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Litter on Tennessee’s 96,167 miles of public roads – 4,022 of which are classified as scenic – is more than an eyesore. It’s an enormous burden to the state with impacts on public health and safety, the environment, and the economy. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) latest Visible Litter Study, littering in Tennessee has decreased by 12 percent since 2016. While these findings are encouraging, there are still more than 88 million pieces of litter on the state’s roadways at any given time.

TDOT’s Litter Grant Program, established in 1983 through funding by Tennessee’s Soft Drink and Malt Beverage industries, has played a crucial role in this downward trend as county governments implement litter prevention and education programming at the local level, directly reaching thousands of Tennesseans each year.

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the Litter Grant Program, which has improved communities in all 95 Tennessee counties. Counties use the funding from the program for initiatives that include litter and tarp law enforcement, cleanup and recycling events, litter prevention education campaigns, and participation in multijurisdictional and statewide collaborations with TDOT’s Nobody Trashes Tennessee litter prevention campaign and Keep Tennessee Beautiful and its local affiliates.

Collectively, the Litter Grant’s statewide approach is responsible for removing an average of 11,243 tons of litter each year. In 2022 alone, nearly 29 percent of that statewide total was diverted from landfills and recycled. Additionally, 3,480 illegal dumpsites were cleaned up. All told, more than 435,529 tons of litter have been removed from our roadways since the program’s inception.

The positive impact of TDOT’s Litter Grant Program is amplified through local government partners that invest additional resources, and by individuals who contribute tens of thousands of volunteer hours. This makes the program extremely efficient, saving communities and the state critical funds when compared to the costs of contracted litter pickup. The 2022 statewide average cost of a Litter Grant pickup was just $14.40 per mile, while contracted litter pickup routinely costs TDOT more than $500 a mile.

Annually, $5.5 million is allocated through the Litter Grant Program, a total that has remained the same since 2017. The amount each county receives is based on a formula accounting for population and road miles. The current series of Litter Grant contracts include $3,823,915 for local litter pickup operations and $1,656,085 for litter prevention education. Litter Grant contracts require that 20-35 percent of each county’s total funding is budgeted for litter prevention education efforts. Counties are required to tackle litter prevention education in three of five designated categories: students, public, media, business, and government. The grants also fund Keep Tennessee Beautiful, which provides litter prevention education, community engagement, and the promotion of volunteers for beautification projects. 

Cannon County’s Litter Grant is $44,200.00.

Learn more about TDOT’s Litter Grant Program at https://www.tn.gov/tdot/environmental-home/environmental-highway-beautification-office/beautification-litter-grant.html. To get involved in litter prevention efforts in your community, visit NobodyTrashesTennessee.com. Find a cleanup event near you by visiting the NTT event calendar. Two additional ways to get involved include the no-cost Adopt-A-Highway program and reporting littering incidents through the Tennessee Litter Hotline (1-877-8LITTER). Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is accepting applications for a Circuit Court Judge in the Sixteenth Judicial District, which covers Rutherford and Cannon Counties. This vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of Judge J. Mark Rogers on September 1, 2023.

Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 30 years of age, have been residents of the state for five years, and are residents of the 16th Judicial District. Interested applicants must complete the Trial Court Vacancy Commission Application, which is available at www.tncourts.gov, and submit it to the Administrative Office of the Courts by noon CDT on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Applicants must submit by the deadline: (1) the original signed (unbound) application; and (2) a digital copy of the application, in order to have his/her name placed on the list of candidates for consideration for the judicial vacancy for which he/she is applying. Complete application instructions can be found at: http://www.tncourts.gov/administration/judicial-resources.

The Commission will hold a public hearing to consider applicants on Wednesday, August 30th in the Rutherford County Commission Meeting Room in the Historic Courthouse located at South Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, at 9:00 a.m. CDT.

For more information, visit https://www.tncourts.gov/administration/judicial-resources

The Tennessee Department of Education has announced over $2.6 million in Perkins Reserve Grant (PRG) grant funds have been awarded to 32 school districts (including Cannon County) for the 2023-24 school year to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) across the state.

The purpose of PRG awards is to foster local innovation through the identification and promotion of CTE and to support implementation of programs and career pathways aligned with regionally identified high-skill, high-wage, and/or in-demand occupations or industries. The PRG opportunity is designed especially to support districts in rural areas, maintain high CTE student participation rates, and/or report disparities in performance amongst students. 

This year’s PRG grant award recipients submitted secondary and/or regional career pathways grant applications with action steps to support the department’s strategic initiative, Innovative School Models, by ensuring alignment to at least one of the innovative practice areas: time, space, modes of learning, and partnerships. The regional career pathways applications also included a regionally focused secondary and postsecondary or workforce partnership.  

The Tennessee school districts awarded a 2023-24 Perkins Reserve Grant in our area include: 

School District	Amount	Award Category
Cannon County Schools	$200,000	Regional Career Pathway
DeKalb County Schools	$50,000	Secondary
Warren County Schools	$50,000	Secondary

The PRG process is a competitive grant opportunity made possible through the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) legislation passed in 2018, which provides annual federal funding to support CTE programs nationwide. In 2020, the PRG opportunity was redesigned under the four-year Strengthening Career and Technical Education in Tennessee state plan. The state plan ensures alignment between PRG funding, CTE opportunities and career pathways, and the department’s strategic plan, Best for All. 

“Cannon County Schools is fortunate to be a recipient of the Perkins Reserve Grant for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $200,000.00,” said Mrs. Crystal Kennedy, Career and Technical Education Director of Cannon County Schools.  “Being a recipient of the Perkins Reserve Grant will provide needed resources allowing Cannon County students access to industry-specific equipment and training in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations and the opportunity to graduate with post-secondary credit and credentials. Early access to these programs and strong community and industry partners will allow students to enter the workforce better prepared and well trained to begin their chosen career.”

More information on the Perkins Reserve Grant can be found here.

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.