News 2013

The MTSU Honors College will welcome countertenor and lutenist Mark Rimple and soprano Julie Ferris as they perform songs in praise of love across four centuries of Western music. 
The concert, titled “Beauté Parfaite” (perfect beauty), will be held at 4:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, in the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building amphitheater (Room 106) on campus. The concert is free and open to the public. A printable campus map can be found at http://tinyurl.com/MTSUParkingMap13-14.
 
The concert is part of the Honors College Fall Lecture Series and will follow Rimple’s 3 p.m. presentation, “Returning the Soul: Concepts of Beauty in Expressionist Music, Art, and Literature.” The lecture also is open to the public.
 
Rimple, who is a professor of music theory and composition at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, also serves as the director of the Collegium Musicum, a chamber ensemble specializing in the use of authentic instruments and performance techniques in the music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras.
 
“As director of the Collegium Musicum, I try to find music that both educates the student about larger historical trends and styles of music and that reveals a bit of the hidden treasures of our past,” said Rimple, who is a skilled composer and performer and frequently appears with the musical groups Trefoil and The Newberry Consort.
 
Ferris, who will perform with Rimple, was born and raised in Murfreesboro. She lives in southeastern Pennsylvania and sings with the vocal ensemble Musica Humana. Ferris also has performed as a soloist with early music ensembles such as New York Collegium and The Folger Consort. She studied voice as an undergraduate at Northwestern University and completed a master of music history degree at Temple University
 
Ferris also has extensive experience as a professional church soloist in the Chicago and Philadelphia areas. Her father, Norman Ferris, served as an MTSU history professor for about 35 years before retiring in 1997. Norman Ferris and other family members plan to attend.
 
Rimple and Ferris will present love songs from Machaut’s Remede de Fortune and from the lute ayre collections of Thomas Campion, John Dowland, Francis Pilkington and Alfonso Ferrabosco, a collaborator in Ben Jonson’s masques.
 
Rimple will perform several solo lute compositions by Francesco da Milano, Valentin Bakfark and John Dowland, and will also perform several selections from the small corpus of surviving medieval dance works on the gittern, a precursor of the European Lute.
 

Tennessee sportsmen will be venturing to the woods for one of the state’s traditions with the annual opening of gun season for deer which falls on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The 2013 season opens Nov. 23.For the third year, sportsmen will find one continuous season that will continue through Jan. 5, 2014. The continuous season replaced the previously two segmented hunting seasons that were in place prior to 2011.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency divides the state into three deer hunting units, A, B and & L. Hunters may harvest one antlered buck per day until the statewide bag limit of three is reached, including those deer harvested during archery and muzzleloader seasons. An antlered buck is a buck with an antler at least three inches long. 
For antlerless deer hunting in Units A and B during this season, refer to the list of hunts on page 26 of TWRA’s 2013 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. All hunts listed are now non-quota. Each county listed on page 26 has its own bag limit. A hunter may harvest the bag limit of antlerless deer in any open Unit A or B county and then go to any other counties listed and take the antlerless bag limit there, also. The bag limit for antlerless deer in Unit L is three per day.  
A Type 94 permit is required to harvest antlerless deer during this season on all non-quota hunts in Units A, B, & L, except for holders of an Annual Sportsman, Lifetime Sportsman, or Senior Citizen License Type 167 Permit.
TWRA personnel will be collecting data at selected check-in stations across the state on opening day. Antlered bucks will be measured and aged for management purposes.
The second Young Sportsman Hunt will be held the weekend of Jan. 11-12, 2014.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969 is required to carry proof of satisfactory completion of a hunter education class or be in possession of the Apprentice Hunting License (along with other required licenses) while hunting any species in Tennessee.
For more information about Tennessee’s 2013-14 deer hunting seasons, refer to the 2013 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide available at all license agents, TWRA regional offices in Jackson, Nashville, Crossville, and Morristown or on the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org.

Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for both September and October is 8.4 percent, which is one tenth of one percentage point lower than the August revised rate. The national unemployment rate for October 2013 was 7.3 percent, up one tenth of one percentage point from September. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides unemployment data to states each month including household and business surveys that contribute toward the monthly calculation. The BLS delayed release of state rate information due to the recent federal shutdown, but normal monthly rate announcements will resume in December. Economic Summary:

Tennessee’s preliminary October unemployment rate was 8.4 percent, unchanged from the revised September rate.

Tennessee’s preliminary September rate was 8.5 percent, but was revised to 8.4 percent.

Total nonfarm employment increased 8,000 jobs from September to October. The largest increases occurred in trade/transportation/utilities, accommodation/food services, and professional/business services.

Over the year, nonfarm employment increased 33,200 jobs. The largest increases occurred in leisure/hospitality, retail trade, and professional/business services.

– Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with friends and family, while surrounding yourself with Tennessee’s natural wonders during this season of thanksgiving. Tennessee State Park officials are pleased to announce that all eight state park restaurants will be open Thursday, Nov. 28, serving their annual Thanksgiving Day feast.Thanksgiving turkey and all the traditional trimmings, along with an assortment of desserts, will be available beginning at 11 a.m. until closing at state park restaurants across Tennessee. Selections and prices will vary depending on location, ranging from $13.50 to $15.95 (excluding drink and gratuity). Group reservations are recommended.
“Let us do the cooking this year, allowing more time to relax and spend time with your family and friends,” Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill said. “Thanksgiving is a great day to reflect on all of the things we appreciate and Tennessee State Parks offer the perfect setting to give thanks to all that nature has to offer.”
The Tennessee State Park restaurants serving Thanksgiving Day dinner are:
 
Cumberland Mountain State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  (931) 484-7186
David Crockett State Park (Lawrenceburg) . . . . . .  (931) 762-9541
Fall Creek Falls State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   (423) 881-5241
Henry Horton State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    (931) 364-8207
Montgomery Bell State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   (615) 797-3101
Natchez Trace State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   (731) 968-8176
Paris Landing State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (731) 642-4311
Pickwick Landing State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (731) 689-3135

Outdoor, gas-fueled fryers cook up juicy turkeys in a fraction of the time it takes to roast one in an indoor oven. However, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is joining the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in discouraging the residential use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil because they pose an enormous risk for injury.“Outdoor fryers heat gallons of cooking oil to very high temperatures to cook the turkey. The risk of this oil being spilled is significant, and the resulting injuries can be severe,” State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak says.Turkey fryer hazards:

The fryers are often bumped or tipped over when the turkey is put in or taken out, presenting a greater risk for the oil to splash or spill. Outdoor fryers that come with a stand pose the greatest risk of tipping.

The oil is heated to such a high temperature for frying that the vapors could ignite, resulting in a fire. 

If you use a turkey fryer during rain or snow, the risk of injury is increased. When rain or snow hits the hot oil, the oil can splash or turn to steam, which can cause burns. 

Numerous fires have ignited when fryers have been brought indoors or into a garage to keep the appliances out of the rain.

Moving the turkey from the fryer to a serving plate presents another chance of contact with hot oil. 

Turkeys that are not completely thawed may cause the oil to splash, which can cause burns.

Children have been severely burned when running into turkey fryers while playing nearby.
It is recommended that consumers utilize the oil-free models that are available or seek commercial professionals to prepare this entrée. Fried turkeys can be ordered from some supermarkets and restaurants during the holiday season.If frying your own turkey is an absolute must, the following safety measures should be carefully followed:

Turkey fryers must always be used outdoors and a safe distance from buildings and other flammable materials.

Never use turkey fryers indoors or on a wooden deck.

Make sure the fryer is used on a flat surface to prevent accidental tipping.

Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.

Never let children or pets near the fryer, even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.

To prevent spillover, do not overfill the fryer.

Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.

The National Turkey Foundation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of weight.

Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease or oil fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department by dialing 911.
Caution should always be used when using any kind of deep fryer. Since 2008, 76 fires have been reported in Tennessee as a result of deep frying. These fires injured three civilians and three firefighters and damaged $1,993,887 of property.

Gov. Bill Haslam last week announced that the Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) will permit insurers to provide Tennesseans who lost coverage with additional options. The one-year extension comes after the president announced late last week that state insurance commissioners could allow health care insurers to extend current plans that would otherwise be cancelled in 2014.
“Tennesseans should be able to keep the health care coverage that they were promised they could keep,” Haslam said.  “To have an insurance market with a variety of options is good for consumers and good for Tennessee.”
After gathering input and information from stakeholders across the state and working to analyze the impact of granting one-year extensions, TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak recommended allowing the policy extensions to mitigate any gaps in coverage that may have occurred as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
“We are allowing one-year extensions, however, it is at the discretion of Tennessee insurance providers to determine whether it is feasible to offer those previously cancelled policies,” McPeak said. “It is important that we have a diverse insurance market and that we’re providing Tennesseans with plans that are the best fit in terms of benefits offered and cost.” 
Consumers with questions about the status of their policies should contact their insurance provider.
Individuals with insurance questions or concerns can call the state’s Consumer Insurance Services (CIS) Division within TDCI.  CIS provides free insurance guidance and can be reached at 1-800-342-4029.

You are invited to join the merchants in Woodbury as they kick off the Christmas Shopping Season.  Stores will stay open until 9:00p on Friday night.  Enjoy sales, refreshments, and door prizes.  Register for the business baskets to be given away on the square at noon on Saturday.  Santa will arrive on the square at 5:00.  Enjoy wagon rides with Santa around the square provided by the Middle Tennessee Mule Skinners, compliments of the County Executive Mike Gannon.  Pictures with Santa will be from 6:00 to 8:00.  Picture packages only $10.  Refreshments sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.  Christmas music will be provided by John and Zach Barker, sponsored by the town of Woodbury.  Saturday events include the Salvation Army and their band will be on the square from 9A till 12 noon.  Merchants business baskets will be given away at 12 noon in front of the courthouse.  Visit Higgins Flea Market for special deals, door prizes and register for the $100 grand prize.   Participating Merchants include
Antiques and More, Antiques on the Square, Briar Rose Flower and Gifts, Cannon County Courthouse, Cannon Arts Dance Studio, Higgins Flea Market, Leland’s Furniture and Home Decor, The Old Feed Store and Antique Mall, Treasure Chest Antiques and Gifts, Trendy Treasures and More, Cell Plus, “The Look” Barber and Style, The Bean Patch, Jennings Jewelers, Gathering Place Cafe, First National Bank, Paul Reed Furniture Company, FirstBank, Lions Pizza Den, Regions Bank, Joe’s Place, Curves, DTC Communications and O’Grady’s Wine and Spirits.
Listen to WBRY AM-1540/FM 96.7 for various announcements of the event and businesses participating in the event.

The Cannon County High School Basketball teams improved to  5-0 after hosting the Coffee County teams from Manchester.  The Lionettes struggled from the field in the opening quarter but forced over 18 turnovers in the first half to grab a 37-19 lead by intermission.  The second half defense was just as intense as Cannon ran away with the game 76-42.  Lionettes were led in scoring by Abbey Sissom who poured in 24 points.  The boys game was supposed to be more challenging for the Lions but Cannon was able to distance themselves from the Red Raiders by 11 at the intermission.  Cannon would come out on a 6-0 run to increase the lead by 22 and win by 20 61-41.  Garrett McReynolds popped in 16 points for the Lions who await Warren County in Woodbury on Tuesday  

The American Red Cross is proud to honor local hero, Sgt. Franz U. Walkup with an American Red Cross blood drive today Sgt. Walkup was born in Germany, but his family moved to Cannon County in 2003. One of nine children, Sgt. Walkup played football alongside his brothers during his time at Cannon County High School. He graduated in 2007.
Tragically, one of Sgt. Walkups brothers was killed by an IED while serving in Iraq. The tragedy inspired Sgt. Walkup to enlist himself in 2009 and fight for our freedom in his brothers honor. During his duty, Sgt. Walkup was shot several times by an Afghan soldier. “I almost bled out,” said Sgt. Walkup. “When I arrived at the hospital, I needed 19 units of blood to keep me alive. If it wasn’t for people who donate blood, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Sgt. Walkup continues to recover at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He feels honored to know the Cannon County community and surrounding area is rallying around him by giving blood in his honor.
The Cannon County Community Blood drive in honor of Sgt. Franz Walkup is hosted by the Woodbury Lions Club.
The special event will be held at the Lions Club Memorial Building located at the corner of W. Lehman St. & W. Adams Street. from 11A-6P tonight.  Everyone is encouraged to come give the gift of life.  Make a blood donation today in honor of Franz

WBRY continues its series on the various businesses participating in the Cannon Country Christmas open house.  Curves Women’s Fitness Center has undergone new management.  Frances Taylor and Christie Fisk have taken over the business and are getting their clients ready for the new workouts coming in January.  Julian Michaels has a new program that the franchise will be picking up and they are hopeful to start by Feburary.  Everyone male and female alike are invited to stop in for refreshments and to see all the various exercise and weight loss programs that Curves has to offer.  Curves is located at 110 West Main Street.  If you get hungry while you are out shopping and taking in the Open House activities, the folks at the Lions Den Pizza place will be happy to feed you.  Offering home cooked type meals as well as pizza the Lions Den restaurant will have something that will satisfy your hunger.  You can dine in or carry out and continue holiday shopping.  113 North Cannon Street in Woodbury.  If you have someone on your Christmas list needing a new phone try DTC Communications 106 High Street in Woodbury. Excellent coverage throughout the 4 county service area, DTC Communications will have the phone and plan to fit almost any family budget.  The Cannon County Christmas Merchants Open House will take place Friday and Saturday.  Most businesses will stay open until 9:00 with Santa making an appearance at 5:00 downtown Woodbury.