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The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF) has put together 10 outstanding prize packages for the 2023 Wildlife Conservation Raffle including a $50,000 voucher which can be applied to a new vehicle from any Mid-South Ford dealership, an Oliver Travel Trailer valued at $89,000, and a fishing package featuring a Tracker Pro Team 175TF.

Other packages include an elk tag for the Tennessee Premier Elk Zone; archery deer hunts on Presidents Island; a turkey hunting package; a waterfowl hunting package on historic Reelfoot Lake, an Outdoor Adventure package featuring a $5,000 Academy + Sports Outdoor gift card, a Best of the West long-range shooting package, and a Heritage package which includes a Tennessee Henry rifle and four lifetime sportsman licenses.

A single ticket is $20, three tickets for $50, and 10 for $100 and are on sale now through Sunday, August 20, 2023. There is no limit to the number of raffle tickets that can be purchased, and the more tickets purchased, the better opportunity you have of grabbing one of the packages. Raffle tickets may be purchased online directly here.

Ten winning ticket numbers will be drawn on August 22, 2023. The lucky winners will get to select their prize in the order that they are drawn. All winners will be announced live at the August 25, 2023 meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission at Pickwick Landing State Park. The announcement will also be live-streamed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Anyone who purchased a ticket will be notified of the live stream by email.

Proceeds from the raffle fund important conservation projects like public land acquisition and habitat management. TWRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting habitat conservation, responsible land stewardship, and Tennessee’s hunting and fishing heritage for the benefit of the TWRA and Tennessee’s outdoor enthusiasts. 

See details, and packages for the 2023 Tennessee Conservation Raffle

Purchase 2023 Tennessee Conservation Raffle Tickets

An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into the disappearance of a Cannon County woman who was the subject of a Silver Alert in March has resulted in the arrest of the woman’s neighbor, who had been placed on the TBI Most Wanted list this weekend.

On March 3^rd, 58-year-old Laura Beth Powers was reported missing to the Woodbury Police Department. She was last seen at her West Adams Street home on February 23^rd. A Silver Alert was issued for her on March 5^th. On March 6th, at the request of 16th Judicial District Attorney General Jennings Jones, TBI agents began investigating the disappearance of Laura Powers as a criminal matter. During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that identified Powers’ neighbor David McCormick as the individual responsible for her disappearance.

On July 1st, David Allen McCormick (DOB 09/29/1968) was placed on the TBI Most Wanted list. Later that night, he was located, arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Homicide.  He was booked into the Cannon County Jail, where he is being held on $1,000,000 bond.

Officials with the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department report that escaped inmate Cory Foster has been taken into custody. He was located in DeKalb County.

Escaped inmate Justin Michael Anderson remains at large, whereabouts unknown. Anderson is a 51 year old white male, 5 foot 11 inches tall, with brown hair, balding on top, and green eyes, weighing 194 pounds. He was last seen wearing orange pants with no shirt and no shoes. Anderson was last seen in the area of Doolittle Rd and Roach Hollow Rd on Friday June 30th. Anyone who sees someone matching this description needs to call 9 1 1 immediately.

Sheriff Darrell Young wishes to thank the Smithville Police Department and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.

Cannon County 9 1 1 Dispatch Center issued an message Friday afternoon informing citizens of an escape of two inmates from the County Jail.

One of the escaped inmates has possibly been spotted on Gassaway Road and Stones River Road possibly heading in the direction of Hill Top Ln, off of Old McMinnville Highway. Citizens are urged to lock your doors and if you see a male with no shirt and orange pants, call 9 1 1 immediately.

The escapees have been identified as; Justin Anderson and Corey Foster. Both are convicted felons.

Prior to Midnight Friday, Sheriff Young issued the following statement, Cannon County authorities spent a long, hot day searching for two escapees from the jail. I would like to thank the guys and girls from Cannon and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, TBI and THP for the help they gave us today.  A few are still out and we will be back early tomorrow (Saturday). The dogs have worked hard in this heat today along with all the officers that walked the hills that were steep and thick. There were a couple of sightings, but deputies were unable to apprehend the escapees. The sheriff added that efforts had to be stopped for the night due to serious storms in the area.

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education released the 2022-23 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) state-level results, demonstrating increases in academic proficiency for students across all tested subjects and grades. These statewide results include both Spring 2023 and Fall 2022 end-of-course (EOC) exams in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies, and data is presented by subject, grade and student group. 

This year, TCAP assessment data is available on a new interactive dashboard on the State Report Card, labeled “2023 Assessment.” This new section will help students and families, educators, district and school leaders, and policymakers visualize TCAP assessment results and have a better understanding of 2023 statewide TCAP performance. To learn more about how to view data on the interactive dashboard, watch this short overview video here.

“Tennessee’s strategic education investments have resulted in encouraging gains for students across every subject and grade, including strong reading improvements,” said Governor Bill Lee. “As we continue our work to prepare students for success in the classroom and beyond, Tennessee remains committed to supporting teachers and empowering families with multiple pathways to achievement so every student can thrive.”

Tennessee’s annual TCAP assessment provides reliable data on how students are performing, and during the 2022-23 school year, students took state TCAP assessments in general education subject areas to collect valuable data and inform strategic decision-making on how to best support the success of all students. Overall, the statewide 2022-23 TCAP student participation rate was 99%, an increase from last year, with 92 districts achieving a 99% participation rate and 29 districts achieving 100% participation rates. 

Together, district and school leaders, educators, families, and elected officials have made tremendous efforts to support learning, close achievement gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerate learning. Building on the gains made last year and reflecting on the state’s academic recovery and acceleration strategy implemented to both rebound from the pandemic and move Tennessee forward, the 2022-23 TCAP results demonstrate improvements compared to last year. Additionally, across all students tested, ELA proficiency rates have rebounded and exceeded pre-pandemic scores. Math is a continued area of focus, with TCAP assessment data indicating this year’s proficiency rates have improved but not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic proficiency rates.

Students who score “meets” or “exceeds” are considered to be proficient and meeting grade-level expectations for the mastery of academic standards, while students who score “approaching” or “below” may benefit from additional learning supports to achieve proficiency.

“Each year, TCAP assessment data provides important measures of student achievement that can help us understand what moves student learning forward and replicate this in all grades and subjects, ensuring that all Tennessee students have the opportunity to succeed,” said Interim Commissioner Sam Pearcy. “Now, we must stay focused on strong implementation, strong academic instruction, and continue to use data to help accelerate learning for all students.” 

The 2022-23 TCAP statewide data highlights include the following: 

English Language Arts (ELA)  

1. Statewide, 38.1% of students scored proficient on ELA assessments across all tested grades. 
2. 1.6 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 36.5% 
3. 8.3 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 29.8% 
4. In grades 3-8, 36.6% of students scored proficient on ELA assessments. 
5. 1.5 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 35.1% 
6. 8.2 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 28.4% 
7. In grades 9-10, 42.3% of students scored proficient on ELA assessments. 
8. 2.1 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 40.2% 
9. 8.6 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 33.7% 

Math  

1. Statewide, 34% of students scored proficient on math assessments across all tested grades. 
2. 3.2 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 30.8% 
3. 8.1 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 25.9% 
4. In grades 3-8, 39% of students scored proficient on math assessments. 
5. 4.1 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 34.9% 
6. 9.7 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 29.3% 
7. In grades 9-11, 22.9% of students scored proficient on math assessments. 
8. 1.6 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 21.3% 
9. 10.1 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 11.8% 

Science  

1. Statewide, 43.2% of students scored proficient on science assessments across all tested grades. 
2. 3.4 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 39.8% 
3. 4.9 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 38.3% 
4. In grades 3-8, 43.1% of students scored proficient on science assessments 
5. 3.8 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 39.3% 
6. 5.5 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 37.6% 
7. In grade 10, 42.9% of students scored proficient on science assessments 
8. 1.7 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 41.2% 
9. 1.8 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 41.1% 

Social Studies 

1. Statewide, 43.2% of students scored proficient on social studies assessments across all tested grades. 
2. 0.5 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 42.7% 
3. 6.5 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 36.7% 
4. In grades 6-8, 43.9% scored proficient on social studies assessments. 
5. 0.4 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 43.5% 
6. 5.6 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 37.3% 
7. In grade 11, 38.5% scored proficient on social studies assessments. 
8. 0.8 percentage point increase from last year’s proficiency rate of 37.7% 
9. 5.3 percentage point increase from 2020-21’s proficiency rate of 33.2%

TCAP has been the state’s testing program since 1988, and it includes assessments in math, English language arts, social studies, and science. Tennessee students participate in TCAP testing once a year in grades 3-8 and at the end of certain classes in high school. TCAP assessments are meant to measure how well students have gained the knowledge and skills expected for their subject and grade level, based on the Tennessee state academic standards.

To help Tennessee families and students understand their individual TCAP results, the department’s free online resource, the TCAP Family Portal, provides access to current-year TCAP scores, as well as past years’ test results and additional information for each student. TCAP 2022-2023 scores will be uploaded to the TCAP Family Portal in July.

For more information on the state’s assessments, click here. 

To learn more about learning acceleration pathways and resources, click here. For additional at-home reading resources and sample test questions, visit Best for All Central. 

Tennessee gas prices are trending lower as over 968,000 Tennesseans are forecast to take a road trip for the Independence Day holiday weekend. Over last week, gas prices across the state fell four cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.11 which is eight cents less expensive than one month ago and $1.41 less than one year ago.  

“AAA is expecting that Tennesseans will travel in record numbers over the Independence Day holiday weekend,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Increased gasoline demand has the potential to cause fluctuations in pump pricing heading into the holiday weekend, however, lower oil prices as of late have enabled gas prices to stay relatively steady over the last few weeks. Barring any major changes in the oil market, drivers should see Independence Day gas prices well below what they paid for last year’s holiday.” 

Visit the Tennessee AAA Newsroom to view the full 2023 Independence Day holiday travel forecast. 

Tennessee gas prices averaged $4.42 per gallon on July 4, 2022 – a record high for the holiday. Today’s state average of $3.11 is $1.31 less expensive than what driver’s were paying for last year’s holiday. 

Quick Facts

• 33% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.87 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.47 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee is the 3rd least expensive market in the nation 

Ninety-three of Tennessee’s 95 counties recorded unemployment rates below 5% in May, according to new Department of Labor and Workforce Development data. Two counties did have rates just above the 5% mark.   While the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in May at 3.3%, for the second consecutive month, individual county jobless numbers did inch up slightly in all but one county. Those numbers are not seasonally adjusted to take into account seasonal interruptions in employment, such as summer breaks for schools or severe weather events. Cannon County’s unemployment rate for May increased slightly moving up to 3.0 percent, up nine-tenths of a percent over April’s rate of 2.1 percent.   Moore County recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rate in May at 2.4%, which was 0.4 of a percentage point higher than the previous month. Bledsoe and Scott counties had Tennessee’s highest unemployment numbers, each with rates of 5.3%.   A complete overview of county unemployment data, including labor force estimates for local areas across the state, is available here.

Tennesseans ages 14 through 24 can gain valuable work experience through the state’s new Summer Youth Employment Program. They can also earn up to $16 an hour while working for businesses in their area of the state. The program also benefits employers. Summer Youth Employment Program covers all employee costs and handles the administrative functions for each participant. Detailed information on how interested youth or employers can participate in the program is located on the SYEP page.

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers. Cannon County Sheriff Darrell Young congratulates Deputy Cheyenne Byford on her graduation from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy at the same ceremony.  The department simultaneously instructed a regular 17-week trooper cadet class and an 11-week lateral trooper cadet class.

“It was our honor to celebrate the hard work and perseverance of these two cadet classes today,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. “These graduates have earned the privilege to serve the people of Tennessee in one of the most well-respected law enforcement agencies in the nation. I commend each of them for their willingness to protect and serve our great state.”

Deputy Byford has been working for the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department in corrections for about 5 years. The department reports they are proud to now have her on the road as a Deputy after a long 12 weeks of training.

Photo: Cannon County Sheriff’s Department

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCEED CERTIFIED TAX RATE

The County of Cannon will conduct a public hearing on June 29, 2023 at 6:00, on the County’s intent to exceed the certified property tax rate. This public hearing will be held at Courtroom of the Cannon County Courthouse.

Tennessee gas prices held relatively steady over last week, moving only a penny more expensive, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.15 which is three cents more expensive than one month ago but $1.45 less than one year ago.  

“While parts of the country are still experiencing big swings at the pump, the movement in pump prices here in Tennessee is relatively stable for now,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The start of summer is nearly here and it’s likely that increased fuel demand will contribute to continued volatility in pump prices over the next few months. The good news is that even with expected volatility in pricing, drivers are finding pump prices far lower than last year.”

Quick Facts

• 20% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.91 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.48 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee is the 7th least expensive market in the nation 

National Gas Prices

Lackluster demand and low oil costs are keeping gas prices relatively stable.  The national average for a gallon of gas fell two cents since last week to $3.57, that’s $1.41 less than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand decreased slightly from 9.22 to 9.19 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2.1 million bbl to 220.9 million bbl. Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has helped to limit pump price increases. If demand remains tepid, pump prices will likely fluctuate moderately through next week.

Today’s national average of $3.57 is three cents more than a month ago but $1.41 less than a year ago.

National Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.15 to settle at $68.27. Oil prices declined last week due to market concerns about the U.S. Federal Reserve resuming interest rate increases, which could tip the economy into a recession. If a recession occurs, oil demand and prices will likely decline. Additionally, the EIA reported that total domestic commercial crude inventories increased significantly by 7.9 million bbl to 467.1 million bbl last week.

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Nashville ($3.24), Cleveland ($3.20), Jackson ($3.17) 
• Least expensive metro markets – Kingsport ($3.07), Chattanooga ($3.10), Knoxville ($3.11)