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Budget Will Be Tight, Very Tight

June 13, 2020June 12, 2020

The Board of Education voted for a stop gap effort to move into the new fiscal year.

Board of Education members, L-R: Bruce Daniel, Brian Elrod, Nathan Nichols, Director William Curtis, Chairman Javan Fann and Travis Turney.

We reported (in an earlier story) about three options crafted by the Director of Schools and staff to adapt the budget for schools to match budget allocations from the County Commission. School Board member Nathan Sanders offered an option four at Thursday night’s meeting of the Board of Education.

So far what we know about the new budget is the high school will lose four teachers, no new text books thru fiscal year 2012, the system’s capital outlay fund will be reduced from $300k to $150k. Art teachers and librarians will stay in place and Short Mountain School will not close. Instructional coaches are gone, no LOE Performance bonuses, removed is a nursing position and one contract bus from the transportation department. Option 4 will also remove all growth positions. Option 4 will reduce less money from the school’s budget than the three offered by Director Curtis. Total savings is less than one-million dollars.

Chairman Javan Fann called the budget, “tight, very tight!” “This will have us going into reserves and this will not look any better a year from now.”

Members of the audience at the board’s workshop earlier this week indicated very strongly that they did not want any of the current elementary schools to close in the county.

The board voted to officially request consideration of two actions from the Cannon County Commission. The first request is to increase the local option sales tax from 1.75 cents per one dollar spent to 2.75 cents, an increase of one cent. The second request is an increase of the wheel tax to increase from $50.25 per vehicle to $75.00. The decision on both requests would be in the hands of the voters of the county. The commission would be responsible to adding the issues to the November 2020 ballot.

Chairman Javan Fann told the audience, I just hope nothing big goes wrong in the new year. If so, he will know as Fann will remain on the board in the new year. Sanders, who introduced the chosen option, is not running for re-election.

MTSU Offers ‘MT Tuition Free’ Path For Qualifying Freshmen

June 9, 2020June 9, 2020

Middle Tennessee State University is spreading the message to prospective students and families about MT Tuition Free — an opportunity where first-time freshmen paying in-state tuition and attending full time can attend tuition free if they receive the Tennessee Education Lottery (HOPE) Scholarship and the maximum federal Pell Grant.

For eligible students, they could have no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and fees, and no student loans would be required.

With the lowest tuition and greatest value of the state’s three major comprehensive universities, tuition and fees at MTSU can be covered by federal aid and other scholarships for students who fall within the income and academic criteria set by state and federal governments.

To learn more about MT Tuition Free, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/tuition-free/.

Deb Sells, vice president of Student Affairs and vice provost of Enrollment and Academic Services, said the university is “delighted that students and their families are becoming aware of the ways in which an MTSU education could be tuition-free for low-income students — and that there is also a route for our high-ability students.”

“With MTSU’s low tuition, coupled with federal Pell Grant aid for low-income students, or coupled with one of our guaranteed academic scholarships for high- ability students, tuition and fees may be completed covered,” Sells added. “We want all Tennesseans to know that the community college isn’t the only route to a tuition-free degree.”

Enrollment coordinators in the MT One Stop can work with prospective qualifying students to ensure the students are connected with the appropriate aid and scholarship offerings based upon the student’s eligibility. New students are encouraged to work with those staff members to determine the best routes available to reduce a new freshman’s tuition and fees bill to $0 — and possibly leave some extra money to help cover expenses like housing, meal plans and books.

Cannon Commission Begins February Meeting

February 10, 2020

Support of the 2^nd Amendment and the fate of the Adams Office Building filled the bulk of discussion and action by County Commissioners during their Thursday night meeting.

Commissioner Corey Davenport proposed Resolution 2020-1, Declaring Cannon County as a Second Amendment Safe Haven County. Sheriff Darryl Young voiced his support for the measure. Commissioners voted to approve the measure.

County Attorney Chris Coats addressed commissioners on developments in seeking a salutation to the fate of the Good Samaritan Hospital (now known as the Adams Office Building). A meeting with the State Fire Marshall office, the County Executive and Director of Schools William Curtis and Chairman Javan Fann. Assistant Commission Bainbridge said a plan needs to be approved and providing updates to the state on sixty-day intervals. Three areas of concern still remain, covering cane fiber tiles with a flame–retardant coating. Updates to the fire alarm system and cap the current sprinkler system and have it de-compressed.

The state as well as local officials are concerned with the possibility of relocating the County Election Commission (one of the numerous occupants of the building) could have a negative effect on this year’s elections. Three elections are scheduled in the county during this year. The Fire Marshall’s office indicated if efforts of progress were produced on a regular basis, the deadline could be extended until November.

Commissioner Ronnie Mahaffey relayed to the Board that he felt the best remedy of solving the problem is turning the building over to the Board of Education. The Board has maintenance personnel to better address the issues.

Commissioner Ronnie Mahaffey -Resolution 2020-2, Donate Good Samaritan Hospital to the Board of Education. The resolution failed by a vote of 3 in favor 6 against.

The commission accepted the resignation of 5^th Direct Commissioner Kim Davenport. Davenport sighted health reasons for stepping down.

Citizens of the county’s fifth district who wish to submit names for consideration to fill the vacant seat on the commission should contact commission members to make their suggestions known.

Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Mike Reed to Library Board of Directors.

With the county continuing to solicit bids to repair the Adams Office Building, the decision was reached to recess the meeting until Tuesday, February 18^th.

Thursday is Wednesday in Woodbury

November 26, 2019November 24, 2019

Woodbury residents who normally have trash pickup on Thursday are being reminded to have their trash out for Wednesday pick-up this week. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the routes normally run on Thursday will be run on Wednesday, November 27^th instead. Public Works Director Shane Gannon says the change is being made this week so employees may spend Thanksgiving Day with their families.

Gannon also asked WBRY to remind everyone that Woodbury Town Hall will be closed November 28^th and 29^th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Carol Agnes Berg Lassiter

November 6, 2019November 5, 2019

Carol Agnes Berg Lassiter, 77, passed away Tuesday, November 05, 2019 at Blvd. Terrace Nursing Home. She was born in Seattle, WA and lived in Woodbury.

She is survived by her daughter, Diana (Jack) Borren of Woodbury, grandchildren, Nick (Eden) Borren and Sydney Borren all of Woodbury; great grandchildren, Enman Johnson, Rowan Borren, Reed Chrisman and Wrenley Borren; brother, Richard (Dee) Berg of Seattle, WA; beloved best friend, Eleanor Bell of Woodbury.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Hjordis Berg and siblings, Shirley Hobson, Louise Filson and Bob Berg.

Carol was a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and was retired from Upper Cumberland Head Start as a grant writer.  She formerly worked at Vanderbilt Hospital in nursing.  Carol loved riding horses, going to horse shows and the attending The Celebration each year.  She enjoyed being with her family but most of all she loved being with her grandchildren.

Memorial services for Ms. Lassiter will be held at a later date but for those wishing to  do so, donations may be made to Woodbury Day School.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Cancer Screening Important for Women

November 2, 2019October 31, 2019

Breast cancer is the leading cause of new cancer cases and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Tennessee women, with approximately 5,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in the state. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds Tennesseans that early detection through regular screening and timely treatment can improve chances of survival of breast cancer.

“Most women who develop breast cancer have no risk factors, so it’s important for all women to have regular screenings,” said TDH Family Health and Wellness Deputy Medical Director Denise Werner, MD. “You can also take action to reduce your risk of breast and other cancers by eating healthy, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and abstaining from smoking.”

Tennesseans are fortunate to have the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program which provides breast and cervical screening services to uninsured and underinsured women. TBCSP also provides diagnostic testing for qualifying men and women. TBCSP strives to serve all Tennesseans through outreach and education activities. In 2018, TBCSP provided clinical services to more than 11,000 individuals across the state. Learn more about the program at www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/mch-cancer.html or contact your local health department for more information.

Breast Screening Recommendations

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Women should start conversations with a health care provider about screening mammograms at age 40 and continue through age 75. Current guidelines recommend women begin regular screening with mammograms by the age of 50, and the United States Preventive Service Task Force recommends screening with mammograms every other year for women of average risk for breast cancer. Depending on risk factors, some women may need to begin screening at an earlier age.

Risk factors for breast cancer include:

Family history of breast cancer
Being overweight, especially after menopause
50 years of age or older
Previous personal history of cancer (especially breast or ovarian)
Using hormone replacement therapy for an extended period of time
Smoking

In addition to risk factors, it’s important for women to be aware of the many different signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

Any change in size or shape of the breast
Pain in any area of the breast
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)

Reducing Disparities

While breast cancer impacts women of all ages, races and ethnicities, it does not always affect them equally. TDH data show that although the rate of new breast cancer cases is similar among black and white women in Tennessee, blacks are more likely to die of the disease.

“TDH is working to reduce this breast cancer disparity by increasing access and decreasing barriers to care including deployment of mobile mammography units to high-risk zip codes, adding screening sites and launching a pilot program focused on transportation assistance,” said TDH Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination Director Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES.

Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a family member has had a breast cancer diagnosis. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm.

Overdose Awareness Day is Saturday

August 31, 2019August 29, 2019

Cannon County and local communities around the world are coming together on August 31st to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.

Observed on the 31^st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

By holding an event this year, the people of Cannon County are joining themselves to a global movement for understanding, compassion, and change. In 2018, there were 747 International Overdose Awareness Day events of all kinds, held in 38 countries. People and communities came together to raise awareness of one of the world’s most urgent public health crises – one that, unfortunately, is only getting worse.

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s most recent World Annual Drug Report, 585,000 people around the world died as a result of drug use in 2017.

International Overdose Awareness Day is organized by Penington Institute. By coming together to remember them, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community.

Overdose can affect anybody and one of the messages of this day is that the people who overdose are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters – they are loved and they are missed.

OCannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has put up flyers in local businesses and around the square to bring attention to this cause. “We cannot effectively address this problem if we don’t reduce the stigma, and the best way to do that is to stop shaming those with the disease of addiction.” This week the coalition members have initiated a Facebook campaign to talk about this epidemic. Please visit our page (www.facebook.com/cannoncoalition) and tell the story of someone you know who is dealing with overdose addiction or who has lost the battle. We need to end the stigma associated with drug misuse and let our loved ones know there is hope.

Public Hearing Scheduled on County Budget

August 27, 2019August 27, 2019

The Cannon County Commission will conduct a public hearing tonight (Tuesday, August 27th) concerning the proposed budget for the county. The public in encouraged to attend.

Deputy Comptroller Jason Mumpower will be visiting Woodbury tonight to deliver a message to the Cannon County Commission.

The purpose of the visit is to stress the importance of passing a budget to the County Commission. Tennessee counties have until August 31 to pass a budget for fiscal year 2019-2020, and Cannon County is one of the few counties that have not take this action.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30pm in the courtroom of the county courthouse.

Football Season Returns Friday!

August 20, 2019

Football season has returned, Cannon County will begin their regular season this Friday as the Lions travel to Sparta to take on White County Warriors. Cannon County’s Radio Station will again provide full season coverage of the Lions. Wade MacMackins will return for a second season providing play-by-play and Greg Mitchell will provide commentary.

MacMackins interviewed Coach Matt Daniel during the team’s media day earlier this month and we will share segments of that interview all this week on our newscasts.

On today’s session of Five Minutes with Matt, MacMackins asked Coach Daniel if he has any regrets from his first season as head coach at Cannon County.

Locked Car No Place for Man nor Beast

August 2, 2019

Murfreesboro police cited a Woodbury couple for animal cruelty after they found a dog inside of a hot car earlier this week.

The Cannon County couple allegedly left their dog in their car at the South Rutherford Blvd. Walmart with the outside temperature 92 degrees. The responding officer paged for the couple over the intercom, when they did not respond, the officer made entry into the vehicle with a lock-out kit and removed the dog from he vehicle. The dog was placed inside of an air conditioned patrol car where it drank two bottles of water. Temperature reading devices read between 124 and 134 degrees inside the vehicle where the dog was.

Source: Media Partner WMSR