News

A bill introduced by two Tennessee state legislators would attempt to outlaw gay marriage in the state. 
The bill was introduced last week by Sen. Mark Pody and Rep. Jerry Sexton in the State Senate and State House of Representatives.
 
The bill “states the policy of Tennessee to defend natural marriage between one man and one woman, regardless of any court decision to the contrary.”
 
In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that all states must grant same-sex marriages an recognize same-sex marriages granted in other states. If it were to be passed and signed into law, the bill would undoubtedly face legal challenges, considering it stands in direct contradiction to a Supreme Court ruling.
 
Lawmakers estimated that the bill could cost the state $8 billion in federal aid if it were to pass.
 

  Speaker Casada, Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada appointed State Representative Clark Boyd to the State Workforce Development Board.
 
The State Workforce Development Board provides leadership and guidance to Tennessee’s Workforce Development System. The vision of the Workforce Board is to increase the competitive position of Tennessee businesses and attract new businesses through the development of a highly skilled workforce.
 
“Businesses from around the world are coming to Tennessee based upon our business-friendly environment and skilled workforce,” said Speaker Casada. “Representative Boyd’s background and leadership as Chairman of the Consumer and Human Resources Committee will serve the board well as they work to attract new businesses and continue to develop a world-class workforce.”
 
“I am honored that Speaker Casada has appointed me to serve on the Workforce Development Board,” said Representative Boyd. “Tennessee’s business climate has grown in large part because of our highly skilled workforce. I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop the next generation of workers and help attract new businesses and industries to our state.”
 

A fugitive who led local officers on a pursuit before crashing his car on Puckett’s Point Road and fleeing the scene on foot with his son has been captured.Sheriff Patrick Ray said 34 year old George Forrest Brown was found in a lake home on Happy Trails Lane off Puckett’s Point Road Sunday night. His son Chase Brown, believed to be 10 years old, was with him.
According to Sheriff Ray, Brown had broken into the residence after discovering the owners were not at home. As officers were conducting a door to door search in the Ponder Road and Puckett’s Point Road area, a deputy and THP trooper spotted a window broken out in the home where Brown was hiding.
Officers made entry but Brown hemmed himself in a bedroom with his son and refused to come out making verbal threats toward the officers. But he eventually gave himself up without incident and was taken into custody. He had on him a large knife.
Brown was taken by deputies to the emergency room of the hospital to be checked out before being transported to the jail for booking. Brown’s son was taken to the hospital by DeKalb EMS for examination.
Brown is wanted in Hillsdale, Michigan for a pursuit there last week in which he fired shots at Michigan officers
 
 
Source: Media Partner, WJLE
 

Cory Steffes, School Counselor for Woodland School and Short Mountain School was named as “Employee of the Month” for February 2019 by Cannon County Schools. During the February Meeting of the Cannon County Board of Education on Thursday, February 14th, 2019, Steffes was recognized and presented a certificate by Cannon County Schools Director William F. Curtis for his service to his schools and the Cannon County School System.  Employees are nominated by School Principals or School District Supervisors and are voted on during monthly Principal and Supervisor meetings regarding individuals who exemplify the Mission and Vision of Cannon County Schools. 
Woodland School Principal Mrs. Angela Cossey nominated “Mr. Cory” for this honor and stated regarding this outstanding educator: “We are thankful for our school counselor, Mr. Cory Steffes. We appreciate his daily dedication and support. Mr. Steffes selflessly serves Woodland School students, parents, and staff. He epitomizes what it means to be a Warrior! On Thursday, January 10, he stepped in without hesitation to help rescue one of our Woodland families when there was an automobile accident in front of our school.  A hero is someone who is able to push through when things seem impossible, when everything is chaotic and when everything is falling apart. They do it because they care about the people involved. Mr. Steffes was able to remain calm and provide care until responders arrived and provide responders with critical information. His heroic efforts and responsible actions are to be commended, and his actions signify what an outstanding member of our school community he is.”
 
Short Mountain School Principal Mr. Robert Pitts also stated regarding his employee, “Our guidance counselor, Mr. Corey Steffes, is such a great asset to Short Mountain School.  He is loved, admired, and respected by all.  Students are drawn to him like a magnet because he has such a wonderful relationship with them.  They know they can confide in him and trust that he will do his best to help them with whatever situation they have on their minds.  He has such a warm, caring attitude toward the students. Mr. Corey is a counselor and teacher. He goes into the classrooms and presents lessons that are so appropriate and needed in the lives of students.  He builds character; he teaches students how to work with each other and care for one another.  Mr. Corey is our 504 coordinator.  He serves as a link between parents whose children may have special needs and may require special services with our staff.  He brings them together to discuss and formulate a plan that’s best for the child. He also serves as a link between the eighth grade students and the high school. He advises the eighth grade on a proper course of study as they prepare to enter high school. Our school would be at a great disadvantage without the expertise of Mr. Corey.”
 
Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “Mr. Cory Steffes is the consummate School Counselor.  His demeanor and enthusiasm for every student in his care is demonstrated every day with his students.”  Mrs. Bonnie Patterson, Coordinator of School Health is Mr. Steffes supervisor, she stated the following, “Mr. Cory is truly a top notch teacher and counselor. He cares so much about the kids and our schools, and students are so lucky to have him! He would not want to be recognized or praised, but I know he deserves it!”
 
Director Curtis stated further, “I believe Mr. Steffes personifies our Mission of Cannon County Schools of ‘Preparing All Students for their Future’ by most assuredly being ‘The New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day.’  Congratulations to Mr. Cory for being an impactful ‘Team Player’ in our Cannon County Schools family for all Cannon County Students.”
 

 Tennessee is celebrating a record to be proud of. Thanks to favorable weather and citizens who burned debris safely, 2018 saw a record low number of wildfires.
 
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry is working to continue that trend throughout 2019 by reminding citizens that if they plan to burn outdoors, a burn permit is required.
 
“The abundant rainfall throughout the year was certainly a factor for the record low in 2018,” State Forester David Arnold said. “However, when residents obtain a burn permit and follow the instructions that go along with the permit, it’s less likely for a fire to accidentally escape. That makes us all safer.”
 
The permitting system provides a way for landowners to know when, where, and how it is safe to burn.
 
Obtaining a burn permit is free, fast, and simple. If you are burning a leaf or brush pile that is smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet in size, our online system provides a quick and efficient way to apply. For a larger burn, call your local Division of Forestry burn permit phone number Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The online system and burn permit phone numbers can be found at www.BurnSafeTN.org.
 
More than 300,000 permits are issued each year, and they are only issued when conditions are conducive to safe burning. If you live inside city limits, there may be additional restrictions, so check with your municipality before you burn.
 
Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. Wildfires caused by arson are a class C felony punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017. Cash awards are offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction. To report illegal burning, please call 1-888-891-TDEC.
 
Visit www.BurnSafeTN.org for additional tips to burn safely and to protect your community.
 

Fishing, baseball and health grants filled the bulk of the agenda at the February meeting of the Cannon County Board of Education. 
 
Bonnie Patterson announced that the school system will be a recipient of a grant from Tennessee Department of Health as part of their 2019 Access to Health through Healthy Active Built Environments. It has been proposed to construct a walking track at Cannon County High School.  The high school is the only school in the system that does not have a walking track. The grant is for $20,000.00 and it is believed the amount will cover the entire project. As with the other walking tracks, they will also be available for public use.
 
On baseball the board reviewed bids for the construction of a fieldhouse. Summit Concrete was awarded the foundation contract and Davco Construction was awarded the building contract.
 
Jeremy Gunter addressed the board about establishing a fishing team for the high school. The board approved.
 

Governor Bill Lee has announced the Future Workforce Initiative to increase science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training in K-12 schools as part of his first-year legislative agenda for education. 
 
“Our agenda advocates for increased access to career and technical education for K-12 students and a key part of this includes prioritizing STEM training,” said Lee. “The Future Workforce Initiative is a direct response to the emerging technology industry and making sure our students are first in line to be qualified for technology jobs.”
 
 
This investment in STEM-focused early college and career experiences supports the Tennessee Department of Education’s “Tennessee Pathways” Certification process, as well as the STEM School Designation partnership with groups like Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and Code.org.
 
 
The Future Workforce Initiative aims to put Tennessee in the top 25 states for job creation in the technology sector by 2022 through three areas of emphasis including:
 

Launching new CTE programs focused in STEM fields with 100 new middle school programs and tripling the number of STEM-designated public schools by 2022.

Growing the number of teachers qualified to teach work-based learning and advanced computer science courses through STEM teacher training and implementation of K-8 computer science standards.

Expanding postsecondary STEM opportunities in high school through increased access to dual credit, AP courses and dual-enrollment.

 
 
“58 percent of all STEM jobs created in the country are in computing but only 8 percent of graduates study computer science in college,” said Lee. “By exposing Tennessee students to computer science in their K-12 careers we are ensuring our kids have every chance to land a high-quality job.”
 
 
In his presentation to the legislature, the Governor will recommend a $4 million investment to implement the Future Workforce Initiative.
 
 
“I look forward to working closely with the legislature to ensure every student has access to a high-quality career, and to get there we’ll need to make STEM education a reality for students across Tennessee,” said Lee.
 

The driver of a pickup truck has been charged following a wreck on John Bragg Highway Tuesday morning. 
Joshua Pearson, age 27 of Tullahoma, TN driving a 2008 Chevy Silverado was charged with failure to yield.
 
According the Tennessee Highway Patrol report, the pickup was traveling north on Hollis Creek Road in Cannon County. A Freightliner Semi (owned by FedEx) and driven by Jimmy Hughes, Jr., age 61 of Shelbyville, was traveling west on US70S. The pickup crossed over US70S from Hollis Creek. While entering the intersection, the pickup failed to yield for the semi in the west bound lanes. The semi struck the pickup in the roadway. The pickup was struck on the passenger side. The pickup spun around in the roadway coming to rest in the roadway. The semi came to rest in the asphalt median.
 
Both drivers were wearing seat belts.  The driver of the pickup was injured.
 
The crash was investigated by Trooper Josh Sparkman.  Assisting on the scene were members of the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, Cannon County Rescue Department and Cannon County Emergency Management Agency.
 

The driver of a pickup truck has been charged following a wreck on John Bragg Highway Tuesday morning. 
Joshua Pearson, age 27 of Tullahoma, TN driving a 2008 Chevy Silverado was charged with failure to yield.
 
According the Tennessee Highway Patrol report, the pickup was traveling north on Hollis Creek Road in Cannon County. A Freightliner Semi (owned by FedEx) and driven by Jimmy Hughes, Jr., age 61 of Shelbyville, was traveling west on US70S. The pickup crossed over US70S from Hollis Creek. While entering the intersection, the pickup failed to yield for the semi in the west bound lanes. The semi struck the pickup in the roadway. The pickup was struck on the passenger side. The pickup spun around in the roadway coming to rest in the roadway. The semi came to rest in the asphalt median.
 
Both drivers were wearing seat belts.  The driver of the pickup was injured.
 
The crash was investigated by Trooper Josh Sparkman.  Assisting on the scene were members of the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, Cannon County Rescue Department and Cannon County Emergency Management Agency.
 

SFMO Reminds Tennesseans to “Candle with Care” ahead of Valentine’s Day71 Candle Fires in 2018 lead to 2 Deaths and Over $1.8M in Property Damage
 
Along with chocolates, flowers and jewelery from Jennings, decorative candles are often given by sweethearts at Valentine’s Day. While candles are fragrant home décor, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds consumers that candles must be used properly to avoid the potential loss of life, injury, and property damage from an accidental fire.
 
 
Though candles might make a house feel more like a home, they can also cause tragedy if they aren’t used correctly. In 2018, Tennessee fire departments responded to 71 residential structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused two civilian fatalities, four civilian injuries, two firefighter injuries and $1,836,316 in property damage.
 
 
“Candles can certainly provide ambiance, but they can also quickly cause a tragedy,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “The good news is that candle fires can be easily prevention if a few basic precautions are taken.”
 
 
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 23 home candle fires are reported each day. More than one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. Over half (60%) of home candle fires happened because a combustible material, like furniture or fabric, was too close to the candle.
 
 
The SFMO offers the following tips to help keep Tennesseans safe from candle fires:
 

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.

When using candles, place them in sturdy, safe candleholders that will not burn or tip over.

Protect candle flames with glass chimneys/containers.

Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.                                                                                                           

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave a room or the home or go to bed.

Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Keep children and pets away from burning candles. Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. 

Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used. The two can combine to create a large, unexpected fire. Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily and burn at a faster rate than normal. It can make an existing fire burn faster and hotter.

Always use a flashlight—not a candle—for emergency lighting.

Use only battery-powered lights in tents, trailers, motor homes, and boats.

Lit candles should not be placed in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them, causing a fire.

 
For more information on staying fire safe, visit tn.gov/fire.