News 2012

The holiday season increases the chance for mishaps, as more people travel and attend gatherings. Factor in the fatigue and distraction that can accompany changes to our routines, and the risk becomes greater. After all, no one ever plans on being injured.  Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak suggests you take time to review how your insurance covers mishaps in the home and when traveling. Consider these scenarios as a starting point for reviewing your coverage limits, whether for the holidays or for every day: 

What happens if a relative drives your car and gets into an accident? Auto insurance coverage follows the vehicle. So, your car will generally be covered while your relative is driving, the same as if you were driving. 

What happens if a guest at your party slips and falls on your icy driveway? Standard homeowners insurance policies provide limited medical payments coverage, if your guest seeks medical attention. 

What happens if your presents or valuables are stolen from your home? Standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage subject to the deductible and special sub-limits for certain goods, such as electronics and jewelry. 

What if a candle causes a house fire? Your home and belongings should be covered if they are destroyed by a fire, subject to your deductible and policy limits.

What if you lose your credit card and someone uses it to buy expensive items? Credit card theft might be covered as part of your credit card contract. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically provide up to $500 of coverage toward your legal obligation to pay your creditor. Federal law also limits a cardholder’s responsibility, as long as the issuer of the card is promptly notified in accordance with contact terms.

What if you travel out of state and need medical care? Most health insurance policies provide coverage for urgent care and emergency room visits while traveling, if they provide for such coverage at home. If you plan to travel, be sure to take your health insurance information for all family members. Before you leave town, check with your insurance company about in-network healthcare providers at your destination. 

If you drive to Canada or Mexico, will your vehicle still be covered? You should check with your insurance agent to ensure that your auto insurance coverage will apply outside the United States. For more information, visit www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance.

The last game current Cookeville coach Mindy Odom coached on the Cannon County sideline, the Lionettes watched a 14 point lead to Meigs County disappear in a substate game back in 1992.  The last game she coached against Cannon County saw her Cookeville Lady Cavaliers with a 16 point lead only to evaporate in the final 2 minutes of the game as Cannon County hit a 3 pointer with no time on the clock to force overtime.  The Lionettes would outscore Cookeville 12 to 4 in the extra stanza to win the Sundrop Romp Christmas Tournament 71-63 over the Cookeville Lady Cavaliers.  Cannon was led by Abbey Sissom who scored 43 points while Madison Walkup added 11.  Abby Jakes added 6 points all off free throws including three cruical ones that cut the Cookeville lead to 3 with less than 30 seconds to go in regulation.  The Lionettes would steal the ball and Abbey Sissom would dial up the three that sent the game to over time.  With the championship, the Lionettes record is 13-1.  Abby Jakes and Jordan Hollis were named to the all tournament team while Sissom received the MVP trophy  

Cannon County Basketball fans will learn Saturday that they can’t be in two places at one time.  Both the Lions and Lionettes participating in day number 2 of the Sundrop Romp Christmas Classic earned wins that advanced them both to games that start at 4:30…in different gyms.  Friday night the Cannon County Lions fueled by Cory Henley’s 25 points dropped Monterey 66-46 at Morrison School.  The win moves them to a game Saturday afternoon at 4:30 against District 8-AA foe Central Magnet in a non- district contest  The game will take place at Morrison School.  The Cannon County Lionettes stepped onto the floor  where they lost for the first time this year a week ago.  The Lionettes advancing to the semi-final round against Rhea County in a game that featured two 11-1 teams.  Cannon led by as many as 11 throughout the game but a late rally by the Lady Golden Eagles cut the lead to four.  Cannon would bury two three pointers to open the game up and win by 15 64-41.  Abbey Sissom found her shot and led all scorers with 21.  Abby Jakes added 18 in the win .  The Lionettes will now play in the championship game Saturday at 4:30 at the Warren County High School  WBRY AM-1540/FM96.7 will have live coverage beginning at 4:15.  You can also catch the game live streaming on the internet at wbry.com  

The Libraries of Cannon County will be closed for the holiday season starting Monday through Wednesday.  The Adams Memorial Library will reopen Thursday and the Auburntown Branch will reopen Friday.  In addition the Adams Memorial Library will be closed January 7th and will reopen on the main floor on January 14th.  The staff will use this time to get phone and computers changed back to their final location.  They will also be offering only minimal services as they are presently doing so in the lower level meeting room until the collections are brought out of storage and reshelved.  No library fines will be charged for the days the library is closed. If anyone is wanting to help with the move and the unpacking of over 1000 boxes of library materials, please give the library a call at 563-5861.  The Auburntown Library will be open regular hours during the week the Adams Library is closed and can provide faxing and photocopy services.  
 

Road construction will not slow travelers’ busy Christmas and New Year’s travel holidays.  The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state.   No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2012 through 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.  
“Two million drivers are expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and we want to do everything possible to minimize delays,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “We also want everyone to arrive at their destinations safely – so buckle up, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and always designate a sober driver.”
Except for a few long-term closures which must remain in place for safety, all construction related closures will be suspended during the holiday period.  Workers may still be on site in some construction zones.  Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas.  Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. 
“If you and your family are traveling during this holiday period, please do your part to increase safety for everyone by obeying the rules of the road,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole.  “Drivers will see an increased law enforcement presence on Tennessee’s roadways with a particular focus on stopping impaired drivers.”
AAA predicts holiday travel will increase nearly 2% in Tennessee this year, with 2 million expected to travel by automobile in the volunteer state between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Across the U.S. 84.4 million people are expected to drive to their year-end holiday destinations. Americans will travel an estimated 760 miles round trip.
For up-to-date travel information, motorists may call 511 from any land line or cellular phone or visit www.TN511.com. TDOT is also on Twitter.  For statewide travel tweets follow www.twitter.com/TN511. Smartphone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, incident information and messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs. Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly.  Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.  Drivers should “Know before you go!” and check traffic conditions before leaving for their destination.

The Cannon County Lions and Lionettes are headed in the opposite directions after opening round play in the Warren County Sundrop Romp Christmas Tournament Thursday night.  With the first round taking place at home in the Robert A Harris Gymnasium, the Cannon County Lions met the Wilson Central Wildcats on the floor for the first game.  The Lions continued to struggle shooting the ball throughout the four quarters, however were able to stay in the game against the Wildcats.  The Lions were able to get as close as 5 points behind in the third quarter until another big run by the Wildcats put the game away.  The Lions fell to 7-5 on the year with a 52-34 loss to Wilson Central. Jarrett Melton was the only Lions ballplayer with double figures as he scored 13.  The Lionettes put the upset loss they suffered to Warren County in the back of their minds and went out and handled business in their opening round game against Grundy County.  Abbey Sissom rebounded with 25 points to lead the Lionettes to a 71-40 scorching of the Grundy County Lady Jackets.  Madison Walkup scored 10 points in her first start of the season Cannon’s record improves to 11-1.  Cannon County Lionettes will move to the winners bracket of the tournament and play this afternoon at 4:30 at Warren County High School while the boys slip to the losers bracket for a game today at Morrison School at 6:00.  WBRY AM-1540/FM96.7 will carry the Cannon County Lionettes game at Warren County High School this afternoon at 4:15 with the Coaches Corner 4:30 for the tipoff.  The game can also be heard on wbry.com
 

Opening day of the annual Warren County Sundrop Romp Christmas Tournament is this afternoon and the Cannon County Lions boys basketball team will be tested early. The Lions have the opportunity to play on the rare occasion of twice tonight as they host the opening round play at Robert A Harris Gymnasium in Woodbury. The Lions will start the tournament off with a game against Wilson Central out of Lebanon. Wilson Central is 6-3 on the year with impressive wins over Cookeville and Antioch High Schools. Cannon is 7 and 4 having lost their last two games most recently against Warren County last Friday. Game time will start at 4:30. The winner of that game will get a breather and then turn around and play Hixson High School from the Chattanooga area who is currently 2-6 on the year. Sandwiched in between will be the Cannon County Lionettes who are 10-1 as they meet the Grundy County Lady Jackets who are 3-7. Grundy has lost to two other District 8-AA opponents this season in Dekalb County and Upperman. The evening will get started once again at 4:15 with the Coaches Corner 4:30 will tip off the three games on AM-1540/FM96.7 WBRY and wbry.com

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced a reminder that the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be out in force during the Christmas Holiday period to ensure travelers reach their destination safely. State Troopers will focus their attention on impaired driving and seat belt usage during the holiday, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, December 21 and ending at midnight on Tuesday, December 25.  
“The focus of this effort is to save lives,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said.  “I urge all Tennesseans and travelers passing through our state to obey the laws designed to keep them safe, through the holidays and whenever they get behind the wheel.”
During the 2011 Christmas holiday, nine people were killed on Tennessee roadways in six fatal crashes. Alcohol was involved in 66 percent of those crashes and four of the eight vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts. There was also one pedestrian killed during the 96-hour holiday period.
“Unfortunately, impaired driving is a year-round problem. It becomes especially serious during the holidays as more people are traveling to and from parties and special gatherings,” THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. “Our goal is remove offenders from the roadways and protect the motoring public. We want this joyous time to be safe for everyone, and all of our traffic safety enforcement efforts are created with that goal in mind,” he added.  
The holiday season is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving.  The THP will utilize several enforcement tools, including saturation patrols, bar and tavern checks, and driver license and sobriety checkpoints to help reduce serious injury and fatal crashes over the holiday.
Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two of the several simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

Plan ahead: Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;

If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;

Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to the Tennessee Highway Patrol by dialing  *THP;

Wearing your seat belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;

And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.  If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Judge Pro Tempore Darwin Colston presided over General Sessions court on Tuesday. Some of the results of the various cases that appeared on the docket included:William Bailey 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.
Austin M. Brown pled guilty under judicial diversion to possession of a schedule II drug. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days of probation and ordered to pay a $750.00 fine and the costs.
Thomas C. Coleman agreed to the violation of his probation. He was ordered to serve 14 days and his probation was extended 7 months.
Callie Combs’ charge of assault was retired for 11 months 29 days.
Steven Wilson Cook pled guilty to hunting with an illegal firearm. 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.
Heather Jean Farris pled guilty to driving without a license. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and the costs.
Jeremy Jackson Grant’s charge of driving without a license was retired for 6 months.
Kristy Dawn Hayes pled guilty to driving without a license. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs.
Danny Hugh Kennedy, Jr. 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.
Dereck Allen Merritt 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.
Darian E. Mullen pled guilty to trespass. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs.
William Andrew Pittman’s charge of passing a worthless check was retired for 11 months 29 days. He was ordered to pay restitution and the costs.
Corey Eugene Pleasant pled guilty to hunting from a public road way. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, forfeiting his weapon, paying a $200.00 fine and the costs.
Ashely Nicole Pope agreed to the violation of her probation. She was ordered to serve her original sentence.
Susan Ragan pled guilty to driving without a license. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and the costs.
Danny James Sparkman pled guilty to driving without a license. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $50.00 fine and the costs.
Ira Jerome Stankoff pled guilty to driving without a license. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and the costs.
Tiffany Lee Tomlin pled guilty to driving without a license. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $2.00 fine and the costs.
William Patrick Wampler’s charge of hunting without a license was retired for 6 months. He was ordered to pay the costs.
Scott Allen Worthington’s charge of hunting without a license was retired for 6 months. He was ordered to pay the costs.
 
 

Friday and Saturday are the two remaining days left for the Arts Center Of Cannon County’s production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The hit holiday dinner show starts at 6:30 each evening for the dinner portion with the production starting at 7:30 both evenings. Tickets are still available for both days. The box office is open 10:00AM-4:00PM Monday through Saturday.You can call the box office at (615) 563-2787 or (800) 235-9073. The Arts Center of Cannon County is located at 1424 John Bragg Hwy in Woodbury