News

Unofficial results in the August 6^th, 2026 Cannon County General Election:

County Executive

Greg Mitchell    2818    99.26%

County Commission District 1

Nathan A. Sanders    409    47.50%

Judy Schoen    232    26.95%

John Taylor    216    25.09%

County Commission District 2

Marty Williams    379    43.26%

James Atkins    368    42.01%

Ryan E. Herron    126    14.38%

County Commission District 3

Curtis W. George    327    42.80%

Shea R. Basham    262    34.29%

Chase Martin    170    22.25%

County Commission District 4

Randy D. Gannon    374    36.49%

Michael W. Hollandsworth    294    28.68%

Jordan McGee    235    22.93%

Cindy (Moulder) Henry    122    11.90%

County Commission District 5

Tony R. Burnett    289    53.12%

Kristal Alexander    226     43.88%

County Trustee

Norma Barrett Knox    2361    77.38%

Neal Appelbaum    687    22.52%

Sheriff

Bill Sharp    1664    51.90%

Chris Brown    1540    48.03%

Circuit Court Clerk

Katina L. George    2697    99.81%

County Clerk

Lana S. Jones    2869    99.83%

Register of Deeds

Sandy Hollandsworth    2173    69.76%

Franz Ulrich Walkup    942    30.24%

Red Apple Days are this weekend, August 7^th and 8^th in Auburntown.  Many of your favorite activities are scheduled.  The benefit festival has filled C.S. Hawkins Park and surrounding area since 1977.

Friday, August 7th

• Vendor Walk: 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: 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 8th

• Red Apple 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: 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 benefits the Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department.  For additional information check; www.redappledays.com

Today is primary election day in Tennessee. If you did not vote early, today is your day. Polls are open in Cannon County from 7am until 7pm.

Voters (who did not vote absentee or early) must vote at their Precincts in person. Polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM.Bring a Federal or TN issued photo ID. (Your voter card will help.)

The ballot can be found on CannonCountyTN.gov. Voters will be asked if they want a Republican State & Federal Primary + County General, Democratic State & Federal Primary + County General, or County General only

If you are unsure where to vote, check www.govotetn.gov.

WBRY will announce the election returns as they become available from the Cannon County Election Commission. Updates will air beginning after 7pm on air. Results will also be posted in the local news section of wbry.com and on the WBRY Facebook page.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.

Cannon County’s celebration is held on the Courthouse Square. The free community event will be held from 5pm this evening until 7:30.  Local first responders will be in attendance, emergency vehicles will be on display. A street fair atmosphere focused on education and family fun.

TheTennessee Department of Health (TDH) joins community health centers across the state in celebrating National Health Center Week, Aug. 2, to Aug. 8, 2026, recognizing the vital role community health centers play in providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare.

This year’s national theme, Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most, celebrates how community health centers develop innovative solutions that improve access to care, strengthen communities, and improve health outcomes.

“Tennessee’s community health centers, clinics, and local health departments are committed to improving the health of our communities,” State Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn said. “Every day, dedicated healthcare professionals meet Tennesseans where they are, providing compassionate, high-quality care and services. TDH celebrates the critical work of Health Centers to build healthier communities, reduce health disparities, and ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity to achieve their best health.”

Across Tennessee, community health centers and clinics work alongside local health departments partnering to ensure access to comprehensive healthcare services. Together, they provide primary medical care, preventive services, immunizations, dental care, behavioral health services, women’s health services, chronic disease management, health screenings, and other essential healthcare resources that improve health and well-being.

TDH encourages Tennesseans to recognize the dedicated healthcare professionals serving in community health centers, clinics, and local health departments during National Health Center Week and to learn more about the healthcare services available in their communities. See more information on the TDH website for the locations and services of Tennessee’s local health departmentsand theRural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

Get ready to save! It’s time for Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday for back-to-school essentials.

This year, the sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026. Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday has been in place for two decades. The first annual sales tax holiday happened in 2006.

During the holiday weekend, clothing and school supplies priced at $100 or less may be purchased tax-free. Computers priced at $1,500 or less may also be purchased without paying state or local sales tax, saving Tennesseans nearly 10 percent on qualifying purchases. Items sold online are eligible, and all purchases must be for personal use, not for business or trade. 

“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 has become a back-to-school tradition for families,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “This weekend gives Tennesseans an easy way to save on many back-to-school essentials.”

The sales tax holiday applies to many back-to-school items, including shirts, pants, shoes, dresses, binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, computers, and tablets. However, some items do not qualify, such as jewelry, handbags, sports and recreational equipment, computer software sold separately, printer supplies, and household appliances. 
Tennesseans are encouraged to review the list of qualifying items before they shop.

Visit the Department of Revenue’s sales tax holiday page, www.tntaxholiday.com,  for more information, including lists of exempt and taxable items. If you have questions, you can also call 615-253-0600 or email revenue.support@tn.gov. 

The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding all Tennesseans to take simple and preventive steps to avoid mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases. For most people a tick or mosquito bite will only cause local skin irritation or possibly mild, flu-like symptoms, but some people can have a serious illness with major consequences like severe pain, long-term or permanent nerve or brain damage or even death.

“We encourage Tennesseans to enjoy our amazing outdoor activities this summer, but it’s also important to take precautions against tick and mosquito bites,’’ said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn. “Using insect repellent and avoiding tick and mosquito bites are simple but effective ways to reduce your risk of diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and West Nile virus.”

Most tick and mosquito bites result in only minor local skin irritation. However, some people may develop mild influenza-like symptoms, and in rare instances, tick- and mosquito-borne diseases can cause severe illness or death. For some tick and mosquito-borne diseases there are no vaccines or specific treatments, so prevention is a top priority.

To avoid mosquito and tick bites:
• Use insect repellants Containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-methane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone on your skin, following all label recommendations for use. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old. Never apply any of these products around the mouth or eyes at any age. Consult your health care provider if you have questions.
• Reduce mosquito populations around your home. Mosquitoes can breed in any place that holds water, including clogged drains or gutters, watering cans and empty bottles. Dump out any standing water in these locations.
• Use products containing permethrin, a highly effective insecticide, for clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear. Permethrin-treated clothing kills ticks, mosquitoes and other pests and retains this effect after repeated laundering. Follow product label instructions for applying permethrin to clothing or gear or use commercial products treated with permethrin. As a caution, permethrin should not be used directly on skin.
• Wear ’long, loose and light’ clothing to help prevent bites through fabric. It’s best to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants. Light-colored clothes are less attractive to many insects and may allow you to spot them more easily.

Learn more about tick and mosquito bite prevention at: https://www.tn.gov/health/vector.html.

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 629-218-4801 or stephanie.alexander@ccstn.net.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is confirming two cases of measles in middle Tennessee, the first in the state this year. Both individuals are currently recovering at home. One of the individuals had been fully vaccinated against measles, while the vaccination status of the second individual is unknown. Both individuals were exposed to a confirmed measles case outside of Tennessee.

TDH and Nashville-Davidson County Health Department officials are responding to make people in middle Tennessee aware of possible exposure to measles at the following public locations:

Exposure Location          Address                             Date(s)               Time(s)    Monitor for Symptoms Through

Catfeine Cat Cafe               517 Carson Lane             06/29/2026              1 p.m. to 5 p.m.                     07/21/2026
          Murfreesboro, TN   06/30/2026

Waxing the City                  1108 Gallatin Ave.    07/01/2026              1 pm to 5 pm                     07/22/2026
                                            Nashville, TN                                                                                                                                                 

Goodwill                               1108 Gallatin Ave.           07/01/2026             1 pm to 5 pm                          07/22/2026
                                              Nashville, TN

Swett’s                                   2725 Clifton Ave.          07/03/2026              1 pm to 4 pm                           07/24/2026
Restuarant                            Nashville, TN                                                                                                                                                 

 Publix                                    1111 Gallatin Ave.         07/03/2026             3:30 pm to 6:30 pm                   07/24/2026
                                                Nashville, TN                            

Dino’s Bar and                     411 Gallatin Ave.             07/04/2026             12 pm to 4 pm                            07/25/2026
Grill                                      Nashville, TN

Limo Peruvian                    1008 Fatherland St.            07/04/2026         3 pm to 6 pm                          07/25/2026
Eatery                                  Nashville, TN

 Paul’s Corner                      824 Porter Road                07/04/2026           5 pm to 7 pm                            07/25/2026
                                             Nashville, TN

People who were at one of these locations during the dates and times listed may be at risk of developing measles, from 7 to 21 days after being exposed. These individuals should confirm their protection against measles.

Those who have had measles in the past or received the recommended measles vaccine are likely protected but should still monitor for symptoms. People who are unimmunized or have unknown measles immunization status are at higher risk and should monitor for symptoms closely.

Anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after being exposed is no longer considered at risk. If you have any questions, please contact your local health department. For emergent questions, please call 615-741-7247.

If you think you have measles symptoms and need medical care, do not delay. Call your healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency department before going in, and tell them you may have been exposed to measles. This helps them plan for your visit and limit exposing others.

Measles typically has a classic red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Additional symptoms can include fever, cough, red eyes and congestion, followed by rash. Measles is a highly infectious 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.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, is recognizing Disability Pride Month this July and raising awareness about the Precious Cargo program.

Precious Cargo is a free, voluntary program that allows Tennesseans to add a confidential note to a vehicle registration indicating that a driver or passenger may need assistance exiting their vehicle or communicating with law enforcement or a first responder during a traffic stop.

“Precious Cargo is a simple program that can make a meaningful difference for Tennessee families,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “We want more Tennesseans to know this resource is available.”

“Every traffic stop is unique, but each one begins with the same priority: getting everyone home safely,” Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long said. “The Precious Cargo program helps our law enforcement officers better understand the needs of the people they are serving. It is a simple, voluntary tool that can lead to better communication, greater understanding, and safer interactions for everyone involved.”

“Traffic stops and unexpected emergencies are stressful for anyone,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis, “but they can be incredibly difficult for individuals with communication disorders, autism, or physical disabilities. Through education and programs like Precious Cargo, we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to recognize when a driver needs extra patience or unique assistance. We strongly encourage eligible Tennesseans to register and help us keep everyone safe.”

“As the father of a daughter with a disability, I understand what so many parents and caregivers feel in high-stress or out-of-the-ordinary situations,” said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner. “The Precious Cargo program helps ease some of that tension by supporting understanding between families and law enforcement.”

“Awareness is key,” said Lauren Pearcy with the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. “Even the best new law does not matter if Tennesseans with disabilities do not know about it.”

The program became law in 2021 and was expanded in 2024 to allow parents, caregivers, legal guardians, and conservators to request the designation on behalf of someone in their care.

To enroll, complete an application, have the medical section completed by a licensed medical professional, and submit it to your county clerk. For additional information, visit the Department of Revenue’s Precious Cargo website.