March 2026

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign. [00:00:17] Speaker B: We want to welcome you to the Cannon County Chamber Connection. And of course this is brought to you every month by DTC Communications with our thank you because it gives us a great opportunity to show off what we do have in Cannon County. And I'm always proud to do that. And you know, I noticed on the way in today, I think spring has sprung maybe a little too early. There's flowers bloomin, there's trees bloomin. I'm waiting for the snow. I won't say that, but I know that it's. There's going to be a cold spell coming, I'm almost sure. But anyway, we're going to try to make the best of it. And I can hardly wait for summer because I'm not a winter person, so. But right today we have a lot of guests with us. Events are starting to happen and they usually do in March and April. And this is good. This brings people into our community. And the first one that I'm going to talk to, one thing that we have done over the past few months is we have highlighted Cannon County High School and they have so many good. Sometimes you just hear the bad. And we have so many good things that happen out there. And I just want to introduce you to Macy Clements and she is a teacher at the high school. And you are over the STEM program, right? [00:01:55] Speaker C: Yes, ma', am, I'm over the STEM program. [00:01:56] Speaker B: You might explain to them, Macy, exactly what that is. [00:02:00] Speaker C: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics. [00:02:04] Speaker D: Oh, see, I told you I got it right. She asked me before what STEM stood for and I'm thinking, okay, I'm gonna guess. [00:02:10] Speaker B: Yeah, sure. [00:02:11] Speaker C: Yeah. So it's. I teach four different classes that kind of fall underneath that pillar. So those, we call it the four Pillars STEM acronym. So they basically apply either one of those. Sometimes two of them. All of them, when they're doing hands on learning and critical thinking and problem [00:02:29] Speaker B: solving, this is probably something that's preparing them. I know Motlow has a course that kind of, that kids can take now. And I can't remember the exact name. [00:02:45] Speaker C: Is it Mechatronics? [00:02:46] Speaker B: Yes. [00:02:47] Speaker C: So that would be with robotics. [00:02:48] Speaker B: Right. [00:02:49] Speaker C: And so I'm over the robotics program at the high school as well, the robotics club. So yeah, it keeps us very busy. And I think it's super important as well because you know, technology is not going anywhere. If there's anything the kids need to know and understand is essential technology and that critical thinking and problem solving as well. [00:03:09] Speaker B: Well, you're right, because technology is taking over. [00:03:12] Speaker C: Yes, it Is it is. [00:03:15] Speaker B: And sometimes I think that's good. And then sometimes I think, wow, I'm old school, you know. [00:03:24] Speaker C: Yeah. I mean, it's definitely changed the way that they think, process things, understand things. Of course, you know, cell phones have kind of came in the way of that as well. But I think it's super great. Foundational. My classes are a little bit smaller than a lot of the other pathways. I think students get really intimidated by my classes because of how all the different technology. I mean, they walk in my room, there's robotic arms and I talk about coding, and there's 3D printers and 3D modeling and they're like, I don't know about any of this. It's over my head. And so when the middle school comes and tours, I'm like, would anyone be interested in this? And they're kind of like sitting there shy. I said, is it because it's intimidating? And they're like, yes. I'm like, well, I teach you guys, I set you up for success. I'm like, but this class is like, you know, learning through failure. That's what I tell them all the time. And that's the whole point of like the engineering design process. So I always analyze them like when they're doing projects. My class is probably 30% bookwork or like, you know, documenting things and like 70% hands on learning, just building things. They work in groups, teams, so they collaborate with other people in their class. And it's just kind of great to see them come out of their shell too, working well with others. [00:04:44] Speaker B: So this is an elective, right? [00:04:47] Speaker C: Yes, ma'. [00:04:47] Speaker A: Am. [00:04:47] Speaker B: Yep. Okay. What eight? Do you start right out as freshmen or. [00:04:52] Speaker C: Yeah, so freshmen they take STEM one, and then as a sophomore they would take STEM two, and then as a junior they take STEM three. And then this year I actually got a robotics class. So I asked for a class. I asked for more of a workload, I guess you could say, because I teach teach four different classes and also geometry at the high school. So I asked them. [00:05:14] Speaker B: I'm impressed. [00:05:15] Speaker C: Thank you. Thank you. So, yeah, it's. So that's kind of. And this year, with it being my first year teaching robotics, it's basically all seniors. And they didn't have to take my class to graduate and all of them took it with me. So I've had all of them for four years, which I really love. Also about teaching a pathway is I have those students three to four years. So like, I get really close with them, comfortable with them versus my geometry, you know, I have them for that year and then move on to the next class or algebra 2. So I have a lot of relationships with the students, and I admire that a lot. [00:05:50] Speaker B: That helps. [00:05:50] Speaker C: Yes, ma', am. It does. It does. [00:05:52] Speaker D: Tell us a little bit about your 3D printing. Some of the things that you've done. [00:05:57] Speaker C: Those things, I don't know how they haven't broken because they go nonstop. I actually got a new one on the way I'm really excited about. Yeah, the 3D printing. My students, they. Or students in the school in general, they'll come in and be like, hey, will you 3D print me a fidget toy? Or, you know, so I'd like to kind of turn into this print shop. And definitely for admin. And I hope they see this as well. They keep me very busy. Right now I'm working on a project where Mr. Nichols wanted room numbers to be mounted on the side of the classrooms, all the way down the hallway. And he also wanted, like, LED lights placed in them. So I kind of collaborated with them, drew out some boy prints, and then created the first prototype. And it worked. So I'm kind of working on that. So now the whole hallway would be lit up with assigned room numbers. And that'll also help the kids, too, because we have designated colors in the school. Make sure they're not wandering in places they shouldn't be. So they'll probably have the room numbers lit up by those colors. And Ms. Garrett was like. And we could turn them pink when it's Valentine's Day. And like, all this, I'm like, yeah, you can. So I'm in the middle of doing that. And then they also asked me to work with my robotics class on making a countdown clock that will be displayed in the hallway. I think three different ones. So that'll require a lot of 3D printing circuits as well, coding. And so it's like countdown clock for important dates. So, like, the ACT, EOC testing, stuff like that. So the students are kind of aware. [00:07:27] Speaker B: This just amazes me because I think this is so good that the kids are exposed to this. [00:07:34] Speaker C: Yep. And again, it's. It's really. And I. We use 3D printing and 3D modeling all the way through. Like, all my classes, like, right now, my robotics class is 3D printing. We're doing BattleBots. So I actually got the opportunity to completely redo my lab. And I've been so grateful and blessed and spoiled by Ms. Kennedy, and with all the grant funding, you know, stems on the. You know, the up and up super Important. So we do get a lot of grant money. So I got to revamp my whole classroom. Actually built a stage for a 12 by 12 robotics arena that we use for competitions as well. So right now they're building their own 3D, printing their whole entire robot and using VEX parts. So we'll have a BattleBots competition here. [00:08:16] Speaker B: Maybe when you get these robots up and going, you could bring them out here one time for a show and we'll let them fight. [00:08:24] Speaker C: Absolutely. I would love that. I would love that. And again, thank you for having me. [00:08:28] Speaker B: All right, well, thank you for all you do. [00:08:31] Speaker A: Thank you. Thank you. [00:08:32] Speaker B: Now tell me what y' all are doing. [00:08:34] Speaker E: So we've got our Canon Runs for Children coming up. It's a 5K and fun run that'll be held on March 28th. [00:08:41] Speaker B: First of all, let me interrupt you. [00:08:43] Speaker E: I should have introduced us. [00:08:44] Speaker A: Yes. [00:08:45] Speaker C: Yeah, that's very excited. [00:08:48] Speaker A: I did. [00:08:49] Speaker E: I jumped right into it. So we're with the Child Advocacy Center. We work with children who have been severely abused in Canon county or sexually abused. I work in prevention. Classes are always provided free of charge to anyone who would like to learn about how to prevent child sexual abuse for children as an adult, how to keep kids safe. We also work with drug endangered children. Yes. [00:09:16] Speaker C: I'm Abigail Green. I'm the Drug Endangered Children coordinator. I work with children and families who have had drug exposure. [00:09:24] Speaker E: Need extra support, extra resources. [00:09:27] Speaker C: I do home visits and I just help these families out to the best of my ability. [00:09:33] Speaker B: Well, all right. But along with a lot of other places, you are non profit. So that means fundraisers. [00:09:41] Speaker E: Yes, it means we're always asking for [00:09:43] Speaker B: some money and that's where we get into the 5K. [00:09:47] Speaker E: Yes. So we are very excited. This is. This has been a long running. 5K. It leaves from the Art center in Canyon county on March 28. [00:09:57] Speaker A: It is [00:10:01] Speaker E: just a beautifully designed run. You're going to see hills, you might see llamas. If you get lucky. Brian L. Rod designs the course and then you need to be here by 6:45 to register. If you would like to. If you'd like a shirt dedicated to you. If you want to make sure you get your shirt, because our shirts typically are designed by Canyon county students. And so if you want to make sure you get a shirt, go ahead and register online. And that's going to be at. You can find us on Facebook at the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center. Or you can, if you forget this and all you can remember is Cannon Runs for Children. Type that in Google and it's going to be the first thing to come up under run signup now. [00:10:46] Speaker D: You guys blew it. You guys blew it. [00:10:49] Speaker E: What did I blow? [00:10:50] Speaker D: Guess what I'm wearing today. [00:10:51] Speaker E: I know. [00:10:52] Speaker D: My Cannon run shirt for 2024. Because it's got a line. I like it. [00:10:57] Speaker E: I. [00:10:58] Speaker D: And when you guys came in, I'm like, you didn't back me up. [00:11:01] Speaker E: I didn't know. I wear that shirt all the time. [00:11:04] Speaker C: We should have had a group email or something. Yeah, we should have said we're all matching. [00:11:08] Speaker E: We gotta get Carolyn one. Yes, next year we'll all match. Yes, next year we'll match. [00:11:14] Speaker D: Well, we don't have to match. You can wear like, say, 2024. I've got one from every year. [00:11:18] Speaker E: Yeah, Keith, we want to match. [00:11:19] Speaker C: I want to match. I want to match all of us. [00:11:21] Speaker D: So next year at this time, we all wear the Cannon run shirt from 2026. [00:11:25] Speaker E: All right. 2026. Okay. All right. So those. Those. That is still running. We had a couple days left on that as well. And so if your child is looking to get some art submissions in, then. [00:11:37] Speaker D: Well, by the time that this airs, [00:11:39] Speaker E: it may be passed over. Hopefully your child already got those in. [00:11:42] Speaker D: But we want you to come out to the run. [00:11:45] Speaker E: Yes, the run is still happening. And so that's going to be March 28, very end of March, heading into Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is April. And so what a great way to kick it off. [00:11:55] Speaker B: Well, you have a walk with this race, too. [00:11:57] Speaker E: You don't have to run. Yes, you don't have to run. You don't even have to. If you want to show up and cheer people on, be my guest. There will be lots of community tables and resources set up. And there are scholarships available as well if the cost is prohibitive. And so don't let that stop you. Go ahead and come on out, sign your kids up for it. It is a great, kid friendly race and a very safe, fun thing to do. [00:12:27] Speaker B: Well, a lot of people like 5Ks and they're. I mean, it's. The weather's getting where maybe you can get that in without it doing something. [00:12:36] Speaker E: Yes. And we. The. Every year I've done it, we've had beautiful weather. So I'm hanging on to hope. [00:12:42] Speaker B: You know, the chamber works with this group quite a bit during the year. They really serve a purpose in our community as far as children that have special needs. What I mean by that is home issues that most normal people wouldn't have, and they have to be dealt with. And a lot of times it means removing them from the home. And that's where these people step in at. So that's very important that we have them. And you certainly want to give to them. They have several things during the year to raise money, but they are non profit and most of that comes from grants and donations. Right? [00:13:33] Speaker E: It does. We are primarily grant funded and about 25% of our total operating cost comes from donations. And so it's wildly helpful to have. To have. [00:13:45] Speaker B: Oh yeah, you have to have. That's the way it is. [00:13:49] Speaker D: Tell us a little bit about this race and what, what the costs are. [00:13:53] Speaker E: All right, so for adults it's going to be at 2750, I think. Don't quote me on this. I'm very close if I'm not. And it, and it steps down as you go down. And so for students, that cost, I think for. Yes, for children for like 12 and under at 650. And that does include the T shirt. That includes any activities that are there that morning. [00:14:15] Speaker C: And then there's a discount for seniors as well. [00:14:17] Speaker E: Yes, there's a discount for seniors as well. And so. But like I said, don't let the cost be prohibitive. Prohibitive. It is a relatively well priced 5k most that I'm seeing now because I've got a runner. It is not me, it's my child. I've got a runner in the family. Most I'm seeing are, you know, $35 to $50 and ours doesn't touch that. So you're getting. It's a good bang for your buck. It's a good run. Good hills. [00:14:44] Speaker D: Now we talked about the T shirt, but you have to pre register to get the T shirt, right? [00:14:50] Speaker E: Yes. To be guaranteed a T shirt you need to pre register. [00:14:53] Speaker D: How do you pre register? [00:14:54] Speaker E: Now you're gonna go to, you're gonna go to either Google and type in Cannon Runs for Children and it'll be the first thing to pop up. You can go to the Child Advocacy center webpage or you can go to our Facebook page and click any of those links on there as well. And that's going to be the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center. [00:15:13] Speaker D: I believe your web address, Website address is canoncac.org yes. Okay. And when you go to that web page, there is a events tab. Just click on that events tab and scroll down and you'll see the. [00:15:27] Speaker E: Yes, you'll see all of our events that are coming up. And you can also, if, if all else fails, give us a call at 615563 or you can call the chamber. Carolyn's really great at sending people our way. [00:15:40] Speaker B: I'll get you in touch with someone that has something to do with this, [00:15:46] Speaker D: and then you can run right over. Right. That's amazing how you know, the art center people love to come to the art center. And how many races and runs. We'll deal with one a little bit later. Carol will announce one here in April. That is happening starting here and ending here, too. So it's a great place to do it. [00:16:03] Speaker E: Great. [00:16:04] Speaker D: And you know that you've gone too far in your 5K. If you see the llamas, you're fine. [00:16:09] Speaker B: Yes. [00:16:09] Speaker D: But if you go all the way down to Parsley's Market, you've gone too far. [00:16:12] Speaker E: Yep. [00:16:13] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:16:13] Speaker D: Okay. [00:16:13] Speaker B: So, you know, I haven't seen the llamas in a while, but there are some miniature horses there are on that route that you're going to be taken to. So, hey, there's not a bad place in Cannon County. I don't care which way you run it, you're going to run into something that's pretty. [00:16:31] Speaker A: Yes. [00:16:32] Speaker B: Mr. Heller, I take it that that is you sitting there right now? [00:16:36] Speaker A: Yes. [00:16:36] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:16:36] Speaker A: Am. [00:16:36] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:16:37] Speaker B: Am. This is your first time being on the Cannon County Chamber connection, and you are the administrator of the hospital, right? [00:16:44] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:16:45] Speaker A: Am. [00:16:45] Speaker F: Ascension St. Thomas Stones River Hospital, and I also cover DeKalb Hospital over in Smithville. Yes, ma'. [00:16:51] Speaker B: Am. Okay, Very good. [00:16:53] Speaker F: It's a pleasure to be here. I really appreciate you having me. [00:16:56] Speaker B: Okay, well, you have your hands full traveling back and forth and tell people a little bit about what our hospital, we're a local hospital. We're smaller, but we offer several services over there. What are those? [00:17:12] Speaker F: Yes, ma', am. We offer quite a bit. So we have a 24,7er. We have a medical unit as well. And we also offer behavioral health services there as well, inpatient for geriatric patients. And then we also have an adult unit. So that's anybody over the age of 18. And so, yeah, quite a few services. We also have a wide array of imaging services as well, x ray, ultrasound, CT and more. So we also have MRI as well. And yeah, tongue of service is there. And we did, you know, I did mention adult behavioral health. That was temporarily. We weren't offering adult behavioral health, but we reopened that behavioral health unit on December 8th. And so it was a six bed unit. And so it stays pretty full between five and six patients typically. [00:18:14] Speaker B: Now, is this for medical issues? [00:18:17] Speaker F: This is all this is for behavioral health. So patients in crisis. Yes, ma'. [00:18:23] Speaker A: Am. [00:18:24] Speaker F: And so we have a psychiatrist, we have a 247 hospitalist coverage, and then we have also a doctor in our ER. 247 as well. And so, yeah, a lot to offer here in the Woodbury, Cannon county community. Right. [00:18:44] Speaker A: Right here. [00:18:45] Speaker B: Well, you know. Well, in the past, I don't know, year maybe, everybody keeps talking about the smaller hospitals and rural communities perhaps closing down. I would hate to see that happen. I know our hospital is small, and if you have something or a procedure you need, you can always send them on to. I know Life Flight comes in here, everything, so. And that's another point. You have a new helicopter pad that's going in over there, don't you? [00:19:21] Speaker F: We do. We don't have an exact timeline on that, but essentially what's happening is Air Evac statflight is moving their helipad from Smyrna to here in Woodbury to the hospital. And so we're going to be leasing that space to them. And yet we're really excited about that because, you know, it will provide that critical whenever a patient needs to go to a higher level of care. Of course, we offer a lot here just in Woodbury, but if a patient does need to go to a higher level of care, that support being on campus will help and cut down some of that. The time that it might take to get the patients to a higher level of care, it's a good location for them and it's good for us. And that will be staffed 247 with a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic. And so really excited to see that there as well and partner with them. [00:20:26] Speaker B: Now, I believe this gentleman, our mayor Stan, has told me that you have reopened your cafeteria to the public. [00:20:34] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:20:35] Speaker A: Am. [00:20:35] Speaker F: Yes, ma', am. We sure have. [00:20:37] Speaker B: We need to get the word out there because they had really good food. [00:20:40] Speaker F: Yeah, we do have really good food. And, yeah, I have heard many people say that that is a place that folks used to frequent in the community. And so, yeah, that's something that we wanted to do and, you know, allow people to come and enjoy our food. And I see, you know, from time to time, I'm in there and I see people from our community in our cafeteria, and there is some really good food there. [00:21:06] Speaker B: Well, good. [00:21:07] Speaker F: They do a great job. [00:21:07] Speaker B: I'm glad that's reopened. I am. [00:21:09] Speaker F: Yeah, our staff does an excellent job there. [00:21:13] Speaker B: So they not only feed the patients well, they'll feed you well, if you want to go out there and eat lunch. [00:21:19] Speaker F: That's right. [00:21:21] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:21:21] Speaker F: And so a few other things I wanted to share. You know, you know, we're healthy. The hospital is very healthy. And so one of the things we're doing, I like to share some of the stuff we're doing that people don't typically see. And so $750,000 we are putting into our infrastructure in the facility. So a large portion of that is rooftop units, air handling units to keep our temperature and humidity comfortable for patients. And, you know, in healthcare, we have strict guidelines of the temperatures that we need to stay at and the humidity in clinical areas to make sure that we keep our patients and our staff safe and so. And comfortable. And so, again, $750,000 going in this year as a large investment by Ascension St Thomas into the local hospital here in Woodbury. And so we're really excited about that. You know, another thing I wanted to mention is we recently received a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission for arts therapy for our behavioral health program. And so there's already 20 paintings that have been done actually by our patients. And we're bringing in local artists and teaching art classes and that sort of thing. So if anyone is interested, if there are any local artists that are interested in helping us out, reach out to the hospital, and we'll see how you can get involved in that. Again, teaching art classes. We've used that grant to purchase supplies for the patients and more. So, you know, some pretty cool stuff going on right here in. In Woodbury. And so we're. We're happy to. To be a part of that and to serve our patients that way. [00:23:19] Speaker D: Do you know some of the names of the local artists that are helping out with this? [00:23:24] Speaker F: Not off the top of my head. We have. Maybe that's something I can mention next time. Yeah, but. But yeah, we. They. We already have a few engaged. Really appreciate it. Excited to be here. I've been on the job nine months now, and so I'm originally from Florida, so my family and I moved to Smithville and so live here close by and just am really excited to be here and, you know, be a part of Ascension St. Thomas, which is an extraordinary organization. And so, yeah, it's been a ton of fun. [00:23:59] Speaker B: Everybody's been friendly and nice. [00:24:01] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:24:02] Speaker A: Am. [00:24:02] Speaker F: Absolutely. Absolutely. You know, I love being a part of small rural hospitals. It is an awesome feel and an awesome community and very welcoming, and that's where I feel at home. [00:24:15] Speaker D: So, yeah, yeah, no need to be mean or mad at Isaac over here, because once he introduces himself and he says, I'm with the hospital, that's when you brighten up, like, oh, well, anytime I need hospital care, I'm not gonna tick him off, you know. Right. [00:24:34] Speaker F: We love to provide care. [00:24:36] Speaker B: So in other words, you want a little pull, don't you? [00:24:38] Speaker D: Well, not really pull. I just want to make sure that I'm not going to get banned from the hospital if I, you know, need some medical care. [00:24:45] Speaker F: No, that. We. Again, 24 7, we are. We are open. Our ER is open, and we are ready to take care of you. [00:24:54] Speaker B: And I'll tell you, in an emergency that is life threatening, from the time they find you till the time you get to the hospital, it's important to go to the nearest one you have. [00:25:07] Speaker F: Absolutely, absolutely. And EMS is a big part of making the decision of what somebody needs. You know, there are certain things, like trauma, for instance. If someone. If EMS finds trauma in the field, they're gonna take that to a trauma center. So there are certain situations where, you know, you would bypass a local hospital according to what you need. But this. But, you know, for the vast majority of care, we are open, available, and can get you taken care of. [00:25:40] Speaker B: And you want. And you want someone close, you know, if you're. If it's a life and death emergency right there. You want someone that can see you until they determine if you need further medical care, you know, but you need somebody right then. [00:26:00] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:26:00] Speaker D: Am. [00:26:01] Speaker F: And you need a physician. And we. We are staff 24 7. [00:26:04] Speaker B: So I think I probably know most of your physicians. [00:26:08] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:26:08] Speaker A: Am. [00:26:08] Speaker B: Dr. Thomas. [00:26:10] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:26:10] Speaker A: Am. [00:26:10] Speaker F: Dr. Thomas is. Is there. And he. He is worked, but gotten the chance to work with Dr. Thomas a few times since I've been there. [00:26:20] Speaker B: Okay. Well, I'm glad that you're happy here because I think in the past, we've had a big turnover of people that were administrative and everything in the hospital. And I would like to see somebody with a little longevity. [00:26:37] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:26:38] Speaker A: Am. Wow. [00:26:38] Speaker B: Be there, you know. [00:26:40] Speaker F: Yeah. And I definitely am. I am happy. [00:26:42] Speaker B: Okay. You don't want to go anywhere, do you? [00:26:45] Speaker F: No, ma'. Am. [00:26:45] Speaker A: No, ma'. [00:26:46] Speaker E: Am. [00:26:46] Speaker F: We just bought a house in Smithville. [00:26:48] Speaker B: Well, there you go. [00:26:48] Speaker F: Family moved here and. Yeah, I'm enjoying it. [00:26:53] Speaker B: You know, you were talking about temperature control while ago, and it's funny, for certain medical procedures, you need a different temperature. I remember I had surgery on my foot one time. Well, more than once. And when they wheeled me into that surgery room, I was still awake or sort of. I thought, this is like going into a freezer. I Don't know how y' all work in here, you know? And then it wasn't two minutes later, I thought, I'll freeze to death. And here I know I will. And then they knocked me out, so I don't know if I was cold or not. [00:27:35] Speaker D: Well, you know, you didn't freeze to death, though. Well, because you're still here. [00:27:39] Speaker B: I might have while I was there on the table. I just wasn't awake, but it was. It was cold. [00:27:46] Speaker F: Yeah, the ORs can get a little bit chilly sometimes, but, yeah, we monitor that. We don't have or there in town. [00:27:56] Speaker B: Right. [00:27:56] Speaker F: We don't have. We don't do surgery at Stones River Hospital, but we do in Smithville. [00:28:03] Speaker B: Right. [00:28:03] Speaker F: And so we do have surgery there, and, of course, a lot of surgery at some of the larger Ascension St. Thomas facilities. [00:28:11] Speaker B: Is there anything else you want to tell us about? [00:28:13] Speaker A: No, ma'. [00:28:14] Speaker B: Am. [00:28:14] Speaker F: That's all the big updates we have right now. Just want everybody to know that there's a lot going on, that we're there to take care of you if you need care, and we're excited to take care of you if you need it. [00:28:27] Speaker B: I will say one thing. I had to go over there. I guess it was several months ago. That is one of the cleanest hospitals. I mean, that floor, you could eat off the floor. It looks that good over there. It does. [00:28:46] Speaker F: Well, we really appreciate that. We do take pride in our campus. And if you haven't, you know, for those that have been there, you probably know, and for those that haven't. You were mentioning earlier, the terrain here in Woodbury and Cannon is gorgeous terrain. And we are in a really, very pretty location. [00:29:05] Speaker B: You are. [00:29:06] Speaker F: Sometimes when I'm leaving a little bit later at night, you can look out and you can see the whole town of Woodbury lit up, and it's gorgeous. And we have an aerial photo of the hospital that I've seen that it just looks. It's a gorgeous location where we are and so. [00:29:24] Speaker D: So. [00:29:25] Speaker B: Well, you know, I come down Woodbury Hill every day from the McMinnville area. You probably do, too. [00:29:32] Speaker F: I come from the other direction. [00:29:33] Speaker B: Yes. You get to a certain level, and, of course, Woodbury's in a valley. [00:29:41] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:29:42] Speaker A: Am. [00:29:42] Speaker B: And you just look down over there, and I think, this is so pretty. I never get tired of seeing that. I haven't. And I travel it well. My car can get here and back without me because it's traveled that route so long. [00:29:56] Speaker F: Yes, ma'. [00:29:57] Speaker A: Am. [00:29:57] Speaker F: Muscle memory, huh? [00:29:59] Speaker B: Yep. But we do appreciate you Coming on and I hadn't got to meet you before, so it was good to get to talk to you and put a face with the voice that I've talked to. [00:30:09] Speaker F: So, yeah, it's a pleasure to meet you. [00:30:11] Speaker B: All right, Stan, we saved you the best for last. [00:30:14] Speaker A: Well, that's what I was thinking in my mind. [00:30:18] Speaker B: Tell us what you've been up to. [00:30:20] Speaker A: Well, I've been in office a little bit over a year and since that time we've had quite a few things going on. I know on the east side of the county where you live, we've been replacing some water lines starting at Highway 70 up in the Short Mountain community. Also, Mayor Mitchell had approached me and we had worked together and he was able to acqu. Require a grant for a study to be done on the east side of the county where the road is too lame because of the traffic congestion to see how we might alleviate some of that traffic congestion. Because, you know, up on Highway 70, when you get to about the Elkins Church of Christ, that narrows down from a four lane to two lane. And with the exception of the three lanes on the hill, it's all two lane until you get on the west side of town. So early in the morning, during rush hour, school traffic, traffic is congested real bad. And also in the afternoon, I would say starting somewhere around 3 o', clock, you know, when school traffic is out and people getting off from work, coming back and traveling through, going home, the traffic is real bad. [00:31:40] Speaker B: We have so many people that travel through Woodbury, going to work in Murfreesboro or further, and then in the afternoon, many of them live in Smithville or McNimble. [00:31:56] Speaker A: They do, they do. [00:31:57] Speaker B: And so, yes, the traffic is bad at those times. [00:32:01] Speaker A: Yeah. And you put that together with the Cannon county traffic. [00:32:04] Speaker B: So it is real bad school traffic and everything. And of course you're going from the Main street on 70 and especially where the high school's located on Houston Lane, that's just a two lane street. [00:32:19] Speaker A: It is, it is, yes. [00:32:21] Speaker B: And so gets very congested there. And the people that live in that area that are trying to get out sometimes have to sit there for quite a while before they can pull out. [00:32:34] Speaker A: And I do know our officers go up there of a morning during one traffic when school is coming in session and also when it's dismissing, they do the best they can at directing traffic because you try to keep the traffic flowing on a busy highway and then you try to keep it, you know, the school traffic getting out and everything, not letting it back up. And so they do the best they can. And I think they do a real good job. They look, you know, and just. And do. [00:33:03] Speaker B: They would be worse without them. [00:33:05] Speaker A: Yes. Yeah. So I appreciate what they do very much. [00:33:10] Speaker B: I do, too. [00:33:10] Speaker A: Yes. [00:33:11] Speaker B: You know, it's a situation that there's really. Well, everybody says they want a light. Well, as Houston Lane goes onto the highway, it's only one way. I mean, there's no street that connects on the other side. [00:33:30] Speaker A: Right. [00:33:31] Speaker B: So that's going to be hard to put a light there that will handle all of those problems. And then you're going to have to synchronize those lights all the way through town. [00:33:44] Speaker A: Yes, you are. And if you think about that one area, too, you've got Mason street right next to Kimla Drive. And then you go on, on down a little bit and you got Houston Lane and then probably, what, 500ft, you got Highway 53 interstate. [00:34:00] Speaker B: And plus and it turns one way [00:34:02] Speaker A: and plus the old McMinnville highway that intersects. So you know, where would be the best place. I'm glad I'm not a TDOT engineer. [00:34:11] Speaker B: So, hey, I think they're so sick of us because Parsley's in that area has been. They've done everything down there that I think could possibly be done. [00:34:25] Speaker A: Yes. [00:34:26] Speaker B: I don't know of anything else they could do that would solve that problem. Part of the problem is you're coming off of a side road onto a highway. [00:34:36] Speaker A: Yes. [00:34:37] Speaker B: And people cannot judge the speed of the oncoming traffic. And especially at night. [00:34:45] Speaker A: Right. [00:34:45] Speaker B: And I have the same problem up on where you turn onto 281 to go over to Smithville Highway 146. You know, there's a short road there. That's another area. They've put up stop signs and everything. But when you stop there at night, you can't judge the speed of the cars coming towards you. And a lot of people will misjudge that speed. [00:35:12] Speaker A: Yes. Yes. Well, also, one thing we are planning on doing, it's in the works right now. We had contracted with Blue Line Solutions. The police chief and I met with their representative and they came before the board of mayor and alderman gave a presentation, is to put the license plate readers in the school zones and also during times they will be issuing the speeding citations. I have numerous concerns from people about children, pedestrian children walking to and from school, having to walk on the shoulder of the road where there's no sidewalks. And also have had people in the past that have voiced their concerns. You know, West Adam street is a bypass around town from Highway 70 to Highway 53. About the heavy traffic and also sometimes the speed of some of that traffic. Yeah. And so Smithville already has these set up in their school zones. And so they're supposed to be in the process of doing everything they have to do to get them set up here in our school zones inside the city limits. So that license plate reader, if a car is exceeding the speed limit by a certain speed, it takes a picture of the license plate. Speeding citations are civil. They don't go against your driving record. [00:37:04] Speaker B: Right. [00:37:04] Speaker A: And also, there's no court cost involved or anything of that nature. And of course, anybody who wants to contest one, they. They can do that, you know. But before administrative judge your picture. Yeah. So. And also, the license plate readers here that we have in town that they have set up has been very proactive in catching stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, people that are wanted in other states, sex offenders who have not registered with the state of Tennessee. So they've been very, very good in that aspect also. [00:37:48] Speaker B: We don't find too many of them. And we've been. [00:37:51] Speaker A: No, but I'm just saying they do have their. They do have their advantages and have been very, very effective in law enforcement, helping identify certain vehicles and also apprehending certain people that have violated the law, maybe have warrants against them or some other reason. So. [00:38:22] Speaker B: Well, I think that's a good thing. And traffic is, you know, it's like I say, I don't know that there's. Other than a bypass. And of course, that's controversial, too, as far as where it would go. [00:38:35] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:38:36] Speaker B: You know, because either way, you cut off to make a bypass, you're going to go through people's subdivisions, people's land. You know, that's a big issue. [00:38:49] Speaker A: Right. Yes. And of course, that goes back. It would be up to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to survey and engineer that to see where would be the best to put a bypass if one wants to be built [00:39:05] Speaker B: and people don't. You know, you have signs that tell you how fast you should be going. I don't know if people can't read or they just don't care. [00:39:19] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:39:20] Speaker B: Because they just zoom through them like they're not even there. [00:39:23] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. Yes. [00:39:25] Speaker B: And of course, we can't have a policeman at every intersection. [00:39:30] Speaker A: No. [00:39:31] Speaker B: You know, we can't. [00:39:33] Speaker A: And you take the schedule of a police officer. They have patrol duty. They have to answer calls all over the county for other situations. They have court duty they have to do and accidents to Investigate. And then you consider the days off, you know, that come into play and so forth. So they're very active. [00:39:57] Speaker B: Yeah. Like I say, you can't be. They can't all be at every intersection. But I know when I pull off of Highway 281 onto the four lane from McMinnville down to Woodbury, the speed limit for about two miles there maybe is 65. [00:40:17] Speaker A: Right. [00:40:18] Speaker B: And then you cut off to two lanes and it goes down to 55. Listen, I'm doing 65 or a little over where I can't. They're passing me like I'm still standing still. [00:40:31] Speaker A: Yes. [00:40:32] Speaker B: And the only thing that slows them down and they don't get down here, I'm right behind them. They don't get down there any faster than I do is when it comes, it's very curvy. [00:40:43] Speaker A: Right. [00:40:44] Speaker B: And sometimes that will slow them down some. And so when we get to town, we're getting here at the same time anyway, so. [00:40:51] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. Well, as you know, I came from a career of law enforcement. [00:40:56] Speaker B: Right. [00:40:56] Speaker A: Like you say, you can't be everywhere at the same time. But you know, you do the best you can. You try to patrol the areas and, and divide up your time in certain places. [00:41:10] Speaker B: And I guess what I'm saying is people need to take some responsibility on themselves, Right? [00:41:17] Speaker A: Right. [00:41:17] Speaker B: To obey the, the signs, right? [00:41:20] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:41:20] Speaker B: You know, it's just that simple. [00:41:22] Speaker A: I had a gentleman one time ask me, said, does the speed limit begin where it's posted or where you can see it? And I said, I think it begins where you're. It's posted because what if one driver's nearsighted and the other one's farsighted? So, you know, good answer. So it's, it's where it's posted that [00:41:40] Speaker B: gave them something to think about anyway. [00:41:42] Speaker A: Well, it's just like on our four lane going down toward, through the caution light back when that highway was built, people ask, why is it 55 here? And it doesn't get to 65 till after you get past the light or before, you know, you get to the light, it drops down to 55 if you're coming from Murfreesburg. And what they don't understand, TDOT is the one who sets the speed limits. Every crash report, accident report that law enforcement fills out, the TDOT gets a copy. And when that road opened up and they started to post the speed limits and they seen all the accidents that had happened down at the Hollis Creek intersection where the bridge is and the caution line and the fatalities that had been involved. They said, no, we're not raising that speed limit. Right. Till, you know, you're outside of that caution line. So that was the reason. [00:42:36] Speaker B: Well, you know, I had that one gentleman that got a ticket right there at the Art Center. It goes down to. Well, a little bit before that. 30 miles an hour. [00:42:45] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:42:46] Speaker B: Well, right there, I think he must have been pretty close to being right in front of the police station. He got a ticket. Well, he was so mad. And so he called the Chamber, and I don't know what he thought the Chamber could do because we don't have any control. He was. So he vented to me for a good 10 minutes about how it was just a speed trap. That's all it was. He'd be so happy when he didn't have to come through Woodbury at all, and all this. And finally I told him, sir, I says, I can only tell you one thing. I says, I'm sorry you was feeding and you got a ticket. But I said, no one should ever get a speeding t ticket if they can read. [00:43:34] Speaker A: Right. Yeah. [00:43:35] Speaker B: Because it tells you how fast all [00:43:37] Speaker A: this post and all of that, you know, is done by a legislative body posting those speed limits and so forth. And, you know, people, when they get a citation, they. They. They have a right to a court date where they can appeal their cases, argue their case in front of a judge. [00:44:00] Speaker B: Well, that man would have been there all day. [00:44:02] Speaker A: Well, [00:44:05] Speaker B: I'll tell you what. We've solved this traffic problem right here. Everybody just needs to slow down. [00:44:12] Speaker A: Yeah. Just. [00:44:13] Speaker B: But the other thing is, you deal with a lot of other things besides that, because you are the mayor for the city. Right. I always refer to Greg's office as a county executive. [00:44:28] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:44:28] Speaker B: And I noticed that you mentioned him, the mayor. So people get confused. [00:44:33] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:44:33] Speaker B: About who's what. [00:44:34] Speaker A: I think years ago, the title was changed from County Executive to county mayor, but people use that interchangeably. So, you know, when you say county mayor, county executive. Yeah, it's the same. But a couple other things we've done. Of course, she was talking about the traffic lights and stuff, synchronizing them. We did sign a work order with tdot. They did a study down there at Pigley Wiggly, where Highway 70 and 145 intersect. And they said, yes, it justifies having a traffic light here. And, you know, of evening, when it's the rush hour, if you want to get turned off, you have to go. Right. And then go down the bike. Yeah. And so we signed the work order, the Agreement with TDOT that if they put it in, you know, of course the town would do the maintenance and so forth. And when the agreement was signed and the representative, TDOT looked at me, said, that might be two or three years before this. It's done. [00:45:38] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:45:38] Speaker A: And I said, okay. But I said, well, these traffic lights are supposed to be synchronized. And also we signed a work order. The one up here in town that's already there. Main street and Tatum street, they're going to replace that traffic light with a new one. And it's supposed to be one of those with the arm that hangs over. [00:46:02] Speaker B: Oh, okay. [00:46:04] Speaker A: So he. And he said we would probably begin that sometime in 20, 20, 26. And he said, do you have any concerns? I said, yes, keep the traffic moving through town. That's my only concern, especially rush hour. So. And then also we. We. We try constantly to find ways that we can improve the infrastructure. I know we got a couple of grants to. To do some. To do some work on the infrastructure, and so hopefully that will be taking place in the near future. And so we're just always looking for opportunities and ways, you know, that we can improve the infrastructure, especially when it comes to the water and sewer. [00:46:52] Speaker B: Right? [00:46:53] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:46:53] Speaker B: So that is a big thing because there's a lot of places we have that don't have city water yet, and they don't have sewer. [00:47:02] Speaker A: Right. And so we, we, we. We are hoping that we can do some improvements there. [00:47:11] Speaker B: Okay. [00:47:13] Speaker A: And I do want to mention, coming up this year, some of the events. Of course, if I'm out of place, just, just. [00:47:19] Speaker B: No, that's. Just tell us what you want to do. [00:47:22] Speaker A: The Cannon county good old days. [00:47:25] Speaker B: Right. [00:47:25] Speaker A: In May also, we always have our July 1st 4th fireworks celebration. This year, the vendor who does that shoot, it's a permitted shoot, a controlled shoot, he had a conflict with the scheduling, and he said, we have to do it on January 3rd this year. And I said, okay, because the fourth is on a Saturday. And as you know, the Lions Club always has their big July 4th whole show, and we don't want to do anything that would spook the horses. [00:48:00] Speaker B: Well, I was gonna say the horses and fireworks don't do well together. [00:48:04] Speaker A: Well, horses and dogs don't either. And I don't know fireworks in any animal where it does. Really. I don't know some humans that don't do it. [00:48:15] Speaker B: No, but I mean, we have a good fireworks show here. More town fire department. I think the man who does that, he coordinates it. [00:48:25] Speaker A: Yes, yes. [00:48:26] Speaker B: And they're licensed now. And Everything. [00:48:28] Speaker A: It's permitted. It's permitted. They come to council, get the permit to do it, and it's. You have fire trucks over there, you have food vendors and everything. And also I would like to say that this year the merchants on the square, to me, was a big success. People seem to like the parade being at night because of the. It added more color and beauty to it because all the vehicles and floats were lit up. [00:48:57] Speaker B: They were. I mean, we went all out. I was surprised. We had some that were really lit up. [00:49:04] Speaker A: Yeah. So people put some very detailed work and imagination into that. Yes. [00:49:11] Speaker B: Shane and his wife, who had the horses that brought the parade in, they had the flags lit up, the horses lit up, everything. It looked good. [00:49:22] Speaker A: Warner Shane wasn't lit up. [00:49:24] Speaker B: No, I had. Well, they had the horses tails. Yeah, I saw that lights and that. And my only question there was, where'd they plug them in at? [00:49:38] Speaker A: Well, I was with the police chief in his vehicle. He was escorting it through town. And we come through town, went up Macquarie, come back down High street to the College street intersection, and I looked to the right where the red light is, and they were still vehicles coming through there. Yeah. So. [00:49:55] Speaker B: And it's a good parade. [00:49:57] Speaker A: One thing too, we did improvements on was. And this was a serious consideration that was addressed by the city council to do it at night. We never had done it before was the safety of the children. The safety of the children not running out into the street and get candy in front of the vehicles. [00:50:20] Speaker B: You know, it's not just children, Stan. There was every year DTC tapes that. And I help announce it, but I've seen adults run right out there. Well, you know, know you have fire trucks in there. When they're sitting up high, they can't see right in front. [00:50:40] Speaker A: No, no. [00:50:41] Speaker B: You know, now this year we did have some people that were handing out candy. Unfortunately, by the time they got to the square, I think most of them had run out. [00:50:53] Speaker A: Well, yeah, and this was the first time doing this, so it was a learning experience and, you know, it would be. It'll be better next year. [00:51:01] Speaker B: But that was the only complaint I heard about it was this one man told me that his kids couldn't run out in the street and didn't get one piece of candy. And I thought, well, buy him a bag of candy. I'll throw it out in the street. [00:51:17] Speaker A: Well, you know, the safety of a child not being injured or seriously hurt or killed, it's more important to. Made them one getting candy. [00:51:26] Speaker B: That's right. You're right. [00:51:28] Speaker A: So anyway, but you being with the Chamber, you and Keith tell us of some more events that are coming up for this year. [00:51:36] Speaker B: Okay. Well, I'm glad you asked. March 14, the Lions Club fish fry and chicken fry will be at the Lions club building from 11am until 6pm you can enjoy chicken, fish, white beans, slaw, french fries, hush puppies, a drink and dessert. And the proceeds from this benefit will go to the White Cane site programs that the Lions Club's involved in. [00:52:04] Speaker A: You just made me hungry. [00:52:06] Speaker B: Well, you just come to the fish dinner. Saturday, March 21, the Lions Club Princess Ball will be held at the Art Center. From it will begin at 6pm until 8:30. It is a father Daughter dance. And the proceeds from this event benefit juvenile diabetes research. And you can call me at the chamber 615-563-2222 for more information. And flyers will be taken out to each of the schools for the girls because last year we had a record crowd and we hope we have one again. And Saturday, March 21st, Cannon county merchants present their spring open house from 10am until 5pm you can enjoy door prizes, giveaways, sales and so much more. And it's good to see spring bringing all these events. That's a good thing. Saturday, March 28, the Child Advocacy center presents Cannon Runs for children a 5K and fun walk. And that will be again at the Art center parking lot at 6. Did she say 6:45 in the morning, [00:53:20] Speaker D: 6:45 for registration, 7:30 for the speakers and 8 o' clock, we're gonna blow the horn. [00:53:26] Speaker B: There you go. And then March 27 through April 12, children of Eden will take center stage at the Art Center. Friday and Saturday shows are 7:30 and Sunday matinees are at 2pm and they've been having school shows for the last week and a half. And yesterday I believe there were 400 and some children that visited the Art center and the show that they have on a field trip and they do so well with that, you just can't imagine. So they are part of the community and they do a lot of things to help the community. Let me see here. Saturday, April 11th is the Taylor Blanton Memorial 5K Run. It will start at 8am at the Art center and the proceeds benefit a nursing scholarship in Taylor's name. Saturday, April 25th. And I've had several calls on. This will be our first cruise in on the Square. The Chamber sponsors this. There's no charge. It's from 4 until 7pm and the flip cards are being printed as we Speak. And you will be getting those because I know people set their calendars through the year of which ones they're going to visit. So that will start on April 25, which is a Saturday. There's no charge and door prizes will be awarded. [00:55:01] Speaker D: Cannon County Safe Baby Court Community Meeting is going to take place on Monday, March 23rd at 1:00pm the community of Cannon county is invited to come check out what this program is about. It's a real good program. It's going to take place at the First Baptist Church, 413 Western High Street. Tommy Farmer with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. If you have never met Tommy before, you want to come out and meet him. Real good guy. He'll be presenting. And call Lydia to RSVP at 615-684-4077. Two other things I want to mention, of course we'll have the Cannon Coalition representatives come in next month to guest, but they're going to present a game night on the March 20th from 6 to 7:30pm at the Canon Community center gym. Pokemon coloring. Bring your own games. So you have to supply your own games if you're a kid. But the reason for this, this activity is mainly for kids, but parents of course are obviously welcome and invited to attend. But they'll also have the option to check out a free parent caregiver training designed to help you talk with your children about the risk of substance substance abuse before it's an issue. Attendees will receive a complimentary care package and certificate of participation. And for going through the training, you get a meal provided. You don't get your meal provided if you go to the game night. Right. But the meal is and this is going to take place at the Woodbury Lions Club across the way from the community center. And then we want to mention real quick prevention, recovery, Hope and Hope will take place on April 11th. That'll be at the Cannon County Courthouse going from 10am to 1pm Various resources representative there's gonna be music, speakers and activities for kids. And the drug take back day is April 25th from 10am to 2pm at the Woodbury Drug Center. So that's also my birthday, the 25th, one day after my girlfriend's birthday. Yeah. [00:57:04] Speaker B: Well, we'll have to party. Okay. That's all we have for today. And Stan, I want to thank you and I do want to explain. He is the city mayor. [00:57:14] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:57:15] Speaker B: And so we want you to come back. [00:57:17] Speaker A: Well, thank you for having me when [00:57:19] Speaker B: all these things get done. He does a good job, guys. And everybody's getting along good. So this is a good thing. And we hope to see you somewhere in Cannis county in the next month.