News

“The streets of Woodbury were filled with runners and walkers of all ages last Saturday for the third annual Cannon Runs for Children 5K Run/Walk,” announced Cannon county Child Advocacy Center Coordinator Cassell Galligan-Davis.
The female overall winners were Lexie Ladue (age 14) with a time of 22:22, Miranda Pool (age 29) with a time of 23:59, and Aletha Thomas (age 41) with a time of 28:34.  The male overall winners were Bradley Phillips (age 18) with a time of 18:15, Jackie Dawson (age 57) with a time of 20:16, and Antonio Jones (age 11) with a time of 20:47.

The first place adult winners in the master’s category (40+ years old) included:  Beth Saddler (age 41) with a time of 37:24 and Lee Piccinillo (age 62) with a time of 21:32.

The oldest winners in the 65 and over category were Sandy Shuburg (age 67) with a time of 43:47 and Robert Pitts (age 74) with a time of 1:11:40.  “For Principal Pitts it was the first time he has ever run competitively,” said Galligan-Davis.  “We hope to see him back next year!”

The youngest winners were Colt Alexander (age 5) with a time of 43:00, Brady Heiland (age 4) with a time of 53:05, and Pepper Jennings (age 6) with a time of 1:02:20.

73 runners signed up to participate in the event.  Runner’s times and awesome event photos are available on the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center website at cannoncac.org.   The Child Advocacy Center is grateful to Lisa Marchesoni from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department for donating her services as a professional photographer at the event.

The Honorable Judge Susan Melton stated, “The Child Advocacy Center is a wonderful organization dedicated to making our community a safer place for children.  Cannon Runs for Children had runners and walkers of all ages, from age 4 to 74.  It was a fun event for the entire family.  The best thing about this run is children helping children.  The children who ran and walked in the event helped raise funds to support services for Cannon County child abuse victims.”
Cannon Runs for Children raised $6,165 and the funds will be used to provide crisis intervention services free of charge for Cannon County child abuse victims, child sexual abuse victims, drug endangered children and their non-offending parents and family members.

“The Child Advocacy Center is grateful to our wonderful community partners,” said Cannon County Coordinator Cassell Galligan Davis.  “This event was FREE for children and youth to run because of all of our wonderful sponsors – Dr. Michael and Aletha Thomas (Jackson, Nancy Caroline, and Sadie), Law Offices of Galligan and Newman, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, Preston Brothers Construction, Tri-Star Title Co., Cody Bailey State Farm, DTC Communications, Experience Christian Community Church, Hoops 5 Inc., Radford’s Wrecker Service, Sonic Drive In, Southern Roots Nutrition, St. Thomas Stones River Hospital, Woodbury Drug Center, Bob Parks Auction, First Bank, First National Bank, Higgins Flea Market, W.L. and Nancy Patterson, Woodbury Funeral Home, Boyd’s Garage, and Gary and Tammy Nichols.  Piggly Wiggly donated fruit and bottled water and Double Tree Hotel donated their delicious cookies.”

“There were several people who this race would not have been possible without their assistance,” shared Davis, “our race course designer Coach Brian Elrod, Mayor Andy Duggin and the City of Woodbury for the use of Dillon Park and all of their assistance, Roy Sullivan and the 911 Center for the reverse 911 call notifying neighbors of the race course, Cannon County Sheriff’s Office, Woodbury Police Department, and Cannon County Ambulance Service who supervised road closures and kept the runners safe, our talented artist Chad Davis, and our wonderful media partners at the Cannon Courier, WBRY, and WGNS who helped us promote the run.”

 “The Child Advocacy Center wants to say a special THANK YOU to the members of the Cannon Runs Committee,” said director Sharon De Boer.  “The 2019 Cannon Runs Committee included Jo Bonner, Ethan Curtis, Cassell Galligan-Davis, Coach Brian Elrod, Venessa Hyer, Judge Susan Melton, Christine O’Day, Catherine Player, Cara Sheffler, Jessica Wauchek, and Anthony Young,”  “This committee worked their hearts out to bring an amazing event to our community.  We are looking forward to next year’s run!”

The Cannon Runs Committee had lots of fun planning the race.  If you want to serve on the 2020 Cannon Runs Committee or for more information about the Child Advocacy Center services for children, please contact Cassell Galligan Davis at (615) 563-9915.

Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition will conduct their June meeting today.Coalition members will hear from First Lt. Sadie Swaney, from the Counter Drug Task Force will present a presentation on Strategic Prevention Framework.
During the meeting, Sector Representatives will be recognized for participation in National Prescription take Back Day.
Last month, Trey Dees from Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists assisted in training the coalition on how to use Naloxone, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses. All present were trained and received a certificate of training, along with two doses of Naloxone.
The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 AM at the Woodbury Lions Club Building at 634 Lehman St.
 

As financial scammers continue targeting Tennessee’s vulnerable adults, Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed Saturday, June 15, 2019 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Tennessee. In anticipation of this day, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Securities and Consumer Affairs divisions are joining other Tennessee state agencies to warn seniors and their families in order to help them avoid falling victim to identity theft, financial abuse and scams. 
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization of the United Nations in 2006 to bring awareness to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors. Every year, an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.
 
“Older adults are often victims of financial fraud and identity theft because they are vulnerable to scammers,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “This vulnerability stems from the wealth they have accumulated over their careers, their tendency to be trusting, and their increasing isolation from family, friends, and caregivers. It is our responsibility as Tennesseans to keep a watchful eye out for signs of elder financial exploitation and promptly reporting any suspicions to the appropriate party.”
 
TDCI offers the following tips to help residents of the Volunteer State recognize and avoid financial exploitation and fraud:
 
Senior Investor Tips

If a stranger asks for money, proceed with caution. Swindlers can take advantage of your good manners.

Make sure you invest with a licensed investment adviser. You can ensure a broker is licensed here.  

Beware of salespeople who prey upon your fears. Fear can blind your good judgement. Only invest when you have all the facts and feel comfortable.

Don’t be embarrassed to report fraud or abuse. Every day you delay reporting fraud or abuse is another day the scammer is spending your money and finding new victims.

 
Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Never buy from a stranger who calls or visits unannounced.

Shred all paperwork containing any identifying information, healthcare information, banking information, or passwords.

Monitor bank and credit card statements.

Monitor your credit report.

Use direct deposit for benefit checks to prevent checks from being stolen.

Never give your credit card, banking, Social Security number, Medicare number, or other personal information over the phone, unless you initiated the call

 
If you suspect that you might be a victim of securities or insurance fraud, or if you would like to file a complaint or speak with an investigator, please contact the Tennessee Securities Division – Financia Services Investigations Unit at (615) 741-5900 or visit our website. Other types of elder abuse involving abuse, neglect or exploitation should be reported to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Unit by phone at (888) 277-8366 or by visiting https://reportadultabuse.dhs.tn.gov/.
 
For more consumer tips, including additional resources on identity theft and other scams, visit the TDCI Consumer Affairs Division at www.tn.gov/consumer.
 
 
To check a license of a professional regulated by the Department, go to http://verify.tn.gov/.
 
 

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cannon County (CASA) has chosen a new executive director.  CASA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Kamille Smith to serve in the role following the resignation of Lacey Buchanan, who left to pursue a career with the State of Tennessee.
In announcing Smith’s appointment, Nathan S. Nichols, Chairman of CASA’s Board of Directors said, “we are honored that someone such as Kamille has expressed a willingness to serve as our new executive director.  Her experience in public education and proven dedication to making Cannon County a safer and more welcoming place for at-risk youth makes her the ideal candidate.  Myself and the Board are excited to work with her and have full confidence in her ability to keep CASA thriving.” Nichols also thanked outgoing Executive Director Lacey Buchanan, “CASA would not be where it is today without the hard work and support of Lacey.  We will miss her and wish her the best in her new career.”  Nichols said.

Kamille comes to CASA from Cannon County High School where she spent over ten years working as a mathematics teacher.  She received her mathematics degree from Middle Tennessee State University where she also minored in education.  Additionally, she holds a Master’s Degree in education and an Ed.S in administration and supervision.  Kamille is married to Dustin Smith and has two daughters, Kelsie and Gracie.  She and her husband are also the guardians of two daughters, Lacole and Heather Wilson, and a grandbaby, Kia Cobb. “I am grateful and super excited to be the new Executive Director of CASA. I believe in the next generation and will do everything that I can to help give them the home life and the opportunities that I had.  I think that CASA is going to do great in Cannon County because I believe our small town has a lot of love and care for one another and we honestly want to make this the best place for every child.” Smith said.

Cannon County CASA, a non-profit established in 2017 through the support of Juvenile Court Judge Susan Melton and Youth Services Officer Catherine Player, trains and supervises community volunteers who advocate on behalf of children in foster care as their cases proceed through the juvenile court system. CASA’s Board of Directors is comprised of Chairman Nathan Nichols, Vice-Chairman Norma Knox, Secretary/Treasurer Sue Patrick, and members Matthew Cowan, and Donna Nichols.

It’s festival time in Tennessee! The nationally-recognized Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will soon take place in the city of Manchester, Tennessee. Since its beginning in 2002, the four-day, multi-stage event continues to be one of the most popular live music festivals in the country every year, attracting thousands of attendees. To fully enjoy the varied lineup of performers and musical styles that Bonnaroo has to offer, people from all over the country camp out on a 700-acre Middle Tennessee farm, making it their temporary home for four days. As in years past, tens of thousands of music lovers are expected to attend the 2019 Bonnaroo festival, which kicks off Thursday night, June 13, and winds down Sunday night, June 16. 
During the Bonnaroo Festival, the area in and around Manchester sees increased traffic volume as festival-goers make their way into the festival site. As Manchester prepares to welcome a multitude of visitors, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are gearing up for the extra traffic expected in the area. TDOT and THP are working closely with the Manchester Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and festival promoters to keep traffic moving on I-24 while also getting Bonnaroo attendees to their destination.
 
“As in past years, TDOT and THP have coordinated with local partners to make sure that traffic traveling through the Manchester area on I-24 can move efficiently, and festivalgoers are able to safely and quickly access the Bonnaroo festival site,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “Because of advance planning, we feel certain that we can successfully minimize traffic delays throughout the weekend.”
 
Bonnaroo will officially open its gates on Wednesday evening June 12 at 8:00 p.m. CDT to allow adequate time for vehicles to enter the general admission campgrounds. Tennessee State Troopers will be on-the-job 24 hours a day, beginning Wednesday evening, patrolling on the ground and by air. Also, drivers should keep in mind that if they need the assistance of a state trooper while traveling anywhere in Tennessee, they can simply dial *THP (*847) from their cell phone. They will be automatically connected to the nearest THP dispatch office and the operator will send a state trooper to their location.
 
“The number one goal of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is to reduce traffic related incidents and fatalities,” said THP Colonel Dereck Stewart. “We recognize and value the importance of working closely with TDOT and our public safety partners to create a fun and safe atmosphere for those attending Bonnaroo. So, think twice if you are planning to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and passengers do not get in a vehicle if the driver is impaired. Our Troopers and local law enforcement will be looking for reckless and impaired drivers. Remember to always wear your seatbelt, and do not drive distracted. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is devoted to reducing crashes and saving lives on Tennessee roadways.”
 
During Bonnaroo 2018, Troopers logged nearly 6,237 man-hours, worked one traffic crash (a non-injury -property damage crash), and wrote 1,111 citations (moving 451, non-moving 660).  All 2018 THP issued citations are listed below.
 
TDOT HELP units will assist with traffic management during the festival and will aid any motorists who require assistance. In addition to having HELP trucks on-site, TDOT and other agencies will be taking the following steps beginning Wednesday, June 12 through Monday, June 17:
 

Efforts will be concentrated on keeping I-24 traffic flowing.

Exit 111 (SR 55) will be used as the main festival exit. Exits 97, 105, 112 (temporary exit on westbound side only), 117 and 127 are alternate exits if congestion occurs on the interstate.

TDOT maintenance units will be posted throughout the festival region, and maintenance personnel will be on call all weekend.

TDOT will provide variable message signs to warn drivers of delays.

There will be no construction-related lane closures on I-24 near the Bonnaroo festival area between 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12 through 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17.

Median crossovers will be guarded to prevent motorists from parking in the crossovers and blocking emergency vehicles.

Festival traffic will be kept in the right lane and/or on the shoulder of the interstate, allowing through traffic to utilize the left travel lane unimpeded.

Emergency vehicles will use county roads that will be kept at low volume.

Bonnaroo promoters issued early news releases to the trucking industry and other sources to alert the traveling public to festival times, location, and alternate routes.

Temporary communication towers are in place to improve emergency communications.

 

During the festival, motorists should call 511 from any mobile or land line phone for traffic updates or visit the TDOT website at www.tn.gov/tdot where they can also find information on alternate routes. From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest traffic information and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras atwww.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. TDOT is also on Twitter.  For statewide traffic tweets follow TN511 or for regional traffic information follow Nashville511, Chattanooga511, Memphis511 and Knoxville511. 
 

Donny Green, DeKalb/Cannon County FSA County Executive Director, announces that the nomination period for the 2019 Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee Election is underway. The nomination period continues through August 1, 2019.
“I encourage all producers to participate in the county committee election process by nominating candidates by the August 1 deadline,” said Green. “We are counting on as much participation as possible, because county committees are an important link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We have seen a trend in recent years of increased nominations of minority, beginning farmers, and women producers and we hope that will continue.”

Committees apply their judgment and knowledge to make decisions on county commodity price-support loan eligibility, establishment of allotments and yields, conservation programs, disaster programs, employment and other farm program-related issues. Nationwide, there are more than 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members who are elected by eligible local producers. Members serve three-year terms.

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Nominees must reside in Local Administrative Area (LAA) for which they are seeking to be elected. For the 2019 Election, the DeKalb/Cannon County FSA County Committee Election will conduct an election in LAA-3, currently represented by Committee Chairperson R.V. Billings, Jr.

Below is the boundary description for LAA-3, the portions of DeKalb County described as following:

             East of Hwy. 56 South beginning at the DeKalb/Warren county line, following Hwy. 56 in a northern direction to the intersection of Highway 56 and Highway 70; south of Highway 70 East to Center Hill Lake; following Center Hill Lake north and northwest to the Caney Fork River thence to the Smith County line; south of the Smith County line and west of the Putnam County line to the White County line; west of the White County line to the Warren County line; north of the Warren County line following the county line back to Highway 56 South at the DeKalb/Warren County line.

Individuals may nominate themselves, or others, as a candidate. In addition, eligible candidates can be nominated by community-based and other organizations in the county where the election is being held before the close of the nomination period, especially groups representing socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.  Nominations and elections are open to all eligible candidates and voters without regard to race, color, religion, nation origin, age, sex, marital status or disability.  The nomination form (FSA-669A) is available at USDA Service Centers and online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections

Ballots will be mailed to all eligible voters in LAA-3 on November 4, 2019. Completed ballots must be returned, either in person or postmarked, no later December 2, 2019. For more information about FSA county committees, visit the DeKalb/Cannon County USDA Service Center or call 615-597-8225, extension 2.

Locally produced honey, green beans, squash, cucumbers and much more are now available at the Market. Tomatoes are starting to ripen and should be available in the next two weeks. Irene’s fried pies are always a good start to a Saturday morning.

Harold Duggin, Ray Shipp and Dan Schau and Ken Beaty kicked the season off the Market last Saturday with a great selection.  Ken Beaty with a unbeelievable tasting local honey and blueberries should be ready soon. Be sure to drop by the Market this Saturday when it opens at 7:00 A.M. The Cannon County Farmers Market located at the Arts Center of Cannon County, open until Noon or until the veggies are gone.

If you would like to be a vendor or need additional information, contact Bruce Steelman at the University of Tennessee Extension Office at 614 Lehman Street or 615-563-2554.

First Lady Maria Lee recently launched a new initiative, Tennessee Serves. Through this initiative, she plans to serve, highlight and mobilize Tennesseans to help one another and their communities. 
One component of the mobilization effort is the Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge where rising kindergarteners through sixth grade are asked to devote a portion of their summer break to service. Top participants will be invited to join the governor and first lady for a celebration at the Tennessee Residence in September.
 
You can learn more about Tennessee Serves and the Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge by visiting tn.gov/firstlady.
 

DeKalb county is one of communities that Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced Tuesday to collectively receive more than $1.3 million in Site Development Grant funding.  
Smithville Industrial Park East, $235,080 – Marketing road and brush removal.
 
The grants are designed to help communities achieve Select Tennessee site certification and prepare industrial sites for economic development projects. The funding helps communities invest in infrastructure and engineering improvements on project-ready sites.
 
The DeKalb County grant will allow the Smithville Industrial Development Board to remove existing brush and to create a road providing access to the available industrial property at the end of Moog Boulevard, behind Tenneco and Foutch Industries, to be used for marketing purposes. 
 
“For communities looking to attract new industry, having shovel-ready sites is crucial,” Rolfe said. “TNECD is excited about the newest round of Site Development Grant recipients. Five of the new grantees are in rural counties that have not fully benefitted from Tennessee’s broader economic gains. Attracting industry to these communities remains one of TNECD’s utmost priorities, and I’m confident these grants will help position them to attract quality, family wage jobs.” 
 
The Site Development Grant program works in tandem with TNECD’s Select Tennessee Site Certification program. Since 2016, TNECD has awarded 80 Site Development Grants across the state, totaling nearly $28 million in assistance to local communities.
 

The Tennessee Historical Commission announced the addition of eight properties to the National Register of Historic Places. Of the eight, one is located on a corner of Woodbury’s Courthouse Square.The eight include a residence, general store, bank, former hospital and historic districts. The National Register nomination for Clover Bottom, the offices of the Tennessee Historical Commission (State Historic Preservation Office), was updated to include additional history and structures.
“Across Tennessee, communities continue to recognize and retain meaningful places that contribute to our state’s unique identity,” said Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick McIntyre. “This group of listings includes a former hospital in Memphis being revitalized using Federal tax credits, a former general store in Granville that is a focus for heritage tourism, and a large rural district in Bedford County in the heart of Tennessee Walking Horse country.”

In Cannon County the latest entry to the list is the Brown-Hancock House.
This 2-story brick I-house was built in 1869 and remodeled 1916-1918. Principal design features of the house include the 1-bay, 2-story pedimented portico, multi-pane windows, bracketed eaves and the sleeping porch and solarium. Originally the house was embellished with Italianate details but the 20th century redesign by Nashville architect Thomas W. Gardner updated the building with a modern classical design. His designs included a 2-story ell and the sleeping porch on the exterior and wood trim in the interior. Gardner was well-known for designing churches and for years was in partnership in Nashville with Edward Dougherty. The 2-story I-house with the 2-story portico has been documented as prevalent in Middle Tennessee and is often called the Middle Tennessee I-house.
The other sites recently added to the National Register of Historic Places are:
Thompson Creek Rural Historic District – Wartrace/Bedford County
Clover Bottom Farm Boundary Increase – Nashville/Davidson County
T.B. Sutton General Store – Granville/Jackson County
Tennessee Military Institute Residential Historic District – Sweetwater/Monroe County
Barretville Bank and Trust Company Building – Barretville/Shelby County
U.S. Marine Hospital – Memphis/Shelby County
Sparta Residential Historic District, boundary increase – Sparta/White County

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. It is part of a nationwide program that coordinates and supports efforts to identify, evaluate and protect historic resources. The Tennessee Historical Commission, as the State Historic Preservation Office, administers the program in Tennessee.

http://tnhistoricalcommission.org.