The Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Warren County Veterans Service Office, is sponsoring a Veterans Outreach Event in McMinnville.
It will be held on Tuesday, August 6 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Warren County Administration Building, Magnolia Room, 201 Locust Street.
Sarah Tinch, TDVA Veterans Benefit Representative, said the purpose of this event is to provide assistance to veterans of the Armed Forces, National Guard, Reserves, and their Dependents and survivors of deceased veterans.
Refreshments will be available.
Fifteen organizations will be there to provide assistance:
Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs
Warren County Veterans Service Office
V.A. Nashville Vet Center
V.A. Outpatient Clinic of McMinnville
V.A. Medical Center Women Veterans Program Manager
Tennessee Medical Center Women Veterans Program Manager
Tennessee Department of Labor
Motlow College
Tennessee College of Applied Technology of McMinnville
Tennessee National Guard J9 Military and Family Readiness
Upper Cumberland Development District
Wounded Warrior Project
Project Healing Waters
VFW POST 5064
American Legion POST 173
Marine Corps League Bobby Ray Detachment 1377
For more information, call Sarah Tinch at 931-526-6929 or the Warren County Veterans Service Officer Chuck Mayfield at 931-473-6920.

People working together are greater than they could ever be working apart. That principle was the driving factor for the area’s Chamber of Commerce Executives to formalize the group, the Upper Cumberland Chamber Executive Association (UCCEA). There are 14 counties in the Upper Cumberland region including Macon, Clay, Pickett, Jackson, Smith, Putnam, Overton, Fentress, Putnam, DeKalb, White, Cumberland, Cannon, Warren, and Van Buren.
Approximately a year and a half ago, TTU had gathered the Chamber executives from across the region for some informal and educational meetings to discuss best practices, available resources and to share pertinent information and challenges. These meetings demonstrated the value of this alliance as the Chamber executives gathered and continued their education.
“The birth of the Upper Cumberland Chamber Executive Association (UCCEA) will assist every county in the Upper Cumberland region to develop and share information on critical issues that will benefit all,” said Ray Norris, newly elected Chairman of the UCCEA. “Further, we all appreciate the fact that Tennessee Tech has played a pivotal role in the formation of UCCEA and we hope they will continue to play a valuable role going forward as the UCCEA matures. The UCCEA will support the region’s economic development as well as providing the ability to speak as one united regional entity as this can benefit each and every county to some extent. I am personally thankful to my peers for their support in starting this organization.”
Dennis Tennant, Associate Director of Extended Programs and Regional Development at Tennessee Technological University, had a vision for organizing this group as other professionals such as the Upper Cumberland Directors of Schools have aligned forces to benefit the community.
It was time to formally organize the group said Tennant, and TTU is looking forward to continuing the partnership with the UCCEA.
Bylaws were approved and officers elected at the June meeting. Norris, Clay County Chamber, was elected as Chairman; Walter Page, Fentress County Chamber was elected as Vice Chair; and Jody Sliger, Sparta – White County Chamber was elected Secretary of the UCCEA.
“We are looking forward to working together for the purpose of improving not only our individual communities, but the Upper Cumberland as a whole,” said Suzanne Williams, Smithville – DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce.
Plans include having educational sessions with other partners across the state including the TN Department of Economic and Community Development, TVA, TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation, TN Dept. of Tourist Development, and more. For more information, you can contact Norris at (931) 243-3338.
Photo cutline:
Working together. Chamber executives from across the Upper Cumberland in partnership with TTU have united in an alliance to further the improvements of our region. L-R: Walt Page, Billy Robbins, Jody Sliger, Ray Norris, Shirley Hitchcock, Dennis Tennant, Alicea Weddington, John Dennis, Marilyn Baker, Suzanne Williams, Lori Jones, Janie Robbins, and Doug Young.

A 53 year old woman lost her life in a pickup truck crash Saturday on Highway 70 between Dowelltown and Liberty.
Dead is Lisa Fineis of Alexandria.
Central dispatch received the call at 5:56 p.m. on Saturday.
Trooper Craig Wilkerson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WJLE that Fineis was driving west on Highway 70 in a 2011 GMC Sierra when the truck went off the right shoulder of the highway. After hitting a berm near an access road off the highway, the truck went airborne and flipped as it hit the ground, coming to rest on its side. Fineis, trapped inside, was initially reported to be unresponsive. She was not wearing a seatbelt.
DeKalb EMS quickly arrived on the scene along with members of the DeKalb County Fire Department’s Rescue Team who were called to perform extrication.
Fineis was removed from the truck and taken by ambulance to meet a Life Force helicopter ambulance which had landed in the grass near the intersection of Highway 70 and East Main Street in Liberty. But instead of airlifting her, the woman was taken by ground ambulance to the emergency room of DeKalb Community Hospital where she died.
Trooper Wilkerson was assisted in the investigation by Troopers Tommy Cooper and Kyle Herron of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Deputies of the Sheriff’s Department and Constable Mark Milam were also on the scene along with the Liberty and Main Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department.

Twelve people have been named in sealed indictments on drug charges following a year long undercover investigation by the Smithville Police Department.
Chief Randy Caplinger told WJLE Friday that Indictments have been served on seven of the defendants.
The investigation was conducted by Lieutenant Matt Holmes and Detective Brandon Donnell. K-9 Officer James Cornelius and Sergeant Brad Tatrow assisted in some of the cases. The actual drug buys were made by confidential sources.
Those arrested and their charges are:
Donald (D.J.) Perry, Jr., indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule VI controlled substance (Marijuana) in a drug free zone.
Vickie Cantrell, indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid).
40 year old Melisha (Buttons) Cantrell, indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid)
60 year old Danny Reeder, indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule IV (Lorazepam)
59 year old Althea Bailey, indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance (Oxycodone) in a drug free zone.
52 year old Kenny Herman, indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance (Methadone) (2 counts).
28 year old William Cory Dickens, indicted for sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid)
Indictments (now unsealed in each case) state the following:
Donald (D.J.) Perry, Jr.: “On or about February 26th, 2013 Perry did sell and deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance (Marijuana) within 1,000 feet of the real property that comprises a public or private elementary school, middle school, secondary school, preschool, childcare agency, or public library, recreational center, or park.” Lieutenant Holmes said Perry sold marijuana to a confidential source from his home.
Vickie Cantrell: “On or about December 5th, 2012, Cantrell did sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid). Lieutenant Holmes said Cantrell sold two Dilaudid pills to a confidential source from the parking lot of a local business.
Melisha (Buttons) Cantrell: “On or about December 6th, 2012, Cantrell did sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid). Lieutenant Holmes said Cantrell sold two Dilaudid pills to a confidential source from a parking lot.
Danny Reeder: “On or about August 6th, 2012, Reeder did sell and deliver a Schedule IV controlled substance (Lorazepam).” Lieutenant Holmes said Reeder sold ten pills to a confidential source from the parking lot of a local business.
Althea Bailey: “On or about July 26th, 2012, Bailey did sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (Oxycodone) within 1,000 feet of the real property that comprises a public or private elementary school, middle school, secondary school, preschool, childcare agency, or public library, recreational center, or park.” Lieutenant Holmes said Bailey sold four pills to a confidential source from the parking lot of a local business.”
Kenny Herman: “On or about August 6th & 7th, 2012 Herman did sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (Methadone)”. Lieutenant Holmes said Herman sold from his home to a confidential source four methadone pills on August 6th and three pills on August 7th.
William Cory Dickens: “On or about December 13th, 2012 Dickens did sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (Dilaudid)”. Lieutenant Holmes said Dickens sold two Dilaudid pills to a confidential source from the parking lot of a local business.
The names of the other five defendants will be released once they are served with the indictments.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott is reminding motorists to exercise an abundance of caution in neighborhoods and around school zones during the upcoming 2013-2014 school year. State Troopers will target speeders, distracted drivers and those who disregard stopped school buses that are loading and unloading children.
State Troopers issued 5,247 citations in school zones during the 2012-2013 school year. That’s up from 3,856 citations issued in 2011-12. Last year’s citations included 759 speeding violations and two citations for passing a stopped school bus.
“Our priority is to educate motorists on the importance of safe driving practices around school zones and buses and in high pedestrian traffic areas,” Colonel Trott said. “We are also urging motorists who are transporting children to and from school to ensure they are safely restrained in seat belts, booster seats and child restraint devices. This effort stretches far beyond school zones,” he added.
Between 2008 and 2012, there has been a 7.0 percent decrease in the number of crashes occurring in school zones between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and the hours of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There was also a 73.5 percent decline in the total number of school bus-related crashes between those same hours.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that 123 school-age pedestrians (younger than 19) have been killed in school-transportation-related crashes since 2001. Over two-thirds (69%) were struck by school buses and 26 percent by other vehicles involved in the crashes. There were 49 (40 %) school age pedestrians killed in school transportation-related crashes between the ages of five and seven, according to NHTSA.
“We have seen a 31.4 percent increase in the number of overall pedestrian fatalities across the state, compared to this same time period in 2012,” Trott said. “It’s imperative for drivers to share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists, and to comply with pedestrian yield laws. We all have a responsibility to make sure pedestrians are safe.”
In Tennessee, there have been 46 pedestrians killed on state roadways in 2013. That’s 11 more than at this time in 2012. Nationwide, there were a total of 4,432 pedestrian fatalities in 2011 (the latest figure available), the 14-and-younger age group accounted for 230 (5%) of those fatalities.
The Pupil Transportation section of the Tennessee Highway Patrol also oversees all school bus inspections in the state and determines whether public school bus systems are in compliance with the safety requirements by state law. During fiscal year 2012-13, 11,401 school buses were inspected with 1,367 being placed out of service.
Each day, 26 million children in the United States ride school buses, including 600,000 in Tennessee, according to NHTSA.
The speed limit in school zones is 15 miles per hour and the fine for speeding in a school zone is up to $500. It is also against the law to pass a school bus when it is stopped and loading or unloading passengers. The driver can be fined no less than $250 and up to $1,000.
TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL FACT SHEET & SAFETY TIPS
THE FACTS:
• All school bus drivers in Tennessee must attend an annual training course in order to receive and maintain the school bus endorsement on their Driver Licenses.
• School buses are nearly nine times safer than passenger vehicles. But children must take care when boarding or leaving buses.
• Young children are most likely to be injured around school buses because they:
o Hurry to get on or off the bus
o Act before they think
o Have little experience with traffic
o Assume motorists will see them and will wait for them to cross
o Don’t always stay within the bus driver’s line of sight
o Drop something as they are getting off the bus and run into the path of the bus to pick it up.
SAFETY TIPS:
• FOR CHILDREN–GETTING ON AND OFF THE BUS SAFELY:
o Always remain in direct eyesight of the bus driver;
o Get to the bus stop in plenty of time;
o Take 10 giant steps back from the curb while waiting for the bus and 10 steps when exiting the bus;
o Never try to get anything left on the bus after exiting;
o Never reach underneath the bus;
o Always follow the driver’s directions for how to cross the street;
o Be alert to traffic and look both ways;
o Always cross in front of the bus, but only when the bus driver signals it is safe to do so.
o Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.
o Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
o Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
o When exiting, look before stepping off the bus to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder (side of the road). Move away from the bus.
o Before crossing the street, take 10 “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the driver’s face can be seen. Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.
o Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing.
o Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses. However, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!
• FOR PARENTS:
o Supervise children to make sure they get to the stop on time, wait far away from the road and avoid rough play.
o Teach your child to ask the driver for help if he/she drops something near the bus. If a child bends down to pick up something, the driver cannot see him/her and the child may be hit by the bus. Have your child use a backpack or book bag to keep loose items together.
o Make sure clothing and backpacks have no loose drawstrings or long straps that could get caught in the handrail or bus door.
o Encourage safe school bus loading and unloading.
o If you think a bus stop is in a dangerous place, talk with your school office or transportation director about changing the location.
• FOR DRIVERS:
o Yellow flashing lights on the bus indicate that it is preparing to stop and load or unload children. This means cars need to slow down and prepare to stop.
o It is illegal to pass a school bus with its red flashing lights and stop signal arm activated. Vehicles may not pass until the flashing red lights and signals are turned off or when the bus driver motions them through.
o Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop.
o Vehicles moving in the opposite direction as the bus are also required to stop unless they are on a divided highway.
o Never pass on the right side of the bus where children are entering and exiting. This is illegal and can have tragic results!
• WHEN RIDING IN A CAR:
o You might have heard before that most traffic crashes occur close to home…they do.
o Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower the risk of injury by 45%.
o You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if ejected from the vehicle in a crash.
o Everyone needs to be buckled up properly. That means older kids in seat belts, younger kids in booster seats and little kids in child safety seats.
• WHEN RIDING A BIKE:
o Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard — never cross the street against a light, even if you don’t see any traffic coming.
o Walk your bike through intersections.
o Walk with a buddy.
o Wear reflective material…it makes you more visible to street traffic.