News

Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Pick Tennessee Products (PTP) program has joined together with Homegrown By Heroes to better promote local agricultural products produced by Tennessee farmer veterans.

The Homegrown By Heroes label is the official farmer U.S. military veteran branding program. Administered by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, it certifies ranchers, farmers, and fishermen from all military branches to sell their products as veteran-owned and produced.

PTP has been connecting people everywhere to all the great things that come from Tennessee’s farms and food businesses for more than 30 years. The PTP logo informs consumers the products displaying were produced in Tennessee.

“We are proud of our military men and women and are honored when they choose to join our agricultural community,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “This merged Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products logo will allow our farmer veterans to stand out in the market as not only a Tennessee product but also a veteran-produced product.”

The mission of the Farmer Veteran Coalition is to mobilize veterans to feed America. They work to cultivate a new generation of farmers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. The Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC-TN) assists veterans by finding resources that will help them start their agricultural dream.

“As the President of the Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, I am excited about the partnership of Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products.” Ron Bridges, owner of Bee Ridges Farm in Anderson County, said. “This merged logo will serve as a symbol of the productive partnership between FVC-TN and TDA. Many FVC-TN members have enjoyed the benefits of advertising through the Pick Tennessee Products website and adding their Homegrown By Heroes veteran status has helped increase their customer base. Merging the two logos simplifies their visual presence and honors their military service and their farm’s specialty status.”

Many members of FVC-TN are beginning farmers working hard to build their customer base. “Having the Pick TN Products and Homegrown By Heroes logos as part of our farm’s marketing has been a tremendous help in reassuring customers of our quality and integrity,” said Rory Williams of M and R Farm in Marshall County. “I imagine that combining the two logos will strengthen our relationship-building going forward. We are honored to be able to advertise that our farm qualifies for both.”

Jennifer Rafn owner of Pecan Hill Farms in Lincoln County said, “We are proud to be able to share with our customers and others that we are a Pick Tennessee Products producer and a Homegrown By Heroes producer. We look forward to being able to showcase both memberships and hope to stand out as a producer with the combined logo.”

Find out more about Homegrown By Heroes by visiting farmvetco.org/hbh/. Find local products and more at www.picktnproducts.org/ and the free Pick TN mobile app. Look for the Homegrown By Heroes logo throughout the Pick Tennessee Products website to find a farmer veteran near you.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) announced significant momentum today in increasing the state’s college-going rate, highlighted by a 2.4 percentage point increase for the class of 2023 over the class of 2022.

The state’s 56.7% college-going rate for the class of 2023 represents the largest year-over-year increase since the initial implementation of the tuition-free Tennessee Promise scholarship in 2015.

The college-going rate indicates the percentage of Tennessee’s public high school graduates who seamlessly enroll in postsecondary education immediately after high school.

“In the fall of 2022, THEC was pleased to work with partners across the state to launch a ‘Momentum Year’ to increase the college-going rate for the class of 2023, to increase adult enrollment in higher education through Tennessee Reconnect, and to improve coordination and alignment in education and workforce training,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director.

“It is gratifying to see those efforts pay off in helping even more Tennessee students and adult learners pursue their dreams and careers with college degrees and workforce credentials beyond high school,” Gentile said.

“However, we know there is still so much more work to do to help ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity for college access and success, which is why we are doubling down on FAFSA completion with the class of 2024 this summer to help more students maximize free financial aid.”

In today’s report: Tennessee College Going and the Class of 2023, THEC provides valuable insights into the trends and progress of college enrollment among high school graduates in Tennessee, including for the first time differing college-going rates based on socioeconomic data.

These new findings showed economically disadvantaged students had a 39.3% college-going rate, while their non-economically disadvantaged peers had a 65.3% college-going rate.

Other major highlights from the class of 2023 college-going rate report include:

1. Overall College-Going Rate: The college-going rate for the class of 2023 is 56.7%, representing a 2.4 percentage point increase compared to the previous year. This increase for the class of 2023 represents the largest year-over-year increase since the initial implementation of the tuition-free Tennessee Promise scholarship in 2015.
2. Demographic Disparities in Access: College going for the class of 2023 is up across all race/ethnicity and gender pairs. However, these increases are not evenly distributed. White females, Hispanic/Latino males, and females in the “Other” race/ethnicity group saw growth in college-going rates above the statewide growth of 2.4 percentage points.
3. Dual Enrollment Impact: College-going rates for high school students who participate in the Dual Enrollment Grant remain high, and participation in the Dual Enrollment Grant has increased over time as the state has invested in wider opportunities for participation. Dual enrollment programs play a crucial role in fostering college readiness among Tennessee’s high school students. Students who were found to have participated in the Dual Enrollment Grant at any point in their high school career were found to have consistently higher college-going rates than their high school peers.

The release of today’s college-going rate report reaffirms THEC’s commitment to advancing educational attainment in Tennessee. The data not only highlights the progress being made, but also serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and educational institutions to identify areas for further improvement and enhance strategic planning.

For more information about THEC, and to access the full Class of 2023 college-going rate report, please visit www.tn.gov/thec/research/college-going-reports.

UPDATE: Suspect taken into custody Tuesday by law enforcement in Putnam County

On June 30m at approximately 6:15 a.m. while on patrol in Smith County at the Buffalo Valley Rest Area on I-40, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers were investigating a suspicious vehicle parked at the rest area. A trooper approached the vehicle and observed a male and female sleeping inside the vehicle. During the investigation, the trooper confirmed by a V.I.N. check that the vehicle was stolen. 

The trooper instructed the occupants out of the vehicle and detained them with handcuffs behind their backs. The female occupant was identified as Karen Vallie, 42 years of age, from Montana. The male occupant provided the trooper with a fraudulent name and social security number. The male was eventually identified as Charles D. Lawson, 55 years of age, from Tennessee.

Mr. Lawson was secured in a THP patrol vehicle. As the troopers inventoried the stolen vehicle’s contents and interviewed Ms. Vallie, Mr. Lawson gained control of the trooper’s patrol vehicle and fled the scene. Mr. Lawson soon after crashed the stolen THP patrol vehicle in Putnam County around Tucker Ridge Road. All of the trooper’s weapons were secured and accounted for within the patrol vehicle. There were no weapons taken from the vehicle.

If you spot Mr. Lawson do not approach him, instead we ask that you dial 911 immediately. THP Aviation and numerous K-9 Units are in the area attempting to locate Mr. Lawson. This incident remains under investigation.

Road construction won’t slow motorists across Tennessee over the July 4 holiday.  The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at noon on Wednesday, July 3 through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8 to provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers.

AAA predicts record travel in Tennessee this year, with 1.4 million Tennesseans taking a road trip.

“With so many people traveling on and around the Fourth of July, we want to do all we can to ensure they reach their destinations safely and without necessary delays,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We are doing so by suspending lane closures during this busy holiday travel time. Be mindful that our HELP Trucks will be on patrol and drivers must obey the law by moving over and slowing down for all emergency vehicles on the side of the road.”

Motorists will still encounter some long-term lane closures on construction projects.  While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers may be on-site in zones, and reduced speed limits in work zones will still be in effect.  Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possibly increased insurance premiums.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for statewide travel information.  As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Nearly 50 people were arrested after a months-long operation aimed at stopping the use and sales of drugs in the Warren County area, District Attorney General Chris Stanford said in a news release on Sunday morning.

The operation, dubbed Operation NeverEnding Story, targeted the use and sales of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other addictive and dangerous drugs. The Warren County Sheriff’s Department, McMinnville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Stanford partnered in arresting nearly 50 people, according to the news release from Stanford and Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny.

“Fortunately, change is here, and your local law enforcement officials are committed to using every tool available to increase rates of incarceration for dangerous drug dealers in our community,” Stanford and Matheny said in the news release. “Recent truth-in-sentencing laws were passed in Tennessee that greatly strengthen prison sentences for certain repeat felony drug offenders. In addition, our team of local law enforcement is working hard every day to evolve our efforts in the fight against drugs. The obvious goal is to stop the never-ending story of the cycle of drug trafficking in our community.

“While we still have a long way to go, we are making significant strides and are proud of our work in the largest known drug dealer roundup, to date, in Warren County history.”

“If you are a drug dealer, know this: we are coming for you and we will get you.”

Statement from District Attorney General Chris Stanford and Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny

The district attorney’s office presented a range of suspects and proposed criminal charges to the Warren County Grand Jury during June’s session. The grand jury returned indictments for narcotic related charges for the targets of Operation NeverEnding Story. Law enforcement went into the community on Thursday to arrest those indicted.

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 bridge replacement project on I-24 at SR 2 in Coffee County, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will shift interstate traffic nightly (from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am) beginning Wednesday evening, June 19, 2024, through Friday evening, June 28, 2024.

During these times, traffic on I-24 will be shifted at mile marker 105 in both directions to the Exit 105 ramps. In addition, US 41 (SR 2) at log mile 8.2 will be closed in both directions.

Drivers are encouraged to use caution as they navigate the traffic shift. Signage will be posted directing drivers through the work zone. This work is weather permitting. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances delay this work, it will be rescheduled to take place at a later date.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for information regarding statewide travel.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Gov. Bill Lee has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden for Tennessee counties that were impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes on May 8-9, 2024.

“Federal disaster assistance will bring much-needed economic relief and resources to help our communities and fellow Tennesseans recover from the devastation of these storms,” said Gov. Lee.

Tennessee requested disaster assistance from two programs, Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. If granted, the Major Disaster Declaration, would make federal Individual Assistance available to Cannon, Giles, Maury Robertson, Rutherford, and Sumner counties and federal Public Assistance available to Cannon, Cheatham, Giles, Hamilton, Jackson, Macon, Maury, Montgomery, Polk, Smith, Sumner, and Warren counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program may help with rental assistance, home repair and personal property replacement, in addition to other uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. The maximum aid available under this program is $42,500, and while it is intended to stabilize survivors, it does not cover all losses they may have suffered.

The FEMA Public Assistance program reimburses jurisdictions, and certain private, non-profit organizations for emergency work and uninsured infrastructure repair, such as debris removal, utilities restoration and repair, and eligible costs of responding to the emergency. 

More information about the federal Individual Assistance program is available here on FEMA’s website and more information about the Public Assistance program is available here on FEMA’s website. 

Tennessee experienced several rounds of severe thunderstorms which resulted in ten confirmed tornadoes, large, damaging hail, widespread areas of damaging straight-line winds, and heavy rainfall of up to nine inches in a 24-hour period, which caused significant flash flooding and riverine flooding from May 8 to May 9, 2024.  The severe weather claimed three lives in Maury County, disrupted travel, downed trees and power lines, and cut off power for tens of thousands of Tennesseans.

Agricultural and business losses are not eligible under FEMA’s programs and TEMA continues to work with federal agencies to determine which aid can be made available for those damages.

With forecasts predicting temperatures in the 90’s for portions of the state this weekend, AAA is urging motorists to keep their children, pets and vehicles safe during the extreme heat expected this weekend.  

“The interior of a vehicle can heat up to deadly temperatures much more quickly than we realize, especially during times of extreme heat like we are expecting over the weekend,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We are urging parents and caregivers to not underestimate the risks that excessive heat can pose and to understand that hot car deaths are preventable.”

According to NoHeatstroke.org, on average, 38 children die from heatstroke inside hot vehicles each year nationwide. Despite warnings from safety organizations each year, children continue to die from this preventable tragedy.

AAA-The Auto Club Group provides the following safety tips to help keep children and pets safe:

• Don’t Leave Children Alone, Even for Short Amounts of Time – Never leave children unattended in a vehicle – even if the windows are open or the air conditioning is running.
• Teach Children That Vehicles Are Not Play Areas – Don’t let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach your children that a vehicle is not an appropriate hiding spot in hide-and-seek.
• Keep Your Vehicle Locked – lock your vehicle doors and trunk even in driveways and garages, and keep keys out of children’s reach. 
•  Make it a Habit to Check Your Vehicle– Before locking your vehicle and walking away, make it a habit to always check the front and back seats. 
• Create Caregiver Reminders – If you normally drop your child off at a babysitter or daycare, ask the caregiver to call you if your child doesn’t show up as expected.
• Add Reminders in Your Vehicle– Put your purse, wallet or cell phone in the back seat. This way, you are reminded to look in the back seat before leaving the vehicle. You can also keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat. When the child is with you, move it to the front seat as a reminder that your child is in the back. 
• Never Leave an Animal in a Parked Car, Even if the Windows are Partially Open –  Even on pleasant days, your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet in danger.  
• Call for Help – If you see a child or pet alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.

Extreme heat can also pose risks to your vehicle. AAA recommends drivers check these five key areas to help their vehicle safely survive higher temperatures:

1. Battery

• Securely mount the battery in place to minimize vibration.
• Clean any corrosive build up from the battery terminals and cable clamps.
• Ensure the clamps are tight enough that they will not move.
• If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.
  • The test can be performed at any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, or AAA members can request a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician come to them and test their battery free of charge.
  • Should the battery need replacement, the technician can usually replace it on location. For more information about the AAA Mobile Battery Service visit AAA.com/Battery.

2. Engine Coolant

• Have the system flushed and the coolant replaced periodically as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Consult the owner’s manual to determine the service interval appropriate for a vehicle.
• Inspect hoses and drive belts for cracking, soft spots or other signs of poor condition.
• Replace worn parts.

3. Tires

• Check tires when the car has not been driven recently.
• Inflate tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer—not the number molded into the tire sidewall.
• Inspect the tire treads for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate a suspension or alignment problem.

4. Engine Fluids

• Check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels.
• If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual.

5. Air Conditioning

• Maintain a comfortable driving environment to reduce fatigue and increase driver alertness for increased vehicle safety.
• Have the air conditioning system checked by a certified technician.

Be Prepared for Summer Breakdowns

Even with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur.  AAA recommends every driver have a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should include a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.

The Tennessee Department of Education has released statewide average 3rd grade and 4th grade results for the ELA portion of the spring 2024 Tennessee Comprehensive Academic Program (TCAP) assessment. Third grade student scores remained steady as 4th grade student scores showed significant improvement, thanks to the nation-leading, comprehensive statewide literacy strategy for Tennessee public schools.

On the ELA portion of the spring 2024 TCAP, 3rd grade improvement remained steady with a slight increase to 40.9% proficient. Overall, 4th grade students achieved a 2.9 percentage point increase in their proficiency rate to 46.4% proficient, demonstrating the year-over-year gains for this cohort of students who reached an historic achievement level last year. Additionally, the fewest number of 4th grade students scored in the “below expectations” proficiency performance level than ever before, meaning more 4th grade students are meeting or are within reach of meeting expectations.

“Due to the hard work of students, teachers, districts, and families, the investments and initiatives to improve literacy rates in Tennessee have resulted in year-after-year gains, thanks to the dedication of Gov. Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “With the partnership of our districts and schools, we will continue the course to ensure all students are provided with opportunities and resources to be successful readers and learners.”

Solutions to Boost Literacy

Reading is the foundation to all learning, and 3rd grade is a critical milestone. Before 2020, only one-third of 3rd graders in Tennessee had met expectations on the TCAP in ELA. The department’s Reading 360 initiative coupled with other supports have created a comprehensive approach, boosting reading skills for kindergarten through 3rd grade students to read on grade level and empowering them to excel in 4th grade and beyond.

Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly convened a special legislative session in January 2021 to pass meaningful legislation to mitigate learning loss and strengthen Tennessee’s K-3 literacy strategy, including the Tennessee Literacy Success Act and the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act, which established early literacy interventions, high-dosage, low-ratio tutoring, and summer learning camps.

Statewide TCAP data shows the positive impact of enhanced ELA academic standards driven by Tennessee teachers that went into effect in 2017 and the emphasis of early literacy supports, propelling the state to reach the highest rates of 3rd and 4th grade ELA proficiency. 

Third grade and 4th grade students who may need extra learning supports have multiple pathways available to them. Families can find essential promotion pathways information here and should coordinate with their student’s school to ensure they can make informed decisions about their student’s education.

For additional information about Tennessee’s 3rd and 4th grade learning acceleration strategy, including high-dosage, low-ratio tutoring and summer learning camps, click here.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued a Code Orange Health Advisory for the Nashville area until midnight CDT Friday night.

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Ozone has been issued. Ground level Ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.

The general public is not likely to be affected. Active children and adults, and people with a respiratory disease such as Asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

For additional information…visit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation site at http://www.tennessee.gov/environment.