News

On April 2-4, 2025, members of Cannon County High School FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) attended the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Chattanooga, TN. Members attended sessions and leadership workshops and competed in STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events.

Ada Curtis won 1st place in Job Interview Level 3, Savannah Tatman won 1st place in Job Interview Level 2, and Annabelle Parrish won 6th place in Career Investigation Level 2.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. FCCLA offers intra-curricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families. Since 1945, FCCLA members have made a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.

L-R: Kylie Hester, Ada Curtis, Connie Lorance (Advisor), Savannah Tatman, and Annabelle Parrish

Drivers traveling on I-24 in Grundy, Marion, and Coffee Counties should know about upcoming roadway activities impacting traffic. Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm local time, Tennessee Department of Transportation maintenance crews will perform rolling roadblocks on I-24 East to perform pavement repairs from mile marker 118 to mile marker 135. Work will include repairs to the bridge approach over the Elk River and the Exit 135 interstate ramps.  

Drivers are encouraged to use caution as they travel through this area and expect significant delays. This work is weather-dependent. If inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, it will be rescheduled later. Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement. 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information. 

The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. In Tennessee, the penalty for violating the law is up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500. 

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced today the selection of a new cohort of high schools for its Advise TN program, in anticipation of its tenth year of service to schools across the state.

This new cohort represents an important step in enhancing support for Tennessee students, particularly in communities where most students have never been served by a college access program. High schools that will be served by the new cohort of Advise TN will include Cannon County High School.

“We are thrilled to welcome this new cohort of high schools into the Advise TN program,” said Sarah Ligas, Director of College Access Initiatives. “Expanding access to personalized advising and college and career preparation is crucial for all students across Tennessee. Advise TN will help them explore all their post-high school opportunities, setting them on the path to success.”

Since its inception in 2016, Advise TN has provided dedicated college and career advisors to its partner high schools, helping over 62,000 students navigate the process of applying to college, securing financial aid, and exploring career pathways. The new group of schools falls below the state average in college enrollment rates and are particularly important in Tennessee’s continued efforts to increase college enrollment and degree attainment.

The Advise TN program has already made a significant impact. Early research conducted by THEC in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that Advise TN plays a critical role in improving college enrollment, with notable increases among rural, female, and Hispanic students. From 2019 – 2021, college-going rates at Advise TN high schools increased by 6%. This research also shows that students who engage more frequently with their advisors are 31% more likely to pursue postsecondary education.

Advise TN has proven to be particularly effective for first-generation college students and those from low-income families, helping them understand the range of opportunities available to them and guiding them through the process of securing financial aid and applying for scholarships.

As the Advise TN program enters its tenth year, the transition to new schools reflects THEC’s commitment to leveling the playing field for all Tennessee students, ensuring they have the guidance and support needed to achieve their higher education goals.

Cannon County Schools Director Bonnie Patterson states, “We are excited to add this layer of support for our students at Cannon County High School to have every opportunity to pursue post-secondary education.”

“We believe that every student deserves the chance to pursue higher education, and Advise TN is one of the most effective tools we have to make that a reality,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. “By expanding to schools that don’t have full-time embedded college and career advising, we are opening doors for students who may have otherwise fallen through the cracks.”

Other schools added to the program include; Chester County High School, Crockett County High School, Forrest School, Gibson County High School, Giles County High School, Heritage High School, Marion County High School, Monterey High School, Sequatchie County High School, Smith County High School and Sweetwater High School.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) mobile household hazardous waste collection service will be in Cannon County on Saturday, April 12.

Tennesseans are encouraged to bring household hazardous waste – including cleaning fluids, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals, and more – to the designated drop-off locations. A person does not need to live in the county to participate.

“This collection service provides an excellent way to responsibly dispose of household hazardous waste, and we want to make it as convenient as possible,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “We welcome all Tennesseans to take advantage of this opportunity to show their commitment to environmental protection.”

The drop-off location in Cannon County – Cannon County Fairgrounds Arena, 614 Lehman St. in Woodbury, 8 a.m.-noon. The contact is Greg Mitchell at (615) 563-2320.

Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 373,000 Tennessee households have properly disposed of more than 25 million pounds of material. There have been over 1,500 one-day collection events.

Household hazardous waste materials are considered flammable, toxic, reactive and/or corrosive and should not be placed with regular garbage. Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner and used needles in sturdy containers. Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, and any empty containers that should be disposed in normal trash. There is no cost or appointment necessary for household hazardous waste collection.

While household hazardous waste may be disposed for free, there is a cost for disposal of Very Small Quantity Generator Waste (i.e. wastes from non-household sources such as businesses, schools, farms, churches, etc.). An appointment is also necessary. Call (615) 643-3170 to request a price quote and schedule an appointment.

Many counties and municipalities meet the needs of local residents by providing collection of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and electronic scrap – or BOPAE, as it is sometimes called. When handled correctly, these BOPAE materials are minimally hazardous, but inappropriate for collection at household hazardous waste events. Tennesseans are encouraged to contact their local city or county solid waste department to find BOPAE collection sites in their area.

When transporting materials to the site, place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or plastic to prevent spills and cross-contamination in the trunk of a car or back of a truck. Be sure to keep materials away from children and pets.

For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call 800-287-9013 or visit the TDEC Household Hazardous Waste Program page online.

Following the recent severe weather across Tennessee, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs offers the following tips for those impacted by the storms: 

ADDRESS FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS: Contact your insurance company, mortgage lender, credit card company, and other creditors to let them know about your situation. Most of them have ways to help. If you can’t live in your home, check with your utility companies to see if you can shut off services such as electric, gas, and cable to reduce expenses.

FILING INSURANCE CLAIMS:

• After a disaster, file your claim as soon as possible. Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information. Your policy may require that you make the notification within a certain time frame.
• Be certain to give your insurance company all the information it needs. Incorrect or incomplete information will only cause a delay in processing your claim.
• If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses.
• Document the disaster by taking photographs or video of any damage.
• Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (e.g., cover broken windows, leaking roofs, and damaged walls). Don’t have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
• Maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect.
• Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.
• Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your policy.

HIRING CONTRACTORS: Before hiring a professional such as a contractor, consumers should first verify that the individual is properly licensed to work in Tennessee by visiting www.verify.tn.gov  to conduct a license check. Get references from people you trust and look up reviews and complaints for the business on independent platforms such as the Better Business Bureau’s website. The more platforms you check, the better. Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• Door-to-door sales: Be wary of contractors selling repairs door-to-door, especially when they offer deep discounts that seem too good to be true.
• High-pressure sales tactics: Avoid those who offer services for a short time only, which can make you feel rushed and unable to research them properly.
• Demand of full payment upfront: Tennessee’s Home Improvement law prohibits contractors from asking for a down payment of more than 1/3 of the total contract. Don’t pay more than one-third down and do not let the payments get ahead of the work.
• Reluctance to pull permits: If the contractor asks you to pull your own permits, that’s a warning sign. The person performing the work should obtain the building permits, not the homeowner.
• Insistence on cash-only payment: Never pay with cash and never sign over your insurance check.Refusal to set out terms in writing: Contractors that don’t offer written estimates or don’t provide a contract should be avoided. Contracts should include details such as the start and completion dates, payment terms, installation costs, allowances, materials, labor, change orders, and warranty information. Consumers should retain a copy of the contract.

VEHICLE TIPS: If your car was submerged in at least a foot of standing water for more than an hour, have it checked out by a repair shop. Even if it runs, hidden damage could pose problems later. If a disaster has left you in need of a new or used automobile, the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission urges consumers to be wary of vehicle scams:

• Always buy from a licensed seller. Check a salesperson’s license at www.verify.tn.gov before you buy.
• Do your due diligence before you buy. Research the car’s value. Take a test drive and get a vehicle history report at vehiclehistory.gov. If purchasing a used car, have an independent mechanic inspect the car.
• Get copies of all paperwork. Don’t leave without copies of everything that you signed. 

AVOIDING SCAMS: While many people seek to help during times of disaster, unfortunately there is also an increased risk for scams and fraud. Watch out for:

• Upfront fees to help you claim services, benefits, or get loans. No government agency charges application fees.
• Con artists posing as government employees, insurance adjusters, law enforcement officials, or bank employees. Confirm credentials by calling the agencies directly if necessary.
• Organizations with names similar to government agencies or charities.
• Limited time offers. Don’t be pressured to make a decision on the spot or to sign anything without having enough time to review it.
• Fake rental listings. If the offer sounds too good to be true or the property owner can’t show you the property beforehand, it’s a bad sign.

REPORT MISCONDUCT: Be wary of price gougers. Look for sudden, dramatic increases in the price of essential goods such as food, fuel, lumber, and lodging right before, during, or after a natural disaster. Consumers can learn more about price gouging here. 

To file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office Division of Consumer Affairs about deceptive business practices such as price gouging, visit www.tn.gov/consumer. 

More Tennesseans were on the job in February than the previous month as 88 of 95 counties reported a decline in their unemployment rates, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced today.

In two Tennessee counties, unemployment rates in February were the same as in January. Five counties saw an increase.

Eighty-four Tennessee counties recorded unemployment rates of less than 5%. The remaining 11 counties had rates that were greater than 5% but less than 10%.

Williamson County reported the lowest unemployment rate for the month at 2.6%, a decline of two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month.

Four counties — Cheatham, Wilson, Robertson, and Rutherford — had unemployment rates of 2.7%. Macon and Knox counties followed with rates of 2.8%.

Cannon County entered the top ten counties with the lowest unemployment at 2.9%.

Cocke County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate for February at 6.6%, a drop of four-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month.

Pickett County had the next-highest rate at 6.3%, a decline of seven-tenths of a percentage point. Lewis County followed with a rate of 5.9%. Its rate in January was 4.1%.

Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained steady at 3.7% for six consecutive months. The national rate in February was 4.1%.

Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment.

Job seekers can work one on one with a career specialist — at no cost — at one of Tennessee’s American Job Centers. Find a list of AJC locations.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training can help remove barriers to employment through funded education, skills training, and supportive services. Learn more about SNAP E&T eligibility and the services provided.

A complete analysis of February 2025 county unemployment data for Tennessee

“The Child Advocacy Center is grateful for Cannon County’s support of child abuse victims. Thanks to our wonderful community, this is the biggest run we’ve ever hosted,” said Cannon County Coordinator Amanda Hammond.  “The Child Advocacy Center wants to thank all of the sponsors and runners for supporting the event. Our youngest runner was 6 years old and our oldest was 77; it was incredible to have so many generations show up and support our children.”

The 5K was held at the Arts Center of Cannon County.  The Honorable Judge Matthew Cowan and Amanda Hammond presented the Hometown Heroes Awards.  The first award was presented to Amanda Hammond for her career of serving child abuse victims at Department of Children’s Services and the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center. Bonnie Patterson was honored for her over 40 years of dedicated service to Cannon County children. The third honoree, Christine O’Day, was recognized for her outstanding work in Youth Services. Keith Ready, Cannon Courier News and Sports Content Creator, was the master of ceremonies. 

Child Advocacy Center Development Coordinator Karista Colwell expressed sincere gratitude to the event sponsors.  This year’s Title Sponsor was Smyrna Ready Mix. The Gold sponsors were Farm Credit Mid America and Fagan & Melton, an Association of Attorneys. The Silver sponsors were Cowan and Cowan Law Firm, LLP and Proactive Kinetics. Bronze sponsors were DTC, Farm Bureau Insurance: Kevin Rigsby; Woodbury Drug Center, Valley View Veterinary Services of TN PLLC. Friends of the CAC included Arlene Knaak: Arlene’s Clay Studio; Beth Hall; Boyd and Gayle Barker; and Gentry Smith Funeral Home.

Colwell thanked CASA, Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and Blake Finney from Shelter Insurance and Proactive Kinetics for providing granola bars, bananas, and bottled water for the runners. She expressed appreciation to the Arts Center of Cannon County for graciously donating the venue!

County Executive and local pastor Greg Mitchell led a prayer for the runner’s safety and all runners headed to the starting line. Promptly at 8:00 a.m., Colwell fired the air horn, and the runners were off.

At the conclusion of the race, Keith Ready announced the winners:

• Overall Male winners:  Matthew Phillips (first place), Isaiah Shelton (second place), Bentley Colgate (third place)
• Overall Female winners: Jada Buckingham (first place), Briana Pitt (second place), and Coraline Pitt (third place)
• Male 9 and under: Ezra Pitt (first place), Beau Colgate (second place), and Drake Williams (third place)
• Female 9 and under:  Jacelyn Toy (first place), Leah Robertson (second place), and Leah Roaten (third place)
• Males 10 to 14:  Fischer Williams (first place), Luke Stembridge (second place), Beckham Pitt (third place)
• Female 10 to 14:  Jayden Toy (first place), Pepper Jennings (second place), Leia Toler (third place)
• Males 15 to 19:  Seven Layne (first place), Eli Hawkins (second place), Jason Barrett (third place)
• Female 15 to 19:  Kiley Jo Byrom (first place), Evelyn Jordan (second place)
• Female 25 to 29: Emily Thompson (first place), Kalashya Colwell (second place), Hannah Reed (third place)
• Female 30-34: Erin Toy (first place), Beth Grace (second place), Alaina Juneau (third place)
• Male 35-39: Christopher Carter (first place), Alan Burger (second place)
• Female 35-39: Samantha Elrod (first place), Renee Robertson (second place), Brittney Blaylock (third place)
• Male 40-44:  Dave Walker (first place)
• Female 40-44: Carolyn Jennings (first place)
• Male 45-49: Matt Wilber (first place)
• Female 45-49: Beth Saddler (first place), Jenn Walker (second place), Alison Wilber (third place)
• Male 50-54: Mark Faiola (first place), Matt Bush (second place)
• Female 50-54: Sandy Moor (first place), Carla Bush (second place)
• Male 55-59: Trent Offill (first place)
• Female 55-59: Anita Ray (first place), Suzanne Wakefield (second place), Margaret Parker (third place)
• Male 60+: Kenneth Bell (first place), Mark Phillips (second place)
• Female 60+: Kim Fann (first place), Frankie Cashion (second place), Susan Melton (third place)

Plans are already underway for the 2026 Cannon Runs for Children.  If you are interested in serving on the planning committee, contact Karista Colwell at 615-867-9000 or kcolwell@cacrutherford.org or Amanda Hammond at 615-563-9915 or ahammond@cannoncac.org 

The Tennessee General Assembly has unanimously passed two significant child care bills, HB105/SB1286 and HB106/SB1288, aimed at expanding child care access across the state. These bills, set to be signed by Governor Bill Lee in the coming weeks, will enhance funding opportunities for child care agencies and provide clear licensure exemptions for casual care options.

The first bill passed, HB105/SB1286, expands the criteria for child care agencies to access funds from the Child Care Improvement Fund, which includes TDHS Non-Profit/Employer Workforce (NEW) Care Partnership grant opportunities. Previously available to non-profit agencies only, now all types of licensed child care providers are eligible to submit a proposal to expand licensed capacity through partnership with an employer.  These funds can be used to address capital improvements and operating expenses associated with increasing capacity in order to serve the employer’s workforce.

More information on the TDHS Non-Profit/Employer Workforce (NEW) Care Partnership Grants can be found here: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/new-care-partnership-grants.html.

When it comes to regular child care services, it is important for parents to look for the license to confirm that the provider is monitored for compliance with health and safety requirements.  Some types of care do not fit the model for licensure.  HB106/SB1288 was unanimously passed providing greater clarity and accessibility to child care licensing exemptions, allowing providers and families to better understand exempt qualifications under the law.

Key provisions of this bill include:

• Legal allowances for parent’s night out activities, including lock-in events.
• Expanded summer camp exemptions to include fall and spring school breaks.
• Maintenance of previous exemptions, including parents’ day out, casual care, educational care, recreational care, and camps while clarifying prior regulatory ambiguities.

Registration materials and a full list of programs exempt from licensing requirements will be updated on the TDHS website prior to the July 1^st effective date.

“The department is incredibly appreciative of the Governor and General Assembly’s support of the child care industry in Tennessee to ensure that families have access to safe, healthy, and developmentally rich child care,” said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter.  “These bills will improve access and quality of care in Tennessee.”

Jude White, TDHS Assistant Commissioner of Child Care and Community Services added, “Expanding access to innovative funding strategies and improving regulatory clarity will empower child care providers across Tennessee. These changes ensure that families have greater access to child care options that meet their needs, supporting both children’s development and the Tennessee workforce.”

The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed three additional cases of measles in Middle Tennessee, which are currently being investigated by public health officials.

This brings Tennessee’s total to four, confirmed cases of measles in 2025.

One of the newly-confirmed cases is related to Tennessee’s first confirmed measles case on March 21, 2025. No additional details are available about Tennessee’s positive cases.

All three of the recently confirmed cases are currently recovering at home. Public health officials are working to identify other locations and persons potentially exposed to the virus.
There is currently an ongoing, national measles outbreak, involving over 480 cases in 20 states, with two, confirmed fatalities in the U.S.

Measles typically has a classic red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, and generally not feeling well, followed by rash, cough, red eyes, or congestion.

Measles is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease which spreads very easily through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.

TDH encourages consultation with your medical provider about measles prevention. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.

More information for the public and for providers about measles is available on this page of the TDH website (tn.gov/health/cedep/reportable-diseases/measles-rubeola.html).

It is important for medical providers to consider measles and report suspected cases immediately to TDH at 615-741-7247.

Drivers traveling on I-24 in Coffee County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have an impact on traffic. As part of the US 41 (SR 1) bridge replacement project over I-24 at Exit 105, Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will conduct full directional closures of the interstate at mile marker 105 along with the US 41 bridge beginning Monday, March 31, 2025, and continuing nightly for approximately two weeks to install beams for the new bridge. During these closures, traffic will detour around the closure using the Exit 105 interstate ramps.

Tentative schedule (7:00 pm to 6:00 am each night):

• March 31, 2025 – Total closure on I-24 in both directions, US 41 bridge over I-24 closed
• April 1, 2025, Closure of left lane on I-24 in both directions
• April 2 – 3, 2025 – Total closure of I-24 East, US 41 bridge over I-24 closed
• April 4 – 5, 2025 – Total closure of I-24 West, US 41 bridge over I-24 closed
• April 7, 2025 – Total closure of I-24 East, US 41 bridge over I-24 closed
• April 8 – 9, 2025 – Total closure of I-24 West, US 41 bridge over I-24 closed
• April 11, 2025 – Total closure of I-24 East, US 41 bridge over I-24 closed

Drivers are encouraged to use caution as they travel through this area and expect significant delays. Signage will be posted directing drivers through the work zone. This work is weather-dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, it will be rescheduled to take place at a later date. Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement. 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information. 

The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.