palisades School of Music in New Jersey before joining MTSU’s School of Music.
He’s been featured in live broadcasts on Nashville’s public radio station, WPLN, and New York City’s flagship public radio station, WNYC, and his recent local performances have included concerts with the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra, the Stones River Chamber Players and the Grammy-nominated ALIAS Chamber Ensemble.
For more information on the new Keyboard Artist Series at MTSU, which features MTSU faculty and distinguished guest artists from around the world, visit www.mtsu.edu/music/keyboardseries.php.
For details on more MTSU School of Music concerts, call 615-898-2493
 

 The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced the number of traffic fatalities in 2015 is the third lowest annual figure in Tennessee since 1963. The 2015 traffic fatality numbers are reported by all Tennessee law enforcement agencies to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
Preliminary figures indicate there were 965 vehicular deaths on Tennessee roadways in 2015. In 1963, there were 941 deaths. The 2015 fatality number includes 112 pedestrians and 10 pedal cyclists.
From 1964 to 2010, Tennessee averaged 1,234 deaths on roadways. Over the 46 year period, 1973 was the most tragic year, totaling 1,444 traffic deaths. From 2011 to 2015 under Governor Bill Haslam’s administration, the five year annual traffic fatality average has been 971, with those five years making up five of the six lowest years since 1963.
Nationwide preliminary figures indicate an increase of about 15 percent in 2015 compared to 2014.
“We are making great strides in reducing traffic fatalities with our data driven enforcement initiatives, public awareness efforts, and special programs,” Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “Our top goal continues to be the reduction of traffic fatalities. We are committed to enforcing our traffic laws and saving lives.”
THP Colonel Tracy Trott said state troopers’ commitment to enforcing DUI, seat belt, and distracted driving traffic laws is producing results. State troopers arrested 7,805 individuals on suspicion of DUI in 2015 and cited 114,047 individuals for not wearing their seat belts. Subsequently, there was a 20.9 percent drop in alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2015 in Tennessee and a 3 percent drop in the percent of fatalities involving unrestrained motorists compared to 2014.
“Our focus and commitment to traffic enforcement and citicens’ safety are making a difference in Tennessee,” Trott said. “We are making great progress in reducing fatal incidents on Tennessee roadways, but we know there is more work needing to be done, and we are even more committed to citizens’ safety than ever before. We encourage Tennesseans to make safe choices. Buckle up, don’t drive impaired and don’t text while driving because we care.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam last Wednesday announced “Tennessee Reconnect + Complete,” a Drive to 55 initiative focused on encouraging Tennessee adults with some college credit to return to college and complete their degree.
According to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), approximately 940,000 Tennessee adults have enrolled in a postsecondary institution in the state and achieved some college credit but left before obtaining a degree or credential. Of those, nearly 110,000 Tennesseans have earned more than half the credit hours toward a degree during the past nine years, with 25,000 likely to have enough credits to graduate in only one additional semester.
“Between working full time, taking care of kids and paying the bills, going back to college can often seem like an unrealistic option for many Tennessee adults,” Haslam said. “We’ve challenged our universities, community and technical colleges to work even harder at finding new ways to assist busy adults, particularly those who left before graduating, to come back to school and achieve their dreams of getting a college degree or certificate.
“Data shows us that when adult students re-enter higher education they do very well, so it’s crucial that we find a way to help more of them succeed. It’s not only important to them but also to our employers and to our state.”
The Tennessee Reconnect + Complete initiative includes:
Comprehensive training for college and university leaders on best practices to serve adult students.
A targeted advertising and outreach campaign to reconnect with interested adults and help them return to school. (To view examples, please see video above and click here.)
A one-stop shop website, www.TNReconnect.gov, to assist adult students in connecting with the right college, finding financial assistance and utilizing prior learning experience to receive college credit.
“Taking that first step to find out how to reconnect and explore their options is often the hardest part for adults, so we are working to make it as easy and accessible as possible for folks to go back and complete their degrees,” Drive to 55 Executive Director Mike Krause said.
In 2013, Governor Haslam launched the Drive to 55 to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or certificate to 55 percent by 2025. As a result, the Drive to 55 has:
Established the Tennessee Promise program, the nation’s first scholarship and mentorship program that provides high school graduates last-dollar scholarships to attend two years of community or technical college free of tuition and fees;
Reduced the number of college freshmen requiring remediation through the SAILS (Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support) program;
Provided free technical college for adults through TCAT Reconnect Grants;
Created Tennessee Reconnect + Complete to help more adults return to college to complete unfinished degrees;
Developed a more comprehensive state approach to serving student veterans; and
Leveraged technology to enhance classroom instruction and college advising.
Tennessee now leads the nation in FAFSA (federal student aid) completion, comprising 40 percent of the nation’s total growth in 2015, and the size of the state’s freshman class in higher education grew by 10 percent in just one year.

A woman five months pregnant has been arrested by Smithville Police on drug charges including endangering a viable fetus
29 year old Amanda Faye Mooneyham is among three people who were taken into custody Saturday, January 9 by officers who found drugs and paraphernalia at the residence while serving a warrant on one of them in another case.
Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins said Mooneyham is charged with Possession of a Schedule VI drug for resale, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Impersonation, and Viable Fetus as a victim.
28 year old Christopher Eugene Layne is charged with Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine and 23 year old Brandon Michael Dearth is facing a charge of Simple Possession of a Schedule II drug.
According to Chief Collins, while police were attempting to serve a warrant on Layne, they found both Mooneyham and Dearth were also at the residence. Upon a search of their persons and vehicles Dearth was found to have a small bag which he claimed contained methamphetamine. Mooneyham had in her possession several baggies of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana along with scales and several other drug paraphernalia items. When asked Mooneyham admitted to officers that she had smoked pot and did meth earlier in the day.
Bond for Layne is $20,000; $1,500 for Dearth; and $25,000 for Mooneyham. All three will make a court appearance on January 21.
(Source: wjle.com)

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the 2016 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards. The 2016 Awards will mark 30 years of recognizing Tennesseans who have taken outstanding action to protect the state’s diverse environment.
“The continued health of Tennessee’s air, land and water is critical to keeping our communities strong and vibrant places to live,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said. “It is important to recognize the innovative efforts and projects that conserve and protect our natural resources, boosting opportunities for economic benefits and Tennessee’s overall sustainability.”
The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards include ten unique categories: Building Green, Clean Air, Energy and Renewable Resources, Environmental Education and Outreach, Environmental Education and Outreach (school category), Land Use, Materials Management, Natural Heritage, Sustainable Performance, and Lifetime Achievement.
Any individual, business, organization, educational institution, or agency is eligible, provided it is located in Tennessee and the project was completed during the 2015 calendar year. All nominees must have a minimum of three consecutive years of overall environmental compliance with TDEC. Self-nominations are encouraged.
“The environment significantly impacts our daily lives and today’s efforts to ensure our communities remain healthy will affect future generations,” TDEC Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau said. “Tennesseans continue to make great strides in protecting our environment and these annual awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the people and organizations that work so hard to increase stewardship efforts across the state.”
A panel of judges representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental, and academic professionals will select award recipients based on criteria including level of project or program completion, innovation, and public education. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2016. Award recipients will be announced in May 2016.
For more information about each category, judging criteria, and nomination forms, visit TDEC’s website at http://www.tn.gov/environment/topic/sp-gesa-governors-environmental-stew….

 When temperatures plunge across the Volunteer State, insurance claims for frozen pipe water damage are sure to follow. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) urges the public to act now to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting water pipes.
“You must be proactive to avoid becoming a victim of frozen water pipes,” TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Insurance Michael Humphreys said. “Most insurance companies do not cover frozen pipe damage that is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house when the ability to do so is there.”
Tennesseans can avoid thousands of dollars in winter home damage by utilizing the following basic precautions.
Before the freeze:
Review your insurance coverage. Check your policy and call your insurance agent or company for clarification on specific coverage.
Know how to shut off your water. Locate your main water shut-off valve. You may want to tag or label it so you do not have to search for it in an emergency.
Check sprinkler or irrigation systems. Make sure you have turned everything off and fully drained the system.
Identify your home’s freezing points. Check your home for pipes in areas that might be prone to freezing, such as crawl spaces, unheated rooms, basements, garages, and exterior walls.
Protect your pipes. Where pipes are exposed to cold, wrap them with insulation or electrical pipe heater (even fabric or newspaper can help).
Prevent pipes from freezing. Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Consider collecting the water for later use. The cost of a short-term trickle is much less costly than a repair of a burst pipe.
Keep your pipes warm. Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing
If Your Pipes Freeze:
Shut off the water immediately. Don’t attempt to thaw pipes without first turning off the main shut-off valve.
Thaw pipes with warm air. You can melt the frozen water in the pipe by warming air around it with a hair dryer or space heater. Be sure not to leave          the space heater unattended and avoid the use of kerosene or open flames.
Be careful turning water back on. Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and double check for any additional cracks and leaks.
If You Have Damage:
Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Determine what forms, documents, and data you will need to provide in order to process your claim.
Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.
Remember, most insurance companies will not pay for damage to an unoccupied house unless you prepared your house for the freeze. If you’re           going to be away from your house and it might freeze, you must use reasonable care to heat the house or shut off the water supply and drain the water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.
Questions? We can help. Contact the TDCI Consumer Insurance Service Division at 1-800-342-4029 FREE or (615) 741-2218.

Motlow State Community College will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, according to college officials.
The closing includes all college facilities, including libraries and computer labs, on the Moore County, Fayetteville, McMinnville, and Smyrna campuses. Regular business hours for all sites will resume on Jan. 19.
Spring semester classes begin on Jan. 19 at all locations. Students can register for classes through Jan. 19, although the deadline to fill out a Motlow College application for admission is Jan. 11.
For more information, visit the Motlow website at mscc.edu or call 931-393-1500 or 800-654-4877.

Four Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office deputies who helped save four people trapped inside their car in the Stones River were honored by the NAACP Saturday during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast.
Lt. Chris Haynes, Sgt. Brian Wright and Deputies Trey Mosby and Mike Farmer received the Jerry Anderson Hero Award.
The award is named for former NFL player Jerry Anderson, who drowned May 27, 1989 saving the lives of two Murfreesboro boys, Brad Logsdon and Josh “Pooh” McFarland. Anderson played football for Central High School, the University of Oklahoma and the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The four Sheriff’s Office employees were among a team of deputies and Rutherford County Fire and Rescue firefighters who saved two children and two women whose vehicle traveled off the Elam Mill slab and into the river in December 2014.
NAACP Third Vice President Mary Wade said they fought the strong current to rescue the family submerged in the Stones River “without regard to their own safety. Everyone was saved” through the team effort with other deputies and firefighters.
Sheriff Robert Arnold said he was extremely proud of the deputies.
 “These deputies risked their lives in the freezing water to make sure the people trapped in the car were saved,” Sheriff Arnold said. “It took a team of deputies and firefighters to safely rescue the children and women. They are true heroes.”
Lt. Haynes said when deputies arrived, the people in the car were in a panic. The deputies didn’t know how much longer the vehicle was going to stay in place.
“Everything just fell together in the fact that Deputy Mosby had the rope, Deputy Farmer had the wits about him to anchor everything down,” Lt. Haynes said.
 Lt. Haynes and Sgt. Wright, accompanied by deputies and volunteer firefighters, rescued the women and children from the car.
After the presentation, Lt. Haynes said he knew Anderson as a child growing up in Murfreesboro and remembered when he left to play football for the University of Oklahoma.“I wanted to grow up like Jerry Anderson,” Lt. Haynes said.
Ironically, Sgt. Wright went to Central High School with Anderson’s daughter, Vicky, and knew both Logsdon and McFarland

Tennessee farmers markets are giving customers what they want:  access to as many fresh local products as possible through the cold weather months. Winter farmers markets and online market options are part of the national movement to make local and seasonal eating a viable choice year round.
Winter markets offer a wide variety of fresh produce that grows well in cooler weather, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, carrots and cabbage. Autumn produce that stores well is also still available. Hard squash, pumpkins, garlic and all sorts of potatoes are typical winter market fare. Honey, sorghum, cured meats and farm-direct items like soaps made with goat’s milk and other farmed ingredients help fill out the winter market roster. Fresh meats can be purchased throughout the year, and winter markets are ideal locations to find a selection of your local favorites.  
Produce and meat community supported agriculture (CSA) programs often use winter markets as a pick-up site for their members and usually have additional items to sell while there. Some farmers even take orders online so their loyal customers will know how much of an item is available and to make sure those customers get what they want.
Farmers market hours may differ in the winter. Check with your preferred market before you make the trip.
Tennessee CSA’s and the Farmers Markets are listed on the Pick Tennessee site. There you will also find information on other farms, farm direct and artisan products and recipes for all seasons. Follow Pick Tennessee on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
 

The start of the new year means the Cannon County Commission will meet in monthly session on Saturday.  Items on the Agenda include Paul Curless will address the Commission.  The Commission will establish a new Debt Service Fund for Education.  Establish a new fund for Medical Insurance.  The Sheriff’s Department will present a budget amendment for approval.  The Commission will look to approve the lease agreement for the Fire Department contingent upon Comptroller approval and they will look over Resolution 2016-2 which is a resolution to support Governor Bill Haslam’s Insure Tennessee Initiative.  The meeting will take place at 10:00 Saturday morning in the courtroom of the Cannon County Courthouse.