News 2015

Cannon County’s unemployment rate jumped up six-tenths of a percentage point from the month of May to June according to figures released by the State Thursday.  Out of an estimated work force of 6150 people 5760 were employed while approximately 360 were unemployed.  This gives Cannon County an unemployment rate of 6.3 percent up from the 5.7 percent mark in May.  All surrounding counties also showed an increase in unemployment as well.  Coffee County’s unemployment rate is at 6 percent.  Dekalb is at 7.9 percent.  Rutherford moved up to 5.2 percent from the 4.6 percent figure in May.  Warren County showed the biggest increase with a whole percentage point in June to 6.9 percent while Wilson County is at 5.1 percent. Tennessee’s preliminary unemployment rate for June was 5.7 percent, one-tenth of one percentage point lower than the May revised rate of 5.8 percent. The U.S. preliminary rate for June was 5.3 percent, two-tenths of one percentage point lower than the prior month.

Library Happenings…
July 28, 2015:  Movie Day @ 2PM in the Jennings Community Room

July 30, 2015 SRP Finale w/ Bob Tarter “the Animal Guy” of N.H.E.C.M @ 1PM and Pizza & Carnival Games from 2-3:30PM;

August 1, 2015 @ 4PM:  End of SRP.  Grand Prize drawings will be held at 4:05 PM, so all reading slips must be turned in by 4PM on August 1.
 Annual Report
 
Cannon County Library System has had an amazing year!  This Library is a wonderful community asset, and has been a well-kept secret, but the word is out and staff are working harder and serving more members of the community each day!  Over the course of the year, beginning July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, the Library has seen increases in all areas of service.  Circulation has increased 16%; the number of library card holders has increased 7%; and as more people realize the value of the Library, we have seen a 13% increase in library visits and a 30% increase in reference questions.  Computer usage is up 3%, but this number does not include all those who use WI-FI at the library.  And, thanks to a generous grant from the Adams Memorial Association the Library has been able to develop a dynamic programming plan, which has led to a 280% increase in program attendance.   The Summer Reading Program has been very popular this summer, and the support of community donors, the Friends of the Adams Memorial Library, and the Adams Memorial Association has allowed added programming and reading incentives for all ages.  This year’s program registration has increased 40% over last summer’s!  Thank you to all the supporters of the Cannon County Library System, with your support and generosity the Library is doing great things.  And, thank you all of our patrons, we appreciate the opportunity to serve you.
 A fond farewell…
 
As many of you may have heard, it is time for me to say, farewell to the wonderful community of Cannon County.  As I reflect back on that first visit to Woodbury it seems like only yesterday.As I walked through the Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Adams Memorial Library that very first time, I found myself so excited about and inspired by the potential of this library!  By the time I took the reins in March 2014, I had a vision of all the great things this dynamic library could do.  With an amazing team of employees, over the past 17 months, many of my goals have been achieved, but there is always more to do!  Libraries are ever-changing, and I know that this library is going to continue to grow and serve the community well! 
 
With a wonderful, customer-focused staff, a Library Board that supports its mission and vision, and a Friends of the Library organization, as well as the Adams Memorial Association that are committed to its success, and community-wide support, this Library will continue to soar to new heights, and from afar I will watch in awe.  You have a valuable treasure in this Library.  I have been honored and blessed to serve as the Library Director for the Cannon County Library.  To you all, I say, thank-you for welcoming me into the community and entrusting me with this gem.  Treasure it always!
 
Kindest Regards,
  Tina

The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating multiple gastrointestinal disease reports among people who say they consumed raw milk prior to their illness. TDH has confirmed two cases of cryptosporidiosis in individuals in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Region. Both cases of illness are associated with consumption of raw milk from a dairy cow share program. TDH is interviewing additional participants in the program to determine if other people have been sickened. In recent months, TDH has interviewed individuals about sporadic cases of Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli who also reported consuming raw milk from different sources.   “Consuming raw milk in the belief it’s healthier than pasteurized milk is a perilous risk that shakes off the possibility of a range of serious and occasionally fatal illnesses for the individuals and anyone they share it with,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Our best choice for healthy, nutritious milk is the pasteurized kind. Even if one believes there are health benefits, an upside, is it worth gambling on the downside risk of a serious illness, especially in a child?”
Cow share programs were made legal in Tennessee in 2009, allowing wider access to raw milk. Since that time TDH has had increasing reports of disease and outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption. In 2013, nine Tennessee children became extremely sick with E. coli O157 after drinking raw milk. Five of these children required hospitalization and three developed severe, life-threatening kidney problems.
“The Department of Agriculture has a thorough dairy inspection program focused on detecting potential health risks before milk reaches the consumer,” Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “Legal pasteurization through a licensed dairy facility is the only way to ensure that dairy products are safe to consume. Despite a producer’s best intentions, without pasteurization, bacteria exposure is a real danger.”
Harmful bacteria that can be found in unpasteurized milk from cows, goats and other mammals include Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli and Salmonella. Common symptoms of illness from drinking contaminated raw milk include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fever and body aches. While some people sickened with these contaminants may respond to medical treatment, others may suffer irreversible organ damage or death.  
“Raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause a foodborne illness than pasteurized milk and can be life-threatening to some, particularly to children. Those who consume raw milk should be aware of the serious health risks involved,” said TDH Deputy State Epidemiologist John Dunn, DVM, PhD. “While some adults may be able to tolerate bacteria found in unpasteurized milk or food products made with raw milk, children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems can be in great danger.
“While it is legal in Tennessee for individuals to consume raw milk from their own animals, it doesn’t change the risk to their health,” continued Dunn. “The simple fact is all raw milk contains bacteria that pasteurization would destroy. We strongly urge Tennesseans to choose pasteurized foods and beverages when purchasing and consuming dairy products.”
To eliminate risk of infection, the Tennessee Department of Health suggests consumers read the labels of all milk and cheese products to make sure they buy only those which have been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria by simply heating milk for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Since 1987, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited distribution of raw milk across state lines for direct sales to consumers. Some people take extreme measures to obtain raw milk, even buying and consuming raw milk labeled as pet food or investing in shared ownership of a milk cow or goat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information on the risks of raw milk available online at www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-index.html.  
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/16338#sthash.s2rGYjUw.dpuf
The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating multiple gastrointestinal disease reports among people who say they consumed raw milk prior to their illness. TDH has confirmed two cases of cryptosporidiosis in individuals in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Region. Both cases of illness are associated with consumption of raw milk from a dairy cow share program. TDH is interviewing additional participants in the program to determine if other people have been sickened. In recent months, TDH has interviewed individuals about sporadic cases of Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli who also reported consuming raw milk from different sources.  
“Consuming raw milk in the belief it’s healthier than pasteurized milk is a perilous risk that shakes off the possibility of a range of serious and occasionally fatal illnesses for the individuals and anyone they share it with,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Our best choice for healthy, nutritious milk is the pasteurized kind. Even if one believes there are health benefits, an upside, is it worth gambling on the downside risk of a serious illness, especially in a child?”
Cow share programs were made legal in Tennessee in 2009, allowing wider access to raw milk. Since that time TDH has had increasing reports of disease and outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption. In 2013, nine Tennessee children became extremely sick with E. coli O157 after drinking raw milk. Five of these children required hospitalization and three developed severe, life-threatening kidney problems.
“The Department of Agriculture has a thorough dairy inspection program focused on detecting potential health risks before milk reaches the consumer,” Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “Legal pasteurization through a licensed dairy facility is the only way to ensure that dairy products are safe to consume. Despite a producer’s best intentions, without pasteurization, bacteria exposure is a real danger.”
Harmful bacteria that can be found in unpasteurized milk from cows, goats and other mammals include Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli and Salmonella. Common symptoms of illness from drinking contaminated raw milk include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fever and body aches. While some people sickened with these contaminants may respond to medical treatment, others may suffer irreversible organ damage or death.  
“Raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause a foodborne illness than pasteurized milk and can be life-threatening to some, particularly to children. Those who consume raw milk should be aware of the serious health risks involved,” said TDH Deputy State Epidemiologist John Dunn, DVM, PhD. “While some adults may be able to tolerate bacteria found in unpasteurized milk or food products made with raw milk, children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems can be in great danger.
“While it is legal in Tennessee for individuals to consume raw milk from their own animals, it doesn’t change the risk to their health,” continued Dunn. “The simple fact is all raw milk contains bacteria that pasteurization would destroy. We strongly urge Tennesseans to choose pasteurized foods and beverages when purchasing and consuming dairy products.”
To eliminate risk of infection, the Tennessee Department of Health suggests consumers read the labels of all milk and cheese products to make sure they buy only those which have been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria by simply heating milk for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Since 1987, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited distribution of raw milk across state lines for direct sales to consumers. Some people take extreme measures to obtain raw milk, even buying and consuming raw milk labeled as pet food or investing in shared ownership of a milk cow or goat.
 

Older adults who have stopped driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression and nearly five times as likely to enter a long-term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel, according to a new report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Columbia University.  The study examined older adults who have permanently given up driving and the impact it has on their health and mental well-being. The importance of understanding the effects this lifestyle change has on older adults is essential, as the number of drivers aged 65 and older continues to increase in the United States with nearly 81 percent of the 39.5 million seniors in this age group still behind the wheel.“This comprehensive review of research confirmed the consequences of driving cessation in older adults,” said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “The decision to stop driving, whether voluntary or involuntary, appears to contribute to a variety of health problems for seniors, particularly depression as social circles are greatly reduced.”
The AAA Foundation’s report on Driving Cessation and Health Outcomes for Older Adults examined declines in general health and physical, social, and cognitive functions in former drivers. With the cessation of driving, the study found:

Diminished productivity and low participation in daily life activities outside of the home

Risk of depression nearly doubled

51 percent reduction in the size of social networks over a 13-year period

Accelerated decline in cognitive ability over a 10-year period

Five times as likely to be admitted to a long term care facility
The latest report in the AAA Foundation’s Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) project, Driving Cessation and Health Outcomes for Older Adults consisted of a systemic literature review of previously published studies pertinent to the health consequences of driving cessation. Sixteen studies met the criteria for inclusion.
 “Roughly 10,000 people in the U.S. turn 65 every year. In Tennessee, 13 percent of our population is age 65 and older. It is important that drivers talk to their families and have a plan in place for maintaining mobility and independence once they retire from driving,” said Don Lindsey, AAA Tennessee Public Affairs Director. “AAA’s Driver Planning Agreement is a guide for families to plan together for future changes in driving abilities before they become a concern.”
As a leading advocate for senior driver safety, AAA provides many programs and resources for senior drivers including Roadwise Review. AAA Roadwise Review Online is a free, confidential screening/self-assessment tool developed by AAA to help older driver’s measure certain mental and physical abilities important for safe driving. In as little as 30 minutes, users can identify and get further guidance on the physical and mental skills that need improvement—all in the privacy of their own home.
For more information on all the free resources AAA offers to older drivers, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com. 

The We Care Cannon Event for Cannon County School students is the highlight of the weekend activities.  The event features free health, vision and dental checkups, haircuts and school supplies along with backpacks.  The event will take place Sunday from 2 until 5 in the afternoon at the Woodbury Grammar School.  This is for students that will be attending Cannon County Schools as well as those who reside in Cannon County that will be homeschooled Pre-K-High School.  The Child must be present in order to receive the free checkups and school supplies.

A Cannon County woman possibly had her social security number compromised  which could have resulted in unauthorized credit card charges.  According to Sheriff’s reports, Cannon County Deputy Jordan McGee was dispatched to a residence on Preacher Spry Road.  Upon arrival, he spoke to the complainant Ms. Patricia Sissom who stated that she had received a letter in the mail stating that she had been declined for a credit card.  Problem was she never applied for said card.  She was also contacted by her credit card companies to let her know that someone had charged three different credit cards for over $10,000.  All three purchases came out of Pennsylvania and they blocked her cards from any other purchases.  The credit card companies are continuing their investigation and Ms. Sissom is not held responsible.  Ms Sissom was advised to contact the Sheriff’s Department and make a report about possible identity theft

A benefit supper and live auction to help fund medical and travel expenses for Julia Warren will be held August 1st at Woodland School.  Julia is a young girl who lives in Cannon County and was diagnosed with Sarcoma which is a rare and aggressive form of tissue cancer.  The 9 year old 3rd grader has to travel back and forth to Baltimore Maryland at the John Hopkins Institute for surgeries and further treatment.  A couple of weeks ago the doctors found a possible fungal infection and Julia underwent a lung biopsy as doctors also considered the cancer to be metastasized.  The results from the biopsy will determine the future course of treatment for Julia.  Dinner starts at 4:00 with the auction starting at 6:00.  The Woodland Community would like to invite everyone to this event to help young Julia out.  

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, along with Adjutant General Max Haston and Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons, announced today temporary security measures and an accelerated handgun carry permit process for members of the military. Following Haslam’s directive in the wake of the tragic shooting in Chattanooga last week, the Tennessee National Guard, starting on July 20, temporarily repositioned its soldiers in storefront recruiting locations to local National Guard armories, allowing the review of the storefront facilities and what additional security measures are necessary to improve security at these locations.
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security streamlined the handgun permit application process for members of the military, and the department is working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which conducts criminal background checks on all handgun permit applicants, to help with the process.
“We have to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to ensure the security of our guardsmen after what happened in Chattanooga,” Haslam said. “We’re continuing our review to determine the very best long-term security measures, but immediate efforts to reposition soldiers and help them arm themselves are appropriate next steps.”
Haslam continues to work with the Tennessee congressional delegation on appropriate solutions at the federal level to secure military buildings. The Tennessee National Guard leadership is also coordinating with both state and federal agencies to assess and implement necessary security measures above and beyond those already in place for all Tennessee National Guard locations.
“We are doing everything within our power to ensure that we maintain a safe working environment for these men and women, but it is imperative that we don’t rush our analysis and do something that could possibly cause more problems,” Haston said.
Under state law, active members of the military, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, may forgo taking a state handgun training course when applying for a handgun carry permit if they have completed at least four hours of handgun training within the past five years through any branch of the military. Military personnel must present documentation of the handgun training using one of the approved forms issued by the Department of Defense. A list of approved forms may be found at http://tn.gov/safety/article/handgunfaqs.
“We have taken immediate action and established a procedure to accelerate the processing of applications for members of the military, and we plan to use our mobile driver testing units in the coming weeks to make applying for handgun carry permits even simpler,” Gibbons said. “The mobile units will travel to areas of the state where members of the military work or serve so they can apply for permits and be fingerprinted for background checks on site.”
More information on dates and locations of this special service will be announced soon.
Haslam traveled to Chattanooga on Thursday and Friday in the wake of the shootings that resulted in the tragic deaths of four U.S. Marines and a Navy sailor. He has visited with the families of the victims and will continue to work closely with state, local and federal law enforcement officials.
 

The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating multiple gastrointestinal disease reports among people who say they consumed raw milk prior to their illness. TDH has confirmed two cases of cryptosporidiosis in individuals in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Region. Both cases of illness are associated with consumption of raw milk from a dairy cow share program. TDH is interviewing additional participants in the program to determine if other people have been sickened. In recent months, TDH has interviewed individuals about sporadic cases of Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli who also reported consuming raw milk from different sources.   “Consuming raw milk in the belief it’s healthier than pasteurized milk is a perilous risk that shakes off the possibility of a range of serious and occasionally fatal illnesses for the individuals and anyone they share it with,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Our best choice for healthy, nutritious milk is the pasteurized kind. Even if one believes there are health benefits, an upside, is it worth gambling on the downside risk of a serious illness, especially in a child?”
Cow share programs were made legal in Tennessee in 2009, allowing wider access to raw milk. Since that time TDH has had increasing reports of disease and outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption. In 2013, nine Tennessee children became extremely sick with E. coli O157 after drinking raw milk. Five of these children required hospitalization and three developed severe, life-threatening kidney problems.
“The Department of Agriculture has a thorough dairy inspection program focused on detecting potential health risks before milk reaches the consumer,” Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “Legal pasteurization through a licensed dairy facility is the only way to ensure that dairy products are safe to consume. Despite a producer’s best intentions, without pasteurization, bacteria exposure is a real danger.”
Harmful bacteria that can be found in unpasteurized milk from cows, goats and other mammals include Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli and Salmonella. Common symptoms of illness from drinking contaminated raw milk include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fever and body aches. While some people sickened with these contaminants may respond to medical treatment, others may suffer irreversible organ damage or death.  
“Raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause a foodborne illness than pasteurized milk and can be life-threatening to some, particularly to children. Those who consume raw milk should be aware of the serious health risks involved,” said TDH Deputy State Epidemiologist John Dunn, DVM, PhD. “While some adults may be able to tolerate bacteria found in unpasteurized milk or food products made with raw milk, children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems can be in great danger.
“While it is legal in Tennessee for individuals to consume raw milk from their own animals, it doesn’t change the risk to their health,” continued Dunn. “The simple fact is all raw milk contains bacteria that pasteurization would destroy. We strongly urge Tennesseans to choose pasteurized foods and beverages when purchasing and consuming dairy products.”
To eliminate risk of infection, the Tennessee Department of Health suggests consumers read the labels of all milk and cheese products to make sure they buy only those which have been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria by simply heating milk for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Since 1987, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited distribution of raw milk across state lines for direct sales to consumers. Some people take extreme measures to obtain raw milk, even buying and consuming raw milk labeled as pet food or investing in shared ownership of a milk cow or goat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information on the risks of raw milk available online at www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-index.html.  
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/16338#sthash.jM9GXTIO.dpuf
The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating multiple gastrointestinal disease reports among people who say they consumed raw milk prior to their illness. TDH has confirmed two cases of cryptosporidiosis in individuals in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Region. Both cases of illness are associated with consumption of raw milk from a dairy cow share program. TDH is interviewing additional participants in the program to determine if other people have been sickened. In recent months, TDH has interviewed individuals about sporadic cases of Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli who also reported consuming raw milk from different sources.  
“Consuming raw milk in the belief it’s healthier than pasteurized milk is a perilous risk that shakes off the possibility of a range of serious and occasionally fatal illnesses for the individuals and anyone they share it with,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Our best choice for healthy, nutritious milk is the pasteurized kind. Even if one believes there are health benefits, an upside, is it worth gambling on the downside risk of a serious illness, especially in a child?”
Cow share programs were made legal in Tennessee in 2009, allowing wider access to raw milk. Since that time TDH has had increasing reports of disease and outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption. In 2013, nine Tennessee children became extremely sick with E. coli O157 after drinking raw milk. Five of these children required hospitalization and three developed severe, life-threatening kidney problems.
“The Department of Agriculture has a thorough dairy inspection program focused on detecting potential health risks before milk reaches the consumer,” Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “Legal pasteurization through a licensed dairy facility is the only way to ensure that dairy products are safe to consume. Despite a producer’s best intentions, without pasteurization, bacteria exposure is a real danger.”
Harmful bacteria that can be found in unpasteurized milk from cows, goats and other mammals include Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli and Salmonella. Common symptoms of illness from drinking contaminated raw milk include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fever and body aches. While some people sickened with these contaminants may respond to medical treatment, others may suffer irreversible organ damage or death.  
“Raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause a foodborne illness than pasteurized milk and can be life-threatening to some, particularly to children. Those who consume raw milk should be aware of the serious health risks involved,” said TDH Deputy State Epidemiologist John Dunn, DVM, PhD. “While some adults may be able to tolerate bacteria found in unpasteurized milk or food products made with raw milk, children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems can be in great danger.
“While it is legal in Tennessee for individuals to consume raw milk from their own animals, it doesn’t change the risk to their health,” continued Dunn. “The simple fact is all raw milk contains bacteria that pasteurization would destroy. We strongly urge Tennesseans to choose pasteurized foods and beverages when purchasing and consuming dairy products.”
To eliminate risk of infection, the Tennessee Department of Health suggests consumers read the labels of all milk and cheese products to make sure they buy only those which have been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria by simply heating milk for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Since 1987, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited distribution of raw milk across state lines for direct sales to consumers. Some people take extreme measures to obtain raw milk, even buying and consuming raw milk labeled as pet food or investing in shared ownership of a milk cow or goat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information on the risks of raw milk available online at www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-index.html.  
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/16338#sthash.jM9GXTIO.dpuf
The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating multiple gastrointestinal disease reports among people who say they consumed raw milk prior to their illness. TDH has confirmed two cases of cryptosporidiosis in individuals in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Region. Both cases of illness are associated with consumption of raw milk from a dairy cow share program. TDH is interviewing additional participants in the program to determine if other people have been sickened. In recent months, TDH has interviewed individuals about sporadic cases of Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli who also reported consuming raw milk from different sources.  
“Consuming raw milk in the belief it’s healthier than pasteurized milk is a perilous risk that shakes off the possibility of a range of serious and occasionally fatal illnesses for the individuals and anyone they share it with,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Our best choice for healthy, nutritious milk is the pasteurized kind. Even if one believes there are health benefits, an upside, is it worth gambling on the downside risk of a serious illness, especially in a child?”
Cow share programs were made legal in Tennessee in 2009, allowing wider access to raw milk. Since that time TDH has had increasing reports of disease and outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption. In 2013, nine Tennessee children became extremely sick with E. coli O157 after drinking raw milk. Five of these children required hospitalization and three developed severe, life-threatening kidney problems.
“The Department of Agriculture has a thorough dairy inspection program focused on detecting potential health risks before milk reaches the consumer,” Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “Legal pasteurization through a licensed dairy facility is the only way to ensure that dairy products are safe to consume. Despite a producer’s best intentions, without pasteurization, bacteria exposure is a real danger.”
Harmful bacteria that can be found in unpasteurized milk from cows, goats and other mammals include Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli and Salmonella. Common symptoms of illness from drinking contaminated raw milk include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fever and body aches. While some people sickened with these contaminants may respond to medical treatment, others may suffer irreversible organ damage or death.  
“Raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause a foodborne illness than pasteurized milk and can be life-threatening to some, particularly to children. Those who consume raw milk should be aware of the serious health risks involved,” said TDH Deputy State Epidemiologist John Dunn, DVM, PhD. “While some adults may be able to tolerate bacteria found in unpasteurized milk or food products made with raw milk, children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems can be in great danger.
“While it is legal in Tennessee for individuals to consume raw milk from their own animals, it doesn’t change the risk to their health,” continued Dunn. “The simple fact is all raw milk contains bacteria that pasteurization would destroy. We strongly urge Tennesseans to choose pasteurized foods and beverages when purchasing and consuming dairy products.”
To eliminate risk of infection, the Tennessee Department of Health suggests consumers read the labels of all milk and cheese products to make sure they buy only those which have been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria by simply heating milk for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Since 1987, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited distribution of raw milk across state lines for direct sales to consumers. Some people take extreme measures to obtain raw milk, even buying and consuming raw milk labeled as pet food or investing in shared ownership of a milk cow or goat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information on the risks of raw milk available online at www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-index.html.  
 

The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Wednesday’s no contest plea of John Constantine to seven counts of sales tax evasion. Constantine, 47, is the managing member of Haddon Motors, located in Manchester. Coffee County Circuit Court Judge Walter Kurtz accepted Constantine’s plea and sentenced him to four years of supervised probation. Constantine was also ordered to pay restitution of $42,743.10.
In January 2015, a Coffee County Grand Jury indicted Constantine on six Class E felony counts of tax evasion, one count of theft over $10,000 and one count of filing a false franchise and excise tax return.  The indictments charged that between June 2013 and December 2012, Constantine collected sales tax from customers at Haddon Motors and failed to remit all collected sales tax as required by law.
“This investigation will serve as a reminder that retailers are not entitled to use or keep sales tax monies,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. “When sales tax revenues are collected by a retailer, they are at all times property of the state or local government, and they must be remitted to the state.”
The Department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Craig Northcott and his staff. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee’s revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).
The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2015 fiscal year, it collected $12.6 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.4 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/16405#sthash.clD5bJ5N.dpuf
The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to Wednesday’s no contest plea of John Constantine to seven counts of sales tax evasion. Constantine, 47, is the managing member of Haddon Motors, located in Manchester.
Coffee County Circuit Court Judge Walter Kurtz accepted Constantine’s plea and sentenced him to four years of supervised probation. Constantine was also ordered to pay restitution of $42,743.10.
In January 2015, a Coffee County Grand Jury indicted Constantine on six Class E felony counts of tax evasion, one count of theft over $10,000 and one count of filing a false franchise and excise tax return.  The indictments charged that between June 2013 and December 2012, Constantine collected sales tax from customers at Haddon Motors and failed to remit all collected sales tax as required by law.
“This investigation will serve as a reminder that retailers are not entitled to use or keep sales tax monies,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. “When sales tax revenues are collected by a retailer, they are at all times property of the state or local government, and they must be remitted to the state.”
The Department pursued this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Craig Northcott and his staff. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee’s revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).
The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2015 fiscal year, it collected $12.6 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.4 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.