News

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs highlights the importance of consumer education and protection each day during National Consumer Protection Week (March 3 – March 9, 2019). 
The Division of Consumer Affairs, which is the clearinghouse for consumer complaints about unfair or deceptive acts or practices conducted within Tennessee, reminds Tennesseans that learning to spot the red flags that may signal a scammer’s activity can help consumers avoid falling prey to their swindles. In Tennessee, the number of consumer complaints rose slightly in 2018 to 3,750 complaints compared to 3,599 in 2017. (The No. 1 complaint area tracked was timeshares/vacation clubs.) Last year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said that Tennessee now has the 10th highest rate per capita in the U.S. for reports of fraud as well as other complaints.
 
“National Consumer Protection Week is the perfect time for consumers to take a quick refresher on ways they can quickly and easily avoid becoming a scammer’s target,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “I urge Tennesseans to use this week to focus on educating themselves and their families on how to make themselves safer from scammers’ swindles and snares.”  
 
To assist consumers, TDCI created daily consumer protection reminders for each day of the week.
 
Sunday – Set Strong Passwords. Incorporate phrases, numbers and special characters to create a more secure password. Always use separate passwords for every account. 
 
Monday – Make Sure You Know Who’s Calling. No government agency will ever demand payment in the form of a reloadable gift card. Not sure who’s calling? Don’t answer. A legitimate business will leave a message and phone number for a return call.
 
Tuesday – Technology Makes It Easy For Scammers To Hide. ID ‘Spoofing’ allows scammers to use technology to hide their identities. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine. Don’t answer the phone if your number shows up on your phone’s Caller ID. Don’t attempt to call the number back, and do not press any buttons if prompted.
 
Wednesday – Watch Out For Scammers’ Warning Signs. Is a salesperson pressuring you to make a decision? Does the company that contacted you have an actual physical address? Is the company requesting a large, upfront deposit? Consumer beware.
 
Thursday – Take A Minute. Slow Down. Breathe. Scammers want to push you into action on an issue before you have time to think or to discuss it with family, friends, or a financial advisor. Do your research before committing funds or providing personal information.”
 
Friday – File a complaint. Do you know about unlicensed activity or were you the victim of deceptive trade practices? Don’t be silent. Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s department, especially if you lost money, property or your identity was compromised.
 
Saturday – Sound Too Good To Be True? It probably is. Beware of salespersons who claim it is possible to make extremely high or even guaranteed profits without any risk of loss. 
To access more consumer protection information, or to file a consumer complaint, visit the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at www.tn.gov/consumer.
To check a license of a professional regulated by the Department, go to http://verify.tn.gov/.
 

Cannon County High School is now part of the Amazon Future Engineer program and will receive funding from Amazon to start offering computer science classes to students this Fall 2019. Cannon County High School is one of more than 1,000 high schools across the country currently signed up for Amazon Future Engineer, a national program aimed at making computer science accessible to all students. With more than 1,000 high schools signed up, Amazon Future Engineer will serve tens of thousands of high school students. 
With Amazon Future Engineer’s funding, Cannon County High School will offer Intro to Computer Science and Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science classes through curriculum provider, Edhesive. Amazon’s funding provides preparatory lessons, tutorials, and professional development for teachers, fully sequenced and paced digital curriculum for students, and live online support every day of the week for both teachers and students. These full-year courses are designed to inspire, prepare, and propel students in their pursuit of computer science education. All students participating in this program will receive a free membership to AWS Educate which provides them with free access to computing power in the AWS Cloud for their coding projects and content to learn about cloud computing.
 
“We couldn’t have taught this course without the support of Amazon,” said Courtney Nichols, Principal, Cannon County High School. “We are thrilled to give our students this opportunity as they prepare to apply to college and build the skills for a rewarding career in technology and innovation.”
 
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer-science-related jobs available and only 400,000 computer science graduates with the skills to apply for those jobs. Computer science is the fastest growing profession within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field, but only 8% of STEM graduates earn a computer science degree, with a tiny minority from underprivileged backgrounds. And, underprivileged students are 8 to 10 times more likely to pursue college degrees in computer science if they have taken AP computer science in high school.
 
“We want to ensure that every child, especially those from underprivileged communities, has an opportunity to study computer science,” said Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer, Amazon. “We are excited more than 1,000 schools will now provide these courses, and look forward to adding 1,000 more schools over the coming months.”
 
Director of Cannon County Schools Mr. William F. Curtis commented, “It is these types of partnerships that will enable us to continue to strive for excellence in our schools.  This partnership allows us to utilize additional resources that will aid our students at Cannon County High School.  CCHS Instructor Mrs. Maxine Dawson was instrumental in getting this program to CCHS. We are excited to see the results with our students that will aid our school system to achieve our Mission – “Preparing ALL Students for Their Future” through our Vision – “Engaged in Excellence Every Day!”
 
Launched in November, 2018, Amazon Future Engineer is a four-part childhood-to-career program intended to inspire, educate, and prepare children and young adults from underprivileged, underrepresented, and underserved communities to pursue careers in the fast-growing field of computer science. Each year, Amazon Future Engineer aims to inspire more than 10 million kids to explore computer science; provide over 100,000 young people in over 2,000 high schools access to Intro or AP Computer Science courses; award 100 students with four-year $10,000 scholarships, as well as offer guaranteed and paid Amazon internships to gain work experience. Amazon Future Engineer is part of Amazon’s $50 million investment in computer science/STEM education. In addition, Amazon Future Engineer has donated more than $10 million to organizations that promote computer science/STEM education across the country.
 
For more information about Amazon Future Engineer, check out About Amazon at https://blog.aboutamazon.com/community/cracking-the-code
 

A two vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in the 1700 block of McMinnville Highway resulted in a Warren County man going to Murfreesboro for treatment of injuries. 
James Orrick, 88 of Warren County was traveling east on US 70S near Bridle Lane in a 2010 Kia Sadona.
 
Woodbury resident David Ray Thomas, 59 was traveling east on US 70S in a 1984 Ford FT-8.
 
Both vehicles were traveling east on US70S. The driver of the Kia struck Ford truck in the rear end causing the crash according to the preliminary incident report.
 
Orrick was transported to Rutherford County for treatment of injuries by Cannon County Emergency Medical Service.
 
Both drivers were wearing seat belts and no charges were filed. Trooper Cannon of the Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated the crash.
 

Two Cannon County athletes announced their colleges plans Friday with commitments in different sports. 
Cannon County Football Coach Matt Daniel announced that senior football player Noah Logsdon will sign with Kentucky Christian University to continue his football career.   
 
Kentucky Christian University is a private, non-profit Christian university located in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky at Grayson. KCU teams are known as the Knights and Lady Knights. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Knights are in their 12th season of Kentucky Christian University varsity football. 
 
Cannon County Baseball Coach Colin Jones announced Friday senior baseball player Blane Elkins will sign with Maryville College to continue his baseball career.
 
Maryville College located in Maryville, Tennessee is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning that successfully joins the liberal arts and professional preparation in partnership with others. Founded in 1819, Maryville College is the 12th oldest college in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
 
Director of Schools William Curtis commented, “This is a great day for our high school and our athletic programs. I believe we will see many additional signings in the days ahead.
 

Two Cannon County athletes announced their colleges plans Friday with commitments in different sports. 
Cannon County Football Coach Matt Daniel announced that senior football player Noah Logsdon will sign with Kentucky Christian University to continue his football career.   
 
Kentucky Christian University is a private, non-profit Christian university located in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky at Grayson. KCU teams are known as the Knights and Lady Knights. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Knights are in their 12th season of Kentucky Christian University varsity football. 
 
Cannon County Baseball Coach Colin Jones announced Friday senior baseball player Blane Elkins will sign with Maryville College to continue his baseball career.
 
Maryville College located in Maryville, Tennessee is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning that successfully joins the liberal arts and professional preparation in partnership with others. Founded in 1819, Maryville College is the 12th oldest college in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
 
Director of Schools William Curtis commented, “This is a great day for our high school and our athletic programs. I believe we will see many additional signings in the days ahead.
 

Following the rains and flooding that led to a State of Emergency in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is coordinating with partners to assess damage, monitor food and fuel supplies, and assist farmers as floodwaters recede. 
“Under Governor Lee’s direction, we have been coordinating responses with TEMA and other agencies to address the needs of Tennesseans ranging from ensuring food safety to assisting with livestock needs,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said.
 
”While there have been a few official reports of livestock losses at this time, many farmers have experienced livestock and crop losses due to excessive rainfall and flooding. We are working with USDA to see that damage assessments are conducted and we are prepared to support agricultural disaster designations where appropriate.”
 
Flooding and washouts in low-lying areas and river bottomlands, particularly in West Tennessee, have most likely affected winter wheat and cover crops, which are planted to protect against soil loss. In many cases, the full extent of damages may not be known until rivers crest and flood waters recede. The process could take weeks.   
 
Farmers in counties experiencing a crop loss of 30 percent or more can qualify for a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation, making them and farmers in adjacent counties eligible to apply for low-interest emergency loans.
 
During the flooding event, TDA monitored and supported livestock and companion animal emergency responses, including dispatch of Disaster Animal Response Teams. Department fuel inspectors continue to respond to locations in areas that may be prone to water contamination in fuel storage tanks. As waters recede, food safety staff members will determine the damage to food warehousing and manufacturing facilities in low-lying areas.
 
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s mission is to serve the citizens of Tennessee by promoting wise uses of our agricultural and forest resources, developing economic opportunities, and ensuring safe and dependable food and fiber.
 

Governor Bill Lee has announced comprehensive plans to address criminal justice and public safety ahead of his State of the State address on Monday. 
 
“We must significantly improve public safety in our state and I believe that starts with our criminal justice system,” said Lee. “We will focus on helping individuals to ensure there is a pathway to a productive life beyond crime and ultimately make our state a safer place.”
 
 
Gov. Lee is proposing initiatives including:
 

Supplementing mental health efforts by expanding the recovery court system and recovery court programming

Eliminating the $180 state expungement fee

Expanding higher education programming for incarcerated individuals

 
 
Following his announcement regarding mental health investments, Gov. Lee is proposing the expansion of the Recovery Court System, a specialized diversion program focused on comprehensive supervision, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives for substance abuse offenders.
 
 
With $1.7 million in additional funding, Recovery Courts will expand capacity by 20 percent and serve an additional 500 Tennesseans each year. Individuals who are successfully diverted through this programming are estimated to save the state an average of more than $20,000 per individual in recovered correction costs each year.
 
 
Gov. Lee is also proposing to eliminate the burdensome $180 expungement fee associated with clearing records of certain criminal charges. Individuals with clear records are much more likely to secure employment and stable housing instead of re-entering prison.
 
 
Additionally, Gov. Lee’s proposal seeks to improve education opportunities within correctional facilities and enable incarcerated individuals to gain the skills needed for re-entry into society. New funding will improve technology infrastructure across correctional facilities to increase the number of incarcerated individuals receiving equivalent high school education. This will also support the launch of a bachelor’s degree program at Turney Center Industrial Complex.
 
 
“More than 30 percent of inmates in Tennessee do not have high school education equivalency,” said Lee. “By offering quality education programming, inmates have a 43 percent lower chance of re-entering prison than those who do not receive this education.”
 
 
Over the next three years, a $10.5 million investment and partnership with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission will also provide eight state facilities with the capacity to provide career and technical credentials for disciplines like computer information technology and building construction.
 
 
“Public safety extends beyond party lines and has the best interest of every Tennessean in mind,” said Lee. “I look forward to working with the legislature and community leaders across Tennessee to make our system a model for the rest of the country.”
 
 

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today was joined by members of the General Assembly, advocates for domestic violence victims and other stakeholders to announce the introduction of the Tennessee Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program. Tennessee now joins the more than 35 other states offering similar domestic violence safety programs. 
Safe at Home launches March 1 and aims to protect Tennessee victims of domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, stalking and other related crimes from their abusers by keeping their address concealed from public records. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), 18 of the 84 domestic violence-related murder victims in Tennessee in 2017 were repeat victims or had reported domestic abuse prior to their deaths.
 
“Our goal is to shine a bright light on the problem of domestic violence in our state and help protect those Tennesseans who have been victimized from becoming victims again,” Hargett said. “Safe at Home provides victims and their families with a tool to help heal from their abuse, begin new lives and finally feel a sense of security in their communities.”
 
Under current Tennessee law, most state or local government records are considered public and available for public review. These public records include identifying documents like voter registration and other documents and information, making it easy for abusers to track and find their victims. 
 
Legislation passed in 2018 created the Safe at Home program and allows for participants of the program to be concealed from public records in order to shield survivors and victims from the ongoing threat of domestic violence. Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) and Rep. Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) sponsored the legislation.
 
“We have made protecting victims of domestic violence a priority in Tennessee by passing legislation that targets repeat offenders and provides automatic no contact orders. Safe at Home is another mechanism to help keep victims and their families safe,” Sen. Brian Kelsey said.
 
“Domestic violence is an issue that knows no boundaries and impacts families across the state. I was proud to sponsor this legislation and support the Secretary of State’s office in its efforts to help those who have suffered at the hands of an abuser regain a sense of peace in their lives,” Rep. Farmer said.
 
Participants in the program will be provided a government-managed substitute address to be used as their official mailing address on all government documents. The address may be used for both victims and their children. Safe at Home forwards the mail received to program participants and keeps their personal address confidential. Once enrolled, the participant can provide the substitute address to all government entities in Tennessee, with very limited exceptions. Participants may also request that other nongovernmental entities, such as schools, employers and other private businesses, use this address as well.
 
There is no cost to participate in the program, but participants must complete an application with the assistance of a certified application assistant.
 
The TBI 2017 report on domestic violence found a total of 77,846 domestic violence offenses reported to police statewide, including 935 cases of stalking and more than 11,400 reports of aggravated assaults. Known domestic violence situations resulted in 81 murder victims in Tennessee during 2017.
 
 
Detailed information about the Safe at Home program, participant eligibility, how to apply and more can be found at sos.tn.gov/safeathome.
 
 

Robert Pitts had a surprise visit by Cannon County Schools Director William F. Curtis to his school earlier this week to announce his selection as Principal of the Year for Cannon County at a special called assembly of all Short Mountain School students, teachers, and staff.  Mr. Pitts has served Cannon County Schools for the past 52 years as an educator in the school district, and is affectionately known by his fellow principals and supervisors as “Dean Pitts,” – the longest serving Principal in Cannon County and in honor of his life-long service to Cannon County Students. Mr. Pitts is one of the longest serving educators in the state and one of the longest serving active Principals in the State of Tennessee.   
Mr. Pitts started his journey as an educator in 1967 as an English Language Arts teacher at Woodbury Central High School from 1967 to 1968.  He then began his journey as a Teaching Principal at East Side School from 1968 until 1987.  Mr. Pitts was Supervisor of Special Education for a year in 1987 to 1988. His next stop in his career was Cannon County High School Principal from 1988 until 2004. Mr. Pitts has been serving as Short Mountain School Principal from 2004 to the Present.  He is a lifelong resident of Cannon County and graduated from Woodbury Central High School in 1963.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.  He is married to Beverly Pitts and has three daughters – Bridget, Cindy, and Kayla. They have five grandchildren and another one on the way!
 
Director of Cannon County Schools William F. Curtis stated, “Mr. Robert Pitts is a Cannon County ‘Legend.’  I have treasured his advice as the ‘Dean of the Principals’ in Cannon County Schools.  He has served longer than any other principal at three different schools, East Side – 19 years, Cannon County High School – 16 years, and Short Mountain School – 15 years.  This makes Mr. Pitts on of the longest serving principals in the State of Tennessee. His students, faculty, and staff have the utmost respect and love for this administrative icon in their school.  His former students number in the thousands and show their appreciation regularly.  We in Cannon County Schools are honored to call Mr. Pitts a distinguished colleague and personal friend!” 
 
The Cannon County Board of Education offers congratulations to this wonderful and deserving educator.  Short Mountain Principal and Cannon County Principal of the Year 2018-2019, Mr. Robert Pitts, will be representing Cannon County Schools in the Upper Cumberland CORE Region of Tennessee.  We honor Mr. Pitts for personifying the Mission and Vision of Cannon County Schools – “Preparing All Students for Their Future” through the New E3 = “Engaged in Excellence Every Day!”
 

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced three priorities to increase access to mental health treatment and expand suicide prevention efforts across the state. 
“The mental health of our citizens is foundational to all other goals we seek to accomplish in education, job growth and public safety,” said Lee. “By prioritizing our mental health safety net and suicide prevention, we are caring for more Tennesseans and building healthier communities.”
 
Gov. Lee is proposing $11.2 million in new funding to expand access to services for Tennesseans living with serious mental illness. This investment seeks to cover an additional 7,000 uninsured Tennessee adults through the state’s Behavioral Health Safety Net program, which provides several essential mental health services.  Additionally, the investment addresses increasing costs at the state’s four regional mental health institutes and ensures that those facilities will continue to provide high quality care to Tennesseans with the most significant psychiatric needs.
 
To complement Tennessee’s work in recovery courts and alternative sentencing measures, Gov. Lee is also proposing a $3 million investment to the Creating Homes Initiative. Since 2000, the program has created more than 20,000 quality, permanent housing opportunities for those living with mental illness. This new investment will expand recovery housing options for Tennesseans struggling with substance abuse.
 
“In addition to measures that address substance abuse and mental illness, we are tackling Tennessee’s shockingly high suicide rate that is now 20 percent higher than the national average,” said Lee. “There is tremendous opportunity to engage public-private partnerships as we work to prevent suicide and save lives.”
 
To address this issue, Gov. Lee is proposing a $1.1 million investment that will expand the state’s partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) to establish a new regional outreach model and increase the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ efforts to focus on interventions at the community level using evidence-based practices.