News

DTC Communications is pleased to announce the appointment of Kasey Krueger as the new Chief Executive Officer of the cooperative. With over a decade of senior leadership experience in the telecommunications industry, Krueger most recently served as Assistant CEO at Pioneer Communications in Ulysses, Kansas. His previous roles included Director of Marketing and Chief Customer Officer. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Management and Marketing from Kansas State University and a Master of Business Administration from Kansas Wesleyan University. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Krueger actively serves on various community, economic development, and telecommunications industry boards.

“I am excited to join the DTC family and am eager to connect with the employees and the communities we serve,” Krueger said. “DTC Communications has an established history of serving its members well, and that comes down to a dedicated Board of Directors and employees that care about their neighbors.”

Joining Krueger are his wife, Michelle, a former preschool teacher, their daughter Arrow, and son Hayes. With a lifelong commitment to cooperatives, he has a strong understanding of a member-focused business model and a deep appreciation for the cooperative spirit. “The DTC Board of Directors and leadership team have established a strong vision, and I look forward to continuing the great work that DTC has been doing,” Krueger said. “I am proud to have the opportunity to lead DTC into the future.”

“Krueger’s exceptional qualifications, strong leadership, and industry knowledge make him a tremendous asset to DTC,” said Bennie Curtis, DTC Board President. “His strategic vision and experience will be instrumental in guiding DTC’s continued growth and success while upholding our dedication to our members.”

The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two additional confirmed cases of measles in middle Tennessee. Both persons are currently recovering at home.

This brings Tennessee’s total to six confirmed cases of measles during 2025.

Both confirmed cases were cooperating with public health officials by quarantining at home because of known exposure to previously confirmed cases in Tennessee. TDH is not currently aware of additional exposures related to the newly confirmed cases. There is no evidence of sustained measles transmission in the community or state.

As an update, there is an ongoing, national measles outbreak, involving over 700 cases in 25 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.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health, tn.gov/health, is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all interstate construction work on Easter weekend in anticipation of increased holiday travel.

TDOT crews and contractors will stop all road construction work that requires lane closures beginning Thursday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, April 21, at 6:00 a.m. This will provide maximum roadway capacity to motorists expected to travel across the state this upcoming holiday weekend.

Motorists will still encounter some long-term lane closures on construction projects that will remain in place. While lane closure activity will be stopped, some workers may be on-site in construction zones, and reduced speed limits will still be in effect. Motorists are urged to adhere to all posted speed limits, especially in work zones, for their safety. Slower speeds are necessary for work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Please also move over and slow down for HELP Units and other first responders assisting motorists.

Only four months into the year, there have already been 31 incidents involving drivers crashing into TDOT vehicles and equipment.

• 7 HELP Trucks
• 3 Attenuators
• 6 Other TDOT Equipment (dump trucks, message boards, etc.)
• 15 TDOT Passenger vehicles (pick-ups and sedans)

Do your part to keep yourself and TDOT road workers safe – check TDOT SmartWay in advance and Know BEFORE You Go, secure your phone in a Hands-Free device, and Work With Us by moving over and slowing down when you see vehicles with flashing lights.  

The Cannon County Democratic Party will hold a Reorganization Convention to elect new leaders on Thursday, April 17th. The meeting will take place in the Adams Building, located at 301 West Main Street in Woodbury. Doors open for registration at 6:00 pm and the convention officially starts at 6:30 pm.

Local Democrats will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and the Executive Committee members from the five County Commission districts of the county for a two-year term. All Democrats who are residents of and who are registered voters of Cannon County are urged to attend to discuss the party’s agenda and events for 2025-2026. During the Convention the voting delegation will adopt County Party bylaws and elect new leadership.

The County Party Reorganization Convention welcomes all Cannon County Democrats.  Attendees should arrive early to complete credentialing forms and be admitted to the convention prior to 6:30 pm when the meeting will begin.

The Tennessee State Legislature has approved a resolution declaring 9-1-1 dispatchers as First Responders.

The resolution acknowledges the critical role the dispatchers play in being the first line of communications for people needing assistance.

Governor Lee signed the bill into law Tuesday.

Last month the Cannon County Commission passed a resolution to elevate the Public Safety Telecommunicators at Cannon County 911 Emergency Communications District to First Responder status.

This is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.  National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.

The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in the entire state of Tennessee affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began on April 2, 2025.

These taxpayers now have until November 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Tennessee is one of several states to have the extension granted.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This means that individuals and households that reside or have a business in Tennessee’s 95 counties qualify for tax relief.

The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax relief in disaster situations page on IRS.gov.

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.