News

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. 

 The Cannon County Board of Education will hold a Special Call Board workshop to interview finalists for the position of Cannon County Director of Schools on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The interviews will take place in the County Committee Meeting Room, located on the 2nd Floor of the Cannon County Adams Office Building, 110 South Tatum Street, Woodbury, TN 37190.

They can be viewed via the following link: Broadcast Link for the Cannon County Board of Education Special Called WORKSHOP – Director of Schools Interviews – Monday, March 31, 2025 – 5:30 PM: Go to the Cannon County Schools webpage at www.ccstn.net – find and click on the “Recorded Board Meetings” tab at the bottom right of the main page, then click on the Live Link – CCBOE – March 31, 2025, Special Call Workshop. Or https://www.youtube.com/@ccboeschoolvideo4892/streams.

On Tuesday, April 1, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), divisions of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, are partnering with Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), local law enforcement, and other traffic safety partners for “Operation Hands Free” to crack down on violators of Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. To kick off the campaign, the THSO will host press events in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville on April 1 at 10 a.m. (local time) immediately followed by enforcement bus tours. See below for event details to attend and ride along.

According to Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law (T.C.A. § 55-8-199), it is illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone or mobile device with any part of their body. Violation of this law can result in points on your driving record. Drivers can learn more at www.HandsFreeTN.com. See here to access distracted-driving crash data provided by Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN): https://www.tn.gov/safety/stats/dashboards/distracted-driver.html.

The Tennessee Department of Health is confirming the state’s first measles case in 2025 in a middle Tennessee resident. The likely source of the infection is being investigated.

The individual became infected with measles in early March and is recovering at home. Public health officials are working to identity other locations and persons potentially exposed to the virus.

There is currently an ongoing, national measles outbreak, involving over 300 cases in 11 states, including two deaths.

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.

Today, John Rose, an eighth-generation Tennessean, lifelong farmer, and small business owner, was surrounded by hundreds of supporters as he announced his candidacy for Governor of Tennessee at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. The location is emblematic of Rose’s rural roots. As a volunteer, he chaired the Tennessee State Fair Association for more than 10 years. Rose spoke about his family’s long history in Tennessee—going back to 1790—and the lessons he learned growing up on his family’s farm. He declared his commitment to preserving Tennessee’s unique heritage of faith and perseverance, supporting Tennessee’s often neglected rural and agricultural communities, protecting family values, and creating economic prosperity for all. Rose has been endorsed by President Trump in each of his successful bids for Congress, beginning in 2018. As a staunch supporter of President Trump, Rose pledged to stand with him in empowering states, stripping Washington’s power, and upholding conservative values. “Washington DC’s values are not our values,” John Rose declared. “We are fiercely independent and we plan to keep it that way. President Trump is shrinking the federal government and reducing bureaucracy, which gives power back to the states. We helped put President Trump back in office so that he would end the DC power trip. He’s getting the job done and as Governor, I’ll stand with him, just as I have since his first election in 2016.” Rose cited several priorities: Giving Tennessee children the education they deserve and giving their parents a seat at the table. Rose committed to appointing a current or former Tennessee teacher as Commissioner of Education. Expanding and improving Tennessee’s roadways. Making quality healthcare and mental healthcare accessible for all Tennesseans, including rural communities. Making Tennessee a leader in energy production — particularly nuclear energy. Protecting unborn life, serving vulnerable children, and making adoption easier. Protecting our Second Amendment rights and enacting Constitutional Carry. Rose has prioritized visiting all 95 counties, as he emphasizes personally connecting with Tennesseans to listen, learn, and hear their concerns. The campaign will have strong footing with $5 million already committed toward the effort.

John Rose’s speech: On behalf of my wife Chelsea and our two sons, Guy and Sam, thank you for being here today. You honor us with your presence. Today, as the grateful descendent of fearless Tennessee pioneers and as an eighth generation Tennessee farmer, I humbly announce my candidacy for Governor of the State of Tennessee. In 1790, first generation Americans John and Anne Lancaster came to what is now Tennessee. They came to claim a Revolutionary War Grant sight unseen. Not knowing what was ahead of them, they and their 11 children packed everything they owned and traveled by wagon to a piece of land along what would later be named the Caney Fork River. Together, they built a home and started a farm. The Lancasters were the first in my family to call Tennessee “home.” For those pioneers who traveled west, this place where we stand today was a mystery waiting to be unraveled, with plenty of danger, but also boundless opportunities. Day by day and year by year those Tennesseans who came before us toiled and dedicated themselves to this land. They did so with a commitment to the next generation. One generation would pass a better Tennessee onto the next generation after generation. In the midst of the struggle and the toil that brought us to today, there have been countless dreams realized and many others shattered. Unforgettable triumphs and unimaginable losses. There has been joy and there has been pain. Blood, sweat, and tears formed this state over many years and with many hands of all colors, of all origins, both men and women – as individuals – as families – as communities – we have overcome every obstacle placed before us. The great Tennesseans before us rejected a tyrannical monarchy and helped form a new nation. They saved Texas at the Alamo, endured a civil war and defended our country through world wars. They overcame sickness and disease. They survived an economic depression and near starvation. Life was not always as easy as it is today, but through faith we persevered. We have always been a people with tremendous faith in our God – unshakable, unyielding faith. In fact, millions of hours have been spent in faithful prayer by generations of Tennesseans – people who boldly asked for this state to prosper. God heard their prayers and we have indeed prospered. Because of the people who came before us, who chose to push past their fears and instead embrace hope, Tennessee is special and unique. Tennessee is as legendary as its people: President Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, Sergeant Alvin C. York, Anne Dallas Dudley, Alex Haley, Minnie Pearl, Pat Summitt, and of course – Dolly Parton.   Those aren’t the only Tennessee legends. My dad was a legend to me. How many sons and daughters would agree with that? He never held the nuclear football, but he held me. He patiently taught me things, like how to put up a fence and how to drive a tractor. He took me to meetings at the Co-op and Farm Bureau, and when he worked at what is now known as Farm Credit, he took me to his office. I learned at his feet, quite literally. He made time for me and impacted me in legendary ways. My mom was a public school teacher and I am the youngest of her four children. At the point I came along, she was a full-time mother and homemaker. She used her years of expertise to teach me the alphabet and how to write. She spawned me to learn and achieve, which led to self-belief. Her belief in me opened my imagination and broadened my definition for what is possible in my life. Betty Rose and Tennessee mothers like her are legends in my book. My grandmother lost my grandfather abruptly and unexpectedly. That could have been the end of our family farm tradition, but she rolled up her sleeves and kept the farm going for twenty years after his death. It’s because of her that I get the chance to live and farm on that same land. Mama Rose is a Tennessee legend to me. Even today, there are people in this crowd who stood with me in the fight to save the Tennessee State Fair. Because of you, we proudly stand here at the home of the Wilson County Tennessee State Fair, a wonderful celebration of all that makes our state special. The Volunteer Spirit runs in our blood and just as much so in our adopted Tennesseans who are new to the state.   We live in the greatest state, in the greatest nation in the history of the world. People come from all around – California, New York, and everywhere in between. We know why they come here. What we have is special. Our heritage is one of faith and perseverance. We never back down from our beliefs and we always stand up for what’s right. Our people, our faith, our strength, and our determination – that is our heritage.   Tennessee’s heritage should not be left in the past, it should live in our future. It’s up to us to maintain the character of this great state and grow wisely.   Tennessee children deserve great schools and parents deserve a seat at the table. In this state, we reject the notion that where a person starts in life is where they must finish. No. It is through learning that children from all circumstances have a chance to realize their American Dream. At school, the door for opportunity is open to all. And, we have thousands of dedicated teachers who put in the extra time and do whatever it takes to deliver for their students in every classroom, every day. I love our Tennessee teachers and it’s why as Governor, I promise to appoint a Commissioner of Education who has Tennessee teaching experience. In Tennessee, we need well-maintained and sufficient roadways. Roads aren’t cheap, they aren’t built quickly, and they are costly to maintain. We have to agree collectively that potholes and traffic jams are old news. As Governor, I will lead the effort to make all interstates in Tennessee at least eight lanes and to have four lane highways to every county seat. Better roads means a better way of life for all Tennesseans. Tennesseans need accessible and quality healthcare – including mental healthcare. When emergencies occur, we don’t want lifesaving care to be out of reach. When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, we don’t want them to have to travel several hours round trip to receive care. As Governor, I promise to do everything in my power to ensure no Tennessean is more than 30 minutes away from emergency medical care, and I will work tirelessly to make sure health care is available in every county in Tennessee. We want all Tennesseans to live long healthy lives and reduce unnecessary hardship for those individuals and families facing long-term illness. If Tennessee is going to be as prosperous for the next 228 years as we have been for the first, we have to be a national leader for reliable and abundant energy. All energy sources must be on the table, but Tennessee can be a leader in nuclear power. As Governor, I promise that Tennessee will never see California brownouts and instead, we will charge forward in nuclear energy development. More energy will equal more jobs for this state. Most of all, I am passionate about Tennesseans. I want to protect the innocent unborn by working with our conservative State Legislature in taking every measure possible to always protect life in Tennessee. I will work daily to support our vulnerable children with a responsive and capable Department of Children Services. And following in the footsteps of Governor Lee, I want to see Tennessee be a national leader when it comes to making adoption attainable for Tennessee families. I will stand firm for the Second Amendment rights of every Tennessean by supporting the enactment of Constitutional Carry. Our Constitutional rights are given by God and secured by man. I promise to always keep and defend our Constitution.   When discussing possible solutions to our present challenges, I remain committed to doing things the Tennessee way – putting high value on the continuation of our rich heritage and placing emphasis on our limitless Tennessee future. Washington D.C.’s values are not our values. We are fiercely independent and we plan to keep it that way. President Trump is shrinking the federal government and reducing bureaucracy, which gives power back to the states. We helped put President Trump back in office so that he would end the DC power trip. He’s getting the job done and as Governor, I’ll stand with him, just as I have since his first election in 2016. Like President Trump, I got my start as an entrepreneur. An idea that was born with a fellow Vanderbilt Law School student, turned into a small business. We got our start in the Nashville Business Incubation Center and eventually moved into an office of our own along the Cumberland River in Nashville Metro Center. We worked day and night to sell our product – IT training software. There were three-day spans almost weekly when I would hardly nap as I burned the candle at both ends. My business partner did the same. Together, we made a successful business, right here in Tennessee. You see, I know anything is achievable in Tennessee because I have lived it. Now, I am asking for the chance to help bring opportunity to all Tennesseans. Our family will be visiting every Tennessee county several times over on this campaign. As we do so, we ask for your prayers, we ask for your ideas and input, and I ask for your vote for Governor of Tennessee.   Thank you!   Photo: Lou Pitts Nave

Tennessee today marked its annual Ag Day on the Hill celebration at the State Capitol in Nashville.

Gov. Bill Lee was joined by key industry leaders, lawmakers, agricultural students, and community supporters to highlight the strong collaboration among Tennessee’s agricultural community dedicated to the advancement of farming and forestry in the state.

“Agriculture and forestry are Tennessee’s number one industry, driving not only our economy but also our way of life,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “Ag Day on the Hill gives us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work being done by farmers, forest landowners, and all those who support our industry. It also underscores the importance of empowering our youth to continue this vital work in the future.”

State legislators, judicial members, and state executive leadership competed in a corn shelling contest. Today’s winners were the state executive leadership team of Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, and Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt who earned a commemorative award and bragging rights. The Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee organization presented a $1,000 check in honor of the contest winners to the Shooting Hunger Backpack program.

Attendees enjoyed biscuits with pork, chicken, and steak prepared by Tennessee FFA and 4-H members. The Dairy Alliance provided milk from Middle Tennessee State University.

Agriculture and forestry contribute more than $81 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy and employ hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, making them essential to the state’s success. Ag Day on the Hill serves as an annual reminder of the tremendous impact agriculture and forestry have on Tennessee’s economy, way of life, and future.

Pictured are the State Executive team, the winners of the corn shelling contest, Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, Governor Bill Lee, and Ag Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt, holding a check from the Farm and Forestry Families organization in support of the Shooting Hunger Backpack program

Customers of the Town of Woodbury Water department were notified on March 16, 2025, of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to boil all water used for consumption. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to boil water as all test samples have returned negative.

Once again, no contaminated water left the water treatment plant. As a precaution, the plant was disinfected and a boil water warning was put into place, which has now expired. We understand this was an inconvenience and greatly appreciate our customers’ patience. Our customers’ safety is always our main goal, and these steps were taken for that to be ensured.

As always, you may contact Shane Gannon, Públic Works Director, at (615) 563-4221 with any comments or questions.

This is a public notice to all Town of Woodbury Water Utility Customers, both city and county.

The Town of Woodbury has experienced flooding at the Woodbury Water Treatment Plant resulting in the POSSIBLILITY of contamination to the plant’s treated water. NONE OF THIS WATER HAS LEFT THE PLANT. As a precautionary measure, we are asking customers to boil water before using it for consumption. WE EXPECT THIS NOTICE TO BE IN EFFECT FOR 48 HOURS BEGINNING AT 2:30 a.m. MARCH 16th 2025 AND EXPIRE AT 2:30 a.m. MARCH18th 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this problem.

What does this mean? What should I do?

Do NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to boil, let it boil for three (3) minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Extended down time resulting in excess usage of water storage reserves may lead to a loss of system pressure that could introduce disease causing organisms into the water system. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice from the health care providers about drinking water.

What is being done?

Town of Woodbury Water Treatment Plant has been shut down until the plant has been completely disinfected. The length of this shutdown may result in system pressure being lowered due to water storage usage. Once system pressure is restored, bacteriological tests will be conducted throughout the system. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria, and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 48 hours from 2:30 a.m. March 16th 2025.

For more information, please contact Shane Gannon, Public Works Director for the Town of Woodbury at (615) 563-4221. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a pubic place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

ONCE AGAIN, NO CONTAMINATED WATER HAS LEFT WOODBURY WATER TREATMENT PLANT. THIS IS BEING DONE STRICTLY AS A PRECATIONARY MEASURE. THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF OUR CUSTOMERS IS OUR MAIN GOAL.