News 2012

Tennessee State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak is reminding Tennesseans to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend when they set back their clocks Saturday night for daylight saving time. 
“Alarms, even those that are hard-wired, should have their batteries replaced regularly and should be tested monthly to ensure they’re providing the proper protection,” McPeak says. “Use the extra hour we gain this weekend to make sure your home and family are fire-safe.”
 
Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. The smoke and toxic gases generated by a fire can cause people to sleep more deeply, narrowing the chances of surviving a fire. A working smoke alarm can double the chances of survival by increasing the amount of time a person has to escape a fire in their home.
 
In the United States, roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with no functional smoke alarms. It is critical to install smoke alarms and to replace their batteries regularly. Twice a year is recommended. This reduces the chance of alarms chirping to indicate low batteries. All too often, a battery is removed and not replaced, putting a home’s occupants at risk. There’s no way to predict when a fire will occur, so even one night without an operational smoke alarm can be dangerous.
 
Here are some other helpful hints on the importance of smoke alarms:
 

Smoke alarms should be installed in every room where an occupant sleeps, outside every sleeping area and on each level of the home, including the basement. Make sure everyone can hear the alarm and knows what it sounds like.

For the best protection, equip your home with a combination of ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual-sensor alarms.

Dust or vacuum smoke alarms whenever the battery is changed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the Internet.

Devise a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room, and be sure to teach it to all who live in the home, including children.

When a smoke alarm sounds, get out of the home immediately and go to your pre-planned meeting place.

Smoke alarms with nonreplaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

Test alarms once a month using the test button. Replace the entire alarm if it’s more than 10 years old or doesn’t work properly when tested.
 
For more information on smoke alarms, fire escape planning and fire prevention, view the 2012-2013 Monthly Fire Prevention and Public Fire Education Planning Guide on the State Fire Marshal’s website at http://www.tn.gov/commerce/sfm/.
 

The 2012 state Report Card—posted today on the Tennessee Department of Education website—offers detailed breakdowns of last year’s unprecedented statewide student achievement growth and presents the most recent data on graduation rate, demographics and school-level test scores. 
This summer, the department released statewide and district-by-district achievement results, and now Tennesseans can view data by grade level, subject and subgroup for each of the 136 districts and 1,784 schools in the state.
 
They can also see the achievement and gap closure measures that earned various designations under the new accountability system, such as Exemplary District and Reward School status.
 
“We think it’s important for parents and students, as well as school and district leaders, to know how well their schools are doing each year,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman. “Tennessee is focused on continuous growth, and our Report Card shows us where we are making gains and where we need more work.”
 
As Tennessee continued to implement its First to the Top education reforms, performance on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) improved for the second year in a row in 2012, as students made the largest gains in the history of the test.
 
Last year, elementary and middle school students grew in 23 out of 24 TCAP measures, and proficiency levels on several high school End of Course exams improved, even as more students enrolled in higher-level classes such as Algebra II due to more rigorous graduation requirements. The statewide graduation rate increased from 85.5 percent to 87.2 percent for the Class of 2012.
 
Nearly every district in the state grew student achievement overall, but many did not successfully narrow achievement gaps or saw declines among particular student subgroups.
 
As the state strives to advance outcomes for all Tennessee students, these results allow educators to identify areas that need the most improvement. Through its regional offices, the department provides resources, support and expert analysis to help districts and schools with data-driven interventions.
 
Complementing the data released today in the department’s Report Card, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission released a report card on teacher preparation in Tennessee. The department also re-released its public TVAAS site, giving parents and community members an in-depth look at the academic growth in the state’s schools and districts. When used together, these three tools help paint a picture of the state of Tennessee education.
 

For the 2012 state Report Card, visit tn.gov/education/reportcard.

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has announced that it will support the efforts of the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund by accepting monetary contributions to be forwarded to appropriate United Way organizations affected by the storm. Contributors will have the opportunity to designate relief efforts in any of the impacted states.With leadership from United Way of New York City, United Ways along the Eastern Seabord and throughout the Northeast have established the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund to address intermediate and long-term recovery efforts. United Way of New York City will manage the regional fund.
United Way 2-1-1s have been activated by Governors or State Offices of Emergency Management in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, Virginia and North Carolina. Those  affected by this storm are encouraged to reach out to United Way 2-1-1, which is an information and referral services line. In addition, individuals may contact 2-1-1 to learn about volunteer opportunities related to relief and recovery.
Locally, United Way has a commitment to relief and recovery through several partner programs in its impact area of rebuilding lives in addition to the establishment of the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Organization (LDRO) in 2010 following the flooding of central Tennessee. The organization focuses on assisting those who have long-term needs.  The LDRO continues to work in partnership with the local United Way and functions as a consortium of local volunteer organizations, governmental agencies, and others with an interest in disaster relief. 
The mission of the LDRO is to serve Rutherford and Cannon Counties with a comprehensive disaster relief and organizational plan that functions as a conduit for disbursing information to disaster victims and concerned citizens; as a financial clearinghouse that is dedicated to spending any and all monetary donations for the benefit of Rutherford and Cannon Counties; and as a resource to coordinate volunteer opportunities. Those interested in learning more about the LDRO should visit www.ldro.org.
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties values efficiency, transparency and accountability in its operations and each contribution received will be managed in a manner reflective of those values. Those wishing to contribute to the Hurricane Sandy Fund may do so by delivering a check contribution in person to 615 Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro or by ground mail to P.O. Box 330056, Murfreesboro, TN 37133.

First, meet up with Randle Branch for our final “First Saturday” paddle of 2012, the fall colors trip. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Percy Priest Dam and paddle to the Cumberland River. Randle will bring a truck and trailer, but please let him know if you can help with the shuttle. Please RSVP to Randle at paddle@stoneswatershed.org. He can give you more details about the meet up, the length of the trip, and what you need to bring. He also needs your contact information so he can reach you in case of last-minute changes.  
Second, if you can’t make it out on the water Saturday morning, check out Rutherford County’s annual household hazardous waste collection day. Bring household hazardous wastes to the City of Murfreesboro’s Public Works Facility at 4765 Florence Road from 8 a.m. to noon. Proper disposal of these substances will keep them out of our waters

Adams Memorial Library is open regular hours!  To find the entrance right now, follow the signs and take the sidewalk between the library and the Adams House Bed and Breakfast to the meeting room entrance on the lower level.  We have a small collection of books available, but we are glad to request other materials from the Auburntown Branch Library and have them delivered here for you to use.  We are still offering photocopy and fax services as usual and there are 6 public use Internet computers available as well. 
Both the libraries in the Cannon County System will be closed in celebration of Veteran’s Day on November 12th.  Thanks to all who have served in the past and are serving now. 
 
Many of you have asked when we plan to move back into the main part of the library.  We expect this to happen around the first of the year.  We do know that it will take longer to unpack the collections than it did to pack them.  We have well over 1000 boxes in storage at this time.

Sheriff’s Deputies are still on the lookout for Alexander Kirk Webb after he took off during Tuesday’s General Sessions Court.  Webb appeared before Judge Susan Melton on a violation of probation charge.  Webb then failed a court ordered drug screen and was remanded into custody.  However Webb escaped before he was taken into custody and hasn’t been seen since. In other results of various cases appearing on the docketMichael Ryan Barrett’s charge of was retired for 6 months.  Barrett was ordered to pay the costs.
Dana Binkley’s charge of assault was retired for 11 months 29 days.  Brinkley was ordered to pay the costs.
Cody Blake Brown agreed to the violation of probation.  He was ordered to serve 30 days in jail.
Linda C. Hughes agreed to the violation of probation.  She was ordered to serve 7 days and her probation was extended 23 months 2 days.
Kristie Nicole Jones pled guilty to perjury.  She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 22 days, 11 months 7 days on probation and paying the costs.
Joyce Ann Leggett agreed to the violation of probation.  Her probation was extended 11 months 29 days and she was ordered to pay the costs.  In another case Leggett pled guilty to perjury.  She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs.
Johnny Nathaniel Mitchell agreed to the violation of probation.  He was ordered to serve 30 days in jail and his probation was extended 8 months 29 days.
Mark Wayne Peterson pled guilty to driving without a license.  He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and the costs.
Will Parker pled guilty to driving without a license.  He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and the costs.
Daniel Ray Rainey agreed to the violation of probation.  His probation was extended 11 months 15 days.
Golden Arnold Roberson agreed to the violation of probation.  His probation was extended 10 months.
Cody Lee Rumsey pled guilty to driving while license revoked.  He was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $100.00 fine and the costs.
Kenneth Ray Schultz pled guilty to DUI.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 16 days, equal time on probation, losing his license for 1 year, 24 hours of litter removal, paying a $350.00 fine and the costs.
Summer Faye Williams agreed to the violation of probation.  Williams was ordered to serve the original sentence of 11 months 29 days.
Victoria Hope Winchester agreed to the violation of probation.  She was ordered to serve 30 days and her probation was extended 10 months 11 days.
John Wallace agreed to the violation of probation.  He was ordered to serve 30 days and his probation was extended 10 months 29 days.
Adam McClure agreed to the violation of probation.  He was ordered to serve 30 days and his probation was extended 10 months 29 days.
Capiases were issued for Tara C. Boling and Christy N. Shelton for failure to appear.

A Bradyville Man was shot by his father Sunday.  Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 350 Lola Lane in Bradyville for a victim of a gunshot wound.  During the course of the investigation it was determined that a 65 year old male Mr. Pless Laxton had shot his son, Thomas Laxton in an altercation.  Allegedly Thomas Laxton had a history of drug abuse.  The investigation has been conducted by members of the Cannon County’s Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. and is still ongoing.  

Deputy Travis Turney was patrolling Hollow Springs Road On Monday and observed a silver Nissan failing to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Simpson Road and Hollow Springs Road.  According to police reports while conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle, Deputy Turney spoke with the driver, Ms. Sara Cundiff.  Ms. Cudiff explained that she wasn’t paying attention and didn’t mean to go through the stop sign.  After a brief discussion, Deputy Turney began to notice that Ms. Cundiff would not look at him while speaking and acted nervous.  It was then Deputy Turney asked for consent to search the vehicle in which Ms. Cundiff gave permission.  As Deputy Turney was searching he found a hypodermic needle in the center console.  Ms. Cundiff claimed possession of the needle stating that she used it to shoot up Opana which is oxymorphine.  A passenger in the vehicle Mr. Sean Lafferty spoke up and admitted that a black bag full of drug paraphernalia was his and admitted to also shooting up.  There were two other passengers in the vehicle which were released without charges.  Ms. Cundiff and Mr. Lafferty were both arrested and charged with drug paraphernalia.  Ms. Cundiff was also cited for failure to obey a traffic control device  

Reimbursement deadline is December 1st for the Livestock Equipment and Feed Storage Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program cost share programs.  If you have already completed the project and/or purchases, please submit the reimbursement requests as soon as possible. 
Around the first week of October, producers received information concerning the TAEP online access. I would encourage you to follow these instructions and become familiar with your  TAEP Online account.  The link to TAEP Online is located the Tennessee Department of Agriculture website at www.tn.gov/taep.  Producers will need their TAEP ID number  to access their account. This process is quick and easy and very user friendly. If you do not access to the internet, please feel free to drop by the Cannon County UT Extension office for assistance.
 
Producers who cannot locate their letter can request a replacement by emailing taep.online@tn.gov.  For more information and/or assistance with the TAEP program, please contact the Cannon County Extension Office at 563-2554 or drop by our office at 614 Lehman Street. Reimbursement deadlines for Genetics, Hay Storage, Grain Storage and Producer Diversification is May, 1, 2013. Please submit your cost share reimbursement requests as soon as you finalize your project. This helps to spread out the work load and speeds in the process of receiving your cost share investment. 
 

As the end of the early voting period approaches tomorrow, Tennessee voters continued to turn out in large numbers. On Tuesday, more than 107,000 voters cast their ballots for the November 6 election. The overall turnout of 1,215,458 voters statewide already represents the second-highest early voting turnout in Tennessee history, having surpassed November 2004, the last election involving an incumbent president. Overall turnout dipped below comparable 2008 cumulative numbers for the first time since early voting began October 17, due in part to bad weather in several East Tennessee counties. “Election officials continue to be pleased with the strong early voting turnout,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I hope Tennesseans will continue to take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of early voting as we have less than two days remaining to vote early in person.”
Early Voting In Cannon County will take place Thursday at the Adams Office Building Tatum Street Entrance from 4:00 to 7:00 in the evening