News

Smoking will be prohibited in public housing units across Tennessee and the U.S. effective July 31, 2018. The smoke-free rule is part of a larger plan to decrease building maintenance and smoke-related damage costs, reduce the risk of accidental fires and create healthier environments by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. The Tennessee Department of Health reminds Tennesseans who smoke that free help to quit smoking is available through the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine. 
 
“Quitting smoking can be a challenge, but it can be done, and studies show those who use counseling services to help them kick the habit are twice as likely to succeed as those who try to quit alone,” said TDH Assistant Commissioner for Family Health and Wellness Morgan McDonald, MD. “Most smokers want to quit, and most people who quit have to try multiple times before they are successful. We want to do everything we can to make it easier for people to quit for their own health and the health of their loved ones.”
 
 
The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669 is available for all Tennesseans who would like support in their efforts to quit tobacco use. The call and all program services are provided at no cost to participants and kept confidential. The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine connects tobacco users to a trained quit counselor who helps each caller develop a personalized quit plan and provides ongoing one-on-one support and guidance to help them quit. Callers may also qualify for up to a two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy patches at no charge.
 
 
The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine is available seven days a week, with services offered in both English and Spanish. A language line is also available to accommodate callers who speak a language other than English or Spanish. Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST, Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. Enrollment can also be completed online at www.tnQuitLine.org.
 
 
TDH also offers the Baby and Me Tobacco Free program to help pregnant women quit smoking. This program offers incentives including vouchers for diapers for each month a participating woman is smoke-free up to one year after her baby’s birth. Supporting family members such as dads can also participate. Contact your local health department for enrollment information or visit www.babyandmetobaccofree.org/find-a-location/tennessee/.
 
 
The public housing smoking ban prohibits smoking tobacco products in all indoor common areas, administrative offices, living units and outdoor areas within 25 feet of the buildings. All current and incoming leaseholders will be required to sign a lease agreeing to the policy. The policy was announced in December 2016 by the Department of Housing and Urban Development; the agency gave the nation’s more than 3,300 local public housing authorities nearly 18 months to begin enforcement. The rule excludes residents living in homes under the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8.
 
 
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
 
 

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and local law enforcement agencies across Tennessee in an effort to keep one of the state’s busiest roads safe. Enforcement efforts will focus on U.S. Hwy 70 statewide. This is a strict traffic enforcement campaign that will take place on July 31 and August 3. This intensified enforcement effort is referred to as “Safe on Seventy.” U.S. Hwy. 70 runs West to East through 36 counties in Tennessee encompassing 538 miles. U.S. Hwy. 70 ends at the North Carolina state line. Along the route, the roadway runs parallel to several U.S. and state highways, including those in all three of the state’s major cities (Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville). U.S. Hwy. 70 was the main travel route across the state prior to the development of Interstate 40. Today, traffic has increased on the highway due to motorists seeking alternate routes. As a result, traffic fatalities have increased.

“The Tennessee Highway Patrol is proud to participate in the “Safe on Seventy” campaign,” THP Colonel Dereck Stewart said. “I have challenged our troopers to think strategically and use all available resources to help reduce the number of traffic fatalities. We will enhance our enforcement efforts to combat reckless drivers that lead to injury or fatal crashes in Tennessee.” During the “Safe on Seventy” campaign, law enforcement agencies will have an increased presence on U.S. Hwy. 70, focusing on distracted driving. In addition, law enforcement will be checking for aggressive drivers, speeders, lack of seatbelt use, and
commercial vehicle safety. This is the first time the THP has teamed up with local law enforcement to ensure travelers will seen increased patrol along the highway.

“Safe on Seventy is a new, strategic initiative designed to target one of Tennessee’s most problematic highways,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “Using statewide crash data, the Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network Division (TITAN) identified Tuesdays and Fridays, between 11 AM and 8 PM, as high-crash periods on Highway 70. We encourage all roadway users to exercise caution and drive safely as we work to decrease the number of serious injury and fatal crashes that occur on Highway 70 during this timeframe.”

The Highway Patrol offers the following tips for safe travels on the roadways:
– Buckle up – a seatbelt is the most important safety feature in a vehicle;
– Obey all speed limits;
– Drive sober and alert;

Eliminate driver distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the stereo – anything that can take your eyes off the road can lead to a crash;

– Get plenty of rest before setting out on a trip and allow plenty of time to reach your destination;

– Take steps before you leave to prepare your vehicle for the trip (i.e. checking tire pressure/condition and fluid levels).

On a five to two vote, a budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 for Cannon County has been approved for consideration by the State Comptroller’s office and the Cannon County Commission.
Budget committee members had questions for 911 Director Roy Sullivan. Most of the questions dealt with the daily operations in order to give some committee members a better understanding of the day to day workings and how it affects the budget.

William F. Curtis, Director of Schools and Bruce Daniel, School Board Chairman were there to explain their 0.75 tax rate request.  Concern from committee members focused with decreasing enrollment and the number of schools in operation. The budget (as presented) was $17,163,000 or 56% of all dollars coming into the county go to the school budget. Commissioner Steakley said he doesn’t feel more money is going to fix the problems.  Bruce Daniel stated they are in the education business, not the money saving business.

County Executive Mike Gannon suggested removing the county’s contribution out for Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency and Upper Cumberland Development  District ($10,095). The committee removed it from the budget.  Other line item cuts to the budget were as follows:
46820 Income Tax:  Increased to $5,000 from 0.
52300 Property Assessor:  Line 169 cut $5,000 from $14,000 to $9,000.
52500 County Clerk: Line 161 cut $5,000 from $51,700 to $46,700.
54110 Sheriff’s Dept:  Line 205 cut $5,000 from $190,000 to $185,000.
54610 Medical Examiner:  Line 312 cut $5,000 from $9,000 to $4,000.
76100 Capital Outlay:  Line 799 for $117,000 to purchase a new ambulance was decreased to 0.

Total expenditure cuts to the General Fund:  $147,095.
Total revenue increase:  $5,000
The Committee agreed to put $10,000 was that cut previously for vehicle maintenance (338) back in the Ambulance Service budget, making this line a total of $20,000.
A motion was made to approve the above changes by James Adkins and seconded by Jim Bush. Voting yes: Jim Bush, James Adkins, Richie Hunter, Ronnie Mahaffey and Mark Barker.
Voting no:  Karen Ashford and Glenn Steakley
Motion passed.
A motion was made by Jim Bush and seconded by James Adkins for the following tax rate:
County General:         $1.31
Solid Waste:                   .16
Ambulance Svc:             .2239
Debt Svc:                        .005
School:                            .685
Total                           $2.3839

Voting yes for tax rate: Mark Barker, Jim Bush, James Adkins, Richie Hunter and Ronnie Mahaffey.
Voting no:  Karen Ashford and Glenn Steakley
Motion passed

The Committee requested the budgets to the Comptroller’s office.  Pending the response from the Comptroller’s office, the next stop will be to the County Commission or back to the budget committee for further revisions.

Tennessee’s tax-free holiday weekend begins Friday, July 27th, and ends on Sunday, July 29th! During these 3 days certain goods can be purchased tax-free, so make sure you know how to take advantage of the savings.The Tennessee State tax rate varies by county, but you’ll typically save 7% on your purchase. Below are some of the items that will be tax-exempt for the shopping holiday:

Clothing: $100 or less per item, including jackets, shoes and dresses, etc.

School Supplies: $100 or less per item, including binders, books, backpacks, crayons, pens, pencils and more.

Computers: Priced $1,500 or less. That’s a generous threshold, compared with other states..
Tax-free weekend offers great savings on hundreds of items, but not everything is exempt. For example, items such as accessories, printers, sports equipment and video games will not be exempt. See more info for your state here.
For a list of items that are exempt:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/revenue/documents/taxes/sales/salestaxholiday/STH_Alpha_List_2015_exempt.pdf
For a list of items that are taxable:  https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/revenue/documents/taxes/sales/salestaxholiday/STH_Alpha_List_2015_taxable.pdf

The Upper Cumberland Development District recently broke ground on the site of their new building on England Drive in Cookeville.The project, designed by Upland Design Group, includes improved amenities to accommodate UCDD’s program staff, clients and visitors and will replace their current location at 1225 South Willow Ave. in Cookeville.
“On behalf of the UCDD Board of Directors and staff, we are incredibly excited about today’s groundbreaking,” UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley stated. “Our new location and larger facility will allow us adequately serve our clients today and will give us the flexibility to grow and meet the future needs of the region.”
UCDD leadership believes the new location and facility will better serve their board, staff and clients. Plans for the 19,483 square-foot facility include a large meeting space, ample parking and an interior thoughtfully designed to accommodate individuals with limited mobility, with client meeting rooms near the entrance, larger waiting areas, widened hallways and a covered drive-through entrance. The location of the building site was carefully chosen due to its proximity to Interstate 40 and Highway 111.
“Our staff commutes to multiple counties daily,” Farley stated. “This location not only puts us at the prime intersection for our staff and board members but increases our visibility for clients exponentially.”
UCDD has been located on South Willow Ave. since December of 1972. The current building has been expanded over the years to satisfy the needs of program and staff growth and has reached capacity.
Landlocked by neighboring businesses, UCDD’s options to renovate and expand the existing facility to offer additional parking, offices and meeting space were limited. Finding a new home at a visible and accessible location with ample parking became priority for leadership, who began exploring relocation options in January 2017.
The new facility will include an increased footprint from their current 15,164 square foot building, including 105 parking spaces compared to the current 70.
Construction on the new facility is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2019. The construction company for the project is Mid State Construction of Cookeville.
The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the 14-county Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement. Find UCDD on the web at www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect.

 Summer break is almost over for many students in Tennessee, and as plans are being made for another school year, it’s important to make sure students receive their required immunizations before going back to the classroom.
 
Tennessee Department of Health Chief Medical Officer David Reagan commented, “We want Tennessee children to be in school, learning in a safe and healthy environment, so it’s extremely important students are vaccinated against diseases that can spread easily in the classroom or elsewhere  I encourage parents and caregivers to protect their students, their families and those around them by getting the vaccines they need to stay healthy.”
 
In Tennessee, children enrolling in school for the first time and all children going into seventh grade must provide schools with a state immunization certificate before classes start as proof they have had all the required immunizations. Additional immunizations are required for students at Tennessee colleges and universities.
 
According to Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, director of the Tennessee Immunization Program, “We strongly urge parents to be sure their children receive all recommended vaccines on the immunization schedule. Certain vaccines are also required for school because they help keep children safe in the classroom and on the playground.  “Take this opportunity to talk with your health care provider to be sure your child is fully immunized and make appointments now so your child won’t miss school because he or she hasn’t had needed vaccines.”
 
       Requirements for school vaccinations in Tennessee:
 
•             Kindergarteners and other children enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time must provide schools with a complete, official Tennessee Immunization Certificate before classes begin. The certificate must be signed by a qualified health care provider or verified by the state’s Immunization Information System. 
 
•             All current students entering seventh grade are required to give the school a limited official Tennessee Immunization Certificate showing they have had a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The HPV cancer vaccine and first meningococcal meningitis vaccine are recommended at this age and can be given at the same time as the required Tdap booster.
 
•             Immunization requirements for college entry vary by institution, but teens who have had all recommended vaccines including their meningitis booster shot after they turn 16 will be sure to have met any college’s requirements.
 
Immunizations required for school are readily available from most health care providers across the state, including county health departments. Children younger than age 19 may be eligible for free vaccine if they have no insurance, are enrolled in TennCare, have private insurance that does not cover vaccines or are American Indian or Alaska Native.
 
The complete list of Tennessee child care and school immunization requirements can be found at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program/ip/immunization-requirements/childcare-12th-grade-immunization-requirements.html. Local schools and school districts can provide information about when and how immunization certificates need to be provided.
 
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
 

The subject of immigration on the national news is now part of our local news according to a story from Nashville’s WZTV. 
The American dream turned into a nightmare for a mid-state family, after a husband and father could be deported for trying to do the right thing. Now the town of Woodbury is banding together, writing letters to bring a Chinese restaurant owner home.
The family of Shaqun Zhao says he was trapped trying to do the right thing.
They say he was in the process of getting a Green Card, then got called in for an interview to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Office, and then taken into custody.
The family owns China Star in Woodbury, where people come because they love the food, but even more they truly care the people who make it, the Zhaos.
That family got ripped apart last week, and is now left without a father, husband, and primary source of income.
Ya Ling (15 year old daughter) translated for her mother, “She’s afraid her husband is going to be sent back home and she’ll be over here alone working.”
Ling and her 10-year-old brother Jay were both born in Tennessee, mother Meizhu Dong passed a citizenship test after coming here from China in 1999 for a better life.  Now, they’re just heartbroken, and terrified they’ll never see their family rock ever again.
 
Ya Ling went on to say, “I would say he’s the best father that anybody can have, and I hope he can get out and we can be together as a family again.”
 
In a desperate plea for help, the Zhaos are turning to the loyal customers of their 13-year-old business, asking them to write letters in support of Shaqun’s citizenship.
 
Ya Ling says her dad is at the LaSalle detention facility in Louisiana. She says he calls his restaurant every day to check in with his family, who is hoping and praying he’s returned to them soon.
 
 
 

A joint investigation by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and investigators with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury has resulted in the indictment and arrest of the Smithville mayor and his son.
On March 7th, at the request of 13th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, Agents and investigators began investigating an allegation of theft from the city of Smithville, involving Mayor Jimmy Poss and his son Tony. During the course of the investigation, Agents developed information that the two men were responsible for the theft through the unlawful payment of wages from Jimmy Poss to Anthony Ross, from August 2017 through March 2018.

On Monday, the DeKalb County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Jimmy Wayne Poss with one count of Official Misconduct and one count of Theft over $2,500. Anthony Wayne Poss is charged with one count of Theft over $2,500. Both men were arrested Tuesday morning and booked into the DeKalb County Jail. The bond for Jimmy Poss was set at $5,000. Anthony Poss has a $2,500 bond.

Cannon County High School Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America joined more than 7,500 FCCLA student leaders, members, and advisers at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA June 27 – July 2 to participate in the annual Family Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference (NLC).The conference provided Cannon County students opportunities to come together for energizing learning while listening to inspiring speakers, expanding leadership skills, sharpening talents, and exploring career pathways. The theme of this year’s conference was “Inspired by FCCLA”, which inspired attendees to make the right choices and commit themselves to making a positive impact within their families, schools, FCCLA, and communities.
Austin Powell participated in the Leadership STAR (Students Taking Actions with Recognition) competition. These events support foundational, leadership, and workplace skills.  Competing with over 4,500 STAR Event participants in Atlanta, Austin was awarded a Silver Medal.
Destinee Byrd, Ashton Feinstein, and Austin Powell participated in the Engage Leadership Academy. The FCCLA Leadership Academy develops leadership, employability, and 21st Century skills and gives members the opportunity to be recognized for their personal growth efforts. Through the program, members are given the opportunity to explore and practice essentials for the roles of family member, wage earner and community leader. The Engage Academy strengthens leadership skills used to unify people through communication, collaboration, and conflict management.
 

New state guidelines concerning attendance procedures and policy will be implemented for the 2018-2019 school year. Parents and students will need to review student handbooks carefully at the beginning of the school year to understand changes in attendance procedures.  Due to changes in state law, students absent 3 days without adequate excuse (unexcused absence) will enter the progressive *Attendance Tier Intervention process.   
Each tier provides supports to students to help them stay in school.  Once a student enters into Tier 3 (10 unexcused days) the student and parent will be required to attend a Truancy Court.  Truancy Court, (which is a new resource in the Tier Intervention process) will be held at the Cannon County Courthouse court room. Judge Susan Melton and other community service providers will work along with the Supervisor of Attendance to address issues with students’ attendance and hopefully keep students from returning to the court room.  However, if a student continues to miss days after Truancy Court, they will be served to appear in juvenile court.  
 
 
Remember, attending school has a positive impact on children’s academic success-from kindergarten to high school graduation.  For context, most students in Tennessee miss six or less days each school year.
 
 
Although some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances, students that miss too much school—regardless of the reason—fall behind academically. Absences can add up quickly. Students are less likely to succeed academically if they miss 10% or more of instructional days over the course of the school year (this means missing about two days of school per month or about 18 days per year).
 
Research shows:  
 
·         Tennessee students who are chronically absent in kindergarten are 15 percentage points less likely to reach proficiency in either 3rd grade math or ELA.
·         Nationally, four out of five students who miss more than 10% of both kindergarten and first grade are unable to read on grade-level by third grade.
·         The problem continues as students get older. Tennessee students who are chronically absent in 9th grade are 30 percentage points less likely to earn an
on-time diploma (62% vs. 92%).
 
We don’t want your child to fall behind in school or get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Below are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance.
 
 
 
Attendance Pointers for Parents
 
 

Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
 

Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
 

Make sure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick.
 

Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
 

Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
 

Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school or show other signs of not wanting to go to school.
 
We want your child to be successful in school. Let us know how we can best support you and your child so that he or she shows up for school on time every day. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your child’s teacher, principal, school counselor, or check out the parent resources available at http://www.attendanceworks.org/ 
For more information concerning the new attendance policy and the Attendance Tier Intervention process, contact Bonnie Patterson, Supervisor of Attendance for Cannon County Schools at 615-563-5752.