The truth: a black notebook stuffed with paper.

Buyer beware.

A 24-year-old woman was scammed out of a $1,000 in the parking lot of a business on Wilma Rudolph Blvd.  The woman is from Nebraska and travels to the Clarksville area at the end of every month for business.

On July 28, a little after noon, she parked midway in row 10 of a business’ parking lot. As she got out of her vehicle, she was approached by a man who had exited from a grey Dodge Charger; there was a female sitting in the front seat of the Charger and an infant in a child seat in the back. He approached the woman and showed her a laptop.  He explained that his girlfriend is a manager at Best Buy and that he had gotten a great deal on some laptops like the one he had. But, now he needed the money more than he needed the laptops and said he would sell them to her for $350.00 each. He had four of them, each in an individual Fed Ex box in his car.  She accompanied him to his car, where he opened two boxes, and she saw what appeared to be two laptops. One was a black laptop with a Best Buy sales tag of $1999.99 and the other was a white Apple laptop with a $1999.99 price tag on it. Both were packaged nicely in plastic bubble wrap in Fed Ex boxes specifically made for shipping laptop computers.

Ordinary notebooks are diisguised to look like expensive laptops.

The woman called some of her friends and  they all wanted to buy one, so she bought all four of them for $1,000 in cash, on the spot. The scammer loaded them into the woman’s car and quickly left.  After the woman got back to her hotel, she discovered that the “computers” were actually several packages of notebook paper sandwiched between a black notebook binder and a white notebook binder.

Services such as the Better Business Bureau and consumer advocacy agencies advise consumers not to buy “off the truck” or from random, unknown people, especially in such unusual places as parking lots.

Scammers work quickly, with the intent of separating the victim from his money as quickly as possible. It is truly a case of “buyer beware.”

Citizens are encouraged to contact local police if approached with similar offers.

In the afternoon, the grand opening festivities continue with a festive fellowship hour, including refreshments beginning at 5:00pm. Candidates will be on hand with campaign information. Election material will be available. The public is invited to come out for both events. Bring a favorite side dish as a potluck gift. Volunteer opportunity information will be also be available.

For more information please contact: Gene Lewis, Chairman, Montgomery County Executive Committee, (931) 801-6209 or via email at wel750@yahoo.com. The party website is www.montgomerydemocrats.com

For those who have seen flashing blue lights in their neighborhood and want to know what was going on, the Clarksville Police Department has a new tool that accesses up-to-date crime statistics with the convenience and accuracy of an online map. With the CPD’s new partnership with CrimeReports and their National Crime Map at www.CrimeReports.com and the related iPhone app, residents can view color-coded statistics that date back as far as January 28th of this year.

“Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities,” says Chief Al Ansley. “And partnering with CrimeReports gives us the ability to keep the public informed on a regular basis as to what is going on in the community.” He added that the public can access the crime map 24 hours a day through the website or through the CrimeReports iPhone app, available for free download in the Apple iTunes store. The new service even lets local citizens sign up for free customizable email alerts, so they can stay on top of crime in their neighborhood.

“Information is power,” Chief Ansley added. “And we hope that giving the community this information will help them prevent crime in their neighborhoods.”  The following crimes are identified on Clarksville Police Department’s crime map: homicide, breaking and entering, robbery, theft, theft of vehicle, vehicle burglary (theft from a vehicle), sexual assault, assaults-simple or domestic, and assault with a deadly weapon (aggravated assault).  The data on the crime map is for the time-frame January 28, 2010 – Present.

“The Clarksville Police Department is a leader in law enforcement innovation,” says Greg Whisenant, founder and CEO of CrimeReports. “They are demonstrating their commitment to the community, to proactive policing, and fiscal responsibility.” The CrimeReports service only costs the Clarksville Police Department $99/month.

The Clarksville Police Department is joining a list of over 850 other law enforcement agencies of all sizes across North America such as; Baltimore, Boston, San Jose, San Francisco, Portland, Washington D.C., Los Angeles County, and more who are sharing their crime information with the public through the crime map.

To access the local crime map and sign up for daily, weekly, or monthly email crime alerts, visit www.CrimeReports.com or at the Clarksville Police Department’s website at www.clarksvillepd.org.

Many Montgomery County School children cannot afford lunch, much less basic school supplies, and studies indicate that the average teacher spends between $500 and $1,000 of his or her own money to buy supplies for their students.

Countywide, the school budget has been slashed dramatically and there is a great need for student and teacher support. The Teachers Warehouse provides a unique means to transfer donated, value purchased and created products from businesses and individuals free to teachers for use in school classrooms.

The Teachers Warehouse is a joint effort between the Montgomery County Education Foundation and Hands on Clarksville. The program helps bridge the gap between the great need and community resources. By contributing to Teachers Warehouse, donated supplies will help support needy Montgomery County classrooms through the free teachers store.

To support or donate to the Teachers Warehouse,  contact Rita Arancibia at Hands on Clarksville (931) 551-5450 or e-mail rita.arancibia@gmail.com.or Candy Johnson at (931) 920-7955 (e-mail Johnson at candy.johnson@cmcss.net).

According to Bruce VerBurg, facility director of Wrigley Chattanooga, the company expects to begin producing LifeSavers in Chattanooga by the end of 2011 within its existing facility space, which will be optimized as the new production line is added.

Work continues to progress on the state’s second largest Recovery Act funded project on I-40 at White Bridge Road in west Nashville.  This weekend, crews will close lanes on Interstate 40 in both directions near White Bridge Road to begin work on concrete foundations for new overhead sign structures.  Also this weekend, the I-40 eastbound ramp to White Bridge Road will be closed as crews install a storm sewer across the off-ramp.

The closures are as follows:

• Friday July 23, 8:00 p.m. through Monday July 26, 5:00 a.m. - the left lanes of I-40 eastbound and westbound will be closed to remove the median barrier rail and install a new overhead sign footing.

• Friday July 23, Saturday July 24 and Sunday July 25, 10:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. (EACH NIGHT) – I-40 will be reduced to one lane in each direction as crews continue removing the median barrier rail and installing a new overhead sign footing.

• Friday July 23, 9:00 p.m. through Sunday July 25, 6:00 p.m. – The I-40 eastbound ramp to White Bridge Road (Exit #204) will be closed for the installation of a storm sewer. Motorists will be detoured to 51^st Avenue (Exit #205).

The lane closures are part of the Interstate 40/White Bridge Road Interchange Modification Project, which will help improve traffic flow for motorists traveling eastbound I-40 to Briley Parkway and from Briley Parkway to westbound I-40.  The $32 million project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is scheduled to be complete in August 2011.

For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/.  Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information or www.twitter.com/Nashville511 for traffic information in the Nashville area.  Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly.  Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.  TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.

The Family Campout will include an afternoon and evening of games as well as a hot dog dinner and breakfast.  Families will need to provide their own tent and sleeping materials. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Don’t miss out on your chance to sleep under the stars, pre-register by October 8 at the Parks & Recreation Main office located at 102 Public Square or any of our three community centers.

For complete details about the Family Campout, please visit us online at www.cityofclarksville.com/parks&rec/ or call 931-645-7476.

Clarksville Police Chief Al Ansley, addressing the Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, said “T-bone” crashes are down at site equipped with red light cameras.

Police Chief Al Ansley wants to put red-light cameras at two more intersections, he told the Public Safety Committee Wednesday, noting that T-bone crashes are down where cameras have been in use. Currently the city has  cameras installed at seven intersections. Redflex Traffic Systems installed the cameras in 2009 and has  monitored those cameras.

Ansley indicated that T-bone accidents dropped dramatically at camera-monitored intersections, with the most striking statistic coming from the Madison Street/Hwy 41/A & 76, where such crashes dropped from 16 to eight. That assumption does not hold true at Fort Campbell Boulevard and Tiny Town Road, however, where crashes escalated from four to 11, a rate attributed to pre-deployment numbers at Fort Campbell.

In addition, the impact of cameras on rear-end collisions show mixed results, with such crashes staying the same, increasing or decreasing depending on location.

To date the city has has garnered $304,214 in revenue from more than 13,000 citations issued, or just under half the total revenue collected by Redflex.

All proceeds will go towards funding the Mission Clarksville Program.  Please come out and purchase local, fresh, delicious, organic vegetables that are supporting a great cause!

Also, if you haven’t checked out our website lately, then you should read some of the blogs written by our youth.  We have posted about 30 blogs written by June and July D.I.R.T. Crews about their experiences this summer.  Just go to www.missionclarksville.org and click BLOGS in the top right hand corner.

In addition, if you want to learn more about our program, follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/missioncville or “Friend” us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/mission.clarksville .

Over 60 teams will be descending upon Clarksville in the coming week. Jay Patel, Chairman of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, is thrilled for the opportunity. “The economic impact from this tournament will be huge,” says Patel. “We estimate over $1 million in revenue.”

The next week, July 26-30, will bring another round of teams for the 16U and 18U tournaments. All games are open to the public. Admission will be charged.

The teams are playing at Heritage Park off Peacher’s Mill Road. The week long events will include fun activities for the players at night, an opening ceremony and, of course, lots of softball. The Convention & Visitors Bureau is looking for volunteers to assist with the opening ceremony on July 19, beginning at 3:00 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Channel Lemon at (931) 245-4346 or email clemon@clarksville.tn.us. The opening ceremony is free and open to the public.

For more information on the tournaments contact Channel Lemon at (931) 245-4341.  For a list of game times, locations and schedules visit clarksvillecvb.com.

Two soldiers died July 15 when their dismounted patrol encountered an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Sergeant First Class John H. Jarrell

Sergeant First Class John H. Jarrell, 32, of Brunson, S.C., was an infantryman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He entered the Army in June 1996 and arrived at Fort Campbell in February 2010.

Jarrell’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal with Valor device; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; No-commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantry Badge; Parachute Badge; Air Assault Badge; Driver’s Mechanic Badge – with Driver – Tracked Vehicles; and Weapons Qualification: M4, expert.

Jarrell is survived by his wife, Wendi A., and daughter, Emma K., of Clarksville; son,  Brantley A., of Alvin, Texas; and parents, Bobby and Maude Duff of Estill, S.C.

Sergeant Leston M. Winters

Sergeant Leston M. Winters, of Sour Lake, Texas, was a civil affairs medical sergeant assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He entered the Army in July 1998 and arrived at Fort Campbell in April 2010.

Winters’ awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; and  Weapons Qualification: M4, expert.

Winters is survived by his wife, Elizabeth J., son, Remington J., and daughter Emma B., all of Palmyra, Tenn.; son, Jonathon T., who resides in Leipieg, Germany; and parents Kenneth and Cheryl Spivey of Sour Lake, Texas.

Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert died July 17 of wounds sustained when his dismounted patrol encountered a land mine in Paktika, Afghanistan.

Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert

Weikert, 29, of Jacksonville, Ill., was an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He entered the Army in September 2002 and arrived at Fort Campbell in October 2005.

Weikert’s awards and decorations include: Combat Action Ribbon Navy/Marine; Presidential Unit Citation Navy/Marine; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Army Good Conduct Medal; Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Navy Reserve Sea Service with 2 Stars; NATO Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Combat Action Badge; and Weapons Qualification: M4, expert.

Weikert is survived by his parents Richard W. and Susan B. of Jacksonville, Ill.

A memorial ceremony for both Soldiers will be held in Afghanistan.

That’s the philosophy two Austin Peay State University students and an alumnus adopted when they were approached about a project many universities are quickly embracing – the creation of an iPhone app.

Pending approval from Apple – the manufacturer of the iPhone, iPad and other Mac computer products, APSU will launch is own iPhone app this fall.

The three students – Russ Christensen, Robert Dohner and T.J. Phillips – began working on the project in November 2009. Actually, that’s when they began learning how Apple’s products are programmed; the company’s operating systems are different than its Microsoft Windows counterpart.

“We had to learn on the fly,” said Dohner, who graduated from APSU in May 2009. “The language Apple uses is similar, but it’s still different.”

“We decided, well, nothing wrong with learning a new language,” Phillips, a junior, said.

Christensen, in fact, after learning he would be working on the development of an APSU app, purchased an iPhone.

“I bought one solely for this purpose,” he said.

Development of APSU’s iPhone app began last fall – at a Governors football game. Dr. Tristan Denley, provost and vice president of academic affairs at APSU, approached Dr. Bruce Myers, professor of computer science and information technology, about the idea.

“He said, ‘Do you have any students who could do this?’” Myers said. “ I told him I was not an iPhone person, but that I was sure we could find someone.”

Denley wanted to make sure, though, that student involvement was a key element in the project.

“Austin Peay is all about giving our students unique and transformative educational experiences, and this certainly proved to a perfect opportunity,” Denley said. “These three young men have created a wonderful app that will be enjoyed by many of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

Hired for the project, Christensen, Dohner and Phillips first had to learn the Objective C language used in Apple products. That began in November 2009, and by March 2010, the trio began putting it together.

“We looked at least 20 different colleges to see how their apps worked,” Christensen said.

Currently, the APSU app is in the refinement phase, with the three men working to eliminate any problems encountered during the testing. After modifications are made, the app design will be sent to Apple for approval.

The APSU iPhone app, when launched, will have eight features for users:

n  A blog by APSU President Tim Hall.

• Google map of the main campus.
• APSU news
• Sports news
• Event calendar
• Faculty and staff directory
• Course catalog
• My Schedule, allowing students to see their class meetings.

“I feel the directory, course catalog and My Schedule are going to be the most used,” Christensen said.

The three men said the experience has been eye opening for them, adding the project will help them to secure future employment in the computer industry.

“This has been an actual job,” Dohner said. Christensen and Phillips agreed.

“We now have experience under our belts,” Phillips said.

Myers said the project has been a success because of the student involvement.

“Dr. Denley wanted to make sure students were involved,” he said. “That’s what we’re about, and these three students are making us proud.”

The National Weather Service is calling for temperatures to stay in the low- to mid- 90s for the balance of the work week, including dew points that will often make the air feel like 100-104. Due to the “heat island” effect, heavily paved areas and downtown areas could feel even hotter. Nightly lows won’t dip much below the mid-70s.

The possibility of scattered and isolated thunderstorms is a daily threat, but there are no major storm systems on the radar.

The forecasts follows on the heels of a weather statement indicating the June temperatures across the northern hemisphere hit an all time high.

Over the weekend, boaters were out along the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, where, at least on Sunday, strong breezes over the waterways kept the “feels like” temperature at a comfortable level. At many of the recreation areas along the rivers, swimmers were taking advantage of water access, though the water itself was tepid (with hot currents) after weeks of solar heating.

The difference made by proximity to water was evident with the return to paved areas and urban centers. A few feet of elevation and a bit or parking lot pavement was enough to add ten degrees to to that outside temp.

Global temperature rises

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, last month’s combined global land and ocean surface temperature made it the warmest June on record and the warmest on record averaged for any April-June and January-June periods. Worldwide average land surface temperature was the warmest on record for June and the April-June period, and the second warmest on record for the year-to-date (January-June) period, behind 2007.

The monthly analysis from NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, which is based on records going back to 1880, is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides government, business and community leaders so they can make informed decisions.

Warmer-than-average conditions dominated the globe, with the most prominent warmth in Peru, the central and eastern contiguous U.S., and eastern and western Asia. Cooler-than-average regions included Scandinavia, southern China and the northwestern contiguous United States. Ironically, areas of Argentina — now in their winter season — are experiencing record cold.

Sea surface temperature continued to decrease across the equatorial Pacific Ocean during June 2010, consistent with the end of El Niño. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, La Niña conditions are likely to develop during the northern hemisphere summer 2010.

Drought outlook

NOAA’s National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center released its seasonal drought outlook today for the period from August through October. The outlook indicates already dry conditions across parts of Arizona and New Mexico are likely to worsen in coming months. The official outlook calls for current severe drought conditions to persist across north-central portions of New Mexico and northeast Arizona while developing across much of the remainder of Arizona and extreme western parts of New Mexico.

Through mid-July, the summer monsoon has started fairly weak and little rainfall has been observed. The monsoon typically peaks during the month of August. Official Climate Prediction Center precipitation outlooks favor below average precipitation in these areas August through October.

“If the monsoon remains erratic during the next few weeks, then the drought development area may be expanded on the updated outlook scheduled for August 5,” said Wayne Higgins, director of the NOAA Climate Prediction Center.

Factors leading to the forecast of enhanced chances for drier-than-normal conditions in the Southwest during the above periods include coupled ocean-atmosphere global climate forecasts and historical conditions during the late summer when transitioning from El Niño to La Niña.

“Beyond this time period, expected dryness associated with established La Niña conditions may bring further expansion of drought conditions in the Southwest during the 2010-11 winter season,” Higgins said. La Niña may also provide wetter-than-normal conditions in the Pacific Northwest during fall 2010 and winter 2010-2011.

Other important areas highlighted in this outlook include continued severe to exceptional drought conditions across many areas of Hawaii and forecasts for improvement across moderate drought areas in the mid-Atlantic and severe/extreme drought areas of the upper Great Lakes and lower Mississippi Valley respectively.

Scientists, researchers and leaders in government and industry use NOAA’s monthly reports to help track trends and other changes in the world’s climate. This climate service has a wide range of practical uses, from helping farmers know what and when to plant, to guiding resource managers with critical decisions about water, energy and other vital assets.

The CPA covers all facets of the Police Department’s activities from administration to tactical operations. Citizens are given an opportunity to not only learn about Police Department functions, but also afforded a chance to participate in activities such as: police vehicle operations, firearms instruction, self-defense techniques, and use of force decision-making exercises.

The class is free of charge and applications are available online at www.clarksvillepd.org by scrolling down to Citizen Police Academy application and returning it to the address listed on the application or you can stop by Police Headquarters at 135 Commerce street to pick up an application.   Applications will be accepted through September 3rd.

If you have any questions, please contact Officer Heather Vanatta at 931-648-0656, ext 2127 or via email at hvanatta@clarksvillepd.org

Dr. Merriel Bullock-Neal

Dr. Merriel Bullock-Neal, candidate for Montgomery County General Sessions and Juvenile Judge,  will hold a “Meet and Greet” event at her campaign headquarters, 235C Dunbar Cave Road, at 6 p.m. on July 22.

The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Vice-President Joe Biden

Vice-President Joe Biden thrills politicos and stirs up the enthusiasm for the coming election campaign cycle.

With much fanfare, music and high spirits, Tennessee Democrats held their annual Jackson Day Celebration at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center. State party officials and leaders were in high visibility mode for this nighttime gala. Honoring high profile Democrats who are ending their political tenure, the  gala saw Governor Phil Bredesen, U. S. Rep. John Tanner, Bart Gordon, Jim Cooper, Steve Cohen and Lincoln Davis receive acknowledgment for their many years of dedication and service to the people of Tennessee, the Tennessee Democratic Party and the United States.

Tennessee Democratic royalty was represented, showcasing the leadership of state’s democratic party. The program included a welcome by Gale Jones Carson – Secretary, TNDP,  recognition of Tennessee flood victims by Party Treasurer Dave Garrison, remarks by Party Chairman Chip Forrester, a tribute to Bart Gordon and John Tanner with remarks by Lincoln Davis and Roy Herron, and a tribute to Governor Bredesen with remarks by Jim Cooper. Bredesen introduced gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter to a cheering crowd.

Gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter outlines the issues

McWherter confidently said he will make full advantage of the knowledge of Gordon and Tanner, as well as Governor Bredesen when he assumes the governor’s chair. He stressed that it’s time to create jobs for Tennessee and to put Tennesseans back to work.

“Tennessee needs more than a candidate with a lot of cash and no substance. Tennessee doesn’t want to give Washington the boot when they’re down here trying to help our flood victims.,” he stated. Furthermore, he would continue Governor Bredesen’s example and use tax breaks for job creation by Tennessee-based businesses.

Tennessee native son, former Vice President Al Gore, Jr. gave a running tally of reasons for Democrats to rejoice. He reminded the members that they can be proud of a Democratic tradition that he said ” saw America achieve the highest surplus in its history under the Clinton Administration. Americans saw that same record surplus squandered away under eight years of the Bush administration that followed the 2000 election.” Gore reminded the audience of valued Tennessee traits that have seen this state weather economic tough times and come out ready and willing to climb back up on the economic ladder to success. “We need to create a lot more jobs with green technology and Vice-President Biden has been a strong leader in that endeavor.

Biden thanked Gore and said it was good to be back in Tennessee even as he  reminded listeners that Democrats have reason to be proud. Biden noted  that tough times are being met with  innovation and determination. He noted that, “Republicans moralizing about debt is like an arsonist moralizing about fire safety.” He added that, “President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore left America with a 230 billion dollar surplus and the Bush administration turned that into a 1.3 trillion dollar deficit in eight years.”

“They gave America a Ponzi scheme masked as a vision. Unlike his predecessor, this president is being honest with the American people and putting the cost of the Iraq-Afghanistan War on the books. The Obama Administration inherited a foreign policy that was in disarray and the nation had lost its international standing and respect. Americans need to be reminded that economic stimulus programs are indeed plugging away at problems that have worn down our economy. Despite Republican claims of runaway spending, stock market insolubility and weak performance of major components of the US economy, the banking industry is repaying their bailout assistance loans to the tune of over 100 billion dollars, thousands of jobs have been saved and many more created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and for the first time in twenty years, more Americans prefer to buy a car made in the US than one imported from overseas.”– Vice-President Joe Biden

Biden remarked that America’s foreign policy is back on a solid track and we are again a well respected voice and member of the world community.

In criticizing the GOP, he commented that, “This isn’t your father’s Republican Party. Government has always served to foster entrepreneurial development. The internet came from President Eisenhower seeding research. ” He went on to say that America needs a new energy policy to satisfy the needs of the American people, not the greed of the oil industry. Sharing an observation made by his wife, he said, “Any nation that out educates us will out compete us.” He followed that with  declaring that “the new Nissan plant has employed over 1300 new workers here in Tennessee, all without any support from Republicans. The Republican Party of today is the party of repeal and repeat. Repeal initiatives of today and repeat every failed policy of the Bush Administration.”

Tiggy, Customs House Museum mascot

The Customs House Museum mascot, “Ms. Tiggy Green,” is about to get new “digs.” Customs House personnel have obtained the design plans  for her new quarters. A public fundraiser effort for the materials is now underway.

Anyone who has ever been displaced  persons will appreciate the dilemma facing Tiggy,  Clarksville Customs House Museum’s mascot and resident iguana. Tiggy, a diva among iguanas, has a great personality; however she has outgrown her current apartment in the Museum’s Gift Shop and is looking forward to getting new living quarters.

Museum personnel have obtained blueprint designs for her new living quarters. With proceeds from an ongoing fundraiser, Tiggy looks forward to moving onto her new more spacious digs before year’s end.

Tiggy in her current 'apartment.'

Tiggy sits resplendent in her “apartment,” observing patrons as they enter the gift shop and peruse its diverse selection of gifts. Tiggy never makes a sound of protest or complaint about her condition; she is a very modern, internet savvy kind of lady with her own facebook page: screen name , “Tiggy Green.” You can also view videos of Tiggy and other museum related events at  http://www.youtube.com/user/MuseumTiggy.

Donations may be made at the museum’s gift shop or by mail: Clarksville Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Attn: Tiggy’s New Quarters, 200 S. Commerce Street. Clarksville, TN 37040. For more information on how to contribute, contact  Shae Otto, (931) 648-5780 or Terri Jordan, (931) 920-4188. There is also a donation jar available at our Imagine Media Solutions business office, 741 B Madison Street during regular business hours.

The plastic clips on these Tots in Mind tents can be removed by the children inside, posing a safety risk. Please contact the company for free replacement clips. The recall covers all tents sold from 2005-2010.

The following consumer product safety recall report has been compiled from notices issued by various federal, state and local consumer protection agencies nationwide for the week ending July 16. These various notices have been consolidated and released by recall.org. These notices are posted here in the interest of public safety and for the benefit of our readership and the general public.

Portable Tents: Tots in Mind Inc. is recalling Cozy Indoor Outdoor Portable Playard Tents Plus Cabana Kits sold nationwide and in Canada from January 2005 to February 2010. Clips that attach the tent to the top of the playard can break or be removed by a child. A child can lift the tent and become entrapped at the neck between the rigid playard frame and the metal base rod of the tent, posing a strangulation hazard.

The dome-shaped white-colored mesh tent is designed to fit over playards as small as 28 inches by 40 inches or as large as 31 inches by 44 inches to contain a child. There are 12 plastic clips to secure the base of the tent to the top rail of the playard through button holes along the bottom of the tent. The tent has a zippered side for putting in and taking out the child. Consumers should contact Tots in Mind at (800) 626-0339 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.TotsinMind.com to get free replacement clips.

Mini Bikes & Go-Carts: Baja Motorsports is recalling Mini Bikes and Go-Carts sold nationwide from November 2004 to June 2010. The gas cap can leak or detach from the fuel tank on the recalled mini bikes and go-carts, posing a fire and burn hazard. In addition, the throttle can stick due to an improperly positioned fuel line and throttle cable, posing a sudden acceleration hazard.

This recall involved Baja Motorsports mini bikes with model numbers beginning with HT65, MB165, WR65, MB196, DB30, WR90 and DR90 and go-carts with model numbers BB65, SD65, DN65 and TR65. The model number is located on the mini bikes’ fenders and/or decorative fuel tank and on the go-carts’ roll cage. They both have black plastic gas caps. Consumers should contact Baja Motorsports at (888) 863-2252 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.bajamotorsports.net for a free replacement gas cap and to schedule a free repair of the fuel line and throttle cable.

Pottery Barn Kids Cribs: Pottery Barn Kids is recalling Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs sold exclusively by Pottery Barn Kids nationwide from January 1999 to March 2010. The cribs’ drop-sides can detach when hardware breaks, creating a space into which a young child can become entrapped, which can lead to suffocation.

This recall involves all Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs regardless of the model number. Pottery Barn Kids is printed on a label attached to the crib headboard or footboard. Consumers should contact Pottery Barn Kids at (877) 804-3847 between 7 a.m. and midnight 7 days a week or visit www.potterybarnkids.com to receive a free fixed-gate conversion kit that will immobilize the drop side.

Climbing Sticks: Muddy Outdoors is recalling 2009 Muddy Outdoors tree climbing sticks sold nationwide from July 2009 to April 2010. Bolts that secure the cam locs to the frame of these climbing sticks that retains the rope around the tree can break, allowing the cam locs to detach from the frame. This causes the retaining rope to detach and the climbing stick to release from the tree, posing a fall hazard.

The recalled climbing sticks are used for climbing a tree and include 2009 year Model 70301 – Muddy Outdoors climbing stick (a 20 inch single climbing stick) and 2009 year Model 70304 – Muddy Outdoors climbing stick (4 pack of 20-inch climbing sticks). The year and model number is printed on a label on the front of the main vertical frame of the climbing stick just below the two cam locs. Consumers should return the climbing sticks to Muddy Outdoors for a refund, exchange or manufacturer’s credit. Consumers can also contact Muddy Outdoors at (877) 366-8339 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.gomuddy.com.

Seattle Bicycles: Seattle Bike Supply is recalling 2010 Redline Conquest Cyclocross Bicycles and Framesets sold nationwide from July 2009 to May 2010. The bicycle fork’s legs can separate from the fork crown and cause the rider to lose control, posing a fall hazard and risk of injury. This recall involves all 2010 Redline Conquest Cyclocross bicycles and ramesets. The bicycles and framesets were sold in yellow and black, and have aluminum frames and aluminum forks with aluminum steering tubes. “Redline” is printed on the bicycle frame. The bicycles are equipped with a 700C wheel and frame sizes ranging from 44cm to 60 cm.

Consumers should contact their local Redline bicycle dealer to receive a free fork replacement. Consumers can also contact Redline Bicyles at (800) 283-2453 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.redlinebicycles.com.

Children’s Jewelry: Tween Brands Inc. is recalling Metal Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings sold nationwide from November 2008 to February 2010. The children’s metal jewelry contains high levels of cadmium. This recall involves 19 different styles of children’s metal necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Styles and shapes of the jewelry include hearts, heart locks, butterflies, cupcakes, peace signs and crowns. Some jewelry contains the words “Best,” “Friends” or “Forever” and/or “BFF.” Style numbers can be found at www.recalls.org.

Consumers and return it to any Justice or Limited Too store for a full refund. Consumers can also contact Tween Brands at (800) 934-4497 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.shopjustice.com.

Wire Feed Welders: Star Asia USA LLC is recalling wire feed welders sold nationwide from October 2006 to March 2010. The wire welder’s torch does not have a cold contactor as erroneously stated on the packaging and instruction manual. Without this feature, the welder generates an electrical arc immediately upon contact with the welding material, posing a burn hazard.

The recall involves the Vaper 90 amp flux wire feed welders with model number 41181. “Vaper” and “90 amp flux wire welder” can be found on the product’s operation panel. The model number can be found on the top right hand corner of the package and on the first page of the users manual. Consumer should contact Star Asia at (800) 386-0191 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT to obtain a corrected instructions manual and packaging or for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

More info on each recall listed above is available at www.recalls.org.

2010 Harlem Book Fair – LIVE

Book TV will be LIVE from the 12th annual Harlem Book Fair from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.  Our schedule of coverage includes:

• 11:00 AM ET – Harlem Book Fair Tribute to BookTV
• 11:15 AM ET – Harlem Book Fair Tribute to Howard Dodson, Chief of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
• 11:40 AM ET – Religion Panel
• 1:05 PM  ET – Panel: Barack Obama and Human Rights
• 2:30 PM  ET – Biography/Memoir Panel
• 3:55 PM ET – Panel: Diversity in Children’s & Young Adult Publishing
• 5:15 PM ET – African-American History Panel
• 6:45 PM ET – Panel: Reading in the Digital Age

Ali Rezayi, Panjshir Beverage Industry Ltd. quality Control manager, shows Army Chief Warrant officer Peter Johnson one of the chemical tests the plant runs on bottled water. Photo by USAF 2nd Lt. Jason Smoth, Panjshir PRT Public Affairs.

ANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Panjshir Beverage Industry Ltd. water bottling plant is currently producing 40,000-50,000 bottles of mineral water per day, and the company’s owner is looking to expand his Afghan business to include sales to the American military.

Army Chief Warrant Officer Peter Johnson, 72nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Services,  pre-audited Haaj Kateb Khalili’s bottling plant in the Khenj District of the Panjshir Valley.

Johnson said his pre-audit is just one step in the process of approving the water plant as a Department of Defense procurement facility. The whole inspection and certification process can take several weeks to months or even longer. Simply going through the process doesn’t mean automatic approval.

“This is just the beginning,” said Johnson. “We already have samples of the water at the veterinary lab in Europe. The outcome of those tests will determine how we move forward.

“Today, we’re doing a pre-audit,” Johnson continued. “I’ll assess the facility and point them in the right direction about what it takes to become an approved source. I’ll give them references as to how to be in compliance. In a couple of weeks, I’ll receive a tasking to set up an initial audit. At that meeting, I’ll pull more samples and continue the inspection.”

The plant is currently having a hard time producing as much water as they can sell, said Lal Mohammad, plant manager. However, within a couple of months production will double.

“Yes, we can make more very soon,” said Mohammad through an interpreter. “Our maximum can be 100,000 bottles per day. We purchased three more machines, and when they’re installed, we will be able to double our output.”

In addition to more water, the new machines mean more workers, said Mohammad. The plant has 60 workers now and will have 120 in a few months when the new equipment is installed.

There is no shortage of fresh spring water, according to Khalili, the plant’s owner and CEO. The water is piped in from a spring about 4,000 meters from the facility. It goes through a complex system of purification and testing before it gets bottled.

“We test the water every 15 minutes,” said Mohammad. “The lab chief who does the test has 11 years of experience in lab testing water. We want to make sure our water is always perfect.”

If the plant is able to work through the approval process, Curtis Rose, U.S. Agency for International Development field officer with the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, said the water company will be entitled to government contracts.

“It’s a tremendous business opportunity in Panjshir,” said Rose, a Newport Richey, Fla., native. “This is the first big business in Panjshir, and being an approved source could really increase the business and produce a lot of jobs. Plus, the water tastes great, and this is a state-of-the-art facility.”

Khalili said he is happy that the Panjshir PRT brought in the inspector for more than one reason.

“We’re looking forward to being an approved water source,” said Khalili through an interpreter. “I know (ISAF) focuses on unsecure places a lot. Panjshir is secure, so we don’t get as many projects as some other areas.

“Panjshir has great weather and very fresh water,” Khalili continued. “I was born here, and I want to make something for the valley. It’s important to serve the valley. My goal is also to help the security of Afghanistan and serve the people.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Curtis Velasquez, the Panjshir PRT commander, has worked with his USAID partners behind the scenes to make the pre-audit happen. Velasquez said it’s important for the PRT to work with their Afghan partners to promote business opportunities and jobs in the valley, and he sees potential with the water bottling plant.

“This is a really modern facility,” said Velasquez, an Abilene, Kan., native. “We have a great relationship with Panjshir now, and we would like to support the local economy by drinking the water should it pass the procurement process.”

During his pre-audit, Johnson went on a plant and laboratory tour with Ali Rezayi, plant quality control manager. Rezayi showed Johnson all of the equipment in the facility and talked about current testing and processing procedures. Johnson left Rezayi with multiple pages of paperwork and additional guidelines that must be met.

“It really depends on how the samples come back,” said Johnson. “They are probably a little overwhelmed right now because no one has held them to these standards before. It’s a process, and we’re here to help them work through it.”

Pending the lab results, Johnson will schedule his initial audit of the plant in the coming weeks.

Written by U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Private First Class Nathaniel D. Garvin

Fort Campbell has announced the deaths of three soldiers in Afghanistan.

Private First Class Nathaniel D. Garvin died July 12 of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Garvin, 20, of Radcliff, Ky., was an armament, electrical and avionics systems repairer assigned to the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He entered the Army in August 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in June 2009.

Garvin’s awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with arrowhead, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; and Weapons Qualification: M4, expert.

Garvin is survived by his wife, Brittany P. Garvin and daughter, Kayleigh J., of Hodgenville, Ky.; and father, Clifton W. Garvin, mother Melanie S. of Elizabethtown, Ky.

Sergeant Shaun M. Mittler

Sergeant Shaun M. Mittler died July 10 of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit in Konar Province, Afghanistan.

Mittler, 32, of Austin, Texas, was an indirect fire infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. He entered the Army in December 1999 and arrived at Fort Campbell in May 2008.

Mittler’s awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Expert Infantry Badge; Air Assault Badge; Driver/Mechanic Badge; and Weapons Qualification: M4, expert.

Mittler is survived by his wife, Maricel B. Mittler, daughter Christine Mittler and step-son John Barcel of Mililani, Hawaii;  father Terry Mittler of Kansas City, Mo.; and mother Joyce Turner of Gladstone, Mo.

Specialist Carlos J. Negron

Specialist Carlos J. Negron, 40, of Fort Myers, Fla.,died July 10 of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit at Konar Province, Afghanistan.

Negron, 40, of Fort Myers, Fla., was a combat medic assigned to the 426th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team. He entered the Army in June 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2009.

Negron’s awards and decorations include: Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with arrowhead, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; and Weapons Qualification: M4, expert.

Negron is survived by his wife, Arlin A. Negron and sons Carlos J. Jr., Carlos M. and Angel G. of Lakewood, N.J.; father, Gabriel Negron of Lakewood, N.J.; and mother, Marta Torres-Figueroa of Lakewood, N.J.

Memorial ceremonies will be held in Afghanistan.

TGA Jr. Tour Player of the Year Bria Sanders holds her 2nd Place Trophy in 47th TN Girls Amateur Tournament, Age 10-14 Division

Tennessee Player of the Year sensation among amateur contenders in state’s top competition. Clarksville Country Club plays hosts to this year’s competition.

Clarksville Country Club hosted the Tennessee Girls Junior Amateur Golf Championship last week. Competition divisions included ages 10-14  and 15-18 years of age.

The tournament took place under the high humidity and temperatures, with the young competitors walking the course despite the heat and discomfort. Starting time each day was  9 a.m. through the end of play.

Among the field of talented contenders was TGA Junior Tour and USGA Junior  Golf Tour Player of the Year Bria Sanders, a golf prodigy and academic scholar from the Memphis area. At 14, she is a recognized golfing wonder who began playing at age 3. Sanders is the oldest daughter of Sharon and Michael Sander, who have been married for 26 years. She received the President’s Edcucation Excellence Award in May and won the 2010 Golf Digest/Hank Haney Scholar of the Year competition. Sanders also won a four-year scholarship to the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy at Hilton Head Island, where she will begin studying in August. Sanders, who came in at the top of 408 applicants nationally,  won a scholarship of $65,000 annually for four years of secondary education and golf training  Harrison  Taylor, 13,  of Shallotte, NC, won the boys competition and received a two-year scholarship.

Sanders and her family visited the Business Clarksville office following the tournament. her father, Michael, was a golfer who had Bria picking up child-sized clubs by the time she was three-years-old.

“I practiced a lot,” Sanders said, adding that golf “feels natural” to her. Her father laughed, adding that “it’s natural because you practice a lot.” Sanders said that as a child her favorite spot was the bunkers, a prodigy’s version of a sandbox. On more than one occasion, her mother remembers, she’s d come in with sand in her hair and her shoes.

At the age of 14, Sanders already personifies self-confidence and is  clearly accustomed to meeting new people and interacting with them with a professional edge. Among the people she met in her golf career: Jesse Jackson. She has been been a featured speaker at Rainbow Push in Chicago.

Nonetheless, with a bit of conversation the teenager emerges, one whose future dreams include an interest in a fashion career. Sanders and her sister, Kaya, 12, are ambitious and well-grounded — until the issue of triple chocolate ice cream emerges. “Chocolate is a food group,” Sanders giggles.The teenager emerges.

Sanders plays an average of  seven tournaments a year. Her acceptance into Heritage Academy and the prestigious Hank Hanley Academy means she will soon leave home to board in North Carolina, where she will attended traditional classes daily, with three hours of golf training every afternoon. She will be in the company of students from 30 countries, creating a broad world view of traditions and customs of students from around the world. She is anxious to “take French this year.”

Sanders will be living in a home shared with two houseparents and eight of those other students, four boys and four girls. She’s angling for an early arrival and has plans to stake a claim on a top bunk, which she plans to garnish with “lots of pillows.”

Kendall Martindale (l) 15-18 Division, TN Girls Jr. Amateur Golf Championship Winner shows her trophies with Dorie Paschall, (r) Tournament Director

Watching the family interact, the parental support, love and guidance are evident. Despite fatigue from the week’s high heat, and a lengthy evening of travel still to come, Sanders and her sister were energetic, overflowing with laughter and eager to chat about everything from cheerleading (Kaya’s interest) to films (“pretty Little Liars” and “Twilight”) to “fan fiction” websites. Both girls are amused by the fact that their dad is adept at “texting” on his cell phone.

After the Sanders left for their return drive to Memphis, our staff found a “smiley” note on the desk — “Bria was here.”

The age 10-14 Division winners were Blakesly Warren, Nashville; Bria Sanders, Cordova; Lauren Wade, Cordova; Allyson Dunn, Kingsport; Riley Cooper,  Clarksville; Katie Story; Dickson, Kaitlin Cartwright, Lafayette; Anna Michelle Moore, Adams;  Meghann Stamps, Hendersonville; and Megan Beane, Clarksville.

Age 15-18 Division winner were Kendall Martindal, Jefferson City; Samantha Gotcher, Clarksville; Jessica Cathy, Hixson; Sophia Schubert, Oak Ridge; Sarah Harris, Hermitage; Rachael Deaton, Jackson; Allie Knight, Knoxville; Alexandra Jasper, Clarksville; Allison Woodward, Unicoi; and Lindy McGuire,Maryville.

Christine Anne Piesyk contributed to this story.

Photos by Turner McCullough Jr.