News 2015

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) urges motorists to exercise caution on the roadways this time of year.  Autumn means, football, fall foliage, pumpkin pies, and the start of deer mating and hunting season.  Last year in Tennessee, one person was killed in a traffic crash involving deer. “The fall season is the most active time of year for deer-related crashes,” Colonel Trott said.  “We want to remind drivers to be alert and watch for deer on or around the roadways, especially at dawn or after sunset.”
Motorists are also encouraged to dial *THP (*847) from an available cell phone for assistance in the event of a deer-related crash. The call will be connected to the nearest THP Communications Center and the next available state trooper will be dispatched to the location.
In Tennessee, there were 6,429 deer-related crashes in 2014. That’s an increase of 3.9 percent from the 6,187 crashes involving deer the previous year. Last year’s deer-related traffic incidents, included, 6,122 property damage crashes, 306 wrecks with injury, and one vehicular fatality.  
The THP also reports that between 2010 and 2014, 8.3 percent of deer-related crashes occurred on interstate highways. Deer-related crashes in Tennessee have steadily increased by 10.05 percent since 2010.  
According to State Farm®, there have been an estimated 1.25 million collisions between deer and vehicles in the U.S. between July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) suggest the following tips to help prevent deer-related crashes during peak mating and hunting seasons:

Remember that mating season puts deer on the move and deer tend to move at dawn and dusk.

Whenever you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow.  Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit.

Be attentive; drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at daybreak and dusk.

Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic, causing a more serious crash. Swerving also can confuse the deer as to where to run.

When you spot a deer, slow down immediately.  Proceed slowly until you pass that point.

If you do collide with a deer, never approach the injured animal.  They are powerful and can cause bodily harm to a human.  Report any deer collision, even if the damage is minor.
Tennessee law allows deer killed in a collision to be taken and used as food, as long as you contact the nearest TWRA regional office to report the accident within 48 hours. For a listing of TWRA regional offices, visit the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/19842#sthash.e2Ho2597.dpuf
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) urges motorists to exercise caution on the roadways this time of year.  Autumn means, football, fall foliage, pumpkin pies, and the start of deer mating and hunting season.  Last year in Tennessee, one person was killed in a traffic crash involving deer.
“The fall season is the most active time of year for deer-related crashes,” Colonel Trott said.  “We want to remind drivers to be alert and watch for deer on or around the roadways, especially at dawn or after sunset.”
Motorists are also encouraged to dial *THP (*847) from an available cell phone for assistance in the event of a deer-related crash. The call will be connected to the nearest THP Communications Center and the next available state trooper will be dispatched to the location.
In Tennessee, there were 6,429 deer-related crashes in 2014. That’s an increase of 3.9 percent from the 6,187 crashes involving deer the previous year. Last year’s deer-related traffic incidents, included, 6,122 property damage crashes, 306 wrecks with injury, and one vehicular fatality.  
The THP also reports that between 2010 and 2014, 8.3 percent of deer-related crashes occurred on interstate highways. Deer-related crashes in Tennessee have steadily increased by 10.05 percent since 2010.  
According to State Farm®, there have been an estimated 1.25 million collisions between deer and vehicles in the U.S. between July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) suggest the following tips to help prevent deer-related crashes during peak mating and hunting seasons:
    Remember that mating season puts deer on the move and deer tend to move at dawn and dusk.
    Whenever you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow.  Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit.
    Be attentive; drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at daybreak and dusk.
    Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic, causing a more serious crash. Swerving also can confuse the deer as to where to run.
    When you spot a deer, slow down immediately.  Proceed slowly until you pass that point.
    If you do collide with a deer, never approach the injured animal.  They are powerful and can cause bodily harm to a human.  Report any deer collision, even if the damage is minor.
Tennessee law allows deer killed in a collision to be taken and used as food, as long as you contact the nearest TWRA regional office to report the accident within 48 hours. For a listing of TWRA regional offices, visit the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/19842#sthash.e2Ho2597.dpuf

The 2015-2016 edition of the Tennessee Blue Book will be dedicated to the late U.S. Sen. Howard H. Baker, Jr. of Scott County. Baker’s lengthy and storied career spanned seven decades, including winning 56 percent of the popular vote in 1966 to become Tennessee’s first Republican U.S. senator since Reconstruction. He rose to national prominence during the Watergate hearings as vice chairman of the Senate Watergate Committee, when he uttered that famous question, “What did the president know, and when did he know it?”
After a brief bid for the 1980 Republican presidential nomination, Baker served as senate majority leader and helped pass President Ronald Reagan’s first-term tax cuts. He later served as President Reagan’s chief of staff (1987-1988) as well as becoming the U.S. ambassador to Japan during President George W. Bush’s administration.
After retirement, Baker devoted much of his time to the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee and once said that he would be remembered longest for his key role in the creation of the 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which spans over land in both Tennessee and Kentucky.
“Senator Baker set the highest of standards for excellence in public service to our great state and nation. He did this by showing respect for others, demonstrating a high regard for collaboration and civil discourse, and, most of all, by the love he exemplified for his fellow Tennesseans, all of which were hallmarks of his great life,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
The Tennessee Blue Book, which is published every two years, is the definitive manual on Tennessee state government with detailed information about all three branches of government, Tennessee history, election statistics and more. The Blue Book, published by the Secretary of State’s office, is available free of charge to Tennessee residents.
The 2015-2016 edition will be released in early 2016.
 

Mrs. Angela Cossey and the faculty and staff of Woodland Elementary School are proud to announce the first nine weeks honors students.Mrs. Melisha Simmons’s Kindergarten:Perfect Attendance: Aubrey Laxton, Emily Mooneyham, Niome Muse, Joshua Powell, Cade Smith, and Ryder Vance
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Xavier Asbury, Ethan Campbell, Brylon Chockley Zoey Ferrell, Gabe Fiermonte, Macie Foster, Aubrey Laxton, McKenzie Locklear, Aidan McClure, Emily Mooneyham, Niome Muse, Joshua Powell, Cade Smith, Jack Taylor, Mason Thomason, and Ryder Vance.
 Mrs. MaryBeth Young’s Kindergarten:
Perfect Attendance: Carly Alexander and Peyton Davenport.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Carly Alexander, Carter Burton, Christopher Carman, Peyton Davenport, Brody Franklin, Dean Harrell, Hayleigh Johnson, Samuel Krietzman, Maycie Laxton, Vanessa Lopez, Bella Mason, Gracie Nichols, Kale Sellars, Meadow Walls, and Tucker Witty.
 Mrs. Julie Hackney’s First Grade:
Perfect Attendance: Chloe Adcock, Abigail Cook, James McGee, Emily Parker, and Kail Spray.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Chloe Adcock, Abigail Cook, Xander Cornelison, Haley Frame, Weston Lovett, Ava Martin, James McGee, Braeleigh Parker, Emily Parker, Aubrey Phillips, Hannah Pitts, Baylee Sissom, Conner Smith, Lane Southworth, Kail Spray, and Rylee Tucker.
 Mrs. Alice Whittle’s First Grade:
Perfect Attendance: Alexander Williamson
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Izabella Allmon, Sara Austin, Waylon Crawford, Colton Gater, Amber Heisey, Abigail Moore, Madelyn Morales, Brandyn Murphy, Marlee Owen, Talmon Scott, Katelynn Smyth, Gunner Stout, and Alexander Williamson.
 Ms. Larna Martindale’s Second Grade:
Perfect Attendance: Mathew Austin, Layla Barrett, Jordyn Beaty, Madilyne England, Haylee Foulk, Marshall Miller, Adlen Sissom, and Paul Tune.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Mathew Austin, Layla Barrett, Jordyn Beaty, Madilyne England, Haylee Foulk, Jag Gamberella, Carlie Gannon, Chance Gilliam, Luis Gonzalez, Joshua Johnson, Kyle Judkins, Marshall Miller, Page Mohler, Kendra Murphy, Cayden Onate, Christian Perez, Addison Reed, Ava Roberts, Holly Robinson, Adlen Sissom, Brayden Smithson, and Andrew Stratton.
 Mrs. Maria Vickers’s Second Grade:
Perfect Attendance: Brooklyn Bowman, Carson Henderson, Carson Powell, Mylee Schwartz, Landon Smith, and Braylynn Taylor.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Brooklyn Bowman, Ziya Dillard, Jaysie Hackney, Carson Henderson, Kiana Henley, Samuel Holloway, Kenneth Kennedy, Kyleigh Lowery, Makenna Luttrell, Allie Melton, Brooklyn Parker, Lukas Phillips, Carson Powell, Mylee Schwartz, Aiden Smith, Ian Smith, Landon Smith, Brett Smithson, Taylor Strawser, Braylynn Taylor, Jaylynn Taylor, Eli Vassar, and Ashton Witty.
 Mrs. Amber Phillip’s Third Grade:
Principal’s List: Abbi Davis, Boone Elrod, Jacob Smith, and Kathryn Trail.
Honor Roll: Brooklyn Batson and Cadence Witty
Merit List: Lia Bedwell, Jesse Campbell, Candon Choate, Ethan England, Mason Lowe, Mckenzie Merritt, Lilianna Pope, Kylea Sullivan, and Georgia Wells.
Perfect Attendance: Lia Bedwell, Abbi Davis, and Mckenzie Merritt.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Brooklyn Batson, Lia Bedwell, Jesse Campbell, Candon Choate, Garrett Crawford, Abbie Davis, Boone Elrod, Ethan England, Kattie Lack, Mason Lowe, Krista Marren, Mckenzie Merritt, Liliana Pope, Jacob Smith, Kassandra Smyth, Kylea Sullivan, Kathryn Trail, Georgia Wells, and Cadence Witty.
 Mrs. Dawn Witty’s Third Grade:
Principal’s List: Katherine Fann, Madison Foster, Thomas McGee, Haley Hutson, Lakelyn Kilpatrick, and Madi Leath.
Honor Roll: Bennett Kauffman, Foster Kemp, and Brennon Parker.
Merit List: Aubrianna McKee, Joey Puffenbarger, and Connor Williamson.
Perfect Attendance: Bennett Kauffman.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Rihanna Edmondson, Katie Beth Fann, Madison Foster, Alexys Gamberella, Kaylie Hill, Haley Hutson, Bennett Kauffman, Foster Kemp, Lakelyn Kilpatrick, ,Madi Leath, Thomas McGee, Landyn Murphy, Brennon Parker, Caleb Price, Joey Puffenbarger, Julia Warren, Connor Williamson, and Izabell Young.
 Mrs. Beth Northcutt’s Fourth Grade:
Principal’s List: Jenna Bush, Mattea Ciramella, Ashlan Reed, and Reese Vance
Honor Roll: Jacob Robinson
Merit List: Chris Alfaro, Brianna Dykes, Austin Foster, Gavin Franklin, Alexia Kennedy, Cassidy McTaggart, and Lola Odom.
Perfect Attendance: Gavin Franklin, Virginia Hernandez, and Reese Vance.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Chris Alfaro, Jenna Bush, Mattea Ciramella, Chloe Cobb, Luke Cook, Brianna Dykes, Austin Foster, Gavin Fly-Franks, Gavin Franklin, Virginia Hernandez, ernandez, HerAlexia Kennedy, Noah Maddox, Riley McGuire, Cassidy McTaggart, Lola Odom, Ashlan Reed, Jacob Robinson, and Reese Vance.
 Mrs. Carla Parker’s Fourth Grade:
Principal’s List: Emily Lopez and George Seybold.
Honor Roll: A. J. Armstrong, Zowee Dillard, and Kaia Robinson.
Merit List: Korbin Bain, Autumn Casteel, and Destiny Hiles.
Perfect Attendance: A. J. Armstrong, Korbin Bain, Zowee Dillard, Destiny Hiles, Tucker Horsley, and Alexis McClure.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: A. J. Armstrong, Korbin Bain, Brianna Bowman, Austin Bush, Autumn Casteel, Zowee Dillard, Carson Farrar, Kathrin Garcia, Destiny Hiles, Jordan Hill, Tucker Horsley, Logan Inge, Emily Lopez, Alexis McClure, Kaia Robinson, George Seybold, and Waylon Southworth.
 Mrs. Theresa Bush’s Fifth Grade:
Principal’s List: Bryant Robinson and Houston Witty.
Merit List: Ashlyn Garbison, Austin Ferrell, Chantz Inge, Brody Morris, Tyson Pope, and Connor Rodgers.
Perfect Attendance: Austin Ferrell, Chantz Inge, Brody Morris, Cassie Ramsey, Connor Rodgers, and Kalyn West.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Hannah Bowman, Rose Davis, Austin Ferrell, Hanna Foster, Ashlyn Garbison, Jadon Henderson, Chantz Inge, Konnor Lorance, Brody Morris, Tyson Pope, Cassie Ramsey, Bryant Robinson, Kalyn West, Kelton Wilkes, and Houston Witty.
 Mrs. Stacie Bryson’s Fifth Grade:
Principal’s List: Gunter Pitts and Ethan Powell.
Honor Roll: Jerry Carlton, Shelby Duggin, and Toby Tucker.
Merit List: Shaeley Edwards, Jonathan Fann, Taylor Ross, and Ella Simmons.
Perfect Attendance: Shelby Duggin, Jonathan Fann, Hannah Jo Foulk, Faith Kilgore, Gunter Pitts, Taylor Ross, Ella Simmons, Rachel Smartt, and Junior Strawser.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Jerry Carlton, Anita Chittaphong, Brady Davis, Shelby Duggin, Shaeley Edwards, Jonathan Fann, Hannah Jo Foulk, Jessie Mohler, D. J. Moore, Gunter Pitts, Ethan Powell, Taylor Ross, Ella Simmons, Rachel Smartt, Branson Smithson, Junior Strawser, and Toby Tucker.
 Mr. Nathan Brazle’s Sixth Grade:
Principal’s List: Nolan Bell, Ava Bond, Walker Cawthorn, Rebecca Green, Kooper Nemeth, and Jacob Walton.
Honor Roll: Parker Cawthorn, Cynthia Davenport, and Dathan Stanley.
Merit List: Hunter Althaus, Carter Cawthorn, Rayana Gregg, Stacey Hoel, Jadyn Romines, and Kayelyse Strawser.
Perfect Attendance: Kooper Nemeth and Kayelyse Strawser.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Hunter Althaus, Garett Basham, Nolan Bell, Ava Bond, Hailey Bowman, Carter Cawthorn, Parker Cawthorn, Walker Cawthorn, Cynthia Davenport, Karli Davenport, Anthony Garcia, Rebecca Green, Rayana Gregg, Stacey Hoel, Kooper Nemeth, Shayla Roach, Jadyn Romines, Dathan Stanley, Kayelyse Strawser, and Jacob Walton.
 Mrs. Suzette Sissom’s Sixth Grade:
Principal’s List: Kaylee Armstrong, Jalin Fann, Natalie Heisey, Karen Lopez, Macie Sellars, Michaela Sellars, Maleah Sissom, Cassidy Taylor, and Chloe Thomas.
Honor Roll: Emma Grace Hughes and Charles Powell.
Merit List: Kolby Duke and Ellianna Young.
Perfect Attendance: Emma Grace Hughes and Chloe Thomas
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Kaylee Armstrong, Lane Crawford, Kolby Duke, Jalin Fann, Jackson Farrar, Tabitha Goodwin, Marilee Gregg, Natalie Heisey, Emma Grace Hughes, Karen Lopez, Michael Lowery, Addisyn Milner, Braxton Parker, Charles Powell, Dillion Pyron, Maci Sellars, Michaela Sellars, Maleah Sissom, Cassidy Taylor, Dylan Taylor, Chloe Thomas, and Ellianna Young.
 Mrs. Mary Jean Cook’s Seventh Grade:
Principal’s List: Macey Ciramella, Zettie Elrod, Bradi Mason, and Addison Melton.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Zach Basham, Summer Casteel, Alex Childs, Macey Ciramella, Dalton Coppinger, Hunter Davis, Zettie Elrod, Wesley George, Alex Horsley, Hunter Hutson, Bradi Mason, Addison Melton, Naomi Nelson, Hunter Owen, Lori Pittard, and Autumn Young.
 Mr. Brandon Parsley’s Seventh Grade:
Principal’s List: Madison Arnold, Brady Bryson, Cassie George, Shelby Reed, and Shelby Smithson.
Honor Roll: Dalton Hale and Tyler Southworth.
Merit List: Heather Wilson.
Perfect Attendance: Brady Bryson, Dalton Hale, Shelby Smithson, and Autumn Young.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Lindsey Arnold, Madison Arnold, Lexi Browning, Brady Bryson, Jasmine Bush, Jack Davis, Dalton Fox, Cassie George, Dalton Hale, Cole Jones, Destiny Leath, Hailey McClure, Kelsi Mears, Maleah Millner, Shelby Reed, Kaleb Ryan, Shelby Smithson, Tyler Southworth, Heather Wilson, and Autumn Young.
 Mrs. Tracy Hale’s Eighth Grade:
Principal’s List: Caroline Blanton, Madison Blanton, Jessie Kauffman, and Rachel Laxton.
Honor Roll: Lily Brazle, Kallie Kemp, and Kaitlynn Trail.
Merit List: McKenna Powell and Joel Smith.
Perfect Attendance: Seth Brown, Trinity Muse, and Joel Smith.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Caroline Blanton, Madison Blanton, Lily Brazle, Seth Brown, Wyatt Crawford, Damian England, Jessie Frazier, Creighton Garbison, Jessie Kauffman, Kallie Kemp, Rachel Laxton, Dalton Mears, Trinity Muse, Joe Overcast, McKenna Powell, Joel Smith, Samantha Strait, Kaitlynn Trail, and McKayla Walton.
 Mrs. Pamela O’Hara’s Eighth Grade:
Principal’s List: Blake Bush, Kristin Fann, Abbie Judkins, Austin Powell, and Anna Grace Sissom.
Honor Roll: Kelsie Foster, Brent Hastings, Sadie Jones, Jackson Simmons, and Zoe Witty.
Merit List: Silas Choate, and Rebekah Kavouklis.
Perfect Attendance: Blake Bush, Jackson Simmons, and Anna Grace Sissom.
A.R.R.R.O.W. Club: Rockwell Bond, Abigail Buchanan, Blake Bush, Chris Cancino, Silas Choate, Hayden Cobb, Blake Davis, Kristin Fann, Kelsie Foster, Brent Hastings, Remington James, Sadie Jones, Abbie Judkins, Rebekah Kavouklis, Kaleigh Lamb, Jessica McCrory, Austin Powell, Jackson simmons, Anna Grace Sissom, Jayda Smith, Levi Walton, and Zoe Witty.

Arts Center of Cannon County announces two upcoming Auditions “A Year With Frog and Toad”
Auditions:
Dec. 6 at 2:00, Dec. 7 at 6:30
Part of the YOUNG AT ART SERIES
 Seeking guys and girls ages 10 to 25
Weekday matinee performances are Tues, Wed, Thurs Feb. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
with public performances on Fri. and Sat., Feb 12, 13, 19 & 20
This show is directed by Lindsey Mapes and produced by Scarlett Turney
Please come prepared with 16 bars of a Broadway/Musical Theatre style song.
Auditions will also include cold readings from the script and some basic choreography
Questions:  contact scarlett@artscenterofcc.com
“Memphis”
Directed by Darryl Deason
Choreography by Regina Wilkerson Ward
Auditions for the Roles of Huey Calhoun and Felicia Farrell
Sunday November 8th @ 5PM or by appointment
Huey Calhoun- Male, 25 to 40, C(3) to B(4)
Felicia Farrell- Female, African American, 18 to 35, G(3) to A(5)
Please email darryltdeason@gmail.com for audition sides and musical audition requirements and appointment time if needed.
All other roles:
(NO ROLES ARE PRE-CAST)
Monday November 16th & Tuesday November 17th @ 6:30pm
Please prepare 16 bars of a song in the style of the show, gospel, or R&B
An accompanist will be provided
Come prepared for a dance audition

On a Cold Saturday night in Nashville, the Oakland Patriots CCC Youth Football culminated their 9-2 Season with a big win 27-0, over DeKalb Co.  After the game, Kaden Mowl was awarded the Warrior Bowl’s Most Valuable Player. He was presented the game ball and trophy. Despite being double and triple teamed from the Nose Guard position Kaden still made several tackles for loss and frustrated the DeKalb Co offense. On offense, from his center position he opened big holes and made several key blocks on several scoring drives. Kaden is the son of proud parents Michael and Jessica Mowl. He is standing next to his little brother to Landen. He is the grandson of Brent and Lydia Bush, great grandson of Dale and Lynn Bush, and Boyd and Helon Gentry. Kaden also plays basketball and baseball.  

Monday is the last day to donate coats for the Lions Club project Coats For Cannon.  Donations of new gloves, socks and hats are also requested.  You can drop off the items at Sue Patrick’s CPA office located at 109 Lester Street Woodbury from 8A to 4:30P Monday.  Call 615-563-1328 if you have any questions.  Please bring coat sizes children to adults used or new.  They ask that the coats be clean and sized.  Those coats will be given ot anyone in need of a good warm coat on November 21st at the Woodbury Lions Club Building on Lehman Street.  If you have an organization that would like to participate in this, the Lions Club will arrange a pick up all you need to do is call.

The Veterans and Concerned Citizens of Cannon County along with the American Legion Post 279 put together another top notch salute to Cannon County Veterans at Cannon County High School. Friday With the help of the Cannon County High School Student Council, the student body as well as a number of veterans and guests witnessed several special tributes to  veterans, honors bestowed on family members of veterans who recently passed away and the awarding of several contests that were held this week at the high school Emory Larson won first place in the poetry contest
In the poster contest, Libby Wheeler took third place, followed by Elva Magana in second and Elizabeth House finished in first place.
Emory Larson won first place in the essay contest, Seth Seamans placed second and third place went to Shelby Fleming
Livia Walker designed the cover of the Veterans Program which was handed out at the event. Jonah McMackins finished second and Austin Martin won third place of the Veterans Program Cover contest.
Lisa Choate and Freddy Curtis teachers at Cannon County High School were given citations of Metorious service by the American Legion Post 279

Road signs are stolen often throughout the area but this particular case should probably have not come as a surprise.  Recently Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 176 Wildboys Lane in reference to a stolen private road sign.  Upon arrival, Matthew Smith stated that he had built the residence approximately two months ago.  Mr. Smith stated that he put up his street sign “Wildboys Ln” and then left for vacation a day later.  After he returned, his brother reported that he noticed the sign missing.  Mr. Smith states that the post was laid down on the ground and had been pulled up from the ground.  The post was left at the scene however the sign “Wildboys Lane” was gone.  Mr. Smith stated the sign cost approximately $60.

Last three grand marshalls in the series of Grand Marshall’s of Saturday’s Veteran Parade  SFC Jason U. Basinger, Retired,  a Cannon County High School graduate,
served two
deployments to Iraq as a member of I and F Troop,  278 Armored Cavalry
Regiment, TNARNG
located in McMinnville, Tennessee. Jason started his military service in
1992, by serving in
the Active Army for three years. He completed Army Basic Training at Fort
Jackson, South Carolina
followed by a duty assignment at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin,
California where he was
assigned to the Army Transportation Corp.
After Active Duty, Jason entered the Tennessee Army National Guard and was
assigned to I Troop, 3/278 Armored
Cavalry Regiment as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle crew member.
2004-2005 I Troop 3/278 ACR was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom  where Jason served as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Section Leader.
Due to his Bradley operational experiences Jason served as a Bradley
Training Instructor at the Army National Guard Regional Training Site for
two years.
Jason returned to McMinnville when I Troop 3/278 ACR was changed to F
Troop, 278 Armored Cavalry still located in McMinnville.
2008 F Troop 2/278 ACR was deployed to Baton Rouge , Louisiana on a
humanitarian Mission due to
damaged caused by Hurricane Gustav.
2010, F Troop 2/278 ACR was deployed to Iraq for the second time with
Jason serving as a Convoy Escort Security Platoon Leader.
2013, Jason retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard with twenty
years of service. He is married to
Jennifer Kennedy Basinger and they have a daughter Marin. He is the son of
Annie L. Barton and Col John U Basinger, USA, Retired. Jason’s  military
service medals include the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star
Medal(Meritorious), Army Commendation Medal and the Army Good Conduct medal.
    CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS.
               OUR GRAND MARSHAL FOR 2015 (THE BAILEY FAMILY – FLOYD
BAILEY,JR., U.S. AIR FORCE; MARK BAILEY, U.S. MARINES;  KIM
BAILEY, U.S. NAVY.)    The Army Grand Marshals are Jason Basinger, served
in Afghanistan, Frank B. Walkup, III. Vietnam, and Curtis Fort, served in
Vietnam.
   The Navy Grand Marshal is Paul L. Reed, served during WWII;
The Marine Grand Marshal is Pete Parker, served in Vietnam.  The Air Force
Grand Marshal is Paul Curless, served in Vietnam.  The Coast Guard Grand
Marshal is Robert Virgil Young, in honor and memory.  The POW/MIA Grand
Marshal is Louis E. Hillis, served in Korea and was captured as a POW. The
Civilian Concerned Citizen Marshal is Harold Patrick, Mayor or Woodbury, a
great supporter of the Veterans of Cannon County.
                               HONOR OUR VETERANS
          THOSE WHO SERVED AND THOSE WHO ARE STILL SERVING
                                                  BY Colonel Jim Stone
            There are no more WWI veterans in our country.  The WWII
veterans are going to the big battle field in the sky at 1500
a day.  In just a few more years there will be no WWII
veterans left in our country.  We need to honor these men and
women now, for their sacrifices for this great country.  And
we need to honor the men and women who served after WWII and
those serving today.  So, when you see a veteran shake their
hand and tell them thanks for their service.  And, don’t
forget to remember the 61 men listed on our monument in front
of our Courthouse.  They paid the supreme sacrifice by giving
their lives for our country.  And quoting Tom Nichols, “These
were young men, they never had a chance at life. They never
returned home.   Most of them never got married, had children
and grand children. They paid it all for us.”   When you see
one of the family members of these men tell them how much you
appreciate their service and their sacrifices.   It is because
of the brave men that we can say that we live in the greatest
country on this earth.
      Just a side note:  This is my 23d year conducting the Veterans Day
Program at the Cannon County High School and the Veterans Day
Parade.  These 23 years have been a wonderful experience and a great honor
for me and all of wonderful folks who have supported these
events over the years.   All the credit goes to brother Tom Nichols.
 Brother Tom called me 23 years ago and asked if I would help honor
our Veterans in Cannon County.  I said that I would give it a shot.
Through the years brother Tom always would laugh and say, look at
all the fun we are having.
       But, the amazing thing about this story is, brother Tom Nichols is
not a Veteran.  He wanted to be one and tried to enlist but medical
reasons kept him from being able to sign on.  He remembered the
soldiers when they were on maneuvers in the 40’s, all over middle
Tennessee, and he wanted to be a soldier, like many of the young
boys.  We wanted to defend this great country. Brother Tom was, and still
is, a Concerned Citizen for the Veterans of Cannon County.
Because of Tom we have honored our Veterans of Cannon County and
preserved our proud history and heritage.
 God Bless our veterans.   And God bless Tom Nichols for his leadership,
vision, and concern for honoring our veterans.
Thank you Brother Tom for your service to Cannon County.
     Our Veterans Day Program at the Cannon County High School is Friday,
November 13th and the Veterans Day Parade is on Saturday, November 14th.
    Come on out and let our Veterans know how much we
appreciate them, for all of this wonderful freedom we enjoy in the
greatest country in the world.
Mr. Curtis Eugene Fort, a Veteran of World War II, had been named the U.S.
Army Grand Marshall for the Cannon County Veterans’ Day Parade by the
Hilton Stone American Legion Post 279.
                Curtis was born in Olive Branch, Mississippi on October 30,
1927 and passed away at his home in the Woodland Community of Cannon
County, Tennessee on October 14, 2015 following a  protracted fight with
cancer.  He lived most of his life in around Memphis, Tennessee, serving as
a Police Officer for three years with the Memphis Police Department and 26
years with E.H. Crump and Company, the south’s largest insurance agency,
retiring from Crump as its Credit Manager and Assistant Vice President and
as President of the Memphis Association of Credit Executives.  Following
the deaths of his wife, Betty (Davis) Fort, and his oldest son, Curtis Fort
Jr., Curtis moved to Cannon County to be closer to his remaining children
and lived in the Woodland Community since 2010.
                Curtis enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 5, 1945, six
months after Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies, in order to
follow his three older brothers into military service.  After Basic
Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Curtis boarded a Liberty Ship for Europe
and was assigned to the 22nd Armored Field Artillery Regiment which was
reflagged as the 22nd Constabulary Battalion in February 1946.  During most
of Curtis’ duty in Germany, he served as a Supply Technical
in the Battalion S-4 (Logistics) staff section, processing requisitions,
picking up and distributing supplies, and managing the daily supply
operations of the battalion.  However, these were tense times between the
U.S. and Russian sectors of Occupied Germany and Curtis found himself
driving the duty officers to the boundary between the zones to resolve
conflicts with the Russians.  On several occasions the Russians would greet
the Americans along the boundary with a few shots fired over their heads.
                Curtis also participated in helping the relocation of the
Jews, who had survived the Holocaust, as they boarded trains for the trip
to the new State of Israel.  He also aided the new German Government Police
in their hunt for and capture of Nazi’s, and took advantage of his free
time to go and watch the Nurnberg Trials.
                Though Curtis saw no combat during his 29 months of duty in
the US Zone Constabulary, his brothers participated in extended combat in
the European Theatre of Operations with two serving in General Patton’s
Third Army and the older brother serving with the Intelligence and
Reconnaissance (I&R) Platoon, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry
Division.  The 99th Inf. Div. took the brunt of the German offensive at the
Battle of the Bulge and the I&R Platoon, 395th Infantry Regiment stopped
the German advance for over 24 hours at the Battle of Lanzreth, Belgium
until being forced to surrender due to running out of ammunition.  The
members of this platoon, including Curtis’ older brother, spent the
remainder of the war in POW camps.  This action distinguished this platoon
as being the most highly decorated unit of World War II and led to the
writing of the book, “The Longest Winter” by Alex Kershaw and a History
Channel documentary.  Curtis was very proud of his and, mostly, of his
brothers’ service during World War II and would say:  “I and my brothers
served a total of 12 years, 4 months, and 1 day in World War II, earning 6
Battle Stars, 2 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Presidential Unit
Citation.
                After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Curtis
joined and was an active member of the American Legion, serving in Posts at
Covington, Collierville and Woodbury, Tennessee.  His work with the
American Legion included serving coffee and conversation at the VA
Hospital, placing flags along parade routes for Veterans’ Day and
Independence Day parades, conducting community outreach to veterans, and
serving in Honor Guards.  In addition to his service in the American
Legion, Curtis was an active member and servant in Central Church in
Collierville and both Plainview Baptist and First Baptist Churches in
Woodbury, Tennessee.
                Mr. Curtis Fort  serves as a bright and shining example of
patriotism, courage, and dedication to his God, his Country, and his fellow
man!
Concerned Citizen Grand Marshal
Harold Patrick resides in Woodbury.  He has lived in Cannon County
his entire life.  He is married to Sue Mitchell Holt Patrick and they have
three children, Pam Cunningham, Patti Shook, an Grant Holt.  Harold and
Sue have seven grandchildren.
Harold has had a variety of jobs working at the box factory, Pat’s Drive
In, Davis’ Service Station, WBRY radio as a sports announcer, and Colonial
Shirt Factory, where he rose through the ranks  to purchasing agent.  He
began his community service in 1975 when he first ran and was elected as
Cannon County Commissioner, and served in that position until he was
elected Cannon County Executive in1986.  He was re-elected to that same
position in 1990 and again in 1994.  After resigning that position in
1997,  he was appointed to the Clerk and Master position after being
appointed by Chancellor Bob Corlew, where he served for 13 years, retiring
in 2010.  In 2008 he was elected as Mayor of the Town of Woodbury, and
still serves in this position.  He has served the citizens of Woodbury and
Cannon County for over 40 years.
     Harold helped to acquire industry while he was County Executive to
include the Crane Interiors and Global Industries.  He has served as the
Treasurer of the Lions Club and County Chairman of the American Cancer
Society.  He was inducted into the Cannon County Sports Hall of Fame in
June 2012 for his many years of sport casting on radio the Cannon County
ball games.
 

The coveted attendance plaque for the 2014-2015 school year will be presented tonight to the school that had the highest percentage in attendance throughout the last school year.  The presentation will be made during tonight’s Cannon County Board of Education meeting.  Other items on the agenda include Eastside principal Karen Wimberley will make a presentation to the school board regarding a fence for the East Side School playground.  The board will look to approve a lease for the copiers at Cannon County High School.  Michael K. Jones will address the board in regards to hiring a math teacher for the high school  In addition Jones, will share his ideas of a new method to evaluate the Director.  The meeting will take place tonight at 6:30 at the Woodbury Grammar School.