2016

Just exactly what was trying to break into a Cannon County residence recently is the question and the TWRA is searching to provide the answer.  According to Cannon County Sheriff Department reports, Deputies were dispatched to a Vanhooser Road residence Monday in reference to someone or something trying to break down the back door to the house.  The resident stated that something was beating on the door before the call was made.  Upon further investigation, bite marks on the side paneling were visible along with claw marks in sever spots along the door.  Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency were contacted and they came out and took samples for further investigation.  The damage was done to the back door of the house.  Scratch marks were visible along the door, along with 2 pieces of side paneling on the house had been ripped off and a pane of glass had been cracked on a low lying window.
The investigation is continuing.
 

A break-in occurred in Cannon County at a Fairview Lane residence and all that was taken was a doorknob.  However the reason why was left in a disturbing note    According to Cannon County Sheriff’s Department reports Deputies went to the Fairview Lane house and spoke with Corey Dancy.  Dancy stated that someone had left a note and had taken a door knob from the door of his daughter’s bedroom.  Deputies made a sweep of the house to make sure no one else was in the home  besides Dancy and Kristen Mahoney.  Mahoney showed the deputy a note that had been found in the kitchen.  The note partially read “Stand up and be counted if we so as much think you are not treating that little girl right we will be back, locking your child in a bedroom is wrong….” Dancy explained that they did turn the child’s door knob around so she could not get out of the room.  Due to the fact that the front door to the residence was never locked.  The child did get outside once late at night and that was the reason for the door knob being turned around.  Three other people reside in the Fairview Lane house and none of those three were home at the time.  
The note was collected for evidence and the deputy told them to lock the doors and call if they had seen any of the other individuals.  Investigation is continuing.

TBI Special Agents with the Drug Investigation Division joined detectives with the Murfreesboro Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, in tracking the source of pills that have contributed to multiple drug overdoses that have occurred in the Murfreesboro area in the past week.
Counterfeit Percocet pills laced with Fentanyl have resulted in the deaths of at minimum, three individuals and have accounted for as many as 15 other drug overdoses in Rutherford County.
During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information that Johnny L. Williams, 30, was an individual responsible for selling the fake pills.
On Friday night, Agents arrested Williams at his home on Mason Pike in Murfreesboro. Williams was charged with one count of Sale of Schedule II Controlled Substance and was booked into the Rutherford County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges and subjects are anticipated
 

Dear Friends,

This has been a trying week for so many in our country. Our hearts break for the lives lost in Dallas, Texas last night; the deadliest day for police since September 11, 2001. We stand with our law enforcement in the face of this unspeakable tragedy, knowing that, overwhelmingly, the men and women of our police force are dedicated and compassionate public servants who sacrifice their safety to protect our own. We must reject irresponsible and hateful anti-police rhetoric that dishonors their heroic work. 
As we rally behind our law enforcement, we also join hands with the families of the slain victims in the officer-involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota. We must avoid a rush to judgment in these situations but we know that a loss of life is always tragic, no matter the circumstances. 
Locally, Tennesseans have faced challenges of our own as many in our community incurred damages during the flooding and storms that swept through our region. Throughout this all, we’re reminded now more than ever of the need to “pray without ceasing” – for healing, justice, and for peace.  As we do that, here are three quick updates from this week in Congress: 
Combating the Opioid Epidemic 
I’ve often said that opioid addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer of potential. It cuts across party lines and socio-economic status to impact families of every kind. As a nurse, I’ve seen the grim reality of opioid addiction up close and I was pleased to support legislation this week aimed at stopping this epidemic. TheComprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act passed the House of Representatives today by an overwhelming vote of 407 – 5. Earlier this year, I wrote to you about 18 House-passed bills to combat opioid addiction. Today’s legislation allows the House to go to a conference committee with the Senate to reconcile differences between our bills and theirs, ensuring that we can produce a unified, robust opioid bill that will bring victory over this preventable disease and help those who are hurting reassemble their lives and regain their pursuit of the American dream. Read more here.
Enforcing the Law and Keeping Our Communities Safe
Last Friday marked one year to the day since Kate Steinle was gunned down in San Francisco by a criminal illegal alien who should have never been on the streets. Her assassin had previously been convicted of seven felonies and had been deported five times, yet the city of San Francisco, under its sanctuary city policies, had allowed him to evade another deportation. San Francisco is not alone. Over 200 localities around the country are willfully ignoring federal immigration law, putting the wishes of illegal immigrants above the safety of their own citizens. This is unconscionable. 

Weeks after being sworn in as a member of Congress in 2011, I cosponsored theEnforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, and I have continued to lead the fight against sanctuary city policies in the time since. As you may recall, earlier this year I introduced and passed through the House an amendment to defund sanctuary cities in a government spending bill. Yesterday, I took this effort a step further by introducing legislation of my own: the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. My legislation would withhold key federal funding streams from any city or town that forbids its law enforcement from cooperation with federal immigration officials. I mentioned this bill in a speech on the House floor yesterday about a related amendment that I also supported.
Nobody is Above the Law 
This week we saw the clearest evidence to date that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plays by a different set of rules than you and me. By every measure, Secretary Clinton broke the law and broke public trust. As the FBI Director, James Comey, effectively confirmed in his press conference and in his testimony before Congress, Hillary Clinton lied when she told us that she never sent or received messages marked classified at the time. She lied when she told us that she turned over all work-related emails, and she lied when she told us that her server was secure. Despite this, the FBI stunningly decided not to recommend a criminal indictment. 
I’ve fought hard to hold Secretary Clinton and other public officials who do wrong accountable, whether it was my vote to form the Benghazi Select Committee – which first uncovered Clinton’s private email server – or the letter I sent alongside Congressman Marsha Blackburn asking the IRS to investigate the Clinton foundation’s tax exempt status. Now that the FBI has admitted that Clinton  was “extremely careless” in her email use and may have put our national security at risk, we need answers as to how the agency reached its flawed decision. Recently, I joined House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte on a letter to Director Comey demanding a more thorough explanation of the FBI’s logic. I am also support Speaker Ryan’s calls for the Director of National Intelligence to deny Secretary Clinton access to any further classified information. 
We are a nation of laws and we must enforce them, whether it is in matters of illegal immigration or slick political elites. As your representative, I will continue fighting to achieve that objective.

The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets, urging all eligible donors to give now to replenish an extremely low summer blood supply.
 
Blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations than what’s needed, as well as a significant draw down of the overall Red Cross blood supply. In addition, the Independence Day holiday may have caused many regular donors to postpone donations due to vacation plans. A recent Red Cross poll revealed that more than 75 percent of donors surveyed indicated vacation plans this summer, many of them occurring the weeks before and after July 4.
 
“Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which is why we are making this emergency request for donations,” said Tiffany Taylor, external communications manager of the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks. If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it. It’s the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs.”
 
How to Help
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites to allow for more donors to make an appointment to give. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to avoid longer wait times. Donors with all blood types are needed.
 
Those unable to give can still help by encouraging others to give through a SleevesUp virtual blood drive at redcrossblood.org/sleevesup, giving of their time through volunteerism or making a financial donation to support Red Cross humanitarian work across the country and around the world.
 
Who Blood Donations Help
Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant procedures, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
 
Because of generous donors, the Red Cross is able to provide blood products to patients like 10-year-old Rebecca Gardner who has benefitted from blood transfusions as part of her treatment for Rhabdomyosarcoma. Blood and platelet transfusions have helped in giving Rebecca energy to attend school often, be involved with her Girl Scout troop and to participate in gymnastics, all while undergoing weekly chemotherapy. 
“A blood donation is one of the greatest gifts you can give, and it doesn’t cost a thing. It’s wonderful to see how one blood donation can help save up to three lives, and how it helps kids with cancer, like Rebecca.”
 
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Christian Care Center of Bedford, 835 Union St., Shelbyville, TN 37160
7/6/2016: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
 
First Baptist Shelbyville, 304 E. Depot St., Shelbyville, TN 37160
7/12/2016: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
 
First Christian Church Annex Bldg., 201 NW Atlantic St., Tullahoma, TN 37388
7/12/2016: 2:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
 
Chick-fil-A – Forrest Gallery Shopping Center, 1802 N. Jackson St., Tullahoma, TN 37388
7/15/2016: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 201 S. College St., Smithville, TN 37166
7/5/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
 
Moore County High School, 1502 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg, TN 37352
7/12/2016: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 
McMinnville Civic Center, 500 Garfield St., McMinnville, TN 37110
7/13/2016: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
 
Lions Club Building, 540 W. Adams St., Woodbury, TN 37190
7/21/2016: noon – 6 p.m.
 
Manchester Recreation Complex, 557 N. Woodland St., Manchester, TN 37349
7/25/2016: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
 
Metro Services, 2081 Hillsboro Highway, Manchester, TN 37355
7/28/2016: noon – 5 p.m.
 
Church of Christ at Bethlehem, 5544 Old State Highway 111, Spencer, TN 38585
7/28/2016: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
 
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Tennessee’s upcoming tourism news is consolidated for your convenience below. For a complete list of Tennessee events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
July 8-31
Memphis – Moon Vine is the world premiere story of financial hardship, family separation and change at TheatreWorks.
July 9
Knoxville – Hop on the Vintage Baseball Express train as it departs the Three Rivers Rambler’s depot at 10:30 a.m. ET and arrives at the historic Ramsey House for a Civil War-style base ball game by the Knoxville Holstons.
Knoxville – Knoxville Rugby’s 40th annual Tennessee 7’s Tournament takes place at Tennessee Rugby Park.
Lewisburg – Enjoy a glass of wine and music by David Liggett 6-9 p.m. CT at Picker’s Creek Winery.
July 9-11
Spring Hill – The Swanky Plank Vintage Marketplace includes artists and crafters with works for sale at Rippavilla Plantation.
July 10
Chattanooga –The annual Ice Cream Social includes samples from Milk & Honey, Mayfield, Ice Cream Show, Clumpies Ice Cream Co., and more at The Chattanooga Market. Tickets are $6.
July 13
Union City – Bring a telescope to enjoy a night among the stars with Dr. Lionel Crews and the University of Tennessee Martin Astrology Club for Stargazing Night 8:30-10 p.m. CT on the Great Lawn at Discovery Park of America. 
July 14
Collierville – The 2016 Sunset on the Square Concert Series continues with the Germantown Baptist Jazz Band on Collierville’s Main Street. 
Memphis – Tootsie is a movie about an unsuccessful actor who disguises himself as a woman to get a role on a soap opera, showing 7 p.m. CT at the Halloran Centre at The Orpheum Theatre.
Nashville – Enjoy music by Cowboy Dan and food truck offerings from Hoss’ Loaded Burgers and Retro Sno as part of Family Night Out 6:30 p.m. CT at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art.
July 14-15
Nashville – Begin the weekend with jazz with a performance by jazz guitarist Jerry Krahn 6-8 p.m. CT July 14 and then jazz vocalist Sonja Hopkins 6-8 p.m. CT July 15 in the Frist Center Café at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
July 14-17
Gatlinburg – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair features more than 200 booths of arts, crafts and music from some of the nation’s finest artisans, craftspeople and musicians at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
July 14-18
Brownsville – The Summer Jamz Music Fest hosts live music at indoor and outdoor venues around Brownsville.
July 15
Collierville – Movie Mania continues with a showing of Inside Out beginning at dusk at Carriage Crossing.
Greeneville – Alternative folk music is performed by Annabelle’s Curse at The Capitol Theatre.
Nashville – Celebrate Christmas in July with specialty beers, ugly Christmas sweaters, prizes and more with drinks provided by Crazy Mountain Brewing Company 4 p.m. to close CT at Embers Ski Lodge.
July 15-16
Belvidere – Some of the best groups in bluegrass like Lone Mountain Band, Becky Buller, and Connection 27 perform for the 5th annual Circle E Guest Ranch Bluegrass Festival at Circle E Guest Ranch.
July 15, 17
Knoxville – See the classic movie The Goonies as part of Summer Movie Magic 8 p.m. ET July 15 and 2 p.m. ET July 17 at the Tennessee Theatre.
July 16
Chattanooga – The next BioBlitz helps the public identify species, celebrate environmental diversity and highlights the impact of parks 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET at Little Cedar Mountain Small Wild Area.
Henderson – Enjoy a Hatchie Canoe Float for $20 per boat at Chickasaw State Park.
Paris – The Kentucky Lake Water Fun Run has boaters collect stamps at resorts for a chance to win $500 10 a.m. CT with check-in 2-4 p.m. CT at Paris Landing State Park.
Townsend – Bill Landry hosts a Cades Cove Tour departing 9:30 a.m. ET from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. The tour is approx. four hours.
Vonore – You can experience “Made in Tennessee” craftsmanship with a class on pine needle basketry with local artisan Tonya Dockery 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. Tickets are $15 with materials included.
July 17
Murfreesboro – The 3rd annual Sundae Sunday explores the science behind ice cream in honor of National Ice Cream Day 2-4 p.m. CT at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring.
July 18
Knoxville – Tarocco: A Soldier’s Tale blends circus arts, music and dance for a spellbinding performance by The Fox & Beggar Theatre 7 p.m. ET at The Bijou Theatre.
July 19
Knoxville – Garbage brings the dark, industrial sounds of their music 7 p.m. ET to The Mill & Mine.
Knoxville – Melissa Etheridge performs her legendary music 7 p.m. ET at Tennessee Theatre.
Nashville – Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint opens its downtown Nashville location.
July 23
Shiloh – The 7th annual Kids’ Fun Day highlights the experiences of the common Civil War soldier through activities and demonstrations 9 a.m. to noon CT at Shiloh National Military Park.
July 25
Maryville – Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor is a comedy of romance and misadventures presented by the Tennessee Stage Company 6:30-9 p.m. ET in the Main Gallery of the Reading Rotunda of the Blount County Public Library.

Motlow State Community College Tennessee Promise Coordinator Jonathan Graham is urging any interested Motlow faculty, staff and administrators, and members of the general public, to apply to the tnAchieves mentor program.
“Our goal last year was to become the community college with the highest percentage of employee mentors, and I am happy to say we accomplished that,” said Graham. “However, the need is great for even more mentors due to the continued success of the Tennessee Promise scholarship program.”
Mentor applications are now being accepted for the upcoming fall semester at Motlow State. According to Graham, 500-600 mentors could be needed, based on the number of students eligible for the Promise.
The application will be open until Nov. 20, and can be accessed at tnAchieves.org.
Currently, 3,413 students who reside within Motlow’s 11-county service area remain eligible for the Tennessee Promise Program.
In 2015, Motlow had almost 100 employees who served as mentors to incoming Tennessee Promise students. Becoming a mentor takes very little time, but can leave a lasting impact on the student.
This year, Motlow will be reaching out to community leaders, Chamber of Commerce representatives, local churches, retirement centers, and local businesses to recruit mentors
In order to become a mentor, you must:
Be 21 years or older
    Apply online by November 20, 2016
    Be subject to a background check
    Complete mandatory mentor training by February 15
    Attend mandatory High School Team Meeting in March or April
    Attend mandatory College Team Meeting in September
For more information about the Tennessee Promise at Motlow, visit TNPromise.mscc.edu or contact Jonathan Graham, Motlow Tennessee Promise coordinator, at jgraham@mscc.edu or 615-220-7839.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Divisions of Insurance and Consumer Affairs are offering guidelines, tips, and general information to Tennessee homeowners and residents who were affected by the July 7, 2016 flooding.
“We know Tennessee residents will lend a hand to help their friends and neighbors who were affected by Thursday’s flooding,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “While most will offer assistance, some may want to prey upon those in need. We want consumers to be wary of possible price gougers and remember they can always turn to us for information as they move forward.”
Tennessee’s price gouging laws make it unlawful for individuals and businesses to charge unreasonable prices for essential goods and services including gasoline, food, ice, fuel, generators, lodging, storage space, and other necessities in direct response to a disaster regardless of whether that emergency occurred in Tennessee or elsewhere. The price gouging law makes it unlawful to charge a price that is grossly in excess of the price charged prior to the emergency.
The price gouging act is triggered when a disaster is declared by the state or by the federal government. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency declared a State of Emergency at 7:15 a.m., CDT, on July 7, 2016.
As Tennesseans begin to assess the damage the flooding caused, the Department offers the following reminders and tips to help consumers get back on their feet faster.
The Division of Consumer Affairs:
In Tennessee, anyone doing home repair or improvement work with an estimated value of more than $25,000 must be a licensed contractor in order to do business.
    Before you hire a contractor:
Make sure the contractor is properly licensed. Write down the license number and verify that it is legitimate by visiting http://verify.tn.gov.
Get several bids. It’s best to get at least three bids and check references.
Get a written contract that includes the company’s name, address, and telephone number. The contract should also include an anticipated start and completion date.
Never pay more than one-third down and do not let the payments get ahead of the work.
Make sure the contractor is insured to cover workers’ compensation, damage and general liability insurance.
    When hiring a contractor, avoid:
    A person going door-to-door selling their services.
    A person who offers services for a short time only, which makes consumers feel rushed and unable to research the contractor.
    Unmarked trucks or vans, or a refusal or reluctance to set out complete and specific contract terms in writing.
    Being pressured to pay for more than half of the cost upfront.
    To file a complaint about a contractor with the Board for Licensing Contractors, visit www.tn.gov/commerce/article/cont-file-a-complaint or call 800-544-7693.
The Division of Insurance:
 If your home has been damaged, call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Cooperate fully with the insurance company, and ask what documents, forms and data you will need.
    Take photographs/video of the damage.
    Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (i.e., cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
    Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.
    If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document these costs.

What Damage to Your Home is Covered?
Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees and other falling objects are all covered under most standard homeowners policies. Check your policy and call your insurance agent or company if you need clarification or have specific questions.
What Damage to Your Home is Not Covered?
The following events are typically not covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy: Interior water damage from a storm, when there is no damage to the roof or walls of your home; damage as the result of a flood; removal of fallen trees (if the trees do not land on and damage your home); food spoilage due to a power outage; and water damage from backed-up drains or sewers. Some insurers offer endorsements (i.e., additional protection that may be purchased) for certain coverages not covered under the standard homeowner policy. Check with your agent or company to determine your needs.
If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement, you can contact TDCI for assistance. Click here to visit our website.
For more information about auto and home insurance options, and tips for choosing the coverage that is right for you and your family, go to www.insureUonline.org.
For more information about purchasing flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/

About 15 people overdosed Wednesday in Rutherford County from an apparent counterfeit Percocet pill laced with a potent painkiller believed to be Fentanyl, a prescription medicine used on cancer patients, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold said a multi-agency investigation is ongoing.
“We are warning people about the dangers of the non-prescription drug use and urging people to stop using the illegal drugs sold on the street,” Sheriff Arnold said. “These drugs are extremely dangerous and potentially deadly.”
A Sheriff’s Office narcotics supervisor said Fentanyl will quickly depress the nervous system and respiratory system, causing distress, disorientation, coughing and cardiac arrest if absorbed, ingested or inhaled. The drug is so potent it can be quickly absorbed through the skin.
A Drug Enforcement Administration leader said Fentanyl is 40 to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine and even minimal exposure can be life threatening.
 

A Woodbury woman was arrested Monday after she was found with stolen property.  According to Woodbury Police Reports Misty M. Merritt was arrested and charged with theft over $500 after stolen property such as a 40 in TV with a value of $250, a Kindle Fire Tablet value of $50,  A Nintendo DS value of $250 and a rifle of unknown value was found on her person.  Merritt will answer to the charge in Cannon County General Sessions Court August 9th.  Other arrests made recently by the Woodbury Police Department include:
John Henry Shears-DUI
Trevor Eli Smith-Evading Arrest Motor Vehicle
Ricky Dale Manier Public Intoxication and
Amanda Jo Sweeney Simple Possession.