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Archives
12-31-2003
LA Lady Wildcats win Jaycees Tournament
LA Lady Wildcats win Jaycees Tournament
Dewain E. Peek/OCN staff The Livingston Academy Lady Wildcats won the 2003 Livingston Jaycees Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 23. On hand at the championship award presentation are, kneeling from left, April Handy, Kellie Thurman, Katrina Beechboard, Megan Thompson, Kasey Baltimore, standing from left, Wanda Krantz, representing tournament sponsor Bank of Overton County, Mallie Stephens, Jada Ledbetter, Megan Brown, Brittany McCoin, Krista Clinard, Whitney Sells, Kristin Hoover, Haley Mullins, Ashley Matthews, and tournament director Mike Johnson.
New year good time to quit smoking For those making New Year's resolutions this holiday season for the coming year, Overton County Health Department suggests making a vow to stop smoking. Andy Langford, director of the Health Department, said, "Instead of making a resolution that is soon forgotten and swept out along with the confetti, this year, make the choice to quit smoking and be smoke-free, not just for the new year, but for a new life." Health officials say that making a resolution to quit smoking, will not only benefit the health of the smoker, but also the people around. Tobacco has been proven to cause cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. According to the U.S. surgeon general, nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Over time, the body becomes physically and psychologically dependent on it. But health studies have also shown that the general public's health can be affected secondhand smoke. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 3,000 nonsmoking adults in the United States who have never been smokers die of lung cancer every year as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. According to The American Lung Association, more than 35,000 persons die each year from heart disease caused by secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke puts everyone at risk, particularly children who breathe more rapidly than adults, according to the Health Department. Langford pointed out that more and more public and private places are now banning smoking. "Smoking is becoming a social taboo and the new year is a good time to imagine a life free from nicotine, free from a bad cough or breath, costly cigarette purchases, and feeling ostracized from friends, family, and society in general because of the need for a smoke." Langford also suggested stopping the habit because of the odor. "When you quit smoking, the smell of stale tobacco is gone from your body, your hair, your clothes, and your breath," he said. Those who would like more information or support to stop smoking may call the Smoking Quitline of the National Cancer Institute at 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848).New year good time to quit smoking
Schools to receive documentary DVDs All Tennessee schools, public and private, will receive a copy of a documentary DVD and a curriculum exploring the life of George Washington Carver. The project, funded through grants from Tennessee Departments of Education, Agriculture, and Financial Institutions, BWXT Y-12, First Tennessee Bank, and University of Tennessee, celebrates the life of the scientist credited with modernizing the southern agrarian economy. Students from Austin East Performing Arts Magnet High School, Beaumont Honors Magnet Academy, and The Episcopal School of Knoxville worked with Knoxville television personality Bill Landry to create the interdisciplinary program honoring Carver's scientific and social contributions. Born a slave in the 1860s, Carver was later freed and earned his college degree. In 1896, he joined the staff of Tuskegee Institute as director of the Department of Agricultural Research, a post he held the rest of his life. Carver discovered hundreds of uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. His innovations stimulated demand for those crops, greatly benefitting the southern agrarian economy. He dedicated his work to improving life for African Americans, and his scientific applications helped feed hungry populations worldwide. Education Commissioner Lana C. Seivers said, "The story of George Washington Carver is both educational and inspirational. I hope the success and genius of the former slave will motivate students to break down their own barriers to meet their own potential,Êjust like Carver did." Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens said, "Carver's advances in agriculture point to the importance of our food and fiber industry and the value of hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity. "The Department of Agriculture is proud to support this project in hopes that it will inspire young men and women to consider careers in today's agricultural industry." Commissioner of Financial Institutions Kevin Lavender said, "George Washington Carver is a hero of American history, and he is a role model for children today. "He showed that a person's background cannot limit his future or his contribution to society." The Department of Education will distribute the DVDs and curricula to school systems in December and January. Alternatively, schools may pick up copies of the DVD and curriculum from their respective field service centers. For more information about the making of the George Washington Carver Project call Russ Oaks, with Knox County Schools, at (865) 594-1905.
Overton County News
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