News 2013

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is soliciting comments for its 2013-14 hunting seasons’ regulations. This is an opportunity for the public to provide ideas and share concerns about hunting regulations with TWRA staff. Public comments will be considered by TWRA’s Wildlife Division staff and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes. Comments may be submitted by mail to: 2013-14 Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife and Forestry Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or emailed to twra.comment@tn.gov.  Please include “Hunting Season Comments” on the subject line of emailed submissions.  
The comment period concerning the 2013-14 hunting season regulations began on Jan. 15, 2013 and will be open until Monday, Feb. 25.  
 

The longest road trip of the district for Cannon County takes place tonight as the Lions and Lionettes bus it up to Jamestown Tennessee for a set of district games against York Institute.  The Lady Dragonettes enter with a 14-5 overall record after beating Upperman last Friday night to notch their second district win to go against three losses.  The Lionettes are 19-2 and 4-1 in district play. They are coming off a win Monday surviving a late rally comeback by non-district team Cascade.  Cannon won the earlier meeting between the two teams   Cannon County Lions have not had much success on the road this year.  Monday night they gave one up to Cascade in the fourth quarter in Wartrace and are facing their second road game in a row.  The earlier meeting resulted in a two point win in Woodbury 56-54.  York is 5-14 overall and 1-4 in district play.  Coaches Corner for tonight’s game will be at 5:45 with the tipoff at 6:00.  You can hear all the action on AM-1540, FM-96.7 WBRY and streaming online at wbry.com.  In case of weather cancellation WBRY will update the information to reflect any cancellations on the radio, our website and on wbry on facebook  

The Cannon County Sheriff’s Department is on the lookout for  two men who were caught on video carrying stolen items on a Cannon County resident’s property Tuesday afternoon.  According to Sheriff’s Department Reports, Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve McMillen responded to the Mike Grosch residence on Bradyville Pike. Mr. Grosch stated that earlier in the morning, someone had taken his Taurus 40 caliber pistol from his camper behind his house, then went to his Chevy pickup and had taken his Marlin 30-30 rifle from the truck.  Mr. Grosch advised Deputy McMillen that two suspects had been captured on video through a home security camera.  Deputy McMillen observed one white male that appeared to have a large build with a black hoodie and also one white male with a medium build, tan pants and a dark hoodie walk from the roadway toward a camper then back carrying the stolen items.  Mr. Grosch alleges that the suspects attempted to steal his truck, however there was no video taken of that fact and also there as no video of the vehicle that the suspects were in.  The Sheriff’s Department are continuing to investigate  

 A couple of WBRY reminders concerning tonight’s activities, Weight Watcher Open House Thursday January 17th from 4:45 to 5:45. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be served. New Ten weeks start January 24th. The open house will take place in the basement of the UT Extension Office here in Woodbury. There will be a meeting of American Legion Post 279 tonight, at the Senior Citizens Center. Dinner will be served at 5:45PM and the meeting starts at 6:30PM.
 

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security officials today joined representatives from the state’s Department of Transportation and Governor’s Highway Safety Office to announce the preliminary number of traffic fatalities in 2012. Early figures indicate there was an increase in vehicular deaths on Tennessee roadways last year. These figures include all vehicular fatalities in Tennessee reported by law enforcement agencies across the state.  
In 2012, there were 1,019 traffic-related deaths in Tennessee, representing the third lowest figure since 1963 when 941 people were killed as a result of a crash. However, last year’s preliminary number of traffic deaths marks an 8.8 percent increase, compared to 2011, when there was a record-low number of 937 vehicular fatalities.
“We recorded the lowest number of traffic deaths in 48 years in 2011. We knew those figures would be difficult to replicate. However, despite last year’s increase, traffic fatalities in Tennessee have declined by nearly 24 percent since 2004. The downward trend indicates that we are moving in the right direction, but we must do better,” Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons said.
“When we began posting the fatality numbers on our message boards, our number one goal was to make drivers think about risky behavior that could cost them their lives,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “In addition to raising awareness, we are also investing millions of dollars in projects to improve safety across the state.”
Tennessee has experienced a decline in roadway incidents in several categories over the past decade. Since 2004, overall traffic crashes have dropped by 7.8 percent across the state; traffic fatalities involving large trucks have decreased by 39.5 percent since 2005; all-terrain vehicle (ATV) deaths have declined by 50 percent since 2008; and pedestrian fatalities have decreased by 19 percent over the past year.
Also, impaired driving fatalities have fallen 31.8 percent from 2007 to 2011 in Tennessee. In 2012, preliminary statistics indicate 246 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes across the state (24.1%). Additionally, Tennessee State Troopers had increased their number of DUI arrests by 25.4 percent last year over 2011.
“Impaired driving and seat belt usage continues to cause a major concern for the law enforcement community and highway safety advocates,” THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. “Our agency will continue to focus on these traffic safety issues with seat belt saturations, sobriety checkpoints and ‘No Refusal’ enforcement campaigns in 2013. We only hope the citizens of Tennessee help us in this effort to save lives – buckle up and don’t drink and drive,” he added.      
In Tennessee, unrestrained motorists accounted for more than half (52.7%) of vehicle occupants killed in 2012. Other contributing factors in fatal crashes included speed and distracted driving, with 141 and 56 deaths, respectively.
“Distracted driving is the number one killer of teens nationwide,” GHSO Director Kendell Poole said. “Last year, teen traffic fatalities increased just over 10 percent in Tennessee. Our goal is to coordinate safety initiatives with state and local law enforcement partners to educate the public on responsible habits on the road, including enforcements and safety messages on seat belt usage and impaired and distracted driving.”
Another area of concern is the number of motorcycle fatalities, which have more than tripled in Tennessee in the last 14 years. Last year, 138 motorcyclists lost their lives on state roadways, compared to 114 motorcyclist deaths in 2011.  That’s a 21.1 percent spike in motorcyclist fatalities.
“Drinking and driving is not just a problem for motorists in passenger vehicles,” Colonel Trott said. “Of the 138 motorcycle fatalities in Tennessee last year, 20.3 percent of them were alcohol-related. We hope to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes amongst motorcyclists in 2013, by focusing on education and enforcing impaired driving laws.”
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), traffic fatalities increased by five percent nationally in the first 11 months of 2012. Besides Tennessee, preliminary statistics indicated increases in roadway deaths were experienced in several surrounding states, including: Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia.
Preliminary statistics indicate 36 people have died on Tennessee roadways in 2013, the same figure as this time last year.

GENERAL SESSIONS TUESDAY JANUARY 15, 2013 
Judge Susan Melton presided over General Session Court on Tuesday.  Some of the results of the various cases that appeared on the docket included:
Charles Raymond Anderson’s charges of animals at large, driving on a revoked license 2nd offense and theft over $1000.00 were bound over to the May term of the Grand Jury.
Michael A. Blair pled guilty to driving on a revoked license.  He was sentenced to 11 month 29 days in jail.  That sentence was partially suspended upon serving one day, equal time on probation and paying the costs.
Justin James Kirkpatrick agreed to the violation of his probation.  He was ordered to serve his original sentence of 6 months.  In another case Kirkpatrick pled guilty to theft of services.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days.
Thomas Avent Muncy agreed to the violation of his probation.  His probation was extended 11 months 29 days.  In another case Muncy 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 $350.00 fine and the costs.
After a preliminary hearing, Thomas Owens Potts charge of driving while intoxicated was bound over to the January term of the Grand Jury.
Stacy Lee Racko 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.
Melissa Rodriquez agreed to the violation of her probation.  She was ordered to serve 45 days and her probation was extended 10 months 14 days.
Benjamin Casey Roberts pled guilty to criminal trespass.  He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Jordan Scott Williams pled guilty to simple possession.  He was sentenced to 11 months 29 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation, paying a $250.00 fine and the costs.
Karen Louise Wright pled guilty to allowing an unlicensed driver to drive.  She was sentenced to 30 days in jail.  That sentence was suspended upon equal time on probation and paying the costs.
 

Per the results of Monday night’s meeting There is now a mission statement of the Cannon County Election Commission.  The Commission had looked at the statement over the past several meetings.  The statement explains the Commissions stance on handling election, voter registrations and providing the County a fair election process and explain duties and responsibilities in doing so. Commissioner James Hill authored the statement and the Commission unanimously voted to approve.  The statement will appear on the County’s election website in the next few days.  
Administrator of Elections Dorinda Mankin reported that she sent out confirmation letters to registered voters in the county  that haven’t voted or corresponded in  past elections to let them know the process of purging voters is beginning The first step is to make them inactive.  She also shared ideas of getting voter registration drives in the community started.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 70 deaths, 150 injuries and $53 million in property loss.  
“We cannot stress enough the importance of following safety precautions when using portable heating devices in your home,” said State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “Keeping fire safety in mind can help save lives and property.”
Only 2 percent of heating fires in homes involve portable heaters; however, portable heaters are involved in 45 percent of all fatal heating fires in homes.
Tennessee is not immune to the devastation caused by portable heater fires. Media coverage of fires here includes frequent reports of incidents involving portable heaters during the winter months. Just last week, such a fire claimed the life of a Collierville man when one of the space heaters he was using in his home came in contact with a flammable object while he slept.
 
In 2011, portable heating equipment accounted for 70 percent of all heating fire deaths in Tennessee and caused $2.5 million in property damage. The leading factors contributing to ignition in those portable heating fires were abandoned or discarded materials and combustibles too close to the heat source.  
 
You can help prevent a portable heater fire in your home this winter by following a few fire safety steps:
 

Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave a room.

Keep anything that can burn, including bedding, clothing, curtains, pets and people at least three feet away from portable heaters.

Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory and with an automatic shut-off so that if they tip over, they shut off.

Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip. 

Check the cord for fraying, cracking and look for broken wires or signs of overheating in the device itself.

Never run the heater cord (or any cord) under rugs or carpeting.
 
According to the National Fire Protection Association, having a working smoke alarm reduces a person’s chance of dying in a fire by half.  For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in every bedroom, and interconnect them if possible.  Test smoke alarms monthly and entirely replace any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older.
 
For more tips on home fire safety, refer to our checklist at http://tn.gov/commerce/sfm/fsk/documents/checklist.pdf. 
 

The Arts Center of Cannon County will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday,January 20 at 2:00PM. New board members and officers will be voted in and a State of
the Arts address will be presented as well as reviewing the past year and looking
into the future. Everyone is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served
following the meeting.
Auditions for 9 to 5: The Musical
Sunday, January 20th at 2:00PM
Monday, January 21st at 6:00PM
Call Backs – Tuesday, January 22nd at 6:00PM
9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take
control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do — even in a man’s
world. This production is scheduled to be presented by The Arts Center of Cannon
County March 8-23, 2013
All those auditioning should be prepared to sing 16 bars of a song in the style of
the show. An accompanist will be provided. For songs not in the show, you must
provide sheet music for the accompanist. Auditions will include cold reading from
the script. Please come prepared to list any scheduling conflicts you might have.
There are roles available for 4 men and 4 women plus men and women for the ensemble
– ages 16-60. 9 to5 is directed by Dr. Darryl Deason. Rehearsals begin February 3,
2013. Performance dates are March 8-23, 2013. For more information call
615-563-(ARTS) 2787 or 1-800-235-9073. Check out our web site at
www.artscenterofcc.com.

4-H Chick Chain- During the January 4-H club meetings, we are promoting and passing out applications for one of our 4-H animal projects; the 4-H chick chain. The 4-H chick chain is a project where 4-Hers receive 25 pullets, care for and raise them for approximately 4 months, and bring six back to the chick chain show and sale. After completing the project, each 4-Her is left with 19 chickens to provide them with eggs for the future. Once again this year, we will be getting the Red Star Chicks, these chicks have known for their excellent egg-laying capacity, good nature and health, for years. These chicks are a cross between a Rhode Island Red and White Rock chicken. Due to rising costs of the project, the cost of participation will be $30.00 and the deadline to sign up for the chick chain is February 15th here at the 4-H office.Electric Demonstration Contest- Every January something very shocking happens at the local 4-H club meetings… THE ELECTRICAL DEMONSTRAITON CONTEST! The electrical demonstration contest is a contest where 4-Hers can demonstrate how something electrical works, electrical safety, green or renewable energy; just be safe! Be looking for more information concerning the county electrical demonstration which will be coming up in March. Special thanks to our sponsors of the electrical demonstration contest; MTEMC, who sponsors both the local and county contest as well as provides a scholarship for the county winning 6th and 7th grade demonstration to 4-H Electric Camp held each June at the University of Tennessee.
Horse Enrollment forms Due: If you are interested in participating in the Regional or State 4-H Horse shows this year, a 4-H Horse Enrollment Form must be completed on all horses that plan on being exhibited. Horse Enrollment Forms Can be found at the 4-H office or on the TN 4-H Website at: http://4h.tennessee.edu/forms&materials/index.htm. All Forms must be turned in to the 4-H office by the deadline of March 1st.
Upcoming Events and Activities:
Jan. 23rd – Tennessee 4-H Market Hog Show, TN Livestock Center, MTSU
Jan. 24th – 4-H Honor club meeting, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.
Jan 29-30 – Woodland 4-H club Meetings
Feb. 6th – Auburntown 4-H club Meetings
Feb. 8th – Eastside 4-H club Meetings
Feb. 12th – Short Mtn. 4-H club Meetings
Feb. 14th and 21st – West Side 4-H club Meetings
Feb. 26th and 28th – Woodland 4-H club Meetings