News 2015

The Tennessee departments of Health and Agriculture have partnered to develop a mobile app that allows users to check any Tennessee restaurant inspection score no matter where they are located. The free app, available for both iOS and Android, lets users view health inspection scores from Tennessee restaurants and retail stores that prepare food, including grocery stores and convenience markets. The first screen of the app displays a map showing restaurants near the user and the most recent score for each location. It also includes scores for hotels, hospitals, schools and food trucks’ central kitchens. Users will have access to the last three inspection scores for each business and if any violations were cited, the app provides information about what was not in compliance with the Tennessee Retail Food Safety Act.
Updated daily, the feature that makes the app different from Web-based inspection scores is the ability for users to personalize it to see what is most important to them. Locations can be saved to a Favorites list for quick access to scores, and search results can be filtered to show only locations that have scores within a certain range. The Restaurant Inspection Scores app was developed by NIC, Inc., Tennessee’s eGovernment Partner since 2000. To obtain the app, go to http://tn.gov/main/article/mobile-apps.
Tennessee’s more modern Food Safety Act goes into effect July 1, 2015. It allows the departments of Agriculture and Health to continue to partner closely with food service establishments. It also gives restaurant owners and staff more flexibility in addressing risks specific to their operations while assuring compliance with state law and delivery of safe foods.
Among the new provisions of the strengthened Food Safety Act are additional education and certifications for those in the industry, eliminating bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, guidance for working with those highly susceptible to food-related problems and more training with procedures and special processes.
“The implementation of these regulations aligns Tennessee more closely with national standards,” said Shanna Lively, TDA Food Administrator. “Food safety is our top priority. The changes to the food code will allow our inspectors to focus on areas that are considered high risk, and will reinforce stores’ efforts to prevent foodborne illnesses.”
“Inspectors with our department, as well as those representing the Department of Agriculture, have a common goal:  to work cooperatively with those in the food service business to ensure every venue provides the safest food possible to every customer,” said Hugh Atkins, TDH director of Environmental Health. “We’ve been working one-on-one with staff in many restaurants, providing additional training to ensure all new standards are met.”
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture ensures safe and dependable food and fiber for the citizens of Tennessee, while promoting local produce and products and conserving our natural resources. For more information about the department and its food safety focus, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/.
NIC, Tennessee Information Division helps Tennessee build and maintain the state’s official web portal TN.gov, and hundreds of online services that allow citizens and businesses to interact more efficiently with state government.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/15695#sthash.PRrhic5j.dpuf
The Tennessee departments of Health and Agriculture have partnered to develop a mobile app that allows users to check any Tennessee restaurant inspection score no matter where they are located.
The free app, available for both iOS and Android, lets users view health inspection scores from Tennessee restaurants and retail stores that prepare food, including grocery stores and convenience markets. The first screen of the app displays a map showing restaurants near the user and the most recent score for each location. It also includes scores for hotels, hospitals, schools and food trucks’ central kitchens. Users will have access to the last three inspection scores for each business and if any violations were cited, the app provides information about what was not in compliance with the Tennessee Retail Food Safety Act.
Updated daily, the feature that makes the app different from Web-based inspection scores is the ability for users to personalize it to see what is most important to them. Locations can be saved to a Favorites list for quick access to scores, and search results can be filtered to show only locations that have scores within a certain range. The Restaurant Inspection Scores app was developed by NIC, Inc., Tennessee’s eGovernment Partner since 2000. To obtain the app, go to http://tn.gov/main/article/mobile-apps.
Tennessee’s more modern Food Safety Act goes into effect July 1, 2015. It allows the departments of Agriculture and Health to continue to partner closely with food service establishments. It also gives restaurant owners and staff more flexibility in addressing risks specific to their operations while assuring compliance with state law and delivery of safe foods.
Among the new provisions of the strengthened Food Safety Act are additional education and certifications for those in the industry, eliminating bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, guidance for working with those highly susceptible to food-related problems and more training with procedures and special processes.
“The implementation of these regulations aligns Tennessee more closely with national standards,” said Shanna Lively, TDA Food Administrator. “Food safety is our top priority. The changes to the food code will allow our inspectors to focus on areas that are considered high risk, and will reinforce stores’ efforts to prevent foodborne illnesses.”
“Inspectors with our department, as well as those representing the Department of Agriculture, have a common goal:  to work cooperatively with those in the food service business to ensure every venue provides the safest food possible to every customer,” said Hugh Atkins, TDH director of Environmental Health. “We’ve been working one-on-one with staff in many restaurants, providing additional training to ensure all new standards are met.”
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture ensures safe and dependable food and fiber for the citizens of Tennessee, while promoting local produce and products and conserving our natural resources. For more information about the department and its food safety focus, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/.

In support of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) initiative to help ensure that TN Promise eligible students complete the required eight hours of community service by August 1, Motlow College will participate in the Community Service Saturday on July 11. Students will participate in outdoors campus clean-up, sessions on career exploration, service learning opportunities, and college readiness check-ups. To participate, students must pre-register no later than July 9.
Motlow College will provide community service opportunities for students from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. At 8 a.m., official check-in will be held in Crouch Center. Participants have the option of completing the eight hours of required community service in a single day or they may complete remaining hours needed to satisfy the eight hour requirement.
Community Service Saturday is being offered only at the Moore County campus. Lunch will be provided. The college-wide collaboration includes staff from the Student Affairs, Business Affairs, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, and Technology and Administrative Services divisions.
Motlow College is one of several two-year institutions across the state participating in this event. Questions regarding Community Service Saturday should be directed to Brenda Cannon at bcannon@mscc.edu or 931.393.1548.
 

The ongoing high path avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak is now considered one of the most costly animal health disasters in American history. Although HPAI has not been detected in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is taking steps to prepare. Three staff members recently returned from Minnesota where they used their skills to assist with the efforts to stop the spread of the illness.  Veterinary medical officer Dr. Doug Balthaser and animal health technicians Wes Montooth and Marshall LaFever spent three weeks in Willmar, Minn. That location is central to an area coping with HPAI. The three learned aspects of the logistical response and gained valuable experience in the field.
Dr. Balthaser worked as a liaison between state and federal officials and producers to complete inspections and assist with paperwork. “The magnitude of this outbreak becomes clear when you consider the area where the virus has spread,” Dr. Balthaser said. “You have cases 30 miles south of Willmar all the way up to northern Minnesota.”
Montooth and LaFever collected samples from poultry in the affected area. They covered thousands of miles to test multiple backyard flocks. “They hit the ground running with backyard surveillance testing and really did Tennessee proud,” Dr. Jacob Davis with USDA APHIS said. “They became my ‘go-to’ team when something needed to be done.  I would be glad to work with them any time.”
Lessons learned in Minnesota will be critical in the event that HPAI is reported in Tennessee. Officials believe water fowl migrating south from Canada are the source for HPAI. This strain is not known to be communicable to humans and is not posing a threat to the food supply. However, it is deadly for domesticated fowl.  HPAI has been reported in 21 states, affecting more than 48 million domesticated birds. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have declared states of emergency. USDA response efforts have costs more than $400 million. The cost of dead poultry stands at $191 million and the total economic impact in Iowa alone is estimated at $957 million.
The State Veterinarian and staff are focused on animal health and disease prevention. Each year, the Kord Animal Health lab tests approximately 22,000 samples from poultry for avian flu. This includes routine surveillance and testing of commercial and backyard flocks and for the National Poultry Improvement Plan program. Additionally, the U.S. Wildlife Services conducts testing on waterfowl. We will continue surveillance and will consider increasing monitoring and sampling as required.
As a precaution, a State Veterinarian’s Order has been issued requiring that effective August 1, all out of state birds transported to Tennessee must have proof of a negative AI test within 21 days of movement or National Poultry Improvement Plan AI Clean certification.
If avian flu is detected, Tennessee has prepared a multi-agency response plan which includes quarantine, testing, disposal, cleaning, disinfection and monitoring in affected areas.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/15770#sthash.sak7r6OQ.dpuf
The ongoing high path avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak is now considered one of the most costly animal health disasters in American history. Although HPAI has not been detected in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is taking steps to prepare. Three staff members recently returned from Minnesota where they used their skills to assist with the efforts to stop the spread of the illness. 
Veterinary medical officer Dr. Doug Balthaser and animal health technicians Wes Montooth and Marshall LaFever spent three weeks in Willmar, Minn. That location is central to an area coping with HPAI. The three learned aspects of the logistical response and gained valuable experience in the field.
Dr. Balthaser worked as a liaison between state and federal officials and producers to complete inspections and assist with paperwork. “The magnitude of this outbreak becomes clear when you consider the area where the virus has spread,” Dr. Balthaser said. “You have cases 30 miles south of Willmar all the way up to northern Minnesota.”
Montooth and LaFever collected samples from poultry in the affected area. They covered thousands of miles to test multiple backyard flocks. “They hit the ground running with backyard surveillance testing and really did Tennessee proud,” Dr. Jacob Davis with USDA APHIS said. “They became my ‘go-to’ team when something needed to be done.  I would be glad to work with them any time.”
Lessons learned in Minnesota will be critical in the event that HPAI is reported in Tennessee. Officials believe water fowl migrating south from Canada are the source for HPAI. This strain is not known to be communicable to humans and is not posing a threat to the food supply. However, it is deadly for domesticated fowl.  HPAI has been reported in 21 states, affecting more than 48 million domesticated birds. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have declared states of emergency. USDA response efforts have costs more than $400 million. The cost of dead poultry stands at $191 million and the total economic impact in Iowa alone is estimated at $957 million.
The State Veterinarian and staff are focused on animal health and disease prevention. Each year, the Kord Animal Health lab tests approximately 22,000 samples from poultry for avian flu. This includes routine surveillance and testing of commercial and backyard flocks and for the National Poultry Improvement Plan program. Additionally, the U.S. Wildlife Services conducts testing on waterfowl. We will continue surveillance and will consider increasing monitoring and sampling as required.
As a precaution, a State Veterinarian’s Order has been issued requiring that effective August 1, all out of state birds transported to Tennessee must have proof of a negative AI test within 21 days of movement or National Poultry Improvement Plan AI Clean certification.
If avian flu is detected, Tennessee has prepared a multi-agency response plan which includes quarantine, testing, disposal, cleaning, disinfection and monitoring in affected areas.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/15770#sthash.sak7r6OQ.dpuf
The ongoing high path avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak is now considered one of the most costly animal health disasters in American history. Although HPAI has not been detected in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is taking steps to prepare. Three staff members recently returned from Minnesota where they used their skills to assist with the efforts to stop the spread of the illness.
Veterinary medical officer Dr. Doug Balthaser and animal health technicians Wes Montooth and Marshall LaFever spent three weeks in Willmar, Minn. That location is central to an area coping with HPAI. The three learned aspects of the logistical response and gained valuable experience in the field.
Dr. Balthaser worked as a liaison between state and federal officials and producers to complete inspections and assist with paperwork. “The magnitude of this outbreak becomes clear when you consider the area where the virus has spread,” Dr. Balthaser said. “You have cases 30 miles south of Willmar all the way up to northern Minnesota.”
Montooth and LaFever collected samples from poultry in the affected area. They covered thousands of miles to test multiple backyard flocks. “They hit the ground running with backyard surveillance testing and really did Tennessee proud,” Dr. Jacob Davis with USDA APHIS said. “They became my ‘go-to’ team when something needed to be done.  I would be glad to work with them any time.”
Lessons learned in Minnesota will be critical in the event that HPAI is reported in Tennessee. Officials believe water fowl migrating south from Canada are the source for HPAI. This strain is not known to be communicable to humans and is not posing a threat to the food supply. However, it is deadly for domesticated fowl.  HPAI has been reported in 21 states, affecting more than 48 million domesticated birds. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have declared states of emergency. USDA response efforts have costs more than $400 million. The cost of dead poultry stands at $191 million and the total economic impact in Iowa alone is estimated at $957 million.
The State Veterinarian and staff are focused on animal health and disease prevention. Each year, the Kord Animal Health lab tests approximately 22,000 samples from poultry for avian flu. This includes routine surveillance and testing of commercial and backyard flocks and for the National Poultry Improvement Plan program. Additionally, the U.S. Wildlife Services conducts testing on waterfowl. We will continue surveillance and will consider increasing monitoring and sampling as required.
As a precaution, a State Veterinarian’s Order has been issued requiring that effective August 1, all out of state birds transported to Tennessee must have proof of a negative AI test within 21 days of movement or National Poultry Improvement Plan AI Clean certification.
If avian flu is detected, Tennessee has prepared a multi-agency response plan which includes quarantine, testing, disposal, cleaning, disinfection and monitoring in affected areas.

MTSU’s College of Liberal Arts is now offering an advanced degree that allows students to develop skills and expand knowledge in subjects they’re most passionate about pursuing. The new Master of Arts in Liberal Arts is an innovative program allowing anyone with a bachelor’s degree to earn a graduate degree through a course of study built around subjects they find most captivating.
“The MALA program is unique in that it gives students the flexibility to create their own paths, focusing on those subjects that are most interesting and valuable in achieving their personal or professional goals,” said Dr. Dawn McCormack, program director.
Students will attend engaging courses taught by top professors and have opportunities to participate in projects in the region or even enroll in education-abroad courses around the world. University officials say the degree would be valuable to lifelong learners, professionals, students returning to school after a break, and even recent graduates.
“The idea is to personalize the experience for each student and to provide students with the content and skills they need to achieve that first job, work toward a promotion, change career directions, or look for ways to deepen their experiences as lifetime learners,” McCormack added.
The program provides students with opportunities to refine practical skills, research methods, and the ability to effectively work with people from diverse backgrounds.
MTSU Wordmark“MALA is an exciting initiative for the College of Liberal Arts,” said Dr. Mark Byrnes, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “The program is deeply rooted in the tradition of a classical liberal arts education, which exposes students to many facets of our world while helping them develop the highly practical skills of critical thinking, adaptability and effective reading, writing and speaking.”
With guidance from McCormack, students will build a personal plan of study from within liberal arts departments and programs. Among the choices: art, communications studies and organizational communication, English, foreign languages and literatures, global studies and cultural geography, history, music, philosophy, political science and international relations, sociology and anthropology, and theatre and dance.
For more information for the new liberal arts master’s degree, contact McCormack at mala@mtsu.edu, 615-898-5986 or visit www.mtsu.edu/mala.

The Community Fireworks July 4th Celebration that was scheduled for Friday July 3rd has been postponed until Saturday July 11th at Dillon Park.  Festivities will still start at 4:00.  The American Legion Post 279 who is in charge of the event made the decision Wednesday evening was concerned that weather might play a factor.  The event is still free and the local food bank wants you to bring a non-perishable food item but once again note the date change has been from Friday July 3rd to Saturday July 11th Even though the Cannon County Community Fireworks Celebration has been postponed, it doesn’t mean there won’t be a July 4th weekend full of activities and events in Cannon County.  The award winning Woodbury Lions Club one night horse show is scheduled for July 4th starting at 5:00.  39 various classes highlight the 77th annual show.  The horse show will take place at the Clayton Glenn Field Of Champions Field at the Woodbury Fairgrounds.  WBRY AM-1540/FM96.7 will broadcast the horse show live on the radio.  You can also hear the show online streaming at wbry.com and on your smartphone and tablet through WBRY using the TuneIn Radio app.
Also for those wanting to see fireworks on the 4th.  The Mooretown Vol Fire Aux inc and Mooretown VFD will have a free fireworks show and music Sat July 4th with the fireworks starting at 9:00pm. There will be food vendors and lots of fun!

Emergency service training prepares first responders to save lives everyday all across America and throughout the world.  Recently, the Cannon County Rescue Squad, Inc. received new equipment to help train local volunteer rescue responders in the removal of victims from motor vehicle collisions. The Rescue Squad was able to purchase new training DVDs and a life-sized mannequin to aid in vehicle rescue (extrication).  This equipment is the latest in the state of the art training materials.  The new training equipment will enhance responders’ skills and emergency care at the scene of motor vehicle collisions.  The equipment was purchased through a project funded by the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO).
Julian S. Wise of Roanoke, VA is known and honored as the ‘Father of Rescue Squads.’ It all goes back to 1928 when he had witnessed a number of emergencies, particularly the drowning of a small boy in the Roanoke River. In discussing the situation with his wife, he found more than encouragement. In fact, he credits her with the idea which has grown to international proportions since he organized the famed Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew (the first in the world) in May 1928. He helped organize many of the first squads in Tennessee.
On May 8, 1978, the Cannon County Rescue Squad, Inc. was chartered with the same mission in mind.  For over 37 years, local volunteers have responded in Cannon County and provided this life-saving service.  Providing for the proper emergency care is more than just having the right equipment. It is largely impacted by the training of the first responders. Responders take pride in the fact that they are able to help someone in their time of need, but continual training helps these first responders efficiently deal with these emergencies when they arise.
Fred Sherrill, Tennessee GHSO Upper Cumberland Liaison, had this to say about the training grant: “The Governor’s Highway Safety Office is proud to partner with the Cannon County Rescue Squad in efforts to save lives in Cannon County. We know they will use their grant funding for the betterment of the citizens of Cannon County.”
The Cannon County Rescue Squad, Inc. is happy to receive this training grant and the new training equipment. It will assist with responder training for many years to come in Cannon County.
For more information on becoming a volunteer responder with the Cannon County Rescue Squad, Inc., visit our website at www.CannonCountyRescue.com and contact Michael Underhill, CEO, at 615-904-5002 or by email at MUnderhill@CannonCountyRescue.com .
To follow us on Facebook, like our page: https://www.facebook.com/CannonCountyRescue .
To follow us on Instagram, like cannoncountyrescuesquad, #cannoncountyrescuesquad.

State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Rep. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) announced today that two arts grants have been awarded in Cannon County from the Tennessee Arts Commission with a combined total of $36,400.  The grants are made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates.   
“It is very important that we preserve our cultural heritage for future generations,” said Senator Beavers.  “I am very pleased this grant has been awarded for this purpose.”  
 
“The arts do have a positive impact on our community and the effects certainly trickle down: the creative thinking skills of students are improved, our local culture is communicated through various mediums, and the community’s beauty is enhanced for our residents and visitors,” said Rep. Pody.
 
The grants include $7,700 to the Cannon Association of Craft Artists in the category of Rural Art Project Support and $28,700 to the Arts Center of Cannon County in the category of Partnership Support.
 
The Arts Commission will award approximately 1,000 community grants in both urban and rural areas through the 2016 fiscal year, totaling $5.3 million. The allocation process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and a final review by the full 15-member Commission.

The ongoing high path avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak is now considered one of the most costly animal health disasters in American history. Although HPAI has not been detected in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is taking steps to prepare. Three staff members recently returned from Minnesota where they used their skills to assist with the efforts to stop the spread of the illness.   
Veterinary medical officer Dr. Doug Balthaser and animal health technicians Wes Montooth and Marshall LaFever spent three weeks in Willmar, Minn. That location is central to an area coping with HPAI. The three learned aspects of the logistical response and gained valuable experience in the field.
Dr. Balthaser worked as a liaison between state and federal officials and producers to complete inspections and assist with paperwork. “The magnitude of this outbreak becomes clear when you consider the area where the virus has spread,” Dr. Balthaser said. “You have cases 30 miles south of Willmar all the way up to northern Minnesota.”
Montooth and LaFever collected samples from poultry in the affected area. They covered thousands of miles to test multiple backyard flocks. “They hit the ground running with backyard surveillance testing and really did Tennessee proud,” Dr. Jacob Davis with USDA APHIS said. “They became my ‘go-to’ team when something needed to be done.  I would be glad to work with them any time.”
Lessons learned in Minnesota will be critical in the event that HPAI is reported in Tennessee. Officials believe water fowl migrating south from Canada are the source for HPAI. This strain is not known to be communicable to humans and is not posing a threat to the food supply. However, it is deadly for domesticated fowl.  HPAI has been reported in 21 states, affecting more than 48 million domesticated birds. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have declared states of emergency. USDA response efforts have costs more than $400 million. The cost of dead poultry stands at $191 million and the total economic impact in Iowa alone is estimated at $957 million.
 
The State Veterinarian and staff are focused on animal health and disease prevention. Each year, the Kord Animal Health lab tests approximately 22,000 samples from poultry for avian flu. This includes routine surveillance and testing of commercial and backyard flocks and for the National Poultry Improvement Plan program. Additionally, the U.S. Wildlife Services conducts testing on waterfowl. We will continue surveillance and will consider increasing monitoring and sampling as required.
As a precaution, a State Veterinarian’s Order has been issued requiring that effective August 1, all out of state birds transported to Tennessee must have proof of a negative AI test within 21 days of movement or National Poultry Improvement Plan AI Clean certification.
If avian flu is detected, Tennessee has prepared a multi-agency response plan which includes quarantine, testing, disposal, cleaning, disinfection and monitoring in affected areas.

Impaired drivers traditionally make Independence Day weekend one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 512 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the 2013 holiday weekend. 39 percent of those fatalities involved at least one impaired driver. “This weekend will be a great time to celebrate with friends and family,” said Amy Stracke, Executive Director, Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation. “Please plan ahead to make sure all of your loved ones get home safely.”
Whether you are a AAA member or not, you can call for a Tow to Go ride anytime Friday, July 3rd through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 6th. AAA will then safely transport you and your vehicle home or somewhere safe within 10 miles. The service is designed to be used as a last resort and is offered based on the availability of AAA drivers and tow trucks.
“The Tow to Go program is an effective way to promote the use of Designated Drivers and help prevent impaired driving,” said Kathy Casso, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Anheuser-Busch. “We are proud to partner with AAA and their roadside assistance drivers to help keep our roads safe.”
Since its inception in 1998, Tow to Go has safely removed more than 24,000 impaired drivers from roads across the Southeast. The Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation provides the Tow to Go service because it helps keep all motorists safe from the dangers of drunk driving.
 Tow to Go Services:

Confidential local ride within a 10-mile radius to a safe location 

Service is provided in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee

Free and available to both AAA members and non-members

The AAA service vehicle transports the driver and their car
 
  Tow to Go Service Area
  Phone Number
  Florida, Georgia and Tennessee
  (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246
 

Cannon County Schools present their budget proposal and the majority of it was spent going down and trying to find $10,000 to trim off the budget.   Barbara Parker Director of Cannon County Schools, reviewed her budget that the Board of Education passed last week.  The budget called for the County to set the tax appropriation at 90 cents.  Currently the tax appropriation is set at 88 cents.  After going over the budget, the Committee then started talking about the various tax appropriations.  The Budget Committee then set the schools appropriation at 88 cents as some of the Committee felt that the $2.3 million dollars that the Schools have in their fund balance was enough to operate on without an increase in appropriations.  The debt service appropriation was set at 3 cents also leaving it as it is from the previous fiscal year.  Ambulance Service appropriation was set at 20 cents and Solid Waste was set at 16 cents.  These are the same figures as the last fiscal year.
While looking into setting the appropriation for the General Fund, the Committee took out their scissors and went to cutting some costs again.  Several items were cut and after it was all said and done $10,000 from various departments were cut including a line item of postal charges under “Other Emergency Management” which went from $60 to just $10.  There was nothing in the line item from the year before.  Another $10,000 was cut from the Library.  Last week officials from the library approached the budget committee asking a $9,000.00 increase for the salary of the director.  Last week, Library Director Tina Norris announced that she has applied for another position at another library.  The $10,000 was an incentive to keep Ms. Norris as the director, however it was announced that she accepted the other position.  The Committee cut the $10,000 increase since she took the other job.  There was no action taken on the tax appropriation for the County General Budget.  The County Departments will be asked again to make cuts in spending before the next Budget meeting next week.