News 2015

As warmer weather has Tennesseans on the move to springtime activities, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to highlight important vehicle fire safety tips.Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause according to the National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA), so regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to prevention car fires. 
“Most car fluids are flammable,” said Tennessee Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Heat and electrical sparks plus leaking fluid are all it takes to start a car fire.” 
To prevent vehicle fires:

Have your vehicles inspected at least annually by a trained, professional technician.

Watch for fluid leaks under vehicles; rapid changes in fuel and fluid levels and engine temperature; cracked or blistered hoses; or wiring that is loose, has exposed metal or has cracked insulation. Have any of these conditions inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Be alert to changes in the way your vehicle sounds when running, or to a visible plume of exhaust coming from the tailpipe. A louder than usual exhaust tone, smoke coming from the tailpipe or a backfiring exhaust could mean problems or damage to the high-temperature exhaust and emission control system on the vehicle. Have vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible if exhaust or emission control problems are suspected.

If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment.

Avoid smoking. If you must smoke, use your vehicle ashtray.

Never park a car where flammables, such as grass, are touching the catalytic converter.

Drive according to posted speed limits and other traffic rules. Remain alert to changing road conditions at all times. 
If a fire occurs:

Stop – If possible, pull to the side of the road and turn off the ignition. Pulling to the side makes it possible for everyone to get out of the vehicle safely. Turn off the ignition to shut off the electric current and stop the flow of gasoline. Put the vehicle in park or set the emergency brake; you don’t want the vehicle to move after you leave it. Keep the hood closed because more oxygen can make the fire larger.

Get Out – Make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle. Then move at least 100 feet away. Keep traffic in mind and keep everyone together. There is not only danger from the fire, but also from other vehicles moving in the area.

Call for Help – Call 9-1-1. Never return to the vehicle for belongings or to attempt to fight the fire yourself.
 

Denny Laine was Paul McCartney’s main collaborator and co founder of the band Wings, which was one of the most internationally successful bands of the 1970s. The band had 24 hit singles at the top of the charts and won a Grammy for their landmark album “Band on the Run.” Although the band went through a few line up changes, Denny remained an integral part of Wings throughout the band’s entire lifespan. Wings recorded some of the biggest hits of the 1970s including “Band on the Run”, “Live and Let Die”, “Jet”, “With A Little Luck”, “Another Day” “My Love”, “Junior’s Farm”, “Silly Love Songs”, and many more. Denny Laine co-wrote the world wide hit “Mull of Kintyre” with Paul and in 1977 it became the biggest selling single of all time in the United Kingdom. It ironically broke the sales record for the previous biggest UK single; The Beatles’ “She Loves You.”
Denny got his start in the Moody Blues and he sang the band’s first major hit single “Go Now” in 1964. After a few years, he left the Moody Blues to pursue his solo career managed by the Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein. In 1967 Denny Laine’s Electric String Band opened for Jimi Hendrix at the famous Saville theater concert that launched Jimi’s career. For the next few years Denny shared concert bills with Fleetwood Mac & Robert Plant and joined the super group Ginger Baker’s ‘Air Force’ until 1971 when he formed Wings with Paul McCartney.
Denny Laine’s very special, one night only performance will feature hits from his time in Wings and the Moody Blues as well as songs from his impressive solo catalog. Critically acclaimed band, The Cryers will do a set of originals, Beatles favorites and classic songs then become Denny’s band for his performance. Published Nashville songwriter John Salaway will open the show with a short acoustic set.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $13 for students & seniors, $25 Special Reserved Seating & Meet and Greet (pre-payment required), $20 no reservation at the door price.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 615-563-2787 Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM or online at www.artscenterofcc.com.
The Arts Center is located at 1424 John Bragg Highway, just west of the town of Woodbury, approximately 20 minutes from Murfreesboro, Manchester, and McMinnville and one hour southeast of Nashville Office hours are 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information check our website at www.artscenterofcc.com or call 615-563-(ARTS) 2787.
 

Through the effort of grant funding, two Cannon County elementary schools have recently initiated after-school walking clubs.  Woodbury Grammar Walking Club is sponsored by Betsy Hawkins and Pam Forrest.  Eastside Elementary Walking Club is sponsored by Connie Phillips and Gay Burger.  Both clubs meet twice a week and walk for a total of 45 minutes with a healthy and nutritious snack provided for students.  Students earn incentives for miles walked and each club will hold an End of the Year celebration to honor students for the miles they have walked this year.   Volunteers, along with staff from our Cannon County Health Department, have partnered with each school and helped to make these programs a success.  Participants from the Health Department include, Karen Maloney RN, Heather Melton LPN, Dr. Rickey West, Rachel Cantrell, Dental Assistance, and Nora Mitchell, Office Assistance.Recently,Eastside Elementary was visited by Kara Lubin, the founder of the 100 Mile Club, a club that originated in California and encourages children and adults to get active.  While there, Kara met with sponsors, students, and our Director of Schools, Mrs. Barbara Parker.  She was very impressed with the program and offered her support in the future. 
Cannon County Schools would like to thank all of the teachers, staff, parents, and community partners that walk each Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with our students.  Come join in the fun and make walking a part of your daily routine.

The most expensive oil of 2015 triggered increases at the gas pump, and prices could continue to climb this week. The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.45 per gallon, up 6 cents since last Sunday. Prices also rose 3 cents in Florida and 9 cents in both Georgia and Tennessee.  “The average price at the pump typically reflects a bit of seasonality this time of year,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It is not uncommon for prices to inch higher leading up to the summer driving season and the transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel. However, record high domestic oil production is likely to deliver the cheapest summer gas prices in a decade.”
A primary factor driving prices this week was more expensive oil prices keyed by a combination of increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a sharply lower U.S. dollar, and the release of OPEC’s monthly market report. News of Al Qaeda militants taking control of a major oil terminal in Yemen stoked some fears that violence could spread in the region. A weaker U.S. dollar makes West Texas Intermediate crude oil (priced in U.S. dollars) a more attractive investment, which pressures prices higher. Also last week, oil prices moved after OPEC’s monthly market report unveiled expectations of a slight increase in demand for the oil it produces. These factors led to WTI recording its highest settlement for 2015 ($56.71) on Thursday. Oil slipped the following day, closing almost a dollar lower ($55.74 per barrel) on the NYMEX, Friday.
“It could take a full week before the full impact of higher oil prices hit the gas pump, and gas prices could rise 5-10 cents as a result,” Jenkins said. “The good news is that oil began to fall again by the end of last week. Looking long term, gas prices could still fall in time for the busy summer travel season.”

Even though gasoline prices have dropped significantly during the past fiscal year, the Cannon County Commissioners questioned a budget amendment request for gas during their regular monthly meeting held Saturday at the Courtroom of the Cannon County Courthouse Last year $8500 was spent on gasoline, there was $7200 budgeted for gasoline.  Currently the County Vehicles are using the Co-op in Woodbury.  The budget amendment request was for $5,000 more meaning that the County might spend $12,000 in gas.  The vehicles involved in this budget amendment are for the Cannon County Rescue Squad, Cannon County Litter Control Truck, County Maintenance Van, and the Extension Office.  The commissioners tabled the budget request amendment until the Commissioners find out what each one of those groups use separately in the budgeted amendment  In other items on the agenda
The Commission approved the Litter Grant Resolution 2015-2 for 2015/2016.
Approved putting Carter Creek Road back on the County map.  Previously the road was taken off the official map due to gates being put up several years ago.
Appointed Gina Burke to the Cannon County Audit Committee.  Burke takes the place of Hope Tenpenny who resigned from the Committee because she moved to Murfreesboro.
Approved the 3 Star Confirmation Letter.  With this approval the County will continue to be Three Star Certified.  They will also receive a $10,000 grant.  Last year’s monies went to We Care Cannon to help with their back to school event for the students of Cannon County which has been held the last two years.
Approved the naming of a small strip of road from the new 4 lane highway over to the old Highway 70 McMinnville Highway Brady Higgins Road.
Approved the budget amendments of County General, Solid Waste, and Sheriff’s Department
 

Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips announced today the Tennessee preliminary unemployment rate for March was 6.3 percent, three-tenths of one percentage point lower than the February revised rate of 6.6 percent. The U.S. preliminary rate for March was 5.5 percent, unchanged from the prior month.Economic Summary
Over the past year, Tennessee’s unemployment rate declined from 6.4 percent to 6.3 percent while the national rate declined from 6.6 percent to 5.5 percent.

Total nonfarm employment decreased 4,400 jobs from February to March. The largest decreases occurred in accommodation/food services, trade/transportation/utilities, and mining/logging/construction.

Over the year, nonfarm employment increased 49,300 jobs. The largest increases occurred in trade/transportation/utilities, professional/business services, and education/health services.
 

Hopes remain high for Tennessee’s famous strawberry crop, but cool wet weather has postponed the start date for the state’s strawberry season, temporarily.  Strawberries require consistent warm sunshine to ripen and sweeten, and in Tennessee, it is not unusual for some farmers to have ripe berries by mid-April. This year, however, a brief burst of sun and high temperatures was quickly replaced with persistent rains. Middle Tennessee growers will have some berries by the end of the month, but yields will be light until the first week of May.
“Tennessee’s climate and geography guarantee that berry picking time will always be a moving target,” says Tammy Algood, produce marketing specialist for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “There’s often a month’s variation between strawberry patches in the West Tennessee delta compared to Upper East Tennessee’s mountains, even without dramatic weather events like floods or freezes.”
“The trick is to be ready whenever the strawberries closest in your area are ready,” says Algood. “Know where you’re going to get your strawberries, whether you’ll buy them picked or whether you’ll pick them yourself, and have all your supplies on hand to preserve or use your strawberries when you bring them home.”
The free Pick Tennessee mobile app lists local strawberry growers and farmers markets that sell local strawberries.  The app also provides GPS mapping to those farms and markets from the user’s current location.  The listings are also available, along with strawberry recipes and tips for strawberry picking and storage at www.picktnproducts.org.

Last Friday the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department hosted a sobriety checkpoint on John Bragg Highway in honor of 13 year old Clifton Braunwalder who was killed after an impaired driver struck his family’s vehicle while he was in the process of changing a flat tire.  A ceremony was held earlier in the day before the checkpoint.  A Cannon County man, Pat Burdick was recognized by the Sheriff’s Department and the Governor’s Highway Safety office for his citizenship in the apprehension of the suspect.  Burdick followed the suspect after witnessing the accident until police could get to the location.  The Governor’s Highway Safety Office and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank Mr. Burdick for his bravery and citizenship in helping.

The Cannon County UT Extension Office has issued a pest alert for local and area producers The granulate ambrosia beetles (the primary ambrosia beetle of concern for our area) have emerged but over the last several days Alan Blalock, TSU Nursery Extension Specialist, has caught a large number of them in  ethanol baited traps. To verify the spike in activity, many nurseries in the area have reported attacks! Even some of the trees at the TSU Research Center in McMinnville has reported pest attacks too! Please watch all recently planted or transplanted trees closely and consider spraying the trunks and lower branches with Perm-UP (permethrin).
For more information please contact Bruce Steelman at the UT Extension Service Cannon County Office at 615-563-2554
 

A Woodbury Man was arrested on drunk driving charges in Cannon County after Cannon County Deputies responded to a area on Jim Cummings Hwy in reference to a vehicle stuck in the ditch recently.  According to Sheriff’s Department reports, a Red Dodge Dakota was observed in the entrance of a driveway on Jim Cummings Hwy with the left rear wheel in the ditch.  The driver identified as Roy Murphy was in the running truck and it appeared he was trying to get out of the ditch.  Due to the steep angle, it was impossible to get out of without a second vehicle pulling it.  Murphy exited the vehicle and stated that he was leaving a friends house and he became stuck when trying to back out.  The owner of the residence however said he didn’t know Murphy and he was attempting to turn around in his driveway and got stuck.  Deputies noticed a strong odor of an intoxicant about Murphy, slurred speech, glossy bloodshot eyes.  Murphy stated that he drank about 3 to 4 beers but the deputy noticed a half pint of whiskey in the passenger seat. Murphy took a series of field sobriety tests and could not successfully pass them.  Murphy stated that he had poor balance because of “some disease” he had but could not remember the name of it.  That’s when the tests were stopped and he was arrested for DUI and driving while license revoked.  He will be in Cannon County General Sessions Court to answer to the charges on May 5th