LOCAL NEWS
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Judy Byrge brings you Local News weekdays on 101.3 FM WECO 'TODAYS HOT NEW COUNTRY & YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITES' at 7AM, 9AM, 12NOON and 5PM. Local News may also be heard on AM 940 'SOLID GOSPEL' at 7:20AM, 11:49AM & 4:49PM.
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
On Saturday, September 18 the Emory River Watershed Association (ERWA), Tennessee Division of Forestry and Morgan County Forestry Association will host a tour of the Crooked Fork Creek Watershed, which lies between Wartburg, Petros and Mossy Grove.
The tour will begin at the Morgan County Vocational School at 9 a.m. A free BBQ lunch will be served after the tour and presenters from the Morgan County Extension Office, the Morgan County Soil Conservation District and others will be on hand to discuss ways to improve water quality. Information on cost sharing opportunities such as the 319 program and the Tennessee Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund will be discussed. These programs offer as much as a 75% cost share for routine agricultural practices such as stream buffer plantings and farm pond construction. Everyone is welcome, but ERWA asks that you call to reserve your seat so an accurate headcount can be made for lunch. For more information or to reserve a seat, call or email Amy at 865-591-9064 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Listed as an impaired stream by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, some of the problems facing Crooked Fork Creek include unhealthy nutrient and bacteria levels, acid mine drainage, channelization and habitat alteration. We’ll look at examples of some of these problems and discuss ways to address them, both within the Crooked Fork watershed and throughout Morgan County.
ERWA is a local organization that works to improve water quality and water quality awareness in the Emory River Watershed. The Emory River Watershed includes the Obed River, Clear Creek, Flat Fork Creek, Crooked Fork Creek, Crab Orchard Creek, and Clifty Creek. For information about upcoming events, or to join ERWA, contact ERWA President David Hennessee at 423-319-6124 or Outreach Coordinator Amy Mathis at 865-591-9064. Tracy Trott has been selected as the new Colonel of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell announced today. Trott, now the highest-ranking member of the THP, replaces Mike Walker, who retired on Thursday after 33 years with the state.
“I have worked with Lt. Colonel Trott for the past four and a half years, and have complete confidence in his operational and administrative skills,” said Commissioner Mitchell. “His extensive experience over THP Field Operations and his direct involvement in our law enforcement personnel uniquely qualify him for this leadership role to serve as the next Colonel of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.”
Colonel Trott has served as a member of the THP since 1978. His experience includes seven years as a Road Trooper in Greene and Carter counties; six years as a Greene and Sullivan county Enforcement Sergeant; and 14 years as a Troop Lieutenant, where he managed five counties in the Tri-Cities area and performed day-to-day law enforcement duties. Trott served a five-month stint as Major in the Colonel’s office, before being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in August of 2006.
“I am truly honored to be selected by Commissioner Mitchell as the next Colonel of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” said Trott, a 32-year veteran of the state. “It is a dream come true. Colonel Walker has been a great friend and mentor, and I want to continue on his path of restoring the integrity of the THP.”
Leading the list of his accomplishments, include a two-time honor (1983-84) as one of the top 10 troopers in DUI Enforcement in Tennessee; a certification as a police instructor by the POST Commission; a graduate of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute (2006) and selection into the Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Development FBI program (2007).
A native of Randolph, Maine, Trott earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminology from ETSU. He is also a 1996 graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Trott began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the ETSU Police Department in 1976.
Trott is married to Meredith Treadway Trott and has two grown children, Laura (Nashville, Tenn.) and Joey (Elizabethton, Tenn.). Trott resides in Rutherford County. THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER comes in November to Cumberland County Playhouse, and auditions begin at the Crossville, TN Theater on Sunday, September 19. Teen, youth and adult roles area available in this play with holiday music, carols and scripture readings. The show is based on the famous magazine story about a mischievous, disruptive family of kids who threaten to spoil the annual church Christmas pageant---but ultimately make it very special. Dr. Stewart Galloway and Cumberland Eye Care of Fairfield Glade sponsor this very funny, touching story, full of holiday spirit!
Adult, teen and youth volunteers age 6 and older are encouraged to attend by director Jim Crabtree and musical director Ann Crabtree, a piano and voice teacher, Yamaha-certified specialist in children's music, and a music director at CCP for many years. The Crabtree’s directed THE PERILS OF PINOCCHIO, which had a youth cast from five counties and was seen by over 1500 people in its four performances.
Auditions will be on Sunday, September 19, by appointment for those with prepared material, and in a group audition workshop for those without prepared songs or monologues. Appointments are made with Meka Doxtator at 931.484.4324 (8-5, M-F), and will be scheduled every 5 minutes between 1pm and 3:30 pm (and later as needed). A 30-second to 1-minute reading or monologue, and a short song (16-32 bars) is requested, from memory, bringing sheet music in the proper key or recorded instrumental accompaniment (cued up CD or cassette). The Group Casting Workshop (for those without prepared song/monologue-beginners welcome!) will be 3:30-4:30pm on the 19th. More appointments may follow.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER starts rehearsal September 26, opens November 4, and runs through December 19 on the Playhouse Main stage. Selected roles will be double-cast to permit alternating performances, including school matinees on some weekday mornings. For tickets and information on low-priced school performances and other details call 931.484.5000 or visit www.ccplayhouse.com <http://www.ccplayhouse.com/. For audition information and appointments call Meka at 931.484.4324.
Currently at the Playhouse is the romantic, risqué' musical comedy, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, rated PG-13 for mature themes, situations and language, thru October 1; the poignant, witty, late-in-life love story, SOUTHERN COMFORTS, rated PG and sponsored by Mariner's Pointe and Tennessee Heart, thru November 11, and SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, rated G and sponsored by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, thru October 27. Tickets for all shows range from $13 to $26. For more information, visit us at www.ccplayhouse.com or call 931.484.5000. Monday, September 6th, 2010 Happy Labor Day! Friday, September 3rd, 2010
The annual Lancing Heritage Festival will be held on the square in Lancing tomorrow beginning at about 10 a.m. Festival activities include the Lancing School Reunion, Lancing Heritage Quilt Show, a music stage which will feature live performances throughout the day, Mountain Shadow Cruisers Classic Car Cruise in, storytelling, and more.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) prepares for its second summer enforcement campaign as the 2010 Labor Day holiday weekend draws near. The THP will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest on impaired driving, beginning Friday, September 3, at 6 p.m. and ending Monday, September 6, at 11:59 p.m.
“In an effort to crackdown on impaired driving incidents, our state troopers will join Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the state and nation this holiday period,” Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell said. “Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. The THP will be vigilant in protecting our roadways from the careless decisions of those who choose to put Tennesseans in harm’s way.”
Over the 2009 Labor Day holiday, nine people were killed in nine fatal crashes on Tennessee roadways, down from 12 people killed on Tennessee roadways in 2008. the state in 2008, 327 people were killed in crashes where the driver or motorcyclist had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. That is down from 377 people killed in 2007 with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Nationwide in 2008, nearly 12,000 people died in highway crashes due to impaired driving. The picture for motorcycle riders is particularly bleak. Two years ago, 32 percent of motor vehicle fatalities were drivers or motorcycle riders with BACs of .08 or above. Additionally, in 2008, the percentage of drivers with a BAC of .08 or above was highest for motorcycle riders with 29 percent.
“Our message is simple – zero tolerance. If you are over the limit, you are under arrest,” said THP Colonel Mike Walker. “Impaired driving is not a joke; people have been tragically killed as a result of someone else’s poor judgment. Our goal is to prevent that from happening by patrolling state roadways in full force and making no excuses or exceptions for those driving under the influence.”
The THP has established sobriety checkpoints in high volume and high crash corridors across the state to look for aggressive and impaired drivers as well as safety belt violators. Last year, state troopers issued 55 DUI, 14 reckless driving, two public drunkenness, and 21 open container citations during the Labor Day period.
While drunk driving is especially common among young males, data shows that an increasing number of females are being arrested and convicted for driving while impaired. In Tennessee, the percentage of female DUI arrests between 2002 and 2009 increased by 4.2 percentage points from 18.5 percent in 2002 to 22.7 percent in 2009. The percentage of DUI convictions in Tennessee against females increased from approximately 18 percent of DUI convictions in 2008 to about 21 percent of DUI convictions in 2009.
The Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrestcampaign began August 20 and will end September 6. For more information on the national crackdown, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org
Thursday September 2nd, 2010 September is National Preparedness Month. This is a good reminder for families to put together an Emergency Plan and an Emergency Kit. Does your family have a family Emergency Plan? Do you know if your place of work has a plan? If your family currently has an Emergency Plan a yearly review is suggested to make sure contact information is still current and encourages everyone to update the items in your Emergency Kit.
Do you know what to do in times of an emergency? Whether it is a large emergency such as our tornado in 2002– or something on a smaller scale; what would your family do if your power is out in the winter for several hours or even several days? Do you have a back-up power source to stay warm? Do you have a generator or a fireplace? Do you have a plan for when an event happens and your family is not all in one location? Do you have a designated contact for family members to call outside of the affected area? Do you have extra supplies on hand of medication in case you can’t get to the pharmacy for a few days? These are just a few of the questions you should consider when putting together a plan for your home and your family.
There are many places to find information on putting together a plan for your family. A good site to start with is http://www.ready.gov. Here you can find an online resource for starting a new Emergency Plan tailored just for you. You can also get information from your local Emergency Management Agency by calling 346-1003 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) has been recognized as one of the eight best pro-business legislators in the Tennessee General Assembly by a key business magazine published by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. The publication congratulated Yager for a “100 percent business-positive, pro-jobs voting record.”
The announcement was made in the most recent publication of TN, which each year selects the best state lawmakers based on their efforts in keeping “taxes low and regulation minimal.” The publication also chose the honorees based on their legislative stances and their ability to have a positive effect on the state’s business climate. All eight lawmakers sited obtained a 100 percent pro-business voting record.
Two thirds of all new jobs are created by small business,” said Senator Yager. “We must continue to foster a positive business climate to attract new and better paying jobs to our state. I look forward to continuing to partner with our business community as we work to provide more opportunities for Tennesseans in the future.”
“On behalf of business in our state we greatly appreciate the leadership of Senator Yager, who demonstrated 100 percent support on business issues with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry,” said Bradley Jackson, of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “We truly appreciate the leadership of all those who work to make Tennessee year after year one of the best places in the nation for business.”
Make your plan now to join your family and friends at the annual Lancing Heritage Festival will be held on the square in downtown Lancing TN on September 4, 2010. Festival activities include the Lancing School Reunion, Lancing Heritage Quilt Show, a music stage, Mountain Shadow Cruisers Classic Car Cruise in, storytelling, and more.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) prepares for its second summer enforcement campaign as the 2010 Labor Day holiday weekend draws near. The THP will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest on impaired driving, beginning Friday, September 3, at 6 p.m. and ending Monday, September 6, at 11:59 p.m.
“In an effort to crackdown on impaired driving incidents, our state troopers will join Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the state and nation this holiday period,” Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell said. “Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. The THP will be vigilant in protecting our roadways from the careless decisions of those who choose to put Tennesseans in harm’s way.” Over the 2009 Labor Day holiday, nine people were killed in nine fatal crashes on Tennessee roadways, down from 12 people killed on Tennessee roadways in 2008.
Nationwide in 2008, nearly 12,000 people died in highway crashes due to impaired driving. The picture for motorcycle riders is particularly bleak. Two years ago, 32 percent of motor vehicle fatalities were drivers or motorcycle riders with BACs of .08 or above. Additionally, in 2008, the percentage of drivers with a BAC of .08 or above was highest for motorcycle riders with 29 percent.
“Our message is simple – zero tolerance. If you are over the limit, you are under arrest,” said THP Colonel Mike Walker. “Impaired driving is not a joke; people have been tragically killed as a result of someone else’s poor judgment. Our goal is to prevent that from happening by patrolling state roadways in full force and making no excuses or exceptions for those driving under the influence.”
The THP has established sobriety checkpoints in high volume and high crash corridors across the state to look for aggressive and impaired drivers as well as safety belt violators. Last year, state troopers issued 55 DUI, 14 reckless driving, two public drunkenness, and 21 open container citations during the Labor Day period.
While drunk driving is especially common among young males, data shows that an increasing number of females are being arrested and convicted for driving while impaired. In Tennessee, the percentage of female DUI arrests between 2002 and 2009 increased by 4.2 percentage points from 18.5 percent in 2002 to 22.7 percent in 2009. The percentage of DUI convictions in Tennessee against females increased from approximately 18 percent of DUI convictions in 2008 to about 21 percent of DUI convictions in 2009.
The Drunk Driving - Over the Limit - Under Arrest Campaign began August 20 and will end September 6. For more information on the national crackdown, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org
Wednesday September 1st, 2010
Morgan County officially has a new County Executive, Sheriff and Trustee today. Don Edwards, Glen Freytag and Cindi Osborne Jones have now assumed the duties of their elected offices. Other newly elected officials also take office today. School board members will participate in their first meeting next week and county commissioners will be seated the second Monday in September for their first meeting.
An Oakdale man was killed in a traffic accident Monday night on State Hwy. 299 just north of its intersection with Snow Hill Road. According to Trooper Kenny Sheldon’s report, Daniel E. Lovegrove, 67, was traveling south on SR 299. He was riding a 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Ellis Ray Hamby, Jr., 38, of Harriman was traveling north in a 1986 Ford Bronco. Lovegrove was negotiating a left hand curve while Hamby was negotiating a right hand curve. Hamby crossed into Lovegrove’s lane and struck him. Lovegrove was wearing a helmet but he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Drug and alcohol tests were ordered and the investigation into the incident is continuing.
Morgan County Commissioners have approved a final payment of $850,000 for the purchase of the Schubert Funeral Home property. The body met Monday night in their final session as the county’s governing body.
The County Building Committee voted on Aug. 17 to pay the balance and the vote came before the full commission this week. The 16 commissioners present for the meeting voted unanimously to proceed with the agreement. Construction of the new funeral home has already begun across from Central Elementary School in Wartburg.
The county plans to renovate the funeral home to house the various courts that serve the county.
A second portion of the county building program was dedicated Monday evening prior to the county commission meeting.
The Morgan County Health Department now has a new home in the former USDA building. “Early on I committed to help find a sufficient place for the health department to better serve the people of Morgan County,” Executive Becky Ruppe said following Monday night’s meeting. “I am proud that we have met that commitment.”
The county has also received a special needs grant for $150,000 to build a conference room onto the facility for community use. Ruppe said she is leaving office proud of the work she and the county commissioners have completed. She added that there are other projects that have not been completed that she hopes county commissioners will continue. One of those is the visitor’s center. “Because of the grants and support we received from the state, we’re getting an $800,000 building for less than $20,000 local tax dollars,” Ruppe explained. Commissioners approved budget amendments during Monday night’s meeting to put those grant funds into the proper line items for disbursement. Another project Ruppe wanted to secure was the Mill Creek water project. Just a few weeks ago, Ruppe learned that her application for funds from the surface mines program has been approved. With that money in place, 16 families in the Mill Creek area are slated to receive water in the next few months. “I don’t want to see these things fall by the wayside,” Ruppe said. “They are important to me because they are important to the people of this county.” She said that she has no regrets as she leaves office. “I feel like these county commissioners and I have left things much better than we found them. We have been good stewards of the county’s money and anyone who says differently is misinformed,” Ruppe said.
Tuesday August 31st Highlights from the Morgan County Commission Meeting held on Monday night. Outgoing County Executive Becky Ruppe speaks during the meeting and incoming Sheriff Glen Freytag is sworn in. Listen for their comments during the 12noon and 5:30pm newscasts on 101.3 FM WECO.
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
Governor Phil Bredesen and Commissioner Matt Kisber, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, announced today the launch of a new $50 million Energy Efficiency Loan Program to help Tennessee companies finance investments in energy efficient technology, energy retrofits and renewable energy systems. This innovative economic development program will be administered by Pathway Lending and will offer access to below-market rate loans, financing up to 100 percent of improvements aimed at reducing energy consumption, lowering overall costs and improving profitability.
Our goal is to make Tennessee a true leader in sustainability and this new Energy Efficiency Loan Program will be a substantial step in that direction,” said Governor Bredesen. “By providing access to this type of financing, we are making Tennessee businesses more competitive and that means more jobs for Tennesseans.”
Pathway Lending plans to offer below-market rate loans at 5 percent with terms extending to 10 years. Loans can finance up to 100 percent of costs on projects including building retrofits, equipment replacements or upgrades, lighting and renewable generation projects. The loans can be repaid with the energy costs savings derived from each project. The program is the result of a collaborative effort between the state of Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Pathway Lending, Pinnacle Financial Partners and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Controlling energy costs is a key business strategy for all Tennessee companies,” said Commissioner Kisber. “Helping those companies operate ‘leaner’ and ‘greener’ may help some businesses considering these types of investments to move forward.”
Energy costs continue to rise while operating budgets continue to shrink so now more than ever it is critical for businesses in our communities to have access to low-cost energy efficiency financing,” said Clint Gwin, president of Pathway Lending. “This loan fund will help businesses achieve long-term energy solutions by reducing operating costs and making their Tennessee facilities more productive and competitive.” The Energy Efficiency Loan Program is available to any business seeking to reduce energy consumption in their Tennessee facilities through building retrofits and upgrades, equipment replacement purchases or other energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. Beginning August 25, businesses may apply online at www.pathwaylending.org with first round applications due by November 1, 2010.
To be eligible for a loan, a business must have a complete energy audit, assessment or vendor proposal with detailed project energy savings. Once verified, these energy savings determine the amount and term of the loan and the applicant’s ability to repay the loan with those savings.
Free informational workshops will be hosted by Pathway Lending staff throughout the state in September. Any business interested in applying for a loan is welcome to attend. A schedule of these events is available at www.pathwaylending.org.
Pinnacle is proud to be the private sector partner in this collaboration,” said Hugh Queener, chief administrative officer at Pinnacle Financial Partners. “This program will make it easier for Tennessee businesses to undertake comprehensive energy efficiency projects by providing the financing necessary. These projects will not only reduce energy costs for businesses over the long-term, but have a positive impact on our environment.”
The program’s most unique feature is the Shared Savings Option. This feature allows businesses to retain up to 50% of their monthly energy savings, and repay the loan with the remaining percentage. This new capital resource available for businesses in Tennessee is the perfect complement for TVA’s energy efficiency and demand response efforts,” said Ken Breeden, TVA executive vice president, Customer Relations. “Along with technical assistance and cash incentives, we know that many companies also need a low-interest financing option to move energy efficiency projects from planning to reality. Helping these businesses and industries become more energy efficient will increase their competitiveness and strengthen Tennessee’s economy.”
To learn more about the Energy Efficiency Loan Program, please visit www.pathwaylending.org or call (615) 425-7171. About Pathway Lending Based in Nashville, Pathway Lending is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) as certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Founded in 1999, Pathway Lending provides loans to businesses lacking access to traditional financing options throughout Tennessee. In the ten years since its inception, Pathway Lending has made more than 400 loans to 300 plus companies totaling more than $40 million. Pathway Lending loans have facilitated the creation of more than 1,500 new full-time jobs with average wages of $15.48 per hour while maintaining or retaining more than 3,200 jobs. Pathway Lending is headquartered in Nashville and currently has offices in Knoxville, Tri-Cities, and Jackson. For more information, visit www.pathwaylending.org.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd or www.InvestTennessee.org.
Human resources professionals who want to review before taking the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification exams can take advantage of a class offered at Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge campus.
The college’s Office of Community Outreach and Professional Training is presenting a course that utilizes the SHRM Learning System, the most widely used tool available to prepare for the certification exams. The class will be held on Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., from Sept. 9-Nov.11 at the Oak Ridge campus, 701 Briarcliff Ave. The fast-paced program helps participants focus their review in an instructor-led classroom environment. The program and related tasks are designed to help attendees review information quickly, refresh areas they may not currently be practicing and brush up on test-taking skills.
The cost is $899. To sign up for the course, register online at www.roanestate.edu/communityoutreach or call Roane State’s Office of Community Outreach and Professional Training at (865) 481-2031.
The Board of the Lancing Heritage Art League will meet on Friday, August 27, at 7 p.m. to continue planning this year’s Lancing Heritage Festival which will be held on the square in downtown Lancing on September 4. This meeting will be held in Faith Baptist Church which is the site of this year’s Lancing Heritage Quilt Show. Volunteers are still needed, if interested please attend this meeting. Call Albert Lane 423-346-3058.
The Wartburg Police Department will be hosting a “Buckle Up For Back to School” Movie Night at Frozen Head State Park Amphitheater, Friday, August 27, at 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a FREE movie and popcorn with the kids. The PG movie “Furry Vengeance” will be shown. The movie will be cancelled in the event of rain.
There will be a Swearing In Ceremony for all Morgan County elected officials held at the Court House on Saturday, August 28, at 5 p.m. Reception with refreshments will follow on the Court House lawn. Everyone welcome.
The Morgan County Commission will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 30, in the main courtroom of the Morgan County Courthouse.
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
“It has been a blessing to work with all of you,” she said to those attending the luncheon. “It has been a blessing to be Trustee.” Northrup originally went to work in the Trustee’s office in 1974. She was employed by former Trustee Wade Payne. In 1981 she left the position to join her husband at GITMO where he had a contract. In 1988 she returned to the Trustee’s office and has been there ever since. She was elected to her first four-year term in 1998 and is just finishing her third term in office at Trustee. Northrup has made it a practice to “be good to people” and that philosophy has served her well through the years. “I’ve always just treated people the way I want to be treated,” she said. “There was never a day that I got up dreading to come to work,” Northrup said. “It has always just been a blessing.” Northrup said she looks forward to retirement, spending more time with family and friends and seeing what “the Lord has in store.” Northrup said she couldn’t help but get a “little teary eyed” on Friday. “Even when it’s your choice to leave, it’s still hard to leave.” Northrup’s term in office ends on Aug. 31 and the newly elected Trustee, Cindi Jones, will assume the duties of the office on Sept. 1.
The swearing in ceremony for newly elected officials has been set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Morgan County Courthouse. Morgan County Executive Becky Ruppe has announced the USDA building in Wartburg that has been renovated to become the Morgan County Health Department will be dedicated on Monday August 30th at 4:00pm prior to County Commission. Ruppe said that getting the employees at the health department a new place to serve Morgan County citizens has been at the top of her priorities. “I am glad were able to make this happen. The present location has always been a hindrance to the Health Department being able to serve at its full capacity. The road improvements are only going to make this worse. I feel like the new location will be inviting to the public and the service provided will pick up tremendously.” Ruppe went on to say that she appreciates all the hard work the County Buildings Committee and the County Commission did to make this happen. “Being able to use inmate labor was also a tremendous help. They saved us over $100,000. The original estimate for a new health department was over $750,000 and we have less than $480,000 in it”. There is still some minor work to be done and the County has requested and received an additional $150,000 of Special needs money to build a community room onto the back building. The county commission, Health Department Administration and employees and the media are invited to attend the dedication.
Morgan County's newly elected officials will be sworn in to office on Saturday, Aug. 28. The ceremony will be held beginning at 5 p.m. at the courthouse. The public is welcome and invited to attend. The new office holders will assume their duties beginning Sept. 1. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke will join elected officials and members of the community on Friday, August 27, to unveil a new feature at the 667-acre Rugby State Natural Area, beginning at 11 a.m. (EDT) at Historic Rugby.
Commissioner Fyke and Historic Rugby representatives will open the first trail in the natural area – the 1.2-mile Massengale Homeplace Loop Trail and outdoor exhibits. The trail project was funded by a $32,200 Recreation Trail Program Grant from Environment and Conservation, with additional funds provided by the Cracker Barrel Foundation. The short ceremony will include a “vine cutting,” which will take place at the new trailhead kiosk located behind the Rugby Visitor Centre off State Scenic Highway 52. Parking is adjacent and across the highway.
After the ceremony, TDEC’s East Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist Lisa Huff and others will lead the short hike to the Massengale Homeplace, where participants can be the first to see the large three-panel kiosk that features original art, historic photographs and drawings and extensive archival materials to portray “Uncle” Dempsey Massengale and the rest of the Appalachian family who lived on the ridgetop from the 1860s to early 1900s.
An authentic hand-split black locust rail fence surrounds the cabin site, where the chimney remains and stone corner blocks mark the original two-pen log cabin. A short side trail leads to the family’s Civil War-era stone springhouse. The Rugby State Natural Area and Massengale Homeplace Trail are managed through a cooperative agreement between TDEC’s Resource Management Division and the non-profit Historic Rugby. Rugby was founded in 1880 by British author/social reformer Thomas Hughes as a cooperative, agricultural community. Twenty Victorian-era buildings remain in a wooded, river gorge setting and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Non-profit Historic Rugby has been working since 1966 to restore, preserve and interpret the historic village and surrounding woodlands and watersheds. Call 1-888-214-3400 or view www.historicrugby.org for Rugby and area lodging, camping, and other information or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Historic Rugby is adjacent to the Big South Fork National Park on State Scenic Hwy. 52, sixteen miles southeast of Jamestown and 35 miles from I-40 or I-75 in East Tennessee. Tennessee has 81 designated natural areas throughout the state, covering nearly 117,000 acres of ecologically significant lands. More information about Tennessee’s natural areas program, including a complete list of all natural areas and scheduled field trips, can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/na/. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation present Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, in partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission. Poetry Out Loud is a program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. During September 2010 - February 10, 2011, schools are invited to participate in classroom and school-wide contests, advancing to a state competition on March 4-5, 2011 at Austin Peay State University. The state champion will advance to the National Finals, to take place on April 28-29, 2011, in Washington, DC. Clifton Smith from Haywood High School was selected as the 2010 Tennessee Poetry Out Loud champion and represented the state in the 2010 National Finals in Washington, DC, last April. More than 320,000 students from nearly 2,000 high schools around the country took part in Poetry Out Loud in 2009-2010. Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry - recitation and performance. The program builds on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of rap music among youth. Poetry Out Loud invites the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English classroom. Through Poetry Out Loud, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. ÒPoetry out Loud encourages students to begin a love affair with words, ideas, and imagination that will inspire them throughout their academic journeys and their careers,” said Rocco Landesman, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information on Poetry Out Loud, contact Ann Brown at (615) 532-5939 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Information is also available online: www.arts.state.tn.us/POL_TN.htm The Board of the Lancing Heritage Art League will be meeting on Friday, August 27th, at 7:00 pm to continue planning this year's Lancing Heritage Festival which will be held on the square in downtown Lancing on September 4, 2010. This meeting will be held at the Faith Baptist Church which is the site of this year's Lancing Heritage Quilt Show. Volunteers are still needed for the Festival, so if you are interested, please plan on attending this meeting. For more information, contact Albert Lane at 423-346-3058.
Monday August 23rd, 2010
The following is the Cumberland Business Journal's article about Dr. Goff.
Dr. Gary Goff, president of Roane State Community College, has always kept his focus on improving education, but his demonstrated commitment to business and economic growth has shown that workforce training also plays a big part in his plan for the school.
After a four-year process, Goff successfully obtained $1.3 million in funding for the establishment of the Cumberland Business Incubator, a joint initiative of Tennessee Tech University, Roane State Community College, Tennessee Technology Center and the Cumberland County School System.
The project is expected to create more than 120 jobs by supporting the growth of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Brad Fox, an associate professor at Roane State and a key player in the development of the incubator, believes that Goff's foresight will help improve and develop businesses throughout the region and beyond. "His vision of the economic benefits to the surrounding community and the opportunities this will create for small business people in the community and students at the partnering organizations has been a steady motivating force," Fox said in nominating Goff.
The 10,000-square-foot incubator is scheduled for construction at the Cumberland County Higher Education Center in Crossville, adjacent to the Roane State campus. As a growth tool for businesses, the incubator fits well into Goff's overall plan for regional development. "I understand that the per capita income and family median income in many of our rural counties is below state and national averages," Goff said. "We need the resources of Roane State Community College and Cumberland County to be able to help influence economic growth and development. That's just been my mantra: 'We have resources, so let's put them to use to improve economic development and growth.'"
Goff believes that by raising per capita and per household incomes, other improvements will follow. These might include job growth, improved quality of life and increased participation in volunteer, charitable and civic activities. "It is a benefit to the community to be able to improve family median income as well as per capita income," he said. "When their quality of life grows, it impacts the community."
Goff envisions that, once the success of the current incubator becomes apparent, other counties will follow its lead and support measures for business incubators in each of the seven additional counties in Roane State's service area. In addition to supporting the incubator project as a founding partner, Goff has promoted economic growth as president of Roane State and through his extensive displays of leadership and service within various civic organizations.
Historic Rugby homeowners, museum staff and volunteers are throwing open the doors to 20 or more buildings at Historic Rugby’s Village Pilgrimage & Home Tour on Saturday, September 4. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Rugby Pilgrimage is believed to be the largest such tour in Tennessee. This year Uffington House, the home of Margaret Hughes, mother of Rugby founder Thomas Hughes will host readings of Madame Hughes’ and her granddaughter Emily’s historical letters. Open for tour also will be private historic homes, new historically designed homes, five museum buildings, and the Rugby Visitor Centre & Johnson Theatre.
Executive Director Cheryl Cribbet invites everyone to “step back in time” and experience Rugby, a living historic village where residents, staff and visitors dressed in period costume will welcome you and share the magic of this very special place. Free van service will be available for those who need to limit their walking.
Private historic homes open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Eastern Time include:
Owners of new historically compatible homes in the Beacon Hill development and nearby will also welcome visitors 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open museum buildings during the same hours include the 1907 Schoolhouse with exhibits, Visitor Centre & Johnson Theatre showing the award-winning film, The Power Of A Dream; 1882 Thomas Hughes Library with its 7,000-volume collection of Victorian books and periodicals; 1884 Kingstone Lisle, the Gothic cottage built for Rugby’s founder; and the Rugby Printing Works with 19th century printing demonstrations. The congregation of 1887 Christ Church Episcopal will also welcome Pilgrimage visitors to the carefully preserved chapel. Pilgrimage goers may want to visit Laurel Dale Cemetery, where many of Rugby’s colonists are buried.
Visitors can shop at the Commissary Museum Store which will be celebrating its Silver Anniversary with a benefit silent auction upstairs. Silent auction winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Traditional crafts from over a hundred area artisans, British Isles food products and gifts, a wide selection of books, prints and games, British teapots and much more are some of the items that can be seen within the Shops of Rugby. They include the Spirit of Red Hill Art & Oddiment Shop & the Carriage House Gallery.
The Harrow Road Cafe will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Admission for all open buildings and activities is $14 for adults and $4 for K-12 Students. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Members of Historic Rugby receive half-price admission.
Rugby was founded in 1880 by British author and social reformer Thomas Hughes. Its distinctive Victorian architecture and beautiful setting have been intriguing visitors for more than a century. All Pilgrimage proceeds support continued restoration and preservation.
Tennessee Small Business Development Center with the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce will offer a free workshop for small business owners
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center advises and assists entrepreneurs and small business owners in your area at no cost to them.
Designed to protect consumers and promote sound credit management, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act (CARD Act) has helped ensure that responsible consumers would not fall victim to sometimes costly practices by credit card companies. Many provisions of the act went into effect earlier this year; another round of consumer protections is expected to be released on August 22. “While the CARD Act may offer peace of mind for some consumers, it is imperative that these protections complement efforts by cardholders to use good judgment when it comes to managing their credit card spending,” said Daru Burdge, regional president for CredAbility (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Service of East Tennessee). “There is no legislation that can replace our own commitment to building and maintaining a solid credit history.” Among the regulations scheduled to take effect on August 22: For consumers who have a one-time late payment, late fees cannot exceed $25. This fee rises to up to $35 for consumers with another late payment in one of the last six payments. If the credit card company can demonstrate that the costs incurred as a result of the late payments justified a higher fee, they are allowed to impose a higher penalty. Late payment fees cannot exceed the minimum payment on the account. If a charge exceeds the account’s credit line, the over-the-limit fee cannot exceed the amount of the actual charge.
No fees may be charged due to inactivity on an account. Consumers can no longer be charged multiple penalty fees for the same transaction. For instance, a cardholder cannot be charged both a late fee and an over-limit fee resulting from the same transaction. Consumers have a responsibility to understand the changes and to review the documentation that comes from their credit card companies. “Reviewing monthly statements, reading inserts, and keeping up with changes to the CARD Act are great ways for consumers to manage their accounts,” added Burdge. For consumers who need help understating how the provisions of the CARD might impact them, CredAbility can help. Certified counselors can help you review your current financial situation and work with you to create a budget and financial plan to get you back on track. Contact CredAbility at 800-251-2227 or online at www.CredAbility.org. |
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