News 2012

In recent months, some property and casualty insurers in Tennessee have filed to expand or shift their roofing policy terms to include actual cash value policies. As a result, the Department of Commerce and Insurance is reaching out to consumers to help them understand the difference in coverage. 1.    Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay consumers for replacement costs minus any applicable depreciation.  Depreciation can be thought of as “wear and tear” or age.
2.    Replacement Cost policies pay consumers for what the damaged/destroyed item or structure would cost in today’s dollars. These policies do not account for any wear and tear or for the age of the item.
Replacement Cost benefits will generally pay more for a claim than will ACV benefits. However, not all dwellings/items will qualify for full replacement benefits – determinations may be made on a situation-by-situation basis as companies inspect properties to resolve coverages they may make available based on the property’s condition and the company’s underwriting guidelines.
For example, consider a hypothetical, $10,000 roof that is now five years old. Assume that the roof needs to be replaced entirely and the homeowner has a $1,000 policy deductible.
•    Under an ACV policy, the insurance company may determine that $500 of wear and tear/depreciation occurred each year since the roof was installed. At the time of the claim, the company would pay $6,500. Depreciation would have reduced the payment by $2,500 (5 years multiplied by $500 wear and tear per year) and the $1,000 deductible would have reduced the payment the other $1,000. The consumer would choose between making up the difference to pay for a roof of similar quality, or using the money to install a roof available at that price.
•    Under a Replacement Cost policy, the insurance company would pay the amount required to replace the roof with similar-quality materials at today’s cost, minus the deductible. In the event that the same roof costs $11,000 at the time of the claim, the company would pay $10,000-$11,000 for the replacement roof, minus the $1,000 deductible.  (Note: Insurance companies may initially pay the actual cash value for the roof, $6,500 and then reimburse the difference following submission of a receipt.)
 
Tennessee insurance consumers should not feel that they must accept or keep a policy that does not cover their needs. TDCI encourages consumers to shop around when seeking a policy and at renewal to ensure that they receive the coverage that they want at a price that they can accept.
Consumers should also read their policies to better understand their coverage terms and should feel free to ask questions of agents and brokers. The Department of Commerce and Insurance helps customers understand insurance policies daily through its Consumer Insurance Services section, which may be contacted at 615-741-2218 or CIS.complaints@tn.gov.

Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the application period is open for a new funding opportunity to build local resilience, through a Whole Community approach, in communities across America: the Community Resilience Innovation Challenge. 
Though National Preparedness Month comes to a close at the end of September, FEMA and its partners know that preparedness must continue in communities year-round. This new monetary opportunity is designed to continue to move community preparedness forward and assist local areas in building and revitalizing community-based partnerships to advance the nation’s resilience to disasters.
 
“The best resiliency ideas originate in our states and communities – not from Washington, DC,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The goal of this program is to empower communities to collaborate and develop innovative ways to effectively respond to disasters.”
 
The opportunity is provided through the Rockefeller Foundation and FEMA and will be administered by the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation who will act as a third-party intermediary to encourage local communities to engage in creative activities that enhance disaster resilience. Funding levels will range, with a maximum award of $35,000, and applications are open to most local, state, and tribal agencies and governments; business entities; associations; organizations and groups. Submissions will be accepted through October 26.
 
Key assessment areas for the awards will be the applicants’ demonstration that their approach to community resilience is innovative, collaborative with community stakeholders, sustainable, repeatable-in that the approach enables other communities to replicate their successful outcomes-and  beneficial to the community in measurable ways. 
 
FEMA recognizes that a government-centric approach to disaster management is insufficient to meet the challenges posed by a catastrophic incident. To meet our Nation’s preparedness goals, the Whole Community must be actively involved in all phases of the preparedness, response, and recovery cycle. These awards are designed to invest in and enhance the Whole Community effort.
 
Additional information on the Challenge program criteria and application process can be found at www.fema.gov and www.ResilienceChallenge.org.

As summer comes to an end and the bountiful color of fall is fast approaching, you can count on your late season favorites. Sweet potatoes, turnip and mustard greens, sweet potatoes along with a wide selection of squash. Don’t forget you summer favorites are still available including okra and tomatoes. The Cannon County Farmers Market specializes in bringing farm fresh, vine ripen fruits and vegetables from the farm to your dinner table.For those looking for locally grown farm fresh vegetables, drop by the Cannon County Farmers  Market this Saturday, September 29th for a great selection of fruits, vegetables and baked good including; apples, beans (Blue Lake), eggplant, peppers (Anaheim, bell, banana, Poblano, cayenne, habanero, , jalapeno, Serrano), okra,  potatoes (Yukon gold bakers, new potatoes and Irish), squash (zucchini, acorn, cushaw, yellow and butternut), tomatoes (red and green), and an assortment of jams, jellies and baked goods. Pam Northcutt has a great selection of homemade fried pies, coconut is my favorite but the selection includes chocolate, peach, apple, caramel, lemon and butterscotch.
The Cannon County Farmers Market is located at the Cannon County Arts Center every Saturday beginning at 6:00 A.M. Our producers are proud to offer locally grown farm fresh produce. Most Saturdays the market is open until noon or until the farm fresh fruits and vegetables have been sold. Best way to get the best selection is to come early! Local businesses and restaurants supporting the Cannon County Farmer’s Market, include; Chilango’s, Blue Porch, Parley’s Market and Save A Lot. We appreciate their support for utilizing locally grown, farm fresh fruits and vegetables. 
For help with freezing or canning tips, contact Carla Bush at the Cannon County Extension Office. If you need more information concerning the market or would like to become a vendor, contact Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County Extension Office (563-2554), bsteelman@utk.edu or Cannoncountyfarmersmarket.com.

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ Small Business Committee is asking local small businesses to participate in the 2012 Add It Up campaign.  Companies who give a minimum of $100 as part of the Add It Up Campaign will receive tickets to the Business Blender on October 23, 2012 at the Rutherford County Chamber of CommerceThe Business Blender will include refreshments, door prizes, community inspiration and music, all donated by supporters of United Way.  Guests will be able to mix and mingle with other local business owners who share the same passion for investing in their local community. 
Bryan Nale, the chair of the 2012 Small Business Committee, said that the 2012 Add It Up Campaign is a “fun and easy way for the small business community to come together in supporting a common goal of community enrichment.”  Nale added that as a board member of two United Way partner organizations, he understands firsthand the impact that United Way makes in the community.  “United Way creates real solutions to issues facing Rutherford and Cannon Counties,” Nale said.
This campaign emphasizes United Way’s belief that it takes everyone to make an impact in the areas of Education, Income, Health and Rebuilding Lives.  Of the funds raised in 2011, 90% of contributions came from investments of $1,000 or less.  This effort by the Small Business Committee illustrates that every investment can make an impact when added together.  
As part of the Add It Up Campaign, local businesses are being asked to give at three different levels.  One hundred dollar investors will be recognized in the Add It Up listing, $250 investors will be recognized in the Community Champion Level listing, and $500 investors will be recognized in the Rutherford Society listing and will also be included in United Way’s annual leadership publications. 
For more information about how your business can be a part of the 2012 Add It Up Campaign, contact Dana Barrett at 615-893-7303 or Dana.Barrett@uwrutherford.org.

We are finishing up packing the main floor of Adams Memorial Library in preparation for our move to temporary quarters in the lower level meeting room.  The library will be closed on October 4th through October 10th and will reopen and resume regular hours in the temporary location on October 11th.  DVDs, New Arrivals, and Audiobooks will be available for checkout as usual.  We will also offer the usual faxing and photocopying services.  There will be some public use Internet computers available, too.  The room is not yet finished and surroundings are a bit primitive, but we will be there to serve you.  Remember that materials can be requested from Auburntown Branch if you find that items we have available do not meet your needs.  As of October 4th, the usual night book return will no longer be available for your use.  Instead, there will be a book return outside the entrance to the temporary location.  To reach the temporary location, please use the sidewalk that goes between the library and the Adams House Bed and Breakfast. 
Thanks to so many of you who have responded to our request for moving boxes and help and thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding during this rather chaotic, but exciting time.

October 1-7 is Child Health Week in Tennessee. The theme for this year is, “A Healthy Tennessee Begins with a Healthy Me!” Across Tennessee and Cannon County, providers of children’s services are using this week to promote good health habits that will help children lead long and healthy lives. 
In October, Cannon County students in grades K, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9 are asked to participate in an annual health screening at their school. While only a doctor can diagnosis a medical condition, screenings are tools that assist in the detection of health concerns. When such concerns are identified early, steps can be taken to access needed healthcare in hopes that health and academic issues do not develop into serious problems. In an effort to identify such concerns, Cannon County students are screened for vision, body mass index (height and weight), and blood pressure. During the screening process, students’ dignity and privacy are respected at all times. Any deviations from a normal screening will result in a referral letter mailed to the parent or guardian. Passive permission forms (forms parents sign and return only if they do not want their child to participate) are currently being distributed to students in grades K, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9. Parents do not have to return the form if their child has permission to participate. Any parent not receiving a permission form can access one online at www.ccstn.com by selecting the Department of Coordinated School Health. Parents may also acquire a form from their child’s school or at the Central Office of Cannon County Schools.  Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Connie Foster, Director of Coordinated School Health, at 615-563-5752 ext. 245 or connie.foster@ccstn.com.
 
Beginning on October 12th, ninth grade students at Cannon County High School will be participating in a TENNderCARE event which promotes medical and dental checkups. Freshman students bringing proof of a checkup will receive great prizes.
 
The TENNderCare program wants children, teens, and young adults under age 21 to be healthy and receive what they need to stay that way.  This program gives children on TennCare free checkups. For those on TennCare who do not have a doctor, the checkup can be performed at the Cannon County Health Department.  A checkup includes gathering facts about the child’s health, lab work, a complete physical examination, hearing and vision screening, development and behavior screening, and immunizations if it’s time for the child’s shots.  The TENNderCare program also pays for dental care and will help provide a ride to the doctor’s office if needed. If you have questions about TENNderCARE, need to make an appointment, or need a ride to the doctor, call the Family Assistance Service Center at 1-866-311-4287 (V) or 1-800-772-7647 (TTY/TDD).
 

From the Cannon County Farm Service Agency OfficeAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that
Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past
decades can file claims between September 24, 2012 and March 25, 2013.
“Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices from
the USDA must file a claim by March 25, 2013 in order to have a chance to receive a cash
payment or loan forgiveness,” said Secretary Vilsack. “The opening of this claims process is
part of USDA’s ongoing efforts to correct the wrongs of the past and ensure fair treatment to all
current and future customers.”
The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer
and rancher who can prove that USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing
assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000.
As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least
$1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt
relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to
participate in the program.
The Department will continue reaching out to potential Hispanic and female claimants,
around the country to get the word out to individuals who may be eligible for this program so
they have the opportunity to participate.
Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants must register for a
claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claims package will be
mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the
claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in your communities
about the claims process and contact the website or claims telephone number.
Website: www.farmerclaims.gov
Phone: 1-888-508-4429
Claims Period: September 24, 2012 – March 25, 2013.
Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the
claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to
participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other
legal services provider.
Under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, USDA has instituted a comprehensive plan to
strengthen the Department as a model service provider and to ensure that every farmer and
rancher is treated equally and fairly as part of “a new era of civil rights” at USDA. This
Claims Filing Period for Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Who Claim Past Di… Page 1 of 2http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdamediafb?contentid=2012/09/0309.x…… 9/25/2012
Administration has made it a priority to resolve all of the past program class action civil
rights cases facing the Department, and today’s announcement is another major step towards
achieving that goal. In February 2010, the Secretary announced the Pigford II settlement with
African American farmers, and in October 2010, he announced the Keepseagle settlement with
Native American farmers. Both of those settlements have since received court approval. Unlike
the cases brought by African American and Native American farmers, the cases filed by
Hispanic and women farmers over a decade ago were not certified as class actions and are still
pending in the courts as individual matters. The claims process provides a voluntary alternative
to continuing litigation for Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers who want to use it.
Audio and video public service announcements in English and Spanish from Secretary
Vilsack and downloadable print and web banner ads on the Hispanic and women farmer claims
process are available at: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?
contentidonly=true&contentid=PSAs_Print_and_WebBanner_Ads.xml
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of
discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-
9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642
(Relay voice users).
#
 

Events tonight include a community meet and greet for Dr. Holly Blakenship today from 4:30 in the afternoon to 6:00 in the hospital dining room at the Stones River Hospital.  Dr. Blankenship is the newest member of the medical staff and is joining her father Dr. James Spurlock at Mountain View Medical in Woodbury.A meeting of the DeKalb/Cannon County Amateur Radio Club will be held on Thursday, September 27th, 2012  – 6:30 PM at the DeKalb County Complex, 722 South Congress Blvd.,  in Smithville.  Call 615-597-9563 for more information.   and finally The Cannon County Audit Committee will meet in a regular session tonight at 6 PM in the jury room of the Cannon County Courthouse.  

Judge Susan Melton presided over General Sessions Court on Tuesday.  Some of the results of the various cases that appeared on the docket include:Kenneth Dee Barrett agreed to the violation of probation.  His probation was extended 3 weeks.
Kayla Renee Besner agreed to the violation of probation.  She was ordered to serve her original sentence of 6 months.
Jeremy Wayne Burns pled guilty to hunting without a license.  He was fined $25.00 and ordered to pay the costs.
Mary Leonard Caetano’s charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was retired for 6 months.  She was ordered to pay the litigation tax.
Donald Lee Curlee pled guilty to DUI 1st.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 48 hours, equal time on probation, losing his license, paying a $350.00 fine and the costs.
Patricia House pled guilty to DUI 1st.  She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 30 days, equal time on probation, losing her license, paying a $350.00 fine and the costs.
Charles Edward Jakes pled guilty to violation of a protective order.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs.
Steven Carl Miller agreed to the violation of probation.  His probation was extended.
Timothy Jake Milligan agreed to the violation of probation.  He was ordered to serve 90 days and his probation was extended 8 months 29 days.
Melissa A. Rodriguez agreed to the violation of probation.  Her probation was extended.
Jonathan Jake Smith pled guilty to DWI.  He was ordered to lose his license, and pay a $250.00 fine and the costs.
Jerry Glenn Smith Jr. pled guilty to joyriding.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 30 days, equal time on probation and paying the costs.
Kayla Sanders agreed to the violation of probation.  She was ordered to serve 30 days and her probation was extended 10 months 21 days.
Connie Chapman-Ashford, Pleas Edward Schultz, and Patrick Justin McCullough’s charges were bound over to the January term of the Grand Jury.
Show causes were issued for Daniel Harris Dudley and John David Gathright for failure to appear.
Capiases were issued for Mary Jane Able and Steven Dewayne Davis for failure to appear

Fall is right around the corner and the County Executive’s Office is seeking those that want to help decorate the square for the season.  The County Executive’s office is sponsoring Scarecrows on the Square.  Businesses, organizations and school groups are encouraged to participate.  There are 20 lamp posts around the square that will be available .  Scarecrows can not be over 7 feet tall or 3 feet wide and they will remain in place for the entire month of October.  There is a $5.00 fee which will be used to pay the prize money of $100 for the winning scarecrow.  People can use their imaginations but all scarecrows must be family oriented as they will be attached to the lamp posts. Scarecrows will be set up October 1st through 5th on a first come, first serve as far as location.  Register today by calling Diane at the County Executive’s Office at 563-2320