News

Thanksgiving travelers won’t be delayed by construction on Tennessee roads during this busy travel holiday. TDOT will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. All construction related lane closures will stop beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 27, and continuing through 6:00 a.m. Monday, December 2.

This is the most traveled holiday of the year. TDOT officials say halting road work during this busy time will provide maximum capacity on the highways and help alleviate congestion, especially during the predicted peak travel days of Wednesday and Sunday. TDOT’s regional HELP Trucks will be working throughout the holiday weekend to assist with incidents that may occur along the interstates.

While all lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on site in some construction zones. Long-term lane closures will also remain in place on some construction projects for motorists’ safety. Motorists are reminded to drive safely and obey the posted speeds, especially in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. 

Those behind the installation of a new sound system at Cannon County High School gathered Monday to celebrate the success of their efforts. The total project cost was $13,314.  So far, stage one has been installed with stages two and three to follow.  The Cannon County School Board supported the project with $9,900 from capital outlay funds.  First National Bank made a donation of $3,000 to support the project.  The Cannon County Touchdown Club sponsored the remainder and will provide upkeep to the system. 

Ben Williams with Essential Audio of Nashville has provided the equipment and installation for this project. Stage one consisted of home side speakers and sound kit, including a microphone and space to run computers and additional microphones.  Stage two consists of a wireless microphone with long range antenna to service the entire complex.  Stage three consists of wireless speakers being mounted on the visitors’ sideline to provide adequate sound for events like graduation. 

Schools Director William F. Curtis said, “This was a joint effort on behalf of the Cannon County School Board, the Touchdown Club of Cannon County, and a generous donation from First National Bank.  This is a great example of the community coming together to fulfill a need at one of our local schools.”

State officials have outlined a list of changes that must be made in order for Cannon County to continue using the Adams office building. Should the order of removal be enforced the Cannon County Board of Education, Cannon County Election Commission, local probation office, Adult Education, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency and Court Appointed Special Advocate are among the offices that will need to find a new home.

The information was revealed at a special workshop called by Cannon County Board of Education Chairman Javan Fann.  Four of the board’s five members were in attendance.  Since the building is owned by Cannon County, Fann invited members of the Cannon County Commission and County Executive Brent Bush.  Bush was named as the responsible party in the order from the state. Commissioners Corey Davenport, Ronnie Mahaffey and Russell Reed attended.  Bush was absent.

Chairman Fann reviewed the history of the building’s past inspections from the State’s Fire Marshall office.   Sixteen inspections were reviewed, plans of corrective action were sent to the state and no repairs resulted over a seven year period.  A meeting with state officials in April of this year was the first meeting that Director of Schools William Curtis was made aware of the issues.  The building is property of the county and any action would have to be ordered by the office of county executive.

State Fire Marshall Inspector Jimmie Teal (who conducted the inspections) addressed the audience at the meeting.  Teal stated that addressing three main issues in the building could result in the removal of the “order.”   The three main areas are:

The building’s sprinkler system.

The building’s alarm system.

The removal of cane fiber ceiling titles.

As the discussion of attendees reveled the tasks could be corrected without an excessive outlay of expense.  Director of Schools William F. Curtis stated that the Board of Education would welcome a discussion with the County Executive on developing a plan to correct the outstanding issues on the building.

Board of Education members voiced their displeasure with the idea of the Central Office being relocated to another county building or renting property for office space. Most in attendance agteed that bringing the Adams building into compliance is the best solution.

The clock is ticking with the state.  A completion date of May 2020 is listed by the Order.

WBRY News will continue to monitor the progress and keep you up to date on any progress.

A University of Tennessee reports shows more children and adults in the state are uninsured as 2019 draws to a close. The number of uninsured children is up a half point over last year, at 2.8 percent. The rate of uninsured adults rose only slightly, by one-tenth of a percent, to 8.1 percent. Overall, the number of uninsured persons in Tennessee has increased from 2018 until 2019 by about 16,500 persons, to a total of 468,000 persons.

Although the increases are small, the report notes that this is the third straight year that the rate and number of uninsured Tennesseans has increased. The cost of insurance coverage is cited by about 80 percent of respondents as the reason they do not have health coverage.

Over 90 percent of all households and TennCare households first sought care for themselves and their children at a doctor’s office or clinic, but the results indicate a small increase in the share of children first treated at a hospital. TennCare recipients continue to report seeing doctors on a more frequent basis than the average Tennessee household.

Overall, TennCare continues to receive positive feedback from its recipients, with 94 percent reporting satisfaction with the program. This positive feedback is a strong indication that TennCare is providing

satisfactory medical care and meeting the expectations of those it serves.

The Office of the District Attorney General Sixteenth Judicial District is partnering with The Child Advocacy Center in Rutherford and Cannon Counties for the 8th annual international “19 Days of Activism for the Prevention of Abuse and Violence toward Children and Youth” to highlight ways the larger community can be involved in the work of child abuse prevention and intervention. To that end the Office of the District Attorney would like to address some questions regarding the reporting of child abuse and neglect.

Did you know every adult in Tennessee is a “mandatory reporter” of child abuse? Not just doctors, teachers, or therapists — but everyone is required under the laws of Tennessee to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child. Here’s what the law says:

T.C.A.  37-1-403: Reporting of brutality, abuse, neglect or child sexual abuse

ANY person who has knowledge or is called upon to render aid to ANY child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition SHALL report such harm immediately if the harm is of such nature as to reasonably indicate it has been caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect.

Any person with such knowledge SHALL report it to a judge having juvenile jurisdiction; Department of Children’s Services; or law enforcement.

If ANY such person knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been sexually abused the person SHALL report such information . . . regardless of whether such person knows or has reasonable cause to suspect a child has sustained injury as a result of such abuse.

T.C.A.  37-1-615: Violations-Penalties

Any person required to report known child sexual abuse who knowingly and willingly fails to do so or prevents another from doing so commits a Class A misdemeanor.

So what does this mean? It means that if you know or have a reason to think that a child has been or is being physically or mentally hurt due to abuse or neglect, you are legally obligated to report it. It also means that if you know or have reason to think that a child has been or is being sexually abused, you are legally obligated to report it. Reports are to be made either to the juvenile court, the Department of Children’s Services, or the police. It is important to note that the law does not require to you do your own investigation or have personal, direct knowledge about the child’s circumstances in order to make the report. In fact, your report can be made anonymously, and you do not even have to give information about how you came by the information you are providing.

What happens after you a person makes a report? Exactly what happens depends on the specific information provided in the report but in all cases the child’s immediate safety will be evaluated and addressed by the Department of Children’s Services and/or law enforcement. Also in all cases, the Department of Children’s Services and/or the proper law enforcement agency will commence an investigation of any allegations contained in the report and will eventually present the information to the jurisdiction’s Child Protection Investigative Team for review and classification. The District Attorney’s Office will make the decision on whether or not a criminal offense or offenses occurred and, if so, will commence prosecution. The reporter can request to receive information about the outcome of their report. In all circumstances, the reporter’s identity, if provided, is kept confidential.

How do you make a report? The simplest way is to call the Department of Children’s Services Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-237-0004 or 1-877-54ABUSE (1-877-542-2873), or go to their referral webpage at https://apps.tn.gov/carat/.

The outstanding team member honor is shared by two teachers this month in Cannon County Schools.

Pam Forrest – Physical Education Teacher at Woodbury Grammar School and Brad Underwood – 4/5 Math & Social Studies Teacher at East Side School in the Cannon County School System were named as “Employees of the Month” for November 2019 by Cannon County Schools. During the November Meeting of the Cannon County Board of Education. Forrest and Underwood were recognized at the meeting and presented a certificate by Cannon County Schools Director Mr. William F. Curtis for their service to the Cannon County School System.  Employees are nominated by School Principals or School District Supervisors and are voted on during monthly Principal and Supervisor meetings regarding individuals who exemplify the Mission and Vision of Cannon County Schools.

Woodbury Grammar School Principal, Emily Hancock, nominated Forrest and commented, “I would like to nominate Mrs. Pam Forrest. She does so much more than teach physical education. She is a true example of a team member. She is always willing to step into any needed role from extra bus duty, cafeteria duty or sponsoring Beta. She has been instrumental in bringing a walking club and completed a new playground for our school. She is always thinking about the whole child and is willing to help anyone out.”

Supervisor of Coordinated School Health for Cannon County Schools, Bonnie Patterson, stated regarding Forrest, “Ms. Pam has been instrumental in making Woodbury Grammar students, as well as students across the county, healthier and happier.  Ms. Pam started the first Walking Club in the county and this club has been mirrored by clubs across the county and Upper Cumberland region.  She also has written several grants that have completely transformed Woodbury Grammar School’s playground.  Ms. Pam is a member of the Cannon County’s Healthy School team as well as a member of Woodbury Grammar’s Safety team.  There has never been a time that I have called on Ms. Pam to lead an initiative that she has not been successful.  She understands the importance of building relationships with her students, staff, and community.  She is a jewel and I appreciate her so much.”

Regarding Brad Underwood, East Side Principal, Connie Foster, stated why she nominated him as Employee of the Month, “Brad Underwood teaches 4th and 5th grade Math and Social Studies at East Side School. This is Mr. Underwood’s 19th year in education with four years at Woodland School, seven years at Short Mountain School, and eight years at East Side. He serves as Assistant Principal at East Side School and is the President of the Cannon County Education Association.  My comments regarding Mr. Brad is that, I have never worked with anyone who takes lesson prep as seriously as Mr. Brad.  Even after teaching from the same Math curriculum for multiple years, he studies his lessons every night to ensure he is prepared for the following day. He understands that our adopted Math series is of high quality and supports him in being an effective teacher. In addition, he recognizes that one of his best classroom discipline tools in his toolkit is a well-planned lesson. In his capacity as assistant principal this year, Mr. Brad has developed an especially effective master schedule that includes thoughtful considering of how best to meet the demands of our Response to Intervention Program and how best to cover classrooms while teachers meet in their PLC groups. Mr. Brad has a sharp eye for considering school level problems and seeing the clearest way forward. Perhaps Mr. Brad’s most critical role at East Side School is related to staff morale. Thank you, Mr. Brad, for making us laugh each and every day.”

Director of Cannon County Schools, William F. Curtis, commented, “Mrs. Pam Forrest is one of the most beloved educators in Cannon County Schools.  As a long-time teacher of PE at Woodbury Grammar School, she has influenced hundreds of students regarding healthy choices in their lives. Her wisdom and intellect, combined with her love for students is literally ‘life changing.’  My sincerest congratulations to this wonderful educator.” 

“Mr. Brad Underwood is the embodiment of an outstanding educator.  His commitment to learning and extending his students’ capabilities in Math and Social Studies is his goal.  Mr. Brad’s infectious spirit as an outstanding educator is celebrated in his selection as Employee of the Month.”

Curtis continued to add, “I believe Mrs. Pam Forrest and Mr. Brad Underwood both explicitly personify our Mission of Cannon County Schools of ‘Preparing All Students for their Future’ by most assuredly being ‘The New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day.’  Congratulations to these outstanding educators for being an impactful ‘Team Players’ in our Cannon County Schools family.”

The Child Advocacy Center invited the community to join them in paying tribute to child abuse victims and survivors Wednesday at their Murfreesboro center for a special event.

This is a time to remember the child abuse victims currently struggling to overcome the challenges faced as a victim and honor the survivors of child physical and child sexual abuse. The event is a part of the Women’s World Summit Foundation International 19 Days of Activism for the Prevention of Violence toward Children and Youth.

Members of the Child Protective Investigation Team addressed supporters about the current partnerships in place that make Rutherford County a safe community for children.  Speakers included:  District Attorney General Jennings Jones, Murfreesboro Police Department Sgt. Paul Mongold, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Andrea Knox, Domestic Violence Program Court Advocate Sarahi Green, and Child Advocacy Center Community Education Coordinator Brittnie Noble.

Following the speakers, a moment of silence followed while the symbol of child welfare, a flag honoring victims, was raised and flown for the remainder of the day.

For more information on the 19 Days of Activism visit the Women’s World Summit Foundation website at http://19days.woman.ch/index.php/en/

Governor Bill Lee announced projects receiving funding through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program which prioritizes learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and technical education statewide.

Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved $25 million in the governor’s budget to incentivize collaboration at the local level among stakeholders such as higher education institutions, K-12 and economic development partners.

The award process began in June when the Tennessee Higher Education Commission issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). Each proposal was required to show local data that clearly identified both workforce needs and a sustainable plan utilizing equipment, work-based learning experiences, or recognized industry certifications to increase the state’s competitiveness and postsecondary attainment goals.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology in McMinnville was granted $1,000,000.00 for Machining in Warren County.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), Division of Forestry is pleased to announce it has received a $200,000 grant through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to expand fire implementation and management.

The project will support a prescribed fire strike team that will implement more than 1,200 acres of prescribed burning on public and private forestland on the Cumberland Plateau. Prescribed fires help reduce the catastrophic damage of wildfire by safely reducing excessive brush, shrubs, and trees. They also encourage native vegetation to grow and are used to maintain the many plant and animal species whose habitats depend on periodic fire.

“Prescribed fire is an important tool in overall forest health management.” State Forester David Arnold said. “Our main objective is to improve the quality of forests for timber production and wildlife, especially on privately-owned land. Most of the forests across Tennessee are owned by families and individuals, making them crucial players in helping ensure healthy forests.”

The Division of Forestry will hire a new strike team to implement prescribed burning practices that complement the work of division staff statewide. The NFWF grant project will engage private landowners on the Cumberland Plateau.

“The Cumberland Plateau contains some of the most biologically diverse habitats in the United States,” Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF said. “Through the Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, government agencies and private corporations are working together to restore native forests and enhance freshwater systems for an array of colorful and rare species, many of which are found nowhere else.”

Grant to Aid FireTDA Division of Forestry extinguishes nearly 1,000 fires each year and helps control the disease and insect pests that plague state forests. Tennessee’s forests cover 14 million acres, more than half of the state, and provide many benefits, including beauty, wildlife habitat, timber production, recreation, air and water quality, energy conservation, carbon sequestration, enhanced property values, stormwater control, and natural heritage.

From vegetable growers and livestock producers, to agritourism operators and farm artisans, farmer veterans can be found throughout all types of agriculture in the Volunteer state. As you honor the brave men and women who have served our country this Veterans Day, you have the opportunity to support a farmer veteran near you.

According to the national Census of Agriculture, Tennessee has more than 14,000 farmers with military service. One of them is Dusken Sledge, owner of Wake Robin Homestead in Blount County. Sledge served in the Army National Guard, and now produces a variety of agricultural products for the public and local restaurants.

“We produce honey from our apiaries along with eggs from our chickens and quail,” Sledge said. “We grow a variety of perennial fruits. Our fruit trees, bushes, and vines currently consist of apples, plums, peaches, mulberries, blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, strawberries, and grapes.”

Bright Hill Bed and Barn owners Rick and Karyn Walker served in the Air Force for 22 years. They visited Tennessee a few times between assignments and loved everything about the state. “We dreamed of living on a farm after retirement,” Karyn said. “We have six acres in DeKalb County where we grow blueberries and sell eggs from our chicken flock.”

The Farmer Veteran Coalition is a valuable resource for farmer veterans. This national nonprofit organization offers the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund grant program, which provides direct financial assistance to veterans who just starting out in farming and ranching.

If you want to support farmer veterans the next time you buy groceries, look for the Homegrown By Heroes label. Homegrown By Heroes is the Farmer Veteran Coalition branding program that highlights agricultural products produced by U.S. military veterans. It can be found on more than 70 food items throughout Tennessee.

 “Tennessee is home to so many people who serve their country and community,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Our veterans have sacrificed for us. We are grateful for their service and proud to see them succeed in agriculture.”

Pick Tennessee is a service of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture that connects consumers to farms, farmers, farmers markets, artisan foods, and farm related activities across the state. Look for the Homegrown By Heroes logo when visiting www.PickTNProducts.org and follow “PickTNProducts” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.