The United Way of Mountain City/Johnson County is struggling to meet its campaign objectives for 2012. They are approximately ten percent away from attaining the $38,500 goal that helps fund agencies throughout the county.
Ruth Ann Osborne, current president of the local United Way, is concerned that the tough economy has caused contributors to tighten their purse strings. “We have not increased our goals for several years because of the economy,” she said. Individual donations have decreased, as well as monies received from state and federal funding. Should their objectives not be reached, monies requested by the 16 agencies approved for assistance in 2012 will need to be scaled back. According to Osborne, the decision where to cut and how much would fall on the local United Way board of directors. “We’ve usually reached our goal by now,” she said. “We’re hoping we can come through with another ten percent.”
The United Way of Mountain City/Johnson County is made up of committed volunteers. “No one receives a salary,” said Osborne. “It’s strictly a volunteer organization.” The local organization keep their expenses to the bare bones. All donations designated for Mountain City and Johnson County remain at home. More...
Owners legally responsible for animals running at large in TN
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At the recent January commissioners' meeting, Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter raised concerns over the increasing number of phone calls received by the sheriff's department pertaining to animals at large. These calls are not limited to dogs and cats, but include horses and livestock. At this time, Johnson County does not have its own animal control program in place.
Currently, those residents that live in the county rely upon the sheriff's department to respond to an animal-at-large situation. In an emergency, Sheriff Reece may make the decision to contact Gary Phillips, Mountain City Animal Control Officer. The county and Mountain City have previously established an agreement for such situations. Mountain City in turn will bill Johnson County for time and any housing spent on animal control issues. According to Reece, the sheriff's department received 400 calls from county residents regarding animals at large in 2010. They saw an increase in 2011 to 511 calls. “They (Mountain City) have been great to help us,” said Potter. “The city has helped us out all they can.”
According to Potter, county funds are stretched and there is no funding to build and maintain a county animal control facility at this time. He reports an increase in the number of aggressive dogs in the county. Under Tennessee law 44-8-408, dogs are not permitted to run at large. Owners can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense if warranted resulting from a dog running at large that does not cause any property damage, injury or death all the way up to felony charges should the animal cause physical harm or death. Owners can also be found guilty of animal cruelty and neglect. If found guilty, additional fines can be imposed that include the cost of the care of the animals and their housing, in addition to any court charges. More...
