News 2015

One suspect suffered serious injuries during a shooting this morning on Cedar Bucket Road near the Rutherford-Cannon County line. The victim was treated and flown by LifeFlight helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the suspect.
People with information should call the Sheriff’s Office at 615-898-7770.

Several people have asked where the issue of possible zoning in Cannon County is at right now.  According to the official minutes of the last meeting: At the July 22, 2014 meeting, several citizens addressed the Cannon County Planning Commission regarding the possibility of county wide zoning. According to the official minutes of the meeting  Most of the citizens in attendance voiced that they would be in favor of the adoption of county wide zoning.  Due to the recent establishment of a firing range and a facility to house the mentally handicapped, several citizens made statements asking the Planning Commission to recommend land use controls that would protect property values.  Chairman Barker stated that a Cannon County Zoning Ordinance had been drafted, but had not been recommended due to a lack of support.  Staff Planner and Planning Commissioners then answered questions regarding existing concerns and hypothetical situations.  After all discussion had ended, Chairman Barker requested that Staff Planner provide the drafted Cannon County Zoning Ordinance for the members to review at the August 26, 2014 meeting.  At the August 26, 2014 meeting, Staff Planner presented the draft of the Cannon County Zoning Ordinance to members for review.  Staff Planner reviewed the different zoning districts within the county which included different residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural zones.  After discussion, Chairman Barker tabled discussion until the September 23, 2014 meeting.  At the September 23, 2014 meeting, Staff Planner and members discussed the R-1 and R-2 zones of the proposed Cannon County Zoning Ordinance.  The R-1 zone is considered low density residential which permits mainly single family residences.  The R-2 zone is considered high density residential and allows for multi-family residences.  Staff explained the differences between the two (2) aforementioned zones in regards to the permitted and prohibited uses.  After all discussion had subsided, Chairman Barker tabled discussion until the October 28, 2014 meeting.  At that meeting, Staff Planner stated he would present the different commercial districts for discussion.  At the November 25, 2014 meeting, Staff Planner and members discussed the C-1 and C-2 zones.  The C-1 district would be established for highway commercial use and would allow all commercial uses.  The C-2 district would be established for rural commercial use and low impact commercial uses.  After discussion, Chairman Barker tabled discussion until the January 27, 2015 meeting.  At the February 24, 2015 meeting, members discussed several topics regarding the proposed zoning ordinance including what support if any would be given by the County Commission and also would existing businesses located throughout the County be in favor of county wide zoning.  After discussion, it was the consensus of the Planning Commission that a thorough review of the proposed zoning ordinance would need to continue in the upcoming months. That discussion is scheduled to continue Tuesday night at the Cannon County Planning Commission meeting. 
The meeting will take place Tuesday night at the Cannon County Courthouse at 6:00 p.m.
 

The front door of the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) isn’t located on its building in downtown Nashville – at least not for all Tennesseans. For many patrons, that ‘front door’ is actually whatever portal they use to access TSLA resources on the Internet. To make the process of searching its vast collections of online materials easier, TSLA is hosting a free public workshop May 30. The workshop, which will be led by Assistant State Archivist Wayne Moore and TSLA staff members Jessica Short and Genny Carter, will provide hands-on training and helpful tips for sorting through photographs, documents, maps, postcards, film, audio and other orginal materials of cultural and historical significance. TSLA’s online resources include two sets of detailed maps related to the Civil War.
“A major part of the State Library and Archives’ mission is to make historical documents as accessible to the public as practical,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “Many of TSLA’s resources are already available online – and more are being added all the time. The purpose of this workshop is to provide TSLA patrons and potential patrons will tips for how to navigate our website and find the resources they need.”
The workshop, titled “Surveying Tennessee’s Digital Resources,” will be held in TSLA’s auditorium from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. May 30. TSLA’s building is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North, directly west of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. Some free parking is available around the building.
Although the workshop is free and open to the public, reservations are necessary due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To make a reservation, call (615) 741-2764 or e-mail workshop.tsla@tn.gov

Kevin Mooneyham, 47, of Woodbury, Tennessee, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury, and charged with stealing federal program funds and wire fraud, announced David Rivera, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.  Mooneyham, who is the Chief of the Woodbury Police Department, was arrested this morning by TBI agents and will appear before a United States Magistrate Judge later today.“Funds designated for alcohol enforcement programs are made available to local law enforcement agencies with the underlying purpose of deterring drunk driving and ultimately saving lives,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera.  “Mooneyham’s scheme to steal these grant moneys prevented the officers of his department from conducting these enforcement programs and placed the community at a greater risk.”
According to the indictment, from 2013 until March 2015, Mooneyham, in his role as Chief of the Woodbury Police Department, was responsible for administering and overseeing the overtime grants provided by the Governors Highway Safety Office to the Town of Woodbury, Tenn.  These funds were awarded exclusively for the purpose of alcohol enforcement, the majority of which were used to pay overtime for officers engaged in DUI enforcement such as saturations and checkpoints.
During this time, Mooneyham fraudulently prepared and submitted false timesheets for overtime hours, misrepresenting the fact that he had worked DUI enforcement, when he in fact had not worked.  The submission of these false timesheets resulted in Mooneyham being paid more than $25,000 to which he was not entitled.  These stolen funds were derived from federal grants provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office, to be used exclusively for DUI and alcohol enforcement programs.
The indictment also alleges that numerous officers of the Woodbury Police Department expressed an interest in working GHSO overtime patrols but were informed by Mooneyham that no funds were available.  When city officials inquired about other officers working overtime patrols, Mooneyham informed them that no officers were interested.
The indictment further alleges that Mooneyham received approximately 91% of the overtime that was paid pursuant to these federal grants to employees of the Woodbury Police Department in 2014, and that he received 100% of such overtime paid during the first quarter of 2015.
“Though the arrest of a law enforcement leader is very disappointing, the public rightfully expects that grant money like this will benefit the community, not its police chief,” said Mark Gwyn, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
“The citizens of this community and our law enforcement officers are greatly disappointed to find that a public servant, held to such a position of trust, has instead violated that trust and his oath of office,” said Jennings Jones, District Attorney General for the 16th Judicial District.
If convicted, Mooneyham faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for theft of federal program funds and up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, for wire fraud.  He also faces forfeiture of the proceeds of his offenses.
An indictment is merely an accusation and is not evidence of guilt.  This defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely

The Board of Parole (BOP), the Department of Correction (TDOC) and the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) are planting trees in 10 communities across the state this week to  honor victims of crime and recognize the advocates who work with them.   At the Murfreesboro event, recently retired District Attorney General William Whitesell was honored with the   Voice for Victims Award for more than two decades of work on behalf of crime victims in the 16th Judicial District in Rutheford and Cannon Counties
Whitesell is currently serving an interim appointment as Executive Director of the Tennessee District Attorneys   General Conference.
Chris Parnell, brother of 2013 murder victim Carla Dillard-Pearman, delivered the keynote   address.   Parole Board Chairman Richard Montgomery said the annual tree planting events are a reminder to the public that crime victims play a key role in the criminal justice process. “Trees represent crime victims because they are strong and resilient. They may bend, but they rarely break. In that way, they demonstrate the steadfastness of people who have experienced crime — but refuse to be beaten by it.”   
TDOC Commissioner Derrick Schofield agreed. “This year’s theme for  National  Crime  Victims’  Rights  Week  is  Empowering Victims — Engaging Communities.
It is a reminder that providing services to crime victims helps them heal, and makes our communities safer.”
TRICOR Chief Executive Officer Patricia Weiland’s agency provides markers for each tree. “As people pass these trees in years to come, it’s important that they know why they were planted and who they honor. The trees are a symbol of the need to assist crime victims as they rebuild their lives.”  
The event took place at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
Additional tree planting events are taking place this week in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Jackson, Cookeville, Dickson, Lawrenceburg and Elizabethton
 

Two half brothers got into a fight in the middle of McMinnville Highway Monday.  According to Cannon County Sheriff Department Reports Johnny Mathis stated that he was traveling west on McMinnville Hwy in the 6000 block when out of nowhere his half brother Dustin Mathis pulled in front of him and cut him off.  After causing Johnny to stop, Dustin exited his vehicle approached Johnny and allegedly tried to pull him out of the driver side window.  Dustin pulled a knife and cut Johnny several times on his left arm and chest.  During the assault Johnny Mathis also suffered an abrasion above his right eye.  Allen Ferrell who was a passenger in Johnny’s vehicle got out to defend Johnny and when he did Dustin returned to his car and left.  Johnny Mathis went to the Stones River Hospital Emergency Room for medical assistance.  HE was treated for several lacerations and later released.  A warrant was issued for Dustin Mathis for aggravated assault with the court date set for June 2nd.

n recognition of Financial Literacy Month, (April 1-30) the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) today issued an advisory to help raise investor awareness about fees charged by broker-dealer firms for services and maintenance of investment accounts.“A key component of building financial literacy is understanding what you need to know and where to find it,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “That is especially important when it comes to understanding what services you are paying for and how much you are paying.”
The advisory follows new research from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which TDCI is a member. The research shows investors are confused about brokerage service and maintenance fees and want clear and easy access to fee information from their broker-dealer firm.
A national public opinion poll commissioned by NASAA found that fees are important to investors but a general lack of standardization and clarity in their disclosure has left investors unaware of how much their broker-dealer firm charges for the service and maintenance of the investment accounts.
To help raise investor understanding of broker-dealer fees, TDCI suggests investors focus on the timing, method and content of fee disclosures.

Pay attention. Fees are typically disclosed when a customer account is opened. Ask for a fee schedule and make sure it is up to date. If it is not readily available, do not place any assets until it is provided. You have the right to know the fees in advance. Also, watch out for fee changes. Most broker-dealers disclose fee changes at least 30 days in advance, but they may use different methods to reach investors. Make sure your broker dealer firm knows how you prefer to be contacted.

Read the fine print. Most broker-dealer firms disclose fees for certain services on a table, chart, or list, while some use a narrative, but it may not list dollaramounts or formulas. If you do not see a section on fees and charges, ask for it. Investors are responsible for reading and understanding all materials provided by a broker-dealer.

Talk the talk. Different firms may use different terms for the same service. Know the services you may be using regularly and ask specifically what terms a firm uses for its services and the associated fees.

The first part of the 109th General Assembly adjourned late Wednesday evening, completing its work deliberately and efficiently. The General Assembly passed a $33.79 billion balanced budget that invests primarily in education and economic development. Other noteworthy budget items include $34 million for property tax relief for the elderly and veterans, $41.3 million to complete the phase out of Tennessee’s inheritance tax and $97.6 million for pay increases for teachers. Among the many highlights of the session was the repeal of Common core, passage of common sense restrictions on abortion, continued reduction of the Hall Tax and several anti-crime and pro-victims rights measures. Tennessee is currently ranked among the lowest states in the nation in per capita in debt and per capita tax burden. The General Assembly’s pro-jobs, fiscally responsible, small government agenda has resulted in a triple-A rated bond

The Cannon County Sheriff’s Department is continuing an investigation concerning a missing flatbed tractor trailer truck that was reported missing on Monday.  According to Sheriff’s Reports, Terrance Martin stated that he owns a 2000 Freightliner Classic with a 48 ft. flatbed trailer operating under the name Straight Drop Trucking out of Smithville.  He leased the truck to McMahan Trucking of Woodbury.  Mr. Martin stated that he has a male subject identified as Irving Houston Green as the driver for this particular truck and Mr. Green has been driving for him for approximately four months.  Mr. Martin further stated that Mr. Green picked up the loaded truck and trailer on Monday a week prior to make a delivery of trees, plants etc to a nursery in Pennsylvania.  Mr. Martin advised that Mr. Green did not make it to deliver the load until Thursday morning when it was supposed to be delivered on Tuesday.  The worker at the nursery said that Green was messed up on something and could barely talk.  Mr. Green was supposed to pickup a check from the nursery and return to Woodbury with the truck and the check.  Mr. Martin advised that Mr. Green has yet to return and has not been able to make contact with him by any means.  Mr. Martin states that Mr. Green has not been seen or heard from since the delivery at the nursery in Pennsylvania.  The color of the truck is turquoise with blue and gray lettering on the doors Straight Drop Smithville TN.  

For the first time in history, Tennessee travel has exceeded 100 million domestic person stays; it was announced by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development today. Tourism results for 2014 recently reported by D.K. Shifflet & Associates confirm a record-breaking year for Tennessee tourism. D.K. Shifflett & Associates is a national syndicated and custom travel research and consulting company that provides intelligent market insight to the tourism and hospitality industry.   “We’re thrilled to announce this record-setting accomplishment for Tennessee’s tourism industry,” said Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Thanks to Gov. Haslam and the Tennessee General Assembly, we’ve had $12 million in additional funds over the past two years to launch a new brand campaign ‘The Soundtrack of America, Made in Tennessee.’ Early indicators for the campaign were extremely positive. Now we know the results of that launch are 100 million visitors to Tennessee. That is a win for every citizen of our state.”
Total travel to Tennessee for this record year was 101.3 million, up from 96.4 million in 2013, an increase of 5.1 percent. This was higher than the national growth of 4.4 percent. Since 2004, Tennessee saw a total increase of over 25 million person stays. Increases in visitor volume translate into increases in Tennessee revenues. Preliminary numbers for 2014 economic impact results project nearly $18 billion in direct travel expenditures. This is an estimated increase of $1.3 billion over the previous year.
Attracting visitors to Tennessee are some of the top tourism sites in America including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Grand Ole Opry, Beale Street, Graceland, Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Tennessee Aquarium. The coming year will likely continue to see growth as the state welcomes new attractions in 2015 such as Dolly Parton’s DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis and the George Jones Museum in Nashville.