News 2015

A Cannon County man who took a drive after being under the influence of prescribed medicine was arrested recently.  According to Sheriff’s Department reports, deputies were dispatched near HWY 53 market for a driver later identified as Rustin Means.  The caller had stated that Means was all over the road, had pulled into the market and looked like he dozed off before waking up and leaving the market.  Deputies passed the car and didn’t realize it until they got to the market.  Deputies backtracked into town where they found the car and Means leaving Co-op.  After finally conducting a traffic stop, Means couldn’t get his paperwork in order as he had not received his registration papers for the car.  At first Means denied taking medication but later stated he took his medication earlier that day.  Means was arrested for DUI second offense and was also given citations for implied consent and no seatbelt.  He is scheduled to answer to the DUI charge in Cannon County General Sessions Court On March 2nd.

The Goodwill Career Solutions center at 2955 S. Church St. will host a job fair for several businesses on Tuesday (Dec. 29, 2015). Some of the companies on hand include MCS Staffing, Friendship Home Healthcare, SpeedwayLLC and Wise Staffing and Goodwill. The Tuesday job fair will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  

 The winter holiday season should be a joyous time of year. However, certain types of fires and injuries associated with decorating are all too common and can put a damper on holiday celebrations. “December is the peak month for home candle fires,” Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak said. “Two out of five home decoration fires are started by candles. To decrease your risk for a home fire, keep safety in mind as you deck the halls this season.”
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages Tennesseans to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where one-third of U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep.
According to the state’s fire incident reporting system, candle-related fires in Tennessee during 2015 have already caused 3 fire deaths, 62 house fires, and over $3.7 million in property loss.
Consider the tips below when you bring out the holiday decorations this year. And remember, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Don’t forget to practice your home escape plan.
Maintain Your Holiday Lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Not all holiday lights are made equal so be sure that you know whether yours are for indoor or outdoor use and use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to keep cords from getting damaged.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended. Turn them off when you leave the house or go to bed.
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations. All decorations should be flame resistant or flame retardant and placed away from heat vents and other heat sources.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace. It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
Take Care with Christmas Trees. Do not let live trees dry out. Keep them watered and recycle them promptly after the holiday. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree make sure it is flame retardant.
Avoid Using Lit Candles to Decorate. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
Never put lit candles on a tree. Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle.
Keep Escape Routes Clear. Do not block exit routes with trees or decorations.
 

The officials of the Town of Woodbury announces that the Woodbury Trash Route will operate on normal schedule despite Christmas being on Friday.  

The Cannon County Lions boys basketball team wrapped up the consolation game with a 66-53 victory over Claiborne County in the Clinton  Basketball Tournament Sunday afternoon.  The team shot the ball well hitting 10 3-pointers  overall.  Austin Martin turned in a double double 10 points and 10 rebounds.  Briar Jakes and Charlie Parrish finished with 9 points each and Trey Fann knocked down 8 points.  Cannon’s record going into next week is 5-9.  Next up for the Lions will be Monday in Sparta as they compete in the Sonic Shootout.

Commissioner Bill Gibbons of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOS&HS), Colonel Tracy Trott of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer and Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) Director Kendell Poole announced the increase in seat belt fines as an effective additional tool to curb traffic fatalities in the state.  
The State Legislature approved a bill during the 2015 session. As of January 1st, 2016 the fine for seat belt violations will more than double. The fine for a first offense seat belt violation will be raised to $25.00 and the second and subsequent offense will be $50.00.
 
“So far this year, state troopers have issued over 107,000 seat belt citations,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “That is a 255 percent increase over the same time period in 2010. We will continue to make this a priority, but we hope the day will come when it is difficult for a state trooper to find a motorist not wearing a seat belt. We hope the tougher fines will encourage motorists to obey the law.”
 
Along with announcing the seatbelt fine increase, The TDOS&HS today announced a reminder that THP will be out in force during the holiday period to ensure travelers reach their destination safely. State troopers will focus their attention on traffic violations that place motorists in jeopardy, such as distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving and lack of seat belt usage. The holiday enforcement period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on December 24th and conclude at midnight on December 27th.
 
The holiday season is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. The THP will utilize several enforcement tools, including saturation patrols, bar and tavern checks, and driver license and sobriety checkpoints to help reduce serious injury and fatal crashes over the holiday season.
 
“We care about you and your safety,” Colonel Tracy Trott said. “What we are hoping to accomplish with the fine increase is a heightened sense of awareness among our motorists. The best safety tool that a driver or passenger has while riding in a vehicle is to wear his or injured or killed in a car crash. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in a crash. One life lost due to not wearing a seat belt is one life to many.”
HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT
 
Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two of the several simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Important tips include:
 
• Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
• If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to the Tennessee Highway Patrol by dialing *THP;
• Wear your seat belt or use protective gear on your motorcycle as your best defense against an impaired driver; and
• Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take the person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements.
 
“We are very thankful for the friendships and partnerships that TDOT has with the Department of Safety and our state troopers,” Commissioner John Schroer said. “We understand that it takes all hands on deck to ensure a safer Tennessee, and the seat belt fine increase will help state troopers and local law enforcement in their efforts”.
 
TDOT will be suspending lane closures beginning at midnight on Wednesday, December 23rd until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th.
 
During the 2014 Christmas holiday, seven people were killed on Tennessee roadways in seven fatal crashes. Alcohol was involved in 71.4 percent of those crashes, and three of the six vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts. There was also one pedestrian killed during the 96-hour holiday period.
 
– See more at: http://www.tn.gov/safety/news/22648#sthash.uji921bF.dpuf
Commissioner Bill Gibbons of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOS&HS), Colonel Tracy Trott of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer and Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) Director Kendell Poole announced the increase in seat belt fines as an effective additional tool to curb traffic fatalities in the state.
 
The State Legislature approved a bill during the 2015 session. As of January 1st, 2016 the fine for seat belt violations will more than double. The fine for a first offense seat belt violation will be raised to $25.00 and the second and subsequent offense will be $50.00.
 
“So far this year, state troopers have issued over 107,000 seat belt citations,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “That is a 255 percent increase over the same time period in 2010. We will continue to make this a priority, but we hope the day will come when it is difficult for a state trooper to find a motorist not wearing a seat belt. We hope the tougher fines will encourage motorists to obey the law.”
 
Along with announcing the seatbelt fine increase, The TDOS&HS today announced a reminder that THP will be out in force during the holiday period to ensure travelers reach their destination safely. State troopers will focus their attention on traffic violations that place motorists in jeopardy, such as distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving and lack of seat belt usage. The holiday enforcement period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on December 24th and conclude at midnight on December 27th.
 
The holiday season is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. The THP will utilize several enforcement tools, including saturation patrols, bar and tavern checks, and driver license and sobriety checkpoints to help reduce serious injury and fatal crashes over the holiday season.
 
“We care about you and your safety,” Colonel Tracy Trott said. “What we are hoping to accomplish with the fine increase is a heightened sense of awareness among our motorists. The best safety tool that a driver or passenger has while riding in a vehicle is to wear his or injured or killed in a car crash. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in a crash. One life lost due to not wearing a seat belt is one life to many.”
HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT
 
Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two of the several simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Important tips include:
 
• Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
• If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to the Tennessee Highway Patrol by dialing *THP;
• Wear your seat belt or use protective gear on your motorcycle as your best defense against an impaired driver; and
• Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take the person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements.
 
“We are very thankful for the friendships and partnerships that TDOT has with the Department of Safety and our state troopers,” Commissioner John Schroer said. “We understand that it takes all hands on deck to ensure a safer Tennessee, and the seat belt fine increase will help state troopers and local law enforcement in their efforts”.
 
TDOT will be suspending lane closures beginning at midnight on Wednesday, December 23rd until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th.
 
During the 2014 Christmas holiday, seven people were killed on Tennessee roadways in seven fatal crashes. Alcohol was involved in 71.4 percent of those crashes, and three of the six vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts. There was also one pedestrian killed during the 96-hour holiday period.
 

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 Wednesday, December 23, 2015 through 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016.  
“We expect over two million drivers to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  We will 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 drink and drive.”
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 1.6% in Tennessee this year, with over two million expected to travel by automobile in the volunteer state between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Across the U.S., 91.3 million people are expected to drive to their holiday destinations. AAA predicts the lowest New Year’s gas prices in seven years.
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
 

A Cannon County man who was concerned that people were chasing him recently ended up getting arrested for public intoxication and reckless endangerment.  According to Cannon County Sheriff’s Department reports, deputies were dispatched to Pleasant Ridge Road for subjects that had followed the caller home after seeing him in the woods.  When one of the deputies got there, he found another deputy had taken some guns from the caller later identified as Mr. Brian Snipes and was securing them in his patrol car.  Snipes had told Deputies that 3-5 people were hiding in the woods to the left of his house.  Deputies then went to look for the people and after an intensive search couldn’t locate any of them.  When they got back to the residence, they heard Snipes yelling and then Snipes said there were 15 people that had just ran down to the woods.  and one of them was in a tree.  Further investigation showed that the only thing in the tree was a yellow plastic bag and after Mr. Snipes identified it as a hunting hat, they then questioned him to see if he was on anything.  Deputies noted that he had glossy eyes and erratic movements and behaviors.  After a search of his home to make sure there were no people in it, deputies determined they needed to arrest Snipes as they believed he was a threat to himself and to others.  He was charged with public intoxication and reckless endangerment and will answer to the charges in General Sessions Court January 5th.  

The Cannon County Lionettes won the Clinton Christmas tournament Sunday afternoon in Clinton Tennessee as they beat the host team Clinton 63-47.  Kelli Davis led with 18 while Maleah Scott added 12 and Olivia Walkup got into the scoring act finishing with 10.  Autumn King was named to the all tournament team while Davis took MVP honors.  The win brings Cannon County’s overall record to .500 at 7-7 Next up for the Lionettes will be Monday the 28th when they travel to Sparta to kick off the Sonic Shootout Tournament.  

The Cannon County Lionettes used the Don W. Lockard Christmas Tournament in Clinton Tennessee to get things turned around and are on the verge of not only getting their overall record at 7-7 but also has a chance at winning the entire tournament.  Friday the Lionettes beat Stone Memorial 57-49 behind Kelli Davis 26 points.  Then Saturday Davis scores 13 to help Cannon beat Knoxville Central 51-34.  Later Saturday night the Lionettes turned in a 50-21 win against Claiborne County to advance to the championship game and put their overall record at 6-7.  The Championship game will be played at 2:30CST/3:30 EST and will be a rematch of the Cannon vs Knoxville Central game.  The Cannon County High School Boys team broke an 8 game losing streak Saturday by beating Claiborne County 70-66 Saturday afternoon.  The two teams will play again in the consolation bracket after Cannon lost a heartbreaker to Meigs County Saturday evening 82-74.  Consolation game will be at 1:00 CST/2:00 EST this afternoon at Clinton High School.