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U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis will be hosting a public meeting in Morgan

County on Wednesday, July 8. He will be here to listen and to discuss

issues with people he represents

 

"I've always found public meetings to be a valuable way for me to

communicate with those I represent, face-to-face where we can have an

open dialogue," Lincoln said. "We must find a way to dig out from the

current economic hardship we face. There is no snap your finger fixes to

our economy and job creation. That's why it's important for me to listen

and share mutual concerns. We need jobs and need to trim government

spending. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and exchanging ideas."

 

The public meeting will be held Wednesday, July 8th, 11:00AM EST, at

Roane State Community College in Wartburg. All are encouraged to visit

with Congressman Davis and his staff. Visit www.house.gov/lincolndavis

for more information.

 

With above average temperatures this June, the ‘dog days of summer’ are certainly looming on the state of Tennessee. As the heat becomes a factor, the Tennessee Department of Safety would like to remind motorists to never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle, which can be a dangerous and sometimes deadly offense.

 

“A child or a pet should never be left in an unattended vehicle under any circumstances – especially in the heat,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Motorists should routinely make sure all occupants exit the vehicle whenever they leave a car. An illness or even worse, a death, due to such a senseless tragedy is absolutely preventable.”

 

On a typical sunny, summer day, experts say the temperature inside a car can reach potentially deadly levels within minutes. Even on a mild day at 73 degrees outside, an SUV can heat up to 100 degrees in 10 minutes and to 120 degrees in just 30 minutes. At 90 degrees outside, the interior of a vehicle can heat up to 160 degrees within several minutes.

 

“Children are not safe from heat buildup when motorists crack the window of a parked car,” said Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker. “The best way to protect your children is to never leave them unattended in a vehicle; not even for a minute. This negligence could lead to the loss of a loved one, as well as jail time or stiff penalties. Don’t risk it.”

 

Make sure your child is safe this summer and always follow a few simple safety tips:

 

·         Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even to run a quick errand.

·         Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies.

·         Children can set a vehicle in motion. Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access

to keys or remote entry devices.

·         If a child gets locked inside, call 911 and get him/her out as soon as possible.

·         Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in the garage or driveway.

·         Keys should never be left within reach or sight of children.

·         If you see a child or animal unattended in a car, be proactive and call 911.

 

Only 15 states, including Tennessee, have laws that prohibit leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

 

TCA Code 39-15-401 provides that “any person who knowingly, other than by accidental means, treats a child under eighteen years of age in such a manner as to inflict injury commits a Class A misdemeanor. Class A Misdemeanors carry a penalty of not greater than 11 months, 29 days or a fine up to $2,500, or both. If the abused child is six years of age or less, the penalty is a Class D felony.

 

TCA Code 39-15-402 carries a possible Class B or Class A felony for aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect or endangerment. Class A Felonies can carry a penalty of not less than 15 no more than 60 years. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed $50,000.

 

TCA Code 55-10-803 (a) It is an offense for a person responsible for a child younger than seven (7) years

of age to knowingly leave that child in a motor vehicle located on public property or while on the premises of

any shopping center, trailer park, or any apartment house complex, or any other premises that is generally

frequented by the public at large without being supervised in the motor vehicle by a person who is at least

thirteen (13) years of age, if:

(1) The conditions present a risk to the child's health or safety;

 

(2) The engine of the motor vehicle is running; or

 

(3) The keys to the motor vehicle are located anywhere inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

 

(b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for the first offense.

(c) A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500).

As of June 13, 2010, there have been 10 child deaths in the United States due to hyperthermia from being left behind in hot vehicles. Last year, nationwide, there were at least 33 U.S. deaths due to the same cause. (Source: San Francisco State University)

 

The Tennessee Department of Human Services is taking similar steps to protect children transported by child care providers. To learn more, visit: http://www.tennessee.gov/humanserv/news/10/news-06-07-10.pdf and http://www.tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/cc_main.html.

 

Motorists should also take precautions in the event of a break down on a highway, especially with children or senior citizens in the vehicle. The Tennessee Highway Patrol suggests the following safety tips when traveling:

 

·         For highway emergencies, summon help immediately via cellular phone by dialing *THP (*847) to connect to the nearest THP District Headquarters.

·         Have a basic first aid/survival kit, including two-three bottles of water per person, in vehicle.

·         If vehicle begins to overheat, turn off the air conditioner.

·         If a break down occurs, steer your vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible.

 

 

On June 25 at 8:00 the Playhouse will host the DEEP GROOVES STEEL DRUM

BAND from Nashville.  This one night event is sponsored by Progressive

Savings Bank/The Rains Agency.

The Deep Grooves Steel Drum Band was formed in 1993 when several

percussionists "discovered" each other through the Nashville music

scene.  They saw the need for a steel band, so they got together to

share their love of Caribbean music and the steel band art with the

Nashville community.  Under the direction of Mat Britain, the band has

grown in popularity and has become a crowd favorite throughout the

South.  

The band has performed for the elite of Nashville's music community

including Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Wynonna, the CMT Network, and

numerous music awards shows.  Performing for these stars has led to the

Deep Grooves sound appearing on the quadruple platinum hit "When the Sun

Goes Down" and Grammy nominated "Shift Work" by mega-star Kenny Chesney

through Mat Britain's recorded efforts.

Each band member is very active in the Nashville music scene as

percussionists as well as educators.  Many teach at area universities

(Vanderbilt, Trevecca, and Belmont Universities), perform in the

Nashville symphony, and are active composers and clinicians on a

national and international scale.

Performing the authentic Caribbean steel drums, from Calypso and Reggae

to Belafonte and Buffett, the exotic sound of steel drums will take you

from the Playhouse mainstage to a beach in Trinidad.  This is one

concert you don't want to miss.

Tickets for Deep Grooves are $10 kids/students and $20 Adults.

For reservations call 931.484.5000, or visit www.ccplayhouse.com