News 2014

The Cannon County Lionettes and Lions basketball team are enjoying the Christmas holidays in Florida as the teams took off Friday for the Sunshine State.  A couple of days of sightseeing, hanging out at the beach and basketball practice made the agenda for Saturday and Sunday and today the teams will participate in the Marlin Christmas Classic at Arnold High School in Panama City Florida.  The Cannon County Lionettes will play in the second game of the tournament this morning at 11:45 when they meet Wren High School out of South Carolina.  The Lionettes enter the tournament 11-3.  The state of Tennessee is well represented in the tournament with three other teams involved in the eight team tournament including Moore County, and Lavergne High School.  The Cannon County Lions will also play tonight at 6:00.  The Lions are currently 11-4.  Marshall County of Kentucky will be their opening opponent.  The Marshalls are 4-5.  Although the games will not be carried on radio, there is a website in which the games will be video streamed that local fans can access.  The website is psblive.com.  WBRY will have the results of the games as they become available on wbry.com and our WBRY Facebook site.

Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputies recently responded to a report about a Cannon County man just sitting in the middle of Rains Ridge Road.  According to Sheriff’s Department reports, Deputy Paul Reed was at the Sheriff’s Department when he was approached by a citizen who he had spoken to before about drug activity.  The man stated that there was a man acting weird just sitting on the old road that was no longer used.  He further stated that the man was lying on the ground and then jumped up and continued to act erratically.  Deputy Reed followed up by going out to Rains Ridge Road where he saw a black truck and a blue SUV and a man standing by the window of the SUV.  The man was identified as Marlin Prater.  Once Prater saw Deputy Reed, he went back to his truck and while doing so started to throw stuff into the weeds.  Several times Deputy Reed instructed Prater to stop and Prater wouldn’t comply.  Once Prater did stop, Deputy Reed asked Prater asked him why he was throwing things into the woods, Prater responded that he just got off probation and didn’t want to be in trouble.  After searching Prater’s truck, and looking through the weeds for the discarded items, Prater was arrested for possession of Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 drugs.

 The Tennessee General Assembly passed the 911 Funding Modernization and IP Transition Act of 2014 (“the Act”) on April 25, 2014. The Act, effective January 1, 2015, updates the existing model for funding 911 to account for changes in technology and consumer choice by establishing a single, uniform 911 surcharge rate. 
The new uniform rate accounts for advancements in technology needed to provide Tennesseans with prompt and accurate 911 services and it is intended to adequately fund local 911 services in light of the  ongoing reduction of landline use across the State. Accordingly, Canon County  residential and business lines, currently charged at $1.50_and $3.00_respectively, will be adjusted to $1.16 per month. The cellular 911 surcharge will also be adjusted from $1.00 to $1.16 per month.  Under the new law all communications providers will remit 911 fees to The Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, which in turn would remit 911 funds to local 911 Districts throughout the State in the amount no less than the 911 revenue received by each district during FY 2015.
 
Roy Sullivan, Cannon County 911 DIRECTOR said “Our highest priority is the public safety to the citizens of Cannon County.  911 call takers and dispatchers remain dedicated to ensure the quality of 911 service and response.”
 
The Act also supports the state’s Next Generation 911 program.  Next Generation 911 will provide better information and data to first responders, which allows local 911 operators to more quickly assess an emergency and ensure that the necessary equipment and personnel can promptly respond to the scene.
 
“The 911 Funding Modernization and IP Transition Act of 2014 will provide the resources necessary to ensure that the citizens of Tennessee receive the best 911 service available,” said the Tennessee Emergency Communications Executive Director, Curtis Sutton.  Curtis Sutton said it was extremely important that local governments understand that this new law flattens the local 911 revenue.
 
The new uniform rate goes into effect January 1, 2015.  Customers will likely notice a change reflecting the new rate on their January telephone and cellular phone bills.

County unemployment rates for November 2014, released recently, show the rate decreased in 18 counties, increased in 63 counties, and remained the same in 14 counties. Cannon County’s unemployment increased slightly as the County shows that out of an estimated work force of 6,490 people, 6,140 people were employed while 350 were unemployed bringing the County an unemployment rate of 5.4% which is a one tenth percentage point increase from the October rate of 5.3%.  Biggest decrease in the surrounding counties was Warren County who has a 6.4 percent unemployment rate as it was 6.9 percent in October.  Other surrounding counties  Coffee County at 5.7%, Dekalb is at 6 percent. Rutherford is 4.9 percent and Wilson is 4.7 percent.  Cannon’s unemployment rate from a year ago was 5.9 percentThe Tennessee preliminary unemployment rate for November was 6.8 percent, three tenths of one percentage point lower than the October revised rate of 7.1 percent. The U.S. preliminary rate for November was 5.8 percent, unchanged from the prior month.The state and national unemployment rates are seasonally adjusted while the county unemployment rates are not. Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique that eliminates the influences of weather, holidays, the opening and closing of schools, and other recurring seasonal events from economic time series.

The Christmas Holidays are here and those that have informed WBRY of closings or special hours include.  The Woodbury City Hall is closed and will be open again Monday morning December 29th.  The Cannon County Courthouse is closed for the holidays including Saturday.  They will reopen Monday morning December 29th The Adams Memorial Library and Auburntown Branches will be closed.  Both libraries will reopen at 9A Saturday morning December 27th for regular scheduled hours.
 

The Tennessee Department of Transportation today unveiled a new and improved TDOT SmartWay traffic information web application. For the first time, TDOT SmartWay offers both desktop and mobile devices users the option to stream live video from the SmartWay cameras located in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.“Providing up-to-the-minute traffic information is critical in TDOT’s efforts to manage our transportation system,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “It can help divert traffic away from congested areas, alert drivers to hazardous road conditions, and communicate important information about crashes.”
The new SmartWay web application incorporates incidents, construction, traffic cameras, road conditions, and dynamic message signs. The app is capable of showing a motorist’s location and includes a list of features that sort information based on a specific chosen area. The app is also intuitive to the type of device being used, and will change views for desktop and mobile devices.
The web application is free, and replaces the mobile application in the Apple and Google Play stores. If you previously downloaded the TDOT SmartWay Mobile App, please delete it from your device and begin using the new SmartWay web application. It can be found here: www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic
Users can save the web address to their device’s home screen or create a shortcut using your browser’s bookmarking tools.
TDOT has created a short “how-to” video for the SmartWay web app.
The new SmartWay web app was created by TDOT’s IT Division, which has a long term vision to build upon the SmartWay services available to the public.
TDOT asks motorists to use the TDOT SmartWay web app responsibly. Drivers should “know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for their destinations. Motorists should never text, tweet, or use a mobile device while operating a vehicle.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has not announced any roadblocks, or checkpoints for the Christmas Holiday season.  Several however are planned for the New Year’s Holiday period
 
 

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is now accepting entries for its 2014-15 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife Magazine’s annual calendar issue. All interested photographers are invited to submit their best photos on fishing and wildlife species native to Tennessee, and fishing and hunting scenes in Tennessee. Interested photographers must submit their photo entries by March 11, 2015. 
The photos will be reviewed for publication in the annual calendar edition of Tennessee Wildlife Magazine which is the summer issue. If a photo is selected for the calendar edition, the photographer will receive a cash stipend of $60.
The format is horizontal digital images on disk. Only digital images in JPEG format and of high resolution (300 dpi) sized as an 8 1/2×11 will be accepted.
Each disk submitted must have the name of the photographer stamped or written on it. No prints can be accepted. (Sorry, disks cannot be returned).
Entries can be mailed to: 
Tennessee Wildlife Magazine
Calendar Issue
P.O. Box 40747
Nashville, TN  37204
Tennessee Wildlife is the official magazine for the TWRA. Subscription rates are $10 for one year, $17 for two years and $25 for three years.

Based on national estimates, thousands of Tennesseans struggle through the cold and dreary winter season with feelings of prolonged sadness. For an estimated 4 to 6 percent of the population, winter brings about periods of fatigue and in some cases anxiety known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or (SAD). The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) recognizes SAD as a mood disorder that follows a pattern related to seasonal variations in sunlight.
“We all go through periods of feeling down,” said E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner TDMHSAS. “SAD is something more serious than the occasional blues and can lead some people into periods of deep depression due in part to fewer hours of daylight in the winter months.”Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Food Cravings, Changes in Appetite
Depression, Avoidance of Social Situations
Excessive Need for Sleep
“If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, a mental health professional can accurately diagnose SAD and offer treatment options,” said Dr. Howard Burley, TDMHSAS Medical Director.  “Gender may also play a role, as the disorder is four times more common in women than men. And young adults over the age of 20 are also more likely to suffer from SAD.”
Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood in Winter
Get Outside in the Fresh Air
Expose Yourself to More Natural Light
Exercise and Maintain Proper Nutrition
“Here in Tennessee, the effects of SAD may not be as pronounced as they are in regions to the north where the winter season is longer and colder,” said Commissioner Varney. “If you or someone you know may be experiencing SAD, it’s best to consult a healthcare or mental health provider and follow their recommendations.”
If you or someone you care for is experiencing bouts of sadness and depression that seem more severe or concerning, the condition may be suggestive of something more serious.
For help in Tennessee, call the Toll-Free Statewide Crisis Telephone Line
1-855-274-7471 or 1-855 CRISIS 1
 
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is to plan for
and promote the availability of a comprehensive array of quality prevention, early intervention, treatment,
habilitation and rehabilitation services and supports based on the needs and choices of individuals and
families served. For more information, visit www.tn.gov/mental.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging cooks across Tennessee to practice good safety habits in the kitchen during the hectic holiday season.   Unattended cooking ranks as the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home-fire injuries and can take a devastating toll. During 2009-2013, Tennessee fire departments reported 9,847 residential structure fires involving cooking equipment. These fires resulted in 33 civilian deaths, 249 civilian injuries, and $37.6 million in direct property damage. 
The risks of home fires only increase as shopping, event planning, and meal preparation increase during the holidays.
“As everyone gets busier, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” said Gary West, deputy commissioner of the Fire Prevention Division, Department of Commerce and Insurance. “Home fires are more likely to occur, especially those in the kitchen, when people are tired or distracted.”
Fortunately, added awareness and following some simple rules of thumb can help the season remain festive and safe for everyone.
Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it. Turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time. And if you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office also suggests creating a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
Keep these safety tips in mind as you prepare your holiday meal this season: 

Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop. 

Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains – away from your stovetop. 

Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stovetop when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time.

If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.  

Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried. 

If you have a cooking fire, just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. 

If you do try to fight the fire with an extinguisher, be sure others are getting out and that you have access to an exit. 

Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
As always, be sure to have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home. Test them monthly and keep them equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Plan and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place.

Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at noon on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 through 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2015.“With two million drivers expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, it’s imperative that we do everything possible to keep traffic moving and minimize congestion,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “We also want to keep our roadways safe. Our law enforcement partners will be out in full force, so wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.”
Except for a few long-term closures which must remain in place for safety, all construction related closures will be suspended during the holiday period.  Workers may still be on-site in some construction zones.  Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas.  Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. 
AAA predicts holiday travel will increase about 4.8% in Tennessee this year, with two million expected to travel by automobile in the volunteer state between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Across the U.S., 89.5 million people are expected to drive to their holiday destinations. The year-end holiday season should see the highest travel volume since 2001, and Christmas day gas prices should be the lowest since 2008.
Updated travel and construction information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5‑1‑1.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. Smartphone users can download TDOT’s new SmartWay web application at www.TNsmartWay.com/Traffic to access TDOT’s live streaming SmartWay cameras, dynamic message signs, incidents, construction, and road conditions on interstates and state routes.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.