News 2015

As winter temperatures plunge across Tennessee, home and business owners may rely on portable generators during occasional power outages to operate their electrical equipment such as heating units, computers, water pumps and lighting.While portable generators can provide a quick fix, they can also pose unseen hazards that can have long-lasting effects. The State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that following some basic, common sense tips can ensure safe generator use every time.
“If you plan on using an emergency generator, it’s essential that you take precautions for your safety and the safety of those working to restore power,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak.
Follow these tips for safely operating your portable generator: 
• Always read, follow, and save the manufacturer’s operating instructions for your generator.
• Engines emit carbon monoxide (CO). Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, or other enclosed areas. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. Only use your generator outdoors, away from open windows, vents, or doors that could allow CO fumes inside.
• Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm in the area you are running a generator.
• Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline.  If you do not plan to use your generator in 30 days, don’t forget to stabilize the gas with fuel stabilizer.
• Never operate the generator near combustible materials.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator.
• If you have to use extension cords, be sure they are heavy duty and outdoor-rated for the application. Coiled cords can get extremely hot; always uncoil cords and lay them in flat, open locations.
• Never try to power a house’s wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet – a practice known as “backfeeding.” This dangerous practice presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer.
• If you must connect a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch.
• Generators produce powerful voltage so never operate them under wet conditions. Take precautions to protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow.

Motlow College will be closed on Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, according to college officials. The closing includes all college facilities, including libraries and computer labs, on the Moore County campus and at the Fayetteville, McMinnville, and Smyrna centers. Regular business hours for all sites will resume on Jan. 20.
Spring semester classes begin on Jan. 20 at all locations. Students can register for classes through Jan. 20, although the deadline to fill out a Motlow College application for admission is Jan. 12.
For more information, call 931-393-1500 or 800-654-4877.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is urging citizens to prepare for weather-related problems on the roads across the state this winter. Motorists are encouraged to dial *THP (*847) from a mobile phone for state trooper assistance in case of a roadside emergency.   “We want to make sure all Tennesseans are prepared in case they become stranded on the roads this winter. State troopers are standing by to assist motorists in the event of a roadside emergency during these extreme cold temperatures,” THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. 
Citizens who dial *THP (*847) from their cell phones will be connected to the nearest THP Communications Center. The next available state trooper will be dispatched to the area to assist. 
Motorists should also prepare their vehicles in case of an emergency on Tennessee roadways. Emergency supplies in vehicles should include, but are not limited to, blankets, water, a windshield scraper, a flash light with fresh batteries, jumper cables and a first aid kit. Additionally, motorists should ensure the vehicle has plenty of fuel and that tires are properly inflated.  
During ice or snow in Tennessee, if you must travel, please use extreme caution and take the roadways that have been treated with salt or brine. 
Most importantly, motorists should always buckle up and make sure all passengers are properly restrained in the vehicle at all times, especially during inclement weather.
Visit the following link for road safety tips from the state’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security: http://www.tn.gov/safety/10things2know.shtml

The Bonnaroo Works Fund (BWF), the charitable arm of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, is accepting online applications for the 2015 grant cycle beginning today.  The Fund gives back to communities that need it the most by awarding funding to arts, education and environmental nonprofits. Those interested should visit http://bonnarooworksfund.org for more information or apply directly online at https://app.wizehive.com/appform/menu/Bonnaroo. The deadline is March 15, 2015, and grants will be announced in May 2015.   
“It’s that exciting time again,” said Nina Miller, BWF executive director. “We encourage qualifying non-profits to share their goals and needs, and we look forward to making a significant impact on those that are the best fit for the Bonnaroo Works Fund.”
 
Established in 2009, BWF supports arts, education and environmental nonprofit organizations at the local, regional and national level with an emphasis on local reinvestment. Since the inception of Bonnaroo, more than $7 million has been awarded to worthy causes.
 
Two dollars from every Bonnaroo ticket supports BWF. The fund is also bolstered by 100 percent of the entry fees from the Bonnaroo 5K Run, the Soundwaves initiative, and proceeds from silent auctions held throughout the year. Bonnaroo supporters also contribute online and volunteer their time for special projects before and after the festival.
 
Bonnaroo Works Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a component of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (www.cfmt.org), a Tennessee-based community foundation working to bring good people and good causes together by ensuring the excellent stewardship of lasting charitable funds and the wise investment of grants.

Registration and hole sponsorships are available for MTSU’s 2015 Tommy T. Martin Chair of Insurance Invitational Scramble Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament will be held Tuesday, April 21, at Champions Run Golf Course on Mount Pleasant Road in Rockvale.
The purpose of this annual tournament is to raise money to fund scholarships for students enrolled in the insurance program within MTSU’s Jennings A. Jones College of Business. Students are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement, leadership potential and dedication to the insurance business.
Golf Tourney graphicHole sponsorships are available for $150 and higher-level sponsorships are available as well.
Player registration is $150 per player.
Last year, the Chair of Insurance awarded $60,000 in scholarship money to almost 50 students. More than 600 students have been offered financial assistance through scholarships since 1983.
For more information about sponsorships and registration, contact Dr. Emily Zietz at emily.zietz@mtsu.edu or 615-898-5618; or Patti Parsons at patti.parsons@mtsu.edu or 615-898-2371.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced Business Facilities, a leading national publication focused on site selection and economic development, has named Tennessee its 2014 State of the Year for a second consecutive year.   
Tennessee becomes the first state in the award’s history to win back-to-back honors for economic development efforts and the first state to win the designation three times, winning in 2014, 2013 and 2009.
“It is an honor to be the first state to receive this recognition two years in a row,” Haslam said. “We have a great story to tell in Tennessee. Businesses continue to make the decision to locate, expand and grow here, and we are grateful for those strong partnerships. We will continue doing all we can to make sure we offer an attractive business climate and skilled workforce to be the No.1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
 
Some of Tennessee’s top economic development projects in 2014 included Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga expansion creating 2,000 jobs with an investment of $600 million, Under Armour’s new Mount Juliet fulfillment center creating 1,500 jobs with an investment of more than $100 million, SL Tennessee’s Clinton expansion creating 1,000 jobs with an $80.5 million investment and Conduit Global’s new Memphis call center creating 1,000 jobs with an $8 million investment. 
 
“Being named first of 50 states for economic development for two consecutive years underscores the effectiveness of the new operating model we’ve deployed in Tennessee – one whose success is enhanced through our field network and through close coordination with our local partners,” Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said.  “Our historic wins validate the incredible momentum, fierce competitiveness and promising future that Tennessee possesses and emphasizes our intense focus on recruiting expanding and new companies.
 
“More and more business leaders around the world are recognizing that Tennessee is the best location and smartest choice for successful business operations.  I am very proud of our department and our statewide partners who have worked tirelessly to drive us toward the goal of being No. 1.  Brand Tennessee continues its meteoric rise,” Hagerty added.
 
The magazine cited Tennessee’s successful execution of a diversified growth strategy, as well as an emphasis on infrastructure and education, as key factors in securing consecutive victories.
 
“Tennessee is one of a handful of states that have clearly made economic development priority No. 1,” Business Facilities Editor-in-Chief Jack Rogers said. “With a powerhouse automotive cluster, world-class infrastructure and the nation’s most improved education system, we could be looking at a State of the Year dynasty in the making.”
 
“We thought it would be hard for the Volunteer State to match last year’s performance, but the folks in Tennessee keep reeling in one mega-project after another,” Rogers said.  “Most impressive, Tennessee seemed to pick up momentum as they went along.”
 
Tennessee has also fared well in Business Facilities’ annual rankings report, finishing first in the “Education: Race to the Top” category, second in “Best Infrastructure” and being named the top state for “Automotive Manufacturing Strength” for four of the past five years. 
 
“For two years in a row, Tennessee has notched one of the strongest across-the-board showings in our annual State Rankings Report,” Rogers added.
 
For more information on the State of the Year competition and Business Facilities, please visit BusinessFacilities.com.

The War of 1812 represents a pivotal period in Tennessee’s history. Congressional leaders like Felix Grundy made the nation aware of “western” interests and concerns. Andrew Jackson provided overwhelming victories in the Creek War, and the astonishing triumph at New Orleans propelled him to national acclaim and the presidency. The legacy of the War of 1812 remains strong within the state — nearly one-third of the counties are named for men who were connected to the war. The nickname, “Volunteer State,” had its roots in the volunteer spirit displayed by the thousands of Tennesseans who participated in the war. Military campaigns of this war led directly to treaties with southern Native American tribes that ceded native territory, including the rich lands of West Tennessee. The war catapulted Tennessee and its leaders to a position of unprecedented influence on the national stage. The legacy of the War of 1812 in Tennessee is mixed with pride and controversy, providing lessons for future generations in understanding the state’s rich history.
A new free exhibit, “Answering the Call: Tennesseans in the War of 1812,” opened January 6 at the Tennessee State Library and Archives. With 16 panels full of images and information on this fascinating period in our history, the exhibit explores the political and military actions of Tennesseans in the War of 1812. The public is invited to come explore the role Tennessee played in the War of 1812. The exhibit will remain open until mid-April.
The State Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Avenue North, just west of the State Capitol building in downtown Nashville. The exhibit, free and open to all visitors, is located in the building’s lobby directly behind the main entrance.
The Tennessee State Library and Archives is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with the exception of state holidays. Parking is available in front, behind and beside the building.
 

The expected arrival of single-digit weather in Tennessee this week is prompting the State Fire Marshal’s Office to remind residents to stay safe when using portable heaters to stay warm.Portable heaters are common sights during winter, but they can sometimes lead to tragedy. An estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In Tennessee, 3,194 heating fires occurred in Tennessee from 2009-2013, claiming the lives of 39 people, injuring 49 and damaging an estimated $32.7 million in property, according to figures from the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS).
Space heaters were involved in 59 percent of all of Tennessee’s heating fire deaths while 56 percent of all heating fires happened in just three months of the year – December, January, and February.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of following safety precautions when using portable space heating devices in your home,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Keeping fire safety in mind this winter can help save lives and property.”
• Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave a room.
• Keep anything that can burn – including bedding, clothing, curtains, pets and people –at least three feet away from portable heaters.
• Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory and with an automatic shut-off so that if they tip over, they will shut off.
• Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
• Check the cord for fraying, cracking and look for broken wires or signs of overheating in the device itself.
• Never run the heater cord (or any cord) under rugs or carpeting.
For the best protection from fire, use working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in every bedroom, and interconnect them if possible. Test smoke alarms monthly and entirely replace any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older. Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with every member of your household. Have two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place to gather in the event of an emergency.

With an eye to enhancing the state’s agricultural industry and increasing farmers’ capacity to produce, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to continue their education through University of Tennessee Extension. “Learning is critical to improving and advancing Tennessee agriculture,” Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “These educational opportunities help producers to maximize efficiency in their operations and assure that best practices will be used to the benefit of the entire industry.”
Producers who wish to qualify for 50 percent cost share funding through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) can fulfill educational requirements by participating in UT advanced continuing education opportunities.
A schedule detailing current certification renewal deadlines by program is available at www.tn.gov/taep under Master Certification Information in the TAEP News section.
For agricultural, natural resources and community economic development programs, visit UT Extension’s webpage https://extension.tennessee.edu/Pages/ANR-CED.aspx. Click on the link to Livestock and Forage Systems for more information about beef and dairy educational programs.
All dairy producers with Tennessee Milk Quality Initiative (TQMI) certificates must recertify by participating in the UT Master Dairy Producer Program.   However, TAEP will still accept current TQMI certificates through May 1, 2015. 
The new advanced master certificates will qualify a producer for 50 percent cost share for a period of three years following the date printed on the certificate.  Producers must participate in continuing education programs on a three year rotation. The exception is dairy, which is an annual certification based on fewer class hours each year. Applications for 2015 TAEP cost share programs are expected to be available in April.
The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program was established in 2005 by the Tennessee General Assembly and has been fully funded by Gov. Bill Haslam through a portion of the state’s cigarette sales tax. TDA administers the program to assist qualifying producers with cost share funds of up to 50 percent on farm improvement projects to increase efficiency and farm income. A UT study shows that for every TAEP dollar invested, nearly $4 is generated in additional economic activity in local communities.

The Woodbury Mayor and Board Of Aldermen filled the vacancy of City Attorney by voting to hire in the law firm of Mitchell and Mitchell.  There are 9 lawyers currently with the firm.  They have an office in Woodbury.  The law firm replaces Dale Peterson who was disbarred for five years after being found guilty to theft back in November.  Peterson hasn’t completely vanished from the Cannon County community as it was reported to the Aldermen that Peterson who also heads up the 4th of July Town celebration recently met with Harold Patrick and wanted to continue to bring the event to Woodbury.  However Peterson stated that he needed to be paid for his services and the amount he ‘s charge just to be in charge of the event was $2500.  The Aldermen deferred the matter for consideration.  In other actions the aldermen adopted the ordinance 467 which was an ordinance to remove any residency requirements of the position of town judge.