News 2015

Mooretown VFD  Mooretown VFA Inc presents their 2nd Annual Fired Up 5K on Saturday April 18th  Registration starts at 7AM Race Starts at 8AM Registration day of the event is $40.00 Elementary and High School Students Register for only $20.00 All proceeds from this event go to benefit the Mooretown Volunteer Fire Department and Mooretown Volunteer Fire Auxiliary Inc
 

The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band has released CD’s “Barnyard Frolic”, “Poor Leroy’s Almanack”, “Screams From The Holler” and “Tales From Short Mountain” all of which can be downloaded from iTunes or ordered from Ernest Tubb’s record shop.They can be heard on the sound track of Faye Dunaway’s movie “Yellowbird”. They provided the entertainment for the society wedding of Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie a little while ago – you see how well that turned out. They played a New Year’s Eve at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and nearly brought the house down. They perform concerts all over the south, for bluegrass festivals as far away as Bean Blossom, Indiana and even the State of Maine, and at the famous Carter Family Fold in Hiltons Virginia. Toured Europe. They’ve performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC (our nation’s capitol). They’ve been on the Grand Ole Opry stage over a dozen times, and in spite of their wild antics, they get invited back!  They will be in concert Saturday at the Arts Center Of Cannon County.  For more information or tickets call the box office at 615-563-2787 or check out the website at artscenterofcc.com  

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) announced today a partnership that will expand individual opportunities for earning course credit and certifications through TDEC’s Fleming Training Center in Murfreesboro, online and at other statewide locations.“Fleming Training Center offers cutting-edge technology and advanced classes in a variety of water areas, and this partnership will allow traditional and non-traditional students to take full advantage,” TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau said. “Having qualified candidates for these jobs is essential for protecting public health and the environment.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the water supply and sanitation sector is expected to experience an employment growth rate of 45 percent in coming years due to regulations, infrastructure growth, security, and customer demands.
“Water and wastewater operators in Tennessee have completed extensive training and passed a comprehensive exam through the Fleming Training Center in order to be certified,” said Brandon Hulette, director of the Fleming Training Center. “This partnership will allow MTSU to recognize the level of expertise certified operators in Tennessee have acquired.”
MTSU officials say this is a comprehensive plan that provides degree paths for both traditional age students preparing to enter the workforce for the first time and for adult learners who are already in the water and wastewater industries.
“We’re extremely excited about this agreement with TDEC because it builds upon MTSU’s ongoing goal of making higher education accessible to more Tennesseans,” MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said. “Producing highly skilled graduates is a critical mission for the 21st century workforce and we’re pleased this partnership will do just that.”
Under the partnership, the traditional college pathway will be a four-year degree program on the MTSU campus with a major in Environmental Sustainability and Technology with a concentration in Water Resource Management. The program, administered through MTSU’s College of Basic and Applied Sciences, is designed to meet the unique knowledge base and skill set needs of water resource operators.
“These degrees will prepare workers for high-quality, in-demand positions in Tennessee,” said Robert “Bud” Fischer, dean of the MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences. “We’re preparing these students for careers, not just jobs.”
“This partnership allows MTSU and TDEC’s Fleming Training Center to provide nontraditional students with a unique pathway to a bachelor’s degree and career advancement,” added Mike Boyle, dean of MTSU’s University College. “This is a great example of how higher education can collaborate with another state agency to fill a workforce need.”
The nontraditional pathway may include some of the following:

A degree completion program utilizing previous college work

College credit for prior learning

College credit for military experience (learning)

College credit for professional certifications
These elements can go toward completion of a customized bachelor’s degree that meets the student’s career objective.
“The link between the knowledge and training taught at our colleges and universities and the career opportunities and workforce needs in our state is stronger than ever before, and this program is a commendable example of the partnerships that drive success,” said Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan.
“MTSU has tailored a unique program that meets industry needs, but it also provides distinctive pathways to help both traditional and nontraditional students reach their career goals.”
Under the agreement, MTSU will also provide:

Opportunities for TDEC Fleming Training Center students to utilize required training toward a degree through MTSU’s Prior Learning Assessment process;

Individual academic advising for TDEC Fleming Training Center students;

A free, one-hour “first course” that will help TDEC Fleming Training Center students make the transition back to school; and

A scholarship amount equal to the tuition for the final course or $1,000 (whichever is less), for students who maintain consecutive term degree progress (five courses a year regardless of term) and maintain a “C” average GPA.
“This collaborative effort is a perfect example of the innovation that Tennessee needs in order to meet the Drive to 55,” said Mike Krause, executive director of the Drive to 55 in the Office of Governor Bill Haslam. “We commend MTSU for continually seeking ways to contribute to the community and the state.”
 

Four finalists have been selected to possibly become the next president of Motlow State Community College. Each will participate in interviews, campus forums and community receptions next week. The finalists are
•Shanna L. Jackson, dean of extended services and Williamson County Campus at Columbia State Community College;
•Cynthia S. Kelley, vice president for Academic Affairs at Motlow State Community College;
•Anthony G. Kinkel, president of Wichita Area Technical College in Wichita, Kansas; and
•Michael Torrence, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs at Volunteer State Community College.
The finalists’ application materials are available to view on the Presidential/Executive Searches website at TBR.edu/motlow2015.
The finalists will interview with the Presidential Search Advisory Committee on April 21 and 22. The committee interviews are open to the press and the public as observers and will take place in the Marcum Technology Building, Room 105 on the main Motlow campus in Lynchburg. The detailed campus visit schedules and interview times will be posted on the website at TBR.edu/motlow2015 as soon as they are finalized.
The finalists will also participate in meetings and open forums for a variety of constituent groups, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community. The campus forums will be streamed live online via links available on the presidential search website. Receptions for alumni and community members will also be scheduled.
The search committee’s charge is to identify and interview three to five finalists for the position of president. After the interviews and campus visits, Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan will gather feedback from committee members and make the final selection for recommendation to the Board for approval.
Motlow State’s current president, MaryLou Apple, previously announced her plan to retire on June 30 after leading the college for nine years. The new president is expected to be named by July.
Motlow State Community College is a public, multi-campus college offering associate degrees, certificates and flexible learning pathways. The main campus is located in Moore County with learning centers in Fayetteville, McMinnville and Smyrna, a teaching site in Sparta and a partnership in Shelbyville at the Middle Tennessee Education Center. It is a member of Tennessee’s Community Colleges.
 

A 22 caliber round fired at the Eastside School appeared to have damaged one of the Air Conditioning units at the school causing it to quit working according to Sheriff’s Department reports.  Monday Warren Refrigeration Heating and Cooling Company came to the school to work on the unit which was on the front rooftop of the school.  During the investigation they found that a coil on the north side of the unit was damaged by a 22 caliber round.  They found the mangled 22 caliber round laying in the bottom of the unit between the coil and compressor.  The path the bullet traveled appeared to originate from the parking lot between the mailbox and the library portable.  Eastside principal Karen Wimberley stated that the Air Conditioning was not working back on Wednesday April 8th and that they filled out a work order to have it repaired.  This incident could have taken place prior to the date the work order was filled out.  Ms Wimberley also stated that she would review the cameras that are located in the front of the building to see if they recorded the incident.  Investigation is still continuing.  

Over the weekend, the 2000 Chevy Blazer Auburntown Responder Truck was recovered.  Auburntown Fire Chief Blackburn observed the vehicle parked on top of a hill on the north side of Hwy 96.  The vehicle was in good running condition and all the emergency equipment was still inside.  The ignition key had been taken from the key ring and the ring was thrown in the grass approximately 100 feet away from the vehicle.  The vehicle was processed and there were no visible prints on any of the doors or door jams.  There was no oily residue and it appears the suspects wiped the surfaces down after parking it.  The responder truck had been reported stolen last Thursday morning.  

The administrator of elections for 2015-2017 is Matt Tepley.  Tepley was only one of two nominations for the position.  The other being Dorinda Mankin who saw her time as the administrator end with the decision during the regular monthly meeting of the Cannon County Election Commission Monday night.  Sue Patrick nominated Mankin while Matt Studd nominated Tepley. With the vote coming down to a tie of two commissioners each for Mankin and two for Tepley. newly elected Election Commission Chairman Shirley  Borren broke the tie by voting for Tepley.
Tepley steps into the position after recently being in the public eye while running for County Clerk in the last County Elections
Cannon County Commissioner Jim Bush interupted the meeting after being told he wasn’t on the agenda.  Bush took the floor regardless and stated that he was speaking as a member of the Cannon County Budget Committee.  Bush informed the Election Commission and said as far as the State of Tennessee is concerned, anyone that is not certified in the election office does not have to be paid until they are certified,  Bush said that whoever the Commission puts in the office will be working free until they are certified
In other actions of the commission:
The new chairman of the Cannon County Election Commission is Shirley Borren. Borren was nominated and unanimously approved.  Next was the nomination of the secretary of the Commission.  Commission member Sue Patrick nominated Andy Duggin for the position
Matt Studd seconded and was unanimously approved.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will host the 2015 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop June 5-7 in Crossville at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center. The relaxed atmosphere of the BOW workshop is primarily aimed at women, and is an opportunity for those 18 or older to learn outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing. However, the workshop provides useful for other outdoor pursuits and interests. Workshop participants will have a chance to take a variety of courses over the three days and the classes are taught by experts in their respective fields. There will be special programs in the evenings.
This year’s workshop offers classes in firearms and firearms safety, successful fishing skills, advanced fishing techniques, all-terrain vehicle operation, basic archery, boating safety education, outdoor cooking, wild edible foray, beginning fly fishing, nature photography basics, basic canoeing, basic shotgun, survival skills, backyard habitat, map/compass, introduction to muzzleloading, introduction to turkey hunting, introduction to deer hunting, introduction to waterfowl hunting, basic trapping, reading the woods, discover scuba, stream ecology, and boat trailer basics. 
The workshop fee is $175 and includes lodging at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center, meals, T-shirt, and a 2015-16 Tennessee Hunting and Fishing License. Registration is taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications may be obtained from the TWRA website  at www.tnwildlife.org, or any TWRA regional office. For more information contact Donald Hosse, Wildlife Education Program Coordinator, at don.hosse@tn.gov or telephone (615) 781-6541.

A Rutherford County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, a crime involving the use of TennCare benefits to obtain controlled substances by visiting multiple doctors in a short period of time.                                                                                  The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Annette Davidson, 49, of Murfreesboro.  She is charged with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping in connection with obtaining prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone.
“Prescription drug fraud has been a significant burden on the health care system,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We’re committed to eliminating this crime in the TennCare program, and local police and providers across the state are working with us in the effort.”
TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones is prosecuting.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,328 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.
Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”

April is designated as national Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and representatives from Coca Cola Bottling Company Consolidated joined today to share a unified message: Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving.Among those speaking at the press event included Larissa Redmond, whose fiancé Clifton was killed by a distracted driver in 2012. “After making the decision to donate his organs, we met with the police,” said Larissa. “They explained that the young lady who hit Clifton had cut across five lanes of traffic and hit his car head on. The force of that crash turned his car around and he was hit again by a daycare bus driver.  The young lady was texting, the bus driver was talking on the phone, and my Clifton was dead. Of all the questions I have about that day, the question of “Why?” still reigns supreme.”
Following Clifton’s death, Redmond founded the Collegiate Life Investment Foundation to educate the high school and collegiate population about the dangers of distracted driving.
“It is our job to impact the behavioral side of traffic safety in Tennessee,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “We are excited to announce our new campaign – Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving. We will be doing radio PSAs, online advertisements and a large social media push throughout the month of April to increase education and awareness throughout the state. For drivers to make good decisions, they need to be informed about the dangers of bad decisions.”
The Tennessee Department of Transportation conducted a distracted driving pledge sign-up with its employees during the event. “Distracted driving is an epidemic that affects all age groups,” said Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer. “Research shows that it is impossible for the brain to multitask. If you are texting, if you are eating, if you are entering an address into your GPS, you aren’t doing the one thing we need you to be doing: driving safely.”
Grant Kerr, Risk Control Manager for Coca Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, attended the event to announce their company’s involvement in the campaign. “Our employees are our family, and so many of them spend the majority of their time on the road. We reached out to the Governor’s Highway Safety Office a few months ago to discuss different ways we could communicate safety messages. This is the first of many campaigns we will be taking part in to increase the safety of our staff.”
According to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were 20,916 crashes involving a distracted driver in 2014 that resulted in forty-seven fatalities.
“Texting and driving is against the law in Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “We are committed to enforcing this law to the full extent. You might think you are hiding your actions from us, but we are continually coming up with innovative ways to catch and deter this behavior. It is unacceptable for a family in Tennessee to experience the loss of a loved one because someone made the choice to read or respond to a text message while driving.”