News

Any parents/legal guardians who intend to conduct an Independent Home School, grades K-12, during the 2025-2026 school year must provide annual notice to their local public school Director’s office each new school year. This requirement also applies to previous Independent Home School parents.

Home School registration forms for the 2025-2026 school year are available at the Cannon County School Director’s office and online at the Cannon County Schools’ page (http://www.ccstn.net/ under the homeschool department tab) or the Tennessee State Department of Education Home School page (https://www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html). Upon completion, forms should be returned to the Director of School’s office at 301 West Main Street, Woodbury, TN 37190.

Any parent/legal guardian wishing to conduct an Independent Home School for grades K-12 must provide 1) proof of legal custody or guardianship by a copy of child’s birth certificate or court order, and 2) copy of a high school diploma GED or GED, or HiSET, and 3) the Intent to Home School form, and 4) the Notice Concerning Students with Disabilities form.

If you have any questions regarding home schools, please call 629-201-4801 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

August 3 through August 9 celebrates National Health Center week.  The annual event highlights the essential role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in improving public health and providing affordable access to critical healthcare services.  With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, CHCs reduce healthcare costs through addressing our nation’s most pressing public health challenges.

In Cannon County, the Cannon County Health Department is also a Health Center. Health Centers are federally designated sites in medically underserved communities meant to increase access to affordable, quality care Cannon County Health Department provides primary care and dental services for patients who are uninsured, underinsured and privately insured. 

Primary care services include treatment of acute illness and chronic disease management and are provided by a nurse practitioner or physician. Services can also include telehealth, wellness exams, laboratory tests, and health education.

Dental services are provided by Dentists, Registered Dental Hygienist and Registered Dental Assistants. Dental services available at Cannon County Health Center is comprehensive, including exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and emergency care for adults and children.

For more information on primary care, dental care or telehealth, please contact the Cannon County Health Department at 615-563-4243. For a list of all services offered at local health departments go to: http://health.tn.gov/local.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) requires certain immunizations for students entering pre-k, kindergarten, and 7th grades. There is only one official TDOH certificate of immunization that must be completed by medical providers for delivery to schools. Parents must present this official form prior to or at their child’s registration for pre-k, kindergarten, 7th grade, or as a new student. This form is available from private healthcare providers or local health departments.

Parents are urged to begin this process early to avoid a delay in their child’s school year. Medical providers experience high volumes of last minute immunization requests prior to the start of school. Therefore, beginning this process early can assure parents these requirements are met in advance of fall registration.

Remember, according to Tennessee State Law (TCA 49-6-5001), no child shall be permitted to attend any public school, kindergarten, or pre-k until proof of immunization is given to the admissions officer of the school. Parents of pre-k, kindergarten, and 7th grade students must submit an Official Certificate of Immunization on, or prior to, school enrollment. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 7th grade students without proper immunization documentation will not be allowed to attend Cannon County Schools until the Official Certificate of Immunization is submitted. Medical, religious or homeless exemptions may apply in some cases.

Parents can call the Cannon County Health Department, located at 106 Alexander Drive, Woodbury, to schedule immunizations through their clinic. You can reach the Health Department at 615-563-4243.  Parents may also schedule immunizations through their private healthcare providers.

Below is a summary of the TDOH rule 1200-14-1-29 which details the immunization requirements for children enrolling in Tennessee Schools.

Children in Pre-School or Pre-K

• Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV)

• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – age younger than 5 years only

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – age younger than 5 years only

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 1 dose of each, normally given together as MMR

• Varicella – 1 dose or credible history of disease

• Hepatitis A – 1 dose, required by 18 months of age or older

Children enrolling in Kindergarten

• Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV) – final dose on or after the 4th birthday

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, usually given together as MMR

• Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

• Hepatitis A – total of 2 doses, spaced at least 6 – 18 months apart

All children entering 7th grade (including currently enrolled students)

• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap) – evidence of one Tdap dose given before 7th grade entry (administered at or after age 10) is required regardless of Td history

Children who are new enrollees in a TN school in grades other than Kindergarten

• Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, or DT if appropriate)

• Poliomyelitis (IPV or OPV – final dose on or after the 4th birthday

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella – 2 doses of each, normally given together as MMR

• Varicella – 2 doses or credible history of disease

• New students entering grades other than 7th grade are not required to have Tdap

Children with medical or religious exemption to requirements

• Medical – Physicians (MD or DO) or Public Health Nurses are authorized to indicate specific vaccines medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the certificate. Other vaccines remain required. The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided.

• Religious – This exemption requires a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. The Religious Exemption form is located on the district website, ccstn.net. If the child needs documentation of a health examination for the school, it must be noted by the healthcare provider on the immunization certificate. In that case, the provider should check the box in section 1a. that the parent has sought a religious exemption to explain why immunization information is absent or incomplete.

For more information, contact the Cannon County Health Department, your child’s physician, your school nurse, or Stephanie Alexander, Director of Coordinated School Health at 629-2184801 or stephanie.alexander@ccstn.net.

Auburntown Red Apple Days return this Friday and Saturday.  The annual event is an area favorite and benefits the Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department.

Friday, August 1st

• Vendor Walk Opens (4 PM): Get ready to explore a diverse array of vendors as the Red Apple Days Festival officially opens the Vendor Walk at 4 PM on Friday. Attendees are always excited to see the unique and exciting offerings from our vendors each year. From delicious food and refreshing drinks to handmade crafts and local products, there’s something for everyone.
• Gospel Concert (5 PM – 9 PM): Kick off the festival with an uplifting evening of gospel music featuring chart-topping positive country music artist Shellem Cline and other local gospel favorites.

Saturday, August 2nd

• Red Apple Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run: Start your day with a refreshing run through scenic Auburntown. Participants of all ages are welcome.
• Miss Red Apple Days Beauty Pageant: Witness the crowning of Miss Red Apple Days as contestants aged 0-22 showcase their poise and talent. Registration is $45, and all participants are encouraged to join a community service project for Operation Christmas Child.
• Red Apple Days Cruise In Car Show: Enjoy a display of classic and unique cars. Entry is free, and donations are appreciated.
• Parade Honoring Local First Responders and Firefighters: Celebrate our local heroes with a heartwarming parade through town.
• Kids Zone: Free bounce houses and fun activities for children, including field day games, tug-of-war, and a thrilling water balloon fight.
• Apple-Themed Baking Contest: Show off your baking skills with creations featuring apples as a key ingredient. Free to enter!
• Apple Pie Eating Contest: Test your eating speed and capacity in this fun-filled contest.
• Live Music (Starting at 5 PM): Enjoy performances from local artists, singer-songwriters, and up-and-coming musicians.
• Fireworks Show: Cap off the festival with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky in a dazzling array of colors.

The event is located in and around C.S. Hawkins Park in Auburntown. For further information on Red Apple Days and the events, check their website www.redappledays.com or their Facebook page.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has announced the launch of TN Direct Admissions, a new pilot program that automatically accepts eligible high school seniors into in-state public and private universities, as well as the state’s community and technical colleges (TCAT), using existing academic data. 

Research shows that the college application and financial aid process often feels too complex, causing many students to give up before completing their applications. One in four students start an application but never finish.

To address these challenges, Tennessee’s Direct Admissions Pilot is the first in the nation to directly connect automatic college admissions with state-supported and merit-based financial aid. The goal is to help students clearly see where they’ve been accepted and how they can afford to enroll, increasing the likelihood they’ll attend college in the fall.

This November, approximately 41,000 high school seniors in the Class of 2026 from a group of randomly selected Tennessee high schools will receive a TN Direct Admissions letter from Governor Bill Lee with a list of the in-state colleges and TCAT institutions where they have been automatically accepted— without having to complete traditional college applications. More than 20,000 of these letters will also outline the state and institutional financial aid available to students. The intent is to expand this effort state-wide after the pilot study.

Students only need to complete the Tennessee Promise application by November 3, 2025 to be eligible.

Led by THEC in partnership with the Lumina Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Making Caring Common at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the pilot explores if connecting direct admissions with clear financial aid can help more Tennessee students confidently continue their education after high school.

This fall, a total of 53 higher education institutions are participating in the TN Direct Admissions program and pilot initiative.

Through this effort, the Tennessee Board of Regents is offering direct admissions to the state’s 23 Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and 13 community colleges. In addition, 17 public and private colleges and universities across Tennessee are participating in the pilot.

As part of the pilot this year, THEC and partners are conducting a controlled study to assess how different types of information affect students’ decisions to enroll in college.

The study aims to determine whether providing clear financial aid information alongside direct admissions increases the likelihood of college enrollment compared to receiving only direct admissions information, or no letter at all. Students in the program will also be eligible to receive additional college-going supports, including proactive outreach to parents and counselors, as well as personalized contact from a direct admissions advisor.

Findings from the study will be shared broadly with a national audience of colleges, universities, higher education leaders, with the goal of informing similar efforts in other states and elevating direct admissions as a scalable strategy nationwide.

General information about TN Direct Admissions will be provided to participating high schools and made available through school counselors. Additional resources, including webinars, videos, flyers, and posters, will also be provided and made accessible on CollegeForTN.org to support schools, students and families throughout the process.

More information is available on the TN Direct Admissions FAQ page.

Drivers who feel the need for speed better hit the brakes or be ready to see blue lights in their rear-view mirror during Operation Southern Slow Down. From July 14 to July 20, this speed enforcement campaign returns in five southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. To kick off the campaign, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, held press events across the state to remind drivers to slow down.

“When speed kills, it’s never an accident,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. “Help us keep the roadways safe this summer through voluntary compliance. Slow down and obey the traffic laws. You could save someone’s life, including your own.”

State troopers and local law enforcement will conduct concentrated enforcement on interstates and state highways throughout these five southeastern states to stop the increase in drivers traveling at speeds well above the legal limit.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,175 people were killed in crashes involving speeding in the United States in 2023, which is a 27 percent increase from 9,592 persons killed in crashes involving speeding nationwide in 2019. Speeding was a factor in almost 30 percent of fatal crashes in the United States in 2023 compared to 25 percent in 2019. 

1,604 people were killed in crashes involving speeding in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee in 2023, according to the NHTSA. This is a 13 percent increase from 2019 when 1,418 people died in crashes involving speeding in these five southeastern states. Speeding was a factor in one out of five persons killed in crashes in the southeast from 2019 through 2023. Operation Southern Slow Down began in 2017 when the five southeastern states decided to hold a week-long joint speed enforcement campaign during the third week of July with the goal of reducing crashes and saving lives. The campaign now runs during the NHTSA’s Speeding Slows You Down campaign that runs from July 7 to July 31. Drivers will see more law enforcement on the road during both campaigns and drivers who are stopped for speeding can expect to be issued a citation. 

Get ready to save! The State of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday weekend will take place Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27.

During this holiday, Tennesseans can save nearly 10 percent on qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers. Clothing and school supplies priced at $100 or less will be tax-free, and computers priced at $1500 or less will also be tax-free. Qualifying items may be purchased online and in stores.

“Tennessee’s strong track record of fiscal stewardship has allowed our state to cut taxes and put dollars back in the pocket of hardworking Tennesseans,” said Gov. Bill Lee.”I encourage every family to take advantage of back-to-school savings, and thank the General Assembly for their partnership to provide direct financial relief for taxpayers.”

“Tennessee’s sales tax holiday is the one time each year when these items can be bought without paying any sales tax,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “We encourage Tennesseans to take advantage of the savings.”

Visit http://www.tntaxholiday.com for more information about the sales tax holiday, including a list of qualifying items. If you have questions, you can also call 615-253-0600 or email revenue.support@tn.gov .

Cannon County High School is proud to announce the appointment of Tommy Hinch as the interim head football coach for the upcoming season. Coach Hinch brings a strong background in coaching, mentorship, and athletic leadership to the program during this time of transition.

Coach Hinch steps into the role following the departure of Coach Andy Bartsch. With a deep understanding of the sport and a passion for developing student-athletes, Coach Hinch is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence that defines Cannon County football.

“Coach Hinch has shown a strong dedication to both athletic excellence and building character,” said Courtney Nichols, Principal of Cannon County High School. “We are confident that he will lead our players with character, discipline, and a clear vision as we begin the search for a permanent head coach.”

Prior to this role, Coach Hinch served as Offensive Coordinator, where he was instrumental in the 6-5 record for the 2024-25 season. With a strong rapport among students, staff, and the community, he is poised to provide stability and motivation as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

“I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity the administration at Cannon County High School has given me to continue what we, as a staff, under Coach Bartsch have built here within the football program. The school administration, current coaching staff, and I believe in doing what is best for our kids. We believe in moving forward to build on what has already been established. In order to do so, I will be taking the interim head coaching role for this season. I want to thank our Cannon County football family, administration, current coaching staff, and my wife & kids for being behind me in this decision. I look forward to getting to work in the 2025 season.”

Cannon County will begin the formal search for a permanent head coach at the conclusion of the football season.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced the opening of the 2025-2026 Houses of Worship Security Grant to fund contract security personnel for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations which serve as houses of worship including churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques. “Houses of worship, by their nature, are easily accessible to large numbers of people and often have limited security measures in place, which makes them vulnerable,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Deputy Commissioner Greg Mays. “Our Houses of Worship Security Grant, helps eligible organizations hire trained security professionals who, in an emergency, can mitigate or prevent a tragedy.” The 2025-2026 Houses of Worship Security Grant is a competitive grant with a 12-month period, disbursed through a Tennessee cost reimbursement grant contract. Organizations that want to apply must complete the registration process by 3 p.m. Central on July 24, and the application process by 3 p.m. Central on July 31, 2025. For more information, visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website, tn.gov/safety/homeland-security/grants.html.

United Way of South Central Tennessee, serving Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren counties, is awarding $685,000 in grants to 65 agency programs demonstrating measurable progress toward the community goals in the areas of Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.

According to UWSCTN’s Vice President of Collective Impact, Ella Weaver, “We are thrilled to partner with this expanding list of agencies after a competitive grant process managed by our Community Impact Committee. We feel that these programs across our seven-county service area will help us move the needle in systemic change and allow us to achieve far greater results than any of us could accomplish alone. Thank you to the organizations and people who are committed to our efforts in building a community that thrives.”

Rutherford and Cannon County Partners
Alive Hospice, Inc.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County
CASA of Cannon County
Centerstone of Tennessee
Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford and Cannon County
Community Helpers of Rutherford County
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center
Interfaith Dental of Rutherford County
Kymari House, Inc.
Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands
Middle Tennessee State University
Mindful Care Adult Day Services
Murfreesboro Cold Patrol
Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee
Raising Resilience Tennessee
Read To Succeed
Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity
S.O.P. Guiding Our Youth
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
STARS Nashville
The Journey Home
TN Voices
Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System

To learn more about United Way of South Central Tennessee, visit yourlocaluw.org.