2016

Cannon County 4-H Award’s Reception was held on October 9, 2016 at the Cannon County Senior Center. Almost 50 youth were recognized along with Volunteer Leader of the Year – Rena House, Sponsor of the Year – Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association (accepted by Vice President, Davy Sneed), Friend of 4-H – Cannon County Sheriff’s Department (accepted by Chief Deputy, Anthony Young), Senior High Member of the Year – Bryson Bell and many others. The following classes were recognized as the Cannon County 4-H Club of the Year for their specific grade after competing against all other classes in that grade across the county: Patricia Pirtle -West Side 4th grade, Susan Nokes – Short Mountain 5th grade, Gay Burger – East Side 6th grade, Shane Hollandsworth – Short Mountain 7th grade and Emily Crook – Auburn 8th grade. Over 120 people were present and the 4-H members were excited to receive many well deserved awards. Cannon County 4-H Honor Club also took time to initiate six new members (Emma Grace Hughes, Kiley Hughes, Emily McCullough, Will Byford, Hunter Owen, and Ian DeArmond).  The 4-H Honor Club is organized statewide and provides recognition, primarily within counties, of junior high 4-H members who have demonstrated consistent leadership ability and have been active members in their clubs and communities. Tennessee 4-H Honor Club is one of three recognition levels that an outstanding 4-H member may achieve during their 4-H career. 4-H Honor Club membership is granted to those 4-H’ers who have shown exceptional 4-H project work and a willingness to share what they have learned with other 4-H members.

There will be a special called Cannon County Budget Committee meeting Thursday October 27 in the courtroom of the Cannon County Courthouse.  The meeting starts at 5:00

United Way’s most recent Annual Report is now available. The report highlights United Way’s impact on the community through collaborative initiatives and partnerships with community leaders, faith-based groups, corporations, nonprofit organizations and governments. United Way is building stronger communities by going beyond single-issue solutions and temporary fixes to create long-term, sustainable change that impacts the lives of thousands in Rutherford and Cannon counties.
This past year, nearly $700,000 was saved through the use of FamilyWize Prescription Discount Cards; LEGO™ Robotics was launched as a pilot after-school program in partnership with United Way and Murfreesboro City Schools; and United Way provided CharityTracker, a web-based software that streamlines client intake to provide accurate data records and real-time communication for any organization in the community. Currently, nearly 70 organizations are active on CharityTracker. More examples of United Way’s impact in the areas of education, health and financial stability can be found in this year’s annual report.
“It is our intent to be transparent with our supporters, and our annual report is a reflection of that value,” said Meagan Flippin, United Way President and CEO. “We are pleased to share a synopsis of this past year and the results provided in the community via this report.”
United Way has the unique ability to leverage investments for the greatest impact. For every $1 invested in United Way’s operation, $13 in value of services and impact are provided to the community. The 13 to 1 return on investment was influenced by the value of programs and services such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, 2-1-1, FamilyWize Prescription Discount Program, the value of a volunteer and more.
The Annual Report is a communications tool developed in an effort to remain transparent and accountable to the community it serves. The comprehensive report is now available at http://www.yourlocaluw.org/annual-report. For more information about United Way, visit www.yourlocaluw.org or call 615-893-7303.

299 registered Cannon County voters have taken advantage of Early Voting for the upcoming November 8th Election.  Early voting hours this week will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8A to 1P, Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 and Saturday from 9A to 2P at the Cannon County Election Office 301 West Main Street Suite 244.  Call 563-5650 for more information.
 

It’s an exciting time to live in Tennessee’s 6th district. Our Gallatin Chamber of Commerce just celebrated 95 years of service to the local business community, the White County High School Marching Band was chosen to perform in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., and Cookeville’s own Brent Carl Fleshman received national honors for his morning radio show in the Upper Cumberland. Even when the evening news headlines can be cause for gloom, we can be proud of all there is to celebrate right here in middle Tennessee. With that in mind, I want to share a few quick updates about the latest from back home and in Washington:
There He Goes Again
Yesterday President Obama went to Miami and attempted to give another sales pitch for Obamacare, ignoring the harsh reality that the healthcare law is collapsing in Tennessee and elsewhere around the country. Tennesseans saw the latest evidence of that just his month when we learned that insurance plans sold on the Obamacare exchange were limiting access to one of our major hospitals; separating patients from the doctors they know and trust.  The President’s speech was vintage Obama: he deflected responsibility for soaring premium rates and attempted to solve a government-created problem with an even bigger government “solution.” His answer to the latest Obamacare woes was a further expansion of the law. He insisted that “The problem is not that government is too involved in the process, the problem is we have not reached everybody and pulled them in.” Tennesseans know that further expanding an already failed law won’t fix its fundamental laws. That is why House Republicans have a real plan to repeal and replace Obamacare before it inflicts any further damage. 
Tell Me What You Think  
Take a look at THIS. It’s a short form, the size of a postcard, and with a willing partner in the White House who will join House Republicans in fighting to overhaul our tax code, it could be the only form you need to complete your taxes. Today, it takes the average family 13 hours just to prepare their tax returns. Imagine the money, time, and stress that Tennessee families could save if a single sheet of paper like that was all you needed. Our conservative plan to simplify the tax code could make a reality, but I need your help and input. I want to make sure that I’m representing YOU as best I can, so please take a minute to answer a quick, one-question survey and let me know what a fairer, flatter, and simpler tax code would mean for your life. You can complete the survey HERE. 
Small Businesses Doing Big Things
It has been a busy week as I traveled across Tennessee’s 6th district touring small businesses with large impacts on the 6th District economy. I began by I stopping in to see the newly expanded Jackson Kayak manufacturing facility in Sparta to get a firsthand look at their latest products and to hear about how they are bringing 250 additional jobs to the White County region. I also toured Bennett Industries in Cookeville–a full service manufacturer specializing in stainless steel fabrication, custom metal stamping, and welding. I even got to try my hand at welding while I was there.

The Tennessee Hay Directory is a valuable resource for people who need to buy or sell hay.
Many areas of Tennessee are currently affected by lack of rain or drought. As a result, many farmers and livestock owners have been forced to feed hay earlier than expected. Early demand can create a challenge when sourcing hay for the winter.
The Tennessee Hay Directory provides information on hay for sale in Tennessee. The listings are arranged by county and include types of hay available and contact and delivery information. More than 60 producers are currently listed.
“With dry conditions persisting in Tennessee, pastures just can’t offer the nutrition livestock need,” Commissioner of Agriculture Jai Templeton said.  “The Tennessee Hay Directory connects producers with consumers, easing the process of finding high quality hay close to home.”
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation have partnered for more than sixteen years to offer this free service.
You will find the Hay Directory and more information at http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/article/ag-farms-hay
 

Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips announced last week the Tennessee preliminary unemployment rate for September was 4.6 percent, up two-tenths of a percentage point from the August revised rate of 4.4 percent. The U.S. preliminary rate for September was 5.0 percent, up one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month.
Economic Summary
Over the past year, Tennessee’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.6 percent to 4.6 percent while the national rate declined from 5.1 percent to 5.0 percent.
Total seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment increased 14,800 jobs from August to September. The largest increases occurred in government, professional/business services and health care/social assistance.
Over the year, nonfarm employment increased 71,300 jobs. The largest increases occurred in healthcare/social assistance, professional/business services and trade/transportation/utilities.
 

The Tennessee Wars Commission and Tennessee Historical Commission announced  that grant applications will now be accepted for 2017. The program provides funding to protect and interpret Tennessee’s historic military sites ranging from the French and Indian War through the American Civil War era.

“Eligible projects for funding include planning grants, archaeological surveys, trail signage and land acquisition,” said Tennessee Historical Commission Executive Director Patrick McIntyre. “Since 1994, this program has helped protect over 7,000 acres of endangered battlefield property in Tennessee, preserving the heritage and history of this state.”

Previous projects that have received funding include an archaeological survey at the Civil War Battle of Franklin Cotton Gin site, interpretive signage for the War of 1812 Camp Blount Memorial Park in Fayetteville, and recovery and forensic investigation of remains from the Mexican-American War.

Grant applications can be obtained by contacting Timothy Hyder, program director of the Tennessee Wars Commission at tim.hyder@tn.gov, (615) 770-1095 or via mail at 2941 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. Completed applications must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2016.

For more information about the Tennessee Wars Commission, please call (615) 770-1097.
 

No individual entertainer in the history of music may have been more electrifying than the King of Rock ‘n Roll, the late Elvis Presley. And while there will never be another Elvis, his music will continue to live on through the many performers he inspired throughout his career and afterwards.
The Arts Center of Cannon County welcomes a little slice of the King in the form of Elvis Tribute Artist, Tom Duggin, who will bring From Memphis To Vegas: A Tribute To Elvis Live to the Arts Center stage. Duggin performs a 1970’s style Elvis concert, with the accompaniment of a full band, the legendary Rangers Quartet, one of the longest running group names in gospel music history, as well as the Soul Sistas, who all combine to bring to life the great hits of the Elvis live era. You’ll rock to classic oldies like Blue Suede Shoes, Teddy Bear, Don’t Be Cruel and Hound Dog, while rolling to great Elvis concert classics like Burning Love, Suspicious Minds and Polk Salad Annie. Elvis himself may have left the building, but his music never will!
A native of DeKalb County, Tom Duggin is a life-long Elvis fan, who has performed the King’s hits since he was a teenager. Duggin has performed in concert multiple times with Elvis’ 1970’s backup group, The Stamps Quartet, and has performed in several venues throughout the Southeast. While considering himself a “tribute artist” rather than an “impersonator,” Duggin feels honored to carry on the legendary music of Elvis Presley. “There’s only one Elvis, and I’m not him,” Duggin tells his audiences. “I don’t wear jumpsuits and sideburns, but rather focus on the remarkable music and the energy that truly made the Elvis Presley concert experience. It’s more than an honor for me to perform his great songs in front of his many, many fans.”
Saturday’s show has been sold out.  However there are still tickets available for Sunday’s matinee show at  2:00.  Tickets are available by calling 615-563-2787 or artscenterofcc.com
 

A Bradyville man was arrested in Murfreesboro over the weekend after being caught shoplifting at the South Rutherford Blvd Walmart.  According to Murfreesboro Police reports, Officers arrived at the Walmart to talk with Walmart staff.  They waited till police arrived because the suspect, 22 year old Jared R. Mullins  was armed with a knife.   Mullins was stopped for concealing $48.17 worth of merchandise.  A local warrant check revealed a violation of probation on file out of Cannon County.   Mullins was arrested and charged with theft under $500.  He will answer to that charge in Rutherford County General Sessions Court on January 18th 2017.