News 2012

A Cannon County woman is accused of aiding and abetting a friend in an attempt to illegally obtain prescription drugs.  
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Kimberly A. McCallum, 37, of Woodbury.  She was being held in the Rutherford County Jail on unrelated charges, when she was transported to the Putnam County Jail where she could be served with the TennCare fraud indictment.
 
A Putnam County Grand Jury indicted McCallum on three counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.  Charges say McCallum allowed a friend to use her son’s TennCare card on three separate occasions.  Twice, the friend was able to obtain a prescription for the painkiller Hydrocodone by using the child’s TennCare benefits.
 
“People may not think about the repercussions of committing TennCare fraud to get prescription drugs, but at some point – possibly soon – anyone involved in the activity will be caught,” said Inspector General Deborah Faulkner. “The Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone discovered committing TennCare fraud.”
 
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Randall A. York is prosecuting.
 
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,700 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.
 
Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”

A two vehicle accident last night in front of the Riverside Cemetery resulted in the death of a Cannon County teenager.  According to reports, Tony Bane of Woodbury was rounding a curve on Old Murfreesboro Road in front of the Riverside Cemetery when he was met head on by another vehicle driven by James Reed of  Woodbury.  Reed was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.  Mr. Bane and his wife Janet had to be extricated from their vehicle where Mr. Bane was Lifeflighted to Vanderbilt Hospital for his injuries.  Mrs. Bane was transported to Stones River Hospital.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Bane were released from the hospital early Thursday morning. The Tennessee Highway Patrol who is currently investigating the accident. 

The December meeting of the Town of Woodbury and Mayor of Board of Aldermen Tuesday night started off with the administering of the oaths of Mayor Harold Patrick and City Council members Joann Davis, Adam Melton, Dotty Duggin, Lois Larimer, Faye Northcutt-Knox and Charlie Harrell.  The mayor and city council were voted on in November.  Faye Northcutt Knox nominated Charlie Harrell as the vice mayor of Woodbury and the motion passed.   The Council passed the approval of an amended lease agreement with Susan Trail for the lease of building at 228 McMinnville Highway for the purpose of relocating the Woodbury Fire Department.  The amendment centered around that the tenant is not responsible for maintaining hazard insurance on the structures located on the property.
The Fire Department will be moving thoughout the month of December as the lease with start January 2013
The Council passed on first reading the ordinance removing the residency requirements and the number of applicants concering establishing package liquor requirements. Based on the referendum that was passed in the November election allowing liquor by the drink it was suggested that the residency requirment of owners of liquor stores be required to live in Cannon County and also to restrict the number of liquor stores that the town of Woodbury could have.  Second and final reading along with a public hearing will be held in January.  
Neal Applebaum addressed the board concerning trees to be planted at Brown Spurlock Park.  Alderman Dottie Duggin suggested that while the trees were being planted they cut down a huge walnut tree that is causing problems. People are taking the walnuts and throwing them at the bathroom.  A motion was made and passed to remove the tree.
There is no costs to the City of Woodbury.  A motion was made and passed to have these trees planted at the Brown Spurlock Park.
 

The Student Dietetic Association at MTSU is inviting the community to enjoy a festive, treat-making experience without the muss and fuss in the kitchen.You and your youngsters can bake Christmas cookies and make holiday crafts from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in Room 107, the kitchen lab classroom, of the Ellington Human Sciences Building.
The Student Dietetic Association will provide all the cooking ingredients and crafts materials to give this holiday season a personal touch and create a bonding experience for parents and kids.
The fee of $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event is good for one parent and one child. The cost for each additional child is $3.
Pre-sale tickets are available through Tuesday, Dec. 4. To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact MarLea Teeple, fundraising chair, at mdt3n@mtmail.mtsu.edu.

The fourth annual Department of Accounting CPE Day at Middle Tennessee State University will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Business and Aerospace Building’s State Farm Lecture Hall.The conference’s continuing professional education seminars will include presentations on accounting and financial reporting, auditing, taxation and ethics. Participants can earn up to eight hours of CPE credit.
The cost is $150, which includes all seminars, materials and lunch.
To register or obtain more information, visit the Department of Accounting website at www.mtsu.edu/accounting/CPEDaySeminar.php or call the department at 615-898-5306.
The sessions and presenters include:

“Working at Your Best,” Angie Grissom, chief operating officer and executive vice president, The Rainmaker Companies;

“Financial Accounting Standards Board Update,” Dr. Paula Thomas, MTSU accounting professor;

 “Tax Update,” Dr. Tim Koski, MTSU accounting professor;

“Corporate Sustainability Reporting,” Dr. Jeannie Harrington, MTSU associate professor of accounting;

“Fraud and Liability Update,” Dr. Sandy Benson, MTSU assistant professor of business law;

“Governmental Accounting Standards Board Update,” Dr. G. Robert “Smitty” Smith Jr., accounting department chair;

“General Ethics,” Dr. Stan Clark, accounting associate professor;

“Audit Update,” Dr. Anne Wilkins, accounting assistant professor;

“Pharmaceutical Industry Data Mining Shielded by Supreme Court Ruling …  for Now,” Dr. Lara W. Daniel, professor of business law, and Dr. Katie Kemp, assistant professor of marketing; and

“Tennessee State Specific Ethics,” Mark Crocker, executive director of theTennessee State Board of Accountancy.
The 22nd annual Department of Accounting Alumni CPE Day at MTSU will held Thursday, May 2, 2013.

Judge Susan Melton presided over General Sessions Court on Tuesday. Some of the results of the various cases that appeared on the docket included:Amanda Michelle Arnold pled guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $150.00 fine and the costs.
Steven Sean Earl Beersdorf charge of vandalism was retired for 9 months. He was ordered to pay $350.00 in restitution.
Jonathan Dale Davis agreed to the violation of his probation. He was ordered to serve 21 days and his probation was extended 11 months 8 days.
Ronnie Eugene Gilley’s charge of vandalism was retired for 6 months. He was ordered to pay $2232.00 in restitution.
Scotty Glenn Grizzle agreed to the violation of his probation. He was ordered to serve 60 days and his probation was extended 14 months 29 days. In another case Grizzle pled guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $150.00 fine and the costs. In another case Grizzle pled guilty to criminal trespass. He was sentence to 30 days in jail.
Benton Tyler Martin’s charges of rape of a child X2 were bound over to the January term of the Grand Jury.
Sterling Parker Jr.’s charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent, maintaining a dwelling for drug manufacture and possession of drug paraphernalia were bound over to the January term of the Grand Jury.
Holly C. Phillips pled guilty to DUI. She was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 48 hours, equal time on probation, 24 hours of litter removal, losing her license for 1 year, paying a $350.00 fine and the costs.
Terry Lee Reed, Jr. pled guilty to assault. Reed was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, and paying the costs.
Eddie D. Ross agreed to the violation of his probation. His probation was extended 5 months 28 days.
Phillip Matthew Shook agreed to the violation of his probation. He was ordered to serve 30 days and his probation was extended 5 months.
James A. Travis entered a Nolo Contendere to domestic assault. He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail. That sentence was partially suspended upon serving 1 day, equal time on probation, and paying the costs.
Billy Gene Warren, 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.
Jayme B. Wilson pled guilty to resisting arrest. She was sentenced to 6 months in jail. That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $50.00 fine and the costs.
Jason Leath agreed to the violation of his probation. He was ordered to serve 45 days and his probation was extended 9 months 16 days.
A Capias was issued for Tylor Blake Fults and Candice Vickers for failure to appear.
 
 
 

It may have been just what the Cannon County Lions basketball team needed, a game away from home.  The Lions played their second district opponent in a row Tuesday night coming off a two game losing streak but this time instead of struggling from the field, the Lions behind Cory Henley’s 15 point 2nd quarter shut down the Central Magnet Tigers out of Murfreesboro en route to a 72-50 win Henley who ended the night with 25 points was one of three scorers in double figures joining Jarrett Melton and Zach Higgins who scored 10 points each.  Cannon’s record moves to 6-2.  Earlier in the night the Cannon County Lionettes continued to stay undefeated collecting a 74-51 win over the Lady Tigers of Central Magnet.  Abbey Sissom was the leading point getter with 24 while Rebekah Faulker scored 10 coming off the bench and Madison Walkup scored 12.  The loss was the first of the season for the Lady Tigers.  Cannon County’s next game will be Friday back at Robert A Harris Gymnasium as York Institute pays a visit.  Game time to start at 6:00

Flu season has officially arrived in Tennessee, with cases of seasonal influenza now categorized as widespread in our state. But it’s not too late to vaccinate! The Department of Health urges all Tennesseans who have not yet received a flu vaccine to get one now to help protect vulnerable people around them, their families and themselves from the flu virus.“This is the earliest start to an ordinary flu season in Tennessee since 2003, with seasonal flu now spreading in communities across our state,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “People who are still unvaccinated are at increased risk of getting sick and spreading the virus to others. It’s very important for people who are not yet vaccinated to do so now.”
Dreyzehner and Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam have both received their annual flu vaccinations and urge all Tennesseans to get vaccinated against the flu. Hear from them in a video available on the TDH website at http://health.state.tn.us/Flu/index.htm.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week that the vaccine is a good match for the flu strains currently circulating in the U.S. CDC officials caution that the most common strain of influenza now circulating tends to cause more severe cases of illness, particularly among the elderly. Seasonal flu activity is now highest in the southeastern and south central U.S., including Tennessee. CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone over the age of six months.
“With the earlier start of flu activity in Tennessee, we can expect to see significant influenza activity through January or February, and it is capable of lingering as late as May,” said Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, medical director of the Tennessee Immunization Program. “It’s not too late to benefit from vaccine. But, it takes one or two weeks after being vaccinated for you to be protected, so if you haven’t yet gotten a vaccine, don’t wait.”
Flu vaccine for people of all ages is widely available throughout Tennessee from primary health care providers, walk-in clinics, pharmacies and county health departments. Children covered by TennCare or without insurance that covers flu vaccine can get it for just a small administration fee at county health department clinics through the Vaccines for Children program. Children will not be turned away if parents cannot afford the administration fee. You may find a list of Tennessee’s county health departments online at http://health.state.tn.us/localdepartments.htm.
The flu vaccine is especially important for people at high risk for serious illness or death from influenza such as the elderly, pregnant women and young children, as well as healthcare workers and family and friends of anyone at high risk. Expectant mothers should be vaccinated during pregnancy to protect themselves and pass protection on to their unborn babies.
Influenza vaccine is our best defense against the flu, but some people who are vaccinated will become ill anyway. For this reason, it’s also important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water, keeping hands away from your face, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue.
People who are sick should stay home to recover if at all possible to prevent spreading illness to coworkers and others. If someone at high risk of serious illness gets sick with the flu, it is important to contact their healthcare provider to see if antiviral medication or other treatment is recommended to prevent complications.
For more information on flu vaccine, including a tool to find vaccine providers in your area, visit the Department of Health website at http://health.state.tn.us/FluClinic/Default.aspx.
National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 2-8, 2012. Learn more about fighting the flu at www.cdc.gov/features/fighttheflu/.

7 games at home and it’s time to hit the road for the first away game of the year and the destination is Murfreesboro.  The Cannon County Lionettes will take their perfect 7-0 record to Murfreesboro Central Magnet to meet another perfect team in the 5-0 Lady Tigers.  The first district contest for the Lady Tigers will provide the first challenge for the young team who doesn’t have any seniors on their roster.  Cannon kept the perfect record alive with a win over Upperman on Friday night.  This will be their second district contest  of three in a row.  The Cannon County Lions will look to break a two game losing streak.  Jarrett Melton leads the 5-2 Lions into Murfreesboro for the boys matchup against a 2-2 Tigers team.  both teams are coming off of big losses Central in non district action against Eagleville while Cannon dropped their first district game of the year to Upperman.  Game time tonight starts at 5:45 with the coaches corner.  Tip off is at 6.  You can catch all the action on AM-1540 FM 96.7 WBRY and streaming live on the internet at wbry.com  

A McMinnville man is scheduled to appear in Cannon County General Sessions Court today on charges of Burglary, and Theft over $1000 . 32 year old Robert L. Self according to Sheriff’s Department Reports entered a residence back on October 9th on Blues Hill Road with the intent to commit theft of property.  Self allegedly took items amounting to over $1000 including a 4x 4 Chevrolet pickup truck, a lawn mower and a 22 caliber rifle.  Self picked up the criminal trespass charge.  He was arrested and made bond.  Reed Bryson is the investigating officer in the case