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Unemployment across Tennessee remains near its historic low, despite a slight increase to 3.4 percent in June, according to the latest data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

June’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is up 0.1 of a percentage point when comparing it to the previous month. 

Year-to-year, unemployment is 0.2 of a percentage point lower than the June 2018 rate.

Even with a minor uptick in unemployment, Tennessee employers continue to add thousands of new workers to their payrolls. Total nonfarm employment increased by 9,600 jobs between May and June of this year. The durable goods manufacturing, administrative/support/waste services and health care/social assistance sectors experienced the largest increases.

“Creating new jobs for Tennesseans is a top priority,” said TDLWD Commissioner Jeff McCord. “Companies continue to show they have confidence in our state’s economy and in Tennessee’s workforce by adding nearly 10,000 jobs in June and that’s impressive.”

Between June 2018 and June 2019, Tennessee saw nonfarm employment grow by 52,100 jobs in every corner of the state. Employers in the leisure/hospitality, trade/transportation/utilities and manufacturing sectors are responsible for creating the highest number of new jobs over the last year.

Across the United States, seasonally adjusted unemployment also increased in June. The national rate grew by 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.7 percent. 

TDLWD offers a complete analysis of Tennessee’s June 2019 unemployment data here.

The state of Tennessee makes a wide range of job search assistance available through its workforce development website, www.Jobs4TN.gov. Job seekers can find nearly 200,000 current job openings, free online resume assistance, job interview advice and other services when they visit the site.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) is announcing new options and changes to better assist Tennessee farmers in diversifying, expanding, and improving their farming operations.

A recent review of the program aligns with Governor Bill Lee’s priority of advancing rural economic development. He supports TAEP and understands the value it brings to communities statewide.

“Agriculture is the foundation for our state’s economy, and our rural areas feel that impact the most,” Gov. Lee said. “TAEP is an investment that reaches far beyond the farming community – it bolsters local businesses, equipment manufacturers, and the countless citizens connected to the ag industry.”

With that focus in mind, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) conducted a survey of TAEP participants and industry partners to gain feedback about current program offerings and ideas for the future. More than 2,400 people responded, with representation from all 95 counties.

The department also formed an advisory committee of 20 farmers from a variety of agricultural sectors statewide to identify opportunities for program improvements.

“The Ag Enhancement Program touches thousands of farming families all across Tennessee,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “That’s why we wanted to hear directly from those who know TAEP. We appreciate all who weighed in, and we look forward to seeing the result of these recommendations.”

Guided by survey responses and input from the committee, as well as priorities determined by TDA, TAEP changes for 2019 include:

• A new cattle herd health program aims to improve the health, reputation, and profitability of Tennessee cattle. Participating farmers will implement a preventative herd health protocol for beef and dairy cattle.
• In partnership with the University of Tennessee, the new cattle genetics online tool will assist in determining a bull’s eligibility for TAEP.
• To ensure more long-term investments, the verification period has increased. Applicants must utilize equipment and structures reimbursed with cost share funds for a minimum of five continuous years from the date of purchase.

• The Hay Storage program will not be offered for the 2019-2020 program year in order to launch the new Hay Equipment program. Hay production will be the focus, with hay mowers, mower-conditioners, tedders, rakes, and balers eligible for cost share. Participants must meet minimum requirements of 100 head of cattle, 150 head of goats or sheep, or 100 acres of hay in production.

• The renamed Working Facility Structures program features the Working Facility Cover for existing livestock working equipment and the Permanent Working Pen for receiving, separating, weaning, or holding livestock.

• The Grain Storage program is now called Row Crop Solutions. Cotton has been added as an eligible commodity. New items include drive-over scales, stationary fuel tanks, GPS displays and receivers, grain bin rescue tubes, and no-till drills. The maximum reimbursement has increased to $20,000.
• Application B for Producer Diversification has been simplified and shortened to ease the application process.
• Application C for Poultry Growers will now include ventilation fans and LED lights for retrofitting, as well as feed bins, poultry house trolley systems, and litter management equipment. The maximum reimbursement has increased to $10,000. 

• The lifetime reimbursement limits for commodity sheds, grain bins, and livestock working facility covers have been removed.

“This isn’t a one-time review of TAEP,” Commissioner Hatcher added. “TDA will continue to seek input on this popular program to respond to the ever-changing agriculture industry.”

Established in 2005, TAEP is a cost share program that assists agricultural producers in making long-term investments on Tennessee farms and in rural communities. For every dollar the state awards to an eligible farmer, an estimated $3.89 is generated in the local economy. Since its launch, TAEP has invested more than $168 million in more than 57,000 producer projects, affecting every single county in Tennessee.

Bruce Steelman, UT County Extension Agent (and co-host of Farm and Family on WBRY) visits the Farmer’s Market on a regular basis and shared his observations.

What is your favorite summer veggie to go alone with your grilled masterpiece? Grilled peppers and onions, fried or fresh green/red tomatoes, cucumber/squash salads, fresh chips or pickles, or grilled corn on the cob can all contribute to a great refreshing meal.

If you’re not into grilling, your local Farmer’s Market has blue lake and half runners green beans, beets, selection of squash and my all-time summer favorite, okra. For those wanting larger quantities for canning, now is the idea time to drop by the market and pick up a bushel of tomatoes, green beans, squash or cucumbers.

For the sweet tooth, baked goods from Ms. Joyce’s or Ms. Irene or fresh blueberries from Mrs. Saddler. These berries are screaming to be match with a freezer of ice cream. Last week at the Market showcased locally grown cut flowers from Dustin and Erica Allen. Not only can the Market provide locally grown great tasting fruits, veggies and baked goods, we can provide the “looking good” as well.

The Market always has a wide selection of veggies, baked goods and gift/crafty ideas. The Cannon County Farmers Market is open every Saturday beginning at 7 AM and closes at Noon or when the veggies are gone. We are located in the Farmers Pavilion at the Arts Center of Cannon County. If you would like to be a vendor, please contact the UT Cannon County Extension Office at 615-563-2554.

Cannon County Director of Schools William F. Curtis has named Josh Thaxton Assistant Principal of Woodbury Grammar School in Woodbury, Tennessee. The position became available when Emily Hancock was promoted to the principal upon Rick Meacham’s retirement.

Josh comes to WGS from Warren County where he has been teaching for the past 7 years.  He is a highly effective educator. Josh has lead state training in mathematics for the state department and has served as a PLC leader as well as created grade level common assessments and serving on the textbook adoption committee.

Josh graduated from Motlow State Community College in 2010 with an Associate’s degree then transferred to Tennessee Technology University to earn a Bachelor’s degree with a certification in grades K-6. He continued taking coursework to add certification for all content areas for grades 4-8. In 2018, Josh graduated from Western Governors University with a Master’s Degree in Learning and Technology. He is currently attending Middle Tennessee State University to earn an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision. Josh currently holds an ILL-A licensure.

Principal Emily Hancock stated the following, “I think this is going to be a great match for us. He brings lots of excitement/energy, has a math background and willingness to be involved in the community.”

Principal Hancock will be presenting Assistant Principal, Josh Thaxton, to the WGS staff on July 25^th.

We are certainly very glad to announce this hire and are excited about the future at Woodbury Grammar School.  Each hire, including this one at Grammar School, exemplifies ‘Preparing ALL Students for their Future’ through our VISION – ‘The New E3 = ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’” 

URGENT – National Weather Service Nashville TN 346 AM CDT Fri Jul 19 2019 …Dangerously Hot and Humid Conditions for much of Middle Tennessee Today… Heat Index values will climb to around 105 degrees today in areas west of the Cumberland Plateau due to afternoon temperatures in the mid 90s and humidities in the 50s.

HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING… * IMPACTS…The heat and humidity will result in an increased risk for heat-related illnesses. Please take necessary precautions and preparedness actions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of heat and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. This is especially true on very hot days when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

The Tennessee Department of Health kicked off the new “Tennessee Faces of the Opioid Crisis“ public education and awareness campaign July 16 at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. This project will feature people from every county of Tennessee sharing personal stories of how they have been impacted by the opioid crisis. The campaign also provides resources and information on how everyone can be part of the solution to this problem.

“Our goal is to demonstrate the opioid epidemic is having an impact on people in every community and county in our state – our neighbors, friends, coworkers – and that together we can overcome this crisis,“ said TDH Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “We are so grateful to those sharing their stories as a way to give hope to others who may be struggling with substance abuse and connect people with resources in their communities.“

Campaign participants representing several Tennessee counties attended the launch event, which included the debut of public service announcements and artwork created for the effort. Each county participant will be featured on a poster sharing his or her photo and story. In addition to on-air and digital placement of the videos, TDH will make the videos and posters available to community partners who wish to use the materials to help educate people about the impact of the opioid crisis and resources available in the community to help prevent drug abuse and misuse.

“I’m excited for this campaign to show that, while drug abuse has affected so many of our lives, it’s not won. Glory to God for the successes and victories in my life and the lives of others!” said Pharmacist Robbie Monahan, Tennessee Faces of the Opioid Crisis participant from Washington County. “I want to be an example for others to see that they too can overcome obstacles and achieve greater things.”

“Tennessee Faces of the Opioid Crisis“ includes four public service announcements which will air through cable providers and digital placements from July 17 through September 29. Themes for these spots are: Faces (Tennessee Faces of the Opioid Crisis); Hands (Count It! Lock It! Drop It!); Pills (What Are Opioids?) and Texting. The spots include messaging designed for both adults and teenagers.

Visit TNFacesofOpioids.com to read the stories shared by Tennesseans across the state and learn about community-based resources available to assist people impacted by substance abuse and misuse. TDH will also share the stories on social media @TNDeptofHealth with the hashtag #TNFaces. Find the campaign on Instagram @TNFaces.

TDH is still seeking stories from people living or working in some Tennessee counties. Those who would like to share a story of how they have been impacted by the opioid crisis are invited to visit www.tn.gov/tnfacesofopioids/share-your-story.html and use the online form.

“Tennessee Faces of the Opioid Crisis“ is a project funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Opioid Crisis Cooperative Agreement.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is advising homeowners and gardeners to monitor their rhododendron plants after detecting a disease that kills plants, trees, and shrubs.

Phytophthora ramorum is a water mold pathogen that causes sudden oak death, ramorum leaf blight, and ramorum dieback.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) detected the pathogen in rhododendron plants at a store in Dickson County. The infected plants were part of a larger shipment that originated from nurseries in Washington state and Canada. APHIS is working to trace the plants from the shipment, which were sent to 18 states.

TDA suggests that Tennesseans who have purchased a rhododendron since April, 2019 at Walmart and Rural King outlets monitor the plant for signs of disease, including leaf spots and dying branches or limbs. If you suspect your plant might have this disease, contact TDA’s Plant Certification Section at (615) 837-5137 or email plant.certification@tn.gov.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Plant Certification Section works to control and eradicate diseases and pests which threaten Tennessee’s forests, nurseries, and major crops. To learn more about Tennessee plant pests, diseases, and quarantines, click here.

The victim in last week’s homicide on Sunny Slope Road will be laid to rest today.

Funeral services are scheduled today for Jason Glass, 35, a native of Summertown. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has now confirmed him as the victim in the case.

The Bureau confirmed their investigation remains active and ongoing.

Unofficial reports indicate the incident is focused around a domestic dispute.

The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has created a new interactive web tool that provides important information about Tennessee’s Tax Relief program.

The Tax Relief program began in 1973 and provides property tax relief to qualifying low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, as well as disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses. In tax year 2018, more than $41 million dollars was appropriated by the General Assembly to serve more than 140,000 homeowners across the state.  292 Cannon Countians currently use the program.

The new web portal combines important information with images and interactive maps. The portal displays key data, eligibility requirements, and local city and county contacts that will be helpful for anyone interested in learning more about the program.

“The General Assembly has prioritized property tax relief payments for Tennessee’s most vulnerable citizens and disabled veterans,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “This new web portal allows us to use visual communication and interactive maps to share even more information about this program.” 

If you are interested in applying for tax relief in 2019, you can apply with your county trustee after you receive your 2019 county and/or city property tax bill. If your property is within city limits, you may also contact your city collecting official to apply. 

To view the Comptroller’s new Property Tax Relief portal, go to:
https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/pa/property-taxes/property-tax-programs/tax-relief.html

If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline. Follow us on twitter: @TNCOT