News

The discussion on repairing the roofs of Cannon County High School and Woodland School continues. In a special called meeting of the Cannon County Commission Tuesday night the only issue on the agenda was roof repair.  
Commissioners were greeted by school officials, teachers, band members, cheerleaders, students and parents of students. A rally to show support for schools was held prior and during the first few minutes of the almost two hour meeting.
 
The board members were presented five options dealing with financing the three-million dollars project. Several members wanted a short period of time to review the options before making a decision.  The meeting was recessed until the end of the commission’s regular monthly meeting, scheduled for Thursday evening.
 

The discussion on repairing the roofs of Cannon County High School and Woodland School continues. In a special called meeting of the Cannon County Commission Tuesday night the only issue on the agenda was roof repair.  
Commissioners were greeted by school officials, teachers, band members, cheerleaders, students and parents of students. A rally to show support for schools was held prior and during the first few minutes of the almost two hour meeting.
 
The board members were presented five options dealing with financing the three-million dollars project. Several members wanted a short period of time to review the options before making a decision.  The meeting was recessed until the end of the commission’s regular monthly meeting, scheduled for Thursday evening.
 

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced his first legislative initiative, the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) to expand access to vocational and technical training for Tennessee students.  
 
“I believe that expanding our vocational and technical offerings will be transformational for Tennesseans and the future of our state,” said Lee. “We have the opportunity to help students discover quality career paths and gain skills that are needed right now in the workforce by emphasizing career and technical education.”
 
 
The GIVE initiative is a two-pronged approach that utilizes regional partnerships to develop work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities. Communities will now have the funding and flexibility to build programs that best reflect local needs and work directly with private industry to structure programming. 
 
 
GIVE also provides funding for high school juniors and seniors to utilize four, fully-funded dual enrollment credits for trade and technical programs. Previously, high school students only had access to two fully-funded dual enrollment credits. With access to four credits, students will now be better prepared for entry into the workforce within two years of graduation.
 
 
“With GIVE, there is now a framework in place to partner with the private sector in addressing gaps in our workforce,” said Lee. “This initiative also puts students in charge of their future by preparing them for a good job right out of high school.”
 
Two grant programs will fund the initiative: GIVE Community Grants and GIVE Student Grants. Using the framework of the state’s Labor Education Alignment Program (LEAP), the governor will recommend new funding in support of work-based learning through GIVE Community Grants. These competitive grants will go to regional partnerships between TCATs, industry, and K-12 to build new programs in work-based learning and apprenticeships, market-driven dual-credit opportunities, and the expansion of industry-informed CTE offerings at local high schools.
 
GIVE Student Grants will be funded via the Tennessee Lottery and support expanded access to dual enrollment.
 
“It is time to make sure education in Tennessee embraces multiple pathways to success,” said Lee. “We believe GIVE is a key step for the future of our kids and ensuring we can fill the jobs of tomorrow.” 
 
 

Flu in the Volunteer State is on the rise.  In the last few days, you may have heard of some school systems closing for a day or two due to the flu.  Now the flu is affecting more than schools. If you have someone in the NHC Healthcare in McMinnville that you would like to visit, you’ll have to wait until next week.Due to the influenza virus, NHC Healthcare on Old Smithville Rd. in McMinnville is asking that the community refrain from visiting until next Monday, Feb. 11th. This is for the safety of the patients as well as the partners, volunteers and family members.
 
 

An Affirmation Rally for Roofs! event will be held on Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 at 5:15 PM – 5:40 PM at the Courthouse Square.  Concerned Cannon County citizens are urged to come out and support alongside the CCHS Cheerleaders, Students, Parents, and Staff, as well as the Woodland School Cheerleaders, Students, Parents, and Staff.  The School Board’s proposal will also put a new roof on the flat part of Woodbury Grammar School, so Woodbury Grammar Students, Parents, and Staff are urged to participate as well as ALL other Cannon County Schools. 
Cannon County School Board Members and Director of Cannon County Schools, William F. Curtis, encourage all who desire to see our MISSION – “Preparing All Students for their Future” through our VISION – “New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day” become a reality, attend this important event.
 
The Cannon County Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 – 5:30 PM to act on a “Proposal to repair school roofs.” This is the ONLY item on the agenda for this special session of the Commission.     
     
 

In recognition of National Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 3-9, 2019), the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is sharing basic burn and scald prevention tips and reminding consumers that everyday household items can be burn hazards if care is not properly taken. This year’s theme focuses on scald prevention. 
A scald is a type of burn caused by a liquid, like hot water or steam. These burns can happen at any age, but children, older adults, and those with disabilities are at an increased risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), scalds are the second leading cause of burn injuries.
 
According to the American Burn Association, an estimated 376,950 scald burn injuries associated with household appliances and products were seen in U.S. emergency rooms from 2013-2017. Children 4 years old and younger accounted for 21 percent of the emergency room visits.
 
“We want to remind residents of the Volunteer State that not all burns result from fires,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “To avoid common household products creating a burn injury, we urge consumers to be aware of items that present a hazard and take measures to prevent scalds and burns.”
 
In an effort to keep Tennesseans safe from burn and scald hazards, the SFMO shares these tips:
 
Use and store household items with care
·         Keep an eye on appliances such as irons, curling irons or hair dryers that can heat up quickly or stay warm after use. Unplug these items after you’re done.
·         Cleaners, weed killers and pool chemicals can cause burns. Keep these locked away/out of reach.
·         Make a habit of placing matches, gasoline and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Avoid novelty lighters or lighters that look like toys.
·         Prevent electrical burns: Always turn off circuit breakers before making repairs to wiring; avoid using electrical appliances while showering or wet; use child safety plugs in all outlets; keep electrical cords out of children’s reach.
·         Create a safety zone to keep children and pets away from heating devices such as woodstoves, fireplaces, portable heaters, and furnaces.
 
Prevent tap-water scalds
·         Provide constant adult supervision of young children, anyone who might experience difficulty removing themselves from hot water on their own, or people who might not recognize the danger associated with turning on the hot water.
·         Test the water at the faucet. It should be less than 100° Fahrenheit.
·         Mix bath water thoroughly and check the temperature by moving your elbow, wrist or hand with spread fingers through the water before allowing someone to get in. The water should feel warm, not hot, to the touch.
·         Turn the faucet to the “COLD” position when not in use if the tub has a single faucet handle.
·         When bathing young children, position them away from faucets to prevent them from being able to reach faucet knobs.
 
Prevent cooking-related scalds and burns
·         To prevent spills due to the overturning of appliances containing hot food or liquids, use the back burner when possible, and or turn pot handles away from the stove’s front edge (or any edge where someone could bump into the pot handles). All appliance cords need to be kept coiled and away from counter edges.
·         Use oven mitts or potholders when moving hot food from ovens, microwave ovens or stovetops. Never use wet oven mitts or potholders because they can cause scald burns. Replace old or worn-out oven mitts.
·         Open heated food containers slowly, away from the face, to avoid steam burns.
·         Prepackaged microwavable soups are a frequent cause of scald burn injuries (especially noodle soups) because they can easily tip over. Choose prepackaged soups whose containers have a wide base or, to avoid the possibility of a spill, pour the soup into a traditional bowl after heating.
·         Microwaves can heat unevenly and create hot spots, so avoid using them to heat baby formula or baby milk.
·         Young children are at high risk of being burned by hot food and liquids. Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove or around any place where hot food or drink is being prepared or carried.
·         Never hold a child while you are cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
 
For more information on how to keep your family fire- and burn-safe, visit tn.gov/fire.
 

Cannon County Schools has announced the District-Level Teachers of the Year for the 2018-2019 School Year.  Each teacher was selected to represent the Cannon County School District in three categories:  PreK-4th Grade; 5th Grade – 8th Grade; 9th Grade – 12th Grade.  One Teacher in each category was selected by a committee to represent Cannon County as the District Teacher of the Year in the Upper Cumberland CORE Region. A special announcement and ceremony took place on Friday, during In-Service Activities to honor these teachers and announce the School District winners in each category.  The following teachers were selected to represent Cannon County Schools as District Teachers of the Year 2018-2019: 
PreK-4th Grade – Lisa Vickers of Auburn School – Mrs. Vickers has taught for 11 years and is currently serving her first year as a First Grade Teacher at Auburn School in.  She has previously taught at Short Mountain School 2016-2018, Stewart’s Creek Elementary School in Rutherford County 2010-2016, and Woodbury Grammar School 2008-2010. 
 
5th Grade – 8th Grade – Dr. Melissa Killian of Woodbury Grammar School – Dr. Killian has taught for 11 ½ years and currently serves as Title I: Reading/Math Interventionist K-8 at Woodbury Grammar School.  She has previously taught 2nd and 3rd Grades at Woodbury Grammar School and is an Adjunct Faculty Member of Curriculum Instruction for Tennessee Technological University at the McMinnville 2+2 Program Campus.  She recently earned her Ph.D. in Exceptional Learning in Literacy at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN. 
 
9th Grade – 12th Grade – Rena Peeler-House of Cannon County High School – Mrs. House has taught for 22 years and currently serves as Life Skills/CDC Teacher at Cannon County High School for the past 16 years.  She has previously as a Substitute Teacher 2002-2003, State of Tennessee various positions 1998-2002, and Adult Education Classes for Cannon County Schools and Rutherford County Schools 1996-1997.
 
Director of Cannon County Schools William F. Curtis stated regarding these excellent examples of the quality of educators in Cannon county Schools, “We are tremendously proud of each one of these outstanding educators. Each one of these deserving teachers exemplify the MISSION of Cannon County Schools – ‘Preparing ALL Students for Their Future’ through our VISION –‘The New E3 –Engaged in Excellence Every Day.!”
 

 Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has issued an executive order to halt new regulations for the next 90 days across all state executive branch departments
 
“As part of our efforts to limit the size of state government, we are taking a close look at the regulations we are imposing on citizens and businesses in Tennessee,” said Lee. “Our goal is to make Tennessee the most job-friendly state in the country and we are working to promote job creation and a commonsense regulatory approach.” 
 
Executive Order 5 outlines a 90-day freeze in which no executive branch department will file a new rule or regulation with the Secretary of State. During the freeze, the executive branch will develop a framework to better assess the costs and benefits of imposing a new regulation.
 
 
The order also underscores creating a regulatory environment that encourages “self-improvement, entrepreneurship and investment.” Departments may receive an exception from the governor in the event a proposed rule benefits the health, safety or welfare of Tennesseans. Regulations approved by the previous administration that have not yet taken effect will be excluded from the executive order.
 
 
“I’ve encouraged each department to think about their respective roles in making our state the best place to live, work and play,” said Lee. “A more thoughtful approach to regulation is a key step in getting government out of the way and putting the citizens of Tennessee first.”   
 

Coaches, players, parents and football fans gathered to look back and celebrate last fall’s football season at Cannon County High School. Players recognized at the banquet included: 
Lion Award – Cort Litchford  
Hustle Award – Lucas Clark
Up and Comer – Brent Scott
Offensive Most Valuable Player – Tyler Bundy
Defensive Most Valuable Player – Brian Washington
Offensive Scout Winner – Jacob Hodges
Defensive Scout Winner – Lane Nichols
Offensive Line Award – Noah Logsdon
Defensive Line Award Winner – Rem James
 
Attendance for this year’s event forced a move to a larger venue.  Woodbury Church of Christ welcomed the banquet to their fellowship hall.

The Cannon County Board of Education will meet in a Special Called School Board Workshop – Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 – 8 AM at the Cannon County Board of Education Offices, 301 West Main Street, Woodbury.