News 2015

The Friday after Thanksgiving in Cannon County means high school basketball all day long.  The 2015 Mitch Wilson Classic is one of the biggest holiday basketball gatherings in the state.  The event spans two gyms with the Woodbury Grammar School and Cannon County High Schools floors in use for most of the day and evening.  Some of Friday’s interesting contests include Warren County vs Upperman Girls at 9:30 in the morning at Cannon County High School.  Baylor and Livingston Girls at 11:00 also at Cannon County High School  Woodbury Grammar will feature the Smyrna and Livingston Boys game at 12:30 and Smith County and Pickett County Boys matchup at 3:30.  The Cannon County Lions and Lionettes will play the Grundy County teams starting at 6:30 in Robert A Harris Gym.  WBRY AM-1540/FM 107.9 will broadcast the Cannon County games live.  You can also hear the games streamed live on the internet at wbry.com and through WBRY on your smartphones and tablets through the Tune In Radio app.  

Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott on Friday announced the third annual “Interstate 40 Challenge: The Drive to Zero Fatalities” traffic safety initiative scheduled for the Thanksgiving holiday period. The announcement was held at the Carillon Pillars located within the Bicentennial Mall in Nashville. Colonel Trott was joined by Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons, Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John The Interstate 40 Challenge will consist of increased patrols from state police or highway patrol agencies along the I-40 corridor that stretches through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
The challenge will take place on the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving period, specifically Wednesday, November 25th and Sunday, November 29th.
“The THP cares about you and your family and wants you to have the best holiday season possible. The THP is going to do all that we can to protect you.  One of the most difficult jobs for our troopers is working fatal crashes, and then having to notify family of their loved ones passing.  I do not want another Tennessee family to feel that heartbreak,” Trott said.
Interstate-40 runs 2,555 miles through eight states, and has more miles in Tennessee than any other state with 455 miles. In 2014 on Interstate 40, Tennessee state troopers investigated 16 crashes on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and 40 wrecks on the Sunday after the holiday. None of those crashes was alcohol-related.
Tennessee state troopers also issued 62 seat belt citations on I-40 on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in 2014, coupled with 33 seat belt tickets on the Sunday after the holiday. They also arrested two individuals on suspicion of impaired driving on I-40 on the two challenge days.
“We want to make sure our citizens and visitors get to and from their holiday destinations safely. This is part of our primary goal of reducing the overall number of traffic fatalities in Tennessee,” Gibbons said. “I am thankful for the support of the other state patrols and police and our local law enforcement partners across Tennessee for helping us make I-40 safer.”Tennessee state troopers will be assigned every 20 miles of I-40 from 11:00am to 11:00pm on Wednesday, November 25th and 9:00am to 9:00pm on Sunday, November 29th. Additionally, Trott says there will be an increased presence on all major interstates throughout Tennessee.
“The THP is going the extra mile, not just participating in the I-40 Challenge, but covering all Tennessee interstates every 20 miles to help make the start of the holiday travel season even safer,” Trott said.
“The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will promote the I-40 Challenge on its dynamic message boards and will suspend lane closures beginning at Noon on Wednesday, November 25th through 6:00am on Monday, November 30th. We will also have our regional Help Trucks working to assist with incidents that may occur along the interstates,” Schroer said.
In addition to the I-40 Challenge, the THP will also conduct its routine Thanksgiving holiday enforcement campaign across the state. During last year’s 120 hour holiday period, there were seven people killed in seven fatal crashes in Tennessee. Five of those crashes involved an alcohol impaired driver, and five of the vehicular deaths were unrestrained.
“Having an empty place at the dinner table around the holidays can be devastating. For your friends, for your family, please remember to wear your seat belt each time you travel. Nearly half of those we lose on Tennessee roadways are unbelted. It is always your best defense in the event of a crash. Approximately eighty-six percent of our state is buckling up. While that number seems high, the remaining fourteen percent represents hundreds of thousands of people who make the choice not to wear a seat belt,” Poole said.
Director Poole noted that educating the public about the importance of seat belts and the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, as well as the of law enforcement, will make a difference on Tennessee roadways this holiday season.
State law enforcement officials have also seen a 4.8 percent decline in alcohol-related crashes this year, compared to this same time last year. Colonel Trott believes the agency’s DUI enforcement has helped reduce the number of impaired driving crashes across the state.
To date in 2015, Tennessee state troopers have arrested 6,748 individuals on suspicion of impaired driving. That represents a 68 percent increase over the last five years.

Thanksgiving travelers will not be delayed by construction on Tennessee roads during this busy travel holiday. TDOT will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state.  All construction related lane closures will be stopped beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 25 through 6:00 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2015. “Over a million travelers in Tennessee are expected to drive to their holiday destination this year,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “Halting road work during this busy time will provide maximum capacity on our roadways and help alleviate congestion, especially during the predicted peak travel days of Wednesday and Sunday.”
While all lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on site in some construction zones.  Motorists are reminded to drive safely and obey the posted speeds, especially in work zones.  Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
“The Governor’s Highway Safety Office and TDOT are partnering with law enforcement across the state for the I-40 Challenge, with the goal of having zero fatalities on the 455 miles of I-40 in Tennessee,” said GHSO Director Kendell Poole. “The Tennessee Highway Patrol will have troopers stationed every 20 miles on I-40, along with increased law enforcement on all highways. We want everyone to have a safe holiday, so remember to buckle up, drive the speed limit, and don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve had anything to drink.”
Some long-term lane closures will remain in place on some construction projects for motorists’ safety.
AAA predicts 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday, an increase of 0.6 percent over last year and the most in eight years.  An estimated 1,025,217 people are expected to travel by automobile in Tennessee. Nationwide, 89.3% of all travelers will drive to their destination.  Motorists will pay the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2008.
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

If Kelli Davis has an off night on the basketball court, things may not go too well for the Cannon County Lionettes.  Davis got off to a slow start Tuesday against Warren County in McMinnville and the team couldn’t get things going either.  Davis who averaged 27 points per game coming into the contest was held to just 11 points, six in the first half and none in the third quarter.  Davis played much of the fourth in foul trouble as the Lionettes fell behind early and couldn’t catch up losing 40-28 to their border opponents.  Tori Knox finished with 5 points.  Post players Maleah Scott and Haylee Mooneyham were shut down and each fouled out with 1 point apiece.   Lionettes record falls to 1-3 heading into the Mitch Wilson Classic Friday and Saturday Cannon County Lions center Austin Martin played fly swatter most of the evening against Warren County Tuesday night.  Martin protected the paint well by swatting away several Warren County shots during the night.  Fellow senior Briar Jakes hit several deep three pointers but the duo’s efforts weren’t enough as Cannon fell to Warren 60-55. The close back and forth contest saw 10 lead changes and 6 ties throughout the evening.  Three technical fouls were called and a bunch of toilet paper streamed onto the court after the first basket made by Warren.  Jakes scored a game high 25 points, Martin had 20, Austin Duggin added 3, Charlie Parish had 5 and Cole George contributed 2 in the game.  Lions go 2-2.
Up next for the Cannon County teams will be Grundy County in day one of the Mitch Wilson Cannon County Classic.  The games are scheduled to start at 6:00 at Robert A Harris Gymnasium.

Nationally, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated average of 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and $21 million in property loss. “Unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor in all cooking fires,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “I urge Tennesseans to celebrate Thanksgiving safely in 2015 by remembering some simple but important rules when they’re in the kitchen.”
The SFMO offers these safety tips as a reminder to cook smart this year.
Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself when you are cooking.
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most fryer units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer, even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.
To prevent spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
The National Turkey Foundation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of weight.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease or oil fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department by dialing 911.

The Cannon County Lions and Lionettes renew a border rivalry with Warren County tonight when the basketball teams make the short trip to McMinnville to meet the Pioneer teams. Both girls teams are 1-2 and each team won their last game played.  Cannon rolled to a win over Bledsoe in Smith County Saturday night while Warren County squeaked by Lebanon in a Hall of Fame contest in Smithville also on Saturday.  Kelli Davis and Tori Knox will try to lead the Lionettes to a win that would even the overall record before this weekends Mitch Wilson Cannon County Classic event
The Cannon County Boys team look to continue to pick up wins.  After dropping the first game to Van Buren County, the Lions came out aggressive and picked up solid wins over Signal Mountain and Bledsoe County.  Warren County beat Franklin County in a close one in their season opener and took one on the chin to Clay County this past Saturday
Tipoff will be at 6:00.  Coaches Corner starts off our broadcast around 5:50.  You can hear the games live aired on AM-1540/FM107.9 WBRY, online at wbry.com, through the smartphones and tablets through WBRY by using the TUNE In radio app
 

 The City Of Woodbury announces that Thursday’s trash route will be run on Wednesday in addition to Wednesday’s regular route.  Regular schedule will resume on Friday.  

 A Cannon County man was arrested recently for public intoxication after Sheriff’s Deputies visited the residence twice to check on him.  According to Sheriff’s Department Reports Sheriff’s Deputy Gregory Fauls was called twice to a residence on Jim Cummings Hwy.  The first time called was for a welfare check on a male who had been drinking and apparently had a seizure.  Upon arrival Fauls was met by a man later identified as Raymond Duke, who stated that a man had a seizure and passed out.  That man David James Frazier did not wake up in a happy mood.  After speaking with Mr. Frazier, Deputy Fauls noticed that he had an order of intoxication about himself and kept walking around the home and down into the highway.  Frazier was warned that if he did not stay in the home he would be arrested for public intoxication.  Mr. Frazier’s parents showed up and stated that they would take care of David.  Deputy Fauls then left but a few minutes later he was dispatched back to the residence because David started fighting with his father.  When Fauls got back to the residence, David’s father was on the ground with David trying to fight and yell at him.  David took some swings at Fauls when Fauls tried to intervene.  David was warned several times to stop but he grew even more irritated and was arrested for public intoxication  

M. Keith Siskin, Presiding Judge of the Sixteenth Judicial District (Rutherford and Cannon Counties) has been nominated by the Director of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts for the prestigious national Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education.   The Sandra Day O’Connor Award is presented annually by the National Center for State Courts to an organization, Court, or individual who has promoted, inspired, improved, or led an innovation or accomplishment in the field of civics education relating to the justice system.  Candidates are nominated by members of the Conference of Chief Justices, the Conference of State Court Administrators, and members of the Board of the National Center for State Courts.    
Deborah Taylor Tate, Director of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, stated that she decided to nominate Judge Siskin for this award after a recent visit to the Rutherford County Judicial Building, when she noticed a large video screen hanging on the wall outside of Judge Siskin’s courtroom.   This video screen is used by Judge Siskin to display dockets, Court rules, information about the Court and its staff, and general information about the Court system and its history.  Judge Siskin has made a special effort to impart this information in an entertaining way, wherever possible.  For example, one of the daily staples is a “slide” about “This Day in Legal History,” in which Judge Siskin briefly explains an historical event of legal significance that occurred on that particular date.  
  “I am honored and flattered to be nominated for this prestigious award,” Siskin said.  “Since taking office, my top priority has been to make the Court system more open and accessible to the public; hopefully, the information that we display on our video screen furthers that goal.”  Judge Siskin resides in Murfreesboro with his wife, Sheri, and their daughters, Micah and Shae.
 

Like each of you, I am disgusted by last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris, France and, more recently, by the disturbing hostage situation today in Barnako, Mali.As we consider the tragic loss of life in these nations overseas, it is appropriate for the United States to consider what measures should be taken to ensure that these atrocities are not repeated on American soil. Of particular concern for me are the security gaps in our refugee resettlement program.
President Obama has called upon the U.S. State Department to admit an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees across our border. While I believe it is critical that the U.S. make efforts to aid those who are persecuted in the Middle East, particularly the Christians and other religious minorities who suffer the worst brutalization, the security of the American people must be our first priority.
Our top intelligence officials have already raised red flags about the country’s capacity to screen incoming refugees. For example, earlier this year, Assistant FBI Director Michael Steinbeck testified before Congress that vetting of incoming refugees was “not even close to being under control.” President Obama’s own Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, effectively confirmed these statements just last month, warning that “We are not going to know a whole lot about the Syrians that come forth in this process.”  In matters of national security, this uncertainty is simply unacceptable.
Conservatives welcome legal immigrants and refugees. We know that the strength of our nation lies in the diversity of its people, and we believe in the famous words emblazoned on Lady Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses learning to breathe free.” But we also know that this tradition of offering a place of refuge must be viewed in the context of another famous text: the U.S. Constitution, which commands the federal government to “provide for the common defense” – that means protecting our homeland and keeping our citizens safe.
In light of these warnings from within our intelligence community and the recent attacks overseas, it is clear that we must halt our refugee resettlement programs to ensure the appropriate safeguards are in place before moving forward.
Yesterday, the House of Representatives took the first step in this process with the bipartisan, veto-proof passage of the SAFE Act of 2015 – legislation requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security, National Intelligence Director, and FBI director to unanimously certify each individual Syrian and Iraqi refugee before they are granted entry to the United States.
This bill marks an important improvement from the status quo, but it cannot be the end of our Congressional action. I am supportive of efforts to temporarily defund further implementation of this program in upcoming “must-pass” spending bills until we can gather all the facts. I additionally have cosponsored Congressman Brian Babin’s Resettlement National Security Accountability Act, which would place a moratorium on all refugee resettlement programs pending the outcome of a government study.
Sadly, President Obama has portrayed these commonsense national security measures as cold and lacking in compassion. Nothing could be further from the truth. We all have compassion for our neighbors overseas who are oppressed by radical, Islamic regimes – but our compassion must be matched with wisdom. There is nothing compassionate about endangering American lives by allowing an influx of refugees across our borders without sufficient screening processes in place. 
Ultimately the most decent, compassionate thing that the United States can do for the refugees displaced in the Middle East, and for our allies around the world, is to lead the fight against ISIS and to win. We need our Commander-in-Chief to lead at this moment. We need to hear a comprehensive plan not to “contain” this terrorist network, but to eradicate it, and we must continue to pray for France, our oldest ally, as they heal from this wound and join us in this effort.