News

By the fall of 2024, Motlow-McMinnville will have an additional building to house its first cohort of students for the new Electric Vehicle Program. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place soon, and Motlow is happy to host a group of leaders who are working to advance Middle Tennessee’s cyber and electric vehicle interests.

An electric vehicle is a car that runs on a battery-powered electric motor rather than traditional gasoline. Students who enroll in Motlow’s new program can work for companies who build and/or service such vehicles as well as their charging stations.

The construction of the Mechatronics and Electronic Vehicles Instructional Facility will begin by the end of the month. Motlow thanks Gilbert McLaughlin Casella Architects for agreeing to the one-year project that will add 60 percent more space to the current Automation and Robotics Training Center (ARTC). The new facility will house the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Electric Vehicle Technology and the AAS in Mechatronics with a concentration in Electric Vehicle Technology. Students can either move directly into the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Electric Vehicle Technology.

According to Executive Director of Automation and Robotics Training Center Larry Flatt, “A concentration or degree in Electric Vehicle Technology will teach students how to build and service an electric vehicle, build and recycle an electric battery, and install or maintain a service station. The new building’s equipment will allow the repair of a vehicle up to the size of a half-ton pickup. We will also have the power to charge and discharge batteries and other specialized tools to work on electric vehicles.”

Motlow is proud to be a key leader in the Tennessee Board of Regent’s (TBR) initiative to make Electric Vehicle Technology accessible to our surrounding communities as the need for electric vehicle technicians rises. This is a new learning opportunity for students and certifies them to work for reputable vehicle manufacturers throughout the state that promise high wages and job security.

Motlow hopes to gain electric vehicles from multiple companies so that students can practice their new skills on a variety of cars. The first 2024-2025 class of electric vehicle technicians will accommodate 18 students.

Special agents assigned to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division, with the assistant of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, have obtained indictments charging a Lebanon nurse accused of unlawfully prescribing controlled substances.

As part of an ongoing investigation, agents became aware of allegations involving Alton Birmingham, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at a physician’s office in Lebanon. Further investigation revealed that, on several occasions in 2020, while the doctor wasn’t in the office, Birmingham continued to see patients and called in prescriptions using the doctor’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number. The practice is no longer in operation.

On Friday, the Wilson County Grand Jury returned indictments for Birmingham, charging the Lebanon man with seven counts of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance. Birmingham surrendered to authorities Tuesday and was subsequently booked into the Wilson County Jail on $10,000 bond.

As Tennessee heads into fall fire season, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDF) is observing National Fire Prevention Week October 8 – 14, 2023. Due to the drier conditions and leaf litter that accompany autumn in our state, a debris burn permit is required for leaf and brush pile fires beginning October 15 and residents are urged to take appropriate fire safety measures.

“There is a heightened risk of wildland fire this month in Tennessee,” State Forester David Arnold said. “Risks associated with careless debris burning are high, particularly during fire season when conditions are dry and natural fuel is abundant. If you plan to burn, you must obtain a permit where local governments don’t have established outdoor burning ordinances. Remember to stay with your fire, establish a safe perimeter, and keep tools on hand to control the burn.”

Debris Burn Permits for leaf and brush piles are available at no charge via the MyTN mobile app or online at www.BurnSafeTN.org. Apply the same day you plan to burn. Online permits may be obtained daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Eastern and Central time zones (based on your location) for any size leaf and/or brush burn pile, as well as prescribed fires and broadcast burning, such as for forestry, agricultural, or land clearing applications. Each fire should be completely extinguished by the permit expiration.

Residents with limited internet access may call the Division of Forestry burn permit phone number at 877-350-BURN (2876) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central. This phone line will open October 13 to issue permits in advance for Sunday, October 15 as long as forecasted conditions are favorable for safe debris burning. Callers may experience lengthy wait times when call volume is high, so online applications are encouraged.

The online permitting system is a streamlined and efficient process for residents to obtain burn permits. This year, there are fewer application steps, easier navigation, and applicants may save their information for future burn permit applications.

Permits are issued only when conditions are conducive to safe burning. If you live inside city limits, check with your municipality for additional restrictions before you burn.

A list of materials that are not allowed to be burned can be found from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation at www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/apc-air-pollution-control-home/apc/open-burning.html. Call 1-888-891-TDEC to report illegal burning.

Burning without a permit is a class C misdemeanor and punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. Individuals are legally required to stay with their fire until extinguished.

The following tips should be followed when it is safe to conduct a debris burn:

• Check with local authorities to make sure there are no local restrictions on burning currently in place, especially in cities and towns that have their own outdoor burning ordinance.
• GET A PERMIT. A permit is required from the Tennessee Division of Forestry from October 15 to May 15 where local restrictions do not supersede.
• Notify your local fire department and neighbors to let them know your plans to burn.
• Do not burn on windy days.
• Stay abreast of changing weather conditions.
• Establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil at least five feet wide around burn piles.
• Keep fire containment equipment on hand during the fire (e.g. rake, shovel, water).
• Stay with the fire until it is completely out.

Visit www.BurnSafeTN.org for additional tips to burn safely and to protect your community.

To get updates on wildfire news and fire risk in Tennessee, follow @TNWildlandFire on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Threads.

U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) is pleased to announce details for the 2023 Military Service Academy Day. The annual event gives students and parents from across the 6^th Congressional District a chance to hear from representatives, alumni, cadets, and midshipmen from various Military Service Academies and ROTC programs. Any middle or high schooler interested in attending one of the nation’s premiere Military Service Academies or learning about available college scholarship opportunities is encouraged to attend.

“One of the highest honors of my job as a Member of Congress is the opportunity to nominate the best and brightest young, patriotic Tennesseans from the 6^th District to our nation’s four extraordinary Military Service Academies,” Rep. Rose said. “Every year, I look forward to meeting so many students who are eager to serve their country.”

The event will also provide details about the application process for those seeking a nomination from Congressman Rose. Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Military Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY.

Those interested in a Military Academy nomination must apply by Oct. 27, 2023. More information may be found at johnrose.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.

When: Saturday, October 14, 2023

9:30 a.m. Registration

            10:00 a.m. Program

            11:00 a.m. Meet & Greet with Academy and ROTC Representatives

Where: Hendersonville High School

            123 Cherokee Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075

For more information about Military Service Academy Nominations or Military Service Academy Day, contact Lou Nave at Lou.Nave@mail.house.gov or by phone at (931) 330-7491. 

The Tennessee Departments of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDF) is offering more than 30 varieties of tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation and conservation projects. TDF’s East Tennessee Nursery in Delano, Tenn., is accepting orders until April 1, 2024 or while supplies last.

“Our forests are an important economic, cultural, and recreational resource in Tennessee,” State Forester David Arnold said. “The East Tennessee Nursery cultivates native species that help ensure the long-term sustainability of our forests and provide timber, wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreational opportunities for generations to come.”

The nursery, which sells in bulk at affordable prices, “is unique in its mission to serve the public and support large-scale reforestation efforts with native species that flourish,” TDF Reforestation Unit Leader and Nursery Manager Gina Sowders said.

A variety of cost share programs offering financial assistance for seedling purchases are available to qualified landowners. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and limited quantities.

• Trees for Tennessee, sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods, LLC, is designed to expand pine regeneration on recently harvested land and fallow fields.
• Beam Suntory’s sponsorship program promotes the purchase of white oak trees.
• Play. Plant. Preserve., sponsored by D’Addario, promotes the sustainability of hardwood resources, particularly hickory and oak, in Tennessee.
• Tree City USA sponsors a program that assists cities and towns seeking to grow urban and community forests.
• The White Oak and Shortleaf Pine Initiatives assist landowners in purchasing white oaks and shortleaf pines.

To learn more about online seedling sales and associated financial assistance and cost share programs, visit www.planttntrees.org or contact your local area forester at www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/staff.

Landowners may also quality for cost share opportunities for hardwood and softwood seedling purchases through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). For information about TAEP, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/landowners/financial/taep-for-forest-landowners

Ninety-three of Tennessee’s 95 counties including Cannon recorded lower unemployment rates in August 2023, according to new data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). Unemployment for the month remained unchanged in Cheatham and Lauderdale counties.   Ninety-three counties recorded rates below 5% in August, while two had rates slightly above the 5% mark.   Moore County had Tennessee’s lowest unemployment rate in August. At 2.4%, its statistic dropped 0.3 of a percentage point from July’s rate of 2.7%. Cannon County had 210 persons looking for work in August which translates into a 3.0 unemployment rate.  This was a drop in the rate by 0.4 of a percentage point over July. Lauderdale County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 5.8%, which was the same as its rate in July.   A complete overview of the August 2023 county unemployment data, including labor force estimates for local areas across the state, is available here.

Statewide, unemployment remained at Tennessee’s historic low level. The seasonally adjusted rate was unchanged from July’s record rate of 3.1%. Across the nation, unemployment increased in August. The new seasonally adjusted rate is 3.8% which is an increase of 0.3 of a percentage point from the July unemployment rate.   September is National Workforce Development Month. Tennessee has many different ways job seekers can access resources and data that can help them find their next great job. Jobs4TN.gov has more than 200,000 job openings currently listed online. There are nearly 80 American Job Centers across the state where career specialists offer one-on-one assistance, while anyone can go online, anytime, to access Tennessee’s virtual American Job Center.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be celebrating 2023 National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, Sept. 23. On this special day, the rich tradition of fishing, hunting, and target shooting is observed to recognize the conservation efforts of sportsmen and women across the country.

Wildlife and fisheries conservation in Tennessee is primarily funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations, and a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. In addition to license sales, TWRA also receives federal grant funding from excise taxes on the sale and manufacturing of certain outdoor recreation gear, firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established by the U.S. Congress in 1972 to recognize hunters and anglers for their financial contributions to wildlife conservation. The event is celebrated in all 50 states annually on the fourth Saturday in September. In Tennessee, National Hunting and Fishing Day coincides with the start of the statewide fall archery season for deer and the fall archery season for turkey in selected counties. This year, it also is on the first day of autumn.

“We are grateful to have nearly one million licensed hunters, anglers, and boaters in the state of Tennessee who support wildlife conservation with their license purchases,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “These funds support conservation programs, habitat acquisitions, and outdoor recreational opportunities, and we invite all Tennesseans to go outdoors and experience our beautiful natural resources.”

One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. TWRA also offers events and classes throughout the year to welcome new people to outdoor recreation. Visit the events page at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com for more information.

U.S. Representative John Rose representing Tennessee’s 6^th District recently joined three other House Members in introducing the Neighborhood Options for Patients Buying Medicines (NO PBMs) Act. The legislation would improve options and access to prescription drugs for seniors, bring pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in alignment with Medicare plans, and ultimately allow seniors to shop at their local pharmacy.

The bill would also modernize Medicare and prevent PBMs from discriminating against pharmacies that are willing to contract with them, helping seniors to seek care closer to home. Under Medicare Part D, plan sponsors are required to (i) have standard terms and conditions that are “reasonable and relevant” and (ii) allow any pharmacy willing to accept the terms and conditions to participate in the sponsor’s network. This bill would explicitly ensure that PBMs are required to comply with this standard, bringing them in line with plan sponsors.

“Independent pharmacies are integral to the health care needs of rural communities in Tennessee and across the country,” said Rep. Rose. “We should protect them by holding PBMs accountable. I am proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation on behalf of Tennessee’s independent pharmacists and patients.”

The NO PBMs Act is supported by the National Community Pharmacists Association, American Pharmacists Association, National Association of Specialty Pharmacy, and the American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc.

“Every day across the country, pharmacy patients get letters from their PBMs telling them that they have to start using a PBM-owned pharmacy. Or they get a letter stating that their current pharmacy is no longer ‘preferred’ in the plan network,” said American Pharmacies President Laird Leavoy. “The letters often imply that scripts may no longer be filled at non-PBM pharmacies. It’s alarming and confusing to older patients, who out of fear often switch their business to the PBM’s pharmacy. Steering is a conflict of interest that decreases transparency and competition in the pharmacy services market. It drives up pharmacy care costs while harming patient care, especially in rural and medically underserved areas.

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) has announced $28.5 million in federal grant funds to be distributed statewide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023–2024 federal fiscal year.

Locally four grants have been announced:

Cannon County Sheriff’s Department High Visibility Enforcement of Tennessee Traffic Safety Laws $5,000.00

Level One Accountability, LLC. TN‐HERT 2.0 $ 33,345.00 – training for first responders

Woodbury Police Department Enforcement of Tennessee Driving Under the Influence Laws 20,000.00

Tennessee District Attorney General, 16th Judicial District (which includes Cannon County) awarded Driving Under the Influence Prosecution $ 212,092.22.

“The THSO is pleased to announce the allocation of federal grant funds to support our traffic safety partners across Tennessee,” said Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Buddy Lewis. “These funds will be used to increase traffic safety education, public awareness, advocacy, training, and enforcement initiatives to improve driver behavior and protect Tennessee roadways. These partnerships are essential to saving lives and reducing traffic fatalities across Tennessee.”

Over 370 federal grants exceeding $28 million in total have been awarded to law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners across Tennessee. Approximately $3 million in media grant funds will be allocated for statewide highway safety education and public awareness campaigns.

Every year, traffic safety advocates, non-profit organizations, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, district attorneys general, and other state agencies across Tennessee seek funding through grant applications offered by the THSO. Applicants who meet the required data-driven criteria and highway safety standards are awarded grant funds to support the THSO’s mission to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Cannon County Elementary School Patriot’s Day Art Winners Woodbury, TN– Cannon County Elementary School announces the winners of the Patriot’s Day Art contest.

Winners are as follows: (left to right) CCES Art teacher, Abby Manns, 2nd Place winner, Memphis Smith, 1st Place Winner Emily Guffey, and 3rd Place Winner Evelyn Wilcher.