Emerson “Ike” Willis of Cornersville died as a result of a two vehicle crash in Lawrence County Monday afternoon. According to the accident report from THP, Mr. Willis, age 80, was driving his 2007 Harley Davidson north on US HWY 43 in the right hand lane. As the second driver, Richard L. Cooper, Jr. was passing Mr. Willis in the left-hand lane of Hwy 43, the motorcycle driven by Willis crossed into the passing lane striking the front quarter panel of the Chevy Blazer. Mr. Willis was thrown off the motorcycle. He was transported by helicopter to the hospital and later died from the results of the crash. Speed was not a factor in this accident and no citations were issued.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation today removed a man wanted on child rape charges out of Williamson County from the state’s Top Ten Most Wanted list today after he was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in California. 

U.S. Marshalls captured Wendell Lee Washam, 82, at the LAX Airport yesterday afternoon after he arrived on a flight from Australia. He is being held in Los Angeles awaiting extradition. 

Washam was wanted by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office for failure to report for trial, two counts of rape of a child, solicitation to commit rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means of a minor.  He was scheduled to appear in court on December 3, 2012 to enter a guilty plea in the case and failed to appear and was added to the Top Ten Most Wanted list later that month.

 

LEWISBURG, Tenn. — The arrival of summer always brings more people outside for longer periods of time and that means more skin is exposed to the sun. Marshall Medical Center (MMC) joins the nation’s emergency physicians in reminding the public about the dangers associated with sun damage. 

“Most of us want to get some sun in the summertime,” said Dr. Andrew Sama, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “But emergency physicians often see the pain of patients who get too much sun. If you don’t protect your skin, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage it in 15 minutes.” 

The obvious major risk from sun damage is skin cancer. Melanoma is currently the third most common skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and it can be deadly.  

Individuals at highest risk for skin cancer include those with: 

• A history of sunburn
• Lighter, natural skin color and/or light colored hair (blonde or red)
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Numerous moles on the skin
• A suppressed immune system 

According to Dr. Thomas Mitchell, MMC emergency department medical director, sunburn dangers in addition to skin cancer include dehydration, eye damage, second-degree burns, skin infections and, rarely, shock from massive fluid loss. The full extent of skin damage may not be known until several hours after exposure. 

“The effects of sunburn are often felt in the hours and days after sun exposure, but sun damage can also haunt you years from now in the form of skin cancer,” said Dr. Mitchell. “If you notice any unusual discoloration on your skin or anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to have it checked out by a physician.” 

People of every color should protect their skin during all types of weather. Even if it is cool and cloudy, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin. To protect against sunburn: 

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours when the sun is strongest
• Wear sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and with sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher. Use a higher SPF when near the water or at higher elevations.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, especially after swimming and sweating.
• Wear sunglasses with UV ray protection to protect your eyes.
• Wear a hat to protect your head.
• Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.
• Teach children how to protect their skin. Especially protect the sensitive skin of babies younger than 6 months.  

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation today released a report focused on domestic violence that occurs between family members entitled “Family Violence Study 2012.” The study is based on offenses reported by law enforcement agencies to the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System in 2012 where approximately 14.5 percent of all crimes reported were domestic in nature. 

Of the 2012 domestic violence offenses, 41,708 or 50 percent were reported as having a familial victim to offender relationship. It is important to note that the parameters of the study did not include certain valid domestic violence relationships particularly boyfriend/girlfriend, which was the most commonly reported domestic violence relationship in 2012. The study also gives insight into the influence of drugs and alcohol in familial violence. 

Family Violence Study 2012 Quick Facts 

• Simple assault was the most frequently reported offense accounting for 67.5 percent of family violence offenses outnumbering all other offenses by more than 4 to 1.
• Females were nearly two times more likely to be victimized than males.
• Offenders of familial kidnapping/abduction offenses in the state were most often parents accounting for almost 58 percent of all kidnapping/abduction offenses.
• White offenders were documented 1.8 times more often than African-American domestic violence offenders.
• Female parents were more likely to commit simple assault against their female children at 68 percent than male children at almost 32 percent.
• More than 17 percent of family violence offenses involved drugs or alcohol by the offender with the majority, 83 percent, using alcohol.
• In 2012, six juveniles were murdered by family members. 

This report was created to offer insight into demographic information about offenders and victims and the prevalence of specific offenses related to familial violence.  Data compiled from this report may be used to support avocation for domestic violence prevention and counseling as well as provide insight for agencies dedicated to children’s services. To read the report in its entirety click here.

 

Automotive Components Supplier to Invest $6.1 Million, Create 98 New Jobs 

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Meiwa Industry officials announced today the company will open its first U.S. plant in Lewisburg, Tenn. The announcement by the automotive components supplier represents an investment of $6.1 million and will create 98 new jobs in Marshall County.  

“Tennessee continues to prove it is a great place for a global company’s operations with our central location, strong transportation infrastructure and business-friendly climate,” Hagerty said. “I welcome Meiwa Industry to Tennessee and thank the company for its investment and confidence in the state’s quality workforce. We are focused on doing all we can to position Meiwa Industry for success and look forward to the project serving as a basis for long-term job growth in the area.” 

“Thanks to the great effort of the city of Lewisburg, Marshall County, the government of Tennessee and everyone concerned as we celebrate the groundbreaking of our first U.S. plant,” Meiwa Industry President Toshihiko Shimizu said. “We look forward to providing lightweight, high-rigidity and eco-friendly interior parts for car manufacturers throughout North America.”  

Headquartered in Atsugi, Japan, Meiwa Industry’s Lewisburg facility will be located at 1041 Veterans Drive. The company currently supplies products to Japanese car manufacturers, including Nissan, Toyota and Honda. Along with establishing a base for North American operations, the Lewisburg facility will allow Meiwa Industry to eventually extend its services to other carmakers in the future. 

“We are so very proud to be chosen as the location for Meiwa’s first North American facility,” former Lewisburg Mayor Barbara Woods said. Woods left office June 1 after choosing not to seek re-election. “This shows just how proactive we are in Lewisburg when it comes to recruiting new industries and welcoming them to our ever-expanding family of companies that drive our economic engine.” 

“Such wonderful news that Meiwa will be part of the Lewisburg family,” Lewisburg Mayor Jim Bingham said. “I welcome this fine company, and I look forward to working with them. My compliments to Mayor Woods, the Industrial Development Board and so many others that spent countless hours on this endeavor.” 

“Meiwa is a quality company, and they are going to be a perfect fit for us,” Lewisburg Director of Economic Development Greg Lowe said. “This is only the beginning of a partnership that has been months in the making, and I cannot say enough about the partners that helped to make this happen from the state of Tennessee, Marshall County, TVA, MTIDA, South Central Tennessee Development District, South Central Workforce Board Alliance, Truette Construction, St. John Engineering and Dewey Gray Engineering Associates. The level of professional support we were able to put into practice on this project cannot be overstated.” 

“TVA welcomes Meiwa Industry as they establish their first North American automotive parts manufacturing facility in Lewisburg, Tennessee,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “TVA and Lewisburg Electric System are privileged to partner with the state of Tennessee, MTIDA, Lewisburg ECD, city of Lewisburg and Marshall County officials to assist with Meiwa’s site location decision and continued growth in the community.” 

Using a unique plastic extrusion molding and trim cut technology, Meiwa Industry specializes in the manufacturing and sales of high quality automotive interior parts including seat back panels, head liners, and trunk and floor components. The company is projected to begin initial operations in April 2014. 

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd.  Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd.  Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.