The Cleveland Daily Banner Sunday, January 10, 2016 | Page 22

22—Cleveland Daily Banner—Sunday, January 10, 2016 Editorial www.clevelandbanner.com Living with some dumb laws Tennessee taboos: Bringing home skunks, BBB Scam Tracker is spitting on sidewalks, selling hollow logs a friend to consumers A ious fraudulent enterprises that move through our area,” Watson told the Cleveland Daily Banner upon the BBB unveiling. “I would urge our citizens to become familiar with it.” Gibson also believes in the They’re here every day and they potential of a device like the pose the same threat to anyone Scam Tracker. whether in January or the middle of “This could be a very benefisummer or the joyous holidays of cial tool should our community another close of the year. utilize it,” Gibson said. “Warning We speak of scams. the citizens in our community In today’s high-tech society, about fraudulent activity only most view scams as being limit- helps others to keep themselves ed to cyberspace. Although the from falling victim to scams.” growing threat of cyber activity Over the past few years, our truly is rife with opportunity, hometown has been targeted by there are still plenty of other a variety of organized scams. crimes that prey on the vulnera- Most have come by telephone bility of the unsuspecting — and many have attempted to shenanigans ranging from tele- deceive our people by using phone fraud to casual contact in some of the most trusted names a crowded parking lot to inno- in our community — Cleveland cent knocks on a front door. Utilities, the Bradley County To combat these culprits, the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office and Better Business Bureau last even the Bradley County November announced the Sheriff’s Office, just to name a expanded outreach of a new few. online tool that targets such In a neighboring community, scammers. It is called BBB unscrupulous thugs even used Scam Tracker and it is an anti- the name of that city’s newspacrime tool whose time has come per to further spread their own in our Cleveland and Bradley web of deceit. County hometown. Scams are nothing new. Previously, we published a They’ve been around for front-page article in a prominent, decades, or longer. What and much coveted spot, of this makes them unique today is newspaper. This came in the their growing level of sophisticaNov. 23, 2015, edition and since tion, some of which is made that time we hope local resi- possible by the growing level of dents have taken the opportuni- sophisticated technology used ty to visit the website by consumers every day of their (bbb.org/scamtracker) and lives. taken advantage of its outreach It all just points to this reality. and information. When there is opportunity for What exactly is BBB Scam crime, there will be crime. And Tracker? much of that crime — whether It is an online tool that allows by cyberspace, telephone or consumers and businesses to other — will involve scams. report scam attempts made Such a predicament points to against them, as well as to the need for public awarenes s. serve as a resource for keeping It has been said, “Knowledge is up with the latest scams and power.” This is true, because schemes — some of which are when consumers are made innovatively new and others that aware of crime’s potential then have been around for years but the power shifts to the good are resurfacing with added lay- guys and away from the bad. ers of sophistication. This is one of the purposes of BBB Scam Tracker also gives the BBB Scam Tracker — people the ability to see where knowledge, which translates scams are occurring nationally into awareness. and allows them to search for As mentioned, Cleveland fraudulent activity by keyword or Utilities — as is the case with within a certain time frame. most public utilities these days The resource’s launch — just — is no stranger to being used before the start of the long, year- as the brunt of scammers’ ending holiday frenzy when attacks. The scam artists aren’t credit cards, debit cards, bank pursuing the utility. Instead, account numbers, checkbooks they’re going after the utility cusand telephone solicitations are tomers and they’re using the the biggest game in town — power company as their front. came at the best possible time. That’s why attitudes like that At the time of Scam Tracker’s voiced by CU President and debut, BBB President and CEO CEO Ken Webb are critical in Jim Winsett said he believed the supporting initiatives like the new device will be pivotal in BBB Scam Tracker. keeping the public aware of “Obviously, any time we can what’s going on within the crimi- help protect the public from nal industry, and where their these scammers we are more threat is most real. than willing to participate,” We agree — both then and Webb told our newspaper. now. “Unfortunately, these scams “We believe BBB Scam seem to be increasing in numTracker will be quite popular and bers and frequency so I would prove to be extremely helpful to remind all of our customers to both consumers and business call us at 472-4521 any time owners,” he said. “In addition, they have any concern at all this greatly expands our window about their account with to the world as far as schemes Cleveland Utilities.” targeting other regions and As long as there are scams, things we need to be monitoring there will be entities willing to closely.” fight them ... entities like our Given the past frequencies, local law enforcement profesand the return visits, of old and sionals and Cleveland Utilities, new scams in our Cleveland among others. and Bradley County community, We include ourselves in that we hope folks are using the list. BBB tool. We will continue to publish Upon its unveiling, the Scam stories of such scams, and one Tracker earned the endorse- day we hope to publish a frontment of some key figures in page account of the identificafighting local crime; namely, tion, arrest and conviction of a Bradley County Sheriff Eric heartless thug, or thugs, who Watson and Cleveland Chief of have earned such placement. Police Mark Gibson. Until that time, we thank the “The Better Business Better Business Bureau for Bureau’s Scam Tracker is a making the Scam Tracker availvaluable tool in that it can be able. We encourage its use. used to stay alert about the vars the smiles of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s slowly fade into memory, it is important to remember some parts of life don’t leave us with a smile nor are they seasonal. We put lawmakers in office to watch after our livelihood, and to make sure we and our families are protected from harm. We anticipate they will enact laws which will be for our benefit and welfare. Reviewing some of the laws on the books in Tennessee, and in several local communities, will make you scratch your head and say, “What?” Has anyone you know been driving around shooting whales? Here’s where you respond ... “What?” Did you know that in Tennessee it is illegal to shoot any game from a moving automobile, other than whales? (Although, according to outdoorhub.com and other skeptics’ websites, there’s evidence this is not actually a law in the state.) This is not the only law which will cause you to scratch your head. There are others, most of them written long ago and simply not revised nor removed from the books. Your children may be breaking the law at school by holding hands! Also, don’t share your Netflix password; if you had a duel, you can’t hold public office; stealing a horse can still get you hung; you can’t make your kids pick up trash on Easter; be careful with your lasso when fishing; don’t dare a kid to buy a beer; don’t place tacks in the roadway; and don’t bring home any skunks. These are just a few things to watch out for, if you want to be a law-abiding citizen in Tennessee. Students may not hold hands while at school. The Gateway Sexual Activity Bill was passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives. The bill outlaws students from holding hands while at school (because, according to the Tennessee House, this is a "gateway" to sexual activity). The law also allows the parents of the student to sue the teachers if they feel the teachers aren't doing enough to prevent sexual activity among the students. It is a crime to share your Netflix password in Tennessee. In Tennessee it is illegal to post images online that cause emotional distress, without legitimate purpose. The language of the law says it is illegal to communicate with another person or transmit or display an image in a manner in which there is a reasonable expectation that the image will be viewed by the victim. Ministers are to be dedicated to God and therefore are not eligible to hold a seat in LOOKing BACK Larry Bowers Banner Staff Writer either House of the Legislature. We need to make sure our local legislators don’t break out in sermon. Any person who participates in a duel may not hold any public office in the state. Stealing a horse continues to be punishable by hanging. No Christian parent may require their children to pick up trash from the highway on Easter Day. No person shall in tim e of peace be required to perform any service to the public on any day set apart by his religion as a day of rest. Here is a positive one for the hungry. It is legal to gather and consume roadkill. Hollow logs may not be sold. More than eight women may not live in the same house, because that would constitute a brothel. It is illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish. The definition of “dumb animal” includes every living creature. In this part, and in every law relating to or affecting animals, the words animal or dumb animal shall be held to include every living creature; the words torture, torment, or cruelty shall be held to include every act, omission, or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death is caused or permitted; but nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the shooting of birds or game for the purpose of human food, or the use of animate targets by incorporated gun clubs. Interracial marriages are illegal. Tattooing a minor is a misdemeanor. It is illegal to dare a child to purchase a beer. It is illegal to place tacks on a highway. Skunks may not be carried into the state. It is unlawful for any person to import, possess or cause to be imported into this state any type of live skunk, or to sell, barter, exchange or otherwise transfer any live skunk, except that the prohibitions of this section shall not apply to bona fide zoological parks and research institutions. Dumb city laws: Bell Buckle: One may not throw bottles at a tree. It shall be unlawful for any person to maliciously throw any stone, snowball, bottle, or any other missile upon or at any vehicle, building, tree or other public or private property or upon or at any person. Dyersburg: It is illegal for a woman to call a man for a date. Fayette County: You may not have more than five inoperable vehicles on a piece of property. Kimball: Bar owners may not let patrons make loud, unusual noises. Knoxville: In front of their buildings, all businesses must have a “hitching post.” Lenoir City: When you pull up to a stop sign you must fire a gun out the window to warn horse carriages that you are coming. Lexington: By law, anyone who has been drinking is “sober” until he or she “cannot hold onto the ground”; it is illegal to transport an ice cream cone in your pocket; no one may eat ice cream on the sidewalk; and spitting on the sidewalk is prohibited. Maryville: Anyone driving an automobile into town must first call the mayor, so the mayor can warn horse-drawn carriage operators. Memphis: It is illegal for a woman to drive a car unless there is a man either running or walking in front of it waving a red flag to warn approaching motorists and pedestrians; it’s illegal for frogs to croak after 11 p.m.; panhandlers must first obtain a $10 permit before begging on the streets of downtown Memphis; and it is illegal to give any pie to fellow diners. Nashville: Spitting is prohibited on sidewalks; no person may keep a cheetah as a pet; anyone rollerblading may not tie him or herself to a moving vehicle on a highway; no person may roller skate and listen to a personal CD player at the same time; throwing stones is prohibited as it might break a window; to play pinball, one must be 18 years old; and all persons riding scooters must ride in single file. Oneida: A city ordinance forbids anyone to sing the song, “It Ain’t Goin’ To Rain No Mo.” We should also have a law that says we can’t pass anymore weird laws ... No mo, no mo. ——— (About the writer: Larry Bowers is a staff writer, and three-time editor, at the Cleveland Daily Banner. Email him at [email protected].) New year looks very promising as we continue 2015 progress A new year always affords the opportunity to set goals and resolutions. For our Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway, sometimes the best we can do is prognosticate — which means, “to foretell from signs or symptoms.” Judging from the “signs,” it is safe to predict some exciting developments in 2016. Here’s a few we predict: 1. Ocoee Greenway Connector: This spur, which will connect the Greenway from Tinsley Park with the intersection at North Ocoee Street and Ocoee Crossing, looks like it will finally begin this year. Last month, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the state agency which awarded our community a $496,000 grant in July 2013, gave the notice to proceed to design. I am told this means a couple of months for TDOT to approve the design and then actual construction can begin. Earlier in 2015, the city did their part by finishing the sidewalk on North Ocoee Street between Blueberry Hill Road and Ocoee Crossing. Completion of the sidewalk was a pre-requisite, assuring the eventual connection of as many residents as possible to the Greenway. 2. Greenway Park: There was big change to this area along the Greenway in 2015, most notably the completion of The Stage and Keeping it green Cameron Fisher Cleveland/Bradley Greenway Board a new flag plaza. This year the goal includes adding approximately 40 new parking spaces and a new access road behind The Stage. When complete, the current road in front of The Stage will be removed, creating a beautiful new green space. There are also plans to install an entrance gateway once the renovations are complete. 3. Greenway Network: There looks to be as many as three new members to the Greenway Network, the group of independent walking/running tracks in Bradley County. The potential additions include a 1.2-mile track incorporating the cart paths of the former Rolling Hills Golf Course, and a .2-mile trail behind the Denning (former Teen Learning) Center. Also, in early 2016, funds will be released for Michigan Avenue School to build a track on their campus. Michigan Avenue would become the final Bradley County School to join the Network. 4. Interactive Sculptures: The Greenway Public Arts Committee (GPAC) has been active in TODAY IN HISTORY Today is Sunday, Jan. 10, the 10th day of 2016. There are 356 days left in the year. Today’s Highlights in History: On Jan. 10, 1946, the first General Assembly of the United Nations convened in London. The first manmade contact with the moon was made as radar signals transmitted by the U.S. Army Signal Corps were bounced off the lunar surface. On this date: In 1776, Thomas Paine anonymously published his influential pamphlet, “Common Sense,” which argued for American independence from British rule. In 1861, Florida became the third state to secede from the Union. In 1870, John D. Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil. In 1901, the Spindletop oil field in Beaumont, Texas, produced the Lucas Gusher, heralding the start of the Texas oil boom. In 1916, men loyal to Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa stopped a train at Santa Ysabel and shot a group of U.S. mining employees execution-style (the reported number of dead varies from 16 to 18). In 1920, the League of Nations was established as the Treaty of Versailles went into effect. In 1947, the musical fantasy See TODAY, Page 23 fundraising for and acquiring art to be placed on the Greenway, the “Big Yellow Chair” being a great example. The wheels are in motion to place a new piece of art near the new restroom between 20th and 25th streets in early 2016. 5. Expanding South: In 2015, easements were secured to extend the Greenway toward its southern terminus at Inman Street. Once weather cooperates in the spring, Cleveland Public Works will begin the extension, which will cross Willow Street and go as far as the townhome buildings. Hopefully, in 2016 there will be movement on other easements in the area as well. It is both exciting and challenging to project into a new year. When it comes to the Greenway, there are some items out of our control, but the number of “plates that are spinning” allows us to concentrate on immediate projects, while giving others time to incubate. It’s going to be an exciting and productive year! Please visit our newly-revised website at www.cbcgreenway. com and Facebook: The Greenway. ANNIE’S MAILBOX Dear Annie: Six years ago, our son married a woman with a 4year-old daughter. We immediately fell in love with this little girl. There is no biological father in the picture, and her maternal grandparents live out of state. We have always told her that we consider her to be our granddaughter, with everyone’s blessing. This will be the second year that my husband and I have not been invited to her birthday party. Over the years, we have tried to do special things for her, such as outings, new clothes, toys and books, just as if we were her grandparents by blood. She never calls us “Grandma” or “Grandpa,” but her parents say she refers to us as her grandparents to others. Our son was also given a birthday party by our daughter-in-law, and we were not invited to even stop by. I don’t know why we are being left out of these celebrations and we are incredibly hurt. We spend other holidays together, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we are always very generous in contributing toward those times. We also help them if they run short of money. See ANNIE, Page 23 Cleveland Daily Banner – Established in 1854 – EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Stephen L. Crass GENERAL MANAGER Jim Bryant CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Herb Lacy OFFICE MANAGER Joyce Taylor ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rick Norton ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gwen Swiger LIFESTYLES EDITOR William Wright SPORTS EDITOR Richard Roberts ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jack Bennett RETAIL SALES MANAGER Sheena Meyer PRESS SUPERVISOR Richard Yarber 423-472-5041 Telephone [phone] Newsroom Fax [phone] Office & Advertising Fax 1505 25th Street N.W. - Cleveland, TN 37311 • P.O. Box 3600 Cleveland, TN 37320