Cannon County Sheriff Darrell Young has announced the return of an escapee from the jail. On Monday (August 28th) Investigators Reed, Crouch and Deputies Myers and Boling went to a residence off Parker Hill Rd.
Investigator Reed made contact with Justin Taggart and informed him that the officers were in possession of information that escapee Justin Michael Anderson was currently inside the residence. Taggart was informed that the officers would obtain a search warrant, if needed. According to reports, verbal consent was given and upon entry Deputy Boling and Investigator Crouch placed Justin Michael Anderson into custody who was found in the living room.
Justin Taggart was subsequently arrested and will face charges for harboring the fugitive.
Anderson escaped the Cannon County Jail on June 30th with inmate Corey Foster. Foster was arrested earlier in DeKalb County. Both are convicted felons.
Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) leadership updated cooperative members about the status of the organization and answered questions during its livestreamed Annual Meeting Saturday, Aug. 26.
MTE Board of Directors gather for annual meeting.
Board Chairman Mike Woods, CEO Chris Jones and various MTE team members reflected on what 2022 looked like, how the organization has prioritized responding to members’ evolving needs and what lies ahead for the cooperative.
“We’re always working on what we need to do today to answer the changing environment for tomorrow,” Woods said. “Your board of directors is very much concerned about our membership, concerned about you, and they’re always thinking about what’s best for our members.”
After 10 years of service as chair, Woods announced his decision to step down as chairman following the Annual Meeting.
“Middle Tennessee Electric is tremendously grateful to Chairman Woods for his dedication to the cooperative and its members,” said Jones. “His leadership has made a positive impact on our cooperative, and we wish him all the best during his next chapter. We are thankful he will continue his service to the co-op as a board member.”
During the Annual Meeting, MTE reflected on a year that presented challenges for both the organization and the communities it serves, including:
Rallying around the Readyville community following the tornado that hit April 1, fully restoring power to the area within 18 hours and coordinating employee clean-up efforts with more than 100 MTE volunteers.
Dealing with the requirement from TVA last December to perform rolling blackouts. Jones interviewed TVA CEO, Jeff Lyash, to discuss the controlled outages and hear about steps the organization has taken to prevent that situation from arising in the future.
Opening new facilities at the Central Office in Murfreesboro that will benefit employees and members.
Rolling out customizable options for members, myEnergyPlan, which allows members to customize a plan that best fits their lifestyle regarding energy usage and billing preferences. New enhancements to the myMTE mobile app also enable members to learn more about their energy usage and take steps to reduce energy consumption.
“We’ve made lots of investments to improve our technology and to focus on responsiveness, because we have learned from the information we gather through surveys and from our members that’s what our members want,” Jones said. “We want to push to higher levels of member satisfaction, so what you are seeing now is a result of research and gathering information, but at the end of the day, we’re simply working hard to satisfy the membership.”
Following this update, a Q&A session was conducted and questions from members were answered live. Members inquired about energy efficiency, controlled outages, rates, electric vehicles, broadband and more.
During this session, United Communications President and CEO William Bradford announced the organization’s plans to expand its fiber internet service to an additional 77,000 MTE members in Murfreesboro. A series of multi-year infrastructure projects will create 1,400 route miles of new fiber-optic lines to deliver internet services to homes and businesses in the area.
Per the cooperative’s bylaws, the election results for four seats on the Board of Directors were announced during the Annual Meeting. Four members were re-elected: Steve Seger – Williamson County; Will Jordan – Rutherford County; Ross Bradley– Rutherford County; and Hal Bone – Wilson County. The proposed Bylaws Amendment to Articles VIII, IX, XIII and XIV were approved by the membership.
MTE board members serve staggered three-year terms, and the Nominating Committee is responsible for nominating next year’s Board of Directors candidates. The 2024 Nominating Committee election resulted in the appointment of Jessica Davey, Karen Paris and Juanita Patton from District 1 – Williamson County; Thomas “Teb” Batey, Jamey Faulkner, Danny Sapp and Richard Stone from District 2 – Rutherford County; Jeanne Melton from District 3 – Cannon County; and Zachary Butler, Ken Howell and Quintin Smith from District 4 – Wilson County.
In an organizational meeting following the Annual Meeting, the board elected Steve Seger of Williamson County to take over as chair, Jim Mills of Wilson County as vice chair and Vanessa Hickman of Wilson County as secretary-treasurer.
United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties hosted its annual Community Celebration Luncheon last week at the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.
United Way’s mission to improve health, education, and financial stability would not have been possible without the help and support of our local community. The Community Celebration occurs each year and is a time of reflection and recognition of individuals, organizations, and partners who have significantly impacted our community over the past year.
The event included recognition of the 2022-2023 award winners: Board Member of the Year, Dr. Jill Austin; Community Engagement Award, Middle Tennessee Electric; Community Impact Award, Pinnacle Financial Partners; Employee Campaign Manager of the Year, Stacy Wallace; Dr. Linda Gilbert Advocacy Award, Deb Thompson; Rise Award, Kennametal; Volunteer of the Year, Fran Jones; Witherspoon Society Award, Chris and Bonita Jones; Young Leader of the Year, Sierra Lowry.
New board members were introduced for the 2023-2024 fiscal year: Brandon Doyle, Pinnacle Financial Partners; Yolanda Greene, First Horizon Bank; Francela Salas, Redstone Federal Credit Union; Stacy Wilder, Regions Bank; Ty Williams, UPS.
Most notably, our local United Way announced a record year of impact – more than $3.9 million in impact in Rutherford and Cannon Counties for the year 2022-2023. This is made possible through the combined efforts of every donor, volunteer, sponsor, staff member, advocate, and community partner.
Another exciting development from this year is the expansion of our United Way’s service area, announced at the Community Celebration. In the spring of 2023, our local United Way went from serving two counties – Rutherford and Cannon – to four. Our local United Way will now serve Rutherford, Cannon, Bedford, and Lincoln Counties.
CEO and President of the local United Way, Meagan Flippin, shares, “This new endeavor is a great opportunity for community collaboration and expansion of our collective impact. This growth is made possible by the donors, sponsors, and volunteers of our local United Way. We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the past year of tremendous impact and look forward to the year ahead for our growing community.”
Cannon County Schools had two separate incidents on Monday, August 14, 2023.
Monday morning, Cannon South was dismissed due to a fire alarm being activated by an electrical issue in the school’s cafeteria. Repairs have been made, and school will resume Tuesday.
Monday afternoon, a bus traveling from Cannon North to the Auburn community was involved in an incident at the top of Locks Creek Road. Local authorities and school and district administration arrived on the scene. Students were transported by another bus to the Auburntown Church of Christ to reunify with parents. The Tennessee Highway Patrol was called and is investigating the incident.
After rising for three consecutive weeks, the state gas price average has moved slightly lower. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.43 which is 34 cents more expensive than one month ago but seven cents less than one year ago.
“Gas prices moved slightly lower across Tennessee last week, which is a nice break from the recent trends we’ve seen. Gas prices previously rose 37 cents in a three-week period,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for The Auto Club Group. “While this is a welcome change, it’s uncertain how long this downward trend will last. Last week, gasoline futures rebounded to levels similar to what we were seeing earlier this month. For this week, drivers should continue to expect fluctuations in pump pricing and know that there is a possibility that gas prices may begin to move higher given the recent changes we’ve seen in the market.”
Quick Facts
80% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.50
The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.22 for regular unleaded
The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.74 for regular unleaded
Tennessee is now the 4th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
The national average for a gallon of gas moved three cents higher after hovering around $3.82 for about ten days, a noteworthy length for price stability.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand jumped from 8.84 to 9.30 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased from 219.1 to 216.4 million bbl. Higher demand, amid tighter supply, has helped to keep pump prices elevated. If gas demand remains high, alongside increasing oil prices, drivers should brace for increases in pump prices.
Today’s national average of $3.85 is 29 cents more than a month ago but 10 cents less than a year ago.
Tennessee Regional Prices
Most expensive metro markets – Jackson ($3.51), Memphis ($3.48), Nashville ($3.47)
Least expensive metro markets – Knoxville ($3.36), Chattanooga ($3.36), Clarksville ($3.39)
DeKalb Telephone Cooperative, Inc. doing business as DTC Communications will host its annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.
Directors will be elected in the Milton, Norene, and Woodbury exchanges. Incumbents Jim Vinson – Milton exchange, Terry McPeak – Norene exchange, and Brian Alexander – Woodbury exchange are running unopposed. Voting for directors will take place at the cooperative’s annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 16. Gates to the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria will open at 8:45 a.m., with voting from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The business meeting will begin at 11a.m. or once the last person in line at that time has voted.
Only DTC members may vote, and each member must present proper photo identification. For a single membership, only that individual may vote. Either member of a joint membership may vote, but not both. In the case of a business membership, a business affidavit is required.
The last day to make changes to your membership or to be eligible to vote in the 2023 election will be Thursday, Sept. 7. For questions regarding membership and voting, call DTC at (615) 529-2955.
Cannon County Schools is continuing to strengthen measures to ensure a safe environment for our school community. Due to Governor Lee’s new safety legislation, new security procedures will be implemented this school year. Principals were trained on the new laws and procedures and will educate their staff and students. Hiring a new Safety Director and restructuring staff duties at the Central Office will also allow for a more focused and targeted approach to all school safety and student support facets.
William (Bill) West II was recently hired as the new part-time Safety Director for Cannon County. Bill is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. He brings over 36 years of law enforcement and SRO experience to our school system. Mr. West is a certified trainer for the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) and a certified trainer for CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environment Design). He is also certified in threat assessments and the Past President of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). Mr. West and his wife, Lynn, have been married for 37 years and have three children, Will (32), Taylor (28), and Devin (23). He is the proud foster grandfather to Bentley (2) and the proud grandfather to Liam West (1).
Stephanie Alexander has transferred to the Coordinated School Health and Supervisor of Attendance/Data role. Mrs. Alexander will continue her work as the ESSER coordinator, which will end at the end of this school year. By streamlining this position, Mrs. Alexander will have more time to focus on students’ physical, social, and emotional needs and track student attendance. Her experience as a teacher, principal, and supervisor and her attention to detail will strengthen student support and help bring about additional TISA funding.
Director of Cannon County Schools, Mrs. Bonnie Patterson, stated, “We are extremely fortunate to have both Bill and Stephanie in these positions. They bring a wealth of experience to our school system and will add additional support for our students and staff.”
As students across Tennessee are gearing up to head back to school, AAA is reminding drivers to stay alert and avoid unsafe driving behaviors in school zones and at school bus stops. This time of year is particularly dangerous due to the combination of young, inexperienced drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who will all share the road in the early morning and afternoon hours.
“School zones and bus stops can become risky and dangerous places for students if safety is not kept top of mind. That’s why the AAA School’s Open – Drive Carefully awareness campaign was created — to remind drivers of the unique challenges present in the early days of the back-to-school season,” said Stephanie Milani, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Our goal is to educate and remind drivers of the need to curb unsafe driving behaviors, slow down and stay alert in areas where children may be present.”
A new survey from AAA found that over half of Tennesseans’ daily commutes take them through either school zones or school bus stops, yet only 76% of residents felt very confident that they knew the laws for passing a school bus when its red flashing lights are activated.
Alarmingly, 5% of residents were not at all confident they knew the laws for passing a school bus. 14% of respondents admitted to driving around a school bus while its red lights were flashing and its stop arm was extended.
The survey also found that drivers admitted to risky driving behaviors when driving through school zones:
42% admitted to speeding in an active school zone.
32% admitted to using their hand-held cell phone while driving in active school zones.
“When driving through a school zone, it’s extremely important that you lower your speed and raise your awareness to ensure you can respond to any potential hazards,” Milani continued. “Remember, in Tennessee it is illegal to use your handheld mobile device while driving through an active school zone.”
Top AAA Safety Tips for Drivers
Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.
Share the road with bicyclists. Children on bicycles are often unsteady, inexperienced, and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist.
Talk to your teen. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occurs during the after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Top AAA Safety Tips for Students
For Pedestrians
Pay attention at all times. Avoid texting or wearing headphones, so you can detect nearby traffic.
Use sidewalks where available. If not, walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
Make yourself easier to be seen by wearing reflective, bright colored clothing.
For Bicyclists
Wear a helmet and neon or bright colored clothes.
Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes when you can.
Do not wear headphones so you can detect approaching traffic.
Cross the street at intersections. Do not pull into the roadway from between parked cars.
For Students at the Bus Stop
Arrive at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
Stay five steps away from the curb/road.
Be alert and remove headphones so you can hear oncoming traffic.
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the special session proclamation and presented the administration’s legislative and budget priorities that will go before the Tennessee General Assembly during the special session on public safety, convening August 21.
“As our nation faces evolving public safety threats, Tennessee remains vigilant and is taking continued action to protect communities while preserving the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “In the months leading up to the public safety special session, we have listened to Tennesseans and worked with members of the General Assembly to identify thoughtful, practical measures to strengthen public safety across our state, including steps to support law enforcement, address mental health, prevent violent crime and stop human trafficking. I thank the General Assembly for its continued partnership and look forward to achieving meaningful results for Tennesseans.”
Gov. Lee will present legislative and budget priorities during the public safety special session to keep Tennessee communities safe, support law enforcement and address mental health, all while preserving constitutional rights. In addition to bringing the following solutions in the administration package, the Governor will continue to work with members of the General Assembly on other legislation specified in the call.
Codification of EO 100 and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Report Implementation: Requires reporting of accurate, complete and timely records from court clerks to the TBI within 72-hours and requires electronic submissions of dispositions and expungements to the TBI
TennCare Mental Health Coverage Waiver: Directs TennCare to seek a waiver from the federal government to allow federal matching funds for Medicaid to cover services for mental illness and substance use disorders at institutions of mental diseases
Addressing Mental Health Workforce Challenges: Budget initiatives that prioritize opportunities to grow and retain mental health professionals in the state
Reforms for Mental Health: Expands access to mental health treatment by eliminating certain collaborative practice requirements for Advanced Registered Practice Nurses with psychiatric training
Strengthening the Identification of Individuals Arrested for Felonies: Provides for the collection of DNA at the time of an arrest for all felonies
Human Trafficking Report: Resolution directing TBI to report on the state of human trafficking in Tennessee
Promoting Safe Storage: Eliminates taxes on firearm safes and safety devices, provides free gun locks, expands safe storage training in state-approved safety courses, and creates a public service announcement to promote safe storage
To date, more than 20,000 Tennesseans have submitted public comments on strengthening public safety, and the form will remain open through the entirety of the special session to ensure that Tennesseans can continue engaging in the conversation.
The consideration of a “red flag” law mentioned by the Governor earlier in the planning for the special session is missing from the agenda.
The full special session proclamation can be viewed here.
There isn’t a better way to support your local farms and community than by shopping at a farmers market. Tennessee will highlight peak season during National Farmers Market Week Aug. 6-12, 2023.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Pick Tennessee Products program will celebrate National Farmers Market Week with social media highlights from markets across the state using the hashtag #PickTNFarmersMarkets. The Agriculture Department encourages you to use #PickTNFarmersMarkets when sharing your farmers market photos online.
“Farmers markets play a pivotal role in fostering community connections and driving positive impacts across not only the state of Tennessee, but across the globe, ”President of Tennessee Association of Farmers Markets Kasi Haire said. “These vibrant marketplaces not only provide fresh and locally-sourced produce but also serve as a hub for cultural exchange, supporting local economies, and promoting sustainable practices.”
Pick Tennessee Products is the perfect connection to a farmers market near you. There are currently 167 farmers markets listed on the Pick Tennessee Products website and mobile app. Cannon County’s Farmers Market is Saturday morning at the Arts Center of Cannon County on John Bragg Highway in Woodbury.
Follow @PickTNProducts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for seasonal updates and information about farm-related events, activities, and products.
