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Archives
03-22-2006
Freedom Salute held Saturday at armory
After the inside portion of the Freedom Salute, Cpt. Paul Shannon, left, and Executive Officer Joseph Sarsfield attached a commemorative plaque to the Operation Iraqi Freedom III monument that was dedicated at the Livingston National Guard Armory on Saturday. April Burchfield, back left, and Lora Looper, with Family Readiness Group, look on as the bronze marker is attached. The plaque lists the names of the soldiers who were deployed to Iraq as part of Troop K 3/278th ACR. The monument was the result of the combined efforts of the county and city governments, W.B. Melton, and Speck Funeral Home.
Regulations given on open burning The Department of Environment and Conservation's Air Pollution Control Division and the Department of Agriculture's Division of Forestry are reminding the public that observing state regulations regarding open burning help protect air quality and prevent wildfires. State forester Steve Scott said, "The recent wildfires that have occurred across the state serve as a reminder to all of us that open burning regulations are necessary for a variety of important reasons." The official forest fire season runs from October 15 to May 15 of each year, and state law requires citizens to obtain a burning permit from the Department of Agriculture before conducting any open, outdoor burning during this period. Tracy Carter, senior director for air resources for the Department of Environment and Conservation, said, "There are also items that it is illegal to burn at any time during the year to protect our air from pollution. Tennesseans want clean air for their families to breathe, and smoke from burning these illegal items can cause serious health problems, especially for children and the elderly." In Tennessee, it is illegal to burn the following: ¥Tires and rubber products; ¥Vinyl siding and shingles; ¥Asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing materials and demolition debris; ¥Building material, construction debris, and mobile homes; ¥Plywood, oriented strand board and treated wood, including railroad ties; ¥Asbestos-containing materials; ¥Aerosol cans and food cans; ¥Copper wire and electrical wires; ¥Plastics and other synthetic materials; ¥Paper products, cardboard, and newspaper; ¥Household trash; ¥Leaves, branches, and trees not grown on site. In addition to state regulations, local governments may have burning ordinances or require their own permits. Check with the city or county government for any local burning requirements. Carter reminds people that even those holding a proper permit for outdoor burning are not excused from following the state's air quality rules. "The state may fine violators of Tennessee's air quality regulations up to $25,000 per day for open burning," she said. Recycling and composting are alternatives to open burning recommended by the Division of Air Pollution Control. Consider recycling paper and cardboard, cans and plastic, and compost-ing yard trimmings and leftover food scraps. Division of Forestry regulations also subject anyone burning without a permit during the official fire season to a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine or 30 days in jail. Citizens can obtain a verbal burning permit by simply calling their local Division of Forestry office, listed under "state government" in the phone directory, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more about proper disposal of items that cannot be burned, refer to this online brochure from the Division of Air Pollution Control, www.tdec.net/apc/pdfs/OpenBurningBrochure. pdf or call the Department of Environment and Conservation toll-free at 1-888-891-8332 to reach the closest environmental field office. To learn more about fire dangers and open burning permits visit www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/forestry.
Candidates qualify for city election Four candidates have turned in their qualifying papers for the Town of Livingston mayor's race. Curtis Hayes, Betty (Garrett) Huffer, Hosea Winningham, and incumbent Frank Martin will vie for the mayor's post in the June 7 Municipal Election. Three alderman seats will be up for election also. Robert Jolley will try to retain his place on the City Council, and David H. Langford will seek to continue in the chair he was appointed to after his father, Thurman Langford, abdicated the position because of illness. Alderman Johnny Halfacre has chosen not to run for re-election. Others seeking to win the at-large aldermen seats are Jeff Hunter, Lynn King, Billy J. McLearran, John R. McLeod Jr., and Dean Smith. The top three in the voting will be elected as at-large aldermen. The withdrawal deadline is noon Thursday, March 23.
Overton County News
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