News 2014

Tennessee Comptroller of The Treasury last week released the 2014 Cannon County Annual Financial Report.  In it, there were only five findings from the yearly audit.  Most of those findings have already been answered.  One state finding showed that Cannon County does not require all eligible employees to participate in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System.  According to the audit, payroll records showed that 16 County Sheriff employees and 1 Election Commission member appeared to be eligible but were not enrolled in the mandatory system.  That issue has been corrected as of the September 19th payroll to show that all full time employees are now enrolled in the system. Another finding showed that expenditures had exceeded appropriations in the “other public safety” line item in the County General Fund by $7,695.00.  Records from the County Executive’s office showed that an amendment had been presented to the Cannon County Commission in June related to an $8,272 Homeland Security Grant but had not been approved by the Commission.  The grant was to purchase thermal imaging machines for the County Sheriff’s Department.
Third audit finding had that multiple employees operated from the same cash drawer in the office of the County Clerk.  That particular finding has been reported more than once in the past few years.  
The fourth and fifth findings had to deal with the office of the County Clerk and Master.  Back on June 5th, the office deposited $1200 to the office bank account, but did not receipt the transaction until July when requested by the State Auditors.  Findings also showed that out of 30 deposits made to the office bank account during the fiscal year, none of those collections were made within 3 days upon receipt.  It is important to note that no fraud findings were made in conjunction with this error and all monies have been accounted for just not properly deposited within the 3 day time period as required by the State.

County unemployment rates for September 2014, released last week, show the rate decreased in 94 counties and increased in one.   Cannon County saw the unemployment rate decrease  1 percentage point from the August rate of 6.6 percent to 5.6 percent.  Out of an estimated 6,460 workforce 6,160 people were employed while 360 people were unemployed.  Cannon’s unemployment rate at this time last year was 7.1 percent.  All surrounding counties saw a decrease in their unemployment figures as Coffee and Dekalb Counties reported a 6.1 percent unemployment rate.  Warren had the highest of the surrounding counties with a 6.8 unemployment rate while Rutherford was at 5.1 and Wilson reported the lowest unemployment rate of the surrounding counties with a 5.0 percent The Tennessee preliminary unemployment rate for September was 7.3 percent, one tenth of one percentage point lower than the 7.4 August revised rate. The U.S. preliminary rate for September was 5.9 percent, down from 6.1 percent in August.
 

The Tennessee Department of Health announced today three new Ebola resources for Tennesseans:
Tennesseans with questions about the disease may call a toll-free number to obtain accurate, timely information:  1-877-857-2945. This number is now open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours for the information line will be increased in length and will be available seven days a week in the near future.

TDH is providing additional information about Ebola virus disease on our website, including summaries of weekly activities and adding links to other sources of reliable information:   http://health.state.tn.us/Ceds/ebola.htm.

Should a confirmed case occur in Tennessee, the department will make a public announcement and post information to the TDH website: http://health.state.tn.us/.  
“We are glad there is increased awareness about this disease and we especially appreciate the efforts of our health care partners in prevention, detection and response planning,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “We all need to have an understanding of where the current risk exists and to make sure our concerns are based on facts and not on rumors.”
“If you have not traveled to Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone within the last 21 days and if you have not been exposed to body fluids of a confirmed Ebola virus disease patient, you do not have an appreciable risk for Ebola,” said State Epidemiologist Tim Jones, MD. “This is not an airborne disease, so those most at risk are people who have been in contact with body fluids of a confirmed patient, especially healthcare workers, family members and friends.”
With cold and flu season approaching, many people across Tennessee will develop fevers and have nausea which may cause additional concern this year. Health care providers may ask more questions about a patient’s symptoms and travel history, which is part of an effective effort to provide care and to stop the spread of all illnesses. Getting a flu vaccine can eliminate one reason for a trip to the doctor.
“Flu represents a clear and present danger and every year too many Tennesseans unnecessarily die from this common illness,” Dreyzehner said. “Some incorrectly regard flu as a really bad cold. It’s not; it can and does kill many every flu season. If you have not had your flu shot or nasal spray yet, we urge you to get it now. It could save your life.”

The Motlow College drama department is eager to delight children with its production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” beginning Wednesday, Oct. 29, according to Jeannie Gallant, associate professor of communications at Motlow and director of the production. Performances will be held on the Moore County campus in Eoff Hall for area school children as well as the general public.
The play is based on the Hans Christian Anderson folktale of the same name. The children’s classic tells the story of a vain and conceited emperor who cares more about his personal appearance than he does his own kingdom. Comedy arises when the emperor mistakes two con artists as tailors and hires them to craft his new wardrobe.
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” features the following cast members: Emperor – Ryan Clinton, Empress – Elizabeth Daniels, Prince Terry Cloth – Zeb Swerske, Princess Polyester – Megan Bearden, Sir Yessir – Clinton Warren, Lady Yesmum – Jeana Pattillo, Lt. Raggs – Dallas Schofill, Snip – Linnea Gaetjens, Tuck – Sarah Olson, Shroud – Jacob Houck, and Patches – Rachel Judge.
The crew includes Jeannie Gallant, director; Jeanna Anderson, stage manager and assistant director; Ellen Thompson, set design; Montrez Van Zant, sound; Zach Ray, lights; and Bobbie Underwood, ticketing.
Performances are scheduled for Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 29-31, at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The play will conclude with November performances on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 6 and 7, at the same times. An additional evening performance will be Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.
There is no admission charge to this event, which will last approximately one hour. Due to limited seating, reservations are made on a ‘first-come, first served’ basis.
To make reservations, please contact Bobbie Underwood at 931-393-1627 or bunderwood@mscc.edu. – See more at: http://www.mscc.edu/news/102214Emperor.aspx#sthash.bDqZypM2.dpuf

The Department of Correction is continuing efforts to increase the safety of Tennessee children on Halloween night with the launch of “Operation Blackout.”   Probation and Parole officers will be joined by local law enforcement agencies to ensure sex offenders who are under TDOC supervision adhere to strict guidelines.  “Operation Blackout” will result in an increased presence of law enforcement in the community and random visits to the homes of sex offenders who must adhere to the following guidelines on October 31, 2014: 
Will remain in their homes between the hours of 5:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

Will not have porch lights on as is the custom to participate in trick-or-treating.

Will not open their doors for trick-or-treaters.

Will only open their doors for law enforcement or probation and parole officers.

Will not be allowed to display fall decorations.

Will not be allowed to wear costumes or dress in disguise.
Offenders who are found to be in non-compliance with imposed restrictions could face additional charges for probation or parole violations that may result in jail or prison time.   “The TDOC is committed to enhancing public safety,” Commissioner Derrick D. Schofield said.  “On Halloween we’re asking citizens to partner with us by remaining vigilant and reinforcing general safety practices that can help keep children safe.”

Area business and community leaders, as well as students, faculty and campus stakeholders, don’t want to miss MTSU’s half-day conference focused on the impact the Millennial Generation is having and will have on our economy. The conference — titled “2020 Millennial Game Plan: Maximizing Millennial Entrepreneurship and Innovation” — will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Embassy Suites Murfreesboro, 1200 Conference Center Blvd.
Hosted by the Jennings A. Jones Chair of Excellence in Private Enterprise as well as the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, the conference is free to MTSU students, faculty and staff and will cost $30 for others. To register online, go to http://bit.ly/mtsu-millennial. Deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Featured speakers include Matt Thornhill and John Martin of Virginia-based marketing research company GenerationsMatter and John Boyens of The Boyens Group, a Nashville-based sales, management and training firm.
Organizers say the conference will provide valuable insights for corporate leaders, marketing executives, human resource managers, nonprofit leaders, economic development and community leaders, and anyone else interested in learning about the impact Millennials will have on the future economy.
Among questions to be addressed during the conference include: What makes millennials special? How are they shaping companies inside and out? How and why are millennials driving innovation and entrepreneurism?
“Understanding what’s coming is easier if we understand who will be leading the changes,” said Dr. David Urban, dean of the Jones College.
For more information about the conference, including the agenda and speaker biographies, visit http://bit.ly/mtsu-millennial. For more information about the MTSU Jones College of Business, go to www.mtsu.edu/business.

Dec. 1 is the deadline for eligible farmers to submit reimbursement requests for livestock equipment and feed storage projects approved through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. “Reimbursement requests are processed in the order they are received. We encourage farmers who are approved for livestock equipment or feed storage projects to finish their projects and submit their complete reimbursement requests as soon as possible for a shorter processing time,” TAEP administrator Mark Powell said.
Producers are also encouraged to utilize the TAEP Online account management system. TAEP Online allows producers to update their contact information, view TAEP history and print reimbursement instructions. Participation in TAEP Online is not required, but producers are encouraged to take advantage of this easy-to-access system to keep account information current. TAEP Online is not a “real-time” payment information system so there may be a delay in how quickly the system is updated.
All approved 2014 producers have received instructions by mail on how to access their account information. Producers can email questions to taep.online@tn.gov.
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program is a cost-share initiative administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to help farmers make long-term, strategic investments to increase profitability.
This year, more than 2,500 livestock equipment and feed storage projects totaling $10 million were approved for funding through the cost-share program. Eligible livestock projects include the purchase of squeeze chutes, pasture sprayers, mineral feeders and other livestock handling or feed storage equipment.  
For more information about TAEP or reimbursement deadlines, visit www.tn.gov/taep or call toll free 1-800-342-8206.

The Cannon County Lions football team went into Friday night’s game against the York Institute Dragons with a newly found confidence that hadn’t been seen in quite some time.  After all it was a week ago that A.J. Daniel amassed 145 yards on 13 carries and led the offensive charge as Cannon defeated Smith for their first win of this football season.  A puzzling thing happened in the York game though, for whatever reason, Daniel only got to touch the ball once last night behind the line of scrimmage and it ended up being a meaningless 4 yard carry in the second half after York had already put the game away.  Daniel and backfield mate Jake Walkup played most of the game as wide outs.  Daniel who has been nursing a shoulder injury finished the game with 3 receptions for 50 yards including a 35 yard touchdown reception that tied the ballgame up at 7-7 in the first quarter.  Then there’s the question of Ethan Smith.  Smith broke out in Cannon’s longest run of the night as it was his first game back from a knee injury when he ran 37 yards to help set up good field position for the Cannon County Score.  Even though he played the rest of the game, Smith only got one more touch for two yards.  York defeated Cannon 49-7.  Offensively Cannon netted just 12 yards rushing the football and 73 yards of total offense while York came 29 yards shy of hitting 500 total yards of offense.  Cannon’s chances of finishing third in the district and possibly an outside chance of a spot in the postseason despite their 1 win record vanished with the loss.  Cannon will finish the season Thursday night with their last game in Baxter against District opponent Upperman.

Winfred Clark (Fred) Gaither, 91, died October 22, 2014, at 8:05 AM at Woodbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was a native of Cannon County and graduated from Auburn High School in 1941. He retired from Veterans Administration Hospital in Murfreesboro as Chief, Ward Administration, on January 8, 1982. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy with honorable discharge in December 1944.   
Mr. Gaither is survived by his wife of 71 years, Sara Hamilton Gaither of Auburntown, TN; daughter, Winifred Donna (Eddie) Nichols of Auburntown, TN; son, Dr. Douglas H. Gaither, Davenport of Iowa; and six grandchildren , Sara Drue (Chris) Zimmer of Syracuse, NY; Milton Clark (Elizabeth) Gaither of Mechanicsburg, PA;  Chimena Paige (Bill) Kabasenche of Pullman, WA; Vanessa Kate (Matt) Hardy of Nashville, TN; Cameron Jess (Heather) Gaither of Racine, WI and Gretchen Elaine (Judson) Abernathy of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren, Andrew (Drew) and Canyon Zimmer; Rachel, Aidan, Susanna and Macrina Gaither; Elyria and Eliason Kabasenche; Lauren, Elena, and Bella Gaither; and Trane and Theo Abernathy. Additionally, he is survived by a brother, Jerry Forrest Gaither of Murfreesboro, TN, and nieces, nephews and cousins.  
 
Mr. Gaither was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Edward and Jodie Hawkins Gaither; three sisters, Elizabeth Lucille Hancock, Jessie Pauline Street, and Sara Nell Dickey; five brothers, Robert (Red) Hawkins, Noel Edwin, I.B., Otis Garland, and David Nugent Gaither and a grandson, Andrew (Andy) Edward Nichols.
 
Mr. Gaither was a devout Christian and member of Auburn Baptist Church where he served many years as deacon, Sunday school teacher and song leader. Additionally, he was a founding member of Lakewood Baptist Church, Beech Grove, TN. He was recorder for the Auburntown City Counsel and member of the Auburntown Historical Society for several years.
 
Mr. Gaither was an electrician and an avid repairman who could refurbish, repair and re-design almost anything including antique lamps. He enjoyed gardening, eating good food, mowing the lawn and traveling with wife Sara. He appreciated computers and eBay shopping. Mr. Gaither began each weekday by reading scripture, praying and completing a physical exercise routine. 
Complete funeral arrangements are in the obituary section of wbry.com

The Cannon County Lions have two more football games left this season and both of them are on the road.  The team got a jolt of confidence last Friday after earning their first win of the season against Smith County.  Tonight they travel to Jamestown to play in their last homecoming game of the year at York Institute.  The Purple Dragons enjoyed the week off.  Smith County beat York earlier in the season.  The Lions will again have to play mistake free football though in order to have a chance to spoil the Dragons homecoming.  Our football Friday will start up at 5:30 with Murphy Fair and Murphy’s Matchups.  Then it’s off to live football field reports from across the MidState with the Friday Night Thunder crew at 6:00.  At 6:45, we’ll prep you up for the York Cannon County game with projected starters and season recaps for both teams on Tailgate and then at 7:00 it’s kickoff.  You can hear the game several ways.  Right here on the radio at AM-1540/fM96.7 WBRY, online at wbry.com and on your smart phones and tablets through the Tune In Radio App via WBRY