News

Motorists won’t be delayed by road construction as they travel Tennessee’s highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on tomorrow through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend. 
Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long term construction projects.  Drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. 
 
 
AAA estimates nearly 43 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day holiday, 3.6% more than last year. Over 863,000 Tennesseans plan to travel, with more than 752,000 driving to their Memorial Day destinations.
 
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 land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel. 
 
 

Cannon County cross country runners call Coach Brian Elrod “the Machine.”
But no matter what he’s called, Elrod and his students will run to support children during the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center’s 3rd Annual Cannon Runs for Children 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Registration starts at 6:45 a.m. at Dillon Park, welcome and instructions at 7:15 a.m., and the race begins at 7:30 a.m.  The entry fees are $20 for adults and $15 for senior citizens.  New this year, the event will be FREE for children and youth age 18 and under.  Event t-shirts will be available for $15.

Runners and walkers may pre-register online at cannoncac.org or through runsignup.com by searching Cannon Runs.  You may also register by contacting the Child Advocacy Center at (615) 563-9915 and requesting a registration form be emailed to you.

All contributions to Cannon Runs for Children will be used to provide services to Cannon County child abuse victims, child sexual abuse victims, drug endangered children and their non-offending parents and family members.

Elrod, who is the race director, said Judge Susan Melton encouraged him to get involved in the race and fun run.

“It’s a wonderful cause to help these children out, otherwise they might not have the funding,” Elrod said. “The Child Advocacy Center is great and provides for a lot of kids.”

A cross country team of Cannon County students and a physical fitness class Elrod coaches will run in the race. He encourages everyone to participate, no matter their running ability.

“You can run, jog, walk or crawl to support kids,” Elrod said. “As long as you’re out there doing it, you’re a runner. Anything you can do to help a child, you do it. It’s that simple.”

The Cannon County Child Advocacy Center works as a team with the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office to respond to child abuse cases, aggressively prosecute offenders, and help children and families heal from the trauma.

Cannon Country Coordinator Cassell Galligan-Davis commented, “The Child Advocacy Center wants to say a huge THANK YOU to Brian Elrod for designing the race course and working his heart out to make this a wonderful event for runners and walkers of all ages.”

The state veterinarian’s office is investigating an outbreak of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) in a group of racing Quarter Horses in Middle Tennessee. 
Twenty-two horses have tested positive for EP in five locations within Bedford, Rutherford, and Williamson Counties. The horses are all under quarantine and being treated.
 
EP is a blood parasite that affects equines. The disease is not contagious to humans. Although it can be transmitted through infected ticks, it is more commonly spread by blood and blood products through the sharing of needles, syringes, or improperly cleaned and disinfected dental, surgical, or blood product equipment between infected and uninfected horses.
 
It may take as long as 30 days for an infected horse to test positive for the disease after exposure. Early clinical signs can range from weakness and lack of appetite to swelling of limbs and labored breathing. Horses that survive the acute phase continue to carry the parasite for an extended period of time. Horses that test positive for the disease are quarantined and may be euthanized.
 
Horses will not transmit the disease to other horses through casual contact. However, it is critical that horse handlers practice good biosecurity. If a needle is required, use a new sterile needle and syringe on every horse and clean and disinfect all equipment that may be contaminated with blood.
 
Some states and equine competitions require EP testing for entrance. If you plan to travel with your horse, check with the receiving state for current import requirements.
 

Cannon County Schools will announce Jason Knowles as History Teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cannon County High School beginning with the 2019-2020 School Year.  A Press Conference scheduled for today at 3:00 PM in the cafeteria of the high school. 
Knowles grew up in Norene, Tennessee and went to Watertown High School where he played basketball, football, baseball, and golf.  He attended Cumberland University and majored in History, where he was a member of the PI Gamma Mu Honor Society.  He played baseball at Cumberland University from 2003-2006 and was a member of the 2004 NAIA National Championship Baseball Team under legendary Coach Woody Hunt.  Knowles referees High School football and was on the 2016 State Championship officiating crew. He is 34 years old, attends Fall Creek Baptist Church, in Norene.
 
Professionally, Knowles is in his 11th year in education and coaching at Watertown High School, with 1 year at Mt Juliet High School and Wilson Central. At each school he taught History, Geography, and several Advanced Placement courses. Knowles has been selected for the past two years as an Advanced Placement Human Geography Reader, scoring AP Human Geography Free Response Questions from high schools all over the country. He was a 2003 graduate of Watertown High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree at Cumberland University in History and his Master’s Degree in Education.
 
Knowles has coached basketball under Coach Matt Bradshaw at Watertown, leading the JV team to consecutive league titles. He has been the head cross country and tennis coach leading the Purple Tigers to their first appearances at the state tournament in both sports. He has also helped coach football and baseball for several seasons.
 
CCHS Principal Courtney Nichols recommended him to Director of Schools William F. Curtis, and Mr. Curtis accepted his recommendation.  Coach Knowles met with CCHS Boys Basketball Players last week, will be conducting Boys Basketball tryouts on Tuesday, May 28th and Wednesday, May 29th, 2019, and will be meeting with Boys Basketball Parents and Boosters soon afterward.
 
Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols commented, “Mr. Knowles will bring enthusiasm not only to the basketball court, but the classroom as well.  His forward thinking ability and professionalism as a coach, combined with his energy and passion he possesses on the basketball court and in the classroom, will transfer to success with our Boys Basketball Program.”
 
Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “I am extremely impressed with Jason Knowles’s experience as an outstanding educator and basketball coach.  His expertise in the History classroom and his experienced coaching abilities will exemplify Cannon School’s MISSION – ‘Preparing All Students for Their Future’ in our Boys Basketball Program and the School System’s VISION – ‘New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day’ on the basketball court. I sincerely believe his character and commitment will bring a spirit excellence to our Boys Basketball Team and Program.”
 

Cannon County Schools has announced Cliff Walker as Microsoft Office, Retail Operations, & Personal Finance Teacher and Head Girls Soccer Coach at Cannon County High School beginning with the 2019-2020 School Year.  A press conference will be held tomorrow at the Cannon County High School to announce his hire as CCHS Girls Soccer Head Coach. 
Cliff Walker was hired in late December 2018 to replace Dorinda Walker (no relation to new Coach Walker) as the Microsoft Office, Retail Operations, & Personal Finance Teacher.  He has acclimated himself at Cannon County High School beginning his teaching duties during the Spring 2019 Semester and will begin his Head Soccer Coach duties immediately.
 
 Walker was born in North Carolina and grew up a member of a military family. After being introduced to soccer while living in Germany, Walker started playing soccer in high school. Soccer became his primary sport while in college where he played (mostly with) foreign exchange students. Later he played with the Hispanic Soccer league in Nashville where he primarily played defense. After getting married and having children he began coaching youth soccer. He and his wife have 3 children who all play travel soccer. He has coached recreational and travel soccer for 9 years and holds his National Diploma with the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America). His strong desire is to help players grow in their knowledge, skill and love of the game here in Cannon County.
 
CCHS Principal Courtney Nichols recommended him to Director of Schools William F. Curtis, and Mr. Curtis accepted his recommendation.  Coach Cliff Walker has met with the CCHS Girls Soccer players numerous times this semester and looks forward to working with them.
 
Director of Cannon County Schools William F. Curtis stated, “We look forward to Mr. Walker’s teaching in the classroom, bringing his experiences from the business world to CCHS, demonstrating his in-depth soccer knowledge to assist our student athletes, and utilizing his coaching abilities to take our CCHS Girls Soccer program to the next level. 
 
Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols commented, “We are certainly glad to announce this hire and are excited about the future of the CCHS Girls Soccer Program.”
 

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is advising horse owners of a case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in West Tennessee. 
A horse stabled at a farm in Shelby County recently tested positive for EIA. The horse has been euthanized, and state officials are now testing additional horses that stabled with or live near the infected horse.
 
EIA is not contagious to humans. It is a blood-borne illness that can be fatal for horses. Symptoms may include fever, weakness, swelling, loss of appetite, or colic. However, an infected horse may not show any clinical signs. There is no treatment or vaccine. Once infected, a horse must be permanently quarantined or euthanized.
 
In January, four horses stabled at a farm in Rutherford County were euthanized after they tested positive for EIA. Six other horses at the same farm tested negative.
 

Jerry Ray of Tullahoma, Tennessee, started farming 45 years ago on just 45 acres that once belonged to his grandfather. Ray has been named the Tennessee Farmer of the Year by the University of Tennessee Extension.As Tennessee Farmer of the Year, Ray will compete in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia this October.
 
The Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition chooses from among the top farmers from 10 southeastern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The award recognizes excellence in agricultural production and farm management, along with leadership in farm and community organizations.
 
 
Media Partner: WMSR
 

Director of Cannon County Schools William F. Curtis, Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols, Athletic Director Matt Cagle, and Baseball Coach Colin Jones announce that on Senior Baseball Player Kailan McGill has signed with Tennessee Wesleyan University to continue his baseball career. 
Near the center of Athens, Tennessee, Tennessee Wesleyan University provides experiences one expects from a major university with the attention and nurturing a liberal arts education offers.  Faculty and staff are dedicated to assisting students in the realization of their full potential through holistic and transformational learning experiences in the classroom, the field and the community.  Tennessee Wesleyan University enrolls more than 1,100 students. 
 
Tennessee Wesleyan University Baseball Bulldog’s Head Coach is Billy Berry who returned to the university in July of 2017 after a two year coaching stint at the Baylor School.  This marks his 12th year as head baseball coach at Tennessee Wesleyan University.
 
 

United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today introduced legislation to protect the Tennessee Walking Horse tradition. 
Senator Alexander commented, “In baseball if a player illegally uses steroids you punish the player – you don’t shut down America’s pastime. We need to punish and stop any trainer, owner or rider who engages in the illegal practice of horse soring – not shut down a treasured and important tradition in both Tennessee and Kentucky. Just as there is zero tolerance in baseball, there should be zero tolerance in horse soring.  This legislation is a proposal to end the contemptible, illegal practice of horse soring, while preserving the century-old Tennessee Walking Horse tradition. It would do that by improving the consistency of inspections and regulations and enhancing accountability.” 
 
The Tennessee Walking Horse industry supports more than 20,000 jobs nationwide and pumps $3.2 billion into the nation’s economy. In 2018, there were more than 200 shows contributing millions of dollars to local economies. There are more than 260,000 walking horses registered nationwide, including over 58,000 walking horses in Tennessee, and more than 35,000 in Kentucky.
 

The Tennessee Department of Health joins the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health in celebrating National Women’s Health Week May 12 – 18, 2019. This nationwide initiative brings awareness to the importance of women’s health and empowers women to take small, manageable steps for longer, healthier and happier lives. 
“So often as women we put the health and wellness of our loved ones first, but it’s never too early or late for women to make time for their own health,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “During National Women’s Health Week, we urge women to talk with their health care providers about which screenings and tests are right for them, when they should have them and how often.”
 
Simple steps to take charge of your own health include engaging in healthy behaviors such as avoiding smoking; wearing a seatbelt and not texting while driving; paying attention to mental health, including managing stress and getting enough sleep and visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings.
 
Avoid Smoking
The leading cause of death for women in Tennessee continues to be heart disease, which claimed more than 7,000 women’s lives in 2017. The second leading cause of death for women in Tennessee is cancer, followed by chronic lower respiratory disease. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for these and other diseases. In 2017, 21 percent of adult women in Tennessee were current smokers.
 
TDH provides the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine counseling service at no charge to all Tennesseans who want to stop tobacco use. Free nicotine replacement patches are also offered through the QuitLine. For more information, contact the QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit the website www.tnquitline.org.
 
Pay Attention to Mental Health
Substance abuse and misuse also take a heavy toll on Tennessee women. More than 700 women in Tennessee died from drug overdose in 2017. While women in the state have lower rates of drug overdose deaths than men, they have a higher rate of outpatient visits and hospital stays for nonfatal drug overdoses. Learn more about substance use disorders among women at www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder-substance-use-disorder-and-addiction. Information on addictions and referrals for treatment are available by calling the Tennessee REDLINE at 1-800-889-9789.
Get Checkups and Preventive Screenings
Tennessee women are encouraged to talk with a health care provider to evaluate their current health status, discuss preventive screenings such as mammograms and Pap smears and make plans for health improvement. TDH offers a variety of women’s health services including family planning and breast and cervical cancer screenings; contact your local health department for information on services available in your area. Learn about planning your health care visit at www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw/about.