News

A Hamilton County high school principal and a Gibson County supervisor have been honored for their work in Tennessee education during the annual banquet on Tuesday night.

Dr. LeAndrea Ware, principal of the Howard School in Hamilton County Schools, was named Tennessee’s 2019-20 Principal of the Year. Having previously served as principal at East Lake Academy and in district administration roles, Ware was chosen as the interim principal of the Howard School in 2017-18 and was named principal this year. Known for her energy and passion, Ware works each day to create an environment of success for all students.

Dr. Michelle Goad, instructional supervisor for grades 5-8 and testing coordinator in Gibson County Special School District, was named Tennessee’s 2019-20 Supervisor of the Year. Goad has served in this role for 11 years and previously served as a teacher and instructional coach in the district. Goad is committed to providing every student with high-quality education and is always willing to try new initiatives based on teachers’ feedback and data.

Both awards were announced at an honorary banquet in Nashville during the department’s LEAD conference, a statewide convening for Tennessee’s leaders in districts, schools, and classrooms.

“As a former principal, I’m continually inspired by the caliber of principals and supervisors that we have across this great state, and I am truly honored to recognize these outstanding individuals who work each day to make sure our students are receiving the best possible education,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. The annual Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards recognize administrators who have helped provide educational opportunities for Tennessee students through leadership, programs, and vision. Ware and Goad were among nine principals and nine district supervisors, respectively, selected as regional finalists after being nominated by their peers for the title.

The winners for the three Tennessee grand divisions were also recognized at the honorary banquet. Ware was named Tennessee Principal of the Year and East Grand Division winner. Sara Cope, principal of BonDeCroft Elementary School in White County Schools, was named the winner for the Middle Grand Division. Varissa Richardson, principal of Munford Elementary School in Tipton County Schools, was named the winner for the West Grand Division.

Goad was named the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year and West Grand Division winner. Jennifer Malone, supervisor for Loudon County Schools, was named East Grand Division winner. Bonnie Patterson, supervisor for Cannon County Schools, was named Middle Grand Division winner.

Director of Cannon County Schools Mr. William F. Curtis commented, “Mrs. Bonnie Patterson is a genuine Cannon County ‘jewel.’  Her 38 year experience as elementary teacher, high school teacher, assistant principal, principal, and supervisor demonstrates commitment to Cannon County students.  She serves not only as Supervisor of Attendance, Coordinated School Health, and Safety Coordinator, but as a literal ‘social worker’ for every student in our school system. We are ecstatic that Mrs. Bonnie is the Middle Grand Division winner, but she is a ‘winner’ to all students.  She is a humble personification of our MISSION – ‘Preparing ALL Students for their Future’ through our VISION – ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’ All of our Cannon County Schools family are celebrating today!”

Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn announced today that a total of 63,829 students from Tennessee’s 2019 graduating class took the ACT, earning an average composite score of 20. This represents a 98 percent participation rate, which is an all-time high in the state. Of those students, 41.7 percent earned a score of 21 or higher, making them eligible for the HOPE scholarship.

The class of 2019 was the third cohort to have access to a free opportunity to retake the ACT. The state’s investment in the ACT retake has yielded promising results. Fifty percent of students who participated in the ACT Senior Retake Day increased their composite score from their junior year in 2018. Additionally, 3,825 seniors raised their composite score to a 21 or higher, allowing them to access more than $61 million in HOPE Scholarship funds. Tennessee is the first and only state to offer this opportunity on a statewide scale.

While the 2019 ACT composite is down slightly from the 2018 composite score of 20.2, the decline in Tennessee closely mirrors national declines in ACT results. Tennessee’s increase in participation affirms the state’s commitment to providing access to all students.

“More Tennessee students than ever before are taking advantage of the ACT and ACT retake,” said Commissioner Schwinn. “It is critical that we continue to increase access to these high-quality opportunities for all students, no matter where they live. This is one way that we will build a foundation to set all students on a path to success.”

The average ACT score for the public school graduating class of 2019 in each subject area was:

• 19.6 in English, 0.1 point decrease from 2018,

• 19.4 in math, 0.1 point decrease,

• 20.5 in reading, 0.2 point decrease; and

• 20.0 in science, 0.3 point decrease.

The department uses students’ best ACT score, meaning that if a student took the ACT multiple times, the score included in today’s results reflect his or her highest score. This is different than ACT’s calculation, which reports results based on the last score a student received, and also includes results from private school students.

Cannon County High School had 125 students tested in 2019 for a 95 percent participation rate.  This was up 20 students from 2018 and a participation rate of 99 percent. The average ACT score for the Cannon County High School graduating class of 2019 in each subject area was:

• 17.5 in English, with -0.27 Growth Measure       18.5 in 2018

• 18.1 in Math, with -0.00 Growth Measure           18.1 in 2018

• 19.0 in Reading, with -0.46 Growth Measure      19.3 in 2018

• 19.3 in Science, with -0.17 Growth Measure       19.2 in 2018

*18.7 in Composite Score, with -0.20 Growth Measure   18.9 in 2018.

39 Students at CCHS scored 21 or Higher in 2019 for 31.2% of the class, which was up 1 student from 2018.

Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols stated, “CCHS maintained our own in ACT this year. We are working hard to see a significant increase in ACT Test Scores and have implemented measures for more effectiveness in the future.”

Cannon County Director of Schools William F. Curtis commented, “The ACT scores showed about the same results as last year.  We are currently implementing new strategies at Cannon County High School that will address student deficiencies in all areas.  This will enable us to achieve better results next year and in the years to follow.  Our VISION statement states, ‘The New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day.’ We will continue this emphasis to reach our goals at CCHS.”

Thirty-four districts had a 100 percent participation rate on the ACT for 2019 graduates. 

Other encouraging results show that the composite score for students with disabilities remained steady despite the statewide dip. Additionally, participation rates increased for students who are economically disadvantaged, students classified as English learners, and students with disabilities.

“Tennessee continues to show a strong commitment to advancing student achievement,” Commissioner Schwinn continued. “As more students take this assessment, we are more aware than ever before of the diverse needs of our state. Our new strategic plan, Best for All, will strengthen supports around high-quality materials, the whole child, and our educators and leaders.”

ACT results serve as a national-normed measure to indicate college and career readiness. Under Tennessee’s accountability model, earning a 21 on the ACT is one of the four ways that students can indicate that they are prepared for life after high school and a seamless entry into postsecondary education, the workplace, or the military. While ACT measures the culmination of what students have learned throughout their K-12 education, the state’s TCAP assessment complements ACT as a deeper, standards-based assessment that looks at what students learn annually and provides teachers and families with feedback each year. Together, ACT and TCAP help to identify if students are ready for their chosen path after high school.

The Tennessee Department of Health is celebrating the lowest infant mortality rate in the state in three years. TDH data show there were 38 fewer infant deaths in the state in 2018 than in 2017. Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child before his or her first birthday, and is a critical indicator of the overall health of the state.

“We’re encouraged by this progress in reducing infant mortality in Tennessee and recognize the important work across sectors that is addressing root causes of infant deaths,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “Thirty-eight fewer infant deaths in 2018 will mean that two additional classrooms of Kindergarteners will have the chance to grow up in our great state.”

Tennessee’s infant mortality rate fell to 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 from a rate of 7.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017 and 2016. Although the rate of infant deaths is declining in Tennessee, statistics show the need for enhanced efforts to improve birth outcomes. The state’s current infant mortality rate still exceeds the national rate of 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the rate of death of black infants continues to be nearly twice that of white infants.

“Many factors contribute to a healthy birth and first year of life, including good health before a woman ever gets pregnant, early prenatal care, avoidance of tobacco and high-quality care during labor and delivery,” said TDH Deputy Commissioner for Population Health Morgan McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP. “Immunizations, breastfeeding and other preventive care and safe practices for the baby such as using proper car seats and placing the baby to sleep alone on her back in a crib all help create an environment of health for the child.”

TDH has created a data dashboard to allow community partners to access infant mortality data for their region. The dashboard assists partners in implementing prevention activities based on the most common causes of infant death in their area. The dashboard can be accessed at https://data.tn.gov/t/Public/views/ChildFatalityDashboard/MainDashboard?iframeSizedToWindow=true&%3Aembed=y&%3AshowAppBanner=false&%3Adisplay_count=no&%3AshowVizHome=no&%3Aorigin=viz_

share_link&%3Atabs=no&%3Atoolbar=no.

Safe Sleep Saves Lives
Approximately 20 percent of infant deaths in Tennessee each year are due to unsafe sleeping conditions. Several hospitals and community agencies are educating parents and caregivers about safe sleep using TDH educational materials.

“We’re fortunate to have such strong partnerships with Tennessee hospitals and community agencies to promote safe sleep so families have the correct information, “said TDH Injury Prevention and Detection Director Rachel Heitmann, MS. “In addition to hospitals we have partnered with several housing authorities, churches, senior centers and other community organizations to educate parents and other caregivers about safe sleep for infants.”

Safe sleep practices can prevent SIDS and other sleep-related deaths of babies. The Tennessee Department of Health promotes the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that infants should:

• Always be placed on their backs to sleep
• Sleep alone in a crib or bassinet, which can be in the same room as an adult caregiver
• Not have bumper pads, blankets, stuffed animals, toys or pets in their cribs
• Sleep on a firm crib mattress with the mattress covered only by a fitted sheet

Learn more about safe sleep and order free TDH educational materials at http://safesleep.tn.gov.

Partnering for Prevention
While no single solution will prevent all infant deaths, TDH has partnered with hospitals and community organizations to reduce the risks of infant deaths through promotion of safe sleep practices, preconception health and prenatal care and reduction of early elective deliveries. TDH has joined the Tennessee Hospital Association to create the BEST for Tennessee Babies award. The BEST award is presented to hospitals annually to recognize their meeting criteria around breastfeeding, reducing early elective deliveries and safe sleep.

TDH has worked with March of Dimes to implement the supportive pregnancy care group prenatal care model. TDH also works with providers and families to provide contraception when desired and plan pregnancies at healthy intervals for mothers and babies, as unintended pregnancies can sometimes have negative consequences including birth defects and low birth weight.

Learn more about TDH programs and services for maternal and child health at www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/mch.html.

“The Turkey Tee Off has become an annual tradition for many local golfers.  The morning started out chilly, but quickly warmed up, and we were blessed with a beautiful day on Saturday,” said Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer.  “Many of our loyal golfers have been golfing in this tournament every year for the last nine years.  We are grateful for their support of the children and families we serve.”

Golfers were treated to a complimentary Waffle House breakfast that included waffles, bacon, sausage, coffee, and orange juice before teeing off at 9:30 a.m.  After the round, 23 teams feasted on Slick Pig BBQ while Executive Director, Sharon De Boer announced the prize winners.  Special thanks to Topre America for sponsoring the lunch.

The “Taylor Team” of Corey Taylor, Matt Taylor, Terry Taylor, and Patrick Plemmons took home the first place prize of $200 with a score of 55. 

Coming in a close second with a prize of $160 was “PATCO Fire Safety.”  The golfers on the second place team with a score of 56 were Nathan Conley, Marshall Lorance, Chase Patterson, and Anthony Rowland. 

The third place team with a prize of $100 was the “Cedar Crest” team.  The golfers were Richardo Cardenas, Brian Hinz, Ben “Chuey” Ramirez, and Ed Zygadlo with a score of 58.

All three winning teams generously donated their winnings back to the Child Advocacy Center to support services for child abuse victims.

Other prize winners included:

• Gordon Buttry won the “Putting Contest.”
• John Forrest won the “Longest Drive” on Hole 2 and “Closest to the Pin” on Hole 3.
• David Monfore won the “Longest Drive” on Hole 5.
• Chase Patterson won the “Closet to the Pin” on Hole 14, narrowly beating out his father in law, Paul Johnson.

Frozen turkeys were awarded to Clayton Team One of Don Clayton, Brad Frontz, Paul Karr, and Ross Womack.

“The tradition of giving continued at this year’s Turkey Tee Off golf tournament, and we were fortunate to raise over $20,000,” announced Child Advocacy Center Development Coordinator Katie Enzor.  “We are grateful to our loyal sponsors:  CRF Properties, Ashley Holloway, General Jennings Jones with the District Attorney’s Office, Murfreesboro Young Professionals, PATCO Inc., Redstone Federal Credit Union, Topre America, US Community Credit Union, Waldron, Fann, and Parsley Attorneys, Wal-Mart D.C. 6062, Bill and Lucy Whitesell, and Wilson Bank and Trust.”

The tee box sponsors included:  Beaman Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram of Murfreesboro, Gabriel Besleaga with Bill Jakes Realty, Farrer Bros. Hardware and Rental, Ashley Holloway with Holloway Accounting Services, Lascassas Feed Supply,Mike Tansil with My Team Insurance Services, Adam Tipton with Farm Bureau, Mitchell and Mitchell Attorneys at Law, Wal-Mart D.C. 6062, and Wilson Bank and Trust.

Silent auction items were donated by: Alcatraz East, Alumni Hall, The Acent, Beyond Aquatics, Bounce U, Cheekwood, Chuy’s, City Winery Nashville, Crave Golf Club, Dancing Lights of Christmas, Dave and Busters, Dick’s Sporting Goods, First Watch, Gaylord Opryland, Incredible Pizza Company, Indian Hills Golf Course, Jeremy Head Golf Shop and Academy, Janarty’s Ice Cream, Lady Jane’s, Let’s Roam, Loveless Café, Memphis Zoo, Nashville Predators, Nashville Symphony, Omni Hotel, The Peddler, Perfect North Slopes, Ripley’s Aquarium, Rockbros, Sam’s Place, Slim Chickens, Smyrna Bowling Alley, Stars and Strikes, Sudsy’s, and Sugarland Distillery.

“During this Thanksgiving season, the Child Advocacy Center is grateful for the sponsors, tee box sponsors, silent auction donors, golfers, and the volunteers who made the Turkey Tee Off a success,” stated De Boer.  “We are particularly thankful for the Turkey Tee Off committee who worked their hearts out on the tournament – Chase Patterson, Chase Fann, Katie Enzor and Jessica Wauchek.”

“Congratulations to all of the winners,” concluded De Boer.  “We look forward to seeing all of you again next year.”  Any golfers who want to serve on the 2020 Turkey Tee Off planning committee please contact Katie Enzor at (615) 867-9000 or kenzor@cacrutherford.org. 

The Tennessee Department of Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Division returned $65.4 million of cash property to the rightful owners or their heirs, local governments, and reciprocal states during fiscal year 2019. This amount is the most money the agency has ever returned in a single fiscal year. The Unclaimed Property Division also returned more claims than ever before. From July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, the division returned 62,549 claims, breaking last year’s record high of 48,425 by nearly 30%.

Unclaimed property is money that has been turned over to the state by businesses and organizations who cannot locate the owners. This includes intangible assets such as bank accounts, stock certificates, checks, unclaimed wages, refunds, and gift certificates. The Tennessee Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Division serves as a consumer protection program working to reunite this money with its rightful owner.

The Treasury Department works hard to return missing money to its rightful owners through various proactive measures. The Unclaimed Property Division sends letters to all last known addresses reported when unclaimed property is turned over, as well as running a Social Security match with the Department of Labor and Workforce, who can help reach owners through their employers. Additionally, the Department does outreach at events across Tennessee throughout the year to help raise awareness of the program and be on-hand to answer questions, help constituents search for unclaimed property, and assist with filing claims.

As of June 30, 2019, there was $976.8-million waiting to be claimed.

Anyone can see if they are owed any missing money by searching their name online at www.ClaimItTN.gov, and may file a claim online if they find unclaimed property belonging to them. The online database contains all unclaimed property in Tennessee dating to the beginning of the program. Treasury recommends searching for common misspellings of your name and addresses as well, as that may be why the business was unable to return the money to you initially.

A man lost his life after being shot in the chest at a home in Liberty on Halloween night.

A man killed in a shooting at Liberty Thursday night has been identified. Dead is 37 year old Tyler Durden.

The man responsible for the shooting is Durden’s stepfather, 50 year old Albert Wayne Fisher, Jr.. He has been charged with second degree murder.

The shooting is under a joint investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and the District Attorney’s Office for the 13^th Judicial District.

At the request of 13^th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, TBI Special Agents joined DeKalb County deputies and investigators with the DA’s office in investigating a shooting that occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday at a residence on Eckles Heights Road in Liberty. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information that Durden approached the residence of his mother and stepfather. Fisher came to the door, and during that encounter, fired a weapon, striking Mr. Durden. The victim was ultimately transported to a Nashville hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Thursday night, Fisher was arrested and charged with one count of second degree murder. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail, where he is being held on a $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to make a court appearance on November 7th.

Local agencies that assist child abuse victims are partnering for the 19 Days of Activism for the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Youth. The Women’s World Summit Foundation is sponsoring the event. This worldwide event happens every year from November 1-19. This is the seventh year that Cannon and Rutherford County organizations have participated.

“Nineteen days may seem like a short period of time to us as adults, but to a child being abused every day it can feel like a lifetime,” said Sharon De Boer, executive director of the Child Advocacy Centers in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. “Now imagine the impact we can have on children’s lives in our community in 19 days by collaborating with other organizations, raising awareness, and encouraging adults to report child abuse.”

The Child Advocacy Center is a non-profit agency that for the last 20 years has served victims of child abuse, child sexual abuse, and drug endangered children. The center works as a multi-disciplinary team with the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office to respond to child abuse cases. The Department of Children’s Services protects children, law enforcement arrests perpetrators, the District Attorney’s Office prosecutes offenders, while the Child Advocacy Center helps children and families heal from the trauma of the abuse.

The Nashville office of the National Weather Service has issued the following for middle Tennessee.

FREEZE WATCH FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING

* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 to 29 degrees possible.

* WHERE…The entire Middle Tennessee area.

* WHEN…From late Thursday night through Friday morning.

* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other

  sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor  plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

…A Cold and Blustery Halloween Is On Tap for Middle Tennessee…

After a storm system brings 1 to 2 inches of rainfall tonight, the system will work off to our northeast by Thursday afternoon. As the system exits, colder air will begin to spread across the midstate. Early Thursday morning, temperatures will start out in the mid 40s far northwest, to the lower to mid 60s Plateau. By late afternoon, temperatures will fall into the upper 30s to mid 40s.

Making it feel even colder will be the west northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph. This will produce wind chill values of 30 to 35 degrees during the trick or treating late afternoon and early evening hours.

If participating in outdoor trick or treating activities, please dress warmly by wearing layers of clothing, including a hat and gloves.

Otherwise, overnight lows will reach the upper 20s to lower 30s area wide by sunrise Friday morning. For that reason, a freeze watch is currently in effect area wide. The near to just below freezing overnight low temperatures will continue through the weekend.

A Cannon County teen has received the highest award in a regional 4-H grilling contest. Cannon County 4-H member Samantha Swoape for competing at the Tennessee 4-H Outdoor Meat Cookery Contest. More than 160 participants competed in the midstate this year from around 20 counties. As the first place winner for the region, Swoape was invited to compete at the Tennessee 4-H Outdoor Meat Cookery contest at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Members of 4-H in grades 7 through 12 can participate in this fun, practical contest that stresses safety, as well as cooking skills. Each contestant must start his or her own charcoal grill, prepare the meat, and cook it to perfection. On a four-person team, each member grills a different type of meat: beef, poultry, lamb, and pork.  They are judged to make sure they start their fires properly, prepare the meat safely, and cook it to the correct temperature.  Finally, the meat is judged on taste, texture, appearance, and originality of recipe.

Although her team placed 4th in the contest and only the top 3 teams advance, U-T Extension Service officials in Woodbury say this was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Cannon County 4-H.

4-H is the Youth Development program for University of Tennessee. 4-H teaches leadership, citizenship, and life skills to more than 302,000 youth in grades 4-12. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.