News

The 4-H Chick Chain project is designed to teach 4-H members recommended management practices for growing and raising chickens. Congratulations to the Black Sex-Link Grand Champion winner from Cannon County High School, Abigail Buchanan, and Red Sex-Link Grand Champion winner from Woodland Elementary School, Lukas Phillips. 
Congratulations also to the Black Sex-Link Reserve Champion from Short Mountain School, Lilly Nichols, and Red Sex-Link Reserve Grand Champion from Short Mountain School, Chloe Hill. This year there were 14 participants which raised the chickens from April until October.  Each member did an excellent job!  We appreciate Derek Fann implementing the auction and Michael Shirley judging the birds. Buyers were pleased with the two different breeds to bid on which increased the average sale price to $19.75 per bird.
 
The organization appreciates the community support for this project and all money raised from the auction benefits the 4-H Chick Chain Program next year. Cannon County Extension staff would like to thank the 4-H members, parents, volunteers, and buyers for making this year’s Chick Chain Show and Auction a huge success. If you would like to be added to the poultry buyer mailing list or for more information, call the UT Extension office at 615-563-2554.       
 
 
 

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Darrell L. Scarlett of Murfreesboro as Circuit Court judge for the 16th Judicial District, which serves Rutherford and Cannon counties. The appointment fills a new trial court judgeship established this year by the Tennessee General Assembly. 
According to Governor Haslam, “We are fortunate to have someone with Darrell Scarlett’s experience in the 16th Judicial District. That experience prepares him well to serve in this newly created position.”
 
Scarlett has practiced law for 30 years in Middle Tennessee, most recently with the firm of Catron & Scarlett. He has focused on litigation regarding domestic relations and has served frequently as mediator in domestic relations cases. His recent practice has also involved business, personal injury, estate and real estate litigation.
 
“I greatly appreciate the confidence Governor Haslam has shown in me,” Scarlett said. “I look forward to serving the people of the 16th Judicial District, and I will do my best to uphold the faith placed in me by Governor Haslam.”
 
Scarlett practiced at Murfree, Cope & Moore from 1988-2009. In 2009, he began practicing with Bennett & Scarlett, which became Catron & Scarlett this January.
 
Scarlett has tried numerous jury and bench trials in both civil and criminal courts in Rutherford County and surrounding counties. He has argued many cases before the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, and administrative bodies. Scarlett has also served as special judge in General Sessions and Juvenile courts in both Rutherford and Cannon counties.
 
Scarlett received his law degree from Samford University in 1988 and a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Tech University in 1984. He is married to Becky Scarlett, and he has a daughter, Savannah.
 
 
 

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 7-13) by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee is Oct. 15.  
“With the recent and forecasted rain, we expect favorable conditions for safe debris burning over the next couple of months,” State Forester David Arnold said. “However, we shouldn’t let our guard down. We encourage Tennesseans to remain vigilant and practice safe debris burning to prevent wildfires.” 
 
Obtaining a burn permit is free, fast, and simple. If you are burning a leaf or brush pile that is smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet in size, our online system provides a quick and efficient way to apply. For a larger burn, call your local Division of Forestry burn permit phone number Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The online system and burn permit phone numbers can be found here. 
 
More than 300,000 permits are issued each year, and they are only issued when conditions are conducive to safe burning. If you live inside city limits, there may be additional restrictions. Check with your municipality before you burn. 
 
For a list of materials that may not be burned, check the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s open burning guidelines here. 
 
Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. Wildfires caused by arson are a class C felony punishable by 3 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 at 1-800-762-3017. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, and you may remain anonymous when providing information. Cash awards are offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction. To report illegal burning, please call 1-888-891-TDEC. 
 
Click here for additional tips to burn safely and to protect your community. 
 
The Division of Forestry promotes the wise use of forest resources by assisting landowners, fighting wildfires, providing quality seedlings, monitoring insects and diseases, improving urban forests, managing state forests, protecting water quality, and collecting forest inventory data. The Division also works to promote primary and secondary forest industries to stimulate the state’s economy. Visit our website for more information. 
 

Mrs. Brenda Motley, Short Mountain School Educational Assistant and Interventionist, was named as “Employee of the Month” for October 2018 by Cannon County Schools. During the October Meeting of the Cannon County Board of Education on Thursday, October 11th, 2018, Mrs. Motley was recognized and presented a certificate by Cannon County Schools Director William F. Curtis for her service to her school and the Cannon County School System.  Employees are nominated by School Principals or School District Supervisors and are voted on during monthly Principal and Supervisor meetings regarding individuals who exemplify the Mission and Vision of Cannon County Schools. 
Short Mountain School Principal Mr. Robert Pitts nominated Mrs. Motley for this honor and stated regarding this outstanding educator:
 
“Mrs. Brenda Motley is one of the most dedicated employees I have had the privilege to supervise.  She is always on time, coming in early and leaving late. I can’t remember a time when she missed school. Mrs. Brenda has been a teachers’ aide for the past 26 years. She was originally hired as an aide for grades k-3, with the additional duty of cafeteria supervisor, a job she continues to do today.”
 
“For the past several years, Mrs. Brenda has taken on a more important role as our school interventionist.  She helps students who are struggling in academics.  She worries about students who are behind in their studies.  She spends countless hours at home preparing materials to help her students by searching the internet for supplemental materials.  She says her husband’s main job is to keep the printer working.”
 
Mr. Pitts added, “Mrs. Brenda follows the established curriculum approved by the state.  She starts off with Sounds Sensible in Kindergarten and then follows with S.P.I.R.E. (Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence), followed by Journeys for the upper grades. She prepares individual folders for each student with special work to meet their needs.”
 
“Teachers state that Mrs. Brenda always goes above and beyond her job description.  She takes pride in her work. She loves her students and they love her. Short Mountain School is so proud of Mrs. Brenda, and we want to thank her for her contributions to our school.  She is very deserving of this recognition.”
 
Director of Cannon County Schools, William F. Curtis stated, “Mrs. Brenda Motley personifies what every employee in Cannon County Schools should be – ‘committed to our Mission, caring for every student, dependable, and going the extra mile for all.’  She demonstrates what our Mission is ‘To Prepare All Students for their Future” through our Vision of being ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’ 
 

State Senator Mark Pody and Representative Clark Boyd have announced that they have beeninformed by Secretary of State Tre Hargett that the Cannon County Archives will receive an
archives development grant. The $2,500 grant will be used for a map cabinet and boxes for
preservation, arrangement and description of historic records.
Senator Pody said, “This is good news for our Cannon County Archives. Many area citizens utilize
the archives to research their heritage and look at the historical identity of our communities. The
next generations won’t know the history of the county unless we preserve it. These funds help
in that effort. I congratulate our local officials for their work on helping secure these funds and
was happy to support their application.”
Representative Clark Boyd said, “I appreciate Secretary Hargett and his staff for their investment
in our community and our local archives. This funding will help us better protect our important
historical information and improve access to it so our citizens will always be able to learn about
the important events that shaped the rich narrative of Cannon County.”
An official presentation will be made later this month.

Two men are on the run following escape early Wednesday from the Rutherford County correction center.  
A female deputy assaulted by two inmates during an escape was treated for minor injuries Wednesday at St. Thomas Rutherford and released, said Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh.
 
Inmates Dewayne Halfacre, 43, of Lynchburg and Jonathan Cody Baxter, 28, of Murfreesboro, remain on the run. Halfacre is awaiting trial for aggravated robbery in January of Almaville Market. He fled to Marion County where he was captured five days later.
 
Baxter is awaiting trial on a theft charge. They are considered dangerous fugitives.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation placed Halfacre and Baxter on the Tennessee Top Ten Most Wanted list. TBI is offering a reward up to $2,500, the U.S. Marshal Office is offering a $2,500 reward and Rutherford County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for a potential $6,000.
The U.S. Marshal Service, TBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Murfreesboro Police joined the Sheriff’s office in searching for the inmates who escaped about 12:40 this morning.
They were believed armed with a handmade weapon. 
 
Preliminary reports were the inmates climbed over the fence to escape. They fled with the deputy’s radio.
 
The deputy did not carry keys or a Taser, contrary to media reports that keys and a Taser were stolen from her. 
 
“The investigation reveals another detention officer failed to follow proper procedures after the deputy was assaulted, resulting in the inmates escaping through an outside door,” Fitzhugh said. “The investigation on the improper procedure is ongoing.” 
 
THP’s helicopter pilot and K-9s were searching for the suspects along with teams of officers. 
 
Halfacre has a large tattoo of wings on the side of his neck. Baxter has a tattoo of what appears to be an interstate sign reading “Tennessee 615.” 
 
Reports were received of a Honda Civic being stolen from a Murfreesboro car dealer. The car was later recovered. It has not been determined if the inmates took the car. 
 
“We are actively following any leads that are coming to our attention,” Fitzhugh said. “Should anyone see anything suspicious, please call 615-898-7770 or 1-800-TBI FIND.”
 

The new assistant principal positions to serve three of Cannon County elementary schools have been announced. 
Emily Hancock has been named as the Assistant Principal of Woodbury Grammar School.  
 
Rick Meacham, Principal of Woodbury Grammar School stated, “It is my pleasure to announce that Emily Hancock has been selected for the new position of Assistant Principal at WGS.  Thanks to everyone who supported this effort with the District School Board, County Commission meetings and budget process.
 
Emily Hancock is a twelve year veteran teacher, she began her teaching career in Cannon County Schools at Woodbury Grammar in 2006. 
 
 
Jennifer Nicole “Niki” Tuten has been named as the Assistant Principal for Woodland School in Bradyville and West Side School in Readyville.  
 
Woodland School Principal Angela Cossey and West Side School Principal Karen King interviewed several very qualified individuals for the Assistant Principal position.  The Principals stated, “We have done extensive research into Tuten’s background, and she seems to bring experience in several areas that will serve our schools well, support teachers, and further student achievement.”
 
Tuten has six years of teaching experience, 2 years in Marshall County and four years in Warren County. 
 
The position was funded by the Cannon County Board of Education in the ensuing budget process this past Summer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It’s time to make online reservations now for the 13th Annual History Hayride at Edgar Evins State Park on Sat., Oct. 13th at scheduled times throughout the afternoon and evening. The cost is still $15 per person. It offers history, mystery and theater. This is not a Halloween themed event and is not for young children or others who have trouble sitting quietly for about 2 ½ hours. 
The easiest access to the link for making reservations is on the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park website at: www.foeesp.com/history-hayride
 
If you need help making on-line reservations you may call the park office for contact information for Fount Bertram, President of Friends of Edgar Evins State Park for assistance. The park office phone numbers are: (931) 858-2114 or toll free at 1-800-250-8619.
 
Ten wagons will leave at approximately 30-minute intervals from the park office and return approximately 2 1/2 hours later. Each wagon will make about 9 stops where costumed characters will portray historic characters and tell about long ago events in and around the park.    The audience will remain on the wagons during the entire circuit. A tour guide will add narration between stops during the ride. Reservations will be for specific report times from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
 
Friends of Edgar Evins State Park is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization with the purpose of helping the park. The History Hayride is a fundraiser by the Friends in cooperation with park staff. More information about the group and how to join may be found on the website at www.foeesp.com or the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/friendsofeesp
 

Seven linemen and a mobile mechanic from Middle Tennessee Electric are on their way to Georgia to join efforts to restore power in the wake of Hurricane Michael. 
The eight employee-volunteers and five trucks will depart from the electric cooperative’s Murfreesboro office at 8 a.m. Wednesday; their destination is Statesboro, Ga. to assist Excelsior Electric Membership Corporation in restoration efforts.
 
“We got the call Tuesday asking if we could send crews to assist as Hurricane Michael headed toward the Gulf shore,” said Chris Jones, MTEMC president and CEO. “MTEMC and a number of other electric cooperatives in Tennessee are responding to that call.”
 
Jones said MTEMC’s line crews are often eager to help when situations are at their worst.
 
“It is amazing to watch these guys when they know people are in need,” he said. “That’s when they’re at their best. We’re very proud of them.”
 
Middle Tennessee Electric volunteers will be joined by volunteers from electric cooperatives across the state.
 
“As cooperatives,” Jones said, “one of our core values is assisting other cooperatives in need. If we had a bad ice storm, you can bet these cooperatives would be there to help us if we needed them.”
 
MTEMC has assisted in the wake of several hurricanes in recent years.
 
Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative providing electricity to more than 225,000 residential and business accounts in Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Cannon and surrounding counties.
 
 

While technological advances have made everyday tasks easier, they’ve also increased the vulnerability of consumers’ most sensitive personal data. Electronic financial accounts, healthcare information, and social media profiles can be exposed in just a few clicks by enterprising scammers. In recognition of October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs and Securities divisions are providing tips to help keep your information safe online. 
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cybercrimes are becoming increasingly prevalent, more dangerous, and more sophisticated. Complaints about Identity theft, which is one of the most common forms of cybercrime, have doubled between 2010 and 2015, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
 
“Cybercrime is serious and, unfortunately, becoming more commonplace as unscrupulous individuals can swiftly take advantage of unsuspecting consumers,” said TDCI Commissioner and President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Julie Mix McPeak. “We’re advising Tennesseans to go above and beyond during National Cyber Security Awareness Month and take precautions against cybercriminals. If you suspect you have become the victim of a cybercrime, we urge you to report it to the appropriate authorities.”
 
TDCI share the following tips to help keep your information safe online:
 
SECURITY STARTS AT HOME
·        Your Internet router can be your first line of defense for your home’s Wi-Fi network. Ensure no one is accessing your network and occasionally change the login and password. For enhanced protection, enable encryption, change the router’s default password, and provide guests with guest network access.
·        Invest in antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your accounts from the threat of viruses and malware.
·        Never send personal information, like a Social Security Number, over email or other electronic communication platforms without encryption. 
 
STAY AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
·        Whether you are commuting or sitting in a coffee shop, be aware of who can see the screen on your smartphone or other device or overhear your conversations.
·        Never discuss bank account or credit card numbers in a public setting.
·        Be wary of credit card skimmers on gas pumps and ATMs. These devices are used by scammers and give them the ability to access your financial account information.
 
PASSWORD PROTECTION
·        Memorize your most important passwords and write the others down. Keep this list in a secure, private place.
·        If you choose to store this information electronically, make sure to not label the folder or file “passwords.”
·        Make passwords strong by using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using multi-word phrases to enhance security.
·        If available, use two-factor authentication. This gives an added layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification before allowing access to the account. Common forms of two-factor authentication are physical tokens, fingerprint authentication, or facial recognition.
 
THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK
·        Never click on attachments or links (even those labeled as “unsubscribe”) in an email from an unknown address. It only takes one click to infect your computer and compromise your data.
·        Hackers can use URLs that look legitimate, but contain system-infiltrating software. Look for spelling and grammatical errors in domain names and email addresses to avoid falling victim to this scheme.
 
SECURE YOUR SECURITIES
·        Protect your digital wallet like you would physical wallet. Check the account frequently to ensure there are no surprise charges.
·        Be wary when investing in digital currency (often referred to as “Crypto-Currency”). Be especially concerned if the investments you are looking at offer guaranteed high-investment returns or if they pressure you to buy immediately.
 
SHARE WITH CARE
·        Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it, and how it might affect others.
 
MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS
·        If you’ve been compromised, implement a fraud alert or credit freeze with one of the three credit bureaus. This service is free and may be included if credit monitoring is provided post-breach. 
 
For more tips on being a savvy consumer, visit tn.gov/consumer. Investors can get more information about wise cyber-transactions by visiting tn.gov/securities.