News

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) ask Tennesseans to take part in National DEA Take Back Day for prescription drugs on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cannon County’s event will take place at Woodbury Drug Center on Main Street in Woodbury.

DEA Take Back Day is a national program of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and in 2023 happens on the same day as Earth Day, observed every April 22. April is also Earth Month, with events raising environmental awareness worldwide.

DEA Take Back Day addresses public safety and public health issues. It is an opportunity to rid homes of expired, unused, unwanted, and potentially dangerous prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Sites cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps – only pills or patches.

“This is a significant event for many reasons,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “It promotes the disposal of unused drugs from the home, and it is good for the environment, keeping drugs out of our waterways which is where they can end up otherwise. We hope Tennesseans will take part in this important opportunity.”

“Gathering up and cleaning out medications that you’re no longer taking is the easiest way we all can prevent addiction in our communities and in our homes,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.  “With surging numbers of overdose deaths in Tennessee, removing unused medication from the home can help reduce the temptation of young people to experiment with opioids. From fake pressed pills to other substances containing fentanyl, it’s never been more important for parents to and talk to their children about the dangers of misusing medications.”

Dropoff locations, available year-round, can be found online in a map of 382 authorized collection sites throughout Tennessee.  In addition to permanent drop box locations, Tennessee’s Substance Use Prevention Coalitions are holding more than 100 Take Back Day events all across the state.  These events, in partnership with local law enforcement, are an opportunity to share the power of prevention and share community based resources.  Find an event in your area at TNtogether.com. According to national research, about two-thirds of people who misuse or abuse prescription medications obtain them from family or friends.

The event this month is the DEA’s 24th nationwide Take Back Day since its inception over 12 years ago. In 2022, Americans turned in nearly 684 tons (1,368,256 pounds) of prescription drugs at over 10,000 sites operated by the DEA and over 8,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Those partnerships have now collected nearly 8,500 tons of prescription medications since the inception of the initiative in 2010.

More information about the takeback program is available online from TDEC, as well as from the DEA.  Free and confidential referrals to addiction treatment services are available anytime through the Tennessee REDLINE.  Just call or text 800-889-9789.

Cannon County School Officials learned of a threat at Cannon South Elementary School late in the day on Wednesday, April 19^th, 2023.  A 4^th Grade Student made a threat on a School Bus on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 19^th, 2023.  This situation was turned over immediately to local law enforcement. Cannon County Sheriff’s Department and School Administrators are continuing to investigate this situation. Upon recommendation of local officials, Cannon South Elementary School will be CLOSED for Students tomorrow, April 20^th, 2023 with Faculty and Staff reporting for training.  There is no threat at the school at this time, and this will allow Law Enforcement and School Officials to investigate the matter fully.

Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William Freddy Curtis stated, “The safety of our students is imperative, and every threat is taken seriously. We appreciate the efforts of Cannon South Elementary School and Cannon County Law Enforcement Officials to investigate ANY threat. In this incident, the student who made the threat has been suspended and the investigation is continuing. We sincerely ask that Parents/Guardians PLEASE TALK WITH YOUR STUDENTS regarding threats.  Cannon County Schools place a priority on school safety, and we investigate all reports of threats made against schools. As always, we encourage students to report anything they have seen or heard that threatens their safety in any way. Our Team remains steadfast that our first priority is student safety.  Any person that is found to make a threat regarding ANY of our schools will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Working together we desire to have the best possible learning environment and climate at ALL of our Cannon County Schools.”

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Rutherford county.

At the BRC, SBA’s Customer Service Representatives will assist Tennesseans applying for SBA disaster loans for losses due to severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred from March 31 through April 1.
 

“Our Business Recovery Centers are one of the most powerful resources at SBA’s disposal to support business owners in the midst of a disaster,” said Francisco Sanchez, Jr., Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “Business owners can meet in-person with our specialists to apply for SBA disaster loans and get information on the full breadth of our programs designed to help them navigate their recovery.”

The disaster declaration covers Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne countiesin Tennessee, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Bedford, Chester, Clay, Coffee, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Fayette, Henderson, Hickman, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Madison, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Shelby, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Warren, Williamson and Wilson in Tennessee.
 

Disaster survivors with insurance should not wait for their settlement before applying to the SBA. The SBA can make a loan for the total loss and use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
 

Any business owner or resident in any of the declared counties can get help at the BRC. It will operate as indicated below until further notice:

Currently, SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Rutherford County where the public can visit and speak to a representative from the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience

BCR Hours

Monday to Friday:         8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday:                     9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Rutherford County Historic Courthouse
 

South Public Square, Suite 303
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All visitors to the BRCs are encouraged to wear a face mask.
 

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
 

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
 

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.
 

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.375 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 2.375 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Building back smarter and stronger can be an effective recovery tool for future disasters. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, elevation, retaining walls, and landscaping to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
 

“The opportunity to include measures to help prevent future damage from occurring is a significant benefit of SBA’s disaster loan program,” said SBA Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez, Jr. “I encourage everyone to consult their contractors and emergency management mitigation specialists for ideas and apply for an SBA disaster loan increase for funding.”
 

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 17866.
 

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.
 

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
 

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 6, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 8, 2024.
 

Cannon County School Officials learned of a possible threat at Cannon South Elementary School late in the day on Friday, April 14^th, 2023.  This situation was turned over immediately to local law enforcement.  With the assistance of Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, School Administrators investigated the situation and determined there was no immediate danger to our students.

Director of Cannon County Schools – William Freddy Curtis stated, “The safety of our students is imperative, and every threat is taken seriously. We appreciate the efforts of Cannon South Elementary School Principal Angela Cossey, our Local Threat Assessment Team, and local Cannon County Law Enforcement to investigate ANY threat.  Please know that we place a priority on school safety, and we investigate all reports of threats made against schools. As always, we encourage students to report anything they have seen or heard that threatens their safety in any way.  Our Team remains steadfast that our first priority is student safety.  Any person that is found to make a threat regarding ANY of our schools will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Working together we desire to have the best possible learning environment and climate at ALL of our Cannon County Schools.”

The following notice was sent to Parents/Guardians of Cannon South Elementary School on April 17^th, 2023:

“April 17, 2023

On Friday, April 14 at the end of the school day we were notified of a possible threat at Cannon South Elementary School.  This situation was turned over immediately to local law enforcement.  With the assistance of Cannon County Sheriff’s Department, our school administrators investigated the situation and have determined there is no immediate danger to our students.  The safety of our students is imperative.  As always, we encourage students to report anything they have seen or heard that threatens their safety in any way.  Our team remains steadfast that our first priority is student safety.  

William F. Curtis, Director Cannon County Schools

Angela Cossey, Principal Cannon South Elementary”

Tennessee residents who applied for assistance from FEMA for the March 31-April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is not a denial.

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal an unfavorable decision.

Often, you need only send more information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

If you have questions about your letter, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

​​​​​​​Appealing FEMA’s Decision

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to send FEMA your appeal.

By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source – insurance, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need. In other words, FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if you already received funds from your insurance company for the same repairs.

However, those who are underinsured may receive assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled. While FEMA may be able to help with basic needs, it does not provide assistance to cover insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4701-TN)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• Your nine-digit FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the directions.

Other ways to submit documents include:

Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6

If you didn’t apply for assistance but you received a letter from FEMA, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you believe you’re a victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police department. Consumers may also file a fraud complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s office at:  https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/consumer/file-a-complaint.html.

The Cannon County Board of Education selected Mrs. Bonnie Patterson as the new Director of Cannon County Schools Effective July 1^st, 2023.  Mrs. Patterson was selected in response to the announcement in December 2022 that current Director of Cannon Schools – William Freddy Curtis would retire on June 30^th, 2023.  The Cannon County Board of Education passed a motion in January 2023 to advertise the position until February 20^th, 2023.  The Board then in March 2023 narrowed the candidates to three (3) and conducted interviews.  At the April 13^th, 2023 Cannon County Board of Education Meeting, the Board voted unanimously to select Bonnie Patterson with District 4 CCBE Member Jessica Curtis nominated Patterson and District 3 CCBE Member Derrick Mullins seconded the motion, with all other CCBE Members, Wade McMackins – District 1, Rebecca Tramel – District 2, and Chairman Aletha Thomas – District 5 voting in the affirmative.  Patterson will assume office on July 1^st, 2023.

Upon her being named as the new Director of Cannon County Schools Effective on July 1^st, 2023, Patterson stated, “I am humbled and honored to continue serving our Cannon County students.”

Mrs. Bonnie Patterson is a veteran educator for the Cannon County School system serving for over 40 years. Ms. Patterson has been a teacher at both the elementary and secondary levels, an Assistant Principal at Cannon County High School, and a Principal at Woodbury Grammar School. She currently serves as the Coordinated School Health Coordinator, Attendance Supervisor, and School Safety Director for the school district.  Ms. Patterson was recognized as the 2019-2020 Upper Cumberland and the Middle Tennessee Supervisor of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education, as well as the 2020-2021 Upper Cumberland Coordinated School Health Coordinator of the Year.  She serves on multiple community boards and has served as the chairperson of the Cannon County Health Council for the past 10 years.

Retiring Director of Schools William Freddy Curtis stated, “I appreciate the hard work and diligence of the Cannon County Board of Education in their Director of Schools Search and Process.  It will be my esteemed honor and privilege to work alongside Veteran Cannon County Educator Bonnie Patterson in the transition process.  Bonnie is a recognized leader in our Upper Cumberland Region, in the Middle Tennessee Grand Division, and across the State of Tennessee.  Her service to Cannon County Schools as Elementary Teacher, Coach, High School Teacher, High School Assistant Principal, Elementary Principal, and System-wide Supervisor will be invaluable in her new role. She will be an outstanding Director of Schools for Cannon County, and I could not be prouder of the Board’s selection.  The transition will be very efficient since Bonnie knows Cannon County Schools so incredibly well.  I wish her my very best and stand ready to assist her in every way possible, even after my retirement on June 30^th, 2023.”

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) today announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance for ten Tennessee counties (including Cannon) impacted by recent tornadoes and declared in the Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA (DR-4701).

TDLWD is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from individuals whose employment or self-employment was impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes occurring between March 31 and April 1, 2023, in the ten approved counties.

Applications from individuals who live in, work in, or travel through these counties must be submitted by May 10, 2023.

The following counties are included in the disaster declaration and amendments:

• Cannon
• Hardeman
• Hardin
• Haywood
• Lewis
• Macon
• McNairy
• Rutherford
• Tipton
• Wayne

DUA, which is an unemployment insurance benefit made available after a disaster, is only available to individuals who:

1. Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits from any state, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
2. Worked or were self-employed or scheduled to begin work or self-employment in the disaster area.
3. Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster.
4. Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income.
5. Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster.
6. Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of household.

Individuals can apply for DUA at Jobs4TN.gov or by calling 1-877-813-0950 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CDT. Individuals filing online should specify that their applications are related to the damage caused by tornadoes.

To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the day the DUA application is filed. Required documentation includes a Social Security number, a copy of the most recent federal income tax form or paycheck stubs, and documentation to support that you were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred.

Applicants must mail in or fax all required documentation within 21 days from the date of the DUA application. Documents can be mailed to 220 French Landing Nashville, TN 37243, or sent by fax to 615-532-3374.

Job seekers may visit local American Job Centers for access to job-search resources, job postings, and training programs, as well as assistance with exploring career options, résumé and application preparation, career development, and more. Job seekers can also connect with potential employers who have more than 300,000 jobs posted on Jobs4TN.gov.

FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from March 31 to April 1, 2023.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne counties. 

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Federal funding is also available to affected state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program in the same counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Andrew D. Friend has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of ongoing damage assessments.

A run for youth will include art by youth.

“The committee asked the Cannon County Middle Schools’ teacher, Candace Lemons and Cannon County High School, Caroline Bartlett to have their students design a t-shirt for the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center fundraiser” announced Cannon County Coordinator Amanda Hammond “All art work will be highlighted during on the square during national Child Abuse Prevention Month”

The Cannon County Child Advocacy Center needs your help to make this event a huge success. Development Coordinator Katie Enzor states “Participants of the run will receive a T-shirt with registration, team up with the Center and show our community your commitment to children.”

The Cannon Runs for Children 5kwill be held at the Arts Center of Cannon County, located at 1424 John Bragg Highway in Woodbury on Saturday, April 15th.  Registration check-in will start at 6:45 a.m., speakers at 7:30 a.m., and the run will begin at 8:00 a.m. Participants are welcome to run or walk.  Registration is $25 for adults, $15 senior citizens (65+), $15 for students (ages 13-18) and $5 for students (12 and under).  Students (aged 18 and under) may apply for a scholarship to participate in the run for FREE.  Pre-register for the event by visiting the website at cannoncountycac.org.

Registration:

https://cacrutherford.networkforgood.com/events/53884-cannon-runs-for-children-2023

Order T-shirt:

https://cannonrunsforchildren.itemorder.com/shop/home/

We hope that these updates are helping to inform the public of the efforts that are happening in the Readyville area. We continue to answer questions via email at tbell@cannoncountyrescue.com

The American Red Cross continues to have shelter and assistance available at Cannon North School.

Briefing from Cannon County EMA Director Roy Sullivan.

Community volunteer work will stop at 2:30pm on 04/05/23. This is due to storms expected to be moving into the area Wednesday.

Donations at New Hope Church of Christ have reached maximum capacity. The Church has asked that no more donations of food/water/clothes/other supplies be made on 04/05/23. They have ample supplies at this time. This may change over time and we will update here.

Debris cleanup will continue with heavy equipment on 04/05/22. However, cleanup will be limited due to approaching weather conditions.

Readyville Street will continue to be closed while debris cleanup efforts continue.

A large controlled burn at the former Tilford’s Lumber Company site has begun today (04/04/23). The controlled burn will continue for several days. Rutherford County Fire Department will manage the fire during daylight hours. Cannon County Fire Department will manage the fire during nighttime operations.

We want to thank the community for their efforts to help Readyville recovery. Financial aid can be made in person at CapStar Bank in Woodbury. Alternatively, on-line donations can be made at the American Red Cross website – https://www.redcross.org/

Today we want to give a special thanks to La Vergne Rescue Unit and Bedford County Rescue Squad for helping with traffic incident management near the site and at New Hope Church of Christ.

Tim Bell, Unit Director

Cannon County Rescue Squad