News 2013

The 2013 Season at the Arts Center of Cannon County continues with a musical that’s always a family favorite. Scheduled for 3 weekends, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat begins on tonight and runs through Saturday, November 23. Performances are Friday, Saturday at 7:30PM and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Straight from the Book of Genesis, Joseph tells the tale of the young prophet Joseph (portrayed by Arts Center favorite David Alan Winton), and his fateful journey as the favored son of his father, Jacob. He is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, and after a stint of impressive dream-translations, finds himself at the top with Pharaoh the king. The role of the Narrator will be shared by two outstanding performers, Kerri Kairdolf and Mary Ellen Smith.
Directed by Michael McGee and produced by Rachael Parker, Joseph features a stellar cast of wacky and distinctive characters, including Joseph’s father Jacob (Richard Stickney), the sophisticated millionaire Potiphar (John Barker) and an Elvis-like Pharaoh (Sam Wright) Also featured are 16 area children performing in the children’s choir.
The performance schedule for all shows is Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 with discounts available for students, seniors and groups and  may be purchased by calling the Arts Center box office at 615-563-(ARTS) 2787 or 1-800-235-9073. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.artscenterofcc.com. “The Blue Porch @ Arts Center” restaurant is open before all performances.
 

The Cannon County Farmer’s Market has come to the end of the Season for 2013. All the growers and vendors of the Market sends a heartfelt thank you for your support. Growers are already ordering seed in preparation for the 2014 season. The Farmers Market wants to thank our partner the Arts Center of Cannon County and the businesses in the County that utilizes locally grown fruits and vegetables in their establishments. (Chilango’s, Blue Porch, Parsley’s Market and Save A Lot). The Market went thru many changes this season and  plans to keep improving and have an even better Market in 2014. 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 number of Tennessee farmers finishing cattle for harvest, processing and marketing beef directly to household consumers in on the rise. This is despite the challenges of identifying and understanding the necessary regulatory requirements.The University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture has developed a publication that can help producers who are considering this value-added business venture to navigate the confusing regulatory requirements.  Basic Regulatory Considerations for Retail and Non-retail Meat Sales in Tennessee (PB1805).
The process begins with a state permit to sell meat at a retail establishment. As of September 2013, approximately 86 entities are approved in Tennessee for farm-based meat sales through the TDA retail meat permit.  These producers have already waded through the regulations, and others are in the process.
The first requirement for lawful sale of meat products directly to home consumers is that the animals from which the meat originates must be harvested in a USDA-inspected facility. Further, the facility must be credentialed to harvest the meat from the specific animal species and the meat must be properly packaged and properly labeled in the USDA-inspected facility and transported in a safe, wholesome and secure manner from the USDA facility until final delivery to retail customers.
Units used for meat storage and transportation must be cleanable and kept clean and in good repair. Units must maintain the wholesomeness and temperature of the product. A cooler, refrigerator or freezer operated by a power inverter is acceptable, he said. 
Consider these steps for obtaining a Tennessee retail meat permit:
(1)   Contact the TDA’s Food and Dairy Section of the Regulatory Services Division in Nashville (phone: 615-837-5193) regarding interest in a farm-based retail meat permit.  Simply notify whoever answers the telephone that you are “interested in a farm-based retail meat permit.”
(2)   TDA will note your name and contact information and will notify the inspector in your area to schedule an initial consultation. A one-page listing and summary of the retail meat permit requirements/guidelines will be sent upon request.  
(3)   The inspector will schedule a consultation visit and/or an initial inspection, depending on the status of the facility and business.
(4)   The inspector will use the TDA Food Establishment Inspection form to conduct the on-site inspection. As part of the on-site inspection, the inspector will issue an application for permit if the facility is found in compliance with requirements. Also, the inspector will conduct a review of the product label as part of the on-site inspection.
(5)   Instructions will be provided for mailing the application and remitting the $50 permit fee.
(6)   After the completed application for permit and the permit fee have been received by the main TDA office in Nashville, the actual permit will be issued and mailed.
Some of the additional key issues and requirements of the state retail meat permit are:

The permit must be posted wherever meat sales occur.

TDA must conduct an Initial and annual inspections of facilities, storage units and transportation units. The annual permit fee is $50.

Meat storage units must be located in a secure area away from potential contamination sources. Units must dedicated to the meat offered for sale and must be accessible for inspection by TDA.

Thermometers are required in coolers, freezers and refrigeration units to verify storage temperatures. Refrigerated products must be maintained at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Frozen products must be hard-frozen and no re-freezing of product is permitted.

Meat handlers should practice good personal hygiene, with clean hands and proper outer clothing.
For more details, including copies of the TDA forms, read the UT Extension publication “Basic Regulatory Considerations for Retail and Non-retail Meat Sales in Tennessee” (PB1805). It’s available free at the Cannon County UT Extension office or online at https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1805.pdf .
UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee county, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities to improve lives by addressing problems and issue at the local, state and national levels.
For more information about this topic, please call Bruce Steelman at the Cannon County Extension Office at 615-563-2554

When it comes to local talent, Josh Issac Melton is one of the names you hear most. Known for his powerful singing voice and humble personality, Josh is a crowd favorite across the state and close to home here in Middle Tennessee. Recently, Josh auditioned for the national television hit, ‘The Voice’ where he is currently in the final round of online voting. The winner from these 61 contestants will be headed to national television in front of the four celebrity chairs that we know will turn for Josh when they hear him belt out vocals in his signature power ballad style. Currently in second place, Josh was recently booted out of the number one spot and is turning to the community for your help.  
“It is very stressful but exciting to be this close to my dream,” Melton says, “I am so grateful for everyone that has voted for me so far. You can vote once a day until November 17th. I need everyone’s help to make this happen, but I want the Lord’s will for me in the end. It’s hard to keep putting yourself out there, but God keeps opening these doors for me, so I keep walking through them.”
 
“We encourage everyone to go online and vote for Josh,” Shan Burklow (Stones River Hospital) says of her co-worker and friend, “He has gone through so many struggles in his life, and that is what has made him the wonderful and talented person he is today. We would love to see Josh succeed. It truly couldn’t happen to a more deserving person. It only takes one click to vote for Josh every day. He is contestant LUCKY number 13,” Burklow laughs, “I encourage everyone to be a tiny part of his dream. Our community could easily make this happen for him. He is so close. He keeps bouncing from first to second place, so every vote really matters at this point.”
 
To vote for Josh, go online to: http://wsmv.upickem.net and choose The Voice VIP – TN Lottery. Individuals can vote once a day until November 17th. WSMV-TV will announce the official winner following the contest, but winners can be tracked daily online by choosing to view the contestants by the ‘most votes’ option.

Four days of activities that will honor veterans and active-duty military personnel will surround the Saturday, Nov. 9, MTSU Salute to Armed Services and Veterans Day events. 
The 32nd annual Salute to Armed Services activities will coincide with the MT Blue Raiders 3 p.m. Conference USA football game against Florida International University in Floyd Stadium.
 
The veterans and military game-day activities include:
 
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Healthcare and benefits fair near stadium Gate 3. The fair is presented by U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Tennessee Valley Healthcare System;
 
• 11:30 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Service, memorial site outside Tom H. Jackson Building. As part of this event, there will be a dedication of a tree to women in military;
 
• 1 p.m. — Pregame Picnic for veterans and their family members at the Rose and Emmett Kennon Hall of Fame Building (tickets to the game for vets and family members are courtesy of State Farm and Barrett Firearms);
 
• 1:30 p.m. — Presentation of the Joe Nunley Award at Kennon Hall of Fame. The 24th and 2013 recipient is Col. Ed Smith of Brentwood, Tenn., who served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, U.S. Air Force for both the Korean War and Vietnam and who served 33 years altogether; and
 
3 p.m. — MTSU vs. Florida International game, with special halftime salute at approximately 4:30. The 337-member Band of Blue will perform official songs for all the branches of the military as the veterans and active-duty personnel go across Horace Jones Field. Former American Idol contestant Kristy Lee Cook will sing “God Bless America.” Before the game skydivers will parachute in with the game ball and Joe Wilson will sing the national anthem.
 
Seats for Soldiers ticket packages are available, and MTSU will match ticket-for-ticket. There are 80-, 40- and 20-ticket packages available. To purchase, call James Kentfield at 615-898-5261.
 
MT Athletics, the university’s military science program and the Blue Raider American Veterans Organization, or BRAVO, student group are teaming up and partnering with a number of other organizations to make the event extra special for the honorees.
 
A silent auction to benefit the new Tennessee Fisher House at Alvin C. York Medical Center will be held until 3 p.m. in the Kennon Hall of Fame.
 
Plenty of children’s activities will be on site, and Lightning’s second Punt, Pass and Kick competition for ages 5 to 12 will start at 10 a.m. at the Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.
 
People attending the game and military events are asked to bring a new toy for the Marines’ annual Toys for Tots drive.
 
For more information or to order tickets to the game, call 1-888-937-6878.
 Other Veterans Week Activities at MTSU
 
• From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, BRAVO is holding a Veterans Job Fair in the Student Union Ballroom;
 
• Veterans, particularly women vets, will be recognized during the MTSU Lady Raiders vs. Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball game, which is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in Murphy Center. Tickets are $22. Fans can purchase and print their tickets online at goblueraiders.com or Ticketmaster.com. Tickets also can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets and the Blue Raider ticket office, located at Gate 1A of Floyd Stadium. The ticket office phone number is 615-898-5261 and is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
• At 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, BRAVO will hold the 2013 Warrior Challenge 5K/10K Race, which begins at the Military Memorial site outside the Tom H. Jackson Building. To register, visit http://warriorchallenge2013.com or register through Facebook by searching for “Warrior Challenge 2013;” and
 
• A Veterans Salute concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, in Hinton Music Hall inside the Wright Music Building. The concert features the MTSU Concert Choral, Middle Tennessee Choral Society and MTSU Faculty Brass Quintet.
 
For more information about both the Veterans Job Fair and Warrior Challenge, call MTSU sophomore Malcolm Stallard at1-877-837-4635 or email mtsu@vet.6.org.

Donny Green, County Executive Director of the DeKalb/Cannon County Farm Service Agency, announces that the 2013 FSA county committee elections are underway as ballots were mailed to eligible voters in Local Administrative Area (LAA) # 3 of DeKalb County and Local Administrative Areas # 4 and # 5 on November 4th. December 2, 2013 is the deadline for eligible voters to return ballots, either post marked in the mail or delivered in person, to their local FSA offices. “The FSA county committee system is unique among government agencies, because it allows producers to make important decisions concerning the local administration of federal farm programs,” said Green. “I urge all eligible farmers and ranchers, especially minorities and women, to get involved and make a real difference in their communities by voting in this year’s elections.”
Committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to make decisions on disaster and conservation payments, establishment of allotments and yields, producer appeals, employing FSA county executive directors and other local issues. FSA committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws.
To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in FSA programs. A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm, can also vote. Agricultural producers in each country submitted candidate names during the nomination period held last summer.
Eligible voters in DeKalb County LAA # 1 or Cannon County LAA’s # 4 or # 5 who do not receive a ballot can obtain a ballot at their local USDA Service Center. December 2, 2013 is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to local USDA Service Centers. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than December 2, 2013. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office January 1st, 2014.
Close to 7,700 FSA county committee members serve in the 2,124 FSA offices nationwide. Each committee consists of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Approximately one-third of county committee seats are up for election each year. More information on county committees, such as the new 2013 fact sheet and brochures, can be found on the FSA website atwww.fsa.usda.gov/elections or at a local USDA Service Center.
 

The Murfreesboro Police Department is asking the citizens of Murfreesboro to support child abuse victims, in an effort to promote positive childhood outcomes and ensure that every child benefits from a happy,
healthy, and safe childhood.
This November, the Department is partnering with the Child Advocacy Center to raise awareness of child
abuse, especially child sex abuse. This prevention campaign, called “19 Days of Activism”, offers citizens,
businesses, and community groups an opportunity to make a difference for the children in their sphere of
influence.
“The Child Advocacy Center is a great partner in preventing, detecting, and prosecuting child abuse cases,”
explained Glenn Chrisman, Chief of Police and President of the Board of Directors for the CAC. “Child sex
abuse can be prevented and we want the community to know that we all have an important part in making
that happen. As a law enforcement partner, we will contribute to this effort through intense training for all
department employees and continue in the aggressive investigation and prosecution of anyone who would
exploit and abuse children.”
Records show that the Child Protective Investigative Team investigates and reviews 50 to 60 new child
abuse cases every month. Last year, Murfreesboro Police responded and assisted victims in 95 of those
cases. The Child Protective Investigative Team reviews the cases monthly and presents them to District
Attorney General William C. Whitesell for criminal prosecution.
The MPD conducted “Darkness to Light” child sex abuse detection and prevention training for all of the
supervisor and police officer in-service training sessions in 2013 and will extend the training for civilian staff
beginning November 19 and continue through 2014. The MPD has four employees that are certified
“Darkness to Light” facilitators and are available to provide “Darkness to Light” training to citizens groups.
Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Sharon De Boer stated: “During the 2013 MPD In-Service
Training, I had the privilege to train the department on the “Darkness to Light” 7 Steps to Protecting Children
from Child Sexual Abuse. The City of Murfreesboro is very blessed to have an outstanding police
department with excellent officers from the Chief of Police to all the supervisors, detectives, and patrol
officers. The Child Advocacy Center staff works with the child abuse detectives on a daily basis and they
deserve to be commended for their outstanding service to our community’s youngest and most vulnerable
victims of crime. They are making a difference every day in the lives of abused children.”
For more information about training, contact the MPD Training Section at 895-3874. For more information
on the 19 Days of Activism, visit the Women’s World Summit Foundation

Golf tournament host Phillip Smith, of Smith’s Painting, announced today, “There will be a $10,000 hole in one for the ‘Turkey Tee Off’ this year.”   
The 3rd annual “Turkey Tee Off” golf tournament will be held on Saturday, November 9 at Cedar Crest Golf Course to benefit the Child Advocacy Centers in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.
 
Cost for the tournament is $75 per golfer. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., registration will be at 8 a.m., and golfers will tee off at 9 a.m., said Sharon De Boer, Child Advocacy Center executive director.
 
A Turkey Gobbler luncheon provided by Slick Pig will be held immediately following the tournament.  Prizes will be presented during the luncheon. 
 
Phillip and Steven Smith and Smith’s Painting are hosting the golf tournament and they need supporters’ help to make it a huge success.
 
Levels of event sponsorship range from $50 to $2,500.  For $50 your business can have a tee box sign.  For $75, an individual can golf. For $300, you can be a team captain for a team of four golfers. For $500 –$2,500, your business can be one of the presenting sponsors. 
 
“Our family started the ‘Turkey Tee Off’ to support child abuse victims,” said Smith. “Our hope is that through this event, families of abused children will learn about the Child Advocacy Center, and seek help for their children.” 
 
Child abuse affects a significant number of children in our community.  In the last 13 years, the Child Protective Investigative Team, which consists of the Child Advocacy Center, the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, mental health counselors, and the District Attorney’s Office, have worked together to investigate and prosecute over 9,000 child abuse cases and assisted over 12,500 individuals in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. 
 
De Boer, said, “During this Thanksgiving season, the Child Advocacy Center is very thankful for Phillip and Steven Smith, Raymond and Sylvia Smith, Smith’s Painting, Farrer Construction, Bridgestone, David Pucket, Mike Becker and Marlene Jones, Stacey Birket, and all of the local businesses and individuals that are partnering with Smith to support the Child Advocacy Center and the child abuse victims served in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.
 
The presenting sponsor this year is Farrer Construction, and other local sponsors include Bridgestone LaVergne Plant, Mike and Julie Cha, Don Fletcher, Morris Hamby, Preston Brothers Construction, David Puckett Attorney-at-Law, and Don Summardahl. 
 
Tee box sponsors include Alsup & Alsup Heating and Cooling, American Auto Body, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Bell Jewelers, Don and Elaine Bogle, Bowen’s Body Shop, Boyd’s Garage, K.D. and Shyrle Broiles, Bob Bugg and Keith Strain, Larry Bugg Construction, Mike and Julie Cha, Curves of Georgetown Park, Dean Concrete, Farrer Construction, Haynes Brothers Lumber Company, Hibdons Body Shop, Roger Hindman Body Shop, Hodge Construction Services, Hoover Paint Store, Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, Jerry Pelhams Auto Salvage, Jones Car Wash, Lascassas Eye Care, Learning RX, Little Debbie Snack Cakes, Mitchell and Mitchell Attorneys at Law, Monarch Homes, Wayne and Dorothy Murphy, Music Stop, Julie Northern – Bob Parks Realty, Janet Polk, George M. Pope, Potter’s Ace Hardware, Carolyn M. Reed, Jeff Reed Attorney at Law, S & S Napa Auto Parts, Shotgun Country Pawn and Gun, Phillip and Candice Smith, Raymond and Sylvia Smith, Steven Smith, Don Summardahl, Wal*Mart Distribution Center 6062, Waldron Fann and Parsley Attorneys at Law, Wild About Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Wilson and Mitchell Hardware.
 
In-kind contributors for the breakfast and lunch include Donut Country, Lewis Brothers Bakery, and Real Tree. 
 
Door prizes have been donated by the following local businesses and individuals :  A.O. Smith, Academy Sports and Outdoors, American Tire Company, Auto Zone, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cheddars, Chop House, Christian Brothers Automotive, Chuy’s, Cumberland Express, Demos’, Edwin Watts Golf, Express Oil Change, Firestone, Five Senses Restaurant, Gaither Perio and Dental Implants, Gateway Tire and Service Center, Gourmet Ribs, Home Depot, Men’s Warehouse, Mobil 1 Lube Express, Old Chicago Pizza, Olive Garden, On Target, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Precision Tune Auto Care, Quality Tire, R.J. Young, Red Lobster, Russell Auto Care, Sam’s Sports Grill, Steven Smith, Phillip Smith, Textbook Brokers, Tire World, Toot’s, and True Value Hardware.
 
It is not too late for other businesses and golfers to get involved.  If you would like to sponsor the event, make a contribution to the event, or golf in the tournament please contact the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County at (615) 867-9000 or the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center at (615) 563-9915.
 
 
 

Today is Tuesday November 5th and apparently either someone has played a very bad prank or somewhere down the line people just simply misunderstood.  The Cannon County Election Office has been taking several calls from Cannon County voters asking details about the upcoming election.  The problem is, there is no upcoming election.  Some voters apparently have been confused thinking that today is election Tuesday.  Cannon County Administrator of Elections Dorinda Mankin says sorry to disappoint but this is not an election year.  However voters will have to wait until 2014 in order to cast their vote.    

Two city ordinances are on the agenda for tonights Town of Woodbury Board of Mayor and Aldermen regular monthly meeting.  The first ordinance will be considered on second and final reading.  It concerns the use of city government owned vehicles.  The matter was tabled from October’s meeting.  The Aldermen will consider the adoption of Ordinance 459 on first reading.  This is an ordinance amending the Woodbury Zoning Ordinance to update the mobile homes and mobile home parks section and to update references found throughout the zoning ordinance as related to the definitions of manufactured homes, mobile homes and travel trailers found in Tennessee Code Annotated.  The Aldermen will consider adoption of resolution authorizing the Mayor to submit an application fo grant funds to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for ARC funds in the amount of $430,000.00 for improvements to the Woodbury Sewer System to enter into and execute all necessary agreements.  The meeting takes place tonight at City Hall starting at 7:00